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Archive for the ‘Parties & Events’ Category

New Zealand Passionate Pairings

May 13th, 2013 admin

The Boathouse Chef Brent Fisher

Each year when I attend the Vancouver International Wine Festival there are a selection of events that I attend. My friend and fellow food writer Cassandra Anderton is from New Zealand and is not only a wine aficionado she is also a great promoter of New Zealand wines each time they presented in Vancouver. She invited me to attend this event which took place towards the end of this years wine festival. Held at The Boathouse overlooking Kitsilano Beach on a dreary winter day where the wind was blowing strong, guests filled the room with glasses in hand to sip and swirl.

Oyster Shucking

Making Risotto

Each of the New Zealand wines presented were paired with dishes created by each of the local Boathouse Restaurants and their chefs and each were represented at this grazing lunch event.

Heirloom Vegetables Risotto

Herb Crusted Lamb Lollipops

My favourite dishes were the Heirloom Vegetables Risotto with tarragon and basil oil, along with the Herb Crusted Lamb Lollipops with Dijon jus.

Attending Passionate Pairings was a great way to enjoy some of New Zealand wine and pairings.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in All About Wine, Latest, Tastings Tags: , , , No Comments »

Koko Monk’s Chocolate Tasting

May 12th, 2013 admin

Koko Monk Chocolates

As everyone probably knows by now I am a chocoholic and the minute I hear about a new chocolatier or anything chocolate for that matter, I’m intrigued. Koko Monk is a new chocolate boutique located in Kitsilano that was founded by Paul Dincer who began with a passion for creating handmade, painted chocolates with complex flavour profiles.

Paul Dincer – owner

I had first tasted Paul’s chocolates at the Vancouver Farmers Market on Main street last summer, where he was selling his chocolates under Levni Chocolates. The minute I tasted one of those chocolates it made an impact on me, being invited recently to taste Paul’s chocolates in his new boutique it was an invitation that I accepted without hesitation.

At this media tasting we were each served a selection of six chocolates from his collection to taste. Paul guided us through tasting each of the chocolates one by one, he wanted us all to experience each of the flavours in this complex structured tasting.

Smoking Hearts: Raspberry-infused chocolate containing 12-year single malt scotch, guava, coconut, mango, then smoked a second time

The 6th chocolate in the tasting was his most expensive in the collection, Koko Monk Smoking Hearts which he presented to us in his exclusive presentation case. He then told us that the Smoking Hearts is a Raspberry-infused chocolate containing 12-year single malt scotch, guava, coconut, mango, then smoked a second time.

My favourites from the selection I tried were the Bachanalia with balsamic vinegar caramel with sea salt; along with the Brunette Bangle with curry and coconut and finally the Smoking Heart.

Koko Monk is located at 1849 West 1st Avenue in Kitsilano. You can find them on twitter @LevniKokoMonk

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Chocolate, Latest, Tastings Tags: , , , No Comments »

Brunch at Q4 Ristorante in Kitsilano

May 12th, 2013 admin

Last weekend, my mom joined me for brunch at Q4 Ristorante , as Mothers Day was approaching this seemed like the perfect time for a brunch.

Caesar Salad

Arugula Balsamic Salad

Bruschetta

To begin, my mom had the Caesar Salad while I had the Arugula Balsamic Salad, we then shared the Bruschetta, loved the presentation, simple and flavourful.

Porcini Fettuccine Tartuffe

Cavateli

My mom had the Porcini Fettuccine Tartuffe which she loved, of course I tried too; I had the Cavateli with lamb sausage, Rapini & corn colourful and delicious!

Chocolate Brownie with vanilla ice cream

Espresso Affogato

For dessert, my mom had the Chocolate Brownie with vanilla ice cream and I had the Espresso Affogato, a perfect finish to a wonderful meal.

