Announcements for August, 2008

ANNOUNCEMENTS - (August 26, 2008)


FOOD SHOPS

Mount Pleasant Cheese, the new all-Canadian cheese store next to the Park Theatre in (you guessed it) Mount Pleasant (3234 Cambie St., Vancouver), has been going strong, since its grand opening only a few weeks ago. More stock is coming in and the proprietors are looking forward to a shipment in the next day or so of some new product from Hilary’s Cheese, including the popular "You Boo Blue" and "Cowichan Blue" cheeses, plus a lovely wine washed pomme called "Belle Anne". Taking it to the streets, the store has already initiated a popular program with Firefly Fine Wines and Ales for free wine and cheese tastings every Friday afternoon (4 to 7 p.m.) at the wine store’s location at 12th and Cambie. Coming up on August 29th, the cheese will be matched to the wines of Mas des Aveylans, a small Provencal estate located just west of the Rhone River in the Gard, between the cities of Nimes and Arles.

But even bigger news for cheese lovers is the fact that come September, Mount Pleasant Cheese will be starting a Cheese Education Program with two sessions a day slated for Sept 13, 20, 27 and October 4th. Each seminar will feature a local cheesemaker or cheese expert who will share their specialized knowledge about the craft of cheesemaking, plus share samples of their work. These seminars will take place at Figmint Restaurant.  Seating per session will be limited to 15 people.  Free to the public, but people need to register at Mount Pleasant Cheese. (Listings for these will appear in the event calendar soon …. just awaiting confirmation.)

Tip: If you subscribe to the store’s newsletter via their website, you can stay informed about new stock, and also get discounts off purchases and gift certificates.



CHEFS


Team British Columbia under the patronage of the British Columbia Culinary Arts Foundation will be leaving Vancouver on October 15th bound for Erfurt, Germany.


From October 19 – 23, Erfurt, Germany will be host to the world’s most important cooking competition, the International Exhibition of Culinary Art (IKA), - "the Culinary Olympics". Held every four years, this competition attracts thousands of leading chefs from every continent who gather to participate in a huge variety of culinary competitions.

Competing against over 50 teams from around the world, Culinary Team British Columbia is setting its sights on winning Gold and being the best in the Regional Team competition. Managed by Jane Ruddick (J.R Food Consultants), the team consists of Team Captain Poyan Danesh (The Pear Tree Restaurant, Burnaby), Raman Anand (The Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver.), Andrew Dickenson (Ambrosia Catering and Events Centre, Victoria) and Ryan Cain (The Marriott Pinnacle Hotel, Vancouver). Fumiko Moreton (Terminal City Club, Vancouver) is the Team Pastry Chef.

A dinner in support of the British Columbia team will be held on September 9th. See details below or in the Events Calendar.



AND JUST IN CASE YOU ARE INTERESTED …


T-FAL will be the official frying pan of the Canadian Skating Team at the 2010 Olympics.

After experiencing the highest grossing store sales at restaurants in Hong Kong, Triple O's - the spin-off quick service franchise of White Spot (selling the classic White Spot menu of hamburgers, etc.) - is expanding into the Korean market with eight new restaurants set to open over the next five years in the country's largest city, Seoul.



NEW EVENTS IN THE CALENDAR


SEPTEMBER 9, 2008:
A Taste of Culinary Team BC
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Culinary Team British Columbia will be leaving Vancouver on October 15th bound for Erfurt, Germany to participate in the world’s most important cooking competition, the International Exhibition of Culinary Art (IKA), - The Culinary Olympics where thousands of leading chefs from every continent gather to compete. Culinary Team British Columbia is setting its sights on winning Gold! 5 to 8 p.m. Sutton Place Hotel, 845 Burrard Street, Vancouver. Tickets $95.00 available from www.ticketweb.com. Further information Jane Ruddick, 604-916 9071 or jruddick@shaw.ca.


SEPTEMBER 16, 2008:
Hamilton at Hamilton
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Join the legendary Hugh Hamilton of Australia’s Hugh Hamilton Winery at a special wine tasting at Hamilton Street Grill in Yaletown. Hugh reputation as the family “black sheep” is reflected in the names of his wines: ‘The Rascal’ Shiraz, ‘The Scallywag’ Unwooded Chardonnay and ‘The Villain’ Cabernet Sauvignon. This is no ordinary line up with the aromatic whites of the Viognier, the subtle red of a Sangiovese to big, bold and beautiful Shiraz’s.
Seats are limited to 40. Three wine pours matched to three appetizers. $25 per person. 5: 30 p.m. At the Hamilton Street Grill. 1009 Hamilton St., Yaletown, Vancouver. Reservations must be made by telephone only No e-mails this time please 604-331-1511


SEPTEMBER 20, 2008:
Dinner in support of UBC Farms.
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West, Gastropod, Cru, Fuel, Chow and La Quercia will each set a table for six and serve dinner on the house in honour of UBC Farm's contribution to this city. Before sitting down to their specially-designed five-course menu, paired with Farmstead Wines, the participating Farm patrons will meet at UBC Farm for wine, canapés, and a farm tour. Here, it will be revealed which of the six restaurants they will dine in that evening. Volunteer drivers will preserve tonight’s green mantra by transporting the patrons from their homes to the Farm to the restaurants in a fleet of eco-friendly hybrid cars. When the dishes are cleared, the Farm patrons will have one last chance to top the highest bid on the online auction which will officially close at midnight on September 20th. Tickets for this event are $250 per person. Attire is farm-formal. Call Books to Cooks at 604-688-6755 to purchase your seat. One Hundred percent of the net proceeds from ticket sales and the auction will be entrusted to the Save the Farm Campaign and its efforts in raising awareness for this vital issue. UBC Farm is located at 6182 South Campus Road, Vancouver.


