Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Players Chophouse Press Release:

Players Chophouse joins the global Slow Food movement, and commits to reducing its environmental impact, supporting local producers and continuing to provide guests with flavorful selections.

(Whistler, B.C., July 2nd, 2009) – “Foodies today know what they want: delicious food at attractive pricing that’s good for them and good for the planet”, asserts Executive Chef Jon Campbell. “Our new menus allow people to feel good because the food is clean and wholesome. The restaurant uses fresh, high quality ingredients sourced locally wherever possible. We also seek out sustainable foods in efforts to provide our guests with a healthy culinary experience.”

Rob Ward, President of Points West Hospitality Group says that the Slow Food philosophy is just common sense. “We have a lot of professional athletes as partners in our restaurants (i.e. Pittsburgh Steeler, Mitch Berger and Olympic Skeleton Racer, Jeff Pain). They demand food that is more than just calories – they insist it is healthy and nutritious.”

With initiatives like Green Table, Whistler 2020 and the Whistler Food Task Force, the local foodservice industry is adopting more sustainable business models. “As much as we sincerely believe in the Slow Food movement of good, clean, fair food; there is a financial incentive to going green.”, admits Director of Operations Travis Talbot. “We are examining all aspects of our business to institute practices that are
environmentally and financially sound. Less waste, less energy consumption and lessening our footprint is also about dollars,’ sense’ and economic vitality.”

With the Slow Food and Going Green concepts in mind, the Chophouse is extending the popular Dine-In program through the month of July. The menu is a bounty of seasonal seafood, produce picked from local fields and farmers markets, and of course - Prime beef.

Players Chophouse is located at 201-2075 Lake Placid Rd. in Creekside. Hours of operation are Sunday thru Wed from 11:30am to 10:00pm and Thursday thru Saturday from 11:30 am to 12:00 am. There are two patios, a casually smart dining room and an upstairs lounge with 5 HDTV’s and a 120 inch big screen.

For reservations call 604-938-1270

Directly from the Foodportunity Press Release

The inaugural “Foodportunity,” a networking event for Seattle food professionals, will take place July 22, 2009, from 6-9 pm at Palace Ballroom in downtown Seattle.

Tom Douglas, awarded National Restaurant of theYear by Bon Appetit magazine & James Beard-award nominee, will provide his Palace Ballroom facilities to host the event, organized by Seattle food blogger Keren Brown. It will feature appetizers from Seattle’s most talked about restaurants, the chance to network with food company representatives, a panel discussion on the topic of new media, as well as a “speed networking” event for the first 40 people to sign up.

The Q&A session on new media will be lead by editor Mina Williams (Northwest Stir) and will feature several of Seattle’s best-known writers and bloggers:  Nancy Leson (Seattle Times), Rebekeh Denn (formerly of the Seattle PI), Matthew Amster-Burton (Hungry Monkey) and Ronald Holden (Cornichon).

Appetizers will come from several sources, including Tom Douglas’ restaurants along with a line up of Seattle gems such as Rovers, Andaluca, Olivar, Art of the Table, Dinette, Maximus Minimus and Serafina. Columbia Crest and Vin Du Lac wineries will pour their wines and other beverages will be available for purchase. A range of food products will be on display.

Foodportunity is open to food journalists, bloggers, public relations professionals, restaurateurs, farmers and all food-passionate people. Admission is $25 which includes bites and two glasses of wine (plus tax and fees). Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com. Space is limited.  Palace Ballroom is located at 2100 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle. More information at http://www.foodportunity.com.

Directly from the Sun Peaks Press Release

July 3, 2009 – Sun Peaks, BC – In a place where adrenaline meets elegance and alpine adventure mixes with urban sophistication, Wine and Culture Festival at Sun Peaks, July 17-19, is a perfect blend. Hike in the alpine as the natural and rugged peaks are filled with the sweet sounds of classical music from the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra. Head to the Sun Peaks Bike Park to hammer the single track and hit some features, then cruise into the village for an art show and wine tasting. After a successful day on the golf course, sample fresh, gourmet cuisine paired with a selection from one of BC’s boutique wineries. It’s all happening during Alpine Blossom Season at Sun Peaks.

To book event tickets and accommodation, please call

1-800-807-3257 or email info@sunpeaksresort.com.

Symphony of Flavours - $55.00 plus tax
Friday, July 17, 6:30pm-8:30pm
A celebration of fine wine and exquisite food set to the rhythm of orchestral sounds from the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra (KSO) on the Delta Health Club Terrace. Guests will sample tapas, prepared with products from local farmers and ranchers located in the Thompson Valley, and spectacular wines from BC’s Boutique wineries including Misconduct Wine Co., Twisted Tree Vineyards and Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery.

Wine Seminar: BC Varietal Showdown - $30.00 plus tax
Saturday, July 18, 12:30pm-2:00pm
Compare and contrast varietals from BC’s Boutique wineries, exploring different wine making styles and understanding what makes each varietal distinct.

Art Walk - $39.00 plus tax
Saturday, July 18, 2:00pm-4:00pm
In partnership with Tree Line Studios and Lone Wolf Gallery, artists will have their work on display at various Sun Peaks restaurants. At each venue, guests sample wine from BC Boutique wineries and tapas from Sun Peaks’ chefs, while learning from the artist about their inspiration and techniques. Artists in attendance include Pavel Barta, Joanne Hastie, Kendra Smith and Bill Jeffrey.

