Sustainable and Delicious PR

(Image courtesy of: thevenusproject.com)

BC chosen to lead national sustainable certification program for tourism industry; Teahouse Unveils Stunning Edible Garden; The Glowbal Collection – July Features; An Evening at Cru in support of the Weekend to End Women’s Cancer; Q4 Ristorante to open additional location downtown; A Taste of History at the 16th annual Feast of Fields.

BC CHOSEN TO LEAD NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY

Vancouver, BC, July 9, 2010 – British Columbia’s tourism leaders gathered at the Delta Vancouver Suites hotel today, as Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts and John Yap, Minister of State for Climate Action, announced BC’s role in piloting a nation-wide sustainable tourism certification program and unveiled new tools to support greater sustainable development in the tourism industry.

Minister Krueger announced that British Columbia, with the support of ETHOS ( British Columbia’s sustainable tourism network) was chosen by the Canadian Sustainable Tourism Advisory Council  (CSTAC)to lead a pilot for a nation-wide sustainable tourism certification program.  Defined internationally as a best practice, leading sustainable tourism destinations around the world have built consumer confidence through making certification programs available to local operators.

Starting in July, twenty-four tourism operators across BC’s six tourism regions will go through a full assessment of the Green Tourism Certification Program developed by UK based Green Business Ltd.  The feedback provided by these BC based tourism operators will create the performance indicators for the Canadian version of this program.

“This will be the first sustainability certification program designed for all sectors of the tourism industry in Canada,” said Krueger.  “It shows real leadership in the further  development  of the sustainable tourism sector and we are proud to be a partner in this innovative new program and confident it will help keep British Columbia  at the forefront of sustainable tourism initiatives.”

Following the announcement of this groundbreaking certification program, Minister Yap unveiled two new sustainability tools for tourism operators.  Available immediately is the ETHOS Travel Offset Calculator tool. Minister Yap demonstrated how this easy to use web-based tool enables visitors to offset their travel carbon footprint and encourages them to use offsetting as a regular part of their booking process.  Offsets purchased through the online calculator, a free tool for ETHOS members to place on their websites, are provided by Pacific Carbon Trust.

“There is a growing awareness of the linkages between how we work, travel and vacation and our carbon footprint”, said Yap. “Tools like the ETHOS travel calculator build on that awareness, give tourists an opportunity to offset their emissions and brand B.C. as an eco-conscious tourism destination.”

In addition to contributing to a low-carbon BC economy, the calculator also presents an opportunity for operators to introduce visitors to the leading role BC plays in addressing global climate change.  Currently Tourism Vancouver is showcasing the ETHOS Travel Offset Calculator on the homepage of their visitor website.  ETHOS expects to have over 100 operators from across British Columbia using this value added tool by early 2011.

“Perhaps more than any other sector in BC, tourism offers a unique opportunity for BC to spread the message of sustainability to the world,” said Pacific Carbon Trust CEO Scott MacDonald. “By purchasing Pacific Carbon Trust offsets through the ETHOS Travel Calculator, visitors will know they are investing in credible made-in-BC emissions reduction projects that are leading to cleaner and greener environment.”

Minister Yap also presented Passion for Action’s GOBI Carbon Management Business Tool.  Supported by ETHOS, and offered at a discount to members, GobiSOFT is a comprehensive, web-based system which enables organizations to easily measure, report and manage their carbon footprint.  GobiSOFT is based on international standards, thorough research and published data sources, making it one of the most credible and complete carbon management systems on the market.

With the introduction of both tools and the certification process, ETHOS now offers its