Spring and summer weekends are made for leisurely brunches in the restaurant or on the outside patio. On offer every Saturday and Sunday, and holiday Mondays too, the restaurant serves up fresh frittatas, tempting eggs benny, and the city’s quintessential antipasto platter from 10am until 3pm; there’s even a children’s menu for the little ones.  Sunday brunch is made even better with the option of endless prosecco cocktails for $15 per person. Preview the entire brunch menu online at Q4Restaurant.com and for reservations call 604.734.4444. Q4 Ristorante is located at 2563 West Broadway in Kitsilano.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, Tastings Tags: , , No Comments »

Wine for Waves

May 6th, 2013 admin

On April 26th I attended a food and wine pairing tasting that not only featured a large selection of wineries from all over the Naramata Bench area, it also featured a selection Naramata region restaurants.  The Four Seasons Vancouver Hotel ballroom was the venue for this stellar tasting event and they featured their own spectacular Seafood station in the centre of the room.

Shana and Gavin Miller — co-own Upper Bench Winery

Richard of Misconduct Wine Co

Stephanie at D’Angelo Winery

All of the wineries were pouring their line-up of wines for guests to sip and swirl and to spit if they so desired.

Purple Potato Chips & Clam dip by The Peking Room & pairing with Red Rooster Winery

Spicy Seafood Perogy from Vanilla Pod Restaurant pairing with Poplar Grove Winery

Halibut Sausage Roll & Pairing from Lake Breeze Wines

Rainbow Trout Terrine & Pairing from Hillside Wines

Guests I had a chance to taste the best of the Naramata Bench wineries while sampling tantalizing culinary offerings from Naramata Bench’s own Hillside Winery Bistro, Lake Breeze Vineyards The Patio restaurant, Red Rooster’s P. INC. restaurant, Poplar Grove Winery’s The Vanilla Pod, Misconduct Wine Co’s The Kitchen, and Upper Bench Winery and Creamery.

Canadian Maple Wine from Lang Vineyards

The Four Seasons Hotel, presented this wonderful event in partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium in support of its national sustainable seafood program Ocean Wise™.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in All About Wine, Latest, Tastings Tags: , , , , No Comments »

The Roof at Black+Blue Opening

April 25th, 2013 admin

Executive Chef Jason Labahn (L) & Co-Owner Emad Yacoub (R)

Yesterday I attended the opening party of The Roof Black+Blue on Alberni Street in downtown Vancouver.  Having been to the opening party of Black+Blue in 2011, this new outside eatery is the crown jewel that Proprietors Emad Yacoub and Shannon Bosa Yacoub have created to continue their passion for classic-style dining outside! A private, glass-walled elevator transports guests to The Roof. The BOX Interior-designed space features standout décor elements, including a custom bull head sculpture which greets guests upon arrival and airy, bronze light fixtures suspended over the bar. The 120-seat space offers a mix of seating options, including comfortable curved booths, banquettes, and cozy bench seating. Two fireplace walls running the length of the space create warmth and dramatic flair.

Executive Chef Jason Labahn slicing steaks

Emad showing me the Josper Charcoal Broiler

Josper Charcoal Broiler in action

Appointed with its own kitchen, The Roof features a state-of-the-art Josper Charcoal Broiler Oven by Wood Stone – the first of its kind in Canada. Currently there are only 20 of the rare ovens being specially-made for select steakhouses in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The unit combines the features of an enclosed oven with the traditional characteristics of charbroiled cooking. The Jopser reaches internal temperatures of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking steaks to perfection in minutes.

Guests were treated to flowing cocktails that included Mai Tais, Sangria, Pimm’s Cup, Mojitos along with Champagne. I enjoyed tasting the beef and Yorkshire pudding, some of the freshly baked forno flatbreads along with the Prawn Gazpacho Shooter, Tuna on Corn Pancakes and more.

The Roof is open seven days a week, 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, with weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday.

The Roof at Black+Blue located at 1032 Alberni Street (3rd Level) in Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

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Grain Tasting Bar Opening

April 24th, 2013 admin

Bar Stars at Grain Tasting Bar

Yesterday I attended the opening party of Grain Tasting Bar inside the Hyatt Vancouver Hotel.

