Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

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!