Food & Wine Events of March, 2012

1 03 2012

MARKET BY JEAN-GEORGES PRESENTS RETURN OF THE MARTINI 

An Ode to Martini Men & Women

The bartenders of Market by Jean-Georges, under the direction of award-winning, lead barman, Jay Jones, are bringing back the classics, at classic prices, beginning with the martini.  Starting February 27, enjoy a martini – full-sized, of chilled No.3 Gin or Belvedere Vodka, shaken or stirred with your choice of olives, twist or onion at CAD $8.00 - classic.  This classic martini is available seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. until close.

Market’s love affair with classic cocktails continues as bartenders serve up an additional classic cocktail special Monday through Friday.  The “Crazy about the Classics” will offer a daily special: ManhattanMondays, Negroni Tuesdays, Old-Fashioned Wednesdays, Aviation Thursdays, Sazerac Fridays.  These week-day specials, only available on their appointed day, are also priced at $8 on their designated day – no mixing. 

MARKET by Jean-Georges is the first restaurant inCanadafor the three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and the signature restaurant of Shangri-La Hotel,Vancouver.  Market, open seven days a week from breakfast through dinner, is located on the hotel’s third floor and accessible through the hotel or directly offAlberni Street. 

Reservations can be made by telephone at (604) 695-1115 or via the restaurant’s website – www.marketbyjgvancouver.com

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Glowbal Passport 2012

And how to earn a $100 gift certificate and prizes

For the third consecutive year, The GLOWBAL COLLECTION of restaurants – glowbal grill, COAST, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria, SOCIETY, and Black+Blue – is issuing Glowbal Passports to guests.

From February 29 to March 29, 2012, diners to each of the seven restaurants will be issued and will receive a stamp for each visit at lunch or dinner.

After earning the first stamp, diners will automatically receive 10% off the food portion of the bill. After earning the first stamp, diners will automatically receive 10% off the food portion of the bill at the remaining restaurants visited within the collection. Travel to all of the restaurants during the promotion to earn seven stamps and automatically receive a $100 gift certificate to use at a GLOWBAL COLLECTION restaurant of your choice.

The GLOWBAL COLLECTION will also reward a few lucky seven-stamp-table-travellers with ultimate prizes including the following:

* A weekend stay in West Kelowna at The Cove Lakeside Resort penthouse suite and dinner for six at The Bonfire Grill

* A 2-night stay in Oliver at Tinhorn Creek Winery

* A 1-night stay in Oliver at Burrowing Owl Winery

* A 1-night stay in Penticton at Casa Grande Bed + Breakfast, along with a Grape Friends wine tour for two

* A Big Night Out Package that includes:
Dinner for two at glowbal grill
VIP entrance & table service for you +5 at Barcelona (includes a bottle of vodka and a bottle of bubbly)
A 2-night stay at The Burrard Hotel

And much, much more!
*For each entrée purchased per visit, per restaurant, limit one per person.
**Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.

Le Gavroche’s famous Lobster Festival is back!

March 2nd to March 31st 

$39 (wine pairings $25)

For the month of March guests can enjoy a lobster-packed three-course dinner for only $39. Set in a historic Victorian house with views of theCoastalMountainsandCoalHarbour, Le Gavroche is the perfect setting to enjoy everyone’s favourite crustacean.

To start, guests will have their choice of a warm lobster salad or creamy lobster bisque. For main courses, it will be tough to choose between fresh cavaletti with freshly shelled chunks of lobster and Parmesan sauce, or the lobster and shrimp cake paired with ling cod, roasted pepper vinaigrette and black rice. And finally for dessert, the special menu concludes with the choice of a creamy Tahitian bean crème brulee, or a decadent duo of chocolate mousse.

To complement this special menu, guests can treat themselves to expert Provençal wine pairings for an additional $25.

Reservations can be made on OpenTable, or by calling the restaurant at 604.685.3924.

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13th annual Healthy Chef Competition

What: Ten teams of competitors, ranging from established restaurants, hotels to culinary schools, will present entrées and desserts to the panel of judges. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Mike Pinter, the judges will evaluate each competitor’s use of fresh produce, taste and plate display. Trophies will be awarded for Best Entrée, Best Dessert, Best Table Showcase, People’s Choice and the Healthy Plate Award. The latter includes a $1,000 prize where judging will focus on how the fresh produce is profiled and overall healthiness of the dish.

