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Posts Tagged ‘Vancouver’

2nd Annual Tasting Plates Downtown Vancouver

March 12th, 2013 admin

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

Posted in Latest, Vancouver Foodster Events Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments »

Food Talks Volume 6

March 11th, 2013 admin

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

Posted in Latest, Vancouver Foodster Events Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

Brunch with Josh Epstein at Cibo

February 22nd, 2013 admin

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

Posted in Brunch with Celebrities, Latest Tags: , , , , , No Comments »

Brunch with Norma Reid at Forage

February 15th, 2013 admin

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

Posted in Brunch with Celebrities, Latest Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment »

Brunch with Cory Weeds at Luke’s Corner Bar & Kitchen

January 13th, 2013 admin

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 sixth brunch in this series, I was joined by Jazz Musician Cory Weeds, at Luke’s Corner Bar & Kitchen in Vancouver talking about Jazz, Clubs, Touring and more.

Cory Weeds

Cory Weeds is a Saxophonist and has been a professional musician for over 15 years.  As a member of popular Vancouver band People Playing Music he toured Canada, the United States and Europe and recorded was a key part in the success of the band’s Sette CD released in 1997. In 1998 he formed his instrumental band CRASH that he co-led with tenor saxophonist Jerry Cook. The band released its first CD entitled Crash in 1998 and toured Canada the same year playing at the prestigious Montreal Jazz Festival. The band went back into the studio in 1999 to record their sophomore release Candyshop.

Weeds is a member of The Night Crawlers which released their debut CD, Presenting on Cellar Live in 2007, and was nominated for Album Of The Year at the National Jazz Awards in 2008. The Night Crawlers released their second CD/Record in early 2011 titled Down In The Bottom featuring a big band. The album won a Western Canadian Music Award for Best Album Of The Year. The B3 Kings is a seasonal quartet featuring Denzal Sinclaire on voice / drums, Chris Gestrin on b3 organ and Bill Coon on guitar. The band recorded a CD that was released in 2005 that has been a hit worldwide and their first full length Christmas CD You Better Watch Out! was released in December of 2011. Weeds is a charter member of Melody Diachun’s EQ that released their debut CD in 2008 and Jennifer Scott’s Brasiliera.

Have you always had an interest in music?

Yes, music was always in my house, especially jazz. I had an older cousin who I admired played saxophone, I was getting into jazz, by the time I was in Grade 10/11 I was more in tune with it, changed schools to an arts/music focus.

Do you come from a musical family?

Yes, my dad played guitar and it was all a big part of my family.

Are there any musicians who have influenced your musical career? If so who?

  • Campbell Ryga
  • Ross Taggart
  • George Robert

What type of music did you listen to growing up?

Rock & Roll, heavy metal (I rebelled against my father, but that didn`t last too long) when I was young, then around 16, I listened to jazz onward.

What and where are 3 of your favourite jazz clubs outside of your own?

  • Yardbird Suite in Edmonton
  • Smoke Jazz Club in New York
  • Smalls Jazz Club in New York

How did you end up opening your own jazz club?

In 1996, I toured with a band called “People Playing Music” we played in a lot of cool venues. I liked being in venues, set-up and thought it would be a cool to do this. Years later in 2000 I bought the Cellar (it actually started in the 50’s, but my cellar was incorporated in 1997). I had no idea what I was getting myself in to, Originally I had a partner, now I run it solo as Cory Weed`s Cellar Jazz Club. 

If you could tell me about 3 of your favourite concerts of all time which ones would those be?

1)    Julian Lennon after Expo 86 at a club at the Plaza of Nations

2)    George Coleman and Eric Alexander with a local trip at my jazz club.

3)    Maceo Parker at Richards on Richards

What challenges jazz musicians in Vancouver?

Lack of places to play as well as the lack of other types of reinforcement like radio. There is only a handful of jazz programs locally.

Why hasn’t your jazz club or other music halls in Vancouver featured smooth jazz artists in the way that they have been south of the border?

Smooth Jazz just isn’t my thing. I also don’t think many jazz musicians locally play that kind of music. I need to fill seats and I don’t think there are a lot of smooth jazz musicians in Vancouver.

What is your favourite food?

Italian

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver outside of your own?

  • Siena
  • Pizzeria Barbarella
  • Guu Robson
  • Gyoza King

Breakfast Belt Sourdough Sandwich

Stuffed French Toast

Cory had the Breakfast Belt Sourdough Sandwich with double smoked bacon, fried egg, arugula, tomato, chili mayo, breakfast potatoes; and Richard had the Stuffed French Toast with sourdough, orange infused BC Happy Days Dairy goat cheese,  berries, vanilla whipped cream, coconut almond batter, fruit compote, and potatoes.