Sunburst Salmon BBQ  – $49.00 plus tax
Saturday, July 18, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Sunday, July 19, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Ensembles from the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra will perform at both Sunburst Salmon Barbeques. A truly unique BC experience in the mountains, the evening begins with a chairlift ride up to the mid-mountain Sunburst Restaurant, where a mouth-watering meal awaits you. Highlighted by a Citrus Grilled Wild Salmon, dinner also includes local organic greens from Thistle Farm topped with edible flowers, roasted new potatoes and steamed asparagus with chervil butter. Finish off your evening with Cherries Jubilee served over Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

Music in the Mountains
Saturday & Sunday
The natural and rugged mountains of Sun Peaks will be filled with the sounds of classical music throughout the weekend. Ensembles from the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra will be performing in the village, including a String Orchestra and the Vancouver Chamber Brass. During two of the musical sets on Saturday, artist David Oram will be painting a mural along with the melodies from the KSO ensembles.

Quilting in the Mountains
Quilt Class – Saturday & Sunday
Quilters can participate in a two-day class by Dianne Jansson of Diversity Quilting, using Mary Ellen Hopkins machine piecing Level II techniques.

Directly from the Morning Bay Press Release

Legends of West Coast Rock Headline Morning Bay’s 4th Annual Winestock

Labour Day Music Festival at Canada’s Only Oceanfront Vineyard

Pender Island, BC (June 23, 2009)–Like fine wine, Morning Bay Vineyard’s Winestock Music Festival on Pender Island just gets better with age. Now in its fourth year, this year’s show on Labour Day Saturday, September 5 promises a rockin’ good time in Canada’s only oceanfront vineyard.

This year’s headliners are The Odds, a legendary Canadian alternative rock bands from the 1990s. They toured with Warren Zevon, The Tragically Hip and Doug and the Slugs. Now they’re rockin’ the vineyard.

Western Canada’s first punk band, The Furies, joins the bill for the first time. Back in 1977 when punk first came to Vancouver, The Furies were it. Now they bring their primitive style to Winestock. Wear your spikes (and we don’t mean golf).

Vancouver’s Coco Love Alcorn brings her jazz-inspired folk music to Winestock for the first time. The Antigonish-born singer has worked with the likes of Burton Cummings, Ani DiFranco, 54-40 and Jesse Cook. Now touring out of both Toronto and Vancouver, Coco’s voice has been compared to Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald. Don’t miss her!

Perennial Winestock favorite Wyckham Porteous  is back with a new act featuring his fabulous songwriting and a harder-edged sound.

Morning Bay’s favourite punker, Dave Rave of New York City,  promises to “rock the party” with his faithful bassman, Bill Culp  who does the best Carl Perkins this side of Memphis.

And back for more is Leslie Alexander with her husband, legendary music producer Johnnie Ellis. Leslie brings her country-influenced roots music that pleased Winestock fans two years ago.

All backed by the fabulous Morning Bay City Rollers, our inimitable house band featuring musicians from many of the west coast’s all-time top bands (Doug and the Slugs, Colin James and others).

All this in the little vineyard by the sea, drinking the wines made from those vines, enjoying music from Noon ’til Dusk, when everyone comes on stage for a monster jam. Only 300 tickets available. That’s Winestock, Labour Day Saturday, September 5, 2009. Morning Bay Vineyard & Estate Winery, 6621 Harbour Hill Drive, Pender Island, BC V0N 2M1 250-629-8351

Tickets $35 pp available on the website at www.morningbay.ca/winestock-music-festival.php.
In Vancouver at Dr. Vigari’s Gallery www.doctorvigarigallery.com (604) 255-9513 at 1312 Commercial Dr, BC
In Victoria at Classic Guitars on Fort, www.classicguitars.com, 250-389-6029, 828 Fort Street.
On Pender Island at Talisman Books and Gallery, www.talismanbooks.ca, 250-629-6944, Driftwood Centre, Pender Island, BC; and at Medicine Beach Fine Wines www.medicinebeach.com, 250-629-2024, Medicine Beach Store, Pender Island, BC.

To see video of last year’s Winestock, check out this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXOKPQ-GhgI

For further information, contact winestock-music-festival@morningbay.ca.

Directly from the Opus Bar Press Release

Canada Day at OPUS
High Speed Bike Racing, a Beer Garden and an After Party

OPUS Beer Garden
1pm-7pm

OPUS BAR & Zegna Sport After Party
7pm-late
Be a part of the Grand Prix action from our beer garden. Located at the corner of Davie and Hamilton.

After the medal ceremonies, join us in Opus Bar for the Zegna Sport after party. Prizes to be won!

Directly from the VanDusen Press Release:

Registration Information can be found under the Children and Families Section of VanDusen’s web site (www.vandusengarden.org ) or by calling 604-718-5898 or emailing summercamps@vandusen.org

July: three Saturdays - July 4,11 & 18  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Over the Rainbow
A fusion of food, cooking art and nature - put the fun back into fruits and the verve back into veggies with a hands-on program that will encourage children to enjoy healthy snacks made with local, seasonal produce. Kids will create salads, sushi, sorbets, smoothies and more. Time will also be spent out in the Garden discovering the Heirloom Vegetable Garden, exploring nature and creating artwork inspired by their explorations.  This three-session program is for children 6 - 11 years of age. Children attend unaccompanied by an adult. Program fee covers admission to the Garden, the cost of food and art supplies. Cost: $ 110 per participant

August: Saturday, August 15 one-day camp 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
En Plein Air
Art ‘en plein air’ epitomized the techniques of Impressionist artists Monet, Renoir, Seurat and Cezanne. Looking at the artists of the period, participants will try their hand at Impressionistic painting styles out in the Garden. At the same time, they will experience fresh new flavours as they prepare and share a picnic lunch using local, seasonal ingredients.  This one-day program is for children ages 6 - 11 years of age. Children attend unaccompanied by an adult. Program fee covers admission to the Garden as well as food and art supplies. Cost: $45 per participant

Instructor for both courses - Karen Myskiw
Ms. Myskiw’s background combines experience in landscape design and home economics. Karen engages the potential of children through hands-on learning. Her passions fuse areas of cooking, art-making, gardening, writing and travel.

