Cobre’s Grande Corazon supports Food Bank for the 2nd year; Top Toques – The Ultimate Culinary Set from Top Table; Creating holiday traditions with Opus and Elixr; Blue Mountain Wine Tasting at Hamilton Street Grill – December 7th and 8th; Memphis Blues Barbeque and Waldorf Wine Group pre-holiday tasting event; Le Vieux Pin & Lastella Christmas promotion; Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery opens its doors in downtown Vancouver; Immaculate Conception Whiskey dinner at The Refinery; Book now for New Years Eve at Bistrot Bistro.
COBRE’S GRANDE CORAZON SUPPORTS FOOD BANK FOR THE SECOND YEAR
(Vancouver, BC) – Corazon is the Spanish word for ‘heart.’ In this season of giving, Cobre’s corazon is very big indeed. On Tuesday, December 15th, the nuevo Latino restaurant will donate 100 percent of its net food revenues to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. This is the second year for the annual Gastown restaurant challenge initiated by Cobre in 2008.
” As part of the Gastown community , we are well aware that there are many people who are less fortunate than us and our customers ,” says Cobre co-owner and executive Chef Stuart Irving. “This neighbourhood is changing, a lot of restaurants and lounges have opened here in the last two years and it seems appropriate that we should do something to help the people that live in the area.” Like last year, Cobre is challenging the other restaurants in Gastown to join them in supporting the Food Bank. ” Last year we started small and the idea spread quite rapidly. We ended up with seven other places getting involved on very short notice. I am hoping that even more will join in this time.”
“When we looked into it, we found out that the Food Bank can leverage every dollar they receive by three times. That means that our donation will triple in value and allow them to purchase the items that they really need.”
Last year, in addition to Cobre, the restaurants and lounges that took up the challenge ( Boneta, Irish Heather Gastro Pub, Revel Room, The Lamplighter, Two Chefs and a Table, Salty Tongue Cafe and Shebeen Whiskey House) raised more than $6,000 for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Not all the events were held on the same evening. As support for this event grows, people interested in attending one or more of the participating restaurants are encouraged to check out updates on www.restaurantsdonate.com for details on dates and/or special menus.
So on Tuesday, December 15 th, why don’t your treat yourself to Cobre’s sunny atmosphere and innovative Latino cuisine. You’ll be helping to support the Food Bank at the same time. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
For more information on Cobre, its menu and events please visit www.cobrerestaurant.com
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TOP TOQUES – THE ULTIMATE CULINARY SET FROM TOP TABLE
An inscribed collection of the year’s top cookbooks is now available for $125.00
West: The Cookbook
by Warren Geraghty $50.00
Playing significant roles in Michelin-starred restaurants in London and Cannes, and a protégé of exacting celebrity chef Richard Neat, chef Warren Geraghty has taken West to new culinary heights since taking the helm in late 2007. His award-winning West: The Cookbook – beautifully photographed and with graceful companion text by Jim Tobler – stays true to the ideals of West’s mantra of seasonal excellence. Also featuring approachable recipes from award-winning pastry chef Rhonda Viani, cocktails from David Wolowidnyk, one of Canada’s most accomplished bartenders, and wine pairings from Owen Knowlton.
2008 Winner, Most Innovative Cookbook in Canada, World Gourmand Cookbook Awards
Blue Water Cafe Seafood Cookbook
by Frank Pabst $45.00
One of Canada’s leading culinary talents, chef Frank Pabst has made enormous contributions to Vancouver’s culinary landscape. Tenures in Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany and the south of France led Pabst to Blue Water Cafe, Canada’s quintessential seafood restaurant. In Blue Water Cafe Seafood Cookbook, Frank’s signature brand of ‘Unsung Heroes’ sings of the sea, and formerly under-recognized coastal species. Recipes from sushi master Yoshi Tabo, as well as wine pairings from Andrea Vescovi and Chris van Nus, both Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival Sommeliers of the Year.