When: Wednesday, March 7, 2011, 6:30pm

Who: Master of Ceremonies: Marke Driesschen, CTV Weather Specialist.

            This gala event, a collaboration between the BC Produce Marketing Association (BCPMA) and the BC Chefs Association which brings the food industry together to promote healthy eating, is open to the trade and public,

Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver,665 Burrard Street,Vancouver.

How: Tickets are $85.00 each and include a fresh box of produce. A limited number of tickets are available to the public at:  http://tiny.cc/Chef2012

13th annual Healthy Chef Competition Highlights

  • Mystery dishes: Guests will receive an envelope at their seat to reveal the entrée and dessert courses they will be served that evening.
  • Awards will be presented to Best Entrée, Dessert, Healthy Plate, Table Presentation and People’s Choice.
  • A presentation of a $7,000  BC Chef’s Junior Scholarship by the BCMPA, a non-profit organization which includes retailers, wholesalers, food service distributors, brokers, growers, importers, transporters, packing, refrigeration and other suppliers. Since its inception in 1956, it has offered members strongly supported interactive activities and programs for all sectors of the fresh fruit and vegetable industry inBritish Columbia.
  • Presentations to three non-profit health organizations (Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation and “Fruits and Veggies Mix it Up” for Better Health program)
  • Silent Auction, Live Auction,  Balloon Pop Prize, 50/50 Draw
  • Musical entertainment provided by the Ross Barrett Jazz Quartet

 

 

 


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Categories : What's Up?

Wine or beer portions – how much is in the glass?

17 02 2012

Henry Yuen – Wine columnist

Is the pint of beer 16-0z full? There have been lots of conversations regarding serving portions – how much is actually in a pint of beer?

Despite the print on the menu that says a pint, the chance of the actual pour being less than 16oz. is high.  The fact is, drinking establishments, be it a bar, a restaurant, a pub or a lounge, do use different sizes of beer mugs, steins and beer glasses that are all labelled as “a pint”.  Controversially, no matter the size and the volume inside, they still charge you the price of a full pint!  Not surprised at all there is a movement nowadays to keep restaurants and pubs pour what they say.  In any business involving the public, honest is always a good thing.

According to the dictionaries and the measurement tables, certain universal standards have been drawn when it comes to liquid measurements.  It is baffling however that in most drinking establishments, a pint of beer does not always equal 16 oz.  What is more baffling is when comes to establishments serving wine, no standards have been set yet on the wine portions! While the size of average beer glasses are more or less common knowledge, consumers can, if paying enough attention, tell how much they are getting or not getting.  But the same cannot be said about serving wine by the glass!  

First of all, there is a lack of uniformity in wine glass sizes.  Secondly, under ‘wine by the glass’ column in the wine list, it does not always tell you what the volume is.  Unless you bring your own measuring cup, it is impossible to find out how much wine has been poured into the glass. Even though the accepted norm should be 5oz pour per glass (or 5 portions per 750 ml bottle), you may be served 4, 5 or 6 ounces, so it is a guessing game. 

The fact is, different sizes and shapes of stem-wares has become the best ally of not having to spell out clearly how much they are pouring into the $10, $12 or $14 per glass of wine. Seems like unless you ask, not every restaurant, pub, lounge – no matter the class, the style they are – care to tell you how much you are actually paying for that glass of wine! To complicate matter further, since the volume of wine poured are often at the mercy of the server or the bartender who usually eyeballs the portion, he or she may not even have the exact answer!  As paying customers, don’t you think it is our right to know what we are paying for?

