Restaurants and Nightlife

Vancouver’s Yaletown district is well known for trendy boutique shops and restaurants ranging from casual pub fare to fine dining. One of the newest restaurants to open in the lively neighbourhood is The Parlour.

Located on Hamilton Street, just off Nelson, The Parlour is a full service casual dining restaurant specializing in fire-baked pizzas. Each day a different handmade pizza is featured, along with a range of standard choices on the menu – from a standard margarita to a lively roasted garlic and chicken with basil. Stop by on Sunday’s for the pizza special – under $15, and champagne mimosas.

The front of the restaurant has garage-style doors, allowing the restaurant to open up to the large brick walk-way and letting in fresh air and sunshine. If you like to watch sports, it’s a good option because there are large LCD TV’s located throughout the restaurant. There is a large bar area for ordering drinks or a quick meal for one person.

Food Quality: ★★★★☆

Originality: ★★★☆☆

Customer Service: ★★★★☆

Atmosphere: ★★★★☆

Beverage Selection: ★★★☆☆

Price / Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

Owners of Provence Restaurants in Vancouver will be going all-out on May 29 to see who is the better chef – Chef Alessandra or Jean-Francis. They aren’t just chefs and business partners, but they are also husband and wife.

The competition will be held at Provence Mediterranean Grill in Point Grey, to determine who makes a better halibut, Chef Alessandra or Chef Jean-Francis. The public is welcome to attend the event and help judge who is the best chef in the friendly rivalry competition.

The evening will also include an special $50 three course set dinner menu (includes tax and gratuity, but not beverages). The first course is a choice from the restaurant’s antipasti case and dessert is Cherry Chocolate Clafoutis. It’s the main course where the halibut throw down happens. Two very different versions of halibut will be offered – one by the wife, the other by the husband. Guests won’t know who has created which to keep the competition unbiased. At the end of the evening Provence will tally up which main course sold the most and will announce the winner via social media and in its newsletter.

Tickets for the event are available at www.provencevancouver.com.

Marlow’s Taverns are modern neighbourhood pubs, which have become a favourite location for the locals as the place to meet up. Marlows serves up a variety of classic pub fare with southern flare, and a number of upscale dishes.

The cocktail menu features a number of southern influenced cocktails, many made with whisky, bourbon and house-made infusions. There is a small handful of beers on tap, and all the expected imported and domestic beers by the bottle, but Marlow’s has a good selection of craft beers from across the United States which are worth checking out.

The menu is moderately priced. The classic chicken fingers, nachos, and share platters are all on the menu, but it’s probably more fun to try out some of their unique items including deep fried asparagus, jalapano & cheese grits, and the locals favourite, the fish tacos. While the food is generally good, it’s also notable the many of the burgers are over-loaded and tend to fall-apart towards the end.

The atmosphere, while dimly lit inside, is friendly and welcoming. Much of the interior is in true pub style with heavy use of woods to warm the room. In the summer, hit up the large, outdoor patio, which is used year round, including cooler months and evenings, with gas heaters.

There are 10 Marlow’s Tavern locations in Georgia and one in Florida.

• Food Quality: ★★★★☆
• Originality: ★★★★☆
• Customer Service: ★★★★☆
• Atmosphere: ★★★☆☆
• Beverage Selection: ★★★★☆
• Price / Value: ★★★★☆
• Overall: ★★★★☆

It’s not called southern comfort food without a reason. At The Nook at Piedmont Park, in Midtown Atlanta, they’ve embraced southern traditions and have created one of the most spectacular taste sensations, the Southern Comfort stuffed hamburger.

The Southern Comfort stuffed hamburger is made right to order. That means it’s going to be a good 20-30 minutes to get your burger, but it’s worth every single minute.

The homemade patty is stuffed with traditional bacon mac & cheese, and topped with house made Southern Comfort and peach barbecue sauce. It’s a flavour sensation unlike any other and a must-try! Word the wise, skip the sweet potato fries and go with regular fries or a salad – you’ll thank me for that tip later cause they aren’t that great.