SEPTEMBER 24, 2008:
Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg at the Salt Cellar.
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American wine and food authors Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg will be hosted by Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks at the Salt Cellar in Vancouver to discuss their new book THE FLAVOR BIBLE. 6:30 p.m. See link to the bookstore for ticket information. Event takes place at Salt Cellar. 45 Blood Alley (Gastown), Vancouver.


SEPTEMBER 25, 2008:
Wines of Chile Trade and Consumer Shows.
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Mix and mingle with representatives from more than 25 Chilean wineries sampling over 150 of their best wines. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. $65. Parking is readily available, plus there will be a complimentary Vancouver Trolley service from Main Street Skytrain station. At the Rocky Mountaineer Station. 1755 Cottrell Street (at Terminal). 604-904-9792. A trade only component takes place the same day and at the same location from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.


OCTOBER 18, 2008:
9th Annual “Wine’d Up” at Whistler. (Info posted after Sept 1)
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Tickets go on sale September 1st (and are expected to sell out in one week) for the Whistler Search and Rescue Society’s ninth annual “Wine’d Up” fundraising gala. Guests at this winemaker’s dinner and auction will enjoy an evening of food and wine while supporting the work of Whistler’s search and rescue volunteers. Organizers are delighted to welcome five of Whistler’s renowned Executive Chefs to this year’s event: Chef Vincent Stufano - Fairmont Chateau Whistler; Chef Scott Dolbee - Four Seasons Resort Whistler; Chef Grant Cousar - Whistler Cooks & Catering; Chef Steve Bjormark - Whistler Blackcomb; Chef James Walt - Araxi Restaurant . Each chef will create a dish with flavours to complement wines from Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, Ganton and Larsen Prospect Winery, Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve, and Jackson Triggs . $135 plus GST. 6 p.m reception. 7 p.m. dinner. Taking place at Dusty’s Bar & Grill in Whistler Creekside. 2040 London Lane, Whistler Village. 604-932-3434 / 1-866-218-9690.








ANNOUNCEMENTS - (August 25, 2008)


BOOKS


Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks has introduced a new interactive blog site to their website where staff will share seasonal recipes, recommend favourite cookbooks, and chat with customers.

As stated by Barbara-Jo McIntosh, "The idea for "Cooks with Books: The Online Test Kitchen of Barbara Jo's Books to Cooks" grew out of a desire to connect with the cookbook specialty store's increasingly internet-savvy clientele, who enjoy finding new forums for sharing their love of food, wine, and good books. You may already know the blog’s contributors: Charlene Ainsworth, Berglind Kristinsdottir, Laura Nairn, and Barb Wong. This foursome is well accustomed to providing in-store advice to customers in need of a cookbook recommendation, and they are especially pleased to be involved in this new venture. Over time, these bloggers hope that the site will evolve into a sort of communal cookbook, where feedback from customers provides valuable marginal notes for each recipe."

Other elements of the site include sidebar links to the best foodie blogs and news stories. All books reviewed on the blog will be eligible for a 10% discount within one year of the post.


SOCIAL ISSUES

More news from Barbara Jo's Books to Cooks concerning UBC Farm ...


Farmstead Wines and Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks intend to launch an online auction website on Wednesday, September 10th. The item up for bid is a home-cooked dinner for eight prepared by Barbara-jo McIntosh, owner of Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks, and Anthony Nicalo, president of Farmstead Wines. Visit www.farmsteadwines.com/ubcfarm to show your support for the farm over a delicious meal. The pair are launching this online auction exactly ten days before a fundraiser they have organized for Saturday, September 20th that will unite thirty-six concerned Vancouverites and six of the city's finest restaurants to raise funds for the preservation of UBC Farm in its current size and location.

On September 20th, West, Gastropod, Cru, Fuel, Chow and La Quercia will each set a table for six and serve dinner on the house in honour of UBC Farm's contribution to this city. Before sitting down to their specially-designed five-course menu, paired with Farmstead Wines, the participating Farm patrons will meet at UBC Farm for wine, canapés, and a farm tour. Here, it will be revealed which of the six restaurants they will dine in that evening. Volunteer drivers will preserve tonight’s green mantra by transporting the patrons from their homes to the Farm to the restaurants in a fleet of eco-friendly hybrid cars. When the dishes are cleared, the Farm patrons will have one last chance to top the highest bid on the online auction which will officially close at midnight on September 20th. Tickets for this event are $250.00. Attire is farm-formal. Call Books to Cooks at 604-688-6755 to purchase your seat now. 100% of the net proceeds from ticket sales and the auction will be entrusted to the Save the Farm Campaign and its efforts in raising awareness for this vital issue.