Who are some of your favourite local musicians that you have collaborated with or played with in the past?

  • Ross Taggart – we toured and recorded together before
  • Jesse Cahill – drummer who loves vinyl
  • Bill Coon – guitarist

What do you want your audience to learn from listening to your music?

I want people to lean that jazz isn’t scary, you don’t have to be an expert to understand it. Jazz can be fun, people can enjoy it without feeling like they are scholars.

How do you go about booking the types of musicians they you feature at the Jazz Cellar?

Booking the club is fairly easy to do. I have lots of connection s, we book about 4 months ahead. Sometimes I do it by who I want to hear at the club or who plays the music such as Miles Davis.

What do you do in your off time?

Time with family and my kids

Where was your most recent musical trip playing ?

1)    The B3 Kings – which is one of my bands that play Christmas tunes and we went to Powell River, Comox Valley and Kamloops.

2)    Previously to New York, and Pittsburgh with my own jazz group

How long does it take to put a tour together?

About 12 months process to get all the bookings, writing and rehearsing of the music.

What has inspired you lately?

Read a book “Nikka’s Dream” – she was a patron of the arts, talks about the heydays of jazz.

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

1)      Tour from Portland, OR that ends in New York

2)      Recording an album after the tour

3)      3rd annual NY with Weeds March 16-23 tour with 40 people

4)      Lots of cool gigs come up afterwards

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Casual

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

Luke’s Corner Bar & Kitchen

2996 Granville Street, Vancouver

Menu:  http://www.lukescornerbar.com

For Reservations call 604-733-5699

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch with Celebrities, Latest Tags: , , , , , No Comments »

Best 30 New Vancouver Restaurants in 2012

December 28th, 2012 admin

I have dined at a lot of new restaurants that have opened in 2012. These are 30 of the Best NEW Restaurants in Vancouver that newly define how we eat, drink and play.

Note: These are not in any ranking order.

Via Tevere Pizzeria

1190 Victoria Drive, Vancouver

The best authentic Neapolitan pizza, cool ambience, impressive.

Vicino Pastaria

68 East Cordova, Vancouver

The food is beautiful, creative chef, delicious pasta creations.

Espana Restaurant 

1118 Denman Street, Vancouver

Spanish tapas, culinary adventure of flavours.

The Acorn

3995 Main Street, Vancouver

Delicious vegetarian dishes, beautiful presentation, stylish room.

Heirloom

1509 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver

Big bowls of Delish Vegetarian food, in a very cool room.

The Parker

237 Union Street, Vancouver

Fine vegetarian fare, menu changes daily, romantic ambiance.

Fable Kitchen

1944 West 4th Ave, Vancouver

Farm to Table cuisine and creative dishes!

The Sardine Can

26 Powell St., Vancouver

Delicious Spanish Tapas, intimate room.

El Matador

131 West Esplanade, North Vancouver

Andalusian tapas, bright flavours.

Harvest Community Foods

243 Union Street, Vancouver

Large bowls of ramen, meets cool local grocer.

La Pentola Della Quercia

350 Davie Street, Vancouver

Northern Italian dishes, divine.

Bob Likes Thai Food

1521 W Broadway, Vancouver

Authentic Thai, and it was very tasty, wonderful flavours and wonderful service.

Pier 7 Restaurant 

25 Wallace Mews Rd, North Vancouver

Outstanding fish and seafood, best patio on the north shore.

East of Main Café

223 East Georgia Street, Vancouver

Moroccan, Spain and the Mediterranean influences and flavours.

Sal y Limon

Unit #5 – 701 Kingsway, Vancouver

Authentic Mexican dishes

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse

689 Denman Street, Vancouver

Authentic Rodizio, delicious desserts.

Cotto Enoteca Pizzeria

6011 Hastings Street, Burnaby

More than just Italian food, beautiful communal table.

Le Parisien

751 Denman Street, Vancouver

French fare, romantic, stylish room.

Soirette Macarons

1433 West Pender Street, Vancouver

Endless flavours of Macarons, high tea service, stylish décor.

Forage

1300 Robson Street, Vancouver

Exceptional local fare, delish flavours, excellent desserts.

Minami Restaurant

1118 Mainland Street, Vancouver

Modern Japanese, inventive dishes, creative cocktails.

Tap and Barrel

1 Athletes Way, Vancouver

Comfort food, beer and wine on tap, beautiful patio.

Catch 122

122 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

French inspired comfort food, creative chef, spacious room.

The Union

219 Union Street, Vancouver

South East Asian eatery, inventive cocktails, stylish room.

Cafe D’Afrique

363 East Broadway, Vancouver

Authentic African dishes, friendly service.

The Mexican

1049 Granville Street  Vancouver

Authentic Mexican dishes, friendly service.