Directly from the Tourism Whistler Press Release:

Food Events:

Outstanding in the Field July 18, 2009

Join Araxi’s executive chef James Walt and North Arm Farm’s Jordan Sturdy for Outstanding in the Field’s first event in Pemberton, 35 kilometres north of Whistler. A long, linen-draped table beckons adventurous diners to celebrate food at the source. Beginning with a tour of North Arm Farm, guests will enjoy a five-course dinner and wine pairings set between the soil and the sky. To make a reservation visit www.outstandinginthefield.com .

Whistler Farmers’ Market June 21 - October 11, 2009

The Whistler Farmers’ Market takes over the pedestrian streets of the Upper Village (near The Fairmont Chateau Whistler) every Sunday during summer, featuring local produce from the Pemberton Valley and beyond, tasty artisan foods, live cooking demos by Whistler chefs and live music. Choose from a selection of crafts, organic and local produce, jams, honey, baked goods, jewellery and much more on offer. The market runs every Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. until October 11, 2009. www.whistlerfarmersmarket.org

Mountain Top Dining June 27 - September 7, 2009

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, from June 27 until September 7, Whistler Blackcomb hosts an incredible alpine dining experience at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Simply ride up on the Gondola and enjoy mouth-watering food while taking in famous Whistler views at 4,000 feet above the Village. Choose from Whole Hog Friday, the Saturday Night BBQ or the Sunday Salmon Bake. Live music plays on all nights. Tickets are available by calling 1.800.766.0449 or to find our more information visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/summer/dine.

Directly from the Taste of Victoria Press Release:

Victoria’s first annual Taste festival opens on July 16 with The Main Event, an evening devoted to BC wines and Island cuisine.  More than 150 BC wines will be featured and paired with delicious nibbles from Vancouver Island’s top chefs. Meet the characters from the kitchens and vineyards while you swirl, sniff, sip and savour to the tunes of jazz vocalist Emily Braden and the funky vibe of Greenlaw.

Taste Festival’s The Main Event is from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, July 16, at the Victoria Conference Centre’s Crystal Garden, Douglas Street, Victoria.  A limited number of $75 Early-Bird Tickets are available.  Contact the McPherson Box Office, 250-386-6121 or www.rmts.bc.ca, or visit the festival website at www.VictoriaTaste.com.  As of July 1, tickets are $100 and available through the same outlets.

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival starts June 26th and runs until July 5th, 2009.

The BC Lions home opener is Friday July 10th, 2009.

Taste of Asia is on July 4th and 5th, 2009 at the Summer Night Market.

City TV’s Taste of the City is on July 18th, 2009.

Sun Peaks Wine and Culture Festival is July 17th to 19th, 2009.

Living Gluten Free Community Meet Up is on July 14th, 2009.

Directly from the Dundarave Fish Market Newsletter:

The beginning of this season has also brought some new and exciting changes to DUNDARAVE FISH MARKET.  Many of you have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Kim Jones over the last year. She has decided to pursue her career as a Veterinary Technician and has therefore relinquished her position as General Manager however staying on with us as a server/manager on a part time basis.  A big thank you Kim - we all wish you much success in your future endeavor!

I’d like to introduce our new General Manager, Molly Kiefer – welcome!

Make this Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21 a particularly special one.  Showcasing only the finest and freshest of seafood, our expert chefs will prepare your desired delicacy in the sauce or seasoning of your choice.  Treat your dad or that special person in your life to lunch or dinner at our exquisite restaurant.  As an added bonus, every dad will receive a free gift…a bottle of our very own SIMPLY WEST COAST SAUCE!  To book your reservation, let Molly know at molly@dundaravefishmarket.com.  Or visit us at www.dundaravefishmarket.com to book either a table or our semi private room upstairs.  Just click the “Reserve” tab.

Directly from the Tinhorn Creek Press Release:

Tinhorn Creek Toasts Canada with Red and White

Oliver, BC… This Canada Day, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards celebrates red and white, wine that is. Join Tinhorn Creek on July 1st for an afternoon of family fun as they toast Canada and release their 2007 Pinot Noir and 2008 Chardonnay.  The day kicks off at 11:00am with a guided hike to Stamp Mill on the “Golden Mile” trail (optional), followed by games and a wild salmon BBQ, complete with patriotic red and white wine at 12:30pm. Tickets are $35 or $30 for Crush Club members (children 12 and under are free) and can be purchased through the winery (1.888.484.6467). Advance ticket purchase is required.

If you aren’t in the South Okanagan on July 1st, pick up a bottle or two of the new releases and host your own celebration.  There is something special about Chardonnay grown in the South Okanagan: its buttery richness is beautifully counterbalanced by crisp, juicy green apple acidity.  Tinhorn Creek’s 2008 is a super-refreshing take on Chardonnay, combining classic Okanagan aromas of flowers and herbs, peaches, apples, and citrus fruits. The complex flavours include vanilla and nutty, leesy, mineral notes.  Enjoy it this Canada Day with Dungeness crab, grilled halibut, rotisserie chicken, or shellfish. The 2007 Tinhorn Creek Pinot Noir is all about bright, fresh, juicy fruit. It boasts aromas of raspberries, strawberries, cherries and plums, with a delicate savoury herbal note that is the signature of the South Okanagan.  Supple and well balanced, this is the ultimate summer red – easygoing, adaptable, and perfect for picnics. Give it a few minutes in an ice bucket and bring on the turkey burgers, grilled sausages, or BBQ chicken.

