Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Cafe Juanita Press Release:

10 YEARS OF DIVINE DINING AT CAFE JUANITA
RESTAURANT COMMEMORATES WITH SPECIAL APRIL DINNERS CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARY AND NEW IRON CHEF BATTLE

(Kirkland, WA)-  It’s been 10 years since Holly Smith opened Cafe Juanita in April, 2000, driven by her strong passion for the foods of Northern Italy. Her commitment to using sustainably grown produce, artisan products from Italy and the Pacific Northwest, as well as her stellar, award-wining wine list has garnered Cafe Juanita rave reviews and the national spotlight.  To celebrate Holly’s decade-long success, Cafe Juanita is celebrating with an Anniversary Dinner on Saturday, April 10th highlighting a 10-course tasting menu of decade favorites. The cost of the dinner is $110 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Two specially selected wine pairings will be available for $45 or $90. The evening will begin at 6:30 pm. The evening will begin at 6:30 pm. with seating in the dining room and communal seating downstairs. Cafe Juanita is located at 9702 NE 120th Place in Kirkland. Their phone number is (425) 823-1505 and the web address is www.cafejuanita.com.

After battling with the best chefs in the United States on the Food Network’s Next Iron Chef series in 2009, Holly was invited back to do battle on Iron Chef America, which is set to air on Sunday, April 11th at 9 p.m.  Holly’s culinary supporters are invited to join her that evening for a special Iron Chef America Dinner beginning at 6:30 pm.  Find out which Iron Chef she challenges and what the secret ingredient is while dining on early spring ingredients like morel mushrooms, fava beans, squab, as well as several courses directly from the challenge. This multi-course spring dinner with wine pairings is $150 per person plus tax and gratuity. Only 20 seats are available for this Battle Royale in Cafe Juanita’s private dining room.

Directly from The Fish House in Stanley Park Newsletter:

St-Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17th – Spring into jazz at the Fish House

Vocalist Dorothy Godlinski and singer/instrumentalist Craig Zurba will be performing live at the Fish House on Wednesday March 17th at 7pm. Craig and Dorothy come from a multi-genre musical background and will be performing Brazilian and American jazz, and easy listening pop numbers.

Dorothy Godlinski (Vocalist) Biography

iDorothy Godlinski has been singing for over 10 years at various venues including Frederico’s Supper Club.  A popular local favorite, she has performed at corporate events throughout the Lower Mainland with the band “Amore”.  Her varied musical background has lead her from jazz to country to opera and she looks forward to creating a memorable musical evening at the Fish House.

Craig Zurba (Instrumentalist) Biography

Craig wears more hats in the music business than director Ron Howard wears to cover his bald pate. This talented musician covers a wide range: from producer, songwriter, and recording engineer, to instrumentalist, arranger and sound designer.

Craig has had the honour of working for or with artists such as Bryan Adams, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, David Foster, Aaron Pritchett, John Mayer, Amanda Stott, Lisa Brokop, Rose Ranger, Sandra Wainwright, Rita McNeil, and Sarah McLaughlin. Craig, with his band AGENT, was the first Canadian act signed to Virgin Records.

Directly from the O’Doul’s Restaurant Press Release:

A Giant of Jazz  O’Doul’s celebrates the prolific Cedar Walton

ROBSON STREET: On the weekend of March 11 to 13, O’Doul’s will pay tribute to hard-bop pianist Cedar Walton, a prolific composer who played with all the legends of the last 50 years.

Bass player Russ Botten and his Trio, featuring John Hansen, arguably Seattle’s best jazz pianist, will be joined on sax by -

Thursday, March 11th – The big tenor sound of Russian-born Alexey Nikolaev;

Friday, March 12 & and Saturday March 13th – Former Cedar sideman, Seattle’s incomparable Jay Thomas.

WHERE:  O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar
1300 Robson Street (@ Jervis)
Call 604.661.1400 for reservations/information
www.odoulsrestaurant.com

WHEN:   Thursday, March 11 to Saturday, March 13
First set at 9:00 pm. No cover charge.

