Pre-Games PR Blast

Grab Your Glass-Tickets to Wine Festival Events Available Feb.2nd; Cru Haiti fundraising dinner; Laughing Stock’s 2010 Market Review and Forecast; 2009 JoieFarm vintage release; Fraiche Restaurant teams up with Naramata’s Foxtrot Vineyards for a 5 course winemaker’s dinner; Jean Georges protége to head Market by Jean-Georges in Shangri-La Hotel; Kris Kabush named Hart House executive chef; db Bistro presents: Jackée Guillou Trio on Jan 20; Lumiere presents: “Passion and Potions” on Jan 25; Opus Bar named hottest nightspot by Zagat Survey;

TICKETS TO THE VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL ON SALE FEBRUARY 2, 2010; TRADE DAYS CONFERENCE TICKETS ON SALE FEBRUARY 9, 2010

Tickets to the wildly popular Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival go on sale Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010. Tickets to trade events will be on sale February 9, 2010. The 2010 Festival will be one of the largest to date in its thirty-two year history. With 197 wineries and not one, but two theme regions of New Zealand and Argentina, attendees to the 2010 Festival will have the opportunity to sample a diverse array of wines, while the global focus of Rosé will bring a selection of these highly quaffable summer wines to many a tasting booth. Tickets to the Playhouse Wine Festival can be purchased online at PlayhouseWinefest.com or by phoning the Playhouse Box office at 604-873-3311.

THEME REGIONS ARGENTINA AND NEW ZEALAND
“2010 is all about altitude, latitude and attitude,” says Festival executive director Harry Hertscheg. The combination of these two very distinct cultures and countries will provide both strength and sex appeal to this year’s Festival, while the newfound confidence of Rosé wine in the global market will add a counterpoint to the Pinot Noirs, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blancs and Malbecs that will be poured.

On the Argentine side, the dizzying altitudes and snow capped Andean mountains produce grapes that are ripened to perfection year after year. From rich Malbecs to the distinctive Torrontés, the 36 participating Argentine wineries in the 2010 festival will include some of the country’s top wineries.

With 41 New Zealand wineries from varying degrees of latitude participating in the 2010 festival, visitors can expect to find a wealth of diversity thanks to world class Sauvignon Blancs and terroir-driven Pinot Noirs, refreshing aromatic and fruit driven Chardonnays, and complex fuller-bodied reds.

GLOBAL FOCUS ROSÉ
Any wine that inspires headlines of renaissance and revolution deserves a close examination. Rosé has been adopted as an underdog by its fans but the truth is that Rosé wines offer the refreshing characteristics of white wine and the complexity and colour of reds. Valued for their ability to match with a variety of cuisine, the days of the deceptively named White Zinfandel are over. The world’s wine drinkers are developing a taste for the drier, more refreshing variations; proving that pink doesn’t always have to be sweet.

ABOUT THE PLAYHOUSE WINE FESTIVAL
The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, Canada’s premier wine show, runs from April 19 to 25, 2010. The Playhouse Wine Festival is one of the biggest and oldest wine festival events in the world. In 2010, the global focus will be rosé. The festival features a week of special events including a gala auction, wine seminars, wine minglers, winery dinners, lunches and brunches at fine restaurants and hotels. The Playhouse Wine Festival is produced by the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Society, which has three mandates: provide an informative, educational and entertaining wine experience for consumers and trade; be a premier marketing opportunity for the wine industry and festival partners; and raise funds for the Playhouse Theatre Company. Since its inception in 1979, the festival has raised over $6.8 million to enable Western Canada’s leading theatre company to mount 209 productions and develop extensive community outreach and educational programs.

The Shore Club generously presents the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival.

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CRU LENDS A HELPING HAND IN HAITI WITH FUNDRAISING DINNER

(Vancouver, BC) – On Sunday, January 31 2010, CRU Restaurant will invite Vancouverites to support the people of Haiti at a Haiti Earthquake Relief Fundraising Dinner.  Guests will enjoy an outstanding four-course dinner paired with wines from CRU’s renowned cellar.  The evening will also feature a silent auction.

We have all been affected by the images and stories that have come out of Haiti after the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake.  CRU is mustering its efforts to help the families and children who have lost their possessions and their loved ones in this overwhelming tragedy.

CRU staff will volunteer their time at the dinner, and the restaurant will donate all the food and beverages for this important event.  100% of the proceeds from the dinner will be donated to relief efforts in Haiti.  The monies raised will also be matched by the Canadian government, doubling the amount of support that will be provided to the beleaguered country.

Please help us show the people of Haiti that they are not alone in this time of crisis.

Haiti Earthquake Relief Fundraising Dinner

Sunday, January 31 2010
6:30 pm
$100 donation per person

CRU Restaurant
1459 West Broadway | Vancouver
Reservations available by phone at 604-677-4111 or online at www.cru.ca

Dear JoieFarm Supporters,

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2009 Vintage of JoieFarm A Noble Blend, Rosé, Un-Oaked Chardonnay, Riesling and Muscat.  The wines are now available to order online at www.joiefarm.com/order_joie_wines.htm .  Please note that there is a 3 bottle limit on the Muscat due to limited quantities.

