***For Chinese posting please go to the Chinese site – 以希飲食網

Beyondschopsticks is now talking food, wine, culture, recipes & travel on AM1470 ( 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 10:30 – 11am)

Don’t know how lucky you are to be living here? Well, take a look around you, sniff; smell not only the clean air but the barbecued aroma and west coastal grubs. I bet you that’s what most visitors in town will be saying and doing. The generous Pacific sunshine brings in waves of tourist, you can definitely meet and greet them everywhere, especially downtown where iconic food establishments and hotels are.

The strike of the summer sun is a whistle, telling hotels, restaurants, bars and all sorts of eateries to get ready. In fact, most of them are.

So go out there, join the tourists, grab a drink, have a taste, have a great summer!

Grain Tasting Bar
655 Burrard Street. 604-639-4768 http://www.grainvbc.com

Talk about food tasting, wine sipping and beer drinking, you should check out the newly renovated lounge at Hyatt Regency. Grain Tasting Bar boasts an urban retreat laced with elaborated interior design. The glamourous entrance will turn any heads upon entering the hotel via Burrard Street. A great hide-away place in the downtown core for sure.

Sip a cocktail or a glass of B.C. wine while slurping shucked oysters at the glittering bar; sit by the window and soak up the sun while savouring a cheese and charcuterie plate for lunch; laugh out loud amongst friends while relaxing after work and watching the crowds go by. The mood of Grain changes at nightfall and turns mellow as the beautiful room shuts out the hustle and bustle of the downtown rushes, it nestles perhaps some romances too.

Cactus Club Coal Harbour
Waterfront Burrard 604.682.0933 http://www.cactusclubcafe.com

The ravishing Cactus Club has done it again! You’ll know what I mean if you’ve been to their newest Vancouver location, next to the Olympic cauldrons right at the waterfront. The spot, according to some feng-sui experts, is pinnacle. The energy level, high as the rising sun, fills the restaurants and refuels diners with west-coastal sensations. You don’t have to believe me, but will agree once you’ve been!

The food here, designed and crafted by our very own Canadian Iron Chef Rob Feenie, is beyond top-notched (Try their wagu meatballs!) Do walk around and admire the arts, I’m sure you’ll recognize the artists and the value of them. Another landmark created by Richard Jaffray, president & founder, Rob Feenie, Executive Chef and Sabastian le Goff, Service Director & Sommelier, Cactus Club Coal Harbour is the true statement of a well-organized and strongly-focused establishment who is fruitful in all regards.

Black + Blue
1032 Alberni Street, 604-637-0777 http://www.glowbalgroup.com/blackblue/

‘The golden age of steak’ refers not only to the superb quality of the meat, but the caliber of the restaurant. But who would ever second-guessed Glowbal Group for their significant achievement in the local restaurant industry? Beautiful rooms, classic themes and flavourful menu; all combined to give each Glowbal restaurant the distinct merit. Black+Blue, the one and only Steak House under the Glowbal wing proves just that. The recent grand opening of the roof-top where each corner, each chair, each table, each plant is nothing short of high-end dream home design, was the glimpse into how excel the Glowbal team is.

The Hollywood-like launch event of Black+Blue’s roof-top, a night when gorgeous ladies in their brand-named outfits and gentlemen in their GQ modes walking around with flutes of champagnes and canapés of delicate morsels, featured a scene usually belonged to the social columns in magazines. Now it is within reach, all you have to do is make a reservation.

Spicy BBQ duck with Blueberry Jam Recipe
(Prepare this one day ahead)

1 3-4 lb Fraser Valley duck
3 Tbsp Blueberry jam
2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp Sriracha
1 Tbsp Grand Marnier
1 Tbsp Hoisin sauce
½ tsp Sea salt

Rinse and dry duck, remove excess fat. Cut open at duck breast, spread and press.
Put all seasonings in a bowl, mix well to make a sauce. Using a brush, apply onto duck. Cover and place in the fridge overnight.
Next day, dry the duck by hanging with kitchen threads or place flat on racks (skin side up) for at least 2 hours. When the barbecue stove is heated, place flat on the grill, skin side up. Grill for 30 minutes, brush skin side with sauce and place on the upper rack. Turn the duck inside up every 15 minutes and brush skin with sauce every 20 minutes.
Cook with the lid closed as much as possible for about 100 minutes. Text doneness with a sharp knife, ready to serve when liquid runs clear.