Lucky for us, and thanks to saving grace, some restaurants take honesty and accuracy seriously and will pour the wine first into a standardized serving container to measure, some even serve and pour into the glass at the table in front of you. Kudos to those noble establishments that clearly state on the wine list how many ounces the glass of wine will contain! From a paying customer’s perspective, it is the proper way for establishments to serve wine by the glass. This will not only avoid confusion, unnecessary misunderstanding and complaints, it is also how the hospitality industry should operate. The restaurant associations should make this an essential rule that all drinking establishments adhere to that rule, proudly and honestly disclose the information for the benefit of both the customers and the integrity of the industry.  There is always the risk that consumers will catch on sooner or later. With the help of social networking these days, the risk is far bigger! Drinking establishments that gouge customers or false advertise will end up paying for it all!


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Categories : Wine Business

February Celebration – Valentine’s and much more

10 02 2012

      

 Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival will take place Feb 27 to March 4th at Vancouver Convention Centre and various locations.

Burrowing Owl Winery Special Package Sweet Deals

This spring Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is offering visitors three tempting specials. There’s never been a better time to plan your stay at this world-class wine country destination!

Valentine’s Day ‘Dine & Stay’ Package – Tuesday, February 14 2012 From $99 per person includes:

         A romantic dinner for two at the Sonora Room Restaurant

         One night’s accommodation at the Burrowing Owl Guest House

         Add $40 for the “Sweetheart Package”, which includes a bottle of Burrowing Owl wine, long-stemmed red rose, rose petals, and chocolates waiting in your private room

Winter Getaway Package – from $126 per person

(check the website for details – some date restrictions apply)

         A three-course dinner for two at the Sonora Room

         One night’s accommodation at the Burrowing Owl Guest House

         Our fabulous “wine country” breakfast

Spring Blossom Package – from $145 per person

(check the website for details – some date restrictions apply)

         A three-course dinner for two at the Sonora Room

         One night’s accommodation at the Burrowing Owl Guest House

         Our fabulous “wine country” breakfast

         Package available Monday – Wednesday

For more information, or to make your reservations, please call 1-877-498-0620 ext.3.   http://www.bovwine.ca 

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery: Recently named one of the Top 10 BC Wineries by Wine Access magazine the winery is devoted to producing world-class wines using creative viticultural and winemaking processes that are in harmony with the unique ecosystem where the grapes are grown, which includes the northernmost tip of the Sonora Desert. 

Burrowing Owl Guest House:  The winery guest house is nestled in the vineyard and has 10 tastefully-appointed rooms, each with a private deck and fireplace; There is also a 25 metre pool and all-season outdoor hot tub.  The Cellar Lounge is excellent for business meetings and special events.

Sonora Room Restaurant:  Opened in 2004, the winery restaurant overlooks 140 acres of picturesque vineyard from both the patio or inside the warm and inviting dining room. The philosophy of the culinary team is to showcase many of theSouth Okanagan’s local producers of local organic produce, fresh, seasonal fruits and artisan breads and cheeses. An exclusive wine list is changed regularly to include a selection of Burrowing Owl library wines that are no longer publicly available for sale. And, the wine selection is enhanced with alternate premium Okanagan wines chosen to complement the menu.

Burrowing Owl Winery Special Package Deals

This spring Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is offering visitors three tempting specials. There’s never been a better time to plan your stay at this world-class wine country destination!

Valentine’s Day ‘Dine & Stay’ Package – Tuesday, February 14 2012 From $99 per person includes:

         A romantic dinner for two at the Sonora Room Restaurant

         One night’s accommodation at the Burrowing Owl Guest House

         Add $40 for the “Sweetheart Package”, which includes a bottle of Burrowing Owl wine, long-stemmed red rose, rose petals, and chocolates waiting in your private room

Winter Getaway Package – from $126 per person

(check the website for details – some date restrictions apply)

         A three-course dinner for two at the Sonora Room

         One night’s accommodation at the Burrowing Owl Guest House

         Our fabulous “wine country” breakfast

Spring Blossom Package – from $145 per person

(check the website for details – some date restrictions apply)

         A three-course dinner for two at the Sonora Room

         One night’s accommodation at the Burrowing Owl Guest House

         Our fabulous “wine country” breakfast

         Package available Monday – Wednesday

For more information, or to make your reservations, please call 1-877-498-0620 ext.3.   http://www.bovwine.ca 

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery: Recently named one of the Top 10 BC Wineries by Wine Access magazine the winery is devoted to producing world-class wines using creative viticultural and winemaking processes that are in harmony with the unique ecosystem where the grapes are grown, which includes the northernmost tip of the Sonora Desert. 

