The Gastronomista

It's been a while

2008-01-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

February 2008 - more coming soon - maybe

Promises Promises

2007-04-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

I am in the process on redesigning my site, so will blog again soon. In the meantime, happy Spring!

Busy Busy

2006-12-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

I have been too busy to post. More in 2007!

2006-11-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

Referred to as `the Mozart of mushrooms' and `the diamond of the kitchen', the white truffle is a highly prized delicacy of Northern Italy. COAST Restaurant celebrates all the elegance and tradition of the Piedmont region with its White Truffle Dinner, November 20 - 24.
Award-winning Executive Chef Sean Riley has prepared an exquisite menu that features the finest, most sophisticated ingredients, with wine-pairing recommendations to perfectly complement each course.
White Truffle Dinner at COAST RestaurantNovember 20 - 24
~ House Made Taglettelli Pasta French Buttershaved parmesan, white truffleRoero Arneis, Bruno Giacosa
~ Pan Seared Baja Scallopwhite asparagus, fried quails egg, aged balsamicChardonnay Sicilia, Planeta
~ Proscuitto wrapped Icelandic Scampibraised tomato, fried artichokeBarbera D'Alba, Batasiolo Sovrana
~ Smoked Trout Risotto with Blue Marlin Brasolagreen pea's, mascarpone cheeseBarbaresco, Fontanafredda
~ Truffle Braised Provimi Veal Cheeksporcini mushrooms, buttered spinachBarolo, Stefano Farina
~ Bostrengo of Appechiotoasted chestnuts, dried figsMoscato D'Asti, Michelle Chiarlo Nivole
Dinner menu $120 plus applicable taxes.Wine-pairing $50 (3 ounce pour).
COAST Restaurant is located at 1257 Hamilton Street in Yaletown. Seating is limited for these special dinners - please call 604.685.5010 for reservations.

AQUARIUM'S OCEAN WISE PROGRAM CELEBRATES SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

2006-11-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

Vancouver, BC: The Vancouver Aquarium invites you to celebrate sustainable seafood during Seafood for Thought from November 20 - 22 at some of your favourite Ocean Wise restaurants. This 3-day celebration asks Vancouver restaurant-goers to consider the seafood they eat and the consequences those choices may have on the ocean environment.

Recent research published in Science magazine suggests that the seafood we enjoy could all but disappear by 2048 unless we change our ways.

Information like this can certainly be overwhelming. The Ocean Wise program is working closely with chefs and restaurants to make it easier for consumers to choose sustainable, ocean friendly seafood options in an effort to reverse these negative trends. Ocean Wise would like to invite Lower Mainland residents to support sustainable seafood by visiting restaurants participating in Seafood for Thought from November 20 - 22.

Participating restaurants will feature ocean-friendly seafood options on their menus during the Seafood for Thought event, and make a donation to the Aquarium's Ocean Wise program. Going out for dinner can make a world of difference. Dine out and enjoy seafood that is not only good to eat, but good for the oceans as well. Customers who order an Ocean Wise menu item will also be entered into a draw for an Aquarium membership and a beluga encounter for two.

The following Ocean Wise restaurants are participating in Seafood for Thought:

C Restaurant Le Gavroche
A Kettle of Fish O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar
Altitudes Bistro on Grouse Mountain Observatory Restaurant on Grouse Mountain
Aqua Riva The Ocean Club
Araxi Restaurant Ouisi Bistro
Bin 941 Nu
Bin 942 Provence Marinaside
Blue Water Café and Raw Bar Raincity Grill
The Boathouse Restaurants Restaurant 62
Cactus Club Restaurants The Salmon House on the Hill
The Cannery Seafood Restaurant Sip Resto-Lounge
Chambar Belgian Restaurant Trafalgars Bistro
Cin Cin Ristorante The Fish House in Stanley Park
Globe @ YVR West
Go Fish Whineo's Wine Bar & Tapas
Herons Restaurant Wild Rice
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

