Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Opus Bar and Elixir Bistro Newsletter:

Bubble Lounge: Every Friday, 5-9pm starting March 12, 2010 Bubbly cocktails starting at $7. Fresh oysters ½ dozen for $10.

FAB Women: The savvy women’s guide to a stylish life. Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Art Issue: Get dialed-in on the Women behind the
canvases of Vancouver. 6pm-9pm, OPUS Bar

Dining Out For Life: Thursday, March 25, 2010.  Elixir Bistro is proud to once again be a part of Dining Out For Life. 25% of your food bill will be donated to A Loving Spoonful and Friends For Life, organizations that help local people living with AIDS/HIV.

Directly from the Bistro 101 Newsletter:

Celebrate BC’s Spring Wine Release

Wine lovers delight!  Celebrate BC’s Spring Wine releases at our appropriately named BC Spring Wine Release Dinner.  Enjoy a beautiful five-course dinner for $45 per person.  Add the BC Spring Wine Release pairings for an additional $30 per person:

Avocado, Smoked Tomato & Crab Tian (Blue Mountain Brut Sparking Wine)

Fennel & Scallop Salad with Pommes Gaufrette (Hawthorne Mountain See Ya Later Ranch Gewurtzraminer)

Green Apple & White Wine Granite

Entree Choices (select one)

Queen Charlotte Halibut Filet with Lemongrass & Tobiko Butter Sauce, Wilted Green Scallions & Crisp Rice Cake (Lang Farm Reserve Riesling)

OR

Braised Veal Shank with Juniper Berry Cream Sauce, Egg Spatzle, Spring Vegetables (Meyer Family Vineyard Tribute Series Chardonnay)

Zabaglione with Fresh Berries & Lady Fingers (Mission Hill Family Reserve Riesling Ice Wine)

Wednesday April 21st at 6:30PM - spaces are limited.

Call 604.734.0101 for more information about this or other special event dinners and restaurant promotions.

Directly from the Wines of Argentina Press Release:

Wines from Argentina Event Shines the Spotlight on Top Wines, Tasty Bites, and Tango Dancers

March 11, 2010 (Vancouver, BC) – Throughout April of 2010, BC Liquor Stores will celebrate the quality and value of wines from Argentina.  The month-long promotion will include a consumer tasting at the 39th & Cambie Signature Store on Friday, April 9th.  Guests at the event will enjoy Argentine wines paired with South American cuisine from Baru Latino Restaurante and will be treated to a demonstration of tango dance moves.

Argentina has made a huge splash on the international scene in recent years.  International sales of Argentine wine have increased an astounding 700% over the past 6 years.  Wine lovers around the world have come to rely on Argentina’s winemakers for bottles that consistently deliver value for the money.

Throughout April, Argentina’s success will be celebrated with displays in 60 BC Liquor Stores.

At the Cambie & 39th consumer tasting,  Wines of Argentina will be paired with bites from Baru Latino Restaurante.  Guests at the event will also enjoy a demonstration of passionate tango dancing.

In conjunction with the promotion, Wines of Argentina is also offering a prize package that has all the makings for a spectacular night out.  The prize consists of dinner for 8 at Baru, where the winners will enjoy outstanding cuisine paired with top-quality wines from Argentina.  Limo service to and from the restaurant is included.

BARU’s Latin driven cuisine is the focus of this award winning, neighbourhood restaurant located in the Point Grey / Kitsilano area.  Here, responsibly caught seafood and organic meats are served with classic and original drinks in a warm and welcoming environment.

To enter the draw, please visit www.winesofargentina.ca.

Wines of Argentina Consumer Tasting

Friday, April 9, 2010

3:00 – 7:00 pm

BCLDB 39th & Cambie Signature Liquor Store

5555 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Directly from the Hamilton Street Grill Press Release:

Please join us for Sunday Services at the Hamilton Street Grill!

On random Sundays, we offer a family-style carving meal accompanied by a glass of one of R + B Brewing’s fine products in our private dining room. There’s a limit of 28 people, so book early. We’ll be sharing a table, so this offer is limited to friendly people only.

Menu for Sunday March 7th: Slow-roast whole prime rib of Certified Angus Beef, carved tableside by a trained professional, with loads of roast garlic mashed potatoes, just enough vegetables so that you can tell your mother you had your vegetables today, and a rather decent gravy. The beer will be R + B’s excellent Bohemian Lager. Dinner is at 7:30 pm

The absurdly low price for this dinner is just $18. per person.

For reservations please call us at 604-331-1511

Directly from the CRU Restaurant Press Release:

CRU Celebrates Success of Okanagan’s Painted Rock With Winemaker’s Dinner

On Sunday, March 7 2010, Vancouver’s CRU Restaurant will present an intimate winemaker’s dinner featuring BC’s Painted Rock winery.  The four-course dinner will give guests a chance to discover why Painted Rock rose above tough competition to be named Best New Winery at this year’s Okanagan Fall Wine Festival.