O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar has featured the finest performers on the vibrant local jazz scene for over 10 years (7 nights a week since July 2001). For the last six year’s O’Doul’s has played host to the official late night jam sessions of the TD/Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival, hosted by Mike Allen, where jazz legends like Wynton Marsalis and his legendary Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra have been known to sit in.

Directly from the Artisanal Brasserie Press Release:

ARTISANAL INTRODUCES JAZZ BRUNCH SERIES

Where:
Artisanal Brasserie & Winebar
11111 NE 8th Street
Bellevue, WA 98004
(at The Shops at The Bravern)

When:
12PM - 3PM Saturdays & Sundays throughout the month of March, starting Saturday, March 6th

What

Artisanal Brasserie launches its Jazz Brunch Series, where guests can enjoy live jazz music while dining on French-brasserie favorites like Almond Crossaint French Toast with Apricot Compote & Ricotta; Soft Scrambled Eggs with Applewood-Smoked Bacon & Crisp Potato; and Vegetable Quiche with Wild Mushrooms, Spinach, Taleggio & Salad, just to name a few.

The world-class line-up of local and national artists includes:

Saturday, March 6 — Black Lab Trio (Jacqueline Tabor, Kurt Shapiro, Osama Afifi)
Sunday, March 7 — Black Lab Players (instrumentals with Kurt Shapiro, Osama Afifi, Brad Boal)
Saturday, March 13 — Gail Pettis and John Stowell
Sunday, March 14 — Gail Pettis and Kurt Shapiro
Saturday, March 20 — Kurt Shapiro, Cary Black, plus guest
Sunday, March 21 — “Guitarpalooza” hosted by Kurt Shapiro, Paul Sawyer and Osama Afifi
Saturday, March 27 — Bernie Jacobs, Kurt Shapiro, Osama Afifi
Sunday, March 28 — Jacqueline Tabor and Hans Brehmer

Directly from the Opus Bar Press Release:

Sunday March 7, 2010. 5pm - 10pm

OPUS Bar, 350 Davie Street, Vancouver B.C.

Feel like a celebrity as you walk the Red Carpet, wave to adoring paparazzi and step into the ultimate viewing party! Dress to impress and experience all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood while sipping Oscartini’s, nibbling feature Oscar O-bite platters for $25 and mingling with Vancouver’s glamorous while watching the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

Don’t miss your chance to win a Bed & Breakfast package for two at OPUS Hotel Vancouver, for the person with the most correct Oscar ballot predictions.

3 course Oscar Dinner available in Elixir Bistro for $30 with optional wine pairings for $20.

RSVP to Jessica Dunn JDunn@opushotel.com

Directly from the Bastille Cafe & Bar Press Release:

EXPECT A NEW BUZZ FROM BALLARD’S BASTILLE THIS APRIL
BASTILLE’S ROOFTOP GARDEN TO BECOME A HIVE OF ACTIVITY WITH PARTNER BALLARD BEE COMPANY

Bastille Cafe & Bar is happy to announce a partnership with Corky Luster’s Ballard Bee Company www.ballardbeecompany.com and the addition of 4 beehives to be installed on Bastille’s unique rooftop garden in late March or early April. Chef Shannon Galusha will integrate both extracted and comb honey from these western honeybees into the menu at Bastille starting this summer following collection in May and June from blackberry blooms.  Chef Galusha is considering all the ways to use this sweet amber bounty, from honeyed vinegar, combs to accompany the cheese program, savory dishes and desserts.

Western honeybees are dormant from October to March, but since the weather has been warmer this year in Seattle, there is some collection happening now from crocuses, pussy willows and heather pollen. Once collection begins in earnest, Bastille’s bees will produce two major honey flows from Big Leaf maple and the aforementioned blackberry.

GK Media Inc is pleased to present a new feature recipe:

Lemon Tea Loaf from the the Lighthearted at Home Cookbook by Anne Lindsay
To download all of the recipes please use the recipe iPod guide or go to the Recipes page.