On the hillside overlooking vineyard, sagebrush, and the old gold mining creek that gave the winery its name, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is located just south of Oliver B.C., in the famed Golden Mile wine growing district. As the number one winery destination, evoking classic south Okanagan terroir, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards offers an unrivalled visitor experience and wines that rank among the best in the world. For more information about Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, call 1.888.484.6467

Directly from the Tourism Whistler Press Release:

Whistler has starring role in ABC’s hit romance reality series The Bachelorette - Episode featuring Whistler to air June 15, 2009

Whistler, B.C. - Whistler may soon be able to add the title of “best resort in a reality series” to its list of accolades when the Resort takes centre stage on the small screen in next week’s episode of ABC’s hit reality series The Bachelorette, from Warner Horizon Television.

This season’s leading lady is Vancouverite Jillian Harris, 29, who was named The Bachelorette after being a contestant on the most recent season of The Bachelor. In that role, Jillian became a fan favourite, finishing the season as one of the three final women in the competition.

Tourism Whistler, working in partnership with Tourism Vancouver, Tourism British Columbia and the Canadian Tourism Commission, secured the project earlier this year which saw the television crew and cast in-resort for several days of filming in April. As the official accommodation partner, all accommodation support was provided by The Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Support was also generously provided by the following activity operators: the Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures, Bearfoot Bistro, Outdoor Adventures at Whistler, Whistler Air, Whistler Blackcomb and Ziptrek Ecotours.

“Without the ongoing Member support of our media services program, we would not be able to secure these types of visits which result in a tremendous amount of media exposure for the Resort,” said Casey Vanden Heuvel, Tourism Whistler’s Director of Communications. “Tourism Whistler is extremely grateful for the ongoing commitment and support of our many Members and partners,” he said.

This season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 18, 2009. Episode 4 brought Jillian and 13 suitors to Vancouver for group and individual hometown dates. The hometown fun continues in Whistler with Jillian and the 10 remaining suitors; one group date and two individual dates will be featured in the two-hour Whistler episode.

On the group date, Jillian and the men competing for her affection were treated to an adventurous snowmobile tour guided by Outdoor Adventures at Whistler to the remote Callaghan Lodge. The group experienced the true remote B.C. wilderness in the Callaghan Valley surrounded by rugged alpine terrain and pristine natural beauty. The Callaghan Valley, located south of Whistler Village, is home to the Whistler Olympic/ Paralympic Park - site of the cross-country, biathlon, Nordic combined and ski jumping events for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

On individual dates, Jillian and one lucky suitor enjoyed a bird’s eye view flying through the air above snow-covered valleys at incredible speeds on a Ziptrek tour, followed by a romantic dining experience at the Bearfoot Bistro in the renowned private wine cellar. Another date involved a breathtakingly scenic flightseeing tour over Whistler, provincial parks and glacier icefields, eventually landing the ski plane on the Champagne Glacier near the giant Pemberton icecap.

The one-on-one dates included the exquisite elegance of The Fairmont Chateau Whistler with champagne beside the hot tub and Fairmont’s poutine served by the firepit on the Mallard Terrace and the rose ceremony taking place in the intimate setting of the Wine Room.

The Whistler visit wrapped up with Jillian enjoying Whistler’s high alpine via Whistler Blackcomb’s new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. The iconic PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, launched in December 2008, travels across the valley between the two mountains, transporting winter skiers and snowboarders and summer hikers and sightseers between Whistler Mountain’s Roundhouse Lodge to the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain. While the two mountains have been connected at their bases for years and it was possible to ski both in a day, the gondola makes it easy by travelling the 4.4 kilometres (2.73 miles) between the two mountains in just 11 minutes. It’s an engineering feat and a world record-breaker: the unsupported cable span between the two middle towers is the world’s longest at 3.024 kilometres (1.88 miles). This summer, the PEAK 2 PEAK opens for sightseeing on June 6, delivering Whistler’s summer alpine experience like never before. With the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, hikers now have access to more than 50 kilometres of hiking trails including six new trails on Blackcomb Mountain.

To celebrate Whistler’s featured role in The Bachelorette, members of the community are encouraged to visit the Mallard Lounge at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler to watch the episode as it airs on Monday, June 15 at 8 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Check your local listings for the station and time in your region.

Whistler continues to grow its reputation as a popular destination for television producers. Recent programs filmed here include NBC’s The Today Show (2009), Gene Simmons Family Jewels (2008) and The Bachelor (2004). In addition, several major international, national and regional broadcast news outlets were in-resort in February, 2009 to feature the one-year countdown to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, of which Whistler is the Host Mountain Resort.

Visitors inspired by The Bachelorette and wishing to create their own romantic Whistler holiday experience need look no further than www.whistler.com/romance to build their own unique vacation package, experiencing the many attractions that Whistler has to offer.

Vancouver:

Directly from the Capones Press Release:

Capones Restaurant and Live Jazz Club announces the launch of a unique, high-end, restaurant delivery service - the first of its kind in the city. Using branded Vespas and sharply dressed servers, Capones takes a new approach to ordering in.  Not your typical clumsy, brown bagged take-out order, the Capones delivery service allows customers access to their extensive in-house dining menu and Viti wine merchants wine list, and promises home delivery executed with polish. The look, feel, and taste of Capones Restaurant brought right to your own kitchen table.