Located on the eastern shore of Skaha Lake, Painted Rock is named for ancient pictographs (rock drawings) made by native Canadians on the property.  Everything else about the winery, however, is brand new:  the vines were planted in 2005 and 2006, the winery buildings just completed this autumn, and it’s furnished with the state-of-the art winemaking equipment and uses only 100% new oak barrels.

The dinner at CRU will give Vancouverites a chance to see what all the buzz is about.  Painted Rock’s proprietor, John Skinner, will host the event, sharing his passion for wine and his insight into what makes his wines so special.

The Painted Rock wines will be paired with a four-course dinner that will show them to their best advantage.

Painted Rock Winemaker’s Dinner

Sunday, March 7 2010 6:30 pm

$85 per person (exclusive of taxes and gratuity)

Directly from the Granville Island Press Release:

WHEN SKIING IMITATES ART

K2 Sports Commissions Joel Berman Glass Studios to Create World’s Largest Glass Skis

Sixteen-foot All-Glass Skis to Display During Vancouver Winter Festivities

Vancouver, BC (February 22, 2010): Snow skiing will be bigger than life as billions of TV viewers around the globe watch the world’s best athletes compete in Vancouver this month. To celebrate the occasion, K2 Sports, the world’s leading manufacturer of snow skis and snowboards, commissioned globally-renowned architectural glass artist Joel Berman to create the world’s largest pair of all-glass skis.

The 16-foot-tall skis, designed with K2’s signature blue, white and red color scheme, were recently installed on the exterior of Berman’s studio on Granville Island, a popular dining and shopping district on the fringe of downtown Vancouver that will be an entertainment epicentre during the city-wide celebration, February 12-28.

According to Anthony De Rocco, K2’s Executive Vice President, K2 Sports and Joel Berman Glass studios collaborated on this project in order to provide a vibrant sports-themed art installation on Granville Island, the heart of Vancouver’s dynamic arts community.

“Since Joel Berman Glass Studios is located in such a highly visible and popular area of Vancouver, we realized that we had a unique opportunity to honor the athletes and celebrate the festivities with a sports-themed art installation that had never before been achieved,” said Saleem Khattak, Senior Designer for Joel Berman Glass Studios. “And K2 Sports was the perfect partner for this project.”

In addition to being a one-of-a-kind piece of art, the process of building the skis was a feat in itself involving new glass-on-glass color printing processes on fused colored glass.

Following the Vancouver events, the skis will be transferred to Seattle to adorn K2’s 300,000-square-foot headquarter facilities that the company moved into from its original home on Vashon Island, Washington, in 2007.

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

Directly from the db bistro Moderne Press Release:

Chef Daniel Boulud Holds Gold at Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games;

Culinary Fun & Games Part of Mountain-Top Segment for NBC’s TODAY Show

February 16, 2010 - Vancouver, BC – Chef Daniel Boulud, in Vancouver to help his Canadian culinary team welcome the world to db Bistro Moderne (Vancouver) and Lumière restaurants, was invited up Grouse Mountain to demonstrate Olympic Cooking ‘Vancouver Style’ for NBC TODAY Show co-anchor Meredith Vieira, as part of the network’s Olympic coverage.  Chef Daniel MacKay of Lumière and Chef Stephane Istel of db Bistro Moderne helped Boulud prepare signature dishes for Meredith and a small group of on-looking early risers.  Though cooking isn’t a recognized Olympic sport, the three white-gloved chefs did somehow manage to hold gold, silver and bronze medals – if only briefly, before heading back down the mountain and into their kitchens.

Db Bistro Moderne Vancouver and Lumière co-proprietors Daniel Boulud and David and Manjy Sidoo play host to the world these next two weeks as organizers, officials, celebrities and athletes celebrate the games and Vancouver’s legendary cuisine at their adjoining West Broadway restaurants.

“We’ve been working for over a year with corporate and destination management groups building unique culinary experiences and components for a whole range of their clients,” says David Sidoo. “The combined offering of world-class chefs like Daniel Boulud, Dale MacKay and Stephane Istel, and two adjoining but distinctly different restaurants, was particularly appealing to organizers.  Daniel and his New York based Dinex Group are seasoned veterans when it comes to delivering once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventures, and together we are proud to do what we can here at db Bistro and Lumière to build on Vancouver’s already sterling reputation as a world-class food city.”

To accommodate Olympic visitors and regular customers, db bistro Moderne and Lumière are open extended hours for the duration of the Olympics, and Lumière has opened for lunch.  “Of course we are thrilled to welcome the world, but we want to be able to accommodate our loyal regular customers when they call to reserve,” adds General Manager Chris González.