On Farmstead Wines: Chef Anthony Nicalo founded Farmstead Wines in 2007 to connect wine to its agricultural roots. He selects naturally farmed, handcrafted wines from small, trusted farmers.


PHOTO BLOG

Jackie Connelly, a photographer who contributes to CityFood Magazine and CityFood Online, is back from her trip to China and has provided a link to some terrific photos she took while touring through Beijing, Shanghai & Hangzhou.

click on to this link http://www.flickr.com/photos/si-guy/.







In the photo: the results of a typical mushroom forage at Deerholme Farm.


ANNOUNCEMENTS - (August 22, 2008)


WINE WORLD


Canada’s first custom wine cellar showroom design centre and wine storage facility has opened in Vancouver. Vin de Garde’s 3,000 sq ft wine cellar facility will give architects, restaurateurs, winemakers and wine collectors access to a showroom and design space, a wine tasting room, and soon a storage cellar for more than 60,000 bottles of wine.

Billy Carpenter, the owner of Vin de Garde (a company that has built wine cellars for such restaurants as Lumiere, Brix and Provence Marinaside), explained the need for such a facility.“More and more people are becoming interested in collecting and investing in fine wines, and they want to store their wines appropriately. Our showroom and design centre lets people develop a wine storage solution tailored exactly to their wants and needs – everything from a basic wine fridge for 50 bottles of wine to an intricate custom wood cellar, capable of housing thousands of bottles.”

Vin de Garde is the only wine cellar manufacturer in Canada to employ a certified sommelier as well as an interior designer to advise on the design and construction of their custom wine rooms. The company is also a member of BC Wood, a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to growing BC’s secondary wood-products manufacturing industry.


AT THE FARMERS MARKETS


It's Tomato Festival time again! 
 
Black Krim. Superfantastic. Wonderlight. Lemon Boy. They are all tomatoes and are among the upwards of 100 varieties of tomatoes on display during the annual Tomato Festivals at Vancouver’s farmers markets. Enjoy a great day of tomato-ey goodness at your favourite market and leave with some of the best specimens you'll find anywhere.

The festivals feature tomato tastings, recipes, displays and lots of interesting facts. The kids can spend some time making a tomato pal at the craft table and there may even be a special visit from a cheery red friend - bring your camera for photo opps! Festivities continue all day long at all markets but tomatoes go fast - come early for best selection!
 Taking place at the following markets: East Vancouver (Aug 23), Kitsilano (Aug 23) , Riley Park (Aug 26), West End (Aug 30). Also coming up: another cookbook swap at the East Vancouver Famers Market on September 13, 2008.



Due to the popularity of the last beekeeping workshop at the UBC Farm Centre, another 2 hour seminar (1:30 – 3:30 p.m.) has been scheduled for tomorrow (August 23) with bee expert Allen Garr. The event is part of the UBC Farm Growing Season Workshop Series. Says coordinator, Amy Frye, “We are opening up to our farm community a handful of lectures and workshops that are part of our ‘Sowing Seeds for the Future’ Apprenticeship Program. It’s a great way to gain new skills and knowledge, and help support the UBC Farm. “ $10 to $20 cash. RSVP to Sarah at ubcfarm.interns@gmail.com if you would like to attend. 6182 South Campus Road. Also, a reminder that the farm is collecting olive oil tins (they use them for their cut flowers) so if you have any empty ones lying around, please bring them along if you are heading for the Saturday market.


REGIONAL – VANCOUVER ISLAND


With the recent rains, Chef Bill Jones has his thoughts on the edible wild funghi that can be sourced from the wooded areas near his Deerholme Farm in the Cowichan Valley. Recently the farm and cooking school was profiled in the Vancouver Sun, and next month it will appear in Harrowsmith Magazine. Both articles focus on the farm’s reputation for foraging-style dinners. The next dinner event on the farm, is slated for the Labour Day Weekend, August 30 and will feature the best products from the Cowichan Valley in the form of such dishes as seared venison carpaccio with a warm salad of chanterelle mushrooms, leeks, cabbage and bacon or Dungeness crab and kabocha squash ravioli with a sweet corn, lemon verbena and ortega beurre blanc Get the full details about the dinner, or news about the upcoming fall calendar of classes at the website link above or call (250-748-7450) to secure reservations.


NEW IN THE EVENTS CALENDAR


SEPTEMBER 3, 2008:
Hart House visits the French Region of Provence.
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Hart House at Deer Lake offers an homage to French cuisine at their annual Evening in Provence. Guests will enjoy Provence-inspired dishes, complemented by select French wines from renowned appellations. The menu for the evening is prepared by Hart House’s Executive Chef, Dennis Peckham, who has worked in such French-inspired restaurants as Lumière, West and French Laundry. The wine tasting and dinner are accompanied by live music. $45 per person exclusive of taxes and gratuity. 6 p.m. wine tasting. 7 p.m. dinner. Hart House at Deer Lake. 6664 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby. 604-298-4278.


