Tourism Vancouver’s annual culinary promotion runs from January 24 to February 6

Dine Out Vancouver – the largest dining event of its kind in Canada – is back for a ninth year with more restaurants and more food events than ever before. Presented by Tourism Vancouver, Dine Out Vancouver 2011 will take place over 14 delicious days from Monday, January 24 to Sunday, February 6. The promotion features three-course, prix fixe menus at 213 restaurants across the city, as well as a smorgasbord of culinary events and tempting hotel offers.

Tourism Vancouver’s Lucas Pavan, responsible for coordinating Dine Out Vancouver, says that organizers wanted to create a food festival feel for this year’s event. “Building on last year, we have a whole host of new culinary events and activities running alongside the prix fixe restaurant menus for Dine Out Vancouver 2011,” said Pavan. “Tourism Vancouver is very proud of the role this event plays in showcasing the city’s vibrant culinary scene and we hope Dine Out Vancouver will continue to grow in years to come.”

Dine Out Vancouver Prix Fixe Menus – $18, $28 or $38

January 24 to February 6

Hope you’re hungry! During Dine Out Vancouver 2011, 213 restaurants across Metro Vancouver will offer delicious three-course menus at set price points of either $18, $28 or $38. As the central component of Dine Out Vancouver, the prix fixe menus give diners a chance to “taste drive” top restaurants and enjoy exceptional value at eateries across the city. All menus come with suggested BC VQA wine pairings, available at an additional cost, thanks to the British Columbia Wine Institute. Participating restaurants, their menus and booking details will be released on January 6 at which point consumers can begin making reservations online through tourismvancouver.com/dov. Diners are encouraged to book early as reservations at many restaurants are snapped up quickly.

Dine Out Vancouver Hotel Offers – $68, $98 or $138

January 24 to February 6

New for Dine Out Vancouver 2011 is a corresponding hotel program offering room-only hotel rates in $68, $98 and $138 price categories. With 29 hotels across the city participating, these accommodation offers mean you can really “make a night of it” by turning your Dine Out Vancouver experience into a delicious stay-cation. The list of hotels, along with booking details, is available now at tourismvancouver.com/dov.

Dine Out Vancouver Events

January 14 to February 11

*For more information and booking details for all Dine Out Vancouver events, visit tourismvancouver.com/dov.

•    The Inside Taste: A Sustainable Plate and Pairing Challenge

January 20, Vancouver Aquarium, tickets $68 ($58 before January 1)

Gather your friends and kick off Dine Out Vancouver at this fun, food-filled night at the

Vancouver Aquarium in support of Ocean Wise. Eight top Vancouver chefs will serve up a sustainable dish, paired with BC VQA wine. By eating and drinking, you’ll help judge the winning chef at this tasty event.

•    Dine Academy

Dirty Apron Cooking School, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Quince (prices and dates vary)

Here’s your chance to learn to cook like a pro! During Dine Out Vancouver, take advantage of great discounts and special offers from some of the city’s top cooking schools. Starting at just $30, Dine Academy offers a range of finger-licking experiences and educational tours at great value.

•    Secret Supper Soirée

January 14, 15, 28, 29 and February 4 and 5, $119 ($99 before December 25)

Presented by Swallow Tail Canada, the Secret Supper Soirée is a four-hour odyssey of wining and dining that includes six courses, four libations and three secret locations. Aboard a Vancouver Trolley, you’ll be whisked to a series of unexpected locations to enjoy BC-focused cocktails, wine, and tasting plates.

•    Act I, Eat 1

January 27, 28 and February 4 (prices vary)

Enjoy one of three unique dinner-theatre pairings in the company of newfound friends at Dine Out Vancouver’s Act 1, Eat 1. The Arts Club Theatre Company and the Push International Performing Arts Festival team up with Cru Restaurant, Red Door Pan Asian Grill, and The Irish Heather Gastropub to offer three evenings of dining and drama. Enjoy a three-course meal followed by a performance of The Arts Club’s darkly comedic play August: Osage County, or the Push Festival’s screening of Bonanza at SFU Woodwards.

•    Dinner in the Dark

February 5, Culinary Capers Kitchen, $150

Culinary Capers and Laughing Stock Vineyard present a sensory dining experience like no other – you will be blindfolded! At a communal table in the Culinary Capers’ demonstration kitchen, Chef Jonathan Chovancek will serve a tantalizing eight-course mystery dinner paired with wines from Laughing Stock. Through your heightened sense of smell, taste and touch will you experience the full spectrum of this culinary event.

•    Brasserie Mystère

February 10, secret location, free (limited availability)

Kronenboug 1664 presents Brasserie Mystère – an exclusive dining experience prepared by a renowned chef, in a secret location, featuring an exceptional meal paired and enjoyed with Kronenbourg 1664. Discover a dining experience as exclusive as the beer. Kronenbourg 1664 is a proud supporting sponsor of Dine Out Vancouver 2011. Continue checking tourismvancouver.com/dov to find out how to get on the guest list to this exclusive event.

Here is the Line-up of the Restaurants and their Menus http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.php

Best Bite Awards – Vote and you could win the Dine Out for a Year contest

Did your taste buds shout for joy with every bite? Did that entrée leave you raving? Once again, diners can vote for their favourite Dine Out Vancouver experiences in the Best Bite Awards. Vote online at tourismvancouver.com/dov from January 24 and one lucky diner will win the Dine Out for a Year contest (52 restaurant gift certificates worth $3,900 in value).