“Having dinner delivered is a great option for busy and on-the-go Vancouverites, but we feel strongly that ordering out should never mean compromising on quality, taste or style,” explains Rick Momsen, Owner of Capones. “Our vision with the new delivery service is to bring the in-house dining experience of Capones to the comfort of our customer’s homes. We have taken into account all of the small details of the restaurant dining experience, from the uniforms, wine and beer options, service and menu offerings, and incorporated them into our delivery offer.”

The Capones delivery service offers customers the ability to place orders for both food and wine for delivery to their home by a properly uniformed Capones server. Servers will open bottles of wine and provide food descriptions and information in an effort to ensure that customers feel they are still receiving the Capones experience, without actually having to visit the restaurant.

The delivery service will include attention to all of the finer details of dining, including take out menus that resemble actual restaurant quality menus, and to up the style ante, delivery servers will travel around the city on slick red Capones-branded Vespas. The unprecedented ability to order a favourite bottle of wine to pair with meals will be a first for Vancouverites and will undoubtedly bring the notion of convenience in take-out dining to a new level.

“Our delivery service demonstrates that Vancouverites can still enjoy their favourite Capones dishes and wines at home and proves that take-out delivery can indeed be executed with the level of sophistication that you would expect in an actual restaurant,” comments Momsen.

The Capones Vespas will be buzzing around the streets of Vancouver bringing hot, fresh and signature Capones dishes and wines to homes beginning June 12, 2009.

Directly from the Inniskillin Press Release:

June 9, 2009 [Inniskillin Wines, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario]

IN SHORT:
Inniskillin Wines has received the Top Producer Prize at the 16th Annual Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada. Due to its reputation for quality, many consider this international wine competition to be the most important in North America. Inniskillin was named Top Producer because its wines had the highest average score out of all 600 wineries that competed.

MORE DETAIL:
Bruce Nicholson, director of Inniskillin winemaking is thrilled to announce that the Inniskillin Niagara-on-the-Lake winery has received the top honour of “Best Producer” at the 16th Annual Sélections Mondiales. This award earned on home turf comes fresh on the heels of Inniskillin capturing the top award at Vinitaly’s massive international competition. This continued recognition keeps Nicholson’s wines in the forefront since
he took the helm of Inniskillin winemaking in 2007.

As mild-mannered as always, Nicholson comments, “I am extremely pleased that the scores allowed our wines to take the top spot amidst such a wide selection of international wines. I take great pride in accepting this recognition on behalf of our teams.” Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada, considered by many to be the most important international wine competition in North America, took place from May 26 to 31, 2009, at the Hotel Palace Royal, Quebec City. Over 600 wineries from 32 countries entered over 1800 wines. The event jurors emphasized the outstanding quality of the competing products with 554 awarded products this year. The “Best Producer” prize is awarded to the winery that gained the highest average score for the wines presented in the competition. To be eligible, the producer must have presented a minimum of five products.

The Inniskillin wines which won awards that collectively led to the Best Producer Prize are:
Awarded Gold: 2007 Cabernet Franc Icewine
Awarded Silver: 2006 Sparkling Vidal Icewine, 2007 Riesling Icewine, 2007 Vidal Icewine, 2006 Oak Aged Vidal Icewine, 2007 Winemaker’s Series Two Vineyards Riesling,
2007 Winemaker’s Series Three Vineyards Chardonnay

The combined efforts of the Inniskillin winemaking team and the viticulture team keep Inniskillin focused on consistently producing top quality VQA wines. Inniskillin Wines, established in 1975 by co-founders Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser, is Canada’s premier estate winery producing truly distinctive and elegant wines from premium grape varieties grown in Canada. Inniskillin has vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Inniskillin has gained international recognition for its award winning Icewines, which, as the number one selling wine by distribution in duty free stores, can be found in over 68 countries around the world. Inniskillin is proud of the role it has played and continues to be one of the rising stars in bringing recognition to Canada as part of the international success of Canadian wines. For more information visit www.inniskillin.com

Seattle:

Directly from the BluWater Bistro Press Release:

WiFi At All BluWater Bistro Locations!

Now that the sun is shining, the Patio is ready for dining! And for you, our trusted Email Club friend, FREE WiFi at all five locations of BluWater Bistro!

So think about this…you could be in your office pounding on your laptop, or you could be on the patio at Lake Union’s BluWater Bistro doing the same thing! Maybe you’d rather watch the jogging traffic on Greenlake, or Elliot Bay from Belltown…All five locations of BluWater Bistro now serve up the FREE WiFi because you asked for it! Simple.

So smile, bring the computer, and enjoy that special ambiance only a BluWater Bistro location can claim, and you can smile because you helped build the Bistro that could.

Directly from the Bastille Cafe Press Release:

BASTILLE CAFÉ & BAR TO OPEN IN SEATTLE’S BALLARD NEIGHBORHOOD LATE JUNE 2009

EXTENSIVE BUILDING RE-DEUX TO INCORPORATE FOUND OBJECTS FROM FRANCE, RECLAIMED AND RECYCLED MATERIALS, WORKING ROOFTOP GARDEN, TAKE-OUT WINDOW

June 5, 2009 (Seattle, WA)- When restaurateurs and business partners, James Weimann (Pesos, May Restaurant and Lounge, Talarico’s, Triangle Tavern, El Camino) and Deming Maclise (Caffe Fiore) purchased the building that will be the home to Bastille Café & Bar they knew that the ‘bones’ of the building and the sensibility of the neighborhood would be a perfect fit to actualize their vision of bringing bistro French comfort food fare to their own neighborhood of Ballard. Bastille Café & Bar will be located at 5307 Ballard Avenue and will open early summer.  The restaurant phone number is (206) 453-5014 and the website will be located at www.bastilleseattle.com.  Bastille Café & Bar will be open 7 days a week from 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm., with dinner service beginning at 5:30 pm.  Brunch will be served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am-3:00 pm, and late-night dining will be available until 1:00 am.