2009 Canadian Nominee, World Gourmand Cookbook Awards (TBA Dec 2009)
Araxi, Seasonal Recipes from the Celebrated Whistler Restaurant
by James Walt $45.00
Gorgeous photography and accessible recipes frame the seasons and chef James Walt’s celebration of our region’s bounty in Araxi: Seasonal Recipes from the Celebrated Whistler Restaurant. A graduate of Stratford, Walt’s sterling career includes the executive chef position at the Canadian Embassy in Rome. The highly anticipated cookbook was just released to high praise by both patrons and Walt’s peers, including chefs Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal. Walt’s distinct Canadian style – that celebrates both local farms and coastal fisheries – has won praise and ovations at New York City’s James Beard House where he has showcased his talents three times. Now long established as Whistler’s finest dining experience, Araxi also features exceptional dessert recipes from pastry chef Aaron Heath and wine pairings from Samantha Rahn.
How to Order
Just in time for the holidays, inscribed sets of all three cookbooks are now available online for $125.00, with complimentary shipping within Canada, or at any Top Table restaurant: Araxi, Blue Water Cafe, CinCin or West.
All three cookbooks published by Douglas & McIntyre. Photography by John James Sherlock. ————————————————————
CREATING HOLIDAY TRADITIONS WITH OPUS AND ELIXIR
Luxurious, Memorable Meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
(Vancouver, BC) November 27, 2009 – This holiday season, treat your loved ones to a new tradition with OPUS Vancouver or Elixir Bistro. Whether you’re dining out, or want the celebration brought to you, OPUS and Elixir will make your gathering chic, decadent and memorable.
At Elixir Bistro, Executive Chef Don Letendre uses his expertise and passion to craft the finest traditional holiday ingredients into luxuriously festive meals. Letendre’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus include dishes such as sunchoke and winter mushroom soup with Pierre Robert and goats cheese croquette; roasted free range turkey with Hennessey, red currant and orange stuffing, silky mash and roasted root vegetables; and bittersweet chocolate praline tart with mandarin ice cream. The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus are $80 per person and $40 for children 12 and under, plus gratuity and applicable taxes.
When hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts at home, let Chef Letendre and his brigade take care of kitchen duty. Elixir’s to-go menu includes a custom two-day brined deboned turkey breast stuffed with red currant, orange and pork stuffing, served with roasted root vegetables, pommes purée and gravy. The meal is capped off with a decadent pumpkin tart with Chantilly cream and toffee pecans. The Elixir Turkey To-Go Christmas Eve & Day menu is $40.00 per person (plus applicable taxes) and must be ordered by 4:00 pm on Monday, December 21st.
Whether you’re treating clients to a festive lunch or feasting with friends in the evening, Elixir Bistro will make it glam. Lunch and dinner group holiday menus offer five choices of five-course meals, including a vegetarian and buffet menu ($45-$70 per person). Savoury and sweet treats include roasted beet salad with toasted walnuts, arugula and blue cheese; butter roasted sable fish with smoked pommes purée and spiced lentils; lobster thermidor with roasted salsify and potato gnocchi; and eggnog and rum parfait with winter fruit compote and toasted muesli.
Always intent on providing the best service, Elixir Bistro is open during the following hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:
Breakfast 6:30 am – 11:00 am
Brunch 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Dinner 5:00 – 11:00 pm
The ideal locale for holiday gatherings, OPUS and Elixir Bistro offer options to match the mood of any group: the bustling bistro, elegant private rooms, dramatic lounge or second floor board rooms. After the festivities, the first instinct is often to simply sit back and continue to savour the evening. Many guests love to stay overnight in a chic OPUS guestroom and avoid having to go back into the wintery night.
In the mood for a magical holiday event at your location? The team at OPUS and Elixir has become Vancouver’s most sought after event caterers. Tailoring their events to any theme, they’re creative, versatile and service-oriented. Clients including Holt Renfrew, Tiffany & Co., BMW, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors have all asked OPUS Catering to cater their exclusive events. OPUS is pleased to announce that they were awarded the catering contract for the Province of Ontario Pavilion during Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. OPUS Catering will supply themed food, beverage and staff, as the prestigious pavilion plays host to VIP events and nightly concerts.
