Archive for the ‘Olympic Celebration’ Category

Dutch Specialties at the Olympics Heineken Holland House

February 14th, 2010 admin

Executive Chef Karel Van Tiel

I met Executive Chef Karel Van Tiel yesterday at Heineken Holland House where he guided me through a tasting of some of their Dutch specialties. Not only did they bring their entire chefs team from Holland to Vancouver, they also brought their kitchen, shipped ahead of time the kitchen was shipped in compartment containers on a ship across the ocean and assembled here in Richmond attached to the venue, this way the team has their own environment to do all the cooking during the 2010 Olympics. I’ve been to Holland a few times in my travels, most of these dishes that I tasted where knew to me.

Chefs in the Kitchen

They have 4 restaurants on site at Heineken Holland House including the Lodge (upstairs) a sit down restaurant that serves Lunch and Dinner daily by reservation only. Two snack bars selling Dutch snacks, many of the foods that I tasted are available at the snack counters to line-up and purchase. They also have the Olympic Club (not open to the public) a VIP sit down restaurant for visiting dignitaries and guests.

Dutch Snacks

To begin my tasting I was served a glass of sparkling water from Holland along with a tasting platter of their appetizers. Shown in the above photo from left to right is:  Bitterbal, Fried Hotchpot “Bitterbal”, Fresh Egg Salad, Classic Dutch Split Pea Soup “Snert”, Hutchpot with bacon.

Trio of extraordinary Canadian Salmon

The next dish was the Trio of extraordinary Canadian Salmon, shown in the above photo from left to right, marinated in cilantro, marinated in red beet, marinated in soy sauce and garnished with fried smelt.

Coffee Snacks

I was then served a Segafredo Espresso which is one of my favourite coffees which I always have when in Amsterdam, they brought the Segafredo people with them along with their coffee and their espresso machines, this is the place to go for a Segafredo coffee. Shown in the photo above from left to right is: Kletskop, Chocolate covered Peanuts, Boterbabbelaar.

Chocolate Truffle Pastries

To end my tasting I had a little dessert, shown in the above photo is the Chocolate Truffle pastries, Candied dates in ruby port, Vanilla and star anise.

The Heineken Holland House is located inside the Richmond O Zone at 7551 Minoru Gate in Richmond and is open daily during the Olympics.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Culinary Adventures, Olympic Celebration, Stories Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Eat, Art, After Dark

February 14th, 2010 admin

Chambar restaurant highlights the work of Vancouver artists during the Olympics

Chambar restaurant will feature the work of two Vancouver artists during the Olympics, with the intention of sharing with the world some of the fantastic young artistic talent that the city has to offer. With Chambar’s close proximity to BC Place and Canada Hockey Place, thousands of Olympic visitors will have the opportunity to view local artwork as they dine on fresh BC mussels and chef Nico Schuerman’s Belgian inspired cuisine.

Chambar owner Karri Schuermans has maintained a commitment to the arts community since she and husband Nico opened the Beatty Street restaurant five years ago. “It has been important for us to use Chambar as a place for guests to explore the dynamism of Vancouver, not just on their plate, but through their entire dining experience.” Schuermans typically rotates exhibitions in the restaurant every four to six weeks. Running for the duration of the Olympics, the sculptural work of Josh Van Dyke and large format resin paintings by George Vergette will adorn the restaurant’s heritage brick walls.

Twenty-nine year old Josh Van Dyke alters reclaimed skateboards into masks, animal heads and west coast inspired antler sculptures. Chambar will be showing a selection of sculptures in the front and mid-section of the restaurant, where guests will dine beneath hot pink deer antlers and skateboard decks that have been manipulated to look like hunting trophies. Van Dyke’s work can also be found during the Olympics in Whistler, where he is exhibiting at the Club Intrawest Hotel and Millennium Place; as well as on Bowen Island where he is participating in the Cultural Olympiad.