Directly from the Natalie MacLean Press Release:

Canada’s First Wine & Food Mobile App Goes Green

Top 10 Canadian Wines for St. Patrick’s Day & Spring Veggies

Toronto, February 16, 2010 - Which Canadian wines go best with the “green food” that we’ll enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day, such as corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew? How about those fresh spring vegetables that will soon be on our plates?

“Green foods are the problem children of the wine world,” says Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest wine site at www.nataliemaclean.com. “But as a stubborn hedonist whose grandmother’s name was Brophy, I’ve found some terrific Canadian wines to drink with them on March 17.”

Natalie has just launched a new mobile application for iPhone, iPod Touch, BlackBerry, Droid and other smartphones. Developed by Cerado, this app builds on the success of her Drinks Matcher and includes all the pairings in the original app, plus thousands of wine reviews, recipes, articles, blog posts, glossary definitions, cellar journal and winery directory. You can access the new app at www.nataliemaclean.com/mobileapp.

In the spirit of going green (and giving back green), the new app is free. With the Nat Decants Mobile App, you won’t need the luck of the Irish to pick the right wines, whether you’re in the pub, at a friend’s house or at the liquor store restocking. It’s like having a sommelier (and leprechaun) in your pocket.

Nat Decants Free Mobile App Features:

- Find 380,000 professionally tested food and wine pairings
(not generated by computer algorithm)
- Access thousands of wine reviews by an independent journalist
- Search the reviews by winery, price, score, region, grape, vintage, food match
- Check how many bottles of a particular wine are in local liquor stores
- Track your wines in your virtual cellar and add your own journal notes and scores
- Search a directory of 10,000+ wineries to buy wine or plan a visit
- Find thousands of tasty, tested recipes for every wine
- Get wine savvy with articles, glossary definitions & blog posts
- Share on Twitter, Facebook and e-mail with friends

Natalie’s Top 10 Canadian Green Wine & Food Matches

1. Corned beef and cabbage: L’Orpailleur Seyval, Quebec
2. Irish Stew: Black Prince Winery Cabernet Franc, Ontario
3. Spring Asparagus: Vineland Estates Sauvignon Blanc, Ontario
4. Field greens salad: Tantalus Vineyards Riesling, B.C.
5. Fiddleheads: Domaine de Grand Pre l’Acadie Blanc, N.S.
6. Tomatoes: Le Clos Jordanne Pinot Noir, Ontario
7. Green peppers: Sumac Ridge Sparkling Brut, B.C.
8. Grilled veggies: Malivoire Rose, Ontario
9. Green peas: Rossignol Little Sands White, P.E.I.
10. Spinach and bacon salad: Kacaba Vineyards Merlot, Ontario

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

Food Vancouver Select Guide: 20 Best Okanagan Valley Wineries

Directly from the Artwalk Press Release:

ArtWalk Vancouver 2010

Innovative event celebrating Vancouver artists kicks off Friday, February 12, 2010.

Vancouver, BC (February 9, 2010):  An exciting, innovative studio event is taking over the Downtown East Side, Gastown and Chinatown - ArtWalk Vancouver 2010!  A celebration of  more than 250 Vancouver artists working, living and creating in the city’s historic core, ArtWalk will inhabit more than 35 galleries, studios, and store fronts, and transform empty, abandoned spaces into vibrant settings of fascinating local art. ArtWalk’s 13 temporary ‘Pop Up Galleries’ will bring contemporary art into public spaces and expand traditional concepts of where art belongs.

ArtWalk kicks off this energetic two week+ event on Friday, February 12 at 6 pm on Water Street (from #2 to #32). Enjoy the work of 23 of Vancouver’s top artists along with some fresh new faces: Pamela Masik, Raif Adelberg, Lisa Birke, Ronan Boyle, Bienvenido Cruz, Andy Dixon, Angela Fama, The Dark, Christopher Donnelly, Christopher Fadden, Kris Krug, Malcolm Levy, Jeremy Riley, Jennifer Mawby, Christian Nicolay, Jeff Petry, Black Peter, Office Supplies Inc., Stacy Sakai, Jesse Savath, Philippe Sokazo, Johnny Taylor, Andrew Tong, and Weakhand.

Every discipline and style will be in attendance… along with Dj’s Michael Venus! Dickey Doo! Cherchez! Come down and join the craziness!

Free maps are available throughout the community and at every ArtWalk space. All locations are within easy walking distance. Watch for the large glowing red A’s at every site and take a peek on line at artwalkvancouver.ca for all the details.