Elixir Bistro
French Bistro meets affordable Yaletown glamour in Elixir. Recognized as the bronze recipient for casual French cuisine at the coveted Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards; Elixir is also a founding member of the Ocean Wise Program and Green Table Network. Chef Don Letendre specializes in classic French cuisine, crafting innovative dishes from the freshest regional and seasonal ingredients. Choose a room to suit your mood: bustling Bistro, airy Garden Room or plush Velvet Room. Elixir provides warm, attentive service in a vibrant atmosphere popular with style savvy travelers and discerning locals alike. Valet parking is available. www.elixirvancouver.ca
OPUS Hotel Vancouver
Uniquely stylish and always fresh, OPUS Hotel Vancouver redefines the boutique experience, blending contemporary design with warmth and intuitive service. Ninety-six guestrooms feature vibrant colours, spa bathrooms and five lifestyle-inspired décor schemes. Located in fashionable Yaletown, close to Vancouver’s best restaurants, spas and boutiques, the hotel is home to Elixir Bistro and the dramatic OPUS Bar. OPUS was voted one of the world’s top 100 hotels by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine. www.opushotel.com
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BLUE MOUNTAIN VINEYARD AND CELLARS WINE TASTING AT HAMILTON STREET GRILL
Monday, December 7th – 5:30 pm to 8 pm – Four course tasting with a copy of Vancouver Cooks2 cookbook – $65 per person
Four course tasting menu offers Chef Neil Wyles dishes paired with Blue Mountain Wines. The dishes are both inspired by the wines they have been paired with tonight as well as influenced by the recipes included in Vancouver Cooks2. The cookbook, food and wine are included in the cost of the evening.
Five years after the original Vancouver Cooks book the Chefs’ Table Society of BC returns with over 100 new recipes from 70 cutting edge chefs around Vancouver, Whistler, the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver Island, including our own Neil Wyles
Tuesday, December 8th – 5:30 to 7 pm – 3 wines, 3 appetizers $25 per person
In keeping with our usual popular monthly format, try a sampling of three Blue Mountain Wines and have three savoury, wine-inspired food tasters while learning from a wine expert as they take you through a sit down yet casual style tasting.
Monday, December 7th, 5:30pm $65
Tuesday, December 8th, 5:30pm $25
Hamilton Street Grill
1009 Hamilton Street,
Yaletown, Vancouver
Seating is limited and always sells out quickly.
Reserve by credit card at: 604-331-1511 or hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net
Hamilton Street Grill
Brunch served 10 am – 3 pm
Dinner served 7 nights a week from 5 pm
Lunch Tuesday – Friday – 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Reservations available, large party’s welcome
ABOUT THE WINES AND VINEYARD
Along with exceptional terroir, owners Jane, Ian, Matt and Christie Mavety credit their success to the integrity of their estate. To the Mavety family, “estate” means more than the piece of land; it extends to the practice of both viticulture and wine making by the same owner-operators. At Blue Mountain, it also means the use of 100% estate-grown grapes. Following the estate concept to its fullest extent sets Blue Mountain apart from most North American wineries. Indeed, in the burgeoning industry of the Okanagan Valley, Blue Mountain can make the rare claim of more than 36 years of continuous grape production by one family. www.bluemountainwinery.com
In 1971, as Ian completed his Agriculture degree, the Mavetys acquired the land which is now their vineyard. It is a site that has epitomized the wine industry in British Columbia the undeniably striking scene of Blue Mountain’s vineyard has been cover material for many travel publications. Overlooking Vaseaux Lake, surrounded by protected wilderness area and framed by steep blue mountains, the prized geography of undulating hills and mountain protection was swiftly recognized to offer varying micro-climates. The enormous potential prompted the Mavetys to establish the vineyard.
ABOUT THE COOKBOOK
Five years after Vancouver Cooks, which sold more than 13,000 copies, the Chefs’ Table Society of BC returns with over 100 new recipes from 70 cutting edge chefs around Vancouver, Whistler, the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver Island, including: Pino Posteraro of Cioppino’s, Tojo Hidekazu of Tojo’s Res taurant, Vikram Vij of Vij’s, Melissa Craig of Bearfoot Bistro, Rob Feenie of The Cactus Club, Ned Bell of Cabana, Lisa Ahier of Sobo, John Bishop of Bish op’s and David Hawksworth of Hawksworth at the Hotel Georgia and our very own Neil Wyles!.