The following is a list of Pacific Northwest food and wine events that are currently on or upcoming:

Dine Around Victoria: February 18th to March 7th, 2010

Dine Around Seattle:  March 1st to March 30th, 2010

Dining out for Life Vancouver: Thursday March 25th, 2010

Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival:  April 19th to April 25th, 2010

Dine Out Vancouver: April 26th to May 6th, 2010

Eat! Vancouver Food and Cooking Festival: May 28th to 30th, 2010

GK Media Inc is pleased to present a new feature recipe:

Vegetable Borscht from the the Lighthearted at Home Cookbook by Anne Lindsay
To download all of the recipes please use the recipe iPod guide or go to the Recipes page.

Directly from the Dine Around Seattle Press Release:

9 YEARS LATER, DINE AROUND SEATTLE STILL DELIVERING PREMIER FINE-DINING DEAL 5 NEW RESTAURANTS JOIN FOR MARCH 1¬-31ST PROMOTION

This March chefs at some of Seattle’s finest restaurants are springing into action for Dine Around Seattle.  With a continued slow economy, March 1st through 31st diners all over the Seattle area will be able to experience some of the culinary best that the region has to offer, all at a delicious price.   The Dine Around Seattle website will have full details complete with restaurant menus for the March promotion in mid-February.

Seattle’s successful, bi-annual dining promotion (March and November) has become so woven into the culinary culture of the Seattle area that it is eagerly awaited by locals, as well as visitors, many of whom make their trip to Seattle to coincide with the month-long event.  All month long, Sundays through Thursdays, select Seattle area restaurants will be offering prix-fixe dinners for $30.00 and many will also offer prix-fixe lunches for $15.00.   This price will not include beverage, tax or gratuity, and excludes Sunday Brunch.  Each restaurant will decide whether they will offer lunch, dinner or both, but all meals will offer 3 courses with choice selections among appetizers, entrées and desserts.

Joining the promotion this March are 5 new restaurants: Bellevue’s Artisanal Brasserie, Ballard’s Bastille Café & Bar and Palisade Waterfront Restaurant, University District’s Mama Melina, and Snoqualmie’s Salish Lodge & Spa Dining Room.  Returning participating restaurants include: Andaluca, ART Restaurant & Lounge, Barking Frog, Barolo Ristorante, Campagne, Chez Shea & Shea’s Lounge, Dahlia Lounge, Earth & Ocean, Etta’s, Eva Restaurant, Hunt Club, Lola, Monsoon, Monsoon East, Nell’s Restaurant, Nishino, Ponti Seafood Grill, Ray’s Boathouse, Restaurant Zoe, Serafina, Steelhead  Diner, 35th Street Bistro, SZMANIA’S, and Twisted Cork (formerly 0/8 Seafood Grill).

Members of the Dine Around Seattle committee include: Richard Malia of Ponti Seafood Grill, Gordon Kushnick of Campagne, and Maureen Shaw of Ray’s Boathouse.   Dine Around Seattle would not be possible without the participation of generous sponsors including Starbucks Coffee, Charlie’s Produce, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), Merlino Foods, Smith & Greene, and Mt. Hood Chemical.

Directly from the Foodportunity Press Release

Seattle, Wash., Feb. 15, 2010:  The next “Foodportunity,” a series of networking events for Seattle food professionals, will take place on March 22nd, 2010, from 6pm-9pm at the Palace Ballroom.

Attendees will include local food writers, bloggers, restaurateurs, food producers, PR professionals and other companies from the food and hospitality industry.

Following the sold-out success of previous Foodportunity evenings in 2009, Seattle event planner and food blogger Keren Brown has created an opportunity to connect informally with several of Seattle’s most talented chefs and restaurant owners.  These chefs and owners will be available for questions and conversation in the lounge of the Palace Ballroom between 6:30pm-7:15pm.

* Tom Douglas, owner of the Palace Ballroom, Palace Kitchen, Lola, Etta’s, Serious Pie, Dahlia Lounge and Dahlia Bakery.
* Ron Zimmerman and Carrie Van Dyke, owners of The Herbfarm in Woodinville
* Brian Canlis, co-owner of Canlis Restaurant
* Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, owners and chefs at Joule in Wallingford
* Robin Leventhal, Top Chef contestant and local chef
* Greg Atkinson, contributing editor to Food Arts magazine and to The Seattle Times, chef-instructor at Seattle Culinary Academy.

