NOVEMBER 19, 2008:
Beaujolais Nouveau Launch Celebration at Jules.
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On the stroke of midnight France releases this year’s production of Beaujolais Nouveau. Emmanuel Joinville, chef and proprietor of Jules, thinks that Vancouverites should get into the ‘spirit’ of the release and join the party.  Included in the three-course dinner priced at $40 are two glasses of wine, one of Beaujolais Nouveau Joseph Drouhin 2008 and one of Beaujolais Villages Nouveau Joseph Drouhin 2008 and all of the dishes have been chosen specifically to complement the wines. For those really wishing to further their wine education, Jules will offer bottles of Nouveau at an additional $32 for the generic version and $35 for the Beaujolais Villages. Chef Joinville has enlisted the aid of Oyama Sausage Company and Les Amis de Fromage, to assist with the creation of  the dinner.  As this is a special night, only this menu will be served, guests are offered a choice of three seating times – 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Reservations/advance tickets are essential and must be guaranteed with a credit card. Unfortunately cancellations cannot be accepted but purchasers may transfer their reserved tickets to someone else if need be. 216 Abbott Street, Vancouver. 604.669.0033.


NOVEMBER 20-22, 2008:
12th Annual Tofino Oyster Festival 
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Locals and visitors alike will break out the moves during the costume party-themed Mermaid’s Ball, pull on the woollies and check out the cold water treasures during the Oyster’s Afloat Farm Tours and don dressy duds to close the weekend at the Oyster Gala.  Local chefs take centre stage – along with plenty of live music – during the gala event, crafting some of their finest oyster-filled morsels for guests to sample and rank for a favoured peoples’ pick.  The Mermaid Ball’s Annual Slurping Contest will match competitors and oyster-lovers alike for a shot at gulping glory. General inquiries through info@oystergala.com.

 
NOVEMBER 20 – 23, 2008:
One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale.
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After a successful run of 33 years in Toronto, the east coast artisan craft fair will now have a sister show in Vancouver featuring the work of over 200 artists, artisans, and designers from BC, Alberta and North America. According to the mandate of the show, each exbitor must be directly involved in the production of their crafts and each piece in the show must be handmade. Beyond the special items suitable for table settings or home entertainment, of special interest to CityFood readers will be the One of a Kind Flavours exhibit which will be dedicated to homemade foods including preserves, cakes, and savory treats. Taking place at BC Place Stadium. Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults $10; Seniors $6.50; Students $6.50; Chilren 12 and under free. Tickets will also be available for pre-purchase from the website at a reduced admission rate for Adults of $8.


NOVEMBER 21, 2008
Red Rooster Wine Maker's Dinner at the Cannery.
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Wine Maker and Guest Speaker Karen Gillis will delight guests as she introduces her wines from Red Rooster winery in the Naramata Region of BC's Okanagan Valley. A five-course
dinner prepared by Cannery’s Executive Chef Wayne Sych will complement the wines. Learn about a fabulous BC winery, meet with the Wine Maker, and enjoy a relaxing evening by the waterfront. $125 per person, taxes and gratuity included.  Cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.canneryyseafood.com. For reservations, contact Alana Gee at 604-254-9606, Mon - Fri, from 9 to 5. The Cannery Seafood Restaurant. 2205 Commissioner St., Vancouver, B.C.


NOVEMBER 22, 2008:
Spinnakers celebrates 150 years of brewing with Kolsch-style beer.
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The first commercial brew made in Western Canada was made by William Steinberger, who opened the Victoria Brewery in 1858. To mark the occassion, brewer Rob Monk has released a special Kolsch-style beer. Kolsch, a regional beer from Cologne, Germany, Steinberger’s birthplace, is a light ale aged like a lager with a fruity flavour and crisp finish. Greg Evans, Executive Director of the Maritime Museum of BC, CAMRA Victoria (Campaign for Real Ale) member will be on hand to give the historical background on Steinberger and the history of brewing in Victoria. Also attending will be CAMRA Victoria President, Glen Stusek, along with representatives of the German Canadian Cultural Society. The public is also invited to take part in the celebration. For a cost of just $10 revelers will get their first pint of special Kolsch and various German-style appetizers. 3 p.m. Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub. 308 Catherine St., Victoria, B.C. 250-386-2739.


