CC2010

From the monthly archives:

December 2006

Money, Coffee, and Fair Trade

by Paul Kamon 12.21.2006

by Barrett Jones
One of the things I am frequently asked about is fair-trade coffee. Over that last year, there has been a backlash amongst some of the top cafes around North America in regards to fair trade coffee. Why are the people selling the product bucking a system that touts giving farmers a fair living [...]

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Profile | Chris Whittaker

by Paul Kamon 12.20.2006

photo: Sam Leung
This week, Paul Kamon interviews Chris Whittaker, the executive chef of Robson’s Zin Restaurant and Lounge.
Urban Diner: How and when did you realize that cooking was what you wanted to do?
Chris Whittaker: I was a dishwasher at the age of 14 and always aspired to get out of that soaking wet, smelly pit. [...]

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Last Minute Christmas List

by Paul Kamon 12.19.2006

by Tara Lee
There was a time when the giving of a blender signalled a lack of romantic or platonic spark between giver and receiver. However, today, when food and cooking have become almost obsessively trendy, the mere thought of a new mixer can send some people into paroxysms of Christmas joy.

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Mixologist: Pear Sangaree

by Paul Kamon 12.18.2006

When Sam Adams and John Hancock first fanned the flames of independence at the Black Horse Inn in Massachusetts, they probably enjoyed a sangaree together. An important component of the United States’ first (and best) national pastime (drinking), the sangaree was composed of Madeira, water, sugar and nutmeg.

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Mixologist: Brandy Crusta

by Paul Kamon 12.18.2006

The Brandy Crusta was originally invented in 1852 by Joseph Santina whilst working at the Jewel of the South, on Gravier Street, in New Orleans. This drink is the precursor to first the Sidecar (brandy, Cointreau, lemon, sugar rim) and then, the Margarita (substitute tequila for brandy, lime for lemon, and salt for sugar), and [...]

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Jack Evrensel Named Top Restaurateur in Canada

by Paul Kamon 12.15.2006

From the Department of Press Releases…
Vancouver, BC: Out of the box thinking, progressive ideas and a commitment to absolute excellence have earned restaurant veteran, Jack Evrensel a place in Food Service and Hospitality Magazine’s “winner’s circle.” The highly-respected industry publication named Evrensel ‘Restaurateur of the Year’ for his contribution in shaping the face of fine [...]

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La Buca Opens

by Paul Kamon 12.15.2006

La Buca has opened at 4025 Macdonald St. The restaurant is leading yesterday’s WF poll
restaurants (more on the three contenders here).
From tonight’s press release:
Parkside’s Andrey Durbach and Chris Stewart have unveiled their latest neighbourhood haunt. La Buca focuses on regional Italian cuisine served in an authentic style with a few modern twists.

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New Hapaness Delayed

by Paul Kamon 12.14.2006

by Andrew Morrison
As I reported over a month ago, Hapa Izakaya is opening a second location in Kitsilano in the old Urban Well space (map).
Those who are fans of the original vibe will be glad to hear that owner Justin Ault says he and partner/wife Lea plan on making the new room “as much like [...]

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Worst Case Restaurant Scenarios

by Paul Kamon 12.13.2006

by Tara Lee
The recent water crisis played havoc in the restaurants industry, proving that the bizarrely unanticipated can occasionally occur. Short of crocodiles attacking diners, or killer bees buzzing around in the kitchen, what other “disastrous” incidents have Vancouver restaurants survived? In the dining world, when anything can and does happen, what brings out the [...]

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Heather Mitchell Part IV

by Paul Kamon 12.13.2006

Heather Mitchell, better known to some as “GnocchiGirl” on WF), will be filling us in with a four day SigDish on her life and work in Tofino.
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Tofino is a strange little town. Archeological evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited for about 10,000 years. The first Europeans arrived here in the 1890s, and Tofino [...]

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