Both owners have extensive restaurant experience; Maclise has 17 years in the coffee industry, and Weimann, 17 years in the hospitality industry, beginning with the opening of the Triangle Tavern in the Fremont neighborhood in 1992.  Maclise and Weimann bought the building in October of 2008 with the vision of executing a major remodel of a structure in Ballard to recreate memorable dining experiences from their favorite Parisian bistro haunts like Café Charbon and Café Charlot in Paris.  Weimann and Maclise connected with Seattle Chef Shannon Galusha in 2008.  Galusha, with culinary experience at the French Laundry in Yountville, California, Seattle’s Campagne restaurant in the Pike Place Market, Michel Rostang’s Rue Balzac in Paris, France, and Veil restaurant in Seattle, Washington, will be Chef and General Manager at Bastille.   Galusha will be creating a brasserie menu with starters ranging from $4 to $14, salads and sandwiches from $7 to $12 and entrees from $14 to $22.  He will be incorporating seasonal produce from the building’s 2,500 sq ft. working rooftop garden tended by Seattle Urban Farms, who will help with growing vegetables, herbs and salad greens for the restaurant kitchen.  Future plans for the rooftop garden include tours, private events and a communal dining table.  Additionally, Bastille Café & Bar will have heated, outdoor patio seating available that will accommodate up to 40 people.  Bastille’s take-out window will offer items like: crepes, sorbet, falafel, frites, and an assortment of daily Parisian sandwiches.  Back Bar; Bastille’s independent libation destination, will offer a full bar and late night menu from 4:30 pm -1:00 am, 7 days a week.  Value-oriented wine selections will be directed mostly toward France with the balance focused on French-based varietals from Washington, Oregon and California.

Galusha will oversee a broad menu of mostly classic French dishes like: Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs with Pot au Feu Vegetables, Steak Sandwich, or a Grilled Lamb Burger with Garden Arugula, Pickles and Harissa Aioli, with a smattering of Moroccan/North African dishes like: Falafel Sandwiches or Grilled Octopus with Marinated Chickpeas, Preserved Lemons and Argon Oil.  Desserts, always a passion for Galusha, will include his beloved Peanut Butter Ice Cream and House-Made Profiteroles with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream served with a Hot Cocoa Sauce on the side.  Lavender, growing in abundance on the roof garden, will be the center ingredient of a Lavender Crème Brulée with Pistachio Biscotti.  “I am so excited about this project”, says Galusha.  “I’ve spent a good amount of time in France exploring country French food and culture.  With Bastille Café & Bar, I can utilize the best of my relationships with northwest purveyors and products, and highlight them in French dishes.  We’ll have great dining options including our take-out window and our rotisserie for daily, fresh-roasted chicken.  We’re looking at connecting with a rancher who will raise organic chickens for us to our specifications.”

Maclise is thrilled with his participation in Bastille Café & Bar. “I moved to Seattle in 1991 and worked as a barista. My favorite neighborhood is Ballard, where I also live. I appreciate the abundance of old Seattle architecture and the commitment to keeping it preserved. It’s inspiring to feel involved with being the hub of a neighborhood - where people congregate and connect. Old Ballard is a thriving, vital part of Seattle - and it will surely benefit from having more gathering places; I’m hoping to have the opportunity to contribute again to Ballard’s community.”  Maclise, Weimann and Galusha see this as an exciting project amid a challenging economy.  “We’ve got a great combination of forces: location, building and design, ownership and culinary personalities; we believe that we will offer a combination of food and experience that will satisfy the neighborhood and draw in those looking for delicious French cuisine in a comfortable, exciting interior” says Weimann.  “A good description for Bastille Café & Bar might be Parisian café meets historic Ballard in the Pacific Northwest.  We’ve scoured Paris for great items to add to the restaurant; an old, double-sided, illuminated Paris Metro clock, Parisian street lamps made in the 1800’s and vintage light fixtures, many from French churches.  Additionally, we’re using salvaged materials like fencing from the Martin Luther Causeway in Portland, Oregon.  We’re also really excited about our 45-foot, custom, zinc-top for the Bastille bar which we think will be a show-stopper.”

Directly from the Campagne Press Release:

EXPERIENCE LA VIE EN ROSE AT CAMPAGNE
RESTAURANT DRINKS PINK TO CELEBRATE THE COMING OF SUMMER

June 3, 2009 (Seattle, WA) – The great chanteuse Edith Piaf sang ‘give your heart and soul to me and life will always be la vie en rose’. If Piaf were alive today and visiting Seattle, she’d head straight to Campagne where life will be extremely rosy in June when the restaurant pays homage to the glory and delight of pink wines.  Friday, June 12th from 4 pm – 7 pm, rain or shine, Campagne will celebrate the coming of summer with their annual Drink Pink event highlighting a selection of rosé wines accompanied by delicious passed hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Daisley Gordon.  Directeur du Vin, Cyril Frechier, will open some of the first pink wines of the season from Provence, Burgundy and the Loire Valley, to name a few.

The cost to attend is $15 per person, which may be paid at the door. (Reservations are not necessary.)  Admission includes one glass of rosé and passed hors d’oeuvre à la Niçoise (small bites prepared in the style of Nice).  An array of rosé wines will be available for purchase by the taste, glass or bottle.