April 23 – Show Bytes

1/ WE Coffee
1696 Robson (at Bidwell), Vancouver. 604-566-6888
http://www.wecoffeeroaster.com

Not just a coffee shop but a neighbourhood café serving coffees with characters! Even those gourmet sandwiches and pastries are made in house.
Must haves: Your favourite coffee brewed WE style, with PLC – passion, love and care. What’s coffee without pastry? What about WE’s ‘made-to-order’ waffles with all the trimmings?

2/ Hurry to Agassiz Tulip Festival – Tulip of the Valley
About 90 minutes away on Lougheed Highway, a field of floral rainbow is awaiting. Sketched with 9 million bulbs of tulips of different colour and varieties, this spectacular valley bloom stays only for a very short time. “We grow and care for the tulips all year round, but love to share the magical tulips with the public so we open our fields to the public for two weeks only.” Kate Onos-Gilbert, who calls herself ‘the wife of the tulip farmer’, said with a smile. “There are 15 different varieties of tulips, and proudly, these are all Canadian bulbs!”

This week only until Sunday – make sure to log onto their website to get the latest news about the tulip fields. Please wear or bring your boots! www.tulipofthevalley.com

3/ The Copper Room at Harrison Hot Spring Resort and Spa
The Copper Room, possibly the one and only grand hotel dining room with the 60’s nightclub style dancing facility in the Valley and Metro Vancouver area where top caliber cuisine is crafted and served by friendly and very professional staff. Where can you enjoy a $38 Seasonal Table d’hotel and dance the night away at the same time in such a beautiful and nostalgic dining hall?

So pack your dancing shoes and swim-suits (the hotel is also famous for their natural hot spring pools and spa), and make a romantic, delicious and relaxing weekend out of it! Reservation is highly recommended.
http://www.harrisonresort.com

4/ Wines and Puppies
Pads (Pacific Assistance Dog Society) breeds, raises, trains and places assistance dogs for persons with physical disability or who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, as well as supporting the client & dog teams for the working life of these assistance dogs. Currently Pads has 8 nine-week-old puppies and are looking for volunteer to puppy-sit, raise and train. Apparently, these 8 cute puppies are given wine names, as a special effort to appeal to wine lovers and the wine communities.
They are: Pinot, Syrah, Merlot, Grigio, Bacchus, Verdot, Malbec and Gamay.
Please do take a look!
For further information about PADS and this litter of puppies with wine names, lot onto http://www.pads.ca

Cache` Bistro & Lounge

To make their first Spring season in Yaletown a special one, the newest French Bistro on Hamilton Street welcomes the warming sun by hosting a “Celebrate Spring” Wine pairing dinner on Wednesday, April 3. This $85 all inclusive 5-course dinner starts with a cocktail reception, followed by new vogue French dishes created by Chef Alex. An evening of food, wine and delicious conversations promise to swing everybody’s mood right into spring. For party of 6 or more, the price tag is $80pp. For detail information and check out the menu, or to book your table, go to their website.

1269   Hamilton Street, Vancouver. 604- 558-1269   http://www.cachebistro.com

April 17 is Malbec World Day.

It’s a day where Wines of Argentina serenades the flagship varietal – Malbec. Various tasting events are set up for wine drinkers to sip, swirl and then form their opinions on Argentine Malbec! As we all know, New World wines have been gaining their attractions for good reasons: be it on price, willingness by winemakers to explore and test the limit, non-conformity to tradition, exploring new terroir or going back to the roots to respect the land.  One key certainty is that New World wines are improving day by day. The value to price ratio is quite high resulting in more converts and consumers are more willing to pick a New World wine if the “rating” and wine awards credential is high. So mark your calendar to try some New World Malbec from Argentina and see why it is their flagship varietal! Do let me know your opinion on this varietal.

More than 20 BCLDB Signature Stores will be hosting tasting sessions on April 12 & 13 to give the public a chance to find out what Argentinean Malbec is all about. Besides these Signature government liquor stores, Marquis Wine Cellar in West End, Legacy Liquor Store in False Creek and Everything Wine Stores in North Vancouver, White Rock and Vancouver Island will all be hosting Malbec wine tasting events on April 13 Saturday from 2 pm to 5 pm to convert wine drinkers. The idea is that once you pick out your favourite Malbec, you can organize your own Malbec celebration any way you want on April 17 to appreciate this varietal.