For the first 40 people who send an email to info@foodportunity.com, there will also be a “speed networking” event, beginning at 8:30pm, chaired by KOMO restaurant reporter and Seattle Weekly “Voracious” blogger Julien Perry. “Speed networking gives you a taste of 20 new people. You can decide who you want to follow up with,” Brown says.

Foodportunity participants will enjoy appetizers from several of Seattle’s most talked about restaurants, and the opportunity to engage with a wide range of food companies.

Tom Douglas, awarded National Restaurant of the Year by Bon Appetit magazine and a national James Beard nominee for Restaurateur of the Year, will provide his Palace Ballroom facilities to host the event and serve a selection of appetizers.  Additional participating restaurants include: Mistral Kitchen, Spring Hill, Cascina Spinasse, Cicchetti, Dinette, Olivar and Urbane.

Beer and wine will be available from a cash bar, and a wide range of food products from local companies will be on display.

Foodportunity is open to food journalists, bloggers, public relations professionals, restaurateurs, farmers, companies and all food-passionate people. Admission is $22 (plus booking fees; $28 after March 14) which includes bites from restaurants and companies. Tickets can be purchased through BrownPaperTickets.com http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/100118

The Palace Ballroom is located at 2100 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle. More information is available online at Foodportunity.com.

Directly from the Bastille Cafe Press Release:

CELEBRATE ST. VINCENT, FRANCE’S PATRON SAINT OF WINE AT BASTILLE CAFÉ & BAR

MEET WINEMAKERS FROM CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, SAMPLE THEIR WINES AND NIBBLE ON BLACK TRUFFLES AND CHARCUTERIE

Francophiles and oenophiles alike will enjoy Bastille’s celebration in honor of St. Vincent, France’s patron saint of wine on Monday, January 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Back bar. $49 buys patrons 5 tastes from a special group of winemakers from the Rhône Valley and vicinity who just happen to be in town that day, various delicious ‘petit plats’ like Black Truffles en Croute, Rabbit Rillettes, Oxtail Tartine and Cured Venison. French wine producers include Claire Michel of Le Vieux Donjon, Didier Latour of Domaine Moulin Tacussel, Pierre Pastre of Château Fortia and others.

The Djangomatics will playing live music and wines will be available for purchase at retail prices at this informal celebration of the fruit of the vine.

Call 205.453.5014 for tickets. www.bastilleseattle.com

Directly from the Monsoon East Press Release:

MONSOON EAST KICKS OFF ASIAN LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH A DUMPLING-FILLED, MULTI-COURSE LUNCHEON

NOTED COOKBOOK AUTHOR ANDREA NGUYEN WILL BE ON HAND TO DEMYSTIFY DUMPLING WRAPPERS, FILLINGS AND SHAPING

Eric and Sophie Banh of Monsoon Restaurants are pleased to announce a special luncheon hosted by acclaimed author and culinary instructor, Andrea Nguyen, in celebration of her newest cookbook, “Asian Dumplings: Mastering Gyoza, Spring Rolls, Samosas and More,” (Ten Speed Press, 2009) on Friday, February 12, 2010 at Monsoon East from 11:30 to 1 p.m. The ticket price of $30 (plus tax & gratuity) includes a multi-course Lunar New Year-inspired meal highlighting recipes from the book alongside premium tea pairings. Andrea will provide a dumpling-making lesson , full of informative tips and tricks on filling and shaping perfectly formed dumplings from all corners of Asian. Copies of “Asian Dumplings” will be available for sale at the event for $20 (plus tax, a friends and family discount of 40% off the cover price).  Reservations for the Lunar New Year Dumpling Luncheon with Andrea Nguyen can be made by called Monsoon East at 425.635.1112.  Space is limited.

Andrea’s well known first cookbook, “Into the Vietnamese Kitchen: Treasured Foodways, Modern Flavors,” was a 2007 James Beard Award Finalist for Best Asian Cookbook.  Her newest release, “Asian Dumplings,” has received rave reviews, garnering a spot on NPR’s 10 Best Cookbook of 2009 and named one of Cooking Light’s ”Editor’s Dozen” Picks in October 2009. James Oseland, editor in chief of Saveur enthused, “Until I began cooking from this remarkable book I had no idea that preparing Asian dumplings was so easy and so satisfying. Andrea Nguyen’s latest work is authoritative, fun, and filled with recipes that yield insanely delicious results.”

