Posts Tagged ‘Ocean Wise’

Chef Meets Grape

September 23rd, 2011 admin

Chef Ned Bell of the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

Last night I attended Chef meets Grape, the largest annual celebration of BC VQA wines and local food with 75 BC wineries sharing their new fall releases, delectably paired with inspired dishes from 12 top Ocean Wise partner restaurants.

Each of the twelve restaurants, renowned for their delectable wine and food pairings, each created appetizer-sized portions of a dish using BC ingredients, paired with their selected BC VQA wine.

YEW Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver "Salmon 3 Ways" & Painted Rock Chardonnay 2009.

I sampled all the dishes tasting my way around the room and my favourite and most impressive dish was “Salmon 3 Ways” created by Chef Ned Bell and his team from YEW Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver which was perfectly paired with the Painted Rock Chardonnay 2009.

Fraiche with their Confit: Thiessen Farms Pheasant & Wild Mushroom Tart paired with Laughing Stock Portfolio 2008

Miradoro with his Angus Beef Meatball paired with Tinhorn Creek Oldfield series Merlot 2008

O’Doul’s with his Pinot Noir cured Pacific Provider Wild Pink Salmon paired with Garry Oaks Pinot Noir 2009

The other dishes that I enjoyed the most were Chef Jefferson Alvarez of Fraiche with their Confit: Thiessen Farms Pheasant & Wild Mushroom Tart paired with Laughing Stock Portfolio 2008; along with Chef Jeff Van Geest of Miradoro with his Angus Beef Meatball paired with Tinhorn Creek Oldfield series Merlot 2008; along with Chef Chris Whittaker of O’Doul’s with his Pinot Noir cured Pacific Provider Wild Pink Salmon paired with Garry Oaks Pinot Noir 2009.

Ethical Bean's Emily Sproule and their Chocolate Toffee Explosion Donuts

Guests were able to taste over 250 award-winning Wines of British Columbia, as well as treat themselves to Apple Pie Ice Cream cones from Miradoro, chocolates from Daniel Chocolate Belge along with Fair Trade Donuts and Coffee from Ethical Bean.

Organized by the British Columbia Wine Institute (BCWI), ChefmeetsGrape is proud to support the Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise program, the event was held at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Food & Wine Events, Latest, Tastings Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments »

ChefmeetsGrape September 22

September 7th, 2011 admin

ChefmeetsGrape, the largest annual celebration of BC VQA wines and local food, is once again coming to Vancouver! On Thursday, September 22, 75 BC wineries will be sharing their new fall releases, delectably paired with inspired dishes from 12 top Ocean Wise partner restaurants.

This year, guests will enjoy wines from all of British Columbia’s five designated viticultural areas and sample dishes from top chefs from Vancouver, Whistler and the Okanagan. The twelve restaurants in this year’s event, renowned for their delectable wine and food pairings, will compete for the honour of “Judges Choice”, as they each create appetizer-sized portions of a dish using BC ingredients, paired with their selected BC VQA wine. New this year is a critic’s choice raw bar (sponsored by the BC Shellfish Growers Association) featuring wine pairings from top BC wine writers and sommeliers.

With over 250 award-winning Wines of British Columbia, 12 mouth-watering dishes, and the critics’ choice raw bar, this is truly an evening you and your tastebuds will never forget!

Organized by the British Columbia Wine Institute (BCWI), ChefmeetsGrape is proud to support the Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise program with 10% of all proceeds going towards their vital conservation efforts. Tickets are $85 (plus HST & s/c), and available through Tickets Tonight at ticketstonight.ca or by phone (604-684-2787).

For up-to-date event details, visit winebc.com.

Posted in Food & Wine Events, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »

DUNDARAVE FISH MARKET

August 16th, 2011 admin

 

2423 Marine Drive West Vancouver

Tel: 604-922-1155

Web: http://www.dundaravefishmarket.com/restaurant-octo.html

Twitter: @fishmongerkim

Advice: You will want to sit upstairs for a cozy hideway dining experience or a seat on the outside patio.

Part fish market, part restaurant, this locale is a busy neighbourhood spot serving some of the finest seafood on the North Shore. On the fish market side you will find fresh fish from the sea as well as their crab cakes all done up and ready for you to cook up at home. On the restaurant side you will find lots of seating along with an extensive menu of seafood favourites and so much more.

Halibut Fish & Chips

Crackin’ Crab Cakes

Lemon Bar

I visited recently joined by my friend Nikki for some delicious fare. We both had the Halibut Fish & Chips ($14.95) 1 pc Halibut, round potato fries, sassy sesame slaw, tartar sauce & Baja sauce; as well we shared the outstanding Crackin’ Crab Cakes ($14.95) w/ peach chutney at Dundarave Fish Market and then for a refreshingly light dessert we shared the Lemon Bar.

