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.