Directly from the Blackwood Lane Winery Press Release:

Langley (British Columbia) CANADA, February 09, 2009 – Situated just minutes from Vancouver centre and an easy drive for Olympic-bound tourists, is the award-winning Blackwood Lane Vineyard and Winery.

Enjoying strategic partnerships with top growers in the Okanagan Valley, and utilizing age old-proven techniques, Blackwood Lane produces limited and highest quality releases of its wines, which are available for purchase through select private wine stores and Vancouver and Whistler area fine dining restaurants and hotels.

In 2009, Blackwood Lane’s 2006 Alliance Bordeaux-style red was declared winner of Icon Wines’ ‘Wine of the Year’ award.  Produced from Southern-grown Okanagan grapes, the vintage has been described as a “phenomenal wine full of complexity and flavor.” For a full review of the product line, visit renowned author and wine critic John Schreiner’s blog at

http://www.blackwoodlanewinery.com/images/JohnSchreiner.jpg.  A full listing of Blackwood Lane’s current releases including the winery’s select Sommelier Series can be found at

http://www.blackwoodlanewinery.com/WineShop.htm.

About Winemaker Charles Herrold

Winemaker Charles Herrold brings to Blackwood Lane over 19 years winemaking experience, and crafts quality products with a fanatical dedication to quality and taste, turning out award-winning blends that have caught the attention of sommeliers and fine wine connoisseurs worldwide.

Tastings, Location and Hours of Operation

Blackwood Lane’s unexpected great wines from Okanagan Valley Vineyards are available on site for tastings. Current selections for tasting include Chardonnay, Sommelier Series Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris/Riesling Blended Vicuna Blanca, Sommelier Series Merlot, Cabernet Franc, the winery’s own custom blended Alliance and its Luxury Bordeaux Blend the Reference.

During the winter months, the tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Monday to Friday by appointment only. Olympic visitors seeking a unique wine experience may book ahead by calling (604) 856-5787, or by emailing info@blackwoodwinery.com.  Visit Blackwood Lane Vineyard and Winery online at www.blackwoodwinery.com.

Directly from the Top Table Press Release:

Top Table Bars Fête Olympic Victors with Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte

Podium Athletes Invited to Celebrate at Araxi, Blue Water Cafe, CinCin + West

Vancouver + Whistler, B.C. - Winning an Olympic medal is no easy feat. The road is long, the sacrifices many, and the support structures that enable athletes to reach the podium are elaborate. But ask an Olympic athlete the key to their success, and the reply is almost always, “My family and friends.”

Araxi in Whistler, and Blue Water Cafe, CinCin, and West in Vancouver, will salute winning athletes during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics by helping them toast family and friends at the restaurants’ bars with a complimentary bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte champagne.

“We want to congratulate the bronze, silver and gold medalists from all countries, and give them the opportunity to toast those closest to them, that took them to the pinnacle of their sport,” said Jack Evrensel, proprietor of Top Table. “Top Table is all about teamwork, and so are the endeavours of Olympic athletes - this is a simple way to show our appreciation.”

Medalists: Reserve in advance through Top Table’s restaurant directors, bring your medal, and the bubbles will begin to flow.

RESTAURANT                             LOCATION                                                                    CONTACT

Araxi                                    4222 Whistler Village Square                                   Steve Edwards, 604 932 4540
Blue Water Cafe                    1095 Hamilton Street, Yaletown                                Stephan Cachard, 604 688 8078
CinCin                                  1154 Robson Street                                                 Ricardo Ferreira, 604 688 7338
West                                    2881 Granville Street @ 13th                                    Brian Hopkins, 604 738 8938

Directly from the Cafe Medina Press Release:

CAFÉ MEDINA OPENS TAKE-OUT WINDOW JUST IN TIME FOR OLYMPIC LINES
Providing Sweet Sustenance for Those on the Move

February 5, 2010, Vancouver BC – Olympic game goers and Vancouverites alike will be pleased to know that Café Medina’s mouth-watering waffles and connoisseur-savvy coffees will be available at the café’s new take-out window.

Located at the entrance of the café, the take-out window has been implemented in response to the influx of people that will be using Beatty Street as a thoroughfare during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Sure to be a welcome addition to a neighbourhood that will soon be bustling with foot traffic, the new take-out window will cater to passersby looking to lounge in between destinations or those hoping to grab a little sweet sustenance while on the move.

Sister to neighbouring night time hot spot Chambar, Café Medina is a quaint café serving espresso-based drinks, Belgian waffles and a full breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu comprised of eclectic dishes created by owner and chef, Nico Schuermans. Café Medina is located at 556 Beatty Street. The café will maintain its regular hours during the Olympics, opening Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm with breakfast service from 9am to noon. Weekday lunch service is from noon until 3pm. Café Medina is open Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with brunch service from 9am to 3:00 pm.

