ssssss5

Posts Tagged ‘Vancouver’

Araxi’s Longtable Dinner Series Summer 2013

As summer approaches, we near another exciting season featuring Araxi’s famed Longtable Series. This year, we are pleased to announce a new location as part of the series – in addition to Lost Lake in Whistler and North Arm Farm in Pemberton, Araxi’s Longtable dinner is also coming to Stanley Park in Vancouver! The striking long table has a capacity of 300 people, and guests will have an opportunity to experience Araxi right in the heart of the city.

Award-winning Executive Chef James Walt will craft an exclusive four-course menu, showcasing his internationally recognized farm-to-table creations. Chef James celebrates locally sourced ingredients, and has built close relationships with the regional farming and ranching communities. As part of this year’s Longtable Series, an exclusive Farmers’ Market will be on site at the Vancouver and Whistler events, allowing guests to meet the producers and taste Chef James’ favourite ingredients in their raw form. Participating suppliers will include, amongst others, Root Down Organics and Pemberton Meadows Natural Beef. Guests attending the event at North Arm Farm can look forward to a guided farm tour with proprietor Jordan Sturdy.

Chef James says, “We are very excited about expanding our Longtable series into Vancouver, and offering three very special settings to choose from this summer. We look forward to introducing our guests to our valued producers and showcasing the vibrant flavours of BC’s harvest.”

Samantha Rahn, Araxi’s Wine Director and 2013 Sommelier of the Year, has invited some of the region’s top winemakers to partner for each dinner, giving guests an opportunity to meet and mingle with the industry’s finest talents. Each event will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a magical family-style dinner thoughtfully paired with select BC wines.

A percentage of ticket sales will go to The Chef’s Table Society of BC, supporting regional chefs, producers and the local food industry.

DATES:

Saturday, July 27th – Prospect Point in Stanley Park, Vancouver

3pm cocktail reception.

Wines by Mission Hill + spirits by Pemberton Distillery.

 Saturday, August 3rd – Lost Lake, Whistler

3pm cocktail reception.

Wines by Quails’ Gate + spirits by Pemberton Distillery.

 Saturday, August 17th – North Arm Farm, Pemberton

3pm cocktail reception.

Wines by Le Vieux Pin + LaStella + spirits by Pemberton Distillery.

 

FOR TICKETS:

Neil Henderson, Restaurant Director, 604 932 4540 or [email protected]

$175.00 per person, per event

(includes reception, wine, four-course menu, tax and gratuity)

The Chinatown Night Market for 2013

The much-anticipated, revamped Vancouver Chinatown Night Market is ready to launch its 2013 season officially on June 1st.  You will find some of the best outdoor entertainment and shopping in the city as well as a weekly on-site food truck gathering organized by the Vancouver Street Food Society and will include favourites like Vij’s Railway, Roaming Dragon, Le Tigre, Tacofino, and Mogu.

To kick off the new program, ping pong enthusiasts–novice and expert alike–are invited down to take part in the inaugural Chinatown Night Market Ping Pong Club. Some highlights to catch in the weeks following include Rain City Chronicles; Hip Hop Karaoke; The Chinatown Mahjong Social; Night Vision: Projection Photo Show including works by Fred Herzog; a Dumpling Festival; Weekend Leisure Karaoke; Chinatown Outdoor Cinema; Sonic Boom! The Street Fighter II Tournament; and much more.

For the love of Chinatown, come to the Night Market!

Follow the summer market on twitter @ChinatownYVR

By: Richard Wolak

Spring Menu Tasting at the Fish House

Dungeness Crab Balls in a Crab Bisque

Last week I was invited to attend a tasting of dishes off the spring menu by new Executive Chef Curtis Demyon where they announced their 100% Ocean Wise menu. I was looking forward to seeing and tasting dishes from this new chef, after trying several of the canapés, I was underwhelmed by most. One would think that the Fish House having been around for so many years would want to wow their media guests rather than disappoint.

Haida Gwaii Halibut Ceviche

Spot Prawn & Roasted Pork Belly Croquette

Avocado Spring Roll

Out of the 7 canapes I tasted only one was a favourite and that was the Dungeness Crab Balls, some of the others tasted were the Haida Gwaii Halibut Ceviche, Spot Prawn & Roasted Pork Belly Croquette, Avocado Spring Roll. I think a rework of the dishes is in order before the tourists descend on our beautiful city.

The Fish House is located at 8901 Stanley Park Drive in Vancouver.

Telephone: (604) 681-7275

Twitter: @FishHouseSP

By: Richard Wolak

Unique Cocktails for Spring

Many bartenders around the city have created their list of cocktails for spring. Here is a selection of some which are creative and unique.

The Immortal Jelly Fish Punch

The Immortal Jelly Fish Punch

Created by: Justin Darnes – Bar Manager

Made with Goji berry, bee pollen, galangal, edible flower and gold leafs

House Guest

322 Water Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-699-0249

Twitter: @HOUSExGUEST

Web: http://HOUSExGUEST.com

 

Grape Kiss

Grape Kiss

Made with gin, mint and grapes

Sol Sun Belt Cookery

550 Denman Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 568-2235

Twitter: @SoLSunBelt

Web: http://www.solsunbelt.com/

 

Ain’t No Thang Caesar

Ain’t No Thang Caesar

Created by: Jesse Ritchie – Owner

Made with Chicken Wings, Onion Rings and vodka

Score on Davie

1262 Davie Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 632-1646

Twitter: @SCOREonDaVIE

Web: http://scoreondavie.com/

 

The Mad Hatters Tea Party

The Mad Hatters Tea Party

Created by: Justin Darnes – Bar Manager

Made with house made herbal tea infused gin, cilantro and chamomile syrup

House Guest

322 Water Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-699-0249

Twitter: @HOUSExGUEST

Web: http://HOUSExGUEST.com

 

Jalisco (right in photo)

Jalisco

Made with mango, rum and jalepeno

La Mezcaleria

1622 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 559-8226

Twitter: @LaMezcaleriaYVR

Web: http://lamezcaleria.ca/

 

By: Richard Wolak

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.

tasting plates desserts 2 tasting plates desserts 4

 

tasting plates desserts 3

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

tasting plates desserts 5 tasting plates desserts 6 tasting plates desserts 7 tasting plates desserts 8 tasting plates desserts 9

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.

tasting plates desserts 10 tasting plates desserts 11

Vancouver Pie Hole MENU

1. Bourbon Pecan Pumpkin Pie

2. Key Lime Pie

3. Maple French Toast Bacon Pie

tasting plates desserts 12 tasting plates desserts 13

Bella Gelateria MENU

Our Tasting Bowl featured 3 flavours: Chocolate Scotch, Salted Pecan and Limoncello Cheesecake.

tasting plates desserts 15

tasting plates desserts 16

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

tasting plates desserts 17 tasting plates desserts 18 tasting plates desserts 19

The Bibo MENU

1. Tiramisù

2. Chocolate Brick

3. Chocolate Pizza

tasting plates desserts 22 tasting plates desserts 23

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…

tasting plates desserts 20 tasting plates desserts 21

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

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