Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Rocky Mountaineer Press Release:

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER’S EXCLUSIVE FREE UPGRADE OFFER ELEVATES WESTERN CANADIAN RAIL JOURNEY

Book a qualifying package of four nights or more until June 28 and receive a service level upgrade

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada  - Internationally acclaimed, Rocky Mountaineer is pleased to offer guests a Free Upgrade from now until June 28th, on qualifying holiday package tours of four nights or more for select departure dates in 2013. Upon booking, guests receive a complimentary rail seat upgrade, further enhancing their Western Canadian vacation. RedLeaf Service bookings are promoted to SilverLeaf Service, while bookings made in SilverLeaf Service are upgraded to the award-winning GoldLeaf Service. Guests who book in GoldLeaf Service receive a $400 credit towards the package price.

“We are excited to offer guests an exclusive opportunity to get the most of their holidays in Western Canada,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Global Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer. “This offer enables guests to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the Canadian Rockies from the luxury of custom made dome coaches.”

One of the many applicable holiday packages is the Western Explorer, which travels between Vancouver, BC and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The eight day/seven night journey includes two days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer and stays in popular destinations, such as Vancouver, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary, AB. Guests can choose to begin or end their holidays with an exhilarating Summit Helicopter Tour.

The Free Upgrade Offer is available on eligible rail packages of four nights or more from now until June 28th, 2013 and must be requested at time of booking. Offer is available on select dates only and based on availability and may be modified, withdrawn or travel dates may be substituted without prior notice. Further restrictions apply.

For more information on the Free Upgrade Offer or to receive a copy of the 2013 Rocky Mountaineer brochure, please contact your travel agent or Rocky Mountaineer directly at (800) 665-7245, or visit rockymountaineer.com.

Directly from the Tinhorn Creek Press Release:

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards and Walnut Beach Resort Launch Wine and Unwind Package New Package Offers the Best of BC Wine Country

Osoyoos, BC – Experience the best of BC’s wine country with Tinhorn Creek Vineyards’ and Walnut Beach Resort’s new Wine and Unwind package. They’ve cooked up a relaxing recipe of kayaking, fine wine, and delicious dining for a luxurious lakeside two-night break.

Arrive in sunny Osoyoos at Walnut Beach Resort and relax in your one-bedroom suite overlooking the sparkling lake, or soak up some sun on the private licensed beach. Switch off while you take a dip in the open year round outdoor pool, or unwind in the hot tub under a starry sky.

Wake refreshed and ready for an exciting morning of kayaking with Hoodoo Adventures; let them expertly guide you from the resort on a gentle paddle around the lake. Stop at Hayne’s Point to indulge in a special picnic featuring local producers Poplar Grove and Upper Bench Estate cheeses paired with carefully selected wines from Tinhorn Creek.

Leave some room for an indulgent afternoon of delicious food and fine wine at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in Oliver, BC. After an exclusive private winery tour and tasting session, you’ll finish off your unforgettable day with a sumptuous Mediterranean meal at the award-winning Miradoro Restaurant.

The Wine and Unwind Package includes:

Two night stay in a one bedroom lake view suite at Walnut Beach Resort in Osoyoos, BC
Kayaking tour on Osoyoos Lake + picnic with Hoodoo Adventures
Winery tour and tasting at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
Chefs multi course dinner + wine pairings for two at Miradoro Restaurant

This package is available from May 15 – September 30, 2013, and starts at $798 plus taxes and gratuity. Packages are subject to availability and based on double occupancy. The starting from rate is valid May 1-June 27 and Sept 3-Sept 30, rates will increase from June 28-Sept 2 during peak season. Please allow a minimum of two weeks advance notice for bookings. To book, e-mail Tinhorn Creek Vineyards at winery@tinhorn.com and quote the booking code Wine & Unwind.

Directly from the Rocky Mountaineer Press Release:

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER INTRODUCES ITS FIRST COOKBOOK,

EAT PLAY LOVE: REGIONALLY INSPIRED CUISINE BY ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada  – Internationally acclaimed, Rocky Mountaineer, is pleased to announce the launch of its first cookbook, Eat Play Love: Regionally Inspired Cuisine by Rocky Mountaineer. Renowned Executive Chefs Jean Pierre Guerin and Frédéric Couton recreate the train’s onboard culinary journey in this collection of western Canadian inspired recipes and photos, a perfect memento for travellers to take home and share with loved ones.