Andrea will be available after the luncheon for questions and to sign copies of her books.   www.monsoonrestaurants.com

Directly from the Seattle Food and Wine Press Release

Seattle Food & Wine Experience Goes Glocal (Global/Local)

Sunday, February 28, 2010, 1p.m.-5p.m., $49
Seattle, WA (January 15, 2010) - More than 1,000 wines from around the world join with top chefs/restaurateurs to transform the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall into a global (and local) gateway for the palate on Sunday, February 28, 2010. The diversity of the wines and culinary traditions represented at the second Seattle Food and Wine Experience mirror the city’s cosmopolitan character and its growing international presence.

In addition to sampling from the following:
50 California and International Wineries
25 Washington Wineries
15 Oregon Wineries
20 Chefs/Restaurateurs and
20 Culinary, wine, lifestyle and travel exhibitors
The “Experience” offers guests an assortment of activities and sampling opportunities including:
The Tulalip Resort Casino Culinary Exhibition Stage featuring all the chefs from the resort cooking up their latest Taste of Tulalip creations
Starbucks Coffee and Music Lounge features a World of Coffee tasting plus live music by none other than Seattle Times wine columnist Paul Gregutt!
The Artisan Beer Garden features international and regional breweries plus cider companies
Kathy Casey and Columbia Winery are teamed up (the first 300 guests receive her signed cookbook)
Ruth Chris Steakhouse and Menage a Trios wines pair up to showcase American lamb three ways
Chateau Ste. Michelle Culinary Director John Sarich is pairing WA wine with American lamb
Maximus Minimus is coming out of hibernation for the day and selling $2 mini-pork sandwiches
Frost Doughnuts may end up being the most popular booth based on their recent popularity!
Beecher’s Cheese will be there sampling cheese and educating attendees about Beecher’s Flagship Foundation (Known as Pure Food Kids) and the beneficiary of event proceeds

The Seattle Food and Wine Experience is not only about cultivating an international awareness, but about bringing Seattle’s culture and local talents to the forefront as well. Seattle’s food/restaurant scene will be preparing gourmet tastes throughout the experience, including Campagne, Ray’s Boathouse, Earth & Ocean, Andaluca, Ponti Seafood Grill, John Sarich of Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Hunt Club, Pearl Bar & Dining, Cicchetti Kitchen and Bar, Artisanal Brasserie and The Artisanal Table, Salty’s on Alki, Copperleaf Restaurant, Blackfish, Pike Place Brewing Company, TASTE Restaurant, Maximus-Minimus, Frost Doughnuts, Beecher’s Cheese and more.

Admission to the experience is a total value at $49 per person and includes access to all areas of the event. Ticket buyers are immediately entered in a drawing for the chance to win a wine touring package for 10 provided by Butler Transportation. No one under 21 will be admitted and ID is required. Tickets may be purchased at www.seattlefoodandwineexperience.com.

A portion of proceeds from event ticket sales will benefit Beecher’s Flagship Foundation. Founded by Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in 2004, the Foundation has given more than $300,000 in support of non-profit organizations providing education about the benefits of pure, all-natural food.

Directly from the Serafina Press Release:

Seattle (January 2010) - Serafina Osteria & Enoteca announces its fourth annual ‘Month of Love’.

During the month of February, Serafina partners with the Medic One Foundation, a non-profit, charitable corporation that provides targeted funding for programs that have the most significant impact upon the quality of pre-hospital emergency care in our region. Serafina is proud to provide the opportunity for its dining customers to help “save a heart” with a charitable donation.

On Valentine’s Day, 2007 Sue Nixon, an Eastlake resident, jazz vocalist, and long time Serafina friend suffered a cardiac arrest, and the immediate response by Medic One paramedics saved her life. Sue’s story reminds us of the importance of having the highest quality of emergency medical care in our community. Serafina owner, Susan Kaufman says, “especially given recent acts of violence toward uniformed professionals; showing support for medics, fire professionals and police is the heartfelt thing to do. It’s truly amazing how many lives have been touched by Medic One Foundation. Having Sue Nixon back on our stage after her frightening experience is a relief and joy, and it’s all because of Medic One.”