Burrowing Owl Guest House:  The winery guest house is nestled in the vineyard and has 10 tastefully-appointed rooms, each with a private deck and fireplace; There is also a 25 metre pool and all-season outdoor hot tub.  The Cellar Lounge is excellent for business meetings and special events.

Sonora Room Restaurant:  Opened in 2004, the winery restaurant overlooks 140 acres of picturesque vineyard from both the patio or inside the warm and inviting dining room. The philosophy of the culinary team is to showcase many of theSouth Okanagan’s local producers of local organic produce, fresh, seasonal fruits and artisan breads and cheeses. An exclusive wine list is changed regularly to include a selection of Burrowing Owl library wines that are no longer publicly available for sale. And, the wine selection is enhanced with alternate premium Okanagan wines chosen to complement the menu.

Choucroute Festival – Feb 16 to 19th

Beat the mid-winter culinary blahs and visit GranvilleIslandbetween Feb 16th and Feb 19th for our Choucroute Festival. Join Vancouver’s premiere charcuterie, Oyama Sausage, and Granville Island Brewing and Liberty Wine Merchants to celebrate this time honored winter classic. Choose from an outstanding selection of smoked sausages, salt pork, smoked pork hocks and Oyama’s homemade sauerkraut.  Pair these with a wonderful array of Rieslings, Gewurztraminers and beers. Tips on preparation methods and food and wine pairing are always provided by these businesses.  Come and take advantage of their wealth of knowledge.

About Oyama Sausage: For five generations the family has been dicing, grinding and spicing to make the best sausages, hams and pates inVancouver. Their passion is endless and their belief is that good food balances body and soul.  Locally sourced meats and organic options are always available.

About Granville Island Brewing: In 1984 something happened that forever changed the local beer industry:  Granville Island Brewing opened the doors toCanada’s first microbrewery.

No chemicals or preservatives are used in making their beer.  Granville Island Brewing is constantly creating new local flavours and improving their craft.

About Liberty Wine Merchants: Libertystrives to give customers the best wine experience in theVancouverarea. Often recognized as the most popular wine retailer in the Lower Mainland,Libertyis dedicated to evolving its selection for wine lovers to enjoy.

Choucroute Festival takes place the weekend of February 16th to 19th at these three retailers on Granville Island. For more information please contact Oyama Sausage at (604) 327-7407.

Tasting Plates Vancouver, 2012 – Tantalize your taste buds at over a dozen fabulous downtown Vancouver restaurants!

February 15th from 6-9pm at restaurants downtown Vancouver

$2 from each ticket purchased will go to the Food Bank

Participating restaurants will be offering tasting plates created by their chefs to guests. This evening tasting extravaganza goes from 6pm until 9 PM and is presented by Vancouver Foodster & Taste and Sip Magazine.

Each restaurant will be serving up Tasting Plates for guests to enjoy and you will have a chance to visit many different restaurants throughout the evening, meet and greet the chefs and other food loving friends! Learn about each of the participating restaurants.

  • Vegetarian options will be available at most of the participating restaurants.
  • Prize draws will be held at the after party with some great tasty prizes.
  • Participating restaurants include: Phat Deli Yaletown, Notturno Paninoteca, Juice Truck, Bonchaz, Footo Delights, Cosca Restaurant,Soho Road, W2 Media Café and more to come. The event is a roving tour that will start off at a location in the Gastown area (details will be emailed to guests at before the event with the starting location), from there you can Pvisit any or all of the participating restaurants that are located all over downtown including Gastown, Yaletown and the West End by driving, transit or walking.

For further details please log onto:

http://vancouverfoodster.com/2012/01/03/tasting-plates-vancouver-february-15/

Advance Tickets are available for purchase online only at http://tastingplatesvancouver.eventbrite.ca   

Pardon the Winterruption: Celebrate of West Coast and International Arts Scene and Heard on Granville Island

February 24 to 26

Winterruption on GranvilleIslandis celebrating its seventh annual, truly unique Vancouverwinter festival, February 24 – 26. The magic is in the mix as the Islandonce again hosts a celebration of local and international artists of all disciplines.

