Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Donnelly Group Club Press Release:

Grand New Year’s Eve 2012 at
Republic Nightclub
Featuring DJs P-Luv, OMG & Jay Swing

Saturday, December 31st, 8pm-4am
Republic Nightclub, 958 Granville Street, Vancouver

Eyes Wide Shut
New Year’s Eve 2012
at Bar None Nightclub
Featuring DJ Matty C, C-Stylez & Jesse Stiles

Saturday, December 31st, 9pm-4am
Bar None Nightclub, 1222 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Disco New Year’s Eve 2012 at
Post Modern Dance Bar
DJs J-Fresh & Sailor Gerry
Hosted by Big Jay & New Era Promotions

Saturday, December 31st, 9:30pm-4am
Post Modern Dance Bar, 7 Alexander Street, Vancouver

Directly from the Donnelly Group Pub Press Release:

New Year’s Eve 2012 Cask Night at
The New Oxford Public House
Featuring Driftwood Brewery and
Red Racer Beer

Ring in 2012 at the New Oxford Public House craft beer style. This December 31 we have two fantastic craft ales to help celebrate the new year.

First, we have a special Christmas Cake Winter Ale cask made with dark unsweetened chocolate, cherries, plums and rum from Red Racer Brewing.

Next, we’ll be tapping the very last cask of 2011 with the Blackstone Porter from Driftwood Brewing; a London style dry porter with bitter-sweet chocolate, caramel & malts.

Saturday, December 31st, 9pm-4am
The New Oxford Public House
1144 Homer Street,

Smiley’s

New Year’s Eve 2012 Dinner at
Smiley’s Public House
Featuring a three-course prix-fixe dinner

STARTERS

Prosciutto Scallops
Three pan seared Qualicum Bay scallops, crisp prosciutto, sundried tomatoes, brown butter, balsamic glaze.

or

Spinach Gnocchi
Potato gnocchi with wilted spinach, arugula pesto, roasted cherry tomatoes and asiago cheese.

MAINS

Braised Canadian Short Rib
Braised beef short rib, Yukon gold and roasted garlic mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, demi-glace, beet crisps.

or

Prosciutto-Wrapped Queen Charlotte Island Halibut
Pan roasted halibut, prosciutto, barley and vegetable risotto, tomato consommé, balsamic reduction, fried leek.

or

Mushroom Ravioli (Vegetarian)
Portabella mushroom ravioli, tomato consommé, Asiago cheese, basil, grilled baguette.

DESSERT

Trees Organic Cheesecake

or

Vanilla Gelato

or

Chocolate Brownie

Saturday, December 31st, 9pm-4am
Smiley’s Public House, 911 West Pender Street, Vancouver

Cinema

New Year’s Eve 2012 at
Cinema Public House
DJs Nimis & 9 North, hosted by Carissa

Ring in the new year in the heart of the entertainment district. DJs Nimis & 9 North playing dance, nu-disco & chart. Complimentary piccolo of champagne for all guests with the party going until 4am.

Saturday, December 31st, 9:30pm-4am
Cinema Public House, 901 Granville Street, Vancouver

Directly from the Quince Restaurant Press Release:

Come celebrate the New Year at Quince  We still have some spaces available

$55 / person

5:30 - 6:30

First Course

Beet & Burrata salad / mache marcona almonds

Wild Boar Terrine / sun choke relish, pickled mustard seeds

Onion Soup / Gruyere ravioli

Second Course

Braised Beef shortribs / sun chokes, carrots, horseradish cream
Bouillabaisse / rouille crouton

Grilled Veal tenderloin / braised artichokes, honey mushrooms, caper berry, fingerling

Third Course

Grand Marnier semi fredo / blood orange

Assorted Cheese plate / house made chutney, crackers

Chocolate espresso budino / amaretto cookies, salted caramel, bacon candy

$78 / person

7pm onwards

First Course

Beet & Burrata salad / mache marcona almonds

Wild Boar Terrine / sun choke relish, pickled mustard seeds

Tuna Crudo / salt cod fritter, aioli, olives

Second Course
Onion Soup / Gruyere ravioli
Crispy Sweetbreads / fregola, mushrooms, onion puree