Drink Pink Menu (Subject to change)

Pissaladière
Caramelized onion tart topped with anchovies and olives
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Tomate et chèvre
Cherry tomatoes filled with herbed goat cheese
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Tempura fennel fritters

Pâté de Campagne
Country-style pork and chicken liver pâté sandwich
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Saucisson chaude
Grilled chicken sausage

Socca
Chickpea pancake from Nice

Anchovy and olive tapenade crostini

About Campagne
Opened in 1985, award-winning Campagne restaurant offers bistro French cuisine directed by Chef Daisley Gordon. The restaurant is located is located at 86 Pine Street in the courtyard of the Inn at the Market and the heart of the Pike Place Market. With seating for 44 in the dining room, 30 in the bar and 30 in the seasonal courtyard, Campagne serves dinner Tuesday - Sunday from 5:30 pm-10:00 pm (206)728-2800

Directly from the Listel Hotel Press Release:

Go Dutch: Hangin’ with the Masters
The Listel Hotel offers a package featuring the Vancouver Art Gallery’s
Dutch Masters exhibit.

ROBSON STREET:  The largest public art museum in western Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery (affectionately known as the VAG), in collaboration with the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, brings to Vancouver an exhibition, running May 10 to September 13, that highlights the extraordinary works of art made by Dutch masters of the 17th century, a period known as the Golden Age of the Netherlands.

The Listel Hotel is the perfect hotel address for a visit to this impressive show….and the hotel’s “Go Dutch: Hangin’ with the Masters” package is the perfect way to enjoy it!

Elements of The Primer Package include:

Accommodation for two in an art-infused Gallery Floor room or for an additional fee, an upgrade to a luxurious Artist Series Suite.
Two express-entry tickets to the Vancouver Art Gallery. You can simply walk over to the Gallery anytime and cruise past the line up, straight into the exhibition.
Exclusive 15% discount in the Gallery Store.

Price: $229.00 CDN per room, based on double occupancy.

Elements of The Immersion Package include:

Accommodation for two in an art-infused Gallery Floor room or for an additional fee, an upgrade to a luxurious Artist Series Suite.
Two express-entry tickets to the Vancouver Art Gallery. You can simply walk over to the Gallery anytime and cruise past the line up, straight into the exhibition.
Exclusive 15% discount in the Gallery Store.
A catalogue of the show.
A private tour of the show with a VAG Animateur.
A basket of decadent Dutch treats from Vancouver’s own Dutch Girl Chocolates

Price: $389.00 CDN per room, based on double occupancy.

Cost/Small Print: This package is available until September 13, 2009. Bookings are subject to taxes and fees and based on availability and can be made by calling 604.684.8461 or 800.663.5491 or by email at reservations@thelistelhotel.com.

The Hotel. The Listel Hotel is a cultural tourist’s dream and one of the city’s most interesting and well-appointed boutique hotels. Located on Vancouver’s most eclectic shopping and dining street, The Listel Hotel has a sought after location, a reputation for warm, genuine service and creative partnerships with some of the city’s most dynamic cultural organizations.

The Restaurant. The hotel is home to O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar one of the city’s favourite jazz venues featuring all of Vancouver’s finest performers – 7 nights a week! Their remarkable West Coast menu is complemented by an award-winning wine list (Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” annually since 1997) and a reputation for impeccable service.

The Exhibit.  The exhibition will feature major paintings and drawings by all of the celebrated masters of the period such as Aelbert Cuyp, Gerard Dou, Franz Hals, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jacob van Ruisdael, Gerard ter Borch and Johannes Vermeer, as well as an extraordinary selection of decorative arts, including furniture, silver, glassware, porcelain and textiles.For additional information visit vannartgallery.bc.ca. The show is open until September 13, 2009.

Directly from the Provence Newsletter:

June is finally here and le soleil is our inspiration!! We bask in it, we celebrate it and we sit ocean side on our glorious patio enjoying the fruits of the sea! We are extending the Spot Prawn extravaganza for another month!! We have a new June Chef’s menu featuring the B.C. Spot Prawn!

Just for fun our Sommelier, Rachelle Goudreau, has come up with some simple suggestions for your outdoor cooking: stay within budget and wow your guests with your amazing wine knowledge, be the star of all your parties! These three suggestions provide a range of styles and price points.

For a fun and inexpensive summer wine you could go with Espelt Corali Rose from Spain. If you prefer a crisp classic warm weather white try Kris Pinot Grigio from Italy. Or for something unique try the lightly oaked Pinot Blanc from Okanagan wine producer Sandhill. All available at BC Liquor stores for $15.99, $21.99, and $17.99 respectively.

Chef Jean-Francis added this tip: for cooking Spot Prawns to perfection simply toss them with sea salt and light olive oil then place on the BBQ whole (heads and shells). Cook for two minutes on each side and squeeze some fresh lemon and voila… the perfect summer meal! Don’t forget June is the month to celebrate your father. We will be taking all sizes of reservations for this very special brunch or dinner so call and book soon to avoid disappointment.

We look forward to sharing patio bliss, belly laughs and fabulous food with you all summer long! Bon Appetit!

Directly From the Fraser Valley Wineries Association Press Release:

Langley, BC… The Fraser Valley Wineries Association (FVWA) is thrilled to announce their 2nd Annual Wine & Culinary Extravaganza, coming to Langley’s Highpoint Equestrian Estate Community (2 Avenue at 200 Street, Langley) on June 27, 2009 from 2:00-5:00PM.  The wineries of the Fraser Valley are once again pairing up with the hottest local restaurants for a spectacular afternoon of food, wine and live entertainment. This year, participating restaurants include: Bacchus Bistro, Coza! Tuscan Grill, Memphis Blues, Restaurant 62, Sonoma Grill, The Seasonal Experience, and more.  Be sure to check the website for up to date information. Last year’s event was hugely successful, and this year we anticipate no less.  Tickets are $50 + tax and are available now at 1-800-663-1900 or www.fvwa.ca.