George Vergette is a successful Vancouver painter and sculptor whose work utilizes epoxy resin and taxidermy. Upon first viewing them, many of Vergette’s paintings cause a transcendent and spiritual reaction but bring viewers down to earth with quips like ‘Last Victor’, ‘Listen’, and ‘Vilify Paradise’.  The contrast between such terse text and such outward beauty invite us to reflect upon the dichotomies we ourselves experience throughout life: successes, failures, or a sweet memory now forgotten. At Chambar, guests will view a new 8x9ft resin painting as well two 5×5 blue and black paintings that will hang in the main dining room. Vergette’s work is also on view at the Museum of Vancouver Ravishing Beasts taxidermy exhibition.

Chambar is located at 562 Beatty Street in Vancouver. The restaurant utilizes local ingredients and also brews its own craft beer, Chambar Ale. For more information please visit www.chambar.com.

Posted in Olympic Celebration, Stories Tags: , , , No Comments »

Culinary Treats at the Olympics House of Switzerland

February 10th, 2010 admin

Chef Louke & Chef Beda

I met Chef Beda Zengg yesterday at House of Switzerland where he cooked up some of his culinary delights from Switzerland for me to taste. We are fortunate to have some fine Swiss Chefs in Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics and the House of Switzerland is the place to go to eat and drink. I’ve travelled to Switzerland long ago and I was yearning to try some of their dishes here in Vancouver.

Grisons Cold Cuts with Cheese and Pickles

Cheese Shaving Wheel

To start off my Swiss meal, I was served a plate of their Grisons Cold Cuts with Cheese and Pickles I was curious about the cheese swirl in the middle of the plate and how that was done, Chef Beda explained that this special cheese which is from Switzerland is sliced on a special cheese slicer (you can purchase the cheese slicer at Les Amis du Fromage in Vancouver).

Sourdough Bread Cubes

Swiss Cheese Fondue

The next dish was the Swiss Cheese Fondue, this arrived in a pot to my table with a basket of sourdough bread cubes and the special fondue forks for dipping and swirling. I was served a cup of hot peppermint tea as a hot beverage is best for digestion when eating a fondue. You may also drink a glass of white wine or Kirsch with your fondue.

Lindt Chocolate Creations

To end my meal, I had the Lindt Chocolate Creations it is a plate of 3 individual desserts a white chocolate frozen parfait, two colour chocolate mousse and a chocolate cake with passion fruit filling. This was served with a Nespresso shot of Espresso which was a fine ending to my Swiss meal.

The House of Switzerland at Bridges Restaurant and Bistro is serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner now thru the end of the Olympics, their complete menu with the Swiss menu selections can be seen here http://www.bridgesrestaurant.com/menus and you can make a reservation by calling them at 604-687-4400.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Culinary Adventures, Olympic Celebration, Stories Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments »

Top 10 Take Out Places during the 2010 Olympics

February 8th, 2010 admin

If you are downtown Vancouver and either in a hurry to get to the next Olympic related event or can’t find a seat in your want to go to restaurant! Here are some places that you are sure to get a good healthy meal to go within minutes:

1) Nuba – Lebanese/Middle Eastern – organic wraps, falafel and more. Two locations to serve, drop by and order on site or call them and pick up your order in minutes.

Yaletown – 1206 Seymour Street, call: 778-371-3266 and Downtown – 207-B West Hastings Street, call 604-688-1655.

Nuba on Seymour

2) La Taqueria – Tacos and more Tacos – authentic meat and vegetarian options, try my favourites Chicken Mole and Corn Crema – order on site and they will be ready in minutes (cash only).

Downtown – 322 West Hastings Street

3) Goldies Rustic Pizza– Pizza – slices of pizza. stellar line-up of several kinds of pizzas line the counter top by the take away window.

Downtown — 605 West Pender Street.

4) Café Crepe – Parisian crepes and sandwiches – Sweet and Savoury crepes along with sandwiches and pizzas. A few locations downtown for you to order and takeaway in minutes.

