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Posts Tagged ‘Vancouver’

Tasting Plates Vancouver Ultimate Desserts

Tasting Plates opener

On April 14th we presented the 1st ever Tasting Plates Desserts edition all over Vancouver  that showcased 8 restaurants, cafes, & bakeries.

tasting plates desserts 1

The afternoon event began inside of Rocanini Coffee Roasters where guests registered and picked up their Tasting Plates Cards. Guests were given a tour of the coffee roasting operation at Rocanini along with a coffee tasting, at registration we gave out KIND snack bars for everyone, then guests dispersed to the various participating restaurants to taste a multitude of desserts representing many different types of cuisines.

Novus TV Tasting Plates Ultimate Desserts filmed on location with Richard Wolak touring 3 eateries for their #CityLights show.

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Rocanini Coffee Roasters MENU

1. Kenya AA Kaiguri /Tasting profile: Floral, lemon, peach, juicy, complex acidity and sweet

2. Papua New Guinea Korgua Estate/tasting profile:i ntense floral notes, juicy body  with a sweet tropical fruit   finish.

3. Colombia San Augustin Huila/tasting profile: Rich, sweet, with citrus and chocolate notes, ending with a  savory finish

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Beta 5 Chocolates MENU

Our Tasting Plate will include a selection of our desserts along with mini cream puffs and samples from our chocolate kitchen.

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Vancouver Pie Hole MENU

1. Bourbon Pecan Pumpkin Pie

2. Key Lime Pie

3. Maple French Toast Bacon Pie

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Bella Gelateria MENU

Our Tasting Bowl will feature a surprise selection of gelato flavours specially offered for this event.

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WE Coffee MENU

1. Signature – Espresso or Macchiato

2. Traditional – 8 oz Latte or Cappuccino

3. 8 oz Mochachino

3. 8 oz Chai Latte with Soy / Almond Milk

4. Paris Tea / decaffeinated Peppermint Tea

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The Bibo MENU

1. Tiramisù

2. Chocolate Brick

3. Chocolate Pizza

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Bob Likes Thai Food MENU

1. TUB-TIM-KROB (AKA. CRUNCHY POMEGRANATE)

Water chesnuts, Tapioca flour, Jackfruit, Shaded young coconut,

Coconut milk, Syrup, Pomegranate, Crystal Lime candy, and Crushed Ice…

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Trees Organic MENU

1. New York cheesecake

2. Marzipan cheesecake

3.  Coffee

The restaurants, cafes and bakeries featured many unique and tasty desserts to our guests to eat and drink throughout the event both inside and outside.

Thank you to our photographer Alvin Lee for capturing the event so well (see more photos here)

By: Richard Wolak

Tasting Plates YVR *Ultimate Desserts*

 

Tantalize your taste buds at several restaurants, cafes and bakeries all over Vancouver! This tasting extravaganza goes from 2pm until 5:30 pm and is presented by Vancouver Foodster.

Each restaurant, cafe and bakery will be serving up Tasting Plates for guests to enjoy and you will have a chance to visit many different types of restaurants throughout the event, meet some new food loving friends, meet the chefs, and learn about each of the participating restaurants.

If you haven’t been to our previous Tasting Plates events, Novus TV featured our last event on City Lights (view here).

  • Bring along a friend or two, your significant other, your family or come solo.
  • A food networking event connecting Vancouver’s vibrant food community.
  • From sweets to savoury desserts along with hot chocolate, juices, tea and coffees
  • Visit each of the participating restaurants,cafes and bakeries at your leisure by bike, moped, car, transit, walking, roller skates, skateboarding or carpooling.

Registration: tba -this is where you will show us your printed or digital tickets and will pick up your Tasting Plates Cards.

Participating restaurants:

BELLA GELATERIA

1001 West Cordova

Twitter:@bellagelateria

Web:http://www.bellagelateria.com

Feature: Gelato

WE. Coffee Inc.