SHIFT CHANGE AT SALT

2006-10-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

Salt Tasting Room in Gastown is saying goodbye to general manager
Chris Stearns, who has completed his six-month contract with the
restaurant.
Stearns was an integral part of Salt's development, and was
responsible for guiding the restaurant through it's opening,
designing Salt's innovative wine program, and assembling a "dream
team" staff, including Jay Jones (ex-West and Nu, who will assume
general manager duties), and Kurtis Kolt (ex-Aurora Bistro, who will
step into the assistant manager role). Stearns's hard work and talent
have given Salt the edge that helped it win Where Magazine's "Best
New Restaurant 2006".
"It's been a great experience, and a great challenge, to help build
something like Salt from the ground up," says Stearns. "I hope this
little room is the shape of things to come in Vancouver dining -- we
need more small rooms with big personalities."
Stearns will turn his attention full-time to his work as a writer and
photographer. His photos can be seen in the upcoming "Menus from an
Orchard Table" by chef Heidi Noble, due Spring 2007 from Whitecap Books.
Salt will build on its success when it opens the "Salt Cellar," a 44
seat cheese and charcuterie cave in Salt's basement in early 2007.
The restaurant recently opened for weekend lunches.
---
SALT TASTING ROOM in Vancouver's Gastown serves great cheese,
charcuteire, and wine 7 days a week. Hours: Monday to Thursday 4:30pm
till midnight, Friday to Sunday noon to midnight. For more
information, please call (604) 633-1912 or visit
http://www.blogger.com/www.salttastingroom.com.

Four Wineries Raise Funds for the BC/Yukon Chapter of the Canadian Breast Cancer

2006-10-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

For the second year, Goundrey, Hogue, Kumala and R.H. Phillips wineries are joining forces to help generate awareness about breast cancer and raise funds for breast cancer research and education. During the Think Pink – Making a Difference promotion in the month of November, $1.00 from every bottle of Goundrey, Hogue, Kumala and R.H. Phillips wine sold in British Columbia will be donated to the BC Chapter of the Canadian

Four special wines will be featured on display at select BC Liquor Stores during November: Goundrey Unwooded Chardonnay 2005 ($12.99 CSPC # 60889), Hogue Pinot Grigio 2004 ($12.79 CSPC # 624486), Kumala Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2005 ($9.69 CSPC# 606657) and R.H. Phillips Shiraz 2002 ($12.99 CSPC# 576272).

The public are invited to the 39th and Cambie Signature Liquor Store on Sunday November 5th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm to learn more from a Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation representative, and to sample a free taste of the four feature wines.

Joe Fortes moves annual fundraiser to Terminal City Club

2006-10-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

Slurp & Swirl and sets a goal of $30,000 for Arthritis Research

Vancouver, November 15, 2006—Get ready to see competitive oyster shuckers from Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver battle it out at Joe Fortes annual Slurp & Swirl wine tasting and oyster shucking competition in support of arthritis research, on November 15. This year, the annual fundraising event moves to the Terminal City Club to allow for more guests and more funds to be raised.

“This will be one of the biggest and best Slurp & Swirl events yet, as we plan to significantly exceed monies raised in years past for the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada,” says Darren Gates, Managing Partner at Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House.

Look for oyster shuckers from Anthony’s Oyster House in Seattle, Rodney’s Oyster Bar in Toronto and the Canadian champion from P.E.I. who will compete against Joe Fortes own winning team for the chance to win the coveted ‘Shuck-King’ belt. Judges for this year’s event are esteemed local media personalities including food and wine critics Jurgen Gothe, Murray Bancroft and Jamie Maw, as well as news anchor Coleen Christie.

“We’re expecting the competition to be fierce with the level of oyster shuckers we’re bringing in for this year’s event,” explains Kanke. “We know they are all very excited about donning the belt and plan to put on a good show.”