From kid-friendly theatre to jazzy tunes, enlightening foodie tours to inspirational artisan open studios — the all-ages appeal ofGranvilleIsland’s Winterruption Festival cannot be beat!

Playful
There is no shortage of family-friendly activities on offer over the three-day festival. Bring the kids to Carousel Theatre`s classic tale of Aesop’s Fables or visit the Kids Zone where Vancouver International Children`s Festival presents the rhythmic soul of Kutapira; Arts Umbrella showcases their theatre program with Theatre Fix; and the internationally renowned Indigenous company, Red Sky, returns with The Great Mountain. Or, have a go on the T-Shirt Spin Bike Art by creativity-driven Make; a great activity for all ages, participants human power the bike to create one-of-a-kind artwork with paint for their t-shirts. It’s affordable too! $10 includes a t-shirt, paint, and a ‘spin’ on the bike.

A Walk on the Artsy Side
Artists and artisans fill the galleries, nooks and crannies ofGranvilleIsland. There are exhibitions and open studios around every corner! ReVision at the Creekhouse is exhibiting recycled, salvaged, or found materials transformed into amazing art. Dalbergia Wood + Fine Objects Studio in Railspur Alley is presenting Woodenough, a wood exhibition, sharing techniques and exploring new frontiers in the world of wood. Continuing Studies at Emily Carr University of Art and Design is offering a behind-the-scenes tour of the University as well as a Drop-In Life Drawing workshop.

Musical Notes
Coastal Jazz and Blues Society presents a diverse line-up of musical acts, with shows at Performance Works at various times during Winterruption. Expect easy listening from a variety of musicians including Michael Bernard Fitzgerald with special guests Acres of Lions; Aidan Knight with special guests The Belle Game; Celso Machado; and Aeroplane Trio.

Theatrics
Visit the Granville Island Stage where the Arts Club Theatre Company is presenting Intimate Apparel, a richly textured love story by Lynn Nottage. Or, expect the unexpected as some ofVancouver’s favourite dancers pop up in unusual spaces all over theIsland.

Locavore Movement
On Saturday and Sunday during Winterruption, Edible Canada presents a Guided Culinary Market Tour, a Canadian Beer/Wine Tasting, and a three-course dinner. Experience the flavours of Granville Island Market with a guided two-hour tour for $30. Then enjoy a tasting of Canadian beer and wine prior to a market inspired three-course dinner at Edible Canada Bistro. Buy tickets separately or buy as a package for $70 per person plus tax.

For more information about GranvilleIslandmerchants and events, visit granvilleisland.com.


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Categories : What's Up?

Playhouse International Wine Festival – An excellent venue to upgrade your wine appreciation

1 02 2012

  Henry Yuen

A better understanding of things in life often help elevate our appreciations of them. Be it arts, music, sports or merchandize. Tiny as jems and watches and large as automobiles and carvings, once you develop an interest in them; you’ll likely want to learn more to enhance the joy of understanding and appreciating them. When it comes to food and wine, there is no difference.

As far as I’m concerned, wine appreciation takes time to fine-tune. But it has a humble beginning! From not interested, to taking a small sip, to having a small glass with food, to the keen interest of finding out what it is with white, rose and red wine. It can become a hobby to many whose level of understanding advances through the timid attempts to pour a bit more, go shopping for wine, try different labels, and put in the effort to acquire more wine knowledge. Whether it is formal learning through wine classes and accredited programs, or self-taught through reading and drinking different wines with an open mind, they are all approaches to arrive at the same objective as a result of ones’ endeavour -  to enhance the elated enjoyment of sipping wine!

Similar to a lot of disciplines, appreciating wines takes time and effort. It is very much an individual thing where different person will achieve different satisfaction from the same effort or undertaking.  As long as you show initial interest and take the first step, the process will take care of itself. More often than not, there is no right or wrong. However, there are always venues to smooth that process to satisfy one’s own desire in wine enjoyment.