Once again, partial proceeds raised from the FVWA Wine & Culinary Extravaganza will go to Langley’s Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities. This organization was established in 1973 to provide therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. Equine assisted therapy has long been recognized as an excellent means of providing physical, psychological, social and recreational benefits to children and adults with disabilities. Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with a wide range of disabilities.  For more information on Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities, visit www.prda.ca.

The 12 wineries of the Fraser Valley Wineries Association are located just outside of Vancouver, making for a short drive to enjoy a taste of the Valley. With great local wines, food and farm-fresh ingredients, the FVWA Wine & Culinary Extravaganza is your opportunity to celebrate country life in BC. Formed in 2006, The Fraser Valley Wineries Association includes: Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery, The Fort Wine Company, Lotusland, Lulu Island Winery, Mt. Lehman Winery, Pacific Breeze Winery, Real Estate Vineyards & Winery, River’s Bend Winery, Sanduz Estate Winery, St. Urban Winery Ltd., Wellbrook Winery, and Westham Island Estate Winery.  For more information, visit their website at www.fvwa.ca.

Directly from the VSO Press Release:

Bramwell Tovey and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra perform Carl Orff’s thrilling Carmina Burana in a sensational Season Finale concert!

Vancouver BC – The VSO’s Season Finale is a real barn-burner: Carl Orff’s extraordinary masterpiece Carmina Burana is a musical setting of medieval poetry, from the sacred to the profane, from devotional love and piety to drinking songs and debauchery! It also happens to be one of the wildest live concert experiences you can possibly have. Combined with Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, this concert is a magnificent Season Finale for Lower Mainland audiences, and a prelude to the excitement of the 2009/2010 Season!

Maestro Bramwell Tovey wields the baton in this massive concert that features soprano Laura Whalen, tenor Colin Ainsworth, baritone Hugh Russell, the Vancouver Bach Choir, and the Vancouver Bach Children’s Chorus. Concerts take place on Saturday and Monday, June 13th and 15th, 8pm at the Orpheum Theatre.

Carmina Burana was German composer Carl Orff’s first and greatest success. It is a scenic cantata composed between 1935 and 1936 based on 24 of the poems found in the medieval collection of the same name. In 1803, at the monastery of Benediktbeuern in Upper Bavaria, musicologist J. A. Schmeller discovered a manuscript collection of lyrics, dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and eventually published it in 1847. The polite side of the collection includes six plays based on the Christmas, Passion and Easter mysteries. The earthier part contains some 200 drinking songs, love lyrics and recruiting songs.

When Orff came across the manuscript in 1935, he saw in it the ideal vehicle to express the kind of basic, uncomplicated human emotions he had in mind. Choosing two dozen poems from the collection, with the assistance of Michel Hofmann, he matched them with equally direct music, featuring simple yet striking rhythms, melodies and harmonies. “It’s not sophisticated, not intellectual,” he wrote, “and the themes of my work are themes that everyone knows…There is a spiritual power behind my work, that’s why it is accepted throughout the world.” The premiere took place in Frankfurt on June 8, 1937.

The illuminated pictures that accompanied the original poems intrigued Orff virtually as much as the words. The cover showed luck as a revolving wheel, blindly governing people’s destinies. Orff begins his Carmina Burana with a grandiose hymn, Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi (Luck, Empress of the World), saluting this inscrutable, unpredictable concept. O Fortuna is one of the grandest statements in all of music, and has become famous world-wide. This extraordinary music from the beginning of Carmina Burana has been used in movies, commercials, and in sports arenas around the world as a trigger for creating feelings of drama and thrilling anticipation. Primo vere (In Springtime), follows. It deals, mostly in quiet, mysterious fashion, with the anticipated arrival of that season. Joy eventually breaks forth as Spring itself appears. It is celebrated in the section entitled Uf dem anger (On the Green).

The next segment, In Taberna (In the Tavern) salutes the juice of the grape in riotous fashion. The tenor soloist, singing in falsetto, takes the role of a swan roasting slowly and sadly on a spit. The baritone is an Abbot who launches the men of the choir into a rollicking ode to drink.

Cour d’amours (Court of Love) brings several of Orff’s loveliest, most lyrical moments. The soprano solo In trutina (In the Balance) a glowing anticipation of fulfillment, is a particular highlight. After the ecstatic fervor of Blanziflor et Helena (Blanchefleur and Helen, the principal characters in a medieval romance), Orff’s ode to luck returns, to close Carmina Burana as majestically as it began.

Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms was commissioned in 1929 by conductor Serge Koussevitzky, for the fiftieth anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He used this opportunity to realize a project he had been considering for some time: a setting of selected Biblical Psalms for chorus and orchestra.

“I began with Psalm 150,” Stravinsky wrote. “After finishing the fast-tempo sections, I went back to compose the first and second movements…The first movement, Hear my prayer, O Lord, (Psalm 39) was composed in a state of religious and musical symbolism in any of my music before The Flood. It consists of an upside-down pyramid of fugues.

“The Allegro in Psalm 150 (Finale of the Symphony) was inspired by a vision of Elijah’s chariot climbing to the heavens; never before had I written anything quite so literal as the triplets for horns and piano to suggest the horses and chariot. In setting the words of this final hymn, I cared above all for the sounds of the syllables, and I have indulged my besetting pleasure of regulating prosody in my own way.”

Stravinsky, who had become a regular communicant of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1926, inscribed the score of Symphony of Psalms “To the Glory of God.” The orchestration includes enlarged wind and brass sections, but excludes violins and violas.

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