“Dining by rail on the Rocky Mountaineer has always been a favourite element and special point of interest,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Global Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer. “Our guests are always asking us questions about our recipes, the ingredients and for tips and techniques – a Rocky Mountaineer cookbook is our response to that enthusiasm.”

The incentive for creating Eat Play Love: Regionally Inspired Cuisine by Rocky Mountaineer is easily found right outside the windows of the train, as it travels through nature’s wonderland of breathtaking scenery. Many of the thirty-seven regionally inspired dishes in the cookbook are served in the award-winning GoldLeaf Service dining room onboard. Additionally, there are several bonus recipes — personal favourites of the Rocky Mountaineer culinary team. Each dish is easy to prepare and all of the ingredients can be substituted with locally sourced products from other regions.

The Rocky Mountaineer showcases the Pacific Northwest through to the Canadian Rockies – some of the most stunning scenery in the world. The delectable breakfast and lunch dishes served onboard have become an integral part of the experience and are a contributing factor to Rocky Mountaineer’s status as a world renowned, award-winning train.

For more information please visit: http://www.rockymountaineer.com/en_CA_BC/guests/culinary

Directly from the Toptable Group Press Release:

An Italian Affair @ CINCIN
For an Easter celebration with an Italian twist, join us at CinCin for Chef Andrew Richardson’s festive Springtime creations, including a divine wood-grilled rack of lamb, and an exceptional Rabbit Cacciatore. Whether you are planning a family lunch in our private wine room or an intimate dinner for two, Restaurant Director Richard Luxton and his expert service team will ensure a memorable experience.
Celebrate Easter at CinCin from Friday March 29th – April 1st

Easter Tasting @ WEST
Discover the flavours of Easter with Chef Quang Dang’s Easter Tasting Menu. Featuring the best of the season’s produce and paired with Chef Dang’s signature techniques, this dedicated menu is sure to impress.
Easter Tasting Menu available from March 29th – April 1st

Traditions of France @ THIERRY
As one of Chef Thierry’s favourite holidays, Easter will be in full swing at the shop starting March 29th! From exclusive seasonal cakes, to traditional French Easter confections, Chef Thierry has your celebration needs covered.
Available from March 29th - April 1st

Sunday Brunch @ ARAXI
Cap off your Easter weekend in Whistler with a leisurely Sunday brunch at Araxi. Feast on specialties from Chef James including Poached Fresh Vita Eggs Haida with wild BC Sockeye Salmon, and house-made Ricotta + Lemon Pancakes.
Easter Brunch, Sunday March 31st

Directly from the Miradoro Restaurant Press Release:

Miradoro Restaurant Reopens at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards. Fresh, new spring menu & the return of The Communal Table

Vancouver, BC (February 27, 2013) – Miradoro Restaurant, British Columbia’s premier winery restaurant, is pleased to announce its reopening on March 1st, 2013 after closing for the January / February winter months. The destination restaurant at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards offers stunning panoramic views of the South Okanagan Valley wine country and features Mediterranean-influenced cuisine that showcases the region’s finest ingredients, as well as Ocean Wise seafood.

Miradoro is celebrating with fresh new spring menus and a special for the month of March. Guests can build their own three-course menu by selecting any items from the regular dinner menu for only $35.

Miradoro’s Executive Chef Jeff Van Geest has created a mouthwatering variety, which features appetizers like octopus carpaccio with chorizo, micro cress, Sicilian olive and sourdough crostini. Miradoro’s delicious pizza offerings include pizza bascaiola with Italian sausage, grilled mushrooms, cream, parmesan, sweet garlic, parsley, chilies. For the pasta lovers, there are myriad options, including grilled albacore tuna with putanesca bianca on spaghetti alla chitarra. A popular entrée is the rotating cut of grilled Okanagan’s Finest Angus steak served with harissa, arugula, smoked sweet onion and olive oil crushed potatoes.

Returning on Tuesday March 12th, The Communal Table will bring together locals and visitors to celebrate regional food and wine with friends both old and new. In keeping with Miradoro Restaurant’s food philosophy, The Communal Table will feature a special menu of family style fare that is local, rustic, simple, straightforward and seasonal. Held at 6:30pm on Tuesdays from March 12th until May 28th, The Communal Table menu is $25 per person. Reservations are required.