The book focus’s on local food and emerging talents and the province’s pioneering chefs and celebrates Vancouver’s unique culinary cul ture. Written for the home cook, Vancouver Cooks 2 pairs more than 50 full-colour photographs with the mouth watering, locally inspired recipes, each paired with wine notes, featuring leading BC wineries.
The Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia is a province-wide col laborative dedicated to creating a foundation for the exchange of information between culinary professionals. The society supports innovative and sustain able programs that inspire, educate and nurture BC’s chefs, producers and the local food industry at large. They promote standards of excellence with the aim of enhancing the reputation of our regional cuisine.
Royalties from the sale of Vancouver Cooks 2 go to the Chefs’ Table Scholarship and Bursary Fund. For more information visit: www.chefstablesociety.com.
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MEMPHIS BLUES BARBEQUE AND WALDORF WINE GROUP PRE-HOLIDAY TASTING EVENT
Join Memphis Blues Barbeque House and Waldorf Wine Group to sample a delicious assortment of barbeque fare and fine wines. Discover how barbeque is a year-round treat and the magic of how it partners with any number of different wines.
Live music by Double D.
Date: Sunday December 6th
Time: 1:00-5:00pm
Place: BCLDB Signature Store, 39th & Cambie, in the demonstration kitchen.
Cost: TOTALLY FREE!
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LE VIEUX PIN AND LASTELLA CHRISTMAS PROMOTION
Le Vieux Pin & Lastella are offering an exclusive 2 bottle, 6 bottle & 12 bottle gift packages to enhance anyone’s holiday season. With a choice of reds & whites customize your gift to create the perfect wine combination.
2 Bottle Gift Pack
Le Vieux Pin – Époque Merlot & Chardonnay $75 now at $59
Lastella – Allegretto Merlot & Vivace Pinot Grigio $65 now at $49
6 Bottle Gift Pack
Le Vieux Pin – Époque Merlot $228 now at $189 & Chardonnay $210 now $169
Lastella – Allegretto Merlot $228 now at $189 & Vivace Pinot Grigio $150 now $119
12 Bottle Gift Pack
Le Vieux Pin – Époque Merlot $465 now at $379 & Chardonnay $420 now $349
Lastella – Allegretto Merlot $456 now at $379 & Vivace Pinot Grigio $300 now $249
To place your orders please contact Mika at mika@enotecca.ca or (604)697-0988 and mention Xmas Xpress when ordering. This special offer is available for the month of December or as quantities last.
Le Vieux Pin “Belle” 2006 Release
The wait is over. “Belle” 2006 Pinot Noir is ready for release! Of our 3 single vineyard Pinot Noirs from the 2006 vintage, “Belle” is the most masculine and one that is destined for the long haul. Don’t miss the opportunity on a southern Okanagan Pinot that is already a living legend and should provide immense pleasure for many years to come.
The nose sings notes of toffee, red fruit mixed with dark purple fruit, smoke and hints of violets. The palate is elegant, full bodied, and firm yet defined.
“Belle” took gold at the Berlin International Wine Trophy with over 4,000 wines entered; this was the only Canadian red wine to win in this category.
To purchase this wine please contact our order desk at (604)697-0988 or order online at www.levieuxpin.com
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RED CARD SPORTS BAR + EATERY OPENS ITS DOORS IN DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
Vancouver, BC, December 2nd 2009 – From the award-winning executive team behind Cibo Trattoria (Best New Restaurant in Canada, EnRoute) and Uva Wine Bar (Best Wine List and Restaurant, Urban Diner), comes an exciting new concept European sports bar, located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. The highly anticipated Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery will gently launch to the public tomorrow, with growing excitement around official launch events planned for January 2010.