Directly from the Blue Eyed Marys Press Release:

Valentine Menu

Seared Scallops On A Cabbage And Prosciutto Tart With Chocolate Balsamic Vinaigrette

Cocoa And Spice Rubbed Paradise Valley Pork Tenderloin With Chocolate Port Demi Glace And Apple Celeriac Mashed Potatoes

Truffle Cake With Raspberry Sorbet And Chocolate Caramel

$40

Mindful Menu

Whole Wheat Pizza with Turkey Sausage, Leeks and Farmhouse Castle Blue Cheese Drizzle

Blue Goose Organic Beef Brisket Braised In R&B Raven Cream Ale Served with An Apple and Squash Salad

Hazelnut Cake with Spiced Apple Compote & Whipped Cream

$35

The Mindful Menu represents our efforts to be good stewards of the  sources of food in this part of the world.
Our menus have always reflected the seasonal aspect of cuisine. The  ingredients for ourMindful Menu are all local from small family run companies like ours and the portions and combinations reflect what we feel is a
more healthful approach to eating.It is our pleasure to discuss ingredients and if you know of a source  for good local food please share it with us.

Eat Local; act like a neighbour!

February 2010

Starters

Celery & Gruyère Soup with Pancetta and Walnut Oil 8

Greens with Roasted Garlic-Rosemary Dressing and Cornmeal Shortbread 9

Tortière Tart with Root Vegetable and Tarragon Vinaigrette 10

Main Courses

Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Filled with Wheat Berry Quinoa Pilaf and Parsnip, Cauliflower, Apple Purée 18

Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast with Coconut Rice, Mango Chutney and Curry Oil 21

Seared Rare Albacore Tuna with Lentil and Chickpea Salad and Sundried Tomato Pesto 23

Venison Striploin with a Potato Pancake, Roasted Pear, Horseradish Cream and Rosemary Reduction 24

Dessert

Butter Tart with Apple Sorbet and Rum Caramel 8

Cranberry Upside-down Cake 8

Chocolate Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream & Chilli Caramel 8

Directly from the db Bistro Moderne Vancouver and Lumiere Press Release:

db Bistro Moderne Vancouver and Lumière Build on Tradition of Excellence; Sister Restaurants Receive High Praise from ZAGAT

February 4, 2010 - Vancouver, BC – Proprietors David and Manjy Sidoo and Daniel Boulud are extraordinarily pleased to announce that, db Bistro Moderne, Vancouver, and Lumière received outstanding ratings from ZAGAT, the world’s leading provider of consumer survey-based information on where to eat, drink, stay and play, worldwide. “It’s wonderful to receive excellent critical review, but it is truly gratifying to learn that our customers and peers share those sentiments as well,” says David Sidoo.

“We introduced db Bistro Moderne and re-introduced Lumière to Vancouver just over one year ago, during industry-challenged times and to the most discerning group of diners the city has seen in over a decade.  The 2010 ZAGAT survey results certainly direct all credit where it is due – to our world-class Chefs Daniel Boulud, Dale MacKay and Stephane Istel, and to our incredible restaurant team.”

ZAGAT restaurant ratings are consumer survey-based, and focus on three easily digestible categories, namely food, décor and service.  Each category is assigned a numeric rating from one to 30, with 30 representing perfection.  An average cost per cover is assigned, and a short encapsulating paragraph delivers the overall experience to the uninitiated in 100 words or less.

The Grand Chef Relais & Chateaux class Lumière restaurant captured a heady 26, 23 and 25 rating points respectively, with an average cost per person, including wine, of $108.  The cumulative commentary began, “Those seeking a sublime, divinely decadent experience make the pilgrimage to owner Daniel Boulud’s warm inviting, modern West Side destination French, where the epitome of Vancouver fine dining is exquisite, yet as understated as the name and enhanced by attentive, not intrusive service…”

The new db Bistro Moderne Vancouver received 23, 22 and 22 points respectively, with an average cost per person, including wine, of $61 CAD.  More meaningful however than the numbers is the introduction: ”Owner Daniel Boulud knows his stuff say fans, calling the vaunted db Burger a must try at this glamorous, well-cloned outpost of the Manhattan original that brings a definite New York vibe to the West Side with its bistro twists on French classics…”

Less than one week ago, db Bistro Moderne Vancouver announced receipt of AAA/CAA’s (Triple A’s) Three Diamond rating for outstanding cuisine, service and restaurant concept – a noteworthy achievement for a brand new restaurant.

“We will continue to work hard to earn the continued trust and loyalty of our clients and our critics, most particularly as we welcome the world this month during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games,” adds Sidoo.

Directly from the Bistrot Bistro Press Release:

Valentine’s weekend Saturday 13rd and Sunday 14th of February.