BC Hospitality Foundation salutes Rodney Strong Vineyards and Hy’s Steakhouse    Rodney Strong Vineyards and Hy’s Steakhouse is teaming up for a winemaker’s dinner on Thursday, April 11 to benefit BC Hospitality Foundation. This winemaker’s dinner will feature 6 Rodney Strong wines from the 2007 to 2012 vintage. We got a chance to taste some Rodney Strong wines at the wine festival and this is a better chance to enjoy an in-depth understanding of their wines directly from winemaker Rick Sayre. This $135 dinner will benefit the BC Hospitality Foundation whose mission is to provide supports to those working in the F&B field or related to the BC hospitality industry. A not to be missed dinner for a worthwhile cause! Order tickets at htto://eventbrite.com

Naramata Bench wineries Spring wine release events

VICTORIA, Tuesday, April 23, UNCORK YOUR PALATE, at Crystal Garden, presented in partnership with the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Taste the newly released wines, sample irresistible tastes from sixteen of Victoria’s finest chefs, and enjoy live performances from the talented faculty and students of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

Proceeds to benefit the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

Time: 6:30 – 9:00 PM. Tickets: $95. Info & tickets go to http://vcm.bc.ca/events/uncork-your-palate/

VANCOUVER, Friday, April 26, WINE FOR WAVES, at The Four Seasons Hotel, presented in partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium in support of its national sustainable seafood program Ocean Wise™. Enjoy the best of the Naramata Bench wineries while sampling tantalizing culinary offerings with partner restaurants. Proceeds to benefit Ocean Wise™.

Time: 7:00 – 9:30 PM. Tickets: $95. Info and Tickets go to http://www.vanaqua.org/wineforwaves    #wineforwaves

ORU at Fairmont Pacific Rim hosts the 15th Annual Chefs for Life Dinner
13 of Vancouver and Whistler’s Top Toques join forces for The Vancouver Friends For Life Society

Vancouver and Whistler’s Top Chefs join forces at ORU at Fairmont Pacific Rim on Thursday, May 2nd to host the fifteenth annual Chefs for Life Fundraising Gala.

With the combination of CTV’s Coleen Christie as master of ceremonies and hosted by Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Executive Chef, Darren Brown, the evening kicks off at 5:00pm with a Moet et Chandon reception, followed by a 12-course seated dinner specially paired with vintage wines to match the occasion. The evening’s ‘Finer Things in Life’ silent and live auction returns with rare and fine wines, getaway trips to exotic destinations, luxurious city night packages and delicious culinary creations.

The Vancouver Friends for Life Society serves as a catalyst to enhance the wellness of individuals living with life threatening illness by providing complementary and alternative health and support services.

Chefs for Life 2013 at Fairmont Pacific Rim (1038 Canada Place Way) begins at 5:00pm, followed by dinner at 6:00pm. Tickets ($350.00 per person) are available by contacting Kim Osborne by phone- 604-782-1995 or email – chefsforlife@telus.net.

Poisson d’Avril at Provence            

In France, Poisson d’/avril is an excuse to play a practical joke or two. People attach fish (usually paper cut-outs) to the back of their friends and family, who, unaware of the addition to their wardrobe, continue about the day with the new accessory until someone shouts ‘Poisson d’Avril!’ and the jinx is up. During April, some lucky Provence patrons will find a paper fish under their plate or taped to their back.  These Poissons come with a prize – perhaps a complimentary appetizer, meal discount, gift certificate or a copy of New World Provence by Chefs Jean-Francis and Alexxandra Quaglia; are some of the possibilities.

While there is something very fishy happening at Provence Restaurants this April, diners will agree that the Poisson d’Avril menus are no joke!

To check out the menu and make a reservation:
Provence Marinaside:
1177 Marinaside Crescent 604-681-4144
Provence Mediterranean Grill: 4473 W.10th Avenue 604-222-1980
Vancouver, BC
http://www.provencevancouver.com

A) Diva at the Met

645 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC. 604-602-7788 http://www.divamet.com

Diva has been embracing ethnic and exquisite cuisine that tantalizes Vancouverites and visitors since day 1. It came no surprise to me when Chef Hamid put ‘food truck inspired’ features on the lunch menu.  “That’s what West Coast flavour is all about!” Chef said. But when he wrapped around the idea of a playground fun fare and added “Diva corn dog” on the menu, I had to go and give it a try.  Lunch at Diva last week turned out to be a relaxing and delicious one.  Besides the very enticing, golden and crispy corn dog, my palate was awed by few other menu items: Silky and thinly-sliced and floral-plated Hamachi,  Snow-white coloured, cubed and tender Humboldt Squid and flavour-erupting Diva Black Cod.        

This is what Diva said about the one-of-a-kind Corn dog: Chef Hamid Salimian’s Diva Corn Dog finds permanent home as a lunch menu favourite – Diva at the Met, one of Vancouver’s top-seated fine dining restaurants, continues to raise the culinary bar with the permanent addition of the Diva Corn Dog to its popular lunch menu. Created by Executive Chef Hamid Salimian, the food truck-inspired corn dog offers a whimsical twist on the classic corn dog with a high-end, handmade sausage, battered and served with gourmet accompaniments.

