Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from Cravings Restaurant and Lounge:

Cravings Valentines Weekend Menu  3 course - $39.00    4 course - $49.00

Regular dinner menu also available on Feb 12th and 13th

Special dinner menu only on the 14th

Amuse Bouche

Fresh Local Oysters

(included with 4 course)

First course

Love Apple soup

or

Preserved Lemon and Almond Risotto

or

Pepper Beef Carpaccio

Second Course

Mushroom Dusted Ling Cod Roasted Clams, Herb Aioli
or
Lentil and Wild Mushroom Ragout Smoked Tomato Broth
or
Apple and Fennel Braised Pork Leek and Potato Galette

Third Course

Chocolate with Chocolate and Chocolate
or
Cheesecake

Directly from the Bistro Pastis Press Release:

Valentine’s Day

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Four Course Table D’Hote

Grilled Quail, Wild Mushroom and Bacon Tart,

Sour Cherry Vinaigrette

Pinor Noir “Couvent des Jacobins@ Louis Jadot Burgundy

*********

Pan-Seared Artic Char,

Crab and Citrus Ravioli,

Lobster Bisque Beurre Blanc

Riesling Pffafenheim Alsace

*********

Phyllo Pastry Wrapped Lamb Loin,

Mushroom Duxelle, Ratatouille Pavé

Pomme Dauphine, Sage Brown Butter Jus

Vacqueyras Domaine Perrin Rhone Valley

*********

Le Dessert de la Saint Valentin

Sparkling Crémant de Limoux, Languedoc

$80 person  / Wine Pairing $45

Directly from the Two Chefs and a Table Press Release:

Valentine’s  Menu $65 per person (not including tax or gratuity)

Amuse Bouche

Fresh mussel soup shot with a saffron creme

* Novecento Extra Brut

First Course

Albacore Tuna Crudo: Pacific Albacore, lemon vinegar, smoked sea salt, virgin olive oil

* Montresor Soave Classico

Second Course: Rabbit Terrine, house made with cranberry, hazelnuts,accompanied by fresh onion bread, sweet seed mustard

* Domaine Lafond  “Roc-Epine” Tavel

Third Course: Beet Gnochhi, Yukon gold handmade, Okanagan goat cheese cream

* Luiano “Rosso Assai” Sangiovese

Main Course: Lamb shank, double braised, mushroom risotto, seasonal vegetables

OR

Polderside Duck breast, seared, dark cherry demi glace, roasted potato, fennel, w/ walnut puree

* Bodega Dante Robino Cabernet Sauvignon

Dessert: Dark chocolate mousse with Bulleit bourbon cherries

* Quinta do Crasto LBV Port

OR

Burnt orange white chocolate fondue

* Aruspide Airen “Lando”

Directly from the Rocky Mountaineer Press Release:

FALL IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN ONBOARD A TRAIN JOURNEY THROUGH THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

Give the Gift of Travel with an Intimate Trip on the Rocky Mountaineer for Valentine’s Day

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (February 3, 2010) – This Valentine’s Day, put your sweetheart on cloud nine by giving an unforgettable romantic trip onboard with Rocky Mountaineer. Travelling by luxury train in Western Canada takes your appreciation for natural wonders and your significant other to new heights. The relaxing pace, exceptional service, gourmet culinary experience and intimate atmosphere onboard the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer are sure to unleash the romance in every couple for that special occasion, honeymoon or anniversary.

“Being onboard the Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most romantic things you can do as a couple,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer. “Life can often get away from us, so we strive to create packages that remind people to slow down, enjoy life and remember what’s really important.”

The Canadian Rockies at Leisure package offers the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together and explore the magnificent beauty of the Canadian Rockies. During the trip, guests enjoy a glorious two-day, all daylight rail experience on Rocky Mountaineer’s Journey through the Clouds route between Vancouver, BC and Jasper, Alberta with overnight stays in some of the region’s most romantic destinations such as Vancouver, Lake Louise and Banff, Alberta. This nine-night/ten-day tour encourages couples to create special memories and get to know each other all over again. The package includes hotel accommodation, an Exclusive Attractions Pass and several sightseeing opportunities including a tour of Jasper, the Icefields Parkway tour, a guided lakeshore stroll at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a Summit Helicopter tour over the Rockies and much more. Rates begin at $2099 CDN per person, based on double occupancy.

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, why not sweeten the deal with Rocky Mountaineer’s recently announced Stay and Play offer that allows visitors to spend a little more time in the cosmopolitan, coastal city of Vancouver, British Columbia. Guests who book a Rocky Mountaineer rail vacation of seven nights or more from now until March 12, 2010 can extend their stay in Vancouver with a free additional hotel night and explore BC’s sites with a choice of a complimentary sightseeing tour.

Rocky Mountaineer gift certificates, available in a variety of denominations are the perfect gift for anyone wanting to surprise that special someone. When ordered online or by phone, a gift certificate will be delivered directly to the buyer or recipient by mail. For an even more convenient option, certificates can also be sent by e-mail.

For more information on the Canadian Rockies at Leisure package, the Stay and Play offer or to receive a copy of the 2010 Rocky Mountaineer brochure, please contact your local travel professional or Rocky Mountaineer directly at (800) 665-7245, or visit www.rockymountaineer.com.