The vibrant, retro-chic room embraces its original 1908 brick and beam heritage with the addition of bold interior design features that include state of the art lighting, luxurious red leather chairs and black banquettes, a stunning quartzite bar, sparkling beveled mirrors, and polished concrete floors. An impressive array of eighteen high-def TV’s ensure guests won’t miss a minute of play from any angle in the room and of course, to add some Italian flare, a shiny red Vespa is suspended from the entrance.
The dramatic raised open kitchen, home to a high-tech wood burning pizza oven imported from Italy, provides it’s own nightly performance as the talented kitchen brigade prep behind the line. Familiar Italian dishes with uniquely West Coast twists feature prominently on the menu; Bruschetta, Insalate, Paninis, Pizzas, Pastas and Risottos are staples made from the finest and freshest ingredients, while hearty and healthy Secondi (main) dishes include Osso Bucco Alla Milanese (braised veal shank), Costine di Maiale Arroste (Fraser Valley Pork Ribs) and Guazzetto di Cozze (BC Fresh Mussels with white wine, garlic, chili and parsley).
An extensive global drinks list – 16 draft beers, over 40 artisanal bottled beers, an eclectic wine list and hand-crafted cocktails – completes the distinctive, engaging and entertaining Red Card dining experience. Look out for details of our official, January launch events and enticing celebrity sports guests.
We look forward to welcoming you to our turf.
For more information on Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery, visit www.redcardsportsbar.com or call 604-689-4460.
About Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery
With inspired Italian cuisine, prepared with the freshest ingredients to the highest standards and a beautifully-restored heritage building, Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery offers a dramatic and vibrant environment in which to enjoy your favourite sports game. Red Card Sports Bar is Open Monday – Saturday: 11.00am – 1.45am and on Sunday: 11.00am – midnight.
Reservations will be taken for parties of ten or more, subject to availability. Please call: 604-689-4460 Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery is located at 900 Seymour Street, adjacent to Moda Hotel, on the corner of Seymour and Smithe Streets, in the heart of Downtown Vancouver.
Restaurant contact:
Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery
Gaven McKenney
General Manager
900 Seymour Street
T: 604 830 2058
www.redcardsportsbar.com
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IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: THE WHISKEY DINNER
’tis the season to drink a lot of whiskey… GOOD whiskey.
December 8th 2009 marks a very special evening.
The Refinery and Cask Strength present “Immaculate Conception” an evening dedicated to joys of whiskey and food.
Similar to the Whiskey 101 classes that local aficionado Andrew Starritt is known for, this event will combine Andrew’s unique talent in sourcing some of the most obscure whiskies (five for this event), while Refinery Chef Michael Carter creates a 5 course menu using whiskey in thoughtful ways. We will begin the evening with an award-winning whiskey cocktail by Refinery’s General Manager & Mixologist, Lauren Mote. This event is not for the faint-at-heart. There will be bundles of whiskey consumption, a sensory-overload, and a huge educational component.
Tickets are now available with a credit card at The Refinery, either in person or by email.
$100 ticket
rsvp@therefineryvancouver.com
Subject: “Immaculate Conception”
The Refinery
1115 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC
604.687.8001
Brought to you by:
Cask Strength
The Refinery Market-Style-Eatery
Poivre Media Co.
Bulleit Bourbon
Diageo Canada Inc.
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BOOK NOW FOR NEW YEARS EVE AT BISTROT BISTRO
Last New Year’s dinner was such a success that we once again want to offer our customers a night to remember!
Two Seating’s 6pm ($55 per person) and 9pm ($65 per person)
Opentable may show that we are full but we have tables hidden away.
Please Call 604 732 0004 or email info@bistrotbistro.com (deposit of $25 per person is required at time of booking) .
Menu:
Dill and Salmon tartare with Cranberry crisp
Or
Perigord mousse & smoked duck breast salad
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Filet mignon served with béarnaise sauce
Or
Venison shank with red berry sauce
Or
Pan seared Scallop saffron beurre blanc
Moroccan Braised squash and gratin Dauphinois
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Cheese Platter, Baguette
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Decadent sampler of dessert: crème brulèe, profiterole, chocolate mousse, and a Glass of Bubbly to celebrate in style
Visit: www.bistrotbistro.com