SEPTEMBER 12 – 14, 2008 :
EAT! Fraser Valley Food + Cooking Festival.
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Laura Calder, Host of French Food at Home on the Food Network, will headline the Food Network Celebrity Stage at EAT! Fraser Valley. Laura will be joined by Bob Blumer, host of Glutton For Punishment, also on Food Network. But The Food Network Celebrity Stage is just one of the many highlights of a festival that brings together food manufacturers large and small, restaurants, wineries, breweries and purveyors of specialty foods from near and far. EAT! Fraser Valley offers great shopping opportunities, wine and beer tasting, cheese seminar and sampling, wine seminars, restaurant grazing, celebrity watching and a lot of fun exploring new tastes and innovative products. Check the website for events scheduling and ticket prices. Friday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m; Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. Taking place at the Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford. 1190 Cornell St., Abbotsford. 604-850-1533.


SEPTEMBER 17, 2008
Kettle Valley Winery at So.Cial at Le Magasin.
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Maureen Fleming, owner and managing partner of So.Cial at Le Magasin in Gastown welcomes Bob Ferguson, owner and winemaker, Kettle Valley Winery to present their only Vancouver winemaker’s dinner (seven courses). $77 per person ($95 including taxes and gratuity). 6:30 Reception. 7 p.m. dinner. 322 Water Street, Vancouver. 604-669-4488.


OCTOBER 19, 2008:
Celebrity Chef at Potluck Cafe.
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Join Chef Jeff van Geest from Aurora Bistro in the Potluck Café for a multi course fundraising dinner in support of the Potluck Café Society. (Potluck is a not-for-profit organization located in the Downtown Eastside whose programs include the provision of daily meals for residents of the Portland Hotel Society who struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues; training and development for those with barriers to traditional employment; as well as the Community Kitchen Program which teaches residents in the area to cook nutritionally.) Wine pairings donated by the Artisan Wine Group. $125 per person. (Charitable tax receipt available.) 6 p.m. 604-609-7368. Or email info@potluckcatering for reservations 30 West Hastings St., Vancouver.


NOVEMBER 1, 2008:
Wine on the Mountain .
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This wine and food tasting atop Grouse Mountain is in support of the Adoptive Families Association of B.C.
Guests will ride up to the Peak of Vancouver where, surrounded by breath-taking views, they will enjoy acclaimed wines, canapés, chocolate and live music as well as auctions, raffles and prizes. This year’s theme “Red and White and All That Sparkles” features fine wines from Argentina, Australia, British Columbia, Chile, German, Italy, South Africa, Spain and the US all paired with food by Dino Gazzola, Grouse Mountain’s award winning chef, and Greg Hook, one of Canada’s best Chocolatiers. Special guests include Senator Larry Campbell and wine expert and author John Schreiner. $150 per person includes Skyride.
7 p.m. Grouse Mountain, top of Capilano Road, North Vancouver . For tickets, email events@bcadoption.com or call 604-320-7330 ext. 104
































ANNOUNCEMENTS - (August 21, 2008)


RESTAURANTS

It’s Ciao for Caffe de Medici Ristorante Italiano. The Vancouver restaurant is preparing to close its doors when the lease expires on September 27, 2008. Blame escalating rents. The family-run restaurant founded by Gino Punzo 29 years ago, has been a long time fixture on the Robson Street scene, as well one of the few remaining holdouts since the days when the street was nicknamed "Robsonstrasse" due to the predominance of German-owned delis and other businesses.

“We searched downtown for a new location, but nothing like it was available at a viable price,” says Steve Punzo, Gino’s son and co-owner of the restaurant along with brother Dean.

After the white tablecloth restaurant closes, the Punzo brothers will continue to focus on growing their wholesale operations. The Caffe de Medici Central Kitchen will offer high quality Italian fare to retail clients including their own brand, Take 5 Café Catering.

Fans of the restaurant will get a last chance to enjoy lunch or dinner up till the 27th . On September 25th, an official goodbye party will feature a wine auction and cocktail party in support of Big Brothers.


WINE


Time for lift off. .. Ray Signorello and his partners launch their Fuse wine at a party tonight at Lift restaurant. The wine is blend of California grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes, and thanks to Signorello's connections and business model, priced much lower than other imported California wines of similar quality.


COCKTAILS


Shaun Layton of George Ultra Lounge in Vancouver, BC has been named the Canadian winner of the second annual mixology challenge, "Cocktails by Design". Layton's custom-crafted cocktail recipe incorporating Bombay Sapphire Gin was chosen over those submitted by hundreds of mixologist's from across Canada. “London Vine” will become the signature martini cocktail served at the Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass International Competition in London, England this September, and the 2008 Awards Gala, as well as a featured cocktail for Bombay Sapphire sponsored events throughout 2008. See the recipe here.


ART


The answer my friend, is blowin’ in the wind …Loosely based on the tradition of Tibetan prayer flags which are hung on auspicious occasions to carry prayers on the wind, seven artists have created original flags in response to the uncertain future of UBC Farm. At a time when the university is asking for academic and financial justification for keeping UBC Farm at its current size and location, flags draw attention to reasons for preserving a unique ecosystem, including beauty, community, and spiritual inspiration.

Featured artists include: Nicole Dextras, Lois Klassen, Brenna Maag, Julie McIntyre, Robin Ripley, Michelle Weeks and Lori Weidenhammer.

View their flags every Saturday from August 23rd until the Fall during UBC Market Hours (9 a.m. to 1 p.m). Opening ceremony this Saturday takes place at 11 a.m. At UBC Farm off Westbrook at 6182 South Campus Road.