As in past years, we will offer a complimentary pickup day in downtown Vancouver to help our mailing list customers save on shipping charges.  We look forward to seeing you on Saturday February 6th from 10 am – 2 pm at The Storeroom, 1396 Richards Street.    It is a pleasure to see all of you in person at this annual event.   Please submit your orders by 6 pm February 3rd, 2010 to take advantage of this pick up day.   If you do not wish to or are unable to use the Vancouver pickup day, orders will be sent out by FedEx courier at your expense.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

www.JoieFarm.com

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(West Vancouver, BC.) Executive Chef Wayne Martin has created a delightful menu to pair with some of BC’s most buzzed about wines. Celebrated BC wine maker Gustav Allander will be pouring cellar-worthy red and white wine at Fraîche’s Foxtrot Winemaker’s Dinner on Monday, January 25th. There is limited seating available for the reservation-only, $125, five-course menu that begins at 6:30pm with a sparkling wine reception.

The Menu:

Sparkling Wine Reception

Foxtrot Chardonnay -
Dungeness Crab Salad, lightly smoked apple mousse, vanilla butter sauce

Foxtrot Pinot Noir –
Seared Sablefish, Veal Cheek Ravioli, Chicken Consomme

Kettle Valley Old Main Red
Lamb Tournedos, Barley Ragout, Chippolini Onions, Lamb Jus

Lake Breeze Mustelle
Okanagan Goat Cheesecake with Orange Pear Marmalade, Caramel Tuille

$125.00 per person

Please contact us at 604.925.7595 or info@fraicherestaurant.ca to reserve.

About Foxtrot Vineyards
Foxtrot Vineyards is a small family-owned and operated winery located on the Naramata bench in the BC’s Okanagan Valley. The winery specializes in ultra premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and has received praise from top sommeliers and international wine critics alike. The wines are sold in many of the top restaurants in BC and Alberta with limited amounts available through our website as well as select wine stores.

About Fraîche Restaurant
The team behind Fraîche strives to create an exceptional dining experience of both calibre and comfort – their mission is to create memorable, interesting cuisine that is seasonal and regional in a welcoming setting. Fraîche’s subtle elegance makes it versatile for every occasion – from brunch to business lunches and after work drinks to romantic dinners and celebrations of all sorts. Fraîche was named one of Canada’s Top Ten Best New Restaurants of 2008 by enRoute Magazine and received a silver for Best North Shore in the 20th Annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. The restaurant’s panoramic cityscape views complement Martin’s inspired menus, as does the impressive service, top notch wine list and lovely little extras, such as free valet parking.

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Team prepares for Fun & GAMES in 2010

Bruno Valentino steps easily into the role of General Manager for MARKET by Jean-Georges, the signature restaurant of Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, for three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.  Valentino, who arrived in Canada one year ago, was Assistant Restaurant Manager and an integral part of the opening team for Jean-Georges’ first Canadian restaurant.

Immediately prior to joining MARKET by Jean-Georges, Valentino was General Manager for Lagoon Restaurant, the Jean-Georges restaurant at the St Regis Resort Bora Bora in French Polynesia.  A native of France, Valentino moved rapidly through the culinary and hotel ranks before catching the eye of Jean-Georges.  A graduate of the Paul Augier catering school in France, Valentino has worked throughout Europe and the United States.

Richard Luxton, who joined MARKET as a server in January 2009, has been appointed Restaurant Manager.  Luxton, known for his customer-focused roles, including the staging of special events and VIP dinners for visiting celebrities, has worked at other premier dining destinations in Vancouver, including CinCin, Lumiere and West as well as spending a year in New York.

Award-winning lead bartender Justin Tisdall, also part of the MARKET opening team, has been promoted to Bar Leader, and will expand his role, over-seeing the hotel’s entire beverage portfolio.  Known for shaking it up throughout Vancouver, literally, Tisdall has been an integral part of Vancouver’s bar scene since 2002.  In addition to roles with Hell’s Kitchen, Lumiere and Boneta, Tisdall has won accolades from Vancouver Magazine, Urban Diner and most recently winner of the Giffard Iron Bar competition, and will represent Canada this May in France for the Giffard World Competition.

Located on the 3rd floor of Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, and directly accessible from the street at 1115 Alberni, the restaurant is open for breakfast from 7:00 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.; dinner 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. (last seating); bar weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to midnight.

Bruno Valentino steps easily into the role of General Manager for MARKET by Jean-Georges, the signature restaurant of Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, for three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.  Valentino, who arrived in Canada one year ago, was Assistant Restaurant Manager and an integral part of the opening team for Jean-Georges’ first Canadian restaurant.