1696 Robson Street

Twitter @WECoffeeInc

Web : www.wecoffeeroaster.com

Feature: Coffee and desserts

BETA 5

413 Industrial Avenue

Twitter: @Beta5chocolates

Web: http://beta-5.com/

Feature: Desserts

Bob Likes Thai Food 

1521 West Broadway St,(@Granville)

Twitter: @Boblikethaifood

Web: http://www.boblikesthaifood.com/ 

Feature: Thai desserts

ROCANINI COFFEE ROASTERS

127 West 5th Avenue

Twitter:@ROCANINI

Web: http://www.rocanini.com/

Feature: Coffee

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE BIBO

1835 West 4th Avenue

Twitter: @TheBibo

Web: http://thebibo.com/

Feature: Italian desserts

VANCOUVER PIE HOLE

433 Industrial Avenue

Twitter: @pieholevan

Web: http://www.vancouverpiehole.com/

Feature: Pies

TREES ORGANIC

2655 Arbutus Street, Vancouver

Twitter: @TreesOrganic

Web: http://www.treescoffee.com/

Feature: Cheesecake

Advance Tickets: $35 per person (eventbrite fee extra). $115 for 4 pak of tickets or $150 for 6 pak of tickets (get a group of your friends/family together and save by purchasing a 4 pak or a 6 pak (eventbrite fee extra). Regular Tickets $45 per person (eventbrite fee extra) after April 11.

Purchase Tickets Here:

http://tastingplatesyvrdesserts.eventbrite.com/

Ticket price includes tasting plates at each of the participating restaurants, cafes and bakeries throughout the event. (Beverages are included at some restaurants which will be noted, you are welcome to purchase other beverages at each of the participating restaurants).

Note: ALL Tickets must be purchased in advance online. All ticket sales are final. No exchanges or refunds; however they are transferrable with printed proof of ticket.  This is an all ages event which is produced by CMI Chat Media Inc

Crate & Barrel Opening

Yesterday I attended the opening of US based furniture and housewares retailer at Oakridge Centre, this is the company’s first store in Vancouver. The store is well layed-out, I spent most of my time in the kitchen looking at all the neat gadgets.

Mushroom Cups canapes

Guests were treated to white and red wine, along with canapés from Hawksworth Catering. My fave of the canapés were the Mushroom cups.

One of things that makes Crate & Barrel unique is their top of trend collections, they theme and describe each collection whether it be Juicy Drinks, Cocktailing, or Preserving Summer.

You can visit them in Vancouver at:

Crate and Barrel Vancouver

Oakridge Centre

650 W 41st Ave (at Cambie)

By: Richard Wolak

Rocanini Coffee Roasters

I have always loved coffee, well since my teens for sure, I got my writing start by writing my first book “Vancouver’s Best Espresso Spots” many years ago. As I travel and explore neighborhoods around Vancouver, I always seek out the new cafes and roasteries. One café that I visited awhile ago was Rocanini in the heart of Steveston, it took much longer for me to visit their roastery in Vancouver which I did a couple of weeks ago.

I had a chance to sit with owner Frank over a double espresso and talk about coffee, as well as what Rocanini is striving for now and into the future. Frank has been involved in the coffee business for the past 13 years, he developed his interest by researching and reading as much as he could before he decided to open his roastery and café in Vancouver a few years ago. I asked him what Rocanini meant, and he said it’s in homage to Italian tradition, the name “Rocanini” has been derived from the Latin word for rock, roca—with a twist. The name communicates a foundation of both strength and presence.

Beyond serving premium, handcrafted beverages, at their cafe and roastery locations, Rocanini also offers a range of products designed for domestic use, such as coffee equipment and other coffee-related merchandise.

You can visit Rocanini Coffee Roasters and café at 127 West 5th Avenue in Vancouver. You can also find them online at http://www.rocanini.com/ and follow them on Twitter @ROCANINI

By: Richard Wolak

2nd Annual Tasting Plates Downtown Vancouver

On February 20th we presented the 2nd Annual downtown edition of Tasting Plates Vancouver event that showcased 9 restaurants, cafes, & food trucks.