Gurkha Himalyan Kitchen

1141 Davie Street, Vancouver

Nepalese cuisine, gracious servers, humble chef, hidden patio.

The Fish Shack

1026 Granville Street, Vancouver

Great seafood, creative chef, great cocktails.

Max’s Burgers

521 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver

Local burgers & shakes, creative cocktails.

The Portly Chef

1211 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver

French influenced West Coast cuisine

Curious which restaurants were on last years list, take a look at my Top 30 New restaurants of 2011.

by Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, The BEST List Tags: , , , 1 Comment »

Lunch with Jeff Turner at Cafe Il Nido

December 14th, 2012 admin

The Friday Lunch is a focus on the restaurant’s Lunch menu along with the Interview of a notable Business or Cultural leader who is joining me as my guest at restaurants in and around Vancouver. Each of the places I visit is unique for what is offered along with the type of service and selection of dishes.

For my fifth Friday Lunch in this series, I was joined by Booking Agent/Artist Manager Jeff Turner over lunch at Café Il Nido downtown Vancouver.

Jeff Turner

Jeff Turner has been booking live music and entertainment for a wide variety of events for many years. His artists have appeared at hundreds of festivals, concert series, nightclubs and theatres throughout BC, across Canada and the US and throughout Asia and Europe. Originally Turner Music and Events (Nov 1999-June 2012), The Turner Entertainment Group represents the finest musicians, DJs, comedians and specialty comedy acts, celebrity and headline acts, theatre acts, keynote speakers/MCs, spoken word artists/storytellers, actors, models and variety acts.

Have you always had an interest in entertainment ?

I have, I started while I was on vacation in Hawaii with my family when I was 10 years old while walking down the beach I heard a band playing. Years later after getting a business degree and an accounting major and some finance jobs, things changed. In 1986, I volunteered for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and I loved the experience, the next summer I worked for them and then years later I formed my own company.

How did you end up becoming a Booking Agent/Artist Manager?

While I was with Coastal Jazz, I was working with jazz musicians. That is what I started doing with my own company, as I grew expanded and was working with musicians of all styles and booking for festivals, concert series, locally, then across BC, Canada and in the Western USA.

What challenges entertainers today in Vancouver?

  • Venues to perform in
  • Audiences to perform to
  • Lack of revenue from cd sales

What is your favourite food?

Italian as well as Spanish, African, and Malaysian

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver ?

  • Café il Nido
  • Simbas
  • Banana Leaf
  • Legendary Noodle
  • La Brasserie

House made focaccia

Caprese

Butternut Squash Soup

Agnolotti

Bolognese

Jeff and Richard shared the House made Focaccia with green olive tapenade and extra virgin olive oil. Jeff had the Caprese – Fior di latte cheese, cherry tomatoes and avocado, and Richard had the Butternut Squash Soup for appetizers. Jeff had the Agnolotti – traditional stuffed lobster ravioli served in light tarragon cherry tomato sauce and Richard had the Bolognese – Pappardelle egg noodles tossed with slow cooked lean ground beef and veal in a house made herb tomato sauce for our mains.

What do you do in your off time?

  • See movies
  • See theatre
  • Exercise
  • Play tennis
  • Yoga
  • Gym
  • Running
  • Reading

Where is your favourite vacation spot?

Havana, Cuba

Who are your mentors?

  • Steve Jobs
  • Mark Zukerberg
  • Harvey Weinstein

I understand you are promoting the Havana International Jazz Festival Tour, when does it take place?

It happens on December 16-24 and people can look forward to discovering Havana, Trinidad areas and the festival itself.

How would an Artist find their way into a booking agency like yours?

Talking to other musicians on the scene, and finding the agents and pitching them to take them on.

What has inspired you lately?

An Actress/Producer that I met recently, her name is Lisa Ovies. We are starting to work on projects together to develop some tv/film projects in the near future

What is Liquid?

It is a totally improvised two act play with ideas thrown out by the audience, takes place at Havana on Commercial Drive. It is a collaboration of I No Films and Turner Entertainment is promoting. The group of actors calls themselves Windy City Women.

What is the most recent show that you have seen on your roster?

Jaclyn Guillou at The Cellar Jazz Club.

What is the most recent show you have seen not on your roster?

Peak Performance Project at the Commodore

I understand you are producing a series of shows at Cory Weed’s Jazz Cellar, can you tell me about that.

One Thursday a month, range of entertainment from comedians, pop singers, soul, r & b singers and occasionally jazz.