While The Nook serves up fantastic stuffed burgers, they also feature Fish Bowl cocktails, something they call Totchos, and exciting desserts including deep-fried Oreos. There’s just no stopping these guys in their crazy kitchen creations.

The Nook is located at 1144 Piedmont Avenue, in North East Atlanta. They are open daily for lunch and right through till late-night.

There are plenty of great places to eat in Midtown, including Mary Mac’s Tea House and The Watershed on Peachtree.

Food Quality: ★★★★☆

Originality: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★☆

Atmosphere: ★★★☆☆

Beverage Selection: ★★★★☆

Price / Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

You cannot go to the south and not have true southern cuisine. It’s tradition. In Atlanta, there’s one place to get the best, most authentic, and down-home fare, and that’s at Mary Mac’s Tea House, in Midtown. Open for lunch and dinner for over 60 years, it’s become a favourite of locals, celebrities, and visitors.

Upon arriving at Mary Mac’s, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular places in Atlanta for southern comfort food. The white-wash walls, antique furniture, 10 foot ceilings, and large ceiling fans to keep the hot summer air moving; it’s exactly like you’ve taken a step back in time and are walking into history. Oh, and the hospitality is awesome – it’s like you’re one of the family dropping in for Sunday night dinner!

The food is outrageous! To start, have the pot likker with cracklin’ bread; it’s made from the collard green stock, cooked with a big hambone. Also served is a variety basket of fresh, home-baked breads.

You couldn’t ask for anything more genuine than what you’ll find gracing their menu. From crispy fried chicken to homemade mac-n-cheese, to potato pancakes and fried green tomatoes, they have it all!

When ordering, remember that when you’re in the south you have two choices, iced tea or sweet tea. Iced tea is cold orange pekoe tea, and sweet tea is the same, but sweetened with a crazy amount of sugar. If you’re not sure what to have, try a taste of both, then decide.

The portion sizes are beyond generous. It’s the American way! Try to leave room for dessert though – after all, you are in Georgia, and tradition is to have peach cobbler! The cinnamon and sugar, topped with a flakey crust makes this dessert so enjoyable.

Next time you’re in Atlanta, stop in at Mary Mac’s Tea Room. It’s located at 224 Ponce de Leon Ave. Get there early, especially on weekends and in the summer, because being the best, authentic southern fare restaurants in the city, there’s always a line-up, but well worth the wait!

Food Quality: ★★★★

Originality: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Beverage Selection: ★★★

Price / Value: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

Made with passion and love from the best locally sourced and organically grown ingredients, Watershed on Peachtree is one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets. Just like co-owner Emily Sailers’ music (yes, we’re talking about the Emily Sailers from the Grammy award winning Indigo Girls), Watershed on Peachtree is full of personality, creativity, and downhome comfort.

From the moment guests arrive; they are greeted with true Southern hospitality and a room full of laughter and energy. Vaulted ceilings, whitewash painted wooden beams, and modern-country décor create a warm ambiance. It’s casual comfort, and it feels great!

To get the evening started, take a seat at the beautiful bar, made with solid plank wood. A gamut of beverage choices include classic to handcrafted cocktails, beer on top or by the bottle, and wine by the glass.

Executive Chef, Chef Joe Truex, has inspired a soulful experience for the most discerning palette. The menu is chalk-full of hearty dishes, from starters to entrées. Dinner options range from lamb shank ragout and braised center cut brisket, to pan roasted grouper and traditional jambalaya. The portion sizes are fare, but leave room for dessert (insider tip: order the decadent chocolate cake, served in a mason jar, but ask to have it served heated – it’s amazing!).

Food Quality: ★★★★

Originality: ★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★★

Beverage Selection: ★★★★

Price / Value: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

Watershed on Peachtree is located at 1820 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30309. They are open most days for lunch and dinner (closed Monday’s), and open for brunch on weekends.