The evening began inside of Vancouver Fanclub where guests registered and picked up their Tasting Plates Cards and then enjoyed listening to Musician Gio Levy. Guests were treated to a Tasting Plate at Vancouver Fanclub then dispersed to the various participating restaurants to taste a multitude of dishes representing many different types of cuisine that included savoury and sweet!

 

Vancouver Fanclub MENU

1) Hickory Smoked Spiced Chicken Wings:

Low smoked grilled wings with choice of barbeque or honey garlic sauce.

2) Mac & Cheese:

Macaroni with smoked cheddar cheese, topped with in-house smoked pulled pork.

3) Warm Mini Donuts:

Prepared in-house and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Drizzled with a chocolate Kahlua sauce.

Lolitas MENU 

1) Slow roasted beer braised beef taquitos.

2) Pulled achiote chicken and spinach flautists wrapped in blue corn tortillas.

3) Crispy quinoa and corn fritters with charred cherry tomato and zucchini mojo.

Pink Elephant Thai MENU

1) Alberni mango wrap

2) Shrimp ball

3) Green curry chicken with noodles

4) Larb pork with crispy wontons

Betty on Burrard MENU

1) To Die For Banana Bread (https://twitter.com/erinireland) + Spiked Coffee

2) Delish Gluten Free (https://twitter.com/delishgf) + Spiked Coffee

Soho Road MENU

1) Butter Chicken Naan Kebab

2) Mixed Vegetable Subji

3) Tandoori Chicken

4) Hariali Chicken

Zacharys on Robson MENU

1) Potato Bites

3 cajun dusted potato balls infused with maple smoked bacon, red onion,

cheddar cheese & fresh dill.  Ranch sauce to dip

2) Mighty Meatballs

3 citrus tinged meatballs dipped in an unforgettable Moroccan BBQ sauce

3) Scallops Poutine

Fries topped with scallops simmered in a tomato sauce and garnished with

parmesan cheese and savory gravy.

Le Tigre Food Truck MENU

a sample plate of Beet Fries, Brussel sprout Cauliflower Salad, and Miso Chowder

Red Card Sports Bar + eatery MENU

1) Poutine Italiano

2) Margherita Flatbread

3) Italian Sausage Flatbread

Soirette Macaron & Tea MENU

1) Coconut and Braised Pear Mousse Macaron dessert

2) Pink Grapefruit & Jasmine Tea Pâte de Fruit

3) Thyme Sablé

The restaurants, cafes and food trucks featured many unique and tasty dishes to our guests to eat and drink throughout the evening both inside and outside.

Thank you to our photographer Alvin Lee for capturing the night so well (see more photos here)

By: Richard Wolak

Food Talks Volume 6

Food Talks Vol 6 Speakers (from left to right) Themis Velgis, Shab Samimi, Mark Simpson, Julia Smith, James Coleridge & Marcus Von Albrecht (photo by Dianne Chow)

On February 12th we presented the sixth Food Talks Vancouver event that featured a selection of  inspirational speakers from our food community.

The evening began as guests mingled over delicious canapés from the chef Simon McNeil and his team at Dockside in the Granville Island Hotel.

Canapes included: Fire roasted chili prawns with garlic Ancho jelly, Irish Dubliner & glazed pear lollies with house quince butter, Mini Banh Mi Sliders with hoisin mayo & siracha smear, petite pistachio financiers.

Each guest received two sampler-sized Dockside craft beers of their choice to enjoy with the appetizers while mingling before the speakers talked.

Our 5 Speakers:

James Coleridge – Founder & Maestro of Bella Gelateria

Julia Smith – Founder of Urban Diggs Farm

Mark Simpson – Brewmaster of Dockside Brewing Company & Founder of Artisan Food and Beverage Group Inc

Marcus Von Albrecht – Chef & President of Mava Foods and Von Albrecht & Associates

Chef Themis Velgis and Shahab Samimi – Co-Founders of Pura Sweeteners

There was a Q & A following the speakers where guests had a chance to ask questions and engage with the speakers.