Robson – 1032 Robson Street and Downtown – 874 Granville Street

5) Café Medina – Waffles and Coffee — mouth-watering waffles and connoisseur-savvy coffees will be available at the café’s new take-out window.

556 Beatty Street

6) Kolachy Shop – Polish pastry-type dessert made of a sweet yeast dough, that is traditionally filled with fruit preserves, nuts or cottage cheese.

888 Beatty Street

7) Beard Papa – Cream Puffs – not just any cream puffs –fresh and natural – to go in a minute. Try the chocolate dipped cream puff.

2 locations downtown

English Bay – Unit 104 – 1184 Denman Street

Robson – Robson & Richards

8) Hyrise – best Salad Bar in the area – loads of variety of both vegetables and fruit.  There are still a few treat items to add to your salad, but for the most part it is just super fresh and reasonably priced.

Yaletown – 1155 Pacific Boulevard

9) Jugo Juice – fresh squeezed juices and smoothies to go in minutes.

Multiple locations around downtown including Yaletown & Vancouver Centre Canada-Line stations

10) Salsa & Agave – Burrito’s and more – Call ahead and order for pick-up and give ‘em about 10 minutes or drop by and order in person to go.

Yaletown — 1223 Pacific Boulevard – call them at 604-408-4228

Compiled by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Olympic Celebration, Stories Tags: , , , , 2 Comments »

Cafes to Visit during 2010 Olympics

February 8th, 2010 admin

Buzz Cafe

If you are Vancouver and looking for a café to socialize with friends or to check your email! Here are some places that you are sure to get good coffee and most have Wi-Fi:

Elysian Coffee (2 locations) 590 West Broadway (Fairview Slopes) and 1778 West 5th Ave (kitsilano) – has Wi-Fi.

49th Parallel 2152 West 4th Avenue

Blenz (multiple locations)  345 Robson Street (Library Square), 1203 Davie Street (Westend), 700 Davie Street (downtown), 338 Helmcken Street (Yaletown) –has Wi-Fi

Wicked Cafe (2 locations) 1399 West 7th Avenue & 861 Hornby Street – – has Wi-Fi

Agrocafe 1207 Hamilton Street – has Wi-Fi

Smart Mouth Café 131 Water Street (Gastown) – has Wi-Fi

Buzz Café 901 Homer Street – has Wi-Fi

Café Artigiano 763 Hornby Street (Downtown) –

Mink Chocolate Café 863 West Hastings Street – has Wi-Fi

Dulcinea Café 1118 Denman Street – has Wi-Fi

Compiled by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Olympic Celebration, Stories Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

Aboriginal Menu highlights Olympics at Pan Pacific Vancouver

February 5th, 2010 admin

Hans Pirhofer - Head Pastry Chef

To celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Olympics the Pan Pacific Hotel has created a special menu available to guests and visitors from Feb 12 – 28 in all their restaurants and lounges throughout the hotel. I had an opportunity to sample their menu at a tasting yesterday and their chefs have created a wonderful menu to honour the Olympics.

Alderwood Smoked Salmon on Bannock

The "Aboriginal" Maki Roll

Some of the special menu items are shown here and there are many more for your dining pleasure.

I Am Canadian cocktail

Executive Chef, Daryle Nagata & Pastry Chef, Hans Pirhofer

Maple Cheesecake

Visit Cascade Lounge for some of the featured cocktails that include The Bobsled, I Am Canadian, Stogel’s Luge, Triple Axel and the Black Diamond, these drinks will go well with some bites while you enjoy the spectacular view outside and inside for the “Kla-how-ya” Aboriginal Village.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Olympic Celebration, Stories Tags: , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

2010 Mixlympic Games at George on Feb 21

February 2nd, 2010 admin

On Your Mark, Get Set….Mix!