In a city known for serving up thick cut steaks and large portions, Houston is quickly being rediscovered for its culinary scene. Seven months ago, Sparrow Bar + Cookshop opened in Montrose area of Houston, a trendy up-and-coming area.

The Avant-guard eatery serves up a fantastic menu full of local and true-to-Texas contemporary comfort fare with a zing of spice to keep you on your toes. Sparrow is the creation of Monica Pope, the first Texas woman to be named a Top 10 Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine.

The eclectic combination of non-traditional and modern fusion has made it popular dining destination for many of the locals. Monica really likes to experiment with bold flavours and spice. The menu and atmosphere are geared towards a forward-thinking crowd who appreciate culinary creations.

While there are many great steakhouses in Texas, Sparrow is not one of them. Sparrow has embraced the art of using local and regionally sourced ingredients to create a diverse menu. Although, if you do like steak, that’s ok, it’s on the menu and it’s pretty darn good too.

Before you dig into a four-course dinner, start off with Cocktail #7 on the hand-crafted cocktail menu. The spicy concoction is made with both habanero and cucumber vodka, and served in a rock salt and steak-spice rimmed martini glass.

Appetizers range from tasty bite-size BBQ pork and carrot and ginger soup, to mushroom dumplings and chick-fries, made from chickpea flour, served with a snappy red curry catsup.

For the second course, sample the elk Bolognese, served over handmade and hand cut sweet potato noodles. The creamy textures melt in your mouth and leave a wonderful sense of comfort.

For dinner, try the quails breast with roasted seasonal vegetables, and Brussels sprouts with spicy mustard sauce.

Finish up with caramel gelato, with caramel popcorn and a chocolate caramel stick, alongside cheesecake with lemon custard. All the deserts are made in house and should not be missed.

The atmosphere is casual. Rustic elements have been incorporated into the design to bring in texture and ambiance. The lighting is dim, and with the wood and metal furniture, it’s warm and inviting. It starts getting busy around 8pm on weekends, so plan ahead to get a good seat inside, or on the outdoor patio.

Sparrow is located at 3701 Travis St, and reservations can be made by calling 713-524-6922.

Next time you’re in Houston, definitely plan to have dinner at Sparrow Bar + Cooktop – you’ll be glad you did!

Food Quality: ★★★★

Originality: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Beverage Selection: ★★★

Price / Value: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

Photo contributed

Yes, the rumours are true. The two Provence French bistro restaurants are celebrating Vancouver’s love of seafood during the month of April with their Poisson d’Avril menu.

For $45, meal choices range from seared albacore tuna, wild Pacific salmon, grilled halibut, or poached ruby red trout, to name just a few of the selections. Each entre also includes dessert.

“As an inaugural member of Ocean Wise, we serve only fish that has been harvested in a sustainable and responsible manner. That still gives us plenty of choice,” states Provence’s Executive Chef and Owner, Jean-Francis Quaglia. “Poisson d’Avril is an opportunity to welcome spring with a bit of fun. This is our fifth year doing it and everyone gets in on the fun – including some of the staff and their children who have created the whimsical fish that adorn the restaurant and menus.”

The French restaurant is also enjoying a bit of old-work practical jokes during the month of April. In France, friends or family carefully place paper cut-out fish on the backs of unsuspecting people, until someone shouts ‘Poisson d’Avril!’.

During the month of April, both Provence locations will be randomly placing paper fish under plates or even on patron’s backs. Lucky winners will find prizes ranging from complimentary appetizers, meal discounts, gift certificates, or a copy of Chef Jean-Francis and Alessandra Quaglia book, New World Provence.

Contest

Enter now for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Provence to experience the Poisson d’Avril menu.

There are five ways you can enter. Each entry counts for one vote.