James Coleridge of Bella Gelateria created a custom flavour using one of Mark Simpson’s Dockside Beers the Dark Lager and they collaborated, guests were fortunate to enjoy a scoop of this exclusive local Sorbetto.

Thank you to Dianne Chow for taking the photos, as well as our Videographer Geoff Peters, and our volunteers Caro and Taylor.

By: Richard Wolak

Brunch with Josh Epstein at Cibo

Brunch is a favourite past time shared by many and should be an extraordinary experience, one that you will cherish. Vancouver has some wonderful places for brunch. Each of the places I visit is unique for what is offered along with the type of service and selection of dishes. I am on a journey around the city to find these extraordinary places and, at the same time, I will be joined by a notable personality who may be a Film Producer or Director, Musician, Arts Festival Director, Actor or other well-known individual for Brunch at restaurants in and around Vancouver.

For my thirty eighth brunch in this series, I was joined by Actor, Writer, Producer, Josh Epstein, at Cibo in Vancouver talking about Acting, Singing, Films and more.

Josh Epstein

Vancouver born and raised, Josh grew up acting on the stage and screen.  Soon after, he appeared in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat starring Donny Osmond.  This led him to performances across the country including singing for the Vancouver Grizzlies and Canucks, Presidents, Prime Ministers, British Royalty and a concert with The Nylons.

His career has taken him to major theatres in almost every Canadian province, appearances in Film and TV, Voice-overs, theme songs, as well producing and writing his own plays.

He spent three seasons at the esteemed Bard on the Beach in Vancouver where he appeared in shows such as Much Ado About Nothing, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and As You Like It, and two seasons on the other coast at the Charlottetown Festival where he starred as Elton John in British Invasion, and Mr. Phillips in Anne of Green Gables. In 2006 he played many roles and understudied Merry in the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings (Mirvish), and then ‘Welcomed the Sixties’ in the Hairspray movie starring John Travolta (New Line).  Other favorite credits include The Spitfire Grill (Grand), and Death of a Salesman (Aquarius).

Josh has also written plays that have been performed at Studio 58, and The Chutzpah, Walking Fish and Charlottetown Festival and The Leeds Performing Arts Festival in the UK. He won a Jessie Award for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in 2010, a 2009 Ovation Award for Lead Actor for his portrayal of Leo in The Producers and has received Vancouver Jessie nominations for acting in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Much Ado About Nothing and Alice: A Wonderland.

You can follow Josh on Twitter @joshepstein1

How did you get into Acting?

When I was 8 years old, I landed a part and was singing, acting and dancing in the role of Michael in the original cast of the musical Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby and Long John Baldry. Then I was hooked. I did the Arts Club during high school and did Bard on the Beach.

When did you decide acting would become your career?

I completed my bachelor of Commerce at UBC in 2001, while also performing professionally on the side. I loved performing and then went to Studio 58, I graduated in 2004 and received the Sydney J. Risk Award winner for excellence in acting.

What was your favourite role you ever played in a theatrical production?

Freddy in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Vancouver Playhouse.

Do you feel your degree in Business has helped you in your acting career?

It is helping with my film career, I use it everyday now as I have my film company. Now I am very glad to have it, looking at budgets every day.

What were your most recent acting roles?

At Stratford: The Matchmaker (9 month contract) and Cymbeline –did both at the same time and won the John Hirsch acting award this year.

What was your favourite role you ever played in a tv or film production?

X Files in 1995.

What is your favourite foods?

  • Sushi
  • Nachos
  • Peanut butter

What are your favourite restaurants in Canada?

  • Vijs – Vancouver
  • Chewies – Vancouver
  • Nicli Antica Pizzeria – Vancouver
  • The Oakwood – Vancouver
  • Asa Sushi – Vancouver
  • Down The Street – Stratford

Banana Bread Muffin & Pane de Chocolat

Fritata

Fritata with Pecorino

Latte

Espresso Macchiato

Josh and Richard shared the Banana Bread Muffin and Pane de Chocolate, Josh then had the Fritata special and Richard had the Fritata special with Pecorino. To finish Josh had a Latte while Richard had an Espresso Macchiato.