Attire: Business Casual

Lunch Service: Monday to Friday 11:30am – 2:30pm

Café Il Nido

780 Thurlow Street, Vancouver

Menu: http://www.cafeilnido.net/Menu/dinner-menu.html

For Reservations call 604-685-6436

Twitter: @cafeilnido

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

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Friday Lunch Series, Latest Tags: , , , , , No Comments »

Chef Armand Savet

December 8th, 2012 admin

Vancouver is home to some of the best chefs in the world, many have worked for the top chefs and restaurants around the world as well as around the city. Dishing with the Chefs is a series of Interviews with some of the top chefs in and around Vancouver.

Chef Armand Savet

At a young boy my parents had a catering business and restaurant. I grew up in the restaurant working in the kitchen peeling vegetables at 6 years old. Years later I worked at Wendy’s, Cactus Club and Earls. Went on to VCC in the culinary program then dropped out and worked as a chef on the dinner cruise boats in the harbour when I was 21 years old. Worked for the Umberto group of restaurants for a few years. I then worked for the Sequoia group at Seasons in the Park as the 1st cook. At 23 years old I took a break from the culinary world and became a long haul truck driver cause I wanted to travel and see what else was out there. My job was to haul produce back and forth to California. After 4 years, I returned to the kitchen and worked at Ballentyne’s, then I moved on to Section 3 and became the Executive Chef, then left and went to Gotham Steakhouse as the Sous Chef, worked there for 3-4 years, I then moved over to work within the Aisenstat’s company, under the corporate umbrella doing the opening for their new restaurant, I then moved to Winnipeg where I was for 2 years to open Hy’s Winnipeg. Afterwards I was promoted to Assistant Corporate Chef when I moved back to Vancouver to open the Shore Club, I then took over Hy’s in Whistler. I was then promoted to Corporate Chef for Hy’s, Gotham Steakhouse and the Shore Club rotating every day. Since 2011 I have been the Corporate Chef of their Ki Japanese Restaurants and Shore Club’s across Canada.

Tell me about the Cheese Toast at Hy’s

The Hy’s Winnipeg recipe was different than the others, while I was there I tried to change their recipe and the city reacted in a negative way. A newspaper wrote an article about our changing the cheese toast recipe as it was a big deal. Complaint letters from customers were coming in and piling up. I then had to take control of the situation and had no choice but to revert back to their “Winnipeg” recipe to please everyone.

What is your job role now?

As the Corporate Chef I help and ensure the chefs are doing their jobs and help with events. About 40% of my job is cooking and the rest of the time I am doing paperwork, forecasting and constantly researching new menus and dishes and sourcing suppliers.

What is your favorite food to eat?

Rustic, slow cooking, BBQ and French country fare

What are your favourite Restaurants in Vancouver outside of where you work?

  • Meat & Bread
  • Zakushi
  • Salad de Frites
  • Ken’s Kitchen

The First Dish:

Kani Croquette

Kani Croquette

-         Dungenous Crab

-         Japanese mayonnaise

-         Panko

-         Chive

-         Yuzu juice

-         Shiso dried

What was your inspiration behind this dish?

A play off a crab cake and it’s great in the summer or winter.

 Tell me about one of your experiences in Winnipeg

Winnipeg has a huge Southern Italian Community. I used to eat at my Sous Chef family’s every Sunday eating Italian. I learned more about Italian food from this experience than I ever had.

What challenges you as a Corporate Chef?

Keeping our local markets happy but maintain balance of consistency and it is quite challenging.

 The Second Dish:

Seared Mallard Duck

Seared Mallard Duck

- Mallard duck breast

- Aritha Sanschou

- Chili ponzu

- Sesame oil

What was your inspiration behind this dish?

A play of Peking duck, I woke up this morning and I was craving Peking duck, went to Granville Island Market and bought the duck there to make this dish for you.

What do you like to do in your off-time?

  • Reptile enthusiast (love snakes)
  • Sport fishing
  • Camping
  • Spend time with the kids

What do you like to drink?

  • Italian red wine – Amarone
  • Old Fashioned Cocktail

How do you focus and work with two totally different restaurant concepts?

It is all about technique, and quality. I read like crazy, experiences, there are differences, such as handling fish, I help out and ensure

What challenges have you had working with suppliers nationally?

Consistency. I have to see that the product’s are available nationwide if our dishes are on the main menu across the country.

The Third Dish:

Carbonara Deconstructed

Carbonara Deconstructed

- Dried linguini

- Bacon infused crème

- Garlic

- Shitake and king oyster mushrooms

- Port

- Crispy pancetta

- Scallion garnish

What was your inspiration behind this dish?

I woke up this morning and it was cold. I wanted to show the experience of the dish and layering the flavours.

Who are your mentors?

  • Graham Kerr – the Galloping Gourmet
  • Steven Yan – Wok with Yan
  • Julia Child

Stay tuned for the next chef in the Dishing with the Chef series.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Dishing with the Chefs, Latest Tags: , , , , No Comments »
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