Lunch Menu March 11 to 15

Prix Fixe @ $29.00

Qualicum Bay scallop teraditon , scallion, ginger, orange, radish

Atlantic lobster tortellini, pearl onions, mushroom, lobster emulation

Dark chocolate parline bar, caramelized milk semifreddo, hazelnut crumble

Food Truck Inspired Features @$17.00

Persian dry lime short rib stew, saffron rice, cilantro, Italian parsley

Double smoked chicken pastrami, spicy mayo, coleslaw

Korean fries, pork belly, house made kimchi

B) Cache` Bistro & Lounge 1269 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. 604-558-1269 www.cachebistro.com 

Shame on me and sorry, Chef Alex, I only discovered your place recently.  Better late than never though – Henry & I have been in twice already within 1 week! Evident of how much we enjoy the food and the music! 

The dining room – Warmly-lit Chandeliers, red velvety walls, embellishing décor and emticing ambiance – it’s midnight in Paris all over again!

Friday & Saturday night Jazz As romantic, sentimental, mesmerizing as it could be, and very cool too!

Not to be missed – Lobster Mania! At $9.95 per pound per order, all diners are winners! 

C) Blueberries and Alzheimer

How to lower Alzheimer’s Risk –Adopt a brain healthy diet

• Reduce intake of foods high in fat and cholesterol
• Consume a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits (high in anti-oxidants): kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, alfalfa, sprouts, broccoli, beets, bell pepper, onion, corn and eggplant. Fruits include prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, rasberries, plums, oranges, red grapes and cherries.
• Eat fish high in Omega 3 fatty acids: halibut, mackerel, salmon, trout and tuna. (3 fish meals per week) 

Why Blueberries? Log onto www.bcblueberry.com to review all the research on blueberries.

Recommended read:  The Alzheimer’s Anwer by Dr. Marwan N. Sabbagh

D) Cheesecake Challenge March 7 to 28^th   Presented by www.vancouverfoodsters.com

Calling all dessert fans!  Cheesecake lovers beware!

Over 20 restaurants/café/bakeries have created their signature cheesecake and are waiting for you to taste, try, tell and vote.    

Good things, and of course cheesecakes too, are to be shared!  So go pick your favourites and vote on line.

E) Earth Hour – Uniting people to protect the planet

Many local restaurants are dimming their dining rooms on March 23 at 8:30pm to join hand-in-hand with many more restaurants worldwide.  A lot of folks who cannot make it to these fine establishments will also be dimming their very own dining rooms/kitchens at home.  Consider the evening to be a romantic and meaningful venture – you’re welcomed and urged to make that one night an ‘Earth hour’ moment!  For details, please log onto www.earthhour.org

If you tuned in to my ‘Beyond Food & Wine Talk’ with Deborah Moore at AM1470 this morning, you would have heard how busy February has been for me.  Five radio interviews, three TV segments cooking and talking Chinese New Year food (Thanks to Real Canadian Superstore who supplied all the ingredients and the T&T brand pastries!) and three family dinners later,  I now have to focus on Valentine’s Day dinner, since it’s only hours away!

No matter how you look at it, those who decide to go out and enjoy a Valentine’s dinner are not talking about dinner at a fast food joint or hole-in-the-wall eatery. To feed the romance, they are going to dress up and arrive at a nice cozy restaurant lit with candle light and soft music.  Perhaps it is one of Vancouver’s debonair restaurants; or simply be one with a dreamy ambiance; or a place with nostalgic attachment. And of course, the food must be up to par too.

Fraiche  – 2240 Chippendale Road, W. Vancouver. 604-925-7595                                      www.fraicherestaurant.ca

Up the hill in West Vancouver with a panoramic ocean view, Fraiche surely is a unique dining haven.  If you take in the gorgeous million dollar homes along the way, the drive itself is part of the tempo. Make sure you have a clear direction of how to get there, or use your GPS!

Food, view and ambiance – that’s what Fraiche is all about

The Observatory at Grouse Mountain  - 6400 Nancy Green Way, N. Vancouver. 604-980-9311 www.grousemountain.com

$100 per person includes the ride up, access to all mountain activities and the 5-course dinner. Dress warm for the stroll in winter wonderland, than go inside and dine near the fire place.

Market by Jean George Restaurant (Shangri-la Hotel)   1115 Alberni Street, Vancouver. 604-695-1115 www.marketbyjg.com

A romantic dinner inside this newly-crowned 5-diamond hotel, orchestrate by the one and only Jean George in a beautiful dining room with impeccable service…

What more do you ask for?