About Miradoro Restaurant:
At Miradoro Restaurant the Mediterranean-influenced wine country cuisine showcases the region’s finest ingredients alongside the award-winning wines of Tinhorn Creek Vineyards. Perched on the picturesque winery estate on the famed Golden Mile, the destination restaurant offers stunning views of the South Okanagan Valley. Its unique design seamlessly integrates a modern look with the natural landscape and the more traditional design of Tinhorn Creek’s winery and barrel cellar. The 4,000-square-foot space features 65 seats indoors and 65 seats outdoors on a wraparound deck, ample use of natural woods and cork creates a room that is simple, elegant — and lets the food, wine and view be the stars of the show. Miradoro was honoured with a gold medal for Best Winery/Vineyard Dining at the 23rd Annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards.

Miradoro Restaurant is open for lunch daily from 11:30am–3:00pm, for tapas from 3:00pm-5:00pm and for dinner from 5:00pm–9:00pm. For more information, please call 250-498-3742 or visit www.miradoro.ca.

Directly from the Tourism Whistler Newsletter:

Special Rates & Free Parking

Summit Lodge & Spa
Valid March 17 - April 2, 2013
Enjoy midweek rates of $159 and weekend rates of $179 per night and free parking for a Deluxe Queen Studio at the Summit Lodge & Spa.

Save 20% Pemberton Valley Lodge
Valid all winter | Book by March 15, 2013
Save 20% on rates starting at $99 per night in March and April at the Pemberton Valley Lodge, a 20 minute drive north of Whistler.

20% Off  Ziptrek Ecotours
Book by March 10, 2013
Save 20% off the original Bear Tour or the Eagle Tour featuring a 2000ft line that drops over 20 stories.

20% Off - Ziptrek Ecotours

$10 Burger Combo & Beer
White Spot Restaurant
Valid until April 30, 2013
With this exclusive offer enjoy a White Spot Legendary Burger platter with fries and a 16 ounce beer for only $10.

Easter Special - 25% Off
Resort Quest Whistler
Valid all winter
Save 25% with Resort Quest Whistler on a variety of accommodation options, from hotel rooms and studios to four-bedroom luxury homes.

Up to 40% Off
Lodging Ovations - Legends & Evolution
Book by March 12, 2013
Save up to 40% midweek in March at Legends and Evolution - upscale, ski-in/ski-out resort hotels located in Whistler Creekside.

20% Off Snowmobiling
The Adventure Group
Valid all season
Save 20% on the diverse range of snowmobile tours offered by The Adventure Group, from gentle family cruising to advanced back country powder riding.

Miguel’s Pick
$139/Night 4.5 Star - Studio - Last Minute Deal - Online Exclusive
Valid until March 15, 2013 | Valid Sunday - Thursday
This 4.5-star resort property is regularly sited as one of the top hotels in the world and with its Whistler Village location and slope side access it truly has it all.

For more information please visit: whistlerblackcomb.com/peakdeals

Directly from the Truffles Cafe Press Release:

EXPERIENCE THE GOOD LIFE AT TRUFFLES CAFE

(Vancouver, BC) -  It seems as if tapas-style plates and charcuterie are the current darlings of Vancouver’s food scene. They completely reflect the city’s casual approach to dining and to life in general. The trend has not gone un-noticed by Reto Ballat, Executive Chef for Truffles Café at VanDusen Botanical Garden. “In Europe, we have always eaten this way. It’s relaxed and civilized” says the Swiss–trained, former Relais et Chateaux chef. In response to Vancouver’s increasing fondness for this style of eating, Truffles Café is pleased to introduce its Charcuterie Platter.

Value-priced at only $18, the Charcuterie Platter is ample enough for two people. It includes Prosciutto and Genoa Salami along with a rotating selection of cheeses. The current platter features Brie, Smoked Cheddar and Aged Parmesan accompanied by dried fruit, fresh grapes, candied pecans and artisan biscuits. Also on the Platter is Chef Reto’s house-made pear and vanilla confiture. The confiture will also change regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients.

What’s charcuterie without wine? As Truffles is now licensed, they are pleased to offer a selection of BC wines, beer and cider.  Wine is priced at $8 per glass. However, if you want enjoy a glass of wine with the Charcuterie Platter for Two, the total price is only $28, a saving of $6.

“It’s how I, and my friends, like to eat” says Truffles Café Manager Scott Arnold. “I can imagine people sitting on our patio, looking out at the fantastic view of VanDusen, lingering over the Charcuterie Platter with Wine for a light lunch, or at the end of a hectic work day. You don’t even know you’re in the middle of a bustling city.”