This is going to be a fun one with the combination of a few new people in town for a local event, also being a week-end. Some of you have read the newsletter from last month, viewed the menu under “latest news” on our web-site and booked.

For the rest of you who must make a decision or influence it, here are the details. We know where we will be. Do you? …..

Seared albacore tuna salad

Or

Warm goat cheese, fig and smoked duck breast tart

Filet mignon, lavender butter

Or

Duck Magret with hazelnut and amaretto sauce

Or

Shrimp Scallop Provencal

All dishes will be accompanied by our famous mashed potatoes

Chocolate and passion fruit cake from Plaisir Sucre, served with a glass of bubbly

$ 55 per person 15 % gratuity will be added to bill

(Credit card required. “No show” - $25 fee per person)

Directly from the BC Liquor Store Press Release:

CELEBRATE CANADIAN SUCCESS!

When:

Friday, February 5: 4pm – 7pm

Saturday, February 6: 2pm – 5pm

Where:

Location: BC Liquor Store in Park Royal North

570 Park Royal North, West Vancouver

What:

Join the Great Estates of the Okanagan team and executive chef Roger Planiden for a complimentary tasting paired with delicious bites.

Featured are samples from Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, Inniskillin Okanagan Estate and Jackson-Triggs Okanagan.

Of special note is that samples of Sumac Ridge Estate Winery’s commemorative sparkling wine Tribute will be offered as well!

Why:

These wineries are the official wines to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games!

Have a taste and join us as we get in the spirit to cheer on our Canadian athletes!

Directly from the Take 5 Cafe Press Release:

Take 5 Cafe: Uniting Canadians and Visitors to Vancouver Alike this Winter with Delicious Coffee and Gourmet Food

New Canadian-Themed Lattes, Desserts and Collectibles Available Now at All  Seven Take 5 Cafe locations in Vancouver and Burnaby

VANCOUVER, British Columbia—Take 5 Cafe, seven locally-owned coffee houses with gourmet food in an urban setting, is proud to promote global unity and show its Canadian spirit as the world’s eyes soon turn to Vancouver.

Take 5 Cafe has decorated all of its six locations in Vancouver and one in Burnaby in red and maple leaf décor to celebrate Canada and the “Paint Your Town Red” initiative. Additionally, Take 5 Café has updated its menu now through mid-March to include Canadian-themed drinks, food and collectibles including:

Maple Chai Latte, a traditional chai latte infused with classic Canadian maple flavouring. Priced from $3.39 (small), $4.09 (medium) to $4.59 (large) before tax.

Maple Apple Pecan Muffins, a maple flavoured muffin with fresh apples and pecans. Individually priced at $2.50 before tax.

Inukie Cookie, a maple flavoured shortbread cookie in the shape of a traditional Inuksuk. Individually priced at $1.25 before tax.

Take 5 Cafe Collectors Pin, in the shape of a coffee cup featuring latte art this metal keepsake pin is uniquely Vancouver, individually priced at $5 (includes tax).

Additionally, in celebration of Valentine’s Day on February 14th, Take 5 Cafe will feature a Cinnamon Heart Latte, a classic latte with hints of spicy cinnamon, that is priced from $3.39 (small), $4.09 (medium) to $4.59 (large) before tax, and a Heart Sugar Cookie, a traditional sugar cookie decorated with red sprinkles, that is individually priced at $0.99 plus tax. These sweet heart-inspired items will be available through February 2010.

Directly from the Purdy’s and Mission Hill Press Release:
A SWEETHEART OF A MATCH: PURDY’S TRUFFLES AND MISSION HILL ICEWINE
British Columbia’s premier winery and chocolatier collaborate to craft the quintessential Canadiana treat.

OKANAGAN VALLEY, BC (January 27, 2010): Mission Hill Family Estate and Purdy’s Chocolates are pleased to announce the co-creation of Purdy’s Icewine Truffle.

Each exquisitely handcrafted Purdy’s truffle is infused with luscious Mission Hill Vidal Icewine. A delectable dessert for the sensory adventuresome and an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day romantics, the Icewine Truffles are sold individually or with assorted Purdy’s Truffles in an elegant gold box, which are available at Purdy’s retail stores in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario as well as on purdys.com for $12.95 for 130g.

“Cultivated on our Naramata Ranch vineyards, the Vidal Icewine grapes burst with honey aromas and tropical notes on the palate, creating an ideal pairing with Purdy’s rich, artisanal chocolates,” says Mission Hill Family Estate Chief Winemaker John Simes.

“Purdy’s chocolate combined with Mission Hill’s Vidal Icewine make an extraordinary combination,” says Purdy’s Chocolates Head Chocolatier Gary Mitchell. “The numerous flavour notes complement each other so well that the Purdy’s Icewine Truffle delights the taste buds and satisfies the senses.”