Hart House  6664 Deer Lake Ave. Burnaby. 604-29804278  www.harthouserestauant.com

The old Victorian style house by the lake reminds you of a poetic movie setting.  The creative dinner prepared by Executive Chef Alana Becham promises to help set the mood.  A walk hand-in-hand by the lake or in the park before dinner is almost a must!

Zest Japanese Restaurant   2775 W. 16^th Ave., Vancouver. 604-698-7338 www.zestjapanese.com

This very stylish modern Japanese restaurant puts efforts in making your dinner an exceptional experience. From the moment you walk in the door, to the plating of each course and the perfect harmony of the ingredients used.  Pairing wine with your food -  Zest does an amazing job too.

Preston Restaurant (Coast Coal Harbour Hotel) 1177 W. Pender Street, Vancouver. 604-673-2173 http://www.dinepreston.com

One of the unsung surprises in the downtown core that lets their food and service does the talking.  Preston also offers a more wallet-friendly menu, but everything else never compromises.  Preston’s great food, good décor, quiet setting and attentive service have already wowed many.

The Brix  1138 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. 604-915-9463  www.brixvancouver.com

You will fall in love with the courtyard, than their menu and even their wine list.  Unpretentious and friendly, The Brix has been around for years and is a gem in YaleTown who keeps and is proud of its own character.

Lupo   869 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. 604-569-2325 www.luporestaurant.com

This house is the sweet home glowing with dimmed lights, a fireplace and comfortable interior décor.  Their traditional meets refreshing Italian cuisine never disappoints.

Bacchus Restaurant and Lounge (Wedgewood Hotel) 845 Hornby Street, Vancouver. 604-608-5319

With the piano man spilling out romantic tunes, Bacchus is still one of my top cozy dining rooms in town.  The food has always been charming.  An afternoon tea by the firplace at the lounge can be both relaxing and engaging! 

Other upcoming events:

The Wellness Show 2013

February 15 to 17

Vancouver Convention Centre East Hall A & B

www.thewellnessshow.com

Tons of seminars and exhibits good for your body and soul.  There’s something for everyone and food lovers too. Foodies please check out the Celebrity Chef Cooking Stage where a line up of famed local chefs will be lighting up the stage.  (I’ll be cooking on Saturday at 4:30pm)

Eating Together (Presented by Touchstone Family Association)

February 24 to March 03

Various locations

www.eatingtogether.ca

It’s all about friends and families embracing the simple pleasure of eating together!  The week-long event maps out fun and meaningful meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as cooking classes.  And everyone is welcomed!

35th Vancouver International Wine Festival

February 25 to March 3

Feature wine country: California

Global varietal focus: Chardonnay

Numerous events held at various locations – check out the website for program details. www.vanwinefest.ca

Our wine columnist Henry Yuen was at Aberdeen Centre talking wines and sharing tasting tips for the upcoming International Festival Tasting where 176 wineries and 1850+ wines are waiting to be swirled, sipped and spitted (optiona!). He’ll be talking about the events he has registered to go on AM1470 and posting his tasting notes right here and on his www.taiyangbao.ca column.

Christmas is only 1 week away, we do wish you all a good appetite, a peaceful and delightful Christmas and a prosperous 2013!

Where: District 319 – 319 Main Street, Vancouver

Who:     Operation: Full Kettle  

What:    A food-tasting & wine-appreciating fundraiser for Salvation Army and Family Services.

A discovery of a variety of ethnic cuisines, a night of fun, food, drinks and prize giveaways!

Participating restaurants/vendors: Almondine Bakery, Cache Bistro & Lounge, Good Health Nutrition, Gurkha Himalayan Kitchen, Our Place Café, Suika Snackbar, The Reef Restaurant. Tickets are $30 on line (www.clubzone.com) and $35 at door .

Where: Bel Café at Rosewood Hotel Georgia (Georgia & Howe)  604-605-3325

What:    Holiday goodies by Pastry Chef Wayne Kozinko

We all deserve a break that comes with holiday drinks and treats!  Spiced hazelnut cookies, Vanilla ginger shortbreads, pepper-mint macaron and of course, truffles! Oh, they offer take-outs too, just call ahead to put your orders through. Besides Eggnog latte, there’re plenty choices for sipping, what about Winter Espresso with clove, orange and honey, or my favourite -  a hot apple cider with caramel whipped cream!