Ginger Pear Martini

Bruschetta

Chorizo Bites

Charcuterie Bar

Guests were treated to a selection of cocktails such as the Ginger Pear Martini along with wine in the beverage line-up. Canapes included Tuna Tartar, Bruschetta, Chorizo Bites along with a beautiful Charcuterie bar featuring selected meats and a selection of fine cheeses from BC and Ontario as well as a wonderful truffle honey.

Executive Chef Thomas Heinrich

Dedicated to local growers, brewers, wineries and distilleries, their menu offers a wide variety of flavours and spirits representing British Columbia. Rustic yet contemporary, Grain Tasting Bar combines broad windows with chic ambiance, perfectly blending the region’s natural elements with urban design. Their innovative window system features retractable panes, crafting Vancouver’s  seasonal open-air lounge.

Grain Tasting Bar is located inside the Hyatt Regency Vancouver Hotel at 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver. You can call them at 604-639-4768 or follow them on twitter @Grain_Bar

By: Richard Wolak

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New Dishes Tasting at Cafe Il Nido

April 17th, 2013 admin

Visited Café il Nido last week to taste some new dishes on their spring new menu.

1st Dish:

Prawns Gamberoni

Prawns Gamberoni sautéed in olive oil, with chili flakes on a bed of avocado puree

2nd Dish:

Funghi

Funghi – field & forest mushrooms w/ truffle lemon oil & thyme

3rd Dish:

Butternut Squash Tortellini

Butternut Squash Tortellini with walnut marjoram pesto and ricotta cheese

4th Dish:

Caprese on grilled soda bread

Caprese on grilled soda bread w/ vine tomatoes, Fior di latte cheese

5th Dish:

Bison in a peppercorn sauce

Bison in a peppercorn sauce perfectly seasoned with vegetables

6th Dish:

Butternut squash Agnalotti

 Lobster stuffed agnelotti served with red pepper, almonds in tarragon cream sauce

7th Dish:

Blood Orange Sorbetto

House made Blood Orange Sorbetto

My take:

Loved the flavours and presentation of the Prawns Gamberoni sautéed in olive oil, with chili flakes along with the texture of the bed of avocado puree. The Caprese on grilled soda bread w/ vine tomatoes, Fior di latte cheese was nice and light and an alternative to a salad version. My favourite of the pasta dishes was the Lobster stuffed agnelotti served with red pepper, almonds in tarragon cream sauce. The House made Blood Orange Sorbetto was a refreshing finish after a Delish meal!

Café Il Nido is located at 780 Thurlow Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-685-6436

Full Dinner Menu: http://www.cafeilnido.net/Menu/dinner-menu.html

Twitter: @cafeilnido

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, Tastings Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Railtown Caters Launch

April 15th, 2013 admin

On Wednesday, April 10th I attended the launch party of Railtown Catering that was held at the Vancouver Urban Winery in Railtown.

Chef Tyler Day making Wild Mushrooms Saute

Guests were treated to the ‘Spring Cocktail’ gin infused Cocktails along with white and red wines that turned into an open bar mid-way through the evening. Several food stations were featured including a Baked Potato Bar with a wide variety of toppings that people could add including grilled chicken, steak and prawns; there was a Wild Mushrooms station along with fresh Halibut & Chips; a fresh Seafood Tower and so much more.

Gazpacho Shooters

Sweet Corn Tortellini

Servers passed around canapés through-out the night, some of my favourites were the Gazpacho Shooters, along with the Pea Soup Shooters, as well as the Sweet Corn Tortellini.

Chocolate Espresso Cremeaux

Lemon Coconut Almond

Desserts were then passed around wowing the guests further including my fave of the night the Chocolate Espresso Cremeaux followed by the Lemon Coconut Almond.

Railtown Catering is run by Executive Chef Dan Olson and Chef Tyler Day. You can find them at 397 Railway Street in Vancouver, call them at 604-568-8811 or follow them on twitter @RailtownCaters

By: Richard Wolak

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