Doesn’t that sound wonderful?  Isn’t it how life is meant to be lived?  So live a little and enjoy a leisurely sip and nibble at VanDusen’s Truffles Café.

Charcuterie Platter for Two - $18, Charcuterie Platter with Wine (2 glasses) - $28

Truffles Café is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (later in the summer) in the Visitor Centre at VanDusen Botanical Garden – between W.33rd Avenue and W.37th Avenue on Oak Street in Vancouver.

For further information on Truffles Café: http://www.trufflesfinefoods.com/our-cafes

Directly from The Fish House in Stanley Park Press Release:

Valentine Days at The Fish House

We are celebrating for three days:
February 14, 15 and 16
Treat your special someone to an evening of champagne and romance. Enjoy our special Valentine’s Day dinner for two or our special a la carte menu.

Family Day Brunch

Enjoy our new stat holiday on February 11 with family and friends. Spend time in the park and stop by The Fish House for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Directly from the Hawksworth Restaurant Press Release:

Michelin-Star Chef Philip Howard to cook at Hawksworth Restaurant. Two award-winning chefs join forces for an unforgettable culinary experience

Vancouver, BC (February 7, 2013) – The Hawksworth Restaurant team will welcome Michelin-Star Chef Philip Howard to their kitchen for a two-night guest chef appearance on February 28 & March 1, 2013.

Chef Howard is the driving force behind The Square in London’s Mayfair, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant with a distinctive modern rench flair, which has enjoyed great ritical and consumer success for over 21 years. Numerous personal accolades have followed for Chef Howard, including Chef’s Chef of the Year 2012 at the National Restaurant Awards, Chef of the Year for The Catey Awards, the AA Restaurant Guide Awards and The Craft Guild, anchoring The Square as one of the leading restaurants in Europe.

Chef Hawksworth and Chef Howard will together create an exquisite six-course tasting menu, available exclusively for two evenings at Hawksworth Restaurant. Costing $175 per person, dinner includes a personalised copy of The Square, The Cookbook, Volume 1: Savoury by Phil Howard ($50 value).

This won’t be the first time the duo have cooked together; Chef David Hawksworth spent a year working with Chef Howard during his ten-year tenure in London. “I admire his poise and command of the kitchen and honest approach to work ethic,” praises Chef Hawksworth. “Chef Howard has a contemporary plating style, which feels in keeping with the elegant plates at Hawksworth Restaurant. I am very proud to share with him BC’s bounty of produce, as well as the talents and technical skills which are present in professional kitchen across the city.”

Chef Philip Howard’s will be the first Guest Chef appearance at Hawksworth, but international connections are nothing new: the Hawksworth team spent two weeks at SEVVA in Hong Kong in February 2012; Chef Hawksworth travelled to the Napa Valley’s Cakebread Cellars in September 2012, for their American Harvest Workshop; and September 2013 will see Hawksworth Restaurant showcased at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City.

To make a reservations please contact the restaurant directly on 604.673.7000 / info@hawksworthrestaurant.com. For more information, visit www.hawksworthrestaurant.com/events/phil-howard.

Directly from the BC Hospitality Foundation Press Release:

Fundraising Campaign in Whistler Resort Remembers “one of their own” - While Raising Much Needed Funds for Others

February 6, 2013 (Vancouver, BC) – Jim Hickman, a long time employee of The Brewhouse, had been battling cancer. His bills were mounting and he could not afford to turn down shifts.  His Manager put him in touch with The BC Hospitality Foundation who reviewed his situation and presented him with a cheque for  $4000.  Sadly Jim lost his battle in January, 2013. His friends and fellow workers were devastated by his death. Jim’s situation highlighted the fragile position many Hospitality workers face when hit by a health or medical crisis.

Throughout the month of In February 2013, Whistler’s hospitality community will raise funds and awareness for the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) .  The Restaurant Association of Whistler is championing a month-long awareness and fundraising  campaign in the resort village.  The Whistler campaign will finish off with a fundraising event at the Brewhouse on Monday, February 25th at 8 PM.

The fundraising event at the Brewhouse on Feb 25th will be a Martini night with guest bartenders and proceeds going to the BCHF.  There will be a DJ and food specials.  This will  be an opportunity for the community to remember long time Brewhouse employee and  Whistler BCHF beneficiary Jim Hickman.  Extras include 3 Martini’s for $15, 2 for 1 wings and FREE pool.