Immediately prior to joining MARKET by Jean-Georges, Valentino was General Manager for Lagoon Restaurant, the Jean-Georges restaurant at the St Regis Resort Bora Bora in French Polynesia.  A native of France, Valentino moved rapidly through the culinary and hotel ranks before catching the eye of Jean-Georges.  A graduate of the Paul Augier catering school in France, Valentino has worked throughout Europe and the United States.

Richard Luxton, who joined MARKET as a server in January 2009, has been appointed Restaurant Manager.  Luxton, known for his customer-focused roles, including the staging of special events and VIP dinners for visiting celebrities, has worked at other premier dining destinations in Vancouver, including CinCin, Lumiere and West as well as spending a year in New York.

Award-winning lead bartender Justin Tisdall, also part of the MARKET opening team, has been promoted to Bar Leader, and will expand his role, over-seeing the hotel’s entire beverage portfolio.  Known for shaking it up throughout Vancouver, literally, Tisdall has been an integral part of Vancouver’s bar scene since 2002.  In addition to roles with Hell’s Kitchen, Lumiere and Boneta, Tisdall has won accolades from Vancouver Magazine, Urban Diner and most recently winner of the Giffard Iron Bar competition, and will represent Canada this May in France for the Giffard World Competition.

Located on the 3rd floor of Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, and directly accessible from the street at 1115 Alberni, the restaurant is open for breakfast from 7:00 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.; dinner 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. (last seating); bar weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to midnight.

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(Vancouver, BC) – Burnaby’s Hart House is pleased to announce that Kris Kabush will be the restaurant’s new Executive Chef.  Homegrown talent, Kris brings both enthusiasm and a wealth of experience to his new role.

Hart House is known for fresh and innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine, served in the casual elegance of its heritage house dining room.  As Executive Chef Kris will be a great asset to the restaurant. He has a passion for creating inspiring cuisine and an unrivalled commitment to excellence.  Born and raised in locally, he developed a serious interest in the culinary arts at 16.  Before he had finished high school he had already secured a position at Bacchus in Vancouver’s Wedgewood Hotel.  Upon graduation he challenged the first-year exam and went straight into the second year of Vancouver Community College’s Red Seal Apprenticeship program.  Kris had completed his apprenticeship 18 months later.

Kris has worked at a number of Vancouver landmarks that share enviable reputations, including The Four Seasons Hotel, Lumière, the Delta Vancouver Suites Hotel, and Cioppino’s.  He brought this experience, along with an enthusiasm for trying new things, to Hart House when he joined the staff as a sous chef in fall of 2008.  He says that having access to Hart House’s on-site garden and working with a team of creative staff bring an element of play to his work.  Hart House guests can look forward to outstanding Pacific Northwest cuisine as Kris takes the helm.

Hart House at Deer Lake
6664 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby

Reservations by phone only at 604-298-4278
www.harthouserestaurant.com

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DB BISTRO PRESENTS: JACKÉE GUILLOU TRIO JAN 20

CLASSIC FRENCH BISTRO AFFAIR: $35 PRIX FIXE MENU

• Appetizer

• Main Course

• Tart du Jour

The extraordinarily talented Jackée Guillou, winner of the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award for 2009, makes her 2010 debut at db Bistro.

Chef de Cuisine Stephane Istel has created a very special three-course menu for the occasion.

Jackée and her trio will perform live, in sets, from 6pm through 9pm in the dining room.

Jackée is known for her vintage sound and sings in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. For event details, a sample song list and to listen live, visit Jackée’s event page on our website.

RESERVE NOW or email.

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IN THE WORLD OF OPERA, PASSIONS & POTIONS ABOUND

Please join us January 25th for an evening of gastronomique intrigue in benefit of the Vancouver Opera in Schools program.

The Lumière ‘Supper Club’ and db Bistro Moderne become the scene of a fun and dramatic, consecutive act, culinary performance of a lifetime.

Featuring the inspired works, in six acts, of chefs Dale MacKay and Stephane Istel:  Tarte Flambee,  Duck Paté en Croûte, Cornmeal Crusted Qualicum Bay Scallops, Beef Wellington, Artisinal Cheeses and, of course an exquisite Opera Cake of Quince and White Chocolate with Lemon Ice Cream.

For Good or Ill … Dress to Kill

Hosted by Proprietors Manjy and David Sidoo, Doris Bradstreet Daughney, Parviz Cordwell, Rona Radler and Susan Van der Filer.

6pm Classic Cocktails, 7pm Dinner. Attendance limited to 75 guests.

$350 tax receipt issued per $500 ticket purchased.  Please contact Carolyn Hay at Vancouver Opera for details and to purchase tickets, via email or tel 604.682.2871

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OPUS BAR NAMED HOTTEST NIGHTSPOT

BY ZAGAT SURVEY(Vancouver, BC) January 20, 2010 – OPUS Bar has once again been named the city’s most popular nightspot by Zagat, the world’s leading leisure consumer information provider.