What do you do in your spare time?

  • Drop in Ice Hockey
  • P90 or Insanity
  • Play with my nieces and nephews
  • Dancing

What are your favourite tv shows ?

  • Girls (on HBO)
  • Game of Thrones

What are your favourite films?

  • Duck Soup
  • American Beauty
  • Cache
  • 500 Days of Summer
  • In the name of the Father

Who are your favourite Actors?

  • Daniel Day Lewis
  • Jonah Hill
  • Tom McCamus

What do you love the most acting on Stage or on Film?

Acting on stage – incredible roles, so many opportunities

What were some of the most embarrassing moments you have ever had in a production on or off stage or film?

  • Fell off the Arts Club Stage once in ‘Marvins Room’ in a dramatic scene
  • Jay Brazeau – cracked me up in one show in ‘The Producer’s and I cracked up.

Tell me what your role was with the film –Wait For Rain?

Co-Writer and Producer – already out and playing festivals now and won an award at Comicon. Just got the world wide release on I-tunes.

Is there a Director one or more that you want to work with?

  • Paul Thomas Anderson
  • Xavier Dolan
  • Kyle Rideout
  • David Fincher
  • Chris Abraham (again)
  • Denis Vileneve
  • Michael Haneke

I understand you have a part in a new film called — Lawrence & Holloman due out this year, what part did you play?

I am an office buly (Film is based on Morris Panych play)

You grew up in Vancouver, why did you move to Toronto?

I moved to Toronto for Lord of the Rings (Theatre production), and I lived there off and on for 5 years, now back in Vancouver for my film company.

What advice would you give to kids wanting to get into acting?

Say yes to every experience that thy can whether in live or the arts that could help you grow as a person or an artist.

What inspires you?

Something that can make me laugh or cry.

What is next for you?

  • Feature film ‘Eadweard’ filming in July in Vancouver
  • Two other screen plays in development, we optioned a book called Monocerous.
  • Craigslist Cantata at the Arts Club in April.
  • True Heroins Show March 12 at the Rio
  • Package Deal
  • Singing in 2 bands Phonix and Famous Players

What would you like to do in the future?

We want to have a film company that produces and distributes films.

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Saturday & Sunday 7am – 2:00pm

Cibo Trattoria

900 Seymour Street, Vancouver

Menu:  http://cibotrattoria.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Jan-2013-Breakfast.pdf

For Reservations call 604-602-9570

Stay tuned to my next guest Interview along with the next Brunch in and around Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

Brunch with Norma Reid at Forage

Brunch is a favourite past time shared by many and should be an extraordinary experience, one that you will cherish. Vancouver has some wonderful places for brunch. Each of the places I visit is unique for what is offered along with the type of service and selection of dishes. I am on a journey around the city to find these extraordinary places and, at the same time, I will be joined by a notable personality who may be a Film Producer or Director, Musician, Arts Festival Director, Actor or other well-known individual for Brunch at restaurants in and around Vancouver.

For my thirty seventh brunch in this series, I was joined by CTV Morning Live, Co-Host Norma Reid, at Forage in Vancouver talking about TV, Reporting, the News and more.

Norma Reid

Norma’s broadcast career started at 900 CKBI Radio in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. With no formal training she was anchoring newscasts within two weeks. She stayed for a year, working her way up to morning news anchor for three stations while also producing her own daily agriculture news segment. Norma then attended journalism school at the University of Regina and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. During that time she interned at CTV Prince Albert. In her final year of University, Norma worked at CTV Regina as a video journalist, shooting, writing and editing her own stories. She was also an anchor for the late night news.