Grilled shrimp sausage / tomato, tamarind, sesame, herbs

Third Course

Braised Beef shortribs / sun chokes, carrots, horseradish cream
Bouillabaisse / rouille crouton

Grilled Veal tenderloin / braised artichokes, honey mushrooms, caper berry, fingerling

Fourth Course

Grand Marnier semi fredo / blood orange

Assorted Cheese plate / house made chutney, crackers

Chocolate espresso budino / amaretto cookies, salted caramel, bacon candy

Proseco at Midnight

For more information please call us  416 488-2110 or visit www.quincetoronto.com

Winterlicious 2012

Winterlicious 2012: The premiere winter dining event for Toronto will be held from January 27th to February 9th, 2012. The 2012 event will have over 100 participating Toronto Restaurants that will dazzle visitors with their 3 course culinary creations.

For more information: http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/winterlicious/2012/index.htm

Directly from the CRU Restaurant Press Release:

CRU Showcases the Wines of Burrowing Owl Estate Winery

On Sunday January 15 2012, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery will be featured at a dinner hosted by CRU Restaurant.  Don’t miss this chance to enjoy top-quality homegrown wines paired with a four-course menu at one of Vancouver’s premier restaurants.

Guests at the CRU dinner will be able to experience Burrowing Owl’s commitment to quality for themselves as they enjoy the winery’s top bottles paired with a complementary menu designed by Executive Chef Alana Peckham. Burrowing Owl President, Chris Wyse, will be on hand at the event to talk about the advantages and challenges of this extraordinary location.

The four-course dinner plus wines is only $98 per person, including tax and gratuity. Tickets are available at www.cru.ca or by phone at 604-677-4111.

Directly from the Bistro Pastis Press Release:

Celebrate the Season at Bistro Pastis

The holiday season is a time for friends and family to gather in celebration and what’s a celebration without great food and wine? The French know a thing or two about how to celebrate - after all we did invent the ultimate celebratory drink - champagne. Whether it’s the real thing, or a decent bottle of fine local bubble, all are sure to go well with Chef Tobias Grignon’s elegant interpretations of French classics.

We are now accepting reservations for New Year’s Eve - two seatings with two very different menus.

6 p.m. - three-course dinner for those who want an early evening or have a party to attend $65.
9 p.m. - sumptuous five-course repas for those who want to ring in the New Year with us. $90 includes party favours. Optional wine pairing $45.

New Year’s Eve Menus: http://www.bistropastis.com/events/

Join us Boxing Day (Dec.26) and New Year’s Day (Jan.1) for Brunch and Dinner.
Brunch Special - all omelets and benedicts $9.95
Dinner Special - three-course prix-fixe menu $39. (regular menu also available)

Reservations on-line at www.bistropastis.com or call 604-731-5020.

Directly from the Wild Rice Press Release:

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT WILD RICE

Best of both worlds now double the fun

(Vancouver, BC) – The inventive folk at Wild Rice know a thing or two about celebrating New Year’s Eve. They should do, as they celebrate it twice every year beginning in January or February with the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year, and then again at the end of the calendar year with the western version we all know – bubbles, countdown to midnight and yummy food. This year, Wild Rice offers double the fun as it has added a second location in New Westminster’s River Market.

At Wild Rice Downtown (117 W. Pender St at Abbott) the fun kicks off at 9 p.m. and goes through to 2 a.m. with a ‘Rec-room style’ party featuring DJ Cubby (aka Nicole Alosinac) spinning the tunes starting at 11 p.m.. It’s an affordable evening with dim sum, highballs and draft beer all specially priced at $5. The regular menu will be available from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Wild Rice New West (in the River Market) will be open all day from 11:30 a.m. through to 1 a.m. After 9 p.m. they will also be offering $5 specials on dim sum, highballs and draft beer. From 11:30 a.m. through to 9 p.m. the regular menu will be available.

For those with a foodie on their gift list, Wild Rice gift cards make an idea stocking stuffer. It’s the gift that also gives back. Gift cards are available through Wild Rice’s web site at www.wildricevancouver.com

Directly from the Boathouse Restaurants Press Release:

BOXING DAY BRUNCH

Before or after the Boxing Day sales, head to The Boathouse for a fabulous Brunch.  Bubbles & Bennies all around, then relax, refresh and reflect on the holidays overlooking a fabulous west coast waterfront view.