During the competition, guests will enjoy award winning wines from around the world and our own Okanagan Valley, while sampling fresh-shucked oysters and delicious food stations throughout the grand facility. Guests also have the opportunity to win a $10,000 luxury spa custom built for this fundraiser by event co-sponsor Coast Spas. A silent auction with large format wines and a selection of other prizes will raise funds throughout the event. Vancouver Magazine hosts the VIP Lounge where our most generous guests and sponsors have exclusive access to a martini bar, their own personal oyster shucker, passed canapés, and the view of Vancouver’s harbour. DJ Just Paul will provide the all the atmosphere you need!

-30-

About Slurp & Swirl
Slurp & Swirl is an annual wine tasting and oyster appreciation event featuring the Western Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship in support of the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada. The charity event takes place on November 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The Terminal City Club – a new location that will accommodate more wineries and more guests. As such, management plans to raise some $30,000, an increase of $10,000 over 2005.

About Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House is a classic American style dining experience located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Our dedicated hospitality team has been offering guests more since 1985. No matter the occasion, Joe Fortes promises unsurpassed personal attention, inventive menus and a unique dining experience.

Media contact: Tara Parker-Francis, 604.729.1020,tara@joefortes.ca, or Nessa van Bergen, Event Coordinator, 604.377.1742, slurpnswirl@joefortes.ca or visit http://www.joefortes.ca/. High resolution photos available upon request. Oyster shuckers available for appearances.

Senova Restaurant’s Premeiro Anniversary

2006-10-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

Vancouver, BC…. November 2, 2005 marked the day Senova Restaurant opened its doors to embrace the ‘new neighbourhood’ Portuguese style. Located just outside the downtown sprawl of Vancouver at 1864 West 57th Avenue, this Iberian Peninsula influenced establishment commemorates its 1st year anniversary with a fabulous travel opportunity. From October 23rd to November 1st your evening reservation grants entry to win an intimate getaway for two. During these ten days, every time you join Senova for dinner drop a business card or fill in an entry to win a very unique travel experience. Your getaway starts with a flight to Toronto, taking you to dine at Chiado (www.chiadorestaurant.ca), then off to Montreal with reservations at Café Ferreira (www.ferreiracafe.com); both restaurants the epitome of contemporary Portuguese cuisine in Eastern Canada. Wednesday, November 2nd the winner will be announced during an extravagant celebratory dinner paired entirely with port (see menu below). For more information or to make your reservation please call (604) 266-8643. ( I will add accommodation info upon confirmation)

Manuel Ferreira, owner of Le Gavroche restaurant located downtown; has 20 years under his belt crafting unaffectedly French cuisine. Ferreira switched hats one year ago to embrace his other culturally rooted passion – all which is southern Mediterranean. Senova’s menu includes touches of Southern France but is largely influenced by the cuisine of the Iberian Peninsula. There is a tremendous amount of regional flare with offerings from the land and the sea. Featured items include whole roast suckling pig, sardines and salt cod; traditional cuisine with a contemporary distinction.

The warmth and hospitality of his homeland combined with a neighbourhood atmosphere of 57th street ‘boulevard’ offers residents from near and afar an opportunity for their senses to travel and enjoy food, wine and an ambience of countries rich in cultural cuisine. Senova Restaurant has a trademarked style that is straightforward; boldly flavoured seasonal menus combined with the largest selection of imported wines and products. Come sit at the bar and become a spectator of the kitchen action. When you are done your evening enter for a chance to win a Portuguese weekend getaway for two.

Senova open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 am, dinner seven nights a week from 5:30pm to 10pm. To book your reservations or for inquiries please call Senova Restaurant at (604) 266-8643.

The Edible Bride

2006-10-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Pastry chef Valentyn Shtefano and his bride Viktoriya show off her wedding gown, which Shtefano fashioned from 1,500 cream puffs and caramel.

Salt open for lunch - I'm there!