NEW EVENTS IN THE CALENDAR



SEPTEMBER 7, 2008:
Laughing Stock Winery teams with Oyama Sausage at Gastropod.
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Angus An, the chef at Gastropod has put together a food and wine adventure pairing wines wines from the Naramata Winery with the offerings from Oyama Sausage Company of Granville Island Market. Imagine pairing Fraser Valley Organic Lamb, prepared in multiple ways as Merguez, slow cooked loin, confit shoulder paired with the upcoming release of the Portfolio 2006. For more details, call Gastropod at 604-730-5579. 1938 West 4th Ave., Vancouver.



SEPTEMBER 8, 2008:
Simply Reds – Naramata Bench Wine Show (Trade Only).
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This time it’s “Simply about the Wine”… Reds that is! The Narmata Wineries are inviting Servers, Sommeliers and Proprietors to the Red Wine Fall Release for a trade tasting. 2 to 4 p.m. At the Century Plaza Hotel and Spa., 1015 Burrard St., Vancouver. Send rsvp and info requests to: info @ naramatabench.com.



SEPTEMBER 9, 2008:
Yalumba’s New Releases Dinner at Grand Pacific.
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Yalumba winery, Australia’s oldest family-owned winery (founded in 1849), invites you to join them for a seminar and winemaker’s dinner featuring their premier wines. Yalumba Winemaker Jane Ferrari will be on hand to lead the seminar, introducing new wines from the Barossa and Eden Valley series and talking about their unique qualities. The seminar will be followed by a reception and a four-course winemaker’s dinner created Executive Chef Rick Choy. $125 per ticket inclusive of taxes and gratuity. Partial ticket proceeds will go to the aid of Camosun College Child Care Services. Seminar 6 p.m. Reception 7 p.m. Hotel Grand Pacific
463 Belleville Street, Victoria.



SEPTEMBER 13, 2008:
Naramata Bench Tailgate Party.
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Twenty-two Naramata Bench Wineries are coming together to drop their tailgates and have a party! New releases will be opened for the first time and in keeping with local tradition, they will have a great band to get you in the mood to dance the night away. Ticket price includes a buffet of dishes from the local chefs at Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa, Hillside Estate Barrel Room Bistro, Okanagan Herb Co. and The Bench Artisan Food Market. This year the event will be hosted at Township 7 Vineyards & Winery. Free shuttle service from locations in Penticton and Naramata. The shuttle schedule is posted at http://www.naramatabench.com/events.asp. Tickets are $75 plus tax. Click here to purchase tickets Or Call Ok Reservations Direct 1-800-663-1900. 1450 McMillan Avenue., Penticton, B.C.



SEPTEMBER 18, 2008:
Chef Meets Grape.
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The event brings together BC cuisine with the new fall releases from more than thirty BC VQA wineries. Twelve restaurant chefs will again compete for the “Peoples Choice” and the “Judges Choice” honours as they create appetizer-sized portions of a dish using BC ingredients paired with their selected BC VQA wine. 7 to 10 p.m. The event is organized by the British Columbia Wine Institute (BCWI) and partial proceeds from ticket sales will go to Oceanwise. Tickets are $75 plus GST, and are available at the village VQA Wine Stores in Dunbar (West 41st Avenue, Vancouver), Edgemont (3050 Edgemont Blvd, North Vancouver) and Kitsilano (1811 West 1st Ave., Vancouver. Event takes place at the Rocky Mountaineer Station in Vancouver. (There is also a fall release tasting for the restaurant, retail and industry trade and media from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Ticket by invitation only.)



SEPTEMBER 21, 2008:
Plenty – Harvest Celebration & Farmers Market.
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VanDusen Botanical Garden celebrates the season with a new event that will focus on supporting local and sustainable agriculture. The fair will be separated into three areas: Buy Local, Grow Local and Eat Local. The first will be a mini Farmers’ Market featuring many of the growers from the Trout Lake, West End and Nat Bailey Markets. Look for the last of the summer tomatoes, various squashes, Helmer's famed organic potatoes, artichokes, herbs, hazelnuts, apples and salad greens. Many producers will also be selling preserves, jams, jellies and other condiments created from farm-fresh ingredients. In the Grow Local section, nursery vendors will sell berry bushes, grape vines, and fruit and nut trees suitable for a home garden. Look also for seminars and demonstrations on urban agriculture-related topics such as composting, growing organically and pruning. Last but not least, Eat Local is an area devoted to food vendors offering everything from organic fair-trade coffee and Indian vegetarian snacks to flatbread pizzas and salads. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street (at West 37th Ave.), Vancouver. 604-878-9274.
































ANNOUNCEMENTS - (August 15, 2008)

A COUNTRY EDUCATION - OKANAGAN

Learn to Taste like an Expert and Pair Food & Wine like a Pro

Many industry people from wineries, restaurants and sales agencies are choosing to expand their education to help advance their careers via the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Foundation Certificate course. The program is currently offered in 42 countries around the world and in B.C.'s Okanagan region, it is now available via Wine Plus+, a new local company created by wine educator Rhys Pender. Wine Plus+ has scheduled its courses in such a way as to allow a progression through all three levels of WSET¬ courses between September 2008 and May 2009. There have also been new features added to the standard program with expanded sessions on tasting techniques, pairing wine with food, and understanding the BC wine industry.