BC Hospitality Foundation Fundraiser
The Brewhouse, Whistler
Monday, February 25, 2013 at 8 pm
Please contact the Brewhouse for more information
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
(604) 905-2739
http://www.drinkfreshbeer.com

Directly from the Aura Restaurant Press Release:

New Year’s Eve at Aura Restaurant

Ring in the New Year with a special feature menu at Whistler’s lauded Aura Restaurant. With a menu inspired by seasonal organic vegetables, Aura specializes in modern, Pacific cuisine that is rooted in classical culinary craft.

Set on the water at Nita Lake Lodge, New Year’s Eve at Aura Restaurant is sure to be a night to remember with Executive Chef Michael Guy and his talented team serving a spectacular last meal of the year. The New Years Eve menu is priced at $95 per person, not including applicable taxes and gratuity, with two seating’s available at 5pm and 8pm.

New Year’s Eve Menu

Glass of Champagne

Amuse bouche

Scallops
Seared Alaskan scallops wrapped in speck ham, with beluga lentil salad
Pickled shimeji mushrooms, celery root puree & mushroom sauce

Ricotta Gnocchi
Red kuri squash and amaretto puree, black trumpet mushrooms,
Fried sage, almond butter, spinach, dried black olive & pecorino romano

Smoked Foie Gras and Chicken Liver Terrine
Smooth parfait style terrine, with pears, Lillooet honey,
hazelnut oil, sea salt & toasted brioche

~

Saffron Poached Black Cod
Slow cooked in saffron butter & served with coco beans, chorizo
Butternut squash, fried calamari, oregano & calamari romesco sauce

Seared Pacific Albacore Tuna
Cooked rare, served with chickpea fritters, Moroccan spices, pistachios,
Tangerines, broccoletti, spicy marinated eggplant & olive oil vinaigrette

Slow Cooked Beef Rib
Tender boneless braised beef, Oka cheese mashed potatoes, King oyster mushrooms,
Cauliflower puree, smoked bacon & rich braising jus

~

Lemon Meringue Pie
Berry sorbet, fresh berries, mint & vanilla oil

Vanilla and Ice Wine Frozen Parfait
Apple pie purree, pecan crumble, sabayon & Saskatoon syrup

Tiramisu
Mascarpone ice cream, chocolate, baileys & espresso soaked savoiardis’

Mignardises / Petit Fours for the Table

Gather old and new friends this holiday season for tasty celebrations at Aura Restaurant. For reservations please call 1-888-755-6482.

Aura Restaurant
Organic. Sustainable. Unforgettable.With a menu inspired by seasonal vegetables, Aura specializes in modern, Pacific cuisine that is rooted in classical culinary craft. Led by Executive Michael Guy, Aura sources from local farmers, foragers, ranchers and fisheries to bring the best that the west has to offer for every season.

Aura is located at Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler’s finest and most luxurious boutique hotel. For more information visit www.nitalakelodge.com.

Directly from the Piedmont Press Release:

Arouse Your Appetite for the World’s Rarest Gourmet

Vancouver, BC (November 26th, 2012) – Awaken your palate to a rare taste of the luxurious Italian white truffles at award winning Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca restaurant in Vancouver on November 30th and  Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler on December 1st.

Renowned Italian Chef and Author, Carlo Zarri has partnered with two of BC’s top chefs, Chef Pino Posteraro and Chef Melissa Craig to create exquisite menus using the best food ingredients from Piedmont: white truffles and hazelnuts.

Truffles are Italy’s gastronomic crown jewels.  Rare and mysterious, these fungi have long been sought-after for their unique, earthy, luscious flavour and powerful scent, and were believed to be an aphrodisiac by the ancient Romans and Greeks.  White truffles (tartufi bianchi) are among the world’s rarest and most expensive foods, valuing up to CAD$4,000 a kilogram.  Unlike the black species, white truffles are uncultivable, and becoming rare as worldwide supply dwindles and demand rises.  A few pieces of shaved truffles can make any dish fit for royalty.   Fall is the height for white truffle foraging, cooking and savouring.

Hazelnut (Tonda Gentile della Langa) cultivated in Cortemilia, Piedmont is another Italian specialty that has commanded worldwide recognition for its excellent quality and rich flavour by respected chocolatiers and pastry chefs globally.