Review by: Richard Wolak

 

 

Posted in West Vancouver Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

HAWKSWORTH RESTAURANT

August 8th, 2011 admin

801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-673-7000

Web: http://www.hawksworthrestaurant.com/

Twitter: @hawksworthrest

Advice: the restaurant is located inside the Rosewood Hotel Georgia and advance reservations are recommended.

Salted Herb Bread

The star attraction at Hawksworth is the cooking from notable Chef David Hawksworth whom the restaurant is named. I have savoured David`s food over the years from when he cooked at West as well as at numerous events. Chef David is a perfectionist like none other, he has a well-executed style of cooking and is passionate about food.

I dined with my friend and fellow writer Sarah Rowland last week, we were seated in the Pearl room in close proximity of the stunning wine room as well as being next to the centre piece chandelier which graces the dining room. This was my second visit but the first for a sit down meal and it was wonderful to enjoy a fine dining experience with top notch service. We began with an order of their Salted Herb Bread ($4) with olive oil that tasted so good. Curious thought as to why a restaurant of this calibre would charge guests for bread, my only thought on that rationale would be to have the guests focus on the dishes rather than filling up on the bread.

Apple Beet Salad

Seared Weathervane Scallops

Dungeness Crab Salad

To start, we shared a few dishes including the outstanding and refreshing Apple Beet Salad ($11) chevre, walnut, dill, caramelized honey; the xo in the Seared Weathervane Scallops ($16) was the perfect spice for that dish which is also had xo, beech mushroom, edamame; and rounding out the starters the tasty Dungeness Crab Salad ($18) watermelon, mint, ver jus.

Beef Tenderloin

Black and White Truffle Risotto

For the mains, we both had the same dish which was divine the medium well preparation was perfectly done,  Beef Tenderloin ($34), smoked marrow, wild mushroom , cauliflower and chimmichurri. Additionally we shared the house special Black and White Truffle Risotto which was outstanding. I enjoyed my Beef Tenderloin with a glass of the Foxtrot `08 Pinot Noir (BC).

Valrhona Milk Chocolate Mousse

Dark Chocolate Cremeux

Macarons

For me, a creative dessert menu is an indication of a well thought out menu and the perfect ending to a meal. I had very high expectations for the desserts here at Hawksworth and even more so than the starters and mains as I knew David Hawksworth had created that part of the menu. The Pastry Chef is Wayne Kozinko he is also quite experienced having been the pastry chef at one of my other favourite restaurants YEW. The dessert selections that we ordered looked stunning, however in the end I was a tad disappointed with the flavours. We shared the Valrhona Milk Chocolate Mousse ($8) passion fruit, caramel ; the Dark Chocolate Cremeux ($8) sweet potato sorbet, and a hint of maple along with a plate of assorted Macarons ($12) .

After Dinner Mignardises

To end our meal we were served a complimentary plate of Mignardises, another little sweet to round out a fine meal. I will be back ton continue this culinary journey and to partake in Sunday Brunch one day soon!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Downtown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

GO FISH BROADWAY

August 7th, 2011 admin

1521 West Broadway, Vancouver

Tel: n/a

Web: http://www.gofishvancouver.com/

Twitter: @gofishvancouver

Advice: Ask for a side of the dark ponzu sauce and drizzle it on your fries, and coleslaw. They offer takeout all day just not during the dinner hour unless you order it in person. Closed Sundays.

I used to frequent their seafood shack at Fisherman’s Wharf where I enjoyed the fresh fish and seafood creations. This second location steps it up a bit, first of all it is a sit down restaurant that is inside with comfortable booths and blue tables around the room, along with art on the walls that was created by Gord. Just as Chef/Proprietor Gord Martin always does, his latest Go Fish still serves their notable Fish & Chips and other favourites by day, and by night their dishes get a bit more snazzy with inventive dishes and wonderful flavours.

Salmon Meatball

Halibut Fish & Chips

I had dinner recently as I was on a Fish & Chips mission, started off with a delicious Salmon Meatball creation that Chef Martin had cooked up! Then I ate through their Halibut Fish & Chips ($13) 1 piece of halibut, fries, pacific rim coleslaw, tarragon tartar sauce and lemon wedge; the outstanding Salmon Fish & Chips ($10) and the Cod Fish & Chips ($9) all with same condiments. They use the Red Truck Lager in the beer batter cause it is a local brew and just gives the fish a clean and delicious flavour. I’ve been hooked on their dark ponzu sauce ever since eating at Go Fish in the early days, hint you may want to drizzle some on your fries and coleslaw!

Okanagan Black Cherry Ice Cream

For dessert I had their home-made Okanagan Black Cherry Ice Cream that was topped with fresh mint, wonderful and refreshing. This location is licensed with many craft brews on tap!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in South Granville Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

O’DOUL’S RESTAURANT

August 2nd, 2011 admin

1300 Robson Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604 661 1400

Web: http://www.odoulsrestaurant.com

Twitter: @odoulsonrobson

Advice: Offers jazz most nights, check their online jazz calendar for details.