If you are in the same mind frame of mine, the upcomingVancouverPlayhouse International Wine Festival is one function where there are amply events to proliferate the appreciation of wines. Grab a friend or two who want to learn more about wine and wine-pairing, pick one or two winemaker’s dinners to attend.  Join wine tasting sessions and seminars to capture the opportunities to discuss wines with famous winemakers, winery proprietors around the world.  Touch not just the wines, but the philosophy of winemaking, the ins and outs of grapes and vines, the soils and terrain. 

Once you understand how the vines are tended to carefully; how the viticulturist takes the appellation and climate into consideration; how the winemaker use their experience and skill to craft the wine, you will enjoy that particular bottles of wine more dearly!

http://www.playhousewinefest.com


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Categories : Wine Business

See who’s cooking at the 2012 BC Foodexpo

27 01 2012

                        

Ten local chefs to compete for BC Chinese Chef of the Year at BC Foodservice Expo

The woks will be steaming and the fish sauce flying when 10 local chefs compete to be crowned the first ever BC Chinese Chef of the Year. This iron-chef-style live competition will take place Jan. 29 and 30 on the Discover Presentation Stage at the BC Foodservice Expo.

MetroVancouveris among the top destinations outside ofChinafor outstanding Chinese cuisine. The BC Chinese Chef of the Year Competition aims to recognize culinary professionalism in local Chinese restaurants and to raise the profiles of Chinese chefs within the wider chef community. While other restaurant awards acknowledge winning restaurants’ cuisine excellence, the BC Chinese Chef of the Year will endorse the individuals behind the gourmet dishes.

The competing chefs are members of the Canadian Culinary Federation (CCFCC) and the BC Chefs Association. Ten teams have been selected to date, based on merit and experience.

  • Gordon Ping Wah Chan of Always Seafood Restaurant
  • Sam Ka Bo Leung of Dynasty Seafood Restaurant
  • Wing Ho of Fortune Seafood Restaurant
  • Anthony Shy Wing Leung of Grand Dynasty Seafood Restaurant
  • Joseph Jiang of The Jade Seafood Restaurant
  • Kent Wong of Red Sun Seafood Restaurant
  • Chun Lum Ma of Shiang Garden Seafood Restaurant
  • Keng Wai Ng of Vivacity Restaurant
  • Todd Bright of Wild Rice Modern Chinese Restaurant
  • William Tse, Sandbar

“The competition will surely be the highest-profiled professional Chinese chef event for the Chinese chef community in this province,” said Chef Donald Gyurkovits, CCFCC president and one of the event organizers. “I am so proud of my colleagues in the Chinese community for stepping up to this exciting challenge. I look forward to witnessing the making of Canadian culinary history!”

Over the two-day event, the chef teams will be engaged in multiple rounds of competitions with the quarter-final, semi-final and final rounds of competition carried out in a blackbox-style format.

 “This competition offers chefs a brilliant opportunity for both professional and personal development,” said Chief Judge Alex Chen, Canada’s representative to the Bocuse d’Or and one of Canada’s top chefs. After getting his own competition start at the BC Foodservice Expo over 10 years ago, Chef Chen is delighted to come full circle and to be judging here for 2012.

 With over 250 exhibit booths featuring new products, foods, ideas and services, the BC Foodservice Expo isBritish Columbia’s largest hospitality trade show. Industry professionals who register will join more than 5,000 attendees who travel from the Lower Mainland,FraserValley,Vancouver Islandand the Okanagan to attend two days of focused trade show, seminars and chef competitions. For detail information: www.bcfoodexpo.ca

Register online and take advantage of the special advance discount – $20 off the on-site registration fee.


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Categories : What's Up?

My first Asian-recipe cookbook – East Meets West

24 01 2012

Stephanie Yuen

                                                                                                                                                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My sincere thanks to the chefs and friends who never stop to send me their encouragements and supports from day 1, and to my colleagues,  friends in the hospitality industry and readers who want to know when and how to get hold of a copy! You are the true inspiration!

Well, here is the information!