2006-10-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

LUNCH
Daily Soup $ 6
Shaved Fennel Salad with Parmiggiano Reggiano$7
Smoked Pork Chops by J, N & Z Deli Served cold, with fruit chutney $ 9
Foie Gras Parfait with white truffle butter, by Chef Andrey Durbach of Parkside $15
SANDWICHES
served with a small green salad and small daily soup
Grilled Cheese Sandwich - double cream brie and Comté with tomatoes and Guinness grainy mustard, on Terra $ 12
Toasted Sandwich - smoked belly bacon and Manchego with roasted peppers and smoked paprika mayo, on Terra bread $12
CHEESE & MEAT
Tasting Plate choose 3 cheeses or meats from the chalkboard, then pick 3 condiments to go with them $15
DESSERTS
Vedette - oursignature layered parfait changes often, check the chalkboard
Valrhona Chocolate Tart with salted caramel & walnuts

Monk's and the Canucks

2006-10-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

OK - I don't even like hockey (shhhh!) but this sounds like a sweet deal:

Dinner & Game Valet Parking Packages On Sale Now
3 Course Dinner, Shuttle Service, Great Game Seats, Taxes & Gratuities ONLY $125 Per Person Call 604-877-1351
All games before Dec. 27, 2006 are available! www.monkmcqueens.com

Arrive to Monk McQueens for your 5pm Dinner reservations. Valet Parking is included in your package. Enjoy a 3 course choice menu. 6:30 shuttle service begins to GM Place. Enjoy fantastic seats and watch the Vancouver Canucks verses your favorite visiting teams. After the game, the Monks Shuttle will return you to Monk McQueens quickly to collect your car from the Valet. The Menu Your choice:
Monks Seafood Chowder or Traditional Caesar Salad or Monks Wild Green Saladwith a sour cherry vinaigrette
Salmon Wellington golden puff pastry & mushroom duxelle served on braised spinach with a lemon tarragon cream or Braised Lamb Osso buco buttermilk mash potatoes, plum tomatoes, black olives, chianti demi or Indian Butter Chicken fresh peas & cumin rice, mango salsa crisp pappadam & mint chutney or Jumbo Ravioli Stack ricotta & spinach stuffed ravioli, fresh basil & tomato rose, grilled portabellini mushrooms
Finally... Crème Brulèe Cheese Cake
Vancouver Canuck Home Game Schedule Sunday, September 24, 2006 Anaheim 5:00 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 San Jose 7:00 Friday, September 29, 2006 Calgary 7:00 Saturday, September 30, 2006 Edmonton 7:00 Friday, October 13, 2006 San Jose 7:00 Monday, October 16, 2006 Edmonton 7:00 Friday, October 27, 2006 Washington 7:00 Tuesday, October 31, 2006 Nashville 7:00 Monday, November 06, 2006 Dallas 7:00 Thursday, November 09, 2006 Anaheim 7:00 Saturday, November 11, 2006 Calgary 7:00 Tuesday, November 14, 2006 Detroit 7:00 Friday, November 17, 2006 St. Louis 7:00 Sunday, November 19, 2006 Chicago 7:00 Tuesday, November 28, 2006 Columbus 7:00 Thursday, November 30, 2006 Anaheim 7:00 Saturday, December 02, 2006 Colorado 7:00 Monday, December 04, 2006 Edmonton 7:00 Friday, December 08, 2006 Carolina 7:00 Tuesday, December 12, 2006 Phoenix 7:00 Thursday, December 14, 2006 Calgary 7:00 Saturday, December 16, 2006 Minnesota 7:00 Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Calgary 7:00 All packages are sold in pairs, no singles please. Quantity of available tickets are limited, please order your Dinner & Game Package today Monks Hockey Hotline 604-877-1351