Upon graduating, Norma worked at CTV Saskatoon where she produced and anchored the weekend news for two years. Norma was also City Hall reporter, covering civic politics, and provincial and federal elections. Norma filled in as weather anchor and hosted a daily noon show, interviewing in-studio guests. In 2009, Norma decided to move to Vancouver and work at CTV British Columbia as a writer/reporter for CTV News. She has been a live reporter for many of B.C.’s big breaking news stories for two years before she started as a Co-Host for CTV Morning Live in November 2011.

Have you always wanted to be a TV Host?

Yes and no. Being a journalist was my pipe dream. I was thinking of going to Law school. When I was younger I was interested in being in journalism, it was the curiosity of meeting people, and experiencing many things.

What is it about the news that excites you to report the stories in your profession on TV?

It’s breaking news that is most exciting, telling real people’s stories. There is an adrenaline effect that comes into play. At 10 years old, we got 6 random satellite channels at home and one of the stations was KTLA from Los Angeles, after watching that show, I then wanted to host a morning show.

Tell me what some of the notable news stories you have reported on your news show over the years?

1)    2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games

2)    Vancouver Stanley Cup Riots from the air in CTV’s Chopper 9 in June 2011.

3)    Ryan Jenkins – one of the most wanted men in America. He was discovered in Hope in a hotel room after he had committed suicide.

Tell me who some of your most notable guests that you have interviewed for the CTV Morning Live show?

  • Christine Sinclair –soccer player Olympic
  • Carly Rae Jepsen
  • Richard Branson

What are some of your craziest experiences you have had on your tv shows?

1)    Mark Driesen – our weather guy has burst into song and sparked so many crazy experiences.

2)    Louis Van Amsted –taught us how to do the blast.

3)    I was interviewing London consul general of Canada before the Olympics. Fire alarm went off during out live interview and he never flynched.

What is it like to Co-host your show with Aamer Haleem?

It’s awesome and a pleasure. I am blessed to have an awesome team to work with.

Tell our readers about your natural curiosity with every story you cover

I think my upbringing and the remote area I lived in. Always working outwards you want to experience more. I lived in a town of 200 people, you want to be exposed to more.

Do you come from an entertainment family?

Hell no.

Where was your most recent trip?

Back home for Christmas on the farm.

What is your favourite food?

My moms home cooking – birthday cake.

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

  • Bao Bei
  • Gyoza King
  • Greedy Pig
  • Espana
  • Joe Fortes

Chocolate Raisin Scones

Pumpkin Brioche French Toast

Buttermilk Pancakes

Norma and Richard shared the Chocolate Raisin Scones with butter, Norma than had the Pumpkin Brioche French Toast, ambrosia apple chutney, caramelized bacon and Richard had the Buttermilk Pancakes, valley blueberries, honey butter, maple syrup with a side of caramelized bacon.

What do you do in your off time?

  • Outdoors
  • Fitness
  • Exploring the city
  • Hanging out with a friend
  • Entertain people at our home

Do you read off a script or tv prompter on CTV Morning Live?

For the news I read off the printer. When we are talking to each other it is ad lib.

How have you embraced Social Media with you to your fans?

I treat twitter like a conversation. I am tweeting while I am on the air constantly. Everyday I post a questions off my twitter for people to answer and we read those comments on the air for broadcast. I think our show pushes the envelope with social media, getting to know viewers, and having an important exchange and getting feedback from people. I feel bad if I don’t reply to people instantly, I am on twitter @CTVNorma

Who is your Twitter Mentor?

Don Lemon at CNN – he is amazing on Twitter.

Who inspires you?

My grandparents, mom, dad and my husband.

What has inspired you lately?

  • I just started doing yoga and pilates
  • My mom has started the figure skating club in our hometown again.

What’s next for you or what’s on the horizon?

  • Keep doing what I am doing.
  • I want to start writing more and have a more online presence.

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

Time: Saturday & Sunday 10:00am – 2:00pm

Forage

1300 Robson Street, Vancouver

Menu:  http://www.foragevancouver.com/images/menus/forage-brunch-menu.pdf

For Reservations call 604-661-1400

Stay tuned to my next guest Interview along with the next Brunch in and around Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

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