Often visiting for some late night jazz, I turned it up a notch this year and had dinner here with my brother during the TD International Jazz Festival. This past year I had the opportunity to interview Chef Chris Whittaker here at O’Doul’s who is a master of the kitchen, for our dinner I left the menu up to him.

Bread Basket

Theissen Farm Duck “Prosciutto”

Lois Lake Steelhead Tartare

Heirloom Salad

Okanagan Goat Cheese Fritters

We began our meal with the Theissen Farm Duck “Prosciutto” ($14) duck confit and cherry arancini, arugula, rhubarb chutnea, then I had the Lois Lake Steelhead Tartare ($13) in a cold “pesto“ soup, gold beets, potato lattice, micro green while my brother enjoyed the Heirloom Salad. Next was the Okanagan Goat Cheese Fritters ($13) roast pepper olive tapenade, heirloom tomatoes, balsamic gelée, olive oil.

Citrus and Maple-cured BC Sablefish

Beef Short Rib with Oxtail Ravioli

On to the mains, we both loved the outstanding Citrus and Maple-cured BC Sablefish ($29) crispy rice, pacific seaweed, cultivated mushrooms, radish, dashi broth, which was our favourite, rarely do we enjoy a dish in unison. Next was the Beef Short Rib with Oxtail Ravioli to round out the savoury portion of our dinner.

White Chocolate Mousse and a Strawberry Lassi

For dessert we enjoyed the White Chocolate Mousse and a Strawberry Lassi ($9). While we were finishing up our dessert; The Tony Foster Quartet were playing near the bar, they were the performers of the night  as part of the TD International Vancouver Jazz Festival, this trio was made up of a pianist, bassist and drummer.

Review by: Richard Wolak

 

 

Posted in Downtown, Great Ideas Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

FRESH LOCAL WILD

June 22nd, 2011 admin

SE corner of Hastings and Burrard, Vancouver

Tel: n/a

Web: http://freshlocalwild.com/

Twitter: @freshlocalwild

Advice: Monday to Friday lunch. Dinner by reservation. Follow them on twitter for updated opening times.

The name says it all, here it is all about using Fresh, Local and Wild. This is a one and only mobile restaurant type of food truck that has a patio at the rear that seats 4.

Chicken Fried Oyster Sandwich

Albacore Tuna Melt

Wild Northern Coho Fish & Chips

I have visited a few times already and have eaten my way through the whole menu, my favourites are the Chicken Fried Oyster Sandwich ($10) served on a soft bun with a spicy aioli; the very unique and tasty Albacore Tuna Melt ($10) and the Wild Northern Coho Fish & Chips ($12) Tempura style battered salmon with slightly salted hand cut fries.

They have put together a simple menu that features delicious, local and sustainable food to the people on the street at great prices! Their products are sourced from local Fishermen, ethical farms and sustainable wild harvest of seasonal bounty. With another first Fresh Local Wild has launched the only mobile dining patio where Chef Josh Wolfe is cooking for a private table of four. Finished in beautifully stained western red cedar and complete with music this is the smallest restaurant in Vancouver and four of the hottest seats. For an extra serving of goodness, make sure you allow some time to chat it up with Chef Josh Wolfe!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Downtown, Food Trucks Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

AMERICAN GRILLE

May 31st, 2011 admin

7571 Westminster Highway, Richmond

Tel: 604-232-2804

Web: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/yvrsa-vancouver-airport-marriott-hotel/

Twitter: @marriottyvr

Advice: Solo dining is popular here and they are very accommodating. Located inside the Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel.

Scillian Gnocchi

Fraser Valley Greens

Pan Seared Halibut

It was a must for me to visit since I hadn’t eaten there in over 8 years, it’s one of those eateries that’s been consistent in serving locals and visitors. Since I was dining solo and had an appetite to try some of the dishes, I had them serve me an appetizer size of the delicious Scillian Gnocchi ($8 for appie size or $16 reg) pan seared potato gnocchi, basil, French beans, caramelized onions, olive oil, black pepper, diced tomato. Then I had the rather large Fraser Valley Greens ($6.50) mixed local Fraser Valley greens, julienne carrot, candied cashews, goat cheese, tomatoes, cabernet vinaigrette. For my main, I chose a healthy option and had the tasty Pan Seared Halibut ($23) Citrus glaze, sautéed julienne vegetables, herbed risotto.

Knickerbocker Glory

When it came time for dessert I wanted to try something different and went with an old standby that had a unique name and a story, Knickerbocker Glory ($7) a tall dish filled with scoops of gelato, hot fudge, topped with bananas, strawberry sauce, merengue, whipped cream and a touch of spearmint. Make sure that you ask the server to tell you the story on how this dessert got its name!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Richmond Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »
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