1. Tweet: Wow! There’s something fishy is going on at @ProvenceVanCity! I just read it on @br_webb’s blog: http://ow.ly/jgRrF #WinProvence
2. Leave a comment on this blog post on the best April Fool’s day prank you’ve experienced.
3. Share this blog post on Facebook and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have shared on Facebook.
4. Subscribe to myWebbSite.ca and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have subscribed.
5. Follow @br_webb on Twitter and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you are a new follower.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Wednesday, March 27, 2013. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Friday, March 29, 2013. Read the complete contest rules.

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This contest is now closed.

Congratulations Ariane, you are the lucky winner of a $50 gift card to Provence! 

Thank you to everyone who entered by sharing on Facebook, twitter, and subscribing to myWebbSite.ca. Please keep watching for more contests coming soon.

After two months of an extensive renovation including lighting, sound and aesthetics, Vancouver’s landmark, Celebrities Night Club (1022 Davie Street), will re-open its doors on Tuesday, March 5, 2013.

The re-launch has generated a lot of conversation amongst Vancouver’s gay community. The nightclub has consistently been ranked as one of the largest gay night clubs in western Canada; however, the announcement of the renovations was vague in clarifying if the club would remain focused on the LGBT community, or if it would shift gears to attract a broader audience.

The reveal of the renovations have been closely guarded secret. Tuesday nights will remain open to all demographics, but most of the other nights are still under wraps.

Part of the mystery has been answered with the announcement of ICON. Produced by TFD Presents, ICON was launched last fall with much fanfare and enthusiasm from the Vancouver gay community. The event brought big name talent to the city including Manila Luzon, JuJuBee and Dominic Pacifico.

Throughout the month of March, Celebrities Nightclub and TFD Presents will host LIBERACE Thursday’s. Starting March 7, the doors will open at 10pm to a new night of fun and excitement to the remodeled nightclub.

The Thursday March 7 event will feature music by DJ Del Stamp and performances by local gay singer, dancer, and actor, Tyrell Witherspoon. Cover is $5 and highballs will be on spcial for $4.50.

Contest:

Enter for a chance to win two tickets to the opening night of TFD Presents LIBERACE Thursday’s at Celebrities Night Club. To enter, tweet:

I want to win two tickets to the opening of@TFDPresents #ICON #LIBERACE at @Celebrities_Van from @br_webb. http://ow.ly/ihqWn #WinLIBERACE

Once you have tweeted this contest you can receive up to four additional chances to win by doing the following:

1. Follow @br_webb on Twitter and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you are a new follower for an additional entry.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post of your best memory at Celebrities Night Club.
3. Share this blog post on Facebook and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have shared on Facebook for an additional entry.
4. Subscribe to myWebbSite.ca and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have subscribed for an additional entry.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Thursday, March 7, 2013. Read the complete contest rules.

Every 9 ½  minutes, someone in the United States is infected with HIV. There are an estimated 220,000 people living with HIV that do not even know they are infected. While over the years research has substantially improved the treatment for HIV, awareness of safer sex and education for people to get tested to know their status has become incredibly important to reduce the spread of infection. People living with HIV rely on community support programs.

This is where Dine Out for Life steps in. Each year, Dine Out for Life raises over $3 million to support the 60 service organizations. Across the United States and Canada over 3,000 restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds on this special day to help HIV/AIDS resource organizations so they can fulfill their mandate.

Funds that are raised locally, stay locally. Vancouver’s Dine Out for Life will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Restaurants in Vancouver, Whistler, White Rock and the Fraser Valley contribute 25% of food sales to the program. The Vancouver beneficiaries benefit A Loving Spoonful and Friends For Life.

This Thursday, March 7, visit a participating restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and be a part of an amazing social movement to help people living with HIV/AIDS.

Contest

Wild Rice is delighted to participate in Dine Out for Life. The socially conscious establishment prides itself for their farm-to-table menu. Their focus on local, seasonal, and sustainable menu, along with owner Andrew Wong’s Chinese heritage, has influenced the East-meets-West and traditional-meets-modern Asian-fusion fare. Both Gastown and New Westminster locations are favourites of Vancouver foodies.