Official book title: East Meets West

Traditional and Contemporary Asian Recipes from Acclaimed Vancouver Restaurants

http://www.dmpibooks.com/author/stephanie-yuen

March, 2010 came the first email from Lucy, Senior Editor at Douglas & McIntyre inviting me to meet with her to discuss a book project. The luncheon meeting took place soon after. Yes, we agreed that it’s time for the great food cityVancouver to dedicate a cookbook to local Asian restaurants and chefs!  We agreed to meet to discuss further details upon my return from a working trip to Hong Kong andMalaysia in May.

June, 2010: Lucy and I met again and drafted out a synopsis for the book. And that, officially kicked off my 20-month long book project – the 200+ pages cookbook!

July, 2010: Embarked on a recipe-seeking journey. Many desired recipes, including regional ones were those I tasted and always enjoyed, some are signature dish, some are newly-created master pieces.

September, 2010:  Sent out verbal and/or email invitations to Asian chefs for their favourite recipes and to Western chefs for their unique Asian-themed recipes. As a matter of fact, quite a few recipes were obtained through way of stenography – chef dictated and I scripted! Love chatting with the chefs who gave me tons of cooking tips!

October, 2010: Visited restaurants and chefs to deliver the invitations in person. Though there were more than expected refusals, there’re lots of welcoming smiles and opened-arms.

November, 2010: Received the first lot of recipes and started working on the  editorial and recipe-testing.  Thank goodness, my kids and their friends, neighbours and their friends were always-ready tasters! 

The rest, as they say, is history!!

While online pre-order is already available, ‘East Meets West’ will be published April, 2012.

 

 


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Categories : Asian Culinary Culture

The Chileans are taking centre stage at the 2012 Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

11 01 2012

    Henry Yuen

          Want to change your impression on New World wines? There is  an  important event you don’t want to miss – the 2012 Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival!

This year’s festival will run from February 27 to March 04.  Awaiting all levels of wine consumers and trade personnel is an exciting line up of wine dinners taking place at top notch restaurants in town; pin-pointing seminars for wine lovers to raise their wine proficiency; and fun-filled food and wine pairing functions where close encounters with the wine pros are the highlights.  And of course, the three days colossal International Festival Tasting is a must attend event for many tempting reasons. Let’s start with these numbers: 1700+ wines, 180+ wineries, 64 events, 15 countries and 25000+ attendees!

Secondly, Cabernet lovers will be thrilled to find out that a special tasting program with global emphasis on Cabernets and around 185 different Cabernets and Cabernets blends are waiting to be swirled and tasted.  The International Sommelier Guild will be there to provide guidance and share their expertise on anything Cabernet. What an awesome opportunity to not only sip some beautiful wines but to take a journey into the world of Cabernets.

This year’s themed wine country is the increasingly popular Chile, meaning that an array of outstanding Chilean products, perhaps including your favourite labels, will be on hand for everyone to try. Talking about Chilean wines, who do not have a bottle or two at home these days?  No one will argue the Chileans have done a great job in producing and marketing their wines!

Since the 16th century when the Spanish explorers discovered this land and found it to be a viticulture haven, Chile has been a grape growing region. Now, it is one of the major players in New World wines!  Both the wine production and the export volumes are on a constant rise. Chile is currently the fifth largest wine exporter in the world!  Taking centre stage at the upcoming Vancouver Internal Wine Festival is no doubt the testament to their viticulture effort and winemaking practice.  A drum roll indeed to showcase their solid progresses that make Chile one of the not-to-be missed wine regions.

Geographically, Chile has wine growing regions stretching length-wise from south to north to provide friendly appellations, great diversity and distinct characteristics. The natural mountain barriers and Mediterranean climate are ideal for practicing organic viticulture. But it is their forward thinking wine philosophy, supported by modern technology; years of experiences and most of all, the passion and their belief to be able to produce good-drinking wines! These put Chile on the global wine consumers’ map, and now, the shining star of the upcoming 2012 Vancouver International Wine Festival!

Wine drinkers who love to explore cannot afford to miss this annual food and wine extravaganza! Chile will surely provide a different perspective of what New World wines entail. For those wine drinkers who are familiar with Old World wines but willing to listen, taste and expand their wine horizon; and for anyone wishing to fine-tune their wine knowledge, get your tickets early! Go on-line at tickets.vancouverplayhouse.com.


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Categories : Wine Business

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