Province's Got Game

2006-10-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

(Vancouver, BC) – Peter Mayle fans will recall his tales of the redoubtable Monsieur Dufour and his escapades hunting sangliers (wild boar) in November. Late fall is hunting season in Provence, not just for game but also for other tasty treasures such as the wild mushrooms that mysteriously appear at that time of year. It’s a time of celebration of the earth’s bounty before the coming of the harsh Mistral winds signalling winter’s onslaught.
You don’t have to travel half way across the world to indulge in such sensual pleasures. For the month of November Vancouver’s own corner of Provence, Provence Marinaside, will be featuring a traditional game menu with a three-course prix fixe priced at $40 per person.
Start you meal with a selection from Provence Marinaside’s famed Antipasti case or revel in the comfort of Wild Mushroom Soup drizzled with truffle oil or pique your appetite with a Warm Spinach Salad accompanied by wild boar bacon.
For mains, there is a choice of three selections – all traditionally French as interpreted by Chef Quaglia.
Roasted Breast of Pheasant au Jus is accompanied by cranberry compote, the last of the season’s green beans and a celeriac confit. If game birds done to perfection aren’t your idea of heaven, then the classic Wild Boar Stew with red wine and winter vegetables might just do the trick. Rich, meaty and tasting of the terroir, no self-respecting Provençal native will pass up the opportunity to savour this traditional favourite.
The third choice is Seared Venison Escalopes with red wine and peppercorn demi-glace, new potatoes and peppers ragoût. There is nothing more gibier (game) than venison. Monsieur Dufour would be impressed by such a dish!
Finish your repas with a dessert selected form Marinaside’s regular menu and et voilà instant contentment. You enjoy all the benefits of being a chasseur without having to tromp through the countryside in the cold and wet. All you have to hunt for is the parking space. At $40 per person, a very good deal n’est-ce pas?
Provence Marinaside is located at 1177 Marinaside Crescent in Yaletown at the foot of Davie Street. Reservations are recommended by calling 604.681.4144 or can be made on-line at www.provencevancouver.com

Baristas are having a cow over dairy "thefts"

2006-09-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

From the Seattle Times

If someone pays $2 for espresso, then fills half the cup with milk at the condiment bar, is that stealing?

People are saving $1 to $2 a cup — sometimes more, if they use half-and-half or get extra shots — with creative ordering from the complicated menus of the coffee world.

While Starbucks is keeping mum on the do-it-yourself dairy phenomenon, its baristas are flaming customers online.

For some, it is a matter of attitude.

"You're being cheap," one barista vented on www.starbucksgossip.com. "You're dealing with people who aren't stupid. Toss in something self-deprecating and quit acting like you're a superior human being because you've managed to figure out a cheaper way to do something. I'll bet you didn't ask for a discount on that Louis Vuitton purse or those ugly highlights."

Glowbal Restaurant Group Menus

2006-08-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

Seasoned with Sea Salt September 13 - 24 at COAST Restaurant

Chef Atkins and the kitchen brigade at COAST will be experimenting with sea salts from around the globe, such as mellow smoked Hawaiian red coral sea salt, used on Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Sashimi; or the more intense black salt, rubbed on Indian Ocean Tiger Prawns. For a truly well-seasoned meal, pair your dishes with perfectly paired wines.

Going global - Say Olé! with glowbal grill 's Mexican menu September 14 - 20

The team at glowbal are putting the best of those ingredients to use, matching them with succulent seafood and beef, as in starters like the Rock Shrimp and Black Bean Cake, or Mini Dungeness Crab Tacos; and in mains like Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass or Beef Tenderloin with Tequila Mushroom Cream. Pair with fresh New World wines suggested by glowbal's in-house oenophiles, finish with a decadent Kahlua Cheesecake and you have a meal that's delicioso!

Your Food, Your Wine @ Aurora: Heirloom Tomato Celebration

2006-08-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

This sounds delicious!

August 28th-31st, September 5th-7th, 2006 $48 per person

Tomatoes from Stony Paradise Farm in Kelowna, BC

Salad of Heirloom Tomatoes with Walla Walla onions, Parmesan crisps and Golden Olive Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
&
Twisted Tree 2004 Riesling

Halibut and Savoy Cabbage Boudin with Green Zebra Tomato and Vanilla Bisque
&
Joie 2005 Pinot Noir Rosé

Polderside Farms Duck Leg braised with Oven Dried Cascade Tomatoes, Sage and Cippolini Onions
&
Kettle Valley 2004 Merlot

Add $10 for:
Terrine of Sungold Tomato, Basil, and Goat Cheese Sorbets
&
Pentâge 2002 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc

TAMARIND TO CLOSE

2006-08-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

Wonder what's next?