Enter for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Wild Rice. To enter tweet:

I want to win a $50 gc to @WildRiceBC from @br_webb to support @VanDOFL, @alovingspoonful & @VanFFL: http://ow.ly/ih8d2  #WinWildRice

Once you have tweeted this contest you can receive up to four additional chances to win by doing the following:

1. Follow @br_webb on Twitter and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you are a new follower for an additional entry.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post if you’ll be going to support Dine Out For Life Vancouver this Thursday, March 7, 2013.
3. Share this blog post on Facebook and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have shared on Facebook for an additional entry.
4. Subscribe to myWebbSite.ca and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have subscribed for an additional entry.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Thursday, March 7, 2013. Read the complete contest rules.

- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations Dilara, you are the lucky winner of a $50 gift card to Wild Rice! 

Thank you to everyone who entered by sharing on Facebook, twitter, and subscribing to myWebbSite.ca. Please keep watching for more contests coming soon.

Photo credit: F Dufour

Couples from across metro Vancouver have known for years that the best kept-secret for a romantic date is at VanDusen Gardens. Last summer, Truffles Café, located in the newly expanded visitors centre, offered up romantic picnic baskets. This year, Truffles is taking it another step further, introducing a charcuterie platter.

The growing trend in Vancouver’s food scene are small plates and charcuterie. Perhaps it is because of our laid back approach and lifestyle that the trend continues to grow in popularity at many of the hottest locations serving up the new and preferred format of dining for couples.

“In Europe, we have always eaten this way,” explains Truffle’s executive chef, Reto Ballat. “It’s relaxed and civilized.”

The new charcuterie platter includes Prosciutto and Genoa Salami, and a rotating selection of cheeses which could include Brie, smoked cheddar and aged Parmesan. Also served with the platter are fresh grapes, dried fruit, artisan biscuits and candied pecans, making the serving big enough for two people.

A romantic date isn’t complete without a glass of wine, and with Truffles new license, they are now offering a selection of BC wine, beer, and cider.

“It’s how I, and my friends, like to eat” says Truffles Café Manager Scott Arnold. “I can imagine people sitting on our patio, looking out at the fantastic view of VanDusen, lingering over the Charcuterie Platter with Wine for a light lunch, or at the end of a hectic work day. You don’t even know you’re in the middle of a bustling city.”

The charcuterie platter is $18 and glasses of wine start at $8.  Order both the platter and two glasses of wine and the price is just $28 (saving $6).

If you have an anniversary, birthday, or other special day coming up and want to surprise your significant other, head to VanDusen Gardens and give the new charcuterie platter with wine a try… you’ll be glad you did.

CONTEST

Enter for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Truffles Café. To enter, tweet the following:

I want to win a $50 gc to @TrufflesCafe from @br_webb to surprise a date to try the new charcuterie platter http://ow.ly/hNnZR  #WinTruffles

Once you have tweeted this contest you can receive up to four additional chances to win by doing the following:

1. Subscribe to myWebbSite.ca and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have subscribed for an additional entry.
2. Follow @br_webb on Twitter and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you are a new follower for an additional entry.
3. Leave a comment on this blog post explaining the most romantic date you’ve ever been on.
4. Share this blog post on Facebook and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have shared on Facebook for an additional entry.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Wednesday, February 27, 2013. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Friday, March 1, 2013. Read the complete contest rules.

- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations Darwin C, you are the lucky winner of a $50 gift card to Truffles Cafe.

Thank you to everyone who entered. Please keep watching for more contests coming soon.

Going out to your favourite restaurant can get boring after a while, even if they serve fantastic food. It’s fun when the menu is fresh, seasonal, and features something unique. Welcome to Salt Tasting Room.

Tucked away in Blood Alley, part of downtown Vancouver’s Gastown district, Salt Tasting Room is a paradise of small plate tasting experiences. Every night on the chalkboard menu are a variety of 10 cheeses, 10 meats and 10 condiments. The menu is always changing, meaning every time you go, you’re going to have a fresh new dining experience.