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE!

The Boathouse is putting on a party for YOU!  Gather together with friends and family and ring in the New Year in style with our special 3 Course Menu at all 7 waterfront locations.

NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH!

Come down to the waterfront on New Year’s Day and take a stroll then join us for a special brunch.  Start off 2012 with our famous Seafood Buffet Brunch at select locations for just $29.99 - all you can eat or our a la carte Brunch menu.  For more information contact your favourite location.

LOBSTER FEST STARTS JANUARY 2nd!

Tis’ the season to eat Lobster!   With so many great deals on Lobster you’ll be celebrating the New Year with fresh Atlantic Lobster and 3 Course Dinners for under $25. NO COUPONS required.  Just everyday great prices on Lobster dishes starting at $19.99.

For more information please visit: http://www.boathouserestaurants.ca/

Directly from the Hamilton Street Grill Press Release:

Winter and Holiday Hours

Open Christmas Eve

Dinner 7 Nights a week from 5:00 pm / Lunch: Monday - Friday 11:30 am to 2:30 pm

Closed December 25th, 26th and January 1st There will be no lunch service on December 27th

New Years Eve at Hamilton Street Grill

Ring in 2012 at Yaletown’s favourite neighbourhood restaurant

Join your hosts Neil Wyles, Joan Harvie and staff
for a relaxed, dress up or dress down New Year’s Eve this year.
Enjoy Neil’s wonderful food and wine pairings, always generous portions and great wine choices

8:30 pm dinner
NYE Food and Wine Pairing Dinner
Six Course Dinner / Six Wines
$85 per person includes wine
exclusive of taxes & gratuity

By Reservation only 604-331-1511

A la carte menu available 5pm - 7pm, reservations suggested

Hamilton Street Grill - 1009 Hamilton Street
Vancouver, BC    604-331-1511
hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net
www.hamiltonstreetgrill.com

Nando’s Flame-Grilled Chicken Restaurants have extended their coupon until December 31st, 2011

Boathouse Restaurants: Lobsterfest starts on January 2nd, 2012

Dine Out Vancouver reservations start on January 9th, 2012

Numerous restaurants are having New Year’s Eve events.

White Spot: Burger Guest Star Promotion is still on.

Directly from the Red Card Sports Bar Press Release:

Party With A Cause This New Years! You CAN At Red Card 2012

Vancouver, BC (December 13th, 2011) — Red Card Sports Bar is proud to present a New Year’s Eve Celebration in support of CAN  - the Canucks Autism Network - that will combine a love of hockey with a rocking great time.  Start the evening off by watching the Canucks versus the Los Angeles Kings and move into the New Year dancing to the awesome DJs of Sundae Sounds.

A 50/50 draw and raffle prizes such as team or player signed hockey souvenirs, including a team signed Vancouver jersey, will add to the fun.  A spectacular grand prize includes two hockey tickets to Vancouver vs. Edmonton, one night accommodation in the Moda Hotel and a $50 Red Card gift card.

The evening will be hosted by local actor and producer of Hockey Talk, Courtney Vye.  While pursuing her acting career in television, short and independent films and commercials, Courtney fell in love with the game of hockey.  The past few months have seen her presenting Hockey Talk with Courtney which can be viewed at www.hockeytalkwithcourtney.net  “I love teaching women all about this fabulous game,” says Courtney.  And besides, how can you not love a handsome man in a suit?” referring to the stylish and well-dressed players as they travel to and from the game.

“We are going to have so much fun on New Year’s” says Courtney. “The ambience of Red Card is a perfect place to party.  Fundraising for such an important charity like CAN truly makes me feel good and Red Card is pulling out all stops to make sure the evening is a fantastic success,” continued Courtney.

Tickets for You CAN at Red Card 2012 are only $30 and include the game on 18 hi-def tvs, DJs from Sundae Sounds, dance floor, midnight pizza buffet, glass of bubbly at midnight, party favors and midnight countdown.  There are also two VIP booths at $500/booth available for reserved seating of up to 10 guests which includes table service and two bottles of bubbly.  In addition, the kitchen will be open for regular service throughout the night, including our famous Hat Trick pizza where $2.00 for each pizza sold goes to CAN.