Where: Oyama Sausage, Granville Island Public Market

What:    Let them cook for you

 “Fast Lane” pick up is available December 22^nd, 23^rd & 24^th from 9-4 at the store entrance. Email your orders to moreinfo@oyamasausage.ca (Please allow a minimum of 2 hours notice.)

Oyama Holiday hours: 7 days a week, 8:30-7, until December 24^th.

Dec. 24^th & Dec. 31^st, 8-4.

CLOSED Dec. 25^th, Dec. 26^th, Jan 1^st and Mondays in January.

Where: Memphis Blue  (Go to their website for details and locations)

What:    BBQ Turkey and/or Ham to go

 For $89.95, reserve an approx 16-lb free range, non medicated, perfectly seasoned Turkey, custom smoked in the Memphis pits. And for just $10 more, receive Memphis gravy and cornbread stuffing – it feeds up to 12 people! Not a turkey fan? Their succulent Christmas 10 lb Dawson Creek double-smoked ham, slowly roasted with a bourbon mustard glaze is yours for an $49.95!   You’ll enjoy an approx

Place your order ASAP as quantities are limited. Orders will be ready for pick up by 4pm on Christmas Eve.  For locations, contact information, and seasonal hours, please visit www.memphisbluesbbq.com. 

 Happy holidays!!

Words & pix: Stephanie Y

What not to like about the Pan Pacific? Glorious Ocean view, stylish décor, relaxing lounge, and the very approachable Café Pacifica and Cascades Lounge that have been luring locals and visitors with global cuisine and drinks!

In this vibrant food city Vancouver, eateries come and go. But over at Canada Place where the magnificent five sails adorn the skyline, the Pan Pacific Hotel continues to shine after decades. Glancing through my past food notes, there’ve been more than a handful of stories about Pan Pacific, and I’m quite sure the same memories are shared by many.

In fact, my first fine dining experience as an anonymous food columnist for a Chinese publication took place in the elegant dining room of Five Sails. Romantically-dimmed light, dazzling view, meticulous white-glove service and delicate fine bone china-wares set the tune. Complete with passionately prepared dishes that never ceased to amaze us, I aver in my column that Five Sails was the best fine-dining restaurant in town.

And of course, there’s the Café Pacific, a place we go as a family when we are out and about as a tourist (from the suburb) trying to make the day special. We go there for lunch and tea. Depending on the budget, it could be a soup and a salad; a pasta dish or a 3-course meal for lunch. Afternoon with friends or family members can be a glass of wine and a cheese plate at the Cascades. The cup of fresh-brewed coffee (plus a piece of pastry!) however, is what I always long for when I feel like sitting down to unwind.

I also had the pleasure of loitering around at Café Pacific’s Sunday Brunch and a few of their special celebrative brunches. My Chinese friends love hearing about it. You see in Asia, brunches in hotel restaurants, as popular as family dimsum gathering, is indeed a huge draw for those who can afford and treasure it. My music-loving friends, on the other hand, enjoy their Opera Buffet Dinner. “Yes, it might not be the same as going to a theatre for a traditional opera evening, but here, I can eat, drink and be highly entertained in one beautiful place without going somewhere for dinner and then to the theatre. Let me tell you, the talents and the ambiance are paramount!” She raves.

My most recent pre-Christmas dinner there was another memorable evening of first-class provisions. The finishing touched done by Executive Chef Bob Wiles and Pastry Chef Hans Pirhofer right there in the dining room. Dinner, an excellent sampling of west coast cuisine with Asian influenced mellowed in, was more than a decadent meal, it was front  row evening with the masters.      

Starting with Ahi Tuna Tartar with sweet soya, yuzu pearls and wasabi infused avocado and Japanese pickled plum; everyone was spellbound by the togorashi crackers to allow more scooping. The moist and flaky Lois Lake Steelhead whose story so worthy of telling and sharing, was seared and partnered with crushed potatoes with Dungeness crabmeat, garlic rapini and red wine butter sauce, a plated of Roasted Golden Beet & Baby Vegetable Salad came separately seemed so much, but boy, did I love those golden beets! As a huge duck fan, the duck confit muffin was as seductive as the Pan Seared Duck Breast; and blood orange reduction and glazed vine tomatoes laced in the right amount of acidity. Oh no, it didn’t stop there. The other main ‘Seared Lamb Terderloin’, beautifully plated with rosemary gnocchi (yes, rosemary!); baby fennel, English peas was simply a work of art!

When Chef Hans stepped in with all sorts of goodies, we knew the evening would end in a sweet dream mode. A chocolate bar of soba-cha, a cream puff filled with dulce de leche cream served with white cappuccino cream and mango passion fruit sauce; and a very cute coconut lemon tart. This platter of crafted desserts deserved every bit of attention from all our five senses!

