Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Cravings Restaurant and Lounge Website:

Starting April 1st, 2011 Every Friday and Saturday Live Music from 8:00pm to 11:00pm.

Drink Specials: Draft Beer 16oz ($3.50), Martini 2oz ($4.50)

Food Specials for April/May: Tray of Sliders $7.95, Seafood Linguine $10.95

Directly from the Pink Elephant Thai Press Release:

Pink Elephant Thai Set to Open on Alberni mid-April

(Vancouver, BC) March 29, 2011, – Desmond Chen, president of Charm Modern Thai, Urban Thai Bistro, and Chilli House Thai Bistro, is pleased to announce that his newest restaurant, Pink Elephant Thai, will open at 1152 Alberni Street by mid April 2011.  Pink Elephant Thai will be open seven days a week, from 11:30am through midnight, serving lunch, dinner, cocktails, plus everything in between.

Desmond secured the prime location on Alberni between Thurlow and Bute streets in late 2010 and quickly began executing his latest concept.

“Alberni Street has undergone an amazing transformation over the past few years,” says Desmond. “It has morphed from being Robson Street’s little sister to an attraction in its own right with the right mix of high-end fashion boutiques and destination restaurants.”

Although located in one of the trendiest culinary hotspots in the city, Desmond chose a restaurant name that honors old world Thai culture and tradition.  In Thailand the white elephant is a symbol of divine and royal power, featured in Buddhist art and architecture, and loved by Thai people.  In contrast, the pink part represents all that is fun, sexy and hot.  Hot pink that is.

Pink Elephant Thai will offer an innovative Thai menu utilizing authentic ingredients and techniques in new ways.  The dishes are designed to be enjoyed tapas style and paired with Pink Elephant’s signature cocktails.

“I like to think of it as an Iza-THAI-ya,” says Desmond. “Don’t get me wrong, Pink Elephant is not fusion of Thai and Japanese food, but we will offer a casual vibe and tapas style menu that is similar to that of a Japanese izakaya, and a low price point too.  Only in Vancouver, eh!”

The 80-seat restaurant has an intimate bar with seating for 10, plus a chef’s table for larger groups.  The decor is ultra sleek with gleaming whites and polished blacks, offset by plush banquette booth seating, and punches of silver and the restaurant’s signature pink.

Although the atmosphere at Pink Elephant Thai aims to be “sanook”, that’s Thai for fun and vibrant with lots of energy; there’s also room to “sabai sabai” or relax and chill. With two levels, there’s enough space to accommodate everyone’s mood.

Directly from the Variety BC Press Release:

2nd ANNUAL FOOD FIGHT! THE BATTLE FOR BRUNCH

Feast and Fundraise for Variety – The Children’s Charity

Burnaby, BC (March 28, 2011) – Calling all Foodies! Only two weeks left to get your tickets to Food Fight! The Battle for Brunch, presented by Variety – The Children’s Charity and MarketPlace IGA! This fun and unique fundraising event will bring together some of BC’s finest Chefs in a battle for your taste buds. Mingle with friends as you sample each delicious brunch offering and cast your ballot to declare one Chef the Food Fight champ!

This year, Food Fight competitors include: Market by Jean-Georges, O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar, Terminal City Club, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort, YEW restaurant + bar, Ebo Restaurant and Abercorn Inn. The silent auction will feature items donated by LIFT Bar & Grill, Cobs Bread, Skoah, Cookworks, Mink Chocolates, Winners, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, and many more. The incredible live auction features return airfare for two, anywhere WestJet flies, winery tours, a luxury boat cruise and more!

Emceed once again by fabulous Vancouver personality, Fred Lee, this stellar lineup is sure to please foodies of all ages and palate predilections so make sure to get your tickets! A cash bar will be offering a variety of wines, champagne and other liquid libations.

Tickets are $45 and available online at www.variety.bc.ca/foodfight.htm or by calling the Variety office at 604.320.0505.

What:    Food Fight! The Battle for Brunch

Where:  Terminal City Club, 837 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
When:   Sunday, April 10th from 11am – 2pm