If you can’t decide what to have, choose the daily plate. There are three options: cheese, meat, or best of BC. The friendly staff will choose your selection for you, so it’s a complete surprise (yes, it’ll be good no matter what they choose).

Wines are paired based on your small plate selection. You can order a regular full glass of wine, or mix it up by having a flight of up to three different two-ounce wine selections.

In the lower level is a giant 30-foot long, wood plank table, perfect for a close group to get together in an intimate location. The basement is also home to the wine cellar.

The use of wood and soft lighting make for a pleasant ambiance. If you like a quiet, romantic place, Salt Tasting Room probably isn’t for you. It can get very loud and the tables are close together, so be ready to introduce yourself to the table immediately next to you.

Salt Tasting Room is located at 45 Blood Alley. Reservations can be made by calling (604)633-1912.

Food Quality: ★★★★

Originality: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Beverage Selection: ★★★★

Price / Value: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

Have you tried eggs benny served on cornmeal bread instead of an English muffin? How about fried chicken and waffles with butterscotch syrup? At Sugarbowl in Edmonton, Alberta, they do the traditional, but with their own, unique flare.

Sugarbowl is one of the most highly sought after brunch locations in the city. The four-page brunch menu is ¾ of a page of meal choices, followed by three full pages of beer and wine selections. The limited menu means that the kitchen turn-around times are quick and the food is always fresh.

The best well-known for their large cinnamon buns, but be warned, they are served with butter, not with cream cheese icing. They have all the traditional brunch favourites like eggs benny (mentioned above), waffles, and omelets, along with other less traditional, but still mouth-watering items including bison bratwurst and fried chicken and waffles (mentioned above). Each menu item is served with it’s own twist, so don’t go expecting what you’d get at just any old brunch-serving eatery. It’s fun!

Located just a few minutes drive from downtown Edmonton, near the University of Alberta, Having been around since the 1940’s, it was reopened as a coffee shop and turned into a hopping modern comfort restaurant.

Open daily from 8am until at least midnight, it is well-worth stopping by. They are located at 10922 88 Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta.

Food Quality: ★★★★

Originality: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★

Beverage Selection: ★★★★

Price / Value: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

Inspired by the past and infused with todays latest culinary trends, Rain City Grill, overlooking Vancouver’s English Bay, has been serving up its locally sourced menu and welcoming diners since 1992.

The fine dining restaurant believes in preparing unique and creative West Coast inspired dishes that are from ethical and sustainable sources. They work with local farmers, fishermen and producers to create a menu that is bursting with fresh flavours and personality.

The results are fantastic. From beetroot salad and oven roasted Cornish game hen, to smoked salmon pate and Salt Spring Island honey muscles, the menu is full of rustic comfort foods, with an urban twist.

The beverage selection is equally diverse. From the classic Manhattan to their own creations like the English Bay Breeze. Rain City Grill also boasts one of the largest wine selections of any restaurant in Vancouver.

If the stunning views, mouth-watering entrées, and a wine book the size of a bible aren’t impressive enough, wait until you meet the staff. They are authentic West Coast servers with a passion for trade, making every guest experience unique and memorable.

Yes, Rain City Grill is a highlight for a fantastic evening out on the town. Give them a try, you’ll be glad you did!

Rating:

Food Quality: ★★★★

Originality: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Beverage Selection: ★★★★

Price / Value: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

Most of the competitions at Big White happen in the half pipe or on the boarder cross course in TELUS Park, but on Saturday, February 2, Big White Ski Resort is hosting a competition between 13 of the best bartenders in British Columbia.

The bartenders, from across British Columbia, will be competing to see who will be crowned the top bartender in the Absolut mixology competition.  The competition will be held live at the Village Centre Mall.