From the press release:

Shaffeen Jamal accepted an offer to sell Tamarind, his restaurant on West Broadway. Since his mother’s (Chef Krishna Jamal) decision to retire and travel last year, Mr. Jamal has been finding it a stretch to run both Tamarind and the family’s other business, Curry 2 U on Granville Island. The sale of Tamarind gives him the opportunity (and time) to grow Curry 2 U as well as develop other food-related projects that he has had to leave on the back-burner.
The new owners insisted on immediate possession as they intend to open their restaurant by early September.
Tamarind’s last day will be this coming Sunday, August 27th . That gives you only four more nights to get your fix of Tamarind's legendary butter chicken or signature Pondicherry lamb chops.

Le Gavroche does Bin Ends

2006-08-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

From today's press release:

‘To Bin or Not to Bin’

Odd bins, a small list of odds and sods or in this case classic wines ranging from the extravagantly fun to the unique find unfound locally. Le Gavroche has a collection of champagnes, sparklings, whites and reds ranging from France, Portugal, Italy, and Chile added to that are more than just a smattering of BC and US selections. There are dessert wines, fortified wines, and eaux de vies amassed from as far back as the 70’s; wines of limited availability and older in vintage that have been over the years carefully hoarded and stored to the tune of 35,000 bottlesDusted then tagged with their newly pruned-back appraisals are wines that include a Chateau Haut-Brion 1970, at $250.00.
Daily 36 wines will be available and displayed along the upstairs bar. Additions to look for amidst the daily pirouette of hand-selected wines could be for example, a Merlot Grand Reserve Stonestreet (1995); a Chateau Cruzeau; (1996); a Chateau Palmer (1970); as well as a Chateau Mouton Rothschild (1992). Bin ends; the sale of the last few bottles of a particular wine equals. Visit the website at www.legavroche.ca or visit the restaurant at 1616 Alberni Street, Vancouver, BC. To book reservations please call 604-685-3924.

Talk about branding!

2006-08-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

The Starbucks Duetto Visa Card, issued by Royal Bank of Canada, is two cards in one. It gives you the flexibility and security of a Visa credit card, plus the speed and convenience of a reloadable Starbucks Card - all with no annual fee. (BUT 19.5% interest)
Summary of Benefits
1 Duetto Dollar equals $1 to be used at participating Starbucks
Earn 1% back in Duetto Dollars of every Visa purchase you make and earn 3% back from Starbucks of the amount loaded onto your Duetto Dollars Account, use the Automatic Reload feature to automatically reload your Duetto Dollars Account with the credit card portion of the Starbucks Duetto Visa Card when the account balance dips below a specified threshold or on a given date you select.
Receive Starbucks rewards you can enjoy every day
No annual fee and receive $10 bonus Duetto Dollars to use at most Starbucks locations with your first Visa transaction
Gives back to local communities

Another win for Caffe Artigiano

2006-07-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

From the press release:

Caffe Artigiano’s Barrett and Colter Jones placed 1st and 2nd respectively at the 2006 Western Regional Barista Competitions held on July 20th, 2006 at Vancouver’s Historic Heritage Hall. The regions best baristas gathered to compete with the hopes of winning a semi-final spot in the Canadian National Barista Championship, and ultimately a trip to the World Barista Championship in 2007.

BC Day at Granville Island

2006-07-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

From the press release:
A Taste of BCMmm... BC! You've seen what BC has to offer, now why not taste it too? Experience the bounty of our province at the Island's many shops and restaurants and let your taste buds be dazzled!

Highlights include:
'Patio Party BBQ Buffet' at the Dockside Restaurant, from 11:30 am - 4 pm;
'BC Wild Salmon Dinner' at the Railspur Alley Café & Bistro;
$1.99 high balls, smoked salmon canapés, and Granville Island Beer at the Cat's Meow; 'Inventive Wild Salmon Recipes & BC Wines' at Bridges;
steamed clams and grilled sockeye salmon at The Sandbar;
local jugs of BC Red Truck Lager on special at the Backstage Lounge;
Wild BC Jerk Salmon and Granville Island Beer at Sammy J Peppers.
Don't miss Edible BC's inaugural BC Day sale, featuring all BC food products; or
Liberty Wine Merchants' tasting of BC's best wines.