Indulge in a little luxury, and join in the celebration of Italy’s Best Food and Wine at Cioppino’s  in Vancouver this Friday and Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler on Saturday.  The extravagant eight-course menu at Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca includes mouth-watering dishes like wild prawns coated with hazelnut crust, Kobe beef short ribs braised in red wine, aged Carnaroli risotto drizzled with a touch of red wine caramel, light fonduta, Dungeness crab all served with deliciously shaved white truffles — and paired with top Italian wines.

Diners also have a fabulous opportunity to acquire valuable wine tips from Chef Zarri who is also an outstanding sommelier.  Over the past decade, Zarri has been travelling the world promoting Italian cuisine and had written two guidebooks on Piedmont cuisine.   As James Beard Foundation puts it, “Zarri is a gold medal contender when it comes to promoting and preserving the cuisine of Piedmont.  His enthusiasm for the region has earned Zarri a place at the Olympic games.”  He managed Casa Italia restaurants at several Olympic Games including the games at Salt Lake City and Athens and Turin.  His client lists include celebrities like Sophia Loren, Giorgio Armani and Ferrari.   More aptly named the “Truffle Chef” as his unique talents and broad spectrum of experience makes him as rare and coveted as the truffles that flourish in Piedmont.

Treat you and your guests to a little opulence.  Rejuvenate your senses with sensually discerning white truffles delight!   More information on truffles is available at www.tastetruffles.com.

Space is limited, reserve your table now by contacting Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca (www.cioppinosyaletown.com )and Bearfoot Bistro (www.bearfootbistro.com) , Whistler.

Directly from the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Newsletter:

November Events and Workshops

Cornucopia Top 25 Celebratory Reception
Date: Saturday November 10th
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Price: $35

Description: It takes a lot to be the best. Especially amongst winners. Our panel of expertly trained palates sipped, sampled, savoured and sometimes swallowed a breath-taking number of individually incredible wines to bring you the best of the best. The Top 25 of the Cornucopia line-up will be announced and unveiled at this magnificent tasting gala. Lucky ticket holders will have a chance to sample the wines that made the cut and represent the best of Cornucopia’s offerings paired with a selection of fine Canadian cheese sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Canada.

For tickets visit: www.whistlercornucopia.com 

Whistler Film Festival

Date: November 28 - December 1st

Description: We are proud to be a part of the Whistler Film Festival, with many of the screenings in our theatre.  For more information on tickets and schedules please visit: whistlerfilmfestival.com.

Sunday Craft Workshops - visit the Istken Hall for a Sunday afternoon of craft activities

Cedar Heart workshop - $5
Date: Sunday November 11th
Time: 1pm - 3pm

Beaded Flower workshop - $20
Date: Sunday November 18th
Time: 1pm - 3pm

Dream Catcher workshop - $20
Date: Sunday November 25th
Time: 1pm - 3pm

To sign up for workshops please contact Justine Wallace:
justine.wallace@slcc.ca
Feature Exhibit Launch:  SnexwÍlth/T’laoz’
The Crafts and Culture of Squamish and Lil’wat Canoe Building

Our largest feature exhibit to-date showcasing canoe building and fishing activities in our territories.  A true celebration of our waterways and cultures that have sustained our families for generations.

Directly from the Toptable Group Press Release:

Vancouver, B.C. (October 4th, 2012) – This autumn we are pleased to present five extraordinary wine dinners at Araxi, Blue Water Cafe, CinCin and West. Our award-winning chefs will craft multi-course tasting menus to complement each evening’s progression of wines. Senior representatives from select wineries will speak to the history and terroir of their estates and winemaking methods.

Adami Prosecco Dinner at Blue Water Cafe

Join Wine Director Andrea Vescovi as he welcomes Enrico Valleferro, Export Manager for Adami, to Canada’s first Prosecco-themed dinner. Adami has been recognized as the region’s benchmark producer by Gambero Rosso. This sparkling evening will feature an exquisite menu by Executive Chef Frank Pabst with commentary by Enrico Valleferro on the diversity of Prosecco.