NOVEMBER 25, 2008:
Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks is getting Fat.
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Award-winning author Jennifer McLagan sheds that rampant fear of fat in her latest book Fat: An Appreciation of a Misunderstood Ingredient, with Recipes. Jennifer will speak up for the flavourful pleasures to be appreciated in cooking with fat when she demonstrates a few recipes from her book. Guests will enjoy a meal of bountiful flavour and unapologetic ingredients of the greasy, buttery occupation. The general public may register by calling 604-688-6755 or emailing bookcook@intergate.ca. Cost for the event is $95.00 (book included). 6:30 p.m. Interested media are invited to attend as special guests at no charge, but are requested to confirm attendance. 6:30 p.m. $95 includes a copy of the book. 1740 West 2nd Ave., Vancouver, B.C. 604-688-6755.


NOVEMBER 26, 2008:
French Fête with Marquis Wine Cellars.
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Guests will be treated to an assortment of great wines including the 2005 Duhart-Milon, Pauillac, Bordeaux; 2005 Domaine Barroche, Châteauneuf-du-Pape; 2006 Huet Demi-Sec, Vouvray; among many other fine and exclusive wines. Provence Restaurants, Bistro Bistro, Le Gavroche, Jules Bistro, Salt Tasting Room and other Vancouver restaurants will be participating. Net proceeds from the evening will go to the Fraser Academy, a local school where students with learning differences acquire the tools and develop the abilities they need for success in learning and in life.$ 75. 7 pm - 10 pm. Taking place at the Vancouver Museum, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver.  Tickets are now on sale at Marquis Wine Cellars, (located at 1034 Davie Street, Vancouver). 604.684.0445.


NOVEMBER 27, 2008:
The Shooting Stars Foundation presents the 4th annual Raymond James "undercover".
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With holiday season fast approaching and what better time to discover wines that suit your taste and budget (under $19.99).  All wines will be “under cover” (hidden) throughout the tasting with patrons choosing their favourites via their palette rather than labels. During the last half hour the covers come off and all will be revealed. Hosted by 'The Wine Guys', Kenji Hodgson and James Nevison, authors of Had a Glass: The Top 100 Wines for 2009 Under $20. Les Finnigan, the guitar guru, will provide his artistry. A silent auction will be included. Take transit, keep your ticket and get a free transit ride home. $35. All proceeds to benefit the Shooting Stars Foundation in support of local direct service AIDS agencies.  7.30pm – 9.30pm. Villa Amato Ballroom.  88 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver


NOVEMBER 27, 2008:
Parade of Trees at Grouse Mountain
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Thirty corporations will sponsor trees for $1,000 and try to outdo the competition with their Christmas decorations. Funds go to support SOS Children's Village BC. Decorating takes place Thursday November 27th from 12pm-5pm and light refreshments and snacks are provided to get everyone into the holiday spirit. Companies interested in participating should contact Ryan Butt at Ryan Butt, Manager of Corporate Relations & Events, Phone: 604-582-2990 ext. 228, Fax: 604 582-2110 or Email: ryanbutt@sosbc.org   


NOVEMBER 27, 2008:
Parade of Trees Gala.
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The Gala will be held up at Grouse Mountain to launch the Parade of Trees.  It is a night of wine, food, music, lighting of the trees, awards for the favorite trees (best corporate branding, judge’s favorite and most creative). The highlight of the evening will be a silent and live auction with many items to purchase for Christmas gifts including vacation packages, local hotel stays and restaurant meals. Two complimentary tickets are included for the corporate sponsors of the trees and additional tickets can be purchased for $100. Sonora Ranch Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Bid in the silent auction on a return trip for 4 to Jasper donated by Via Rail (value of $1,948). 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets may be ordered online through the link above.

 
NOVEMBER 28-30, 2008:
West Coast Christmas Show.
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The West Coast Christmas Show debuting this November at the Tradex Exhibition Centre, is Western Canada’s first Holiday Season Show that brings together under one roof Holiday décor, gifts, food, personal services, festive seminars and celebrity stage presentations.  Appearing on the  Home For The Holidays Presentation Stage will be Lynn Spence
Home décor & style expert on Citytv’s CityLine, "Around the House" and "Fashion Friday". Anthony Sedlak, star of the Food Network series, The Main, and B.C.’s own chef Ned Bell Executive Chef and Owner of Cabana Bar and Grille in Kelowna. Tradex Convention Centre. 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford, B.C.