New Friends

2006-07-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Since I have been temporarily left to my own devices, I have invited some new roomates. Can you guess what these are?

CELEBRATION OF LIGHT AT RAINCITY GRILL

2006-07-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

From the press release:

One of the biggest events of the summer in Vancouver started last night - The 2006 HSBC Celebration of Light - and Vancouverites know that English Bay is the best spot to catch all the action. Raincity Grill, situated at the end of Denman Street overlooking English Bay, provides the perfect spot to eat, drink and be dazzled by the illuminated night sky. . To make your reservation call (604) 685-7337, credit cards are needed to book your table.

Raincity Grill offers a first seating from 5:00 pm to 7:15 pm based on 2 hours, with an a la carté menu available. For the second seating from 8:45 pm - 9:45 pm, Chef de Cuisine Andrea Carlson has created a special 3 course prix fixe menu that showcases Raincity Grill?s dedication to seasonal dining and regional ingredient, $75 on the patio or inside for $55 (menus attached).

For more information about Raincity Grill visit their website at www.raincitygrill.com or call at 604.685.7337. Raincity Grill is located at 1193 Denman Street, Vancouver, BC.

Citytv's 4th Annual Taste of the City is this weekend!

2006-07-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Festive Food, Fun and FREE!

Vancouver's most popular restaurants come together for a Taste Of The City

Over two dozen of Vancouver's most popular restaurants will take part in the 4th annual Taste Of The City -- a one-day tasting extravaganza Saturday, July 29th at the Plaza of Nations from noon till 8:00 pm. Admission is free.
Visitors at Taste Of The City are welcomed to purchase "Taste Tickets" in .50 cent denominations and exchange them for sample-size portions of signature menu items from more than 25 of Vancouver's best restaurants. Items range in price from .50 cents to $3.00.
Participating restaurants at Taste Of The City reflect Vancouver's growing ethnic influence, while still catering to traditional appetites. This years' list include: Ashiana Tandoori, BC Chefs Association Jr. Chapter, Beaches Restaurant at Coast Tsawwassen, Burgers etc. BBQ House, Cassis Bistro, Century Restaurant, Chutney Villa, Feenie's Bistro, Fiddlehead Joe's Eatery and Bar, Habibi's, Joeys Restaurant, Kelsey's Restaurant, La Gavroche, Maurya Indian Cuisine, Memphis Mikes, Milestone's Restaurant, Mosaic Bar & Grille, Mouse and Bean Antojerio Mexicana, Nando's Flame Grilled Chicken, O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar, Patisserie Lebeau, Relish, Sate Satu Restaurant, Senova, Slim'z Barbeque & Steakhouse, T.G.I. Friday's Restaurant and Bar and Vera's Burger.
Taste Of The City sponsors include, Sunrise Soya Foods, Canada's leading tofu company; Pacific Bottleworks, makers of the last great soda pop and Goldilock's Cakes, Pastries and Asian Cuisine.
On the Sunrise Soya Foods Stage, Simi Sara, along with other Citytv personalities, will host an exciting lineup of Vancouver's most acclaimed chefs as they demonstrate preparation various tasty creations.
Taste of the City is fireworks for the taste buds, a fitting entrée for Vancouver's traditional celebration of light launching later the same night.

Red Tuna = Frozen Tuna

2006-07-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

I had an unfortunate experience. Marpole is a difficult area to find good food in. Today we tried a new sushi place called Red Tuna on South Granville. My tuna sashimi came FROZEN. SOLID. They took 30% off the bill, but I am still left disgruntled and will not return.
How about telling me you are out of tuna instead of radomly pulling some out of the freezer and serving it up. Rant rant rant rant rant.