For this festive December, the Winter Solstice Luncheon has already started (daily 11:30 – 2:30); the Saturday Opera buffet is now ‘Opera Angels Heard on High’; Santa’s Sunday Brunch starts at 11am. For other holiday feasts or log onto http://www.panpacific.com
Reservations: 604-662-8111

1st Ever Local Pancake Challenge

When: Now to November 18

On-line vote-in: November 15 – 21

Result published:  November 22

What: Presented by Richard Wolak and Vancouverfoodster, chefs are invited to showcase their fun-filled, outside-the-box pancake creations.  These pancakes are now available on their menus throughout the promotion at brunch, lunch, dinner or on all menus. Each creation must contain a minimum of 3 local ingredients which can be fruits, herbs, vegetables, meats and seafood.

Who: The public is invited to try these pancake creations at participating restaurants.  keeping in mind this criteria – originality, creativity, uniqueness, traditional, non-traditional, price, value and most importantly taste.

Full detail: http://vancouverfoodster.com/pancake-challenge/

Movie for thought

When: November 1^st (Thursday) 7pm

Where: Ridge Theatre, 3131 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, BC.

What: Movie, wine and appetizers, guest speakers and gift bags.

Who: 19+ to attend

Presented by Farm Folks City Folks and The World in A Garden, this fundraising event will feature

‘The Apple Pusher’ – an award winning film that follows immigrant street venders rolling fresh fruits and vegetables into marginalized neighbourhoods in New York as part of the city’s Green Cart Initiative. It also tells the real stories of immigrants tackling the American dream.  Movie trailer: http://www.applepusher.com

Tickets: $29.00

www.farmfolkscityfolks.com

www.theworldinagarden.com

www.festivalcinemas.ca

Sit, Stay, Sip

When: November 7^th (Wednesdy) 6:30pm

Where: Stanley Park Pavilion

What: A wine reception and auction with amazing wines benefit Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) presented by Marquis Wine Cellars.

Who: Vancouver dog lovers looking to enhance their wine cellars and dog lovers.

Tickets: $95.00 www.marquis-wines-.ca/Sit-Stay-Sip.htm

A $20 voucher accompanies each ticket – and this voucher can be put toward silent and live auction items. What also gives this event a twist is that the ticket buyer gets to choose a bottle to go into the auction lots from a special list curated by Marquis Wine Cellars. The auction items include special wine lots and epicurean excursions, and can be scooped up at incredible value. What a great way to acquire some fine wines, and stock up before the busy holiday entertaining season.

Whistler Cornucopia 

When: November 7 – 11th

Where: Different venues at Whistler

What: Anything to do with food, wine, farming and cooking, and for many, winter-sports.

A gathering of chefs, winemakers, maestros of the culinary world and restaurateurs to mesmerize foodies, this 7-day annual event presents the newest trends, delicious news and inside scopes of the food and wine industry.

Info & tickets: http://whistlercornucopia.com/schedule

Please note: I’ll be judging this year’s ”Chef’s Challenge” to take place on November 7th & 8th at 10am at the Whistler Convention Centre, it’s a free event, so drop by and cheer on!

2^nd Annual Fishermen Helping Kids with Cancer Herring Sales

When: November 24

Time:   7am – 4pm (Or until the herrings are all gone!)

Where: Steveston Wharf

What: The fishermen will be bringing in some 50 tons of herrings. For $10, bring home 20 pound bag of fresh herrings.  All proceeds go to BC Children Hospital Association. Two chefs will be on site cooking up herrings and offer samplings by donation.

Goodbye and Hello

Goodbye to one of my favourites, Sanafir Restaurant on Granville and to the exquisite silk-road interior design, décor and artifacts.  And most sadly, goodbye to the one and only 3-in-1 courses in Greater Vancouver.

Hello to Fish Shack, a seafood eatery replacing Sanafir, officially opened October 24, another seafood restaurant under the Glowbal Group wing. Now Executive Chef Alfred Contiga (ex -SOCIETY Dining Lounge) is offering daily ‘Buck-a-shuck oysters’ (till 5pm) and Sunday Lobster and Crab Fest at $19.95, along with many other enticing seafood and non-seafood dishes.

Address: 1026 Granville Street.  Vancouver. http://www.glowbalgroup.com

I recently gave a presentation on my new book at the Food Talks event on June 5th. Many thanks to Host Richard Wolak and FoodTalks.ca!