Tickets are available for purchase at Red Card or at ClubVibes.com.  Red Card Sports Bar & Eatery is located at 900 Seymour Street, Vancouver (entrance on the Smithe side).

About Red Card Sports Bar - Red Card features Italian-inspired comfort food made with fresh, local ingredients and prepared to the highest of standards, all set in in a stylish, contemporary room. Outfit with 18 High Def TVs, including two 106” projector screens, diners want miss one minute of play from any angle in the room.  Whether in the mood for crisp, mouth-watering pizzas fired up in an authentic Italian stone oven, or traditional Italian classics, Red Card’s menu is sure to satisfy.

Red Card also features 16 beers on tap and over 40 beers from around the globe, including Asian bottled brands, American microbreweries and traditional sports-related favourites.  Accompanied by a popular cocktail menu and smart wine list, Red Card has revolutionized the Vancouver bar industry with its unique concept and immaculate execution.

Directly from the Cibo Trattoira Press Release:

Festive. Fun. Fabulous. Celebrate ‘2012’ With Cibo Trattoria!

Vancouver, BC (December 9, 2011) – On Saturday, December 31st , Executive Chef Neil Taylor and General Manager David Fert are planning to send Cibo guests into 2012 with a memorable New Year’s menu and a fun-filled experience they will not soon forget! An early and late seating are available and include complimentary bubbles upon arrival, party favours and a midnight countdown.

THE MENU

local oysters with shallots, red wine vinegar & black pepper

***

buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, preserved artichokes, mint, lemon & marinated olives

or

bruschetta of dunganess crab, preserved cherry tomatoes, ramp aioli & watercress

***

risotto of black trumpette mushrooms, garlic, parsley, lemon, mascarpone & parmesan

(add black alba truffles $ 25)

or

ravioli stuffed with potato & porcini, thyme, butter & parmesan

(add black alba truffles $ 25)

***

grilled 60 day aged striploin, rapini, red wine roasting juices & horseradish

or

roast local scallops, slow cooked fennel, lemon, capers & parsley

***

chocolate nemesis “river café”

or

vanilla pannacotta with preserved apricots & brandy

NYE Deluxe - $115.00/person

Includes above menu

Plus a glass of grave di stecca 2008 nino franco prosecco upon arrival

And 1/2 bottle of our cuvee 900 Seymour (Specially bottled by La Stella Winery)

Or

NYE Premium - $195.00/person

Includes the above menu

plus one glass of dom perignon upon arrival

And ½ bottle of angelo gaja brunello 2006

Space is limited with less than 50 tickets per seating.

To book, please call the restaurant directly at 604-602-9750 or email davidf@cibotrattoria.ca

Directly from the Tourism Whistler Press Release:

Celebrate the season Whistler-style: New outdoor skating rink opens in time for winter holidays; the resort welcomes back the Whistler Holiday Experience and New Year’s Eve festivities

Whistler, B.C. – With skis, skates and sleds as the equipment of choice in Whistler this winter, guests can glide on the slopes, the ice and the track.

This winter marks the launch of Whistler’s outdoor skating rink, located at the great lawn and pavilion of the Whistler Olympic Plaza (home of the medals ceremonies and outdoor concerts during the 2010 Winter Games) in the heart of the village. Beginning in mid-December, skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza will take place daily between 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. with exceptions on holidays (December 25: 12-4 p.m.; December 31: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. with 7-11 p.m. exclusively for New Year’s Eve ticket holders) or when the plaza is booked for private functions. Public access to the rink is free and skate rentals are available for $5 between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and in the evenings from 6-9 p.m.

Sharpen your ice skates and head to Whistler for a holiday season packed with events and activities, of both the outdoor and indoor variety.

Whistler Presents: The Whistler Holiday Experience will take place at the Whistler Conference Centre, from December 16 – January 2 (excluding December 25 and 31). The indoor family fun zone is open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and features a mini putt course, table games, bouncy castles, crafts and video games. There is no charge for this activity. And, even Santa will stop by on December 17 and 18 between 1 and 5 p.m.