Tickets for the event are $50 and include samples of craft beer, international wines, fine spirits, and impressive food. Tickets are available through concierge@bigwhite.com. Doors open at 7:30pm. Must be 19 years or older to attend.

Weekend Special, stay Friday and Saturday nights, ski or board for 2 days and enjoy the Bartenders Showdown on Saturday night all from only $212 per person!

Wine enthusiasts rejoice! You no longer have to spend $500 to try a bottle of fine French wine in Vancouver. The Wine Bar (TWB), is now open and ready to  start serving guests fantastic wines by the bottle, by the glass, and by the ounce.

A wine preservation system allows TWB to offer a special wine selection to guests. Guests can choose anything off the reserve list and order it by the glass for 20 percent of the bottle price. Once the bottle is opened, the selection is available to everyone in quantities as little as one ounce. Wine connoisseurs can try amazing wines from around the world and have a different wine flight experience every visit to TWB, without having to invest in a full bottle of expensive wine. A special wine system keeps the wine preserves the precious liquid over a short period of time.

“The wine program is meant to be approachable while offering guests a range of products and prices to suit every taste and budget,” said TWB’s Sommelier, Rachelle Goudreau. “By-the-glass offerings start at $7 and bottles start at $30. To accommodate guests looking for something special and to utilize current inventory, a reserve list is available featuring a selection of wines, many of which are hard to find labels and rare vintages.”

In addition to the wine preservation system, wine is poured from the bottle and through a tap system. The on-tap wine is stored in special wine cannisters. Wine is carefully placed into the canister, sealed, and then pumped through to the tap, similar to a beer keg system.

“I am very excited to offer Montelvini Prosecco on tap,” says Ms. Goudreau. “Two of my local favourites, also on tap, are Joie’s Noble Blend and Road 13’s Honest John Red. For French there’s Louis Latour Chardonnay (Coteaux de lÀrdeche) and Les Brottiers Cotes du Rhone Rouge.”

While wine is the primary focus at the 30 seat TWB, they have also rolled out a complementary food menu to compliment the entire experience. Chef Quaglia’s Mediterranean and French inspired dishes pair well with the selection of over 50 wines.

“The Wine Bar is meant to be very casual,” says Chef Quaglia. “I have created a wine-friendly Bites Menu especially for The Wine Bar.”

Menu options range from $5 small bites to $18 big bites that can be shared. Specials will also be posted daily on their Facebook and Twitter feeds.

The interior is beautifully decorated with aqua blue glass tiles behind the wine bar, has comfortable bar and table seating, wonderful wine-glass inspired chandeliers, and picture-perfect views of False Creek.

TWB, next door to Provence Marinaside, is located at 1167 Marinaside Crescent along the False Creek Seawall and is open daily from 3:00pm to midnight.

Although it’s usually sub-zero temperatures in the Edmonton, Alberta, in early February, things are going to be heating up this year as Pure Pride welcomes Sean Paul Lockhart (aka Brent Corrigan), for the 2nd annual Together; a celebration of friendship and love.

Hosted at Brixx Bar and Grill at 10030 102 Avenue, the ‘wear your favourite costume party’ features soundtracks by Rollin Dolan and Tianna J.

There are only 200 tickets available for this exclusive event. Purchase here using code BRENT.

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2013

Time: 9:00pm – 2:30am

Location: Brixx Bar and Grill, 10030 102 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta

Big White Ski Resort, located 45 minutes south east of Kelowna, B.C., is one of British Columbia’s largest ski resorts. While it’s well known for it’s dry, Okanagan power snow, Big White is working to put itself on the map in dining too.

On mountain there are over 30 restaurants, bars and coffee shops offering everything from fresh baked cinnamon rolls to sushi. Trevor Hanna, Director of Food & Beverage at Big White, is on a mission to improve the food quality at the resort at an affordable price.

While après ski typically includes beer and nachos, Trevor and his team know not everyone that visits the resort are avid skiers and are just there to enjoy a winter vacation, so they are coming up with new ideas.