Date: Tuesday, October 9th
Time: 6:30 pm
Special Guest: Enrico Valleferro, Adami Export Manager
Price: $105 plus tax and gratuity
Reservations: please contact Stephan Cachard at stephan@bluewatercafe.net or 604 688 8078

Township 7 Dinner at Blue Water Cafe

Join Wine Director Andrea Vescovi as he welcomes Mike Raffan, proprietor of Naramata’s Township 7 Winery, to Blue Water Cafe. Township 7’s winemaker Bradley Cooper is known for his artisanal approach to crafting fine wines—whereby minimal intervention in the winemaking process enables wines of character, grace and passion. Mike Raffan will introduce each wine, paired with a sensational ingredient-driven menu crafted by Blue Water Cafe’s renowned Executive Chef, Frank Pabst.

Date: Sunday, November 4th
Time: 6:30 pm
Special Guest: Mike Raffan, Proprietor of Township 7
Price: $105 plus tax and gratuity
Reservations: please contact Stephan Cachard at stephan@bluewatercafe.net or 604 688 8078

Big Guns: Icons of the Wine World at Araxi during Cornucopia

Seven stellar wineries from the world’s top wine regions will come together at Araxi for an exclusive one-off dinner event during Whistler’s Cornucopia Festival of Food and Wine. Each critically acclaimed wine has been thoughtfully hand-selected by Wine Director Samantha Rahn and will be married to a bespoke seven-course menu by Araxi Executive Chef James Walt.

Date: Friday, November 9th
Time: 6:00 pm
Price:  $250 per person, all inclusive

Sandhill Winemaker’s Dinner at West Restaurant

Wine Director, Owen Knowlton, looks forward to welcoming Sandhill’s legendary Master Winemaker Howard Soon to West. Howard is a 2012 BC Restaurant Hall of Fame Inductee and will be presenting reserve wines from Sandhill’s Small Lots Program. The wines will be paired with a unique seasonal menu crafted by West Executive Chef Quang Dang.

Date: Tuesday, November 27th
Time: 6:30 pm
Special Guest: Master Winemaker Howard Soon
Price:  $100 plus tax and gratuity

Reservations: please contact Owen Knowlton at owen@westrestaurant.com or 604 738 8938

And Stay Tuned…
Antinori Estate Wine Dinner at CinCin (late November)

This spectacular evening will feature some of Antinori’s top wines, including Guado Al Tasso and Tignanello - paired with a dedicated specialty menu from Executive Chef Andrew Richardson. Details to follow.

Directly from the Tourism Whistler Press Release:

North Shore Credit Union Becomes Presenting Sponsor of Cornucopia

Whistler, B.C. - North Shore Credit Union and Tourism Whistler are pleased to announce that North Shore Credit Union (NSCU) is the new presenting sponsor of Cornucopia, Whistler’s premier wine and food extravaganza. This exclusive event brings together attendees from across B.C.’s Lower Mainland, Sea-to-Sky corridor and beyond for a celebration of wine and food and runs this year from November 7 to 11, 2012.

Cornucopia – Whistler’s Celebration of Wine and Food – is one of Whistler’s most fêted events, featuring exclusive winery dinners, interactive seminars with acclaimed chefs and wine experts and gala wine tastings. Now in its 16th year, with this year’s festival growing to five days, Cornucopia boasts an exemplary culinary scene and impeccable wines for novices and connoisseurs alike.

“We are very pleased to welcome North Shore Credit Union as the presenting sponsor of Cornucopia,” said Barrett Fisher, Tourism Whistler’s President and CEO.

“Cornucopia is Whistler’s signature food and wine event, showcasing our local culinary arts and featuring our world-class chefs, restaurants, food and wine. NSCU’s commitment to Cornucopia will help ensure the success and growth of this signature event into a 10-day format beginning in 2013. We look forward to working with them in this important partnership.”

“Cornucopia is a community-building event that showcases our exceptional wine and culinary scene, supports local businesses, and draws guests to a beautiful part of our province,” said Chris Catliff, President and CEO, North Shore Credit Union.

“Partnering with this highly celebrated festival aligns with NSCU’s overall ‘wellness strategy’ which we apply to all of our corporate sponsorships,” Catliff adds. “Cornucopia promotes financial wellness, engaging local businesses and supporting tourism. It’s based on an appreciation of cultural wellness, with the festival’s current educational food and wine seminars and tastings, and additional music and arts programming planned for the expanded festival format next year. And it fosters community wellness through the support of a local charity partner selected each year by the festival.”

Recognized by Forbes Traveler as one of the Top 10 International Food and Wine Festivals, Cornucopia involves more than 60 events and 25 local businesses each year.