George Ultra Lounge Celebrates the 2010 Mixlympic Games

Sunday, February 21 – 12:00 pm

George Ultra Lounge, 1137 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Yaletown’s George Ultra Lounge is getting into the spirit of 2010 by inviting some of the best bartenders in the world to compete head-to-head in a competition to demonstrate their speed, creativity and showmanship.  Six talented bartenders from some of the world’s best bars will be behind the wood at George during the Olympics and they will also be vying for the privilege of taking home the title in the first ever George Mixlympic Games.  Their creations will be judged by a talented – and extremely discerning – group of celebrity judges and possibly a couple of Olympic surprise guests.

Award-winning George bartender, Shaun Layton, has travelled the world looking for the best bars and most innovative cocktails.  In 2009, Shaun introduced five of his favourite finds in the special Cameo section of the George cocktail menu, but he wanted to take it even further.

“It is going to be like one big citywide party during the Olympics,” says Layton.  “With all the excitement around the athletes coming to Vancouver, we wanted to find a way to celebrate the excellence of some of the star athletes in the bartending world.  I invited six of the best bartenders in the world to come and work with us during the Games and it only made sense to take advantage of having so much talent in one place.  We had to hold our own international competition.”

The Mixlympics take place on Sunday, February 21st at 12:00 pm.  It will be a black box style competition with a secret local ingredient included and will feature some of the brightest stars in the bartending cosmos.  All of them have won multiple awards for their ability to create cocktails that are fresh, unusual and, of course, extraordinarily delicious.

The international participants in the competition are:

Joe Stokoe – Bar Manager for all three All Star Lanes, London, UK

Abdul Kpekawa – Bartender, All Star Lanes, London, UK

David Grieg – Bartender, All Star Lanes, London, UK

Ola Carlson – Bartender, Box 101, Stockholm, Sweden

Nicolos de Soto, Bartender, Experimental Cocktail Club & Curio Parlour, Paris, France

Charles Tan – Bartender, China Club, Paris, France.

Representing Canada will be:

Mark Brand – Owner, Boneta and The Diamond, Vancouver

David Wolwidnyk – Bar Manager, West, Vancouver

Jay Jones – Owner, The Pourhouse, Vancouver

Darryl Macdonald – Bartender, Port, Toronto

The extremely talented judges who will have the painful job of tasting the cocktails and choosing the best are:

Shaun Layton – Bar Manager, George Ultra Lounge

Joanne Sasvari – Freelance Journalist and Mixology Expert

Rebecca Bolwitt – Vancouver Blogger, Miss 604

Neal Mclennan – Editor, Western Living Magazine

Andrew Morrison – Editor, Scout Magazine

Jay Garnett – President, Whitefish Group

One of the good things about this event – besides the amazing food and drinks – is that you don’t have to give up your Maserati to get a ticket.  There is no cover charge, and the event is open to all on a first come first served basis.

Posted in Events, Olympic Celebration, Stories Tags: , , , , , , No Comments »

A Taste of Atlantic Canada during Olympics

February 2nd, 2010 admin

Backstage Lounge, Granville Island
Daily Food Sampling -11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

We couldn’t show you the East Coast hospitality we’re famous for without food-and lots of it! Atlantic Canada House is pleased to offer complimentary food sampling, prepared and served by Atlantic Canadian culinary students and their instructors.

Students from Nova Scotia Community College’s Sobeys Culinary Centres (NS), Culinary Arts Program at the New Brunswick Community College (NB), Holland College’s Culinary Institute of Canada (PE) and College of the North Atlantic (NL) will be using their creativity and training to bring a taste of the East Coast to you here on Granville Island.

A Taste of Atlantic Canada will be showcasing the very best of Atlantic seafood and agricultural products in menus that are largely pan-Atlantic; however, each Atlantic Province will showcase their specialty products on the following days:

  • Nova Scotia, February 16th
  • Prince Edward Island, February 18th
  • New Brunswick, February 23rd
  • Newfoundland and Labrador, February 26th

Click Here for Complete Calendar of Menus

Posted in Events, Olympic Celebration, Stories Tags: , , , , No Comments »
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Sponsors

  • General Info

Switch to our mobile site

echo get_option('motion_footer') . "\n";