Serafina guests who make a gift of $25 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a romantic weekend for two including:

Cocktails and shared plates at Cicchetti Kitchen and Bar

Dinner for two at Serafina Osteria & Enoteca

Two-night weekend stay at the W Seattle Hotel

Two stylish haircuts with Heather at Salon Dallas

The drawing will be held on Monday March 5th, 2010.

Serafina and Cicchetti are showing the love all month with heart warming programs to enjoy:

All Month at Serafina: Live music Wednesday – Sunday evenings, featuring local Latin,

jazz and solo pianists as well as vocal groups (including Susan Nixon!)

Feb. 4 Winemakers in Love: An evening with Cadence Winery

Feb. 5–7 Lamb is for Lovers Weekend at Serafina

Feb.12-14 Serafina; the city’s most romantic place to dine offers a special Valentine Menu. Reserve early, this weekend is always a sell out!

Feb. 14 Cicchetti bar level: early or late, small plates, no dates!

Feb. 14 At Cicchetti, “Valentine’s = 2 + View”: a special dining package for couples featuring Mediterranean shared plates with a city view on the upper level

All Month: Photos of couples in love floating throughout the dining room, which have become a cherished and charming part of Serafina’s ‘Month of Love’

For more information about this promotion call Serafina at (206) 323-0807, or email jody@serafinaseattle.com. For more information about Medic One Foundation, visit www.mediconefoundation.org.

Directly from the Pacific Place Press Release:
PNK RESTAURANT & ULTRA LOUNGE LATEST ADDITION TO PACIFIC PLACE

SEATTLE (January 5, 2010) – The latest concept in dining and lounge establishments arrives at downtown Seattle’s premier shopping destination this spring. Pacific Place is pleased to announce that PNK Restaurant & Ultra Lounge will open in April on the fourth level of the shopping center.

The upscale restaurant and lounge will offer patrons more than 5,000 square feet of seating, including 1,500 square feet of event space on the restaurant’s south side separated by glass doors from the main dining area. A second private room - the VIPnk posh lounge – comes complete with couches, coffee tables and flat-screens for gatherings ranging from private lunches and dinners to after-work appetizers and cocktails to late-night entertainment. PNK offers scenic city views, Latin fusion cuisine and diverse libations in a contemporary setting. Expect high-energy music, live performances and fashion shows - all supported by an impressive audio visual and lighting package.

PNK Restaurant & Ultra Lounge is the brainchild of brother and sister duo, Rob and Tammy Armijo, who owned and operated three lounges in the metro Denver area before moving to the Pacific Northwest. Both will serve as on-site managers, with Tammy providing both the financial and customer service expertise and Rob focusing on operations, marketing and event coordination.

“I don’t think there could have been a better location for us,” says PNK Co-owner Rob Armijo. “Pacific Place is known for its premier shopping, dining and entertainment, making it the perfect fit for our concept. Pacific Place offers every one of our keys to success: high levels of both foot and automobile traffic, plenty of parking, valet service and an outdoor patio. The location in the heart of downtown is great and we are excited to become a part of Seattle’s amazing, local dining scene.”

Chef Jared Velazquez joins the duo to provide the back-of-house support in the kitchen, setting up and running operations for lunch, happy hour, dinner, late-night and private event menus. With 20 years of culinary experience, the Mexico native has served as executive chef at such Seattle establishments as Isabella Restaurant and Cellars Restaurant & Lounge, with previous stints at La Strada, Ipanema Brazilian Grill and Buenos Aires Grill.

In addition to a full dinner menu featuring Latin-influenced entrees of seafood and meat dishes, PNK will offer an assortment of  tapas to accompany the many signature drinks made with, of course, p.i.n.k.® vodka, and will feature fresh, seasonal produce from the Pike Place Market.

“We’re looking forward to having such quality club operators as Tammy and Rob Armijo,” said Pacific Place General Manager Lynn Beck.  “They have a wealth of knowledge about the right way to run an entertainment venue.”