Whistler Presents: New Year’s Eve Celebrations will take place at indoor and outdoor venues between 7-11 p.m. on December 31. This alcohol-free evening of family entertainment and celebration includes a number of activities, concerts and fireworks. Tickets are available in Whistler at the Whistler Visitor Centre, Millennium Place, Meadow Park Sports Centre and online at www.whistler.com

December 9-10 welcomes the world’s top luge athletes to Whistler as they compete in the first FIL Luge World Cup at the Whistler Sliding Centre since the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Competitions start at 3 p.m. on both days with upload to the sliding centre via the Excalibur Gondola in the village. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the Whistler Visitor Centre. Book a two-night stay and enjoy free luge tickets, courtesy of Tourism Whistler. Two tickets per booking through www.whistler.com will be delivered to your hotel for pick up at check-in. Free tickets apply to the first 150 bookings only. For more information, visit www.whistler.com – Whistler’s official information site and call to action for the resort,

The public will be able to enjoy first-hand experiences at the Whistler Sliding Centre beginning December 16 with the launch of the Skeleton Slide Experience. Participants start at the Maple Leaf Start, about 1/3 of the way up the track, navigating through six corners and reaching a maximum speed of up to 100 kilometres per hour.

The Fire & Ice show returns to the base of Whistler Mountain every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. starting December 18. Watch world-class athletes flip and twist their way through a burning ring of fire. Note that the Sunday, December 25 show has been moved to Monday, December 26. There is no charge for this event.

There are a number of family-friendly activities and events to experience in Whistler over the holidays

Whistler has received 10 centimetres (four inches) of new snow in the past seven days and a cumulative snowfall of 312 cm (122 inches) so far this season. The base is currently at 127 cm (50 inches). More snow is in the forecast for next week.

Whistler.com offers the largest selection and one-stop shopping with no booking fee for accommodation, lift tickets or activities. Whistler-based reservation agents at whistler.com can also customize a vacation package, taking care of flights, transportation, accommodation and activities. Call 1.800.WHISTLER (1.800.944.7853) to request a no-obligation quote or visit whistler.com for more details and offers.

Directly from the Central Bistro Newsletter:

Brewmaster Dinner

The craft beer revolution continues with a Red Truck Brewing five course dinner on Tuesday, December 20th at 7:00pm

New Years Eve at Central Bistro

Come and join your friends and neighbors at Central Bistro and help us ring in the New Year. Start your evening off with a three course dinner including your selection of appetizer, entrée and dessert for only $40! Finish the evening listening to some amazing live jazz from local favorite “The Artie Devlin Trio” and celebrate with complementary champagne and party favours at midnight. Come for the dinner… or just come late for the party! No Cover Charge!

Directly from White Spot:

Gift Cards:

With each $50 White Spot Gift Card, you get a $10 White Spot Certificate* valid for the New Year! White Spot Gift Cards are always a welcomed, tasteful gift and are available in a variety of denominations.
*While quantities last. Bonus $10 gift certificate valid from January 2nd to March 31st, 2012. Bonus gift certificates valid for your next visit.
For more information please visit: http://www.whitespot.ca/giftcards.htm

Directly from GoldFish Seafood and Chops:

NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH GOLDFISH

Ring in 2012 with your favourite Vancouver seafood restaurant! Starting at 8:00 pm, we have a 6-course tasting menu, live entertainment, party favours and bubbly at midnight, all for $125. This event sells out each year - be sure to reserve your tickets early! Available at Goldfish or by phoning (604) 689-8318. If you plan on counting down elsewhere, stop by for our first seating between 5:00 and 7:30 pm. You’ll be on your way to your next destination with time to spare. Hope to see you there!

Directly from Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse:

New Year’s Eve:

Once again, Joe’s is thrilled to be hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration you won’t want to miss! The evening will feature a custom-made NYE fresh sheet courtesy of Chef Wayne Sych with memorable creations and flavours alongside our classic a la carte menu, party favours and a glass of bubbly at midnight.

First Seating: 4:30 – 6:30 pm.

Second Seating: 8:00 pm, $40

The Adam Woodall Band is back, creating the perfect soundtrack to celebrate a new year!

Always a sold-out event, reserve your seat early by visiting the restaurant or phoning us at (604) 669-1940.

Directly from Cravings Restaurant and Lounge:

Gift Card Sale

Save 10% when you buy from December 1st to 30th, 2011
Redeemable anytime after December 25th, 2011
No expiry

For more information: http://www.cravings.ca/