Both Purdy’s Chocolates and Mission Hill Family Estate are iconic Canadian brands that stand for quality and authentic, luxurious indulgences. Created in this spirit, Purdy’s Icewine Truffles are a distinct treat for fine wine and chocolate lovers. Complimentary samples of the Icewine and Icewine truffles will be available for tasting Valentine’s weekend on February 12-13 at the BC Liquor Distribution Branch Ambleside and North Vancouver Westview stores.

Directly from the Molson Rickard’s Press Release:

Don’t be selfish this Valentine’s Day. It can’t be about you all the time. What about planning something special for your man?  Most men feel the pressure to do something unexpected for their partners on Valentine’s Day so why not turn things on their head and do something special for them?

Everyone knows that the key to a man’s heart really is his stomach…you can’t go wrong with giving him something to drink and eat.  Beer and food pairings are a big trend this year so take him through a sensual trio of food pairings that will explore the flavours of beer and texture. He will be very grateful. We promise.

A match made in heaven:  Impress your man by taking a dark beer and pair it with a dark chocolate.  Rickard’s Dark is a flavourful option that combines a smooth Porter taste with a hint of maple syrup.  The robust flavour of the Porter will bring out the rich cocoa flavours in dark chocolate. Select a bar with anywhere from 70 – 90% cocoa content, just keep in mind the higher the content the more bitter the chocolate.  Dark chocolate also contains theobromine which is a mild stimulant, so you can ensure your sweetheart’s senses are awake for the next pairing!

Now for something sweet:  Since you’ve experienced pairing bitter flavours and got a healthy fix of antioxidants from your dark chocolate, now move onto something sweet and sour.  In keeping with the beer theme why not take a wheat beer and pair it with tangy citrus, drizzled with honey.  White beers typically pair very well with citrus, in fact Rickard’s White has a hint of citrus that is excellent with oranges.  Honey is also a known aphrodisiac that provides the body with a natural boost of energy – enough said.

Red is for Valentine’s Day:  End your trio of pairings with something red, but not wine.  Take a red beer, such as Rickard’s Red and pair it with a creamy cheese.  The smooth roasted malt finish pairs well with chevre (goat cheese), mild blue cheese or buttery, earthy flavours like cow’s milk cheeses.  Encourage your loved to talk about the textures and buttery flavours, who know where the conversation will lead.

Directly from the Taste BC 2010 Press Release:

Liberty’s Taste BC 2010 Vancouver’s Favourite

Fundraiser for BC Children’s Hospital

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (January 19th, 2010) – Great wine, fantastic food, hundreds of revelers and all for a wonderful cause!

Liberty Merchant Company’s 16th Annual Taste BC 2010 drew hundreds of Vancouverites to the Hyatt Regency Hotel on January 19th to indulge in tastings from some of the finest restaurants, wineries, breweries and cheese purveyors in BC.

The annual celebration of local flavours and the people who create them brought together the elite in British Columbia’s food and beverage industry, while raising proceeds for the BC Children’s Hospital’s Oak Tree Clinic.

Tied for “Best of Show” were Thornhaven Estate Winery 2008 Gewürztraminer and Foxtrot 2006 Pinot Noir. Aces Wine 2008 Pocket Aces Syrah won the People’s Choice Award for Favourite Drink, while Rodney’s Oyster Bar took the Favourite Food prize.

Liberty Merchant Company extends their appreciation to everyone who donated time, effort and product to the cause:

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

Favourite Drink:   Aces Wine 2007 Pocket Aces Syrah

Favourite Food: Rodney’s Oyster Bar – Raw BC Oysters

OFFICIAL JUDGING RESULTS

BEST OF SHOW: Thornhaven Estate Winery 2008 Gewürztraminer and Foxtrot 2006 Pinot Noir

GOLD WINNERS:

Blue Mountain Brut N/V, Wild Goose 2008 Autumn Gold, Wild Goose 2008 Stoney Slope Riesling, Thornhaven Estate Winery 2008 Gewürztraminer, Wild Goose Vineyards 2008 Gewürztraminer, Averill Creek 2007 Pinot Noir, Averill Creek Cowichan Black N/V Blackberry

SILVER WINNERS:

Sumac Ridge 2007 Black Sage White Meritage, Clos de Soleil 2007 Sauvignon/Semillon, 8th Generation 2008 Riesling, Ex Nihilo 2007 Riesling, Blasted Church 2008 Pinot Gris, La Stella 2008 Vivace Pinot Grigio, Lake Breeze 2008 Pinot Gris, Blue Mountain 2008 Pinot Blanc, Lake Breeze Vineyards 2008 Pinot Blanc, White Bear 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Quails’ Gate 2007 Chardonnay, Therapy Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay, Lake Breeze Vineyards 2008 Rose, Quails’ Gate 2007 Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir, Nk’Mip 2007 Quam Qwim Pinot Noir, Ex Nihilo Vineyards 2006 Merlot, Lake Breeze 2006 Seven Poplars Merlot, Aces Wine 2007 Pocket Kings Meritage Red, Black Hills 2007 Nota Bene Meritage Red, Laughing Stock 2007 Portfolio Blend Meritage Red, Seven Stones 2007 Standing Rock Meritage Red, Jackson-Triggs 2007 Sunrock Shiraz, Vista D’Oro 2007 D’Oro Walnut, Sonoran Estate 2006 13 Moons Oraniensteiner Icewine, Sea Cider 2008 Pippins Apple Cider, Red Racer Pale Ale, Howe Sound IPA Devil’s Elbow, Victoria Gin.

BRONZE WINNERS:

Rigamarole 2007 White, Therapy Vineyards 2009 Freudian Sip, 8th Generation 2008 Classic Riesling, Tantalus 2008 Riesling, Mistaken Identity 2008 Gewürztraminer,

8th Generation 2008 Pinot Gris, Poplar Grove 2008 Pinot Gris, Kettle Valley 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Stag’s Hollow 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Cerelia Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay, Robin Ridge 2007Chardonnay, Misconduct Wine Co. 2008 Massacre Rose, 8th Generation 2008 Pinot Noir, Eau Vivre 2007 Pinot Noir, Blasted Church 2006 Merlot, Fairview Cellars 2006 Merlot, Gehringer Brothers Estate 2007 Dry Rock Merlot, La Stella 2006 Allegretto Merlot, Poplar Grove 2006 Merlot, Young & Wyse Collection 2008 Merlot, Hillside Estate 2007 Cabernet Franc, Stag’s Hollow 2006, Clos Du Soleil 2007 Meritage Red, Ex Nihilo Night Meritage Red, Fairview Cellars 2006 The Bear Meritage Red, Fairview Cellars 2006 Madcap Meritage Red, Aces Wine 2007 Pocket Aces Syrah, Orchard Hill 2007 Red Roofs Apple Cider, Howe Sound Oatmeal Stout Diamond Head,

HONOURABLE MENTION WINNERS:

Gehringer Brothers 2008 Ehrenfelser, Blue Mountain 2007 Pinot Gris, Forbidden Fruit 2007 Cerise D’Eve Cherry Port.

Sponsors:

CTV, The Vancouver Courier, Precision Graphics Inc, Jesse Winter Heading Photography, Riedel Canada, Whistler Water

Esteemed judging panel for Taste BC 2010 Awards Night: Rob Stelmachuk• Tyler Dawson • Park Heffelfinger • Brent Fraser • Mark Taylor. A special thank you for your time and expertise.

Directly from the Cardero’s and The Sandbar Press Release:

“R” MONTHS ARE SHUCKING, SUCKING, FINGER-LICKING GOOD TIMES

Cardero’s and The Sandbar Launch Fresh New Deal

(Vancouver, B.C.) – Cardero’s and The Sandbar restaurant together, announce the launch of the new Ohhh Oysters menu.  Starting this week and running to the end of March, the two waterfront restaurants will feature fresh Chef Creek and Village Bay Oysters paired with New Zealand Oyster Bay wines.

“Many people don’t realize it, but oysters are really only fresh from September to April -also known as the “R” months” states Cardero’s own Executive Chef, Annabelle Leslie.  To get people motivated, the restaurants have prepared a number of dishes.  From freshly shucked raw oysters, Poor Boy sandwiches, pan-fried or baked Rockefeller oysters, and Vodka Oyster Shots “for those who dare,” says Leslie.  Menu highlights will include American-style oysters with house-made cocktail sauce, red wine mignonette or the bold Vietnamese inspired mignonette with jalapeno, cilantro and minced red pepper.

Cardero’s and The Sandbar are part of the Sequoia Company of Restaurants. Cardero’s situated amongst the sailboats, seaplanes and Northshore mountain views is tough competition for the non-stop energy of Granville Island and The Sandbar.  No matter your choice, each restaurant boasts a menu packed with freshly landed local catch, not to mention some of Vancouver’s best backdrops!

What: Ohh Oysters Everyday

1 dozen Oysters + bottle of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc for $49

Glass of Sauvignon Blanc + ½ dozen Oysters for $19

Vodka Oyster Shooters for $6.95 – Pan Fried Oysters $11.95 –

Oyster Poor Boy $13.95 – Oyster Rockefeller $9.95

Where: Cardero’s                     The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant

604.669.7666                           604.669.9030

1583 Coal Harbor Quay             1535 Johnston Street, Granville Island