One of the latest creations is an Okanagan version of an afternoon tea. Served on specific day at the Kettle Valley Steak House, the tea service such as the traditional cucumber sandwiches and scones with preserves, but also includes more untraditional flare including smoked duck bacon and salmon wraps.

For the best food and beverage experiences, stick to properties that are owned and managed by Big White Ski Resort. Exactly as they like to control the ski experience they are passionate about delivering an exceptional dining experience for even the toughest food critics.

Throughout the season there are also a number of events that foodies will love, including the Big Reds wine tasting in early December and the spring White wine tasting. Both of these events have about 30 Okanagan wineries sampling wines and a host of food vendors with all kinds of delicious hors d’oeuvres.

Photo contributed.

One of Vancouver’s largest and popular night clubs is about to undergo a massive renovation starting January 2, 2013. When complete, the transformed night club will be able to compete with other international clubs, attracting a whole new line-up of DJs and performers.

Since 1980, Celebrities has been part of the social fabric in Vancouver’s Davie Village. The club has primarily focused on the LGBT community, however, in recent years the club has started to evolve into a more diverse crowd and become less focused on attracting the gay dance crowd.

“We’ve seen Celebrities go through a lot of exciting changes over the years, but it’s been imperative to us that the heart and soul of Celebrities always remains the same,” explained Bill Kerasiotis, one of the owners that holds the license to the club, “With the core untouched, we’ve been able to ensure this cherished club experiences continued, ageless success.”

The announcement of the renovations is very vague when it comes to how the club will be positioned post-renovation. While the owners still want to appeal to the LGBT community, they also express that they want to open up the venue to attract a straight audience; something that has not been popular with the Vancouver gay community for many years.

“The goal of this revamp is to make Celebrities better than ever and to enhance what it’s come to be known for, and that’s namely amazing dance music within a superior club setting,” said Alvaro Prol, co-owner of Celebrities Nightclub. “It’s important that those who have supported us over the years know these improvements will only reflect and heighten that sentiment. We pride ourselves on being one of the best dance clubs on the West Coast, and want to ensure Celebrities continues to evolve over the years in order to live up to its name and legacy”.

Celebrities hopes to attract a higher caliber of DJs and performers after the renovation is complete, including Tiesto, David Guetta, Skrillex, Boy George and Ru Paul.

The club will outfitted with the latest technology, lighting, sound and aesthetics, and will unveil a new feature, which will remain under wraps until the club’s grand re-opening party in early February 2013. Celebrities will be announcing a brand new Saturday club-night that will launch with the club’s reopening.

Before Celebrities closes for renovations, there are a number of holiday parties lined up including Boy George and the annual New Years Eve celebration. Tickets are available for these events online.

What do you think of this announcement by Celebrities Nightclub? Sound off by leaving your comments below.

Earlier this week, over 100 packed into the Pavillion at Stanley Park to listen to keynote speakers talk about their passion for eating local, sustainability and their local businesses. It was Vol 5 in a series of guest-speaker events hosted by VanFoodster.com.

Foodies in Metro Vancouver are in for a great treat in early 2013; VanFoodster has lined up three great events to get your palettes going.

Noodle Mania will be held on January 13. From 3-8pm chow down on chow mein, spaghetti, ramen, udon and pad thai as restaurants all around Vancouver participate in the event.

Food Talks Vol 6 is scheduled for February 12, 2013 at Dockside Lounge at the Granville Island Hotel. Speakers will include Mark Simpson (Brewmaster of Dockside Brewing Company), James Coleridge (Founder of Bella Gelateria), and Marcus Von Albrecht (Chef & President of Mava Foods and Von Albrecht & Associates).

The following week, February 20, 2013, will be the Annual Tasting Plates. Ten restaurants, cafes and food trucks are taking part in the food-tasting event.

Vancouver is known for amazing cuisine… here’s your chance to get out an explore just some of the amazing tastes that are out there.