NOVEMBER 30. 2008:
Ten Years of Okanagan Wine.
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This tasting will attempt to answer one of the major questions faced by any fledgling wine region - 'how well do the wines age?'. Wine Plus+ has put together a tasting of 12 wines, made between 1996 and 1999. This tasting is a unique chance to taste and discuss the style of wine made in the Okanagan and the ability for these wines to develop in the bottle. Ten years seems to be a magic age for tasting wine and assessing its longevity, and 2008 is the first opportunity when a critical mass of quality wines has reached this magic number. An expert panel will guide the audience through the wines and the ensuing discussion. Looking back to 1996 there were only around 35 wineries and 2600 acres of grapes in BC. A lot has happened in the past 12 years and the Okanagan-Similkameen now boasts 143 wineries and 9066 acres of vineyard. This sit-down tasting is limited to just 20 guests. Register by email or by phoning Wine Plus+ at 250-317-8796. Payment by credit card is required at the time of booking and is available on a first come basis. $75 per person. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.  Taking place in the Rotary Centre for the Arts, Pacific Safety Products Room. 421 Cawston Avenue, Kelowna, B.C.


DECEMBER 5, 2008:
Taste Like a Pro: Food & Wine Pairing and Tasting Technique:
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Wine Plus+ has developed a new wine course, aimed specifically at the growing body of wine consumers wishing to learn more about food and wine. This new two-hour course instructed by wine educator Rhys Pender will show how to taste wine like a professional wine taster and judge and give the secrets of how to effectively pair food and wine. You’ll also learn techniques and tips on identifying wines in a blind tasting.  $99 ( includes wine samples, a tasting booklet and a food and wine pairing exercise). 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  250-317-8796.


DECEMBER 6, 2008:
Dungeness Crab Dinner at DeerHolme Farm.
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Dungeness crab is amazing just boiled and dipped in garlic butter – but anyone can do that so Chef Bill will present a menu of bright Asian flavours.  Crab and pine mushroom cake with a pear and hemp seed coleslaw. Warm sushi rice and vegetable salad with crab and fresh wasabi mayo. Vietnamese-flavoured crab bisque with home-made noodles. Crab mashed potato with Chinese-braised beef short ribs. Coconut crème caramel with blackberry chocolate sauce. $90. 5 to 9 p.m. Deerholme Farm. 4830 Stelfox Road, Duncan, B.C. 250-748-7450.


DECEMBER 13, 2008:
Red Rooster Winemakers Dinner at the Cannery.
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Red Rooster Winemaker and Guest Speaker Karen Gillis will  introduces her award winning wines. Cocktail reception 6:30 p.m. Dinner at 7:30 p.m. $125 per person, applicable taxes and gratuity included. The Cannery Restaurant. 2205 Commissioner Street, Vancouver, B.C. 604-254-9606.


DECEMBER 13, 14, 2008:
Holiday Farmers Market.
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Keep your holiday dollars at home this year and consider buying your Christmas gifts from BC producers at the Holiday Market – Vancouver Farmers Markets 13th Annual Celebration of Food and Art. Each day is different so consider visiting both Saturday and Sunday.  Admission is a $2 suggested donation and all proceeds benefit Vancouver’s Farmers Markets. The first 50 people arriving on Sunday will receive a free reusable market shopping bag. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Taking place at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver, B.C. 604-879-FARM.


JANUARY 13-18, 2009:
Icewine Festival 2009
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The Annual Okanagan Icewine Festival in January at Sun Peaks Resort is the most unique of all the wine festivals. Spectacular wines and an award winning alpine resort create an unbelievable weekend of education and recreation. From wine masters dinners, to educational seminars and a unique progressive tasting, this is a memorable weekend in the making. Check the website for more information.


JANUARY 26, 2009
Authentic Italian Pasta-Making from La Quercia.
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Owner/Chef Adam Pegg of Kitsilano’s La Quercia will reveal a few of his pasta-making secrets for this class, with a menu which will include stuffed, hand made and dessert pasta and noodles. In typical Quince fashion the class will enjoy the evening’s culinary achievements with paired wine at the harvest table in the Gallery.  Cost: $95.00 + GST. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Quince. 1780 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver. 604-731-4645.