Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

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.