 
Presented by http://foodtalks.ca
Host: Richard Wolak http://twitter.com/vanfoodster http://vancouverfoodster.com/
Filmed and Edited by Geoff Peters of Birds in the House Productions http://birdsinthehouse.com

Eat! Vancouver returns to BC Place and celebrates 10^th anniversary

When: June 1to 3 (Friday to Sunday)

Where: BC Place

What: Celebrity chefs, culinary competitions and cooking classes.

Highlights:

1)Peru’s Best Tradition Cuisine with a Twist takes centre stage.

2) Three celebrity chefs: Rob Feenie of Vancouver, Bob Blumer ofMontrealand David Rocco ofTorontowill face off on the Food Network Celebrity Stage. Competitors will have 20 minutes to create the lunch dish and must use a secret item of the host’s choice, provided in a black box. Each chef must use one other secret ingredient of his choice that speaks of his hometown.  

3) Pop-Up Trend with Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts’s Pop Up Culinary Centre

This isn’t your typical quiche or cookie baking home economics class. Nine different classes – teaching hands-on fundamental cooking techniques like deboning, knife skills, shellfish shucking, and pastry plating – will be taught by PICA’s internationally-trained Chef Instructors under the leadership of Executive Chef Julian Bond.

4) SuperChefs Cooking for Kids

For programs and ticket details: www.eat-vancouver.com

5^th Annual Celebrity Dimsum

When: June 2^nd (Saturday) 11 to 1

Emcees: CBC, The Vancouver Courier, the Province and the National Post’s own Fred Lee and Global News’ Sophie Lui 

What: Proudly presented by Caya powered by TELUS!

Local celebrities will serve carts of Dim Sum to special event guests to benefit the AIDS Vancouver Asian Community Outreach Project!

This year’s exciting line up of celebrities are:

Stephanie Yuen –  Author; Food, wine and travel writer, media personality
Deborah Moore – AM1470, Fairchild Radio
William Ho – AM1470, Fairchild Radio
Bowen Zhang – Omni News Mandarin
Karen So – Omni News Cantonese
Gloria Macarenko – CBC News Vancouver
Margaret Gallagher – CBC Radio One
Sheila Peacock – CBC Producer; Writer
Miyoung Lee – CBC News Vancouver
Zahra Alani –  CBC Weekend News Vancouver
Susana da Silva – CBC Late Night News
Quang Dang – Executive Chef, West Restaurant + Bar
Dale Mckay –  Executive Chef Ensemble Restaurant, Top Chef Canada 2011 

Highlights:

• Chance to win a new Samsung Galaxy Note courtesy of Caya!
• Chicken feet eating contest – with prizes and a much coveted trophy!
• Live & Silent Auction – with a special prize from WestJet!
• Special performances by Michael Arzadon, and the Pentatonics!

Food Talk Volume 1  – Presented by Richard Wolak and Vanfoodster

When: June 5 (7:00 – 9:00pm)

Where: W2 Media Cafe (111 WestHastings)

Tickets: $30 or $100 for a 4-person pack.

What:  Appetizers from W2 Media Cafe, talks from speakers from the food, wine and hospitality industry.  A Question and Answer section.  Prize draws. A glass of red or white wine for participants.

Food Talks is a charity event.  Partial proceeds from ticket sales will go to the charity partner for this volumn:  Growing Chefs.

Speaker line-up:

1) Mike Mcdermic

2) Stephanie Yuen

3) Hunter Moyes

4) Trevor Bird

5) Roberta LaQuaglia

For ticket and information:

http://foodtalks.ca/vancouver-volume-1-june-5th/

and the direct ticket link is http://foodtalksvolume1.eventbrite.com/

BC’s Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars FREE Wine Tastings

When: Thursday, June 7 ,4 – 6pm

Where: Everything Wine

998 Marine Drive, North Vancouver

When: Friday, June 8, 4 – 6pm

Where: Marquis Wine Cellars

1034 Davie Street,Vancouver

Who: Blue Mountain winemaker Matt Mavety will be on hand to share his passion for the wines and their places of orgin.

What: Wines featured at the tastings will include – Blue Mountain Brut Sparkling wine, 2010 Blue Mountain Pinot Gris, 2010 blue Mountain Chardonnay, 2010 Blue Mountain Pinot Noir.

‘East Meets West’ Book Signing Event at ShakTea

When: June 9^th, 2 – 4pm

Where: Shaktea 3702 Main Street.

Who: Stephanie Yuen – Author of ‘East Meets West’

What:  Tea and snacks, Asian food talk and book signing

For information: www.shaktea.ca   604-873-5151

About East Meets West and Stephanie Yuen

http://www.dmpibooks.com/book/east-meets-west