There are two options available this September: a one day course on September 18th in Kelowna, and a four-evening course starting September 17th in Penticton. Graduates can then move on to the nine-evening Intermediate Certificate in Kelowna starting October 20th and finish with the 15-evening Advanced Certificate beginning February 11th, 2009.

Pender, by the way, has already passed the grueling Theory section of the Master of Wine qualification, with the Tasting and Dissertation still to come. If he succeeds he will become Canada's youngest Master of Wine.

Registration is available through the website of Wine Plus+ (see link above) or phoning 250-317-8796.

A COUNTRY EDUCATION - FRASER VALLEY

Farm Tours Help Answer the Question, What are we Eating?

In addition to their public education, "Get Local" program, FarmFolk/CityFolks' aptly named "Incredible Edible Tours" were specially designed for car-less folks with a thirst for knowledge about what they're eating. A day with Tallulah Winkelman, FarmFolk's Farm Tour Coordinator takes the group to a variety of farms for in-depth tours with the farmers. Included in the ticket price is a lunch made with fresh, regional ingredients, transportation, the tours, and opportunities to purchase farm fresh food direct from the farm gate.

This years' July tour was sold out but there are still tickets left for the August 23rd tour where the theme is "Farming in the Fraser Valley; Diversity At Its Finest."

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the tour will visit some amazing farms. Aldergrove's Fraser Common (a certified organic cooperative farm that is home to Glorious Organics, a cooperative business that grows for chefs and its own CSA box program); Vista D'oro, a beautiful farm in Langley, where owner Lee Murphy, will be serving up a fresh regional lunch. Then a stop at Nicomekl Farm in Surrey, a dairy operation that is transitioning to organic certification.

Because the tour only takes 20 people, tickets sell out quickly. Tickets are $80 each and are available in advance only from FarmFolk/CityFolk (604-730-0450.)



NEW EVENTS IN THE CALENDAR


AUGUST 9, 2008
Blackberry Festival at UBC Farm.
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The blackberries are starting to ripen! You should be able to find some this weekend, although they will reach their peak in a few weeks. You can feel free to come whenever the farm is open and pick blackberries by donation, with a suggested donation of $2 for the equivalent a pint. You can drop your donation off in the Farm Centre or with any farm staff member you see. Don't forget to bring your empty containers! Please keep in mind that blackberries are the only crop we offer for u-pick at this time. On Saturday, The Blackberry Festival is a chance to celebrate our summer bounty as well as kick-off the start of the Blackberry Season. Other highlights include a performance from Vancouver's Carnival Band, bee hive tours, an on-site tool & knife sharpening service, and many vendors offering organic, seasonal produce. 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, rain or shine. At the UBC Farm, 6182 South Campus Road

AUGUST 30, 2008
3rd Annual Winestock 2008.
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Morning Bay Vineyard on Pender Island presents Winestock 2008 with such bands as Tragically Hip, Doug and the Slugs, Grapes of Wrath and The Odds, not to mention the Morning Bay City Rollers. Enjoy wine, food and music in Canada's only oceanfront vineyard. Noon to Dusk. $25 per person, $50 per family. Tickets available at: Doctor Vigari's Gallery, 1312 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. 604-244-9513 . Classic Guitars, 2020A Douglas Street, Victoria 250-389-6029 . Talisman Books, Driftwood Centre, Pender Island 250-629-6944. or at the website link above. Morning Bay Vineyard, 6621 Harbour Hills Drive, Pender Island, BC. 250-629-8351. (Camping available in the vineyard.)

SEPTEMBER 8, 2008
2ND Annual Simply Red Tasting (Trade Only).
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Naramata Bench Wineries Association Invites you to their 2nd Annual Simply Red Wine Tasting. This event is for Media and Servers, Sommeliers, Bar Tenders and Restaurant Proprietors and will featuring red wines from the Naramata Bench Wineries Association. 2pm to 4pm. Look for some special new releases such as the limited edition Pinot Noir (only 100 cases made) from Dunham-Froese. Taking place at the Century Plaza Burrard Room. 1015 Burrard Ave, Vancouver. 250-490-8339.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2008
Beyond the Great Wall Dinner with Jeffrey Alford.
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In their latest book Beyond the Great Wall, authors Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid, explore the ethnic food cultures of the ‘ther China’–the food of many of China’ minority peoples such as the Tibetans, Uighurs, Mongols, Miao, Dong and Hui. In September, Vancouverites will have an opportunity to meet Mr. Alford when he is a special guest at "Beyond the Great Wall" a dinner being produced by Wild Rice in conjunction with Barbara-Jo’ Books to Cooks. Tickets, priced at $125 per person, include a six-course culinary tour of the book, all beverage pairings plus a copy of Beyond the Great Wall which guests can have personally autographed. Tickets are only available through Barbara-Jo’ Books to Cooks at 604-688-6755. Dinner takes place at Wild Rice restaurant. 117 West Pender St., Vancouver. 604-642-2882.

ANNOUNCEMENTS - (August 12, 2008)

PEOPLE MOVES

The popular wine ambassadress for Yalumba wines, Jane Ferrari, will be back in town on September 8 with a rolling wit as fast as her name, and (hopefully) a new tucker bag full of her infamously saucy stories. Ah yes, and the wines from Australia's Barossa and Eden Valleys should be a great diversion as well. During the day's 2 p.m. tasting for the wine trade (taking place at Diva at the Met), expect to see such bottles as Barossa Eden Valley Viognier 2007, Barossa Eden Valley Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2007, Barossa Shiraz Viognier 2005, Barossa Bush Vine Grenache 2007, Barossa Patchwork Shiraz 2006, Hand Picked Shiraz Viognier 2005, The Scribbler Cabernet Shiraz 2006, Signature Cabernet Shiraz 2002, and the Octavius Barossa Shiraz 2001.

Michael Sabourin, the new executive chef at Saliken, the fine dining restaurant at Eagle Ranch Golf Resort, traded in the pink sands of the Caribbean for the white peaks of the Canadian Rockies. A world traveler, Sabourin has spent the last ten years satisfying palates at various resorts, hotels and cruiselines. In July he joined the Eagle Ranch team from St. Lucia where he was executive chef for Sandals Resorts. Other experience includes serving as executive chef with Holland America Cruise Lines, as well as working with Royal Caribbean International, Westmark Hotels and Dolphin Bay in Turks and Caicos Island. Chef Sabourin has also worked with Sheraton Hotels and Joe Forte's Seafood & Chop House in Vancouver. In addition he has also studied at the Culinary Institute of America, Cornell University and the Montreal Hotelerie Du Quebec. Eagle Ranch Resort is perched on bluffs overlooking the Columbia River and Lake Windermere with 360-degree views of the Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges. Saliken, is their fine dining venue, paying homage, both in name and in spirit, to the mountains that embrace the resort. (Saliken being the word by which early First Nations referred to the mountain ranges that punctuate the Columbia Valley skyline.) The theme is complemented by custom-crafted log furniture and wooden centerpieces carved by local artisan Brian Hoffos.


CULINARY EVENTS


On Sunday, August 10th the annual Chefs To The Fields event took place at Richmond’s Terra Nova Rural Park. Aproximately 3,500 people toured the park and gardens, enjoyed food samples from Vancouver and Richmond restaurants and took in the Green Cuisine competition. The event, now in its 6th year raised roughly $23,000.00 for the Terra Nova Schoolyard Society and Organic Friends of the Future.

The much anticipated Green Cuisine competition kicked off with the unveiling of a "secret ingredient" – fresh BC sardines. For the next 90 minutes, restaurant teams harvested, prepped, plated and presented their plates for review by the judges. In the end, the team from Vancouver’s Raincity Grill, led by Chef de Cuisine Peter Robertson was victorious. Robertson and his team created four plates including: Pickled beetroot, nasturtium and fromage frais cannelloni, Agassiz hazelnut, green pea emulsion; Escabeche of sardine, a braise of bush beans, peas, fava beans, chard and sardine gastrique; Smoked sardine, shaved carrot, carrot puree, grilled fennel, thyme pearls; and macerated blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, caramelized fennel, basil, white chocolate yoghurt. Congratulations also go to Aurora Bistro for their 2nd place finish and Tapenade Restaurant with 3rd placement.

A reminder - with the addition of Nita Lake Lodge, Poplar Grove Winery, Two Rivers Meats, Helmer's Organic Farm and 8 other new participants, the list of vendors who will appear at the FarmFolk/CityFolk’s 3rd Annual Sea-to-Sky Feast of Fields fundraiser at Whistler has risen to 41. With multiple samples to be offered, guests can expect to taste more than 100 items, all comprised of BC goodness. Feast of Fields is a gourmet-wandering picnic that features the best of regional food and drink. Guests will sample menus created by Whistler’s top chefs, and quench their thirst with the seasons finest from local brewers and vintners. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 30th at Rebagliati Park in Whistler. Tickets are $80 per person all-inclusive, and can be bought online at the link above. Room night and ticket packages can also be purchased at www.whistler.com.


NEW IN THE CALENDAR

The Global Group of Restaurants have announced new special menus for the next couple of weeks. At Sanafir, appropriately enough, they are celebrating the city of Beijing from August 13 to August 23rd with such dishes by Executive Chef Mark McEwan as shredded BBQ Duck Mu Shu wraps in orange hoisin sauce and Chinese 5-spice flourless chocolate cake with sweet red bean sauce. On the 14th, Chef Ryan Gauthier takes diners at Italian Kitchen to Tuscany with such fare as shrimp sautéed with cannelini beans and braised arugula; and the famous Bistecca Florentina: grilled T-bone steak. Gauthier's Tuscan menu will be available until August 24th. Glowbal Grill and Satay Lounge stays on the Pacific Rim with culinary influences ranging from Asia to the Queen Charlotte Islands. (August 14 - 20.) And last but not least, Executive Chef Josh Wolfe at COAST restaurant focuses in on our true westcoast cuisine with dishes incorporating such local favourites as salmon and Dungeness Crab. We'll have all links and complete information in our Events Calendar just as soon as we resolve some technical posting snags encountered as we take our own show on the road.



WHAT WE'RE READING NOW

Corks Fly in Wine-Movie War.
(referral by Tim Pawsey)

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ANNOUNCEMENTS -(August 6, 2008)
WINE NEWS

Our tax dollars at work. Mark Wendenburg, senior winemaker at Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, is proud to announce that the winery’s 2004 Steller's Jay Brut was selected to receive the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in British Columbia Wines. The Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Steven Point, accompanied by his Vice-Regal Party and 35 members of the Vancouver Consular Corps, visited Sumac Ridge Estate Winery to present the award. With the idyllic setting of vineyard and Okanagan Lake as a backdrop, the award was presented to Wendenburg. The winning wine was then sampled by the guests immediately following the presentation, and then the delegation stayed on to have dinner in the winery restaurant, the Cellar Door Bistro.

About the wine: Steller’s Jay Brut, $26.99, tends to sell quickly, and can be found at the winery, fine restaurants and select retailers, including VQA stores. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, each fermented separately, then bottled spending a minimum of 36 months "en tirage" before undergoing hand riddling. The wine was then hand disgorged and the dosage of the same wine added before being corked and foiled. Wendenburg says the resulting wine displays ripe strawberry, fresh toast and a crisp lively acidity. The mousse is exceptional and the palate is full of citrus and fresh strawberries. Wendenburg also adds that this soft approachable sparkling wine will pair well with a variety of foods. Try cheeses such as Italian Piave, or black skin Asiago. Alternatively, try shellfish such as mussels poached in the wine, oysters, or even salt roasted peanuts.



IN THE RESTAURANTS

Beginning immediately, Medina Café (Chambar restaurant’s daytime counterpart) will offer guests a full breakfast and lunch menu on weekdays, and brunch service on Saturday and Sunday. Loyal followers of the café’s trademark waffles will now find savoury items from chef Nico Schuermans with Moroccan and middle eastern influence. Look for such items as cassoulet of two fried eggs on baked beans with duck sausage, bacon and andouillette sausage on the brunch menu, and such inventive sandwiches as the Jambon et Fromage (braised pulled pork, morbier cheese, and cherry compote on toasted fruit and nut bread with Belgian endive, pecan and watercress salad) on the new lunch menu. Weekday breakfast and lunch will be served Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and weekend brunch will be offered Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 556 Beatty Street.


After 12 years, this is the final week for the Irish Heather in its original location, with the last night being this Saturday 9th. Owner, Sean Heather says he expects to reopen in the new Gastown location a couple of blocks away in the Kings Building (at 210-212 Carrall Street), on Thursday 14th of August.


Working with nutritionist Jacqueline Ehlert, Executive Chef Cale Gault of beyond restaurant + lounge has created a 3-course spa menu; analyzed to reflect healthy, low fat, dining by utilizing local ingredients. Diners may choose between a complete menu priced at $38.00 per person, or select a la carte from the 2 starters, main courses and desserts. Ehlert has analyzed each recipe and lists total calories, protein, carbohydrates, fibre, fat, saturated fat, trans fats, cholesterol, vitamins and minerals. beyond restaurant + lounge is located in the Century Plaza Hotel & Spa at 1015 Burrard Street. 604-684-3474.


NEW EVENTS IN THE CALENDAR


AUGUST 16, 17, 2008:
19th Annual South Cariboo Garlic Festival.
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The Festival's mission is to build the South Cariboo's position as a desirable holiday destination by providing visitors with a World Class Celebration of Garlic. Donations from Festival proceeds are made to worthwhile non-profit organizations in the South Cariboo area. Taking place at Centennial Park in 100 Mile House, BC. (250) 791-1950
www.garlicfestival.ca


SEPTEMBER 21, 2008:
11th Annual Vancouver Island Feast of Fields.
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A sell out event since it’s inception in 1998, Feast of Fields is a giant gastronomic picnic celebrating the bounty of the local fall harvest and features Vancouver Island’s top restaurants, wineries and micro-breweries.
A major fundraiser for the FarmFolk/CityFolk Society, the event has helped support many grassroots organizations and initiatives on Vancouver Island, from the creation of a commercial community kitchen at Providence Farm in the Cowichan, to a school garden for Edward Milne High School in Sooke to the highly successful Island Chef’s Collaborative Market in Bastian Square. Held on a different farm each year, this year the venue is the Victorian Epicure Vineyard in North Saanich. Tickets available at Muffet and Louisa, B.C. Wineguys in Cadboro Bay,Spinnakers Brewpub, Ottavio Italian Bakery. In Sydney: Muffet and Louisa or on line at www.feastoffields.com


SEPTEMBER 25, 2008:
Kettle Valley Winery at Haro’s Restaurant + Bar.
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Chef Gordon O’ Neill is partnering with local growers and producers to create a menu reflecting all the seasonal bounty of Vancouver Island to complement the lush, full bodied wines of Kettle Valley Winery. Known for its dark, intense and well-structured red wines, Kettle Valley is a small, family-run, farm-based winery located in the premier growing region of Naramata, BC. 
Join sommelier Stephen Wilson as he shares some of the winery's rare and most-loved wines at the event. 6pm - Reception, 7pm – Dinner. $95 inclusive.
Make a night of it: Rooms at the Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa are priced from $149* and include complimentary truffles and a bottle of Kettle Valley wine.
(* Based on single or double occupancy in an Essential guestroom, not including applicable taxes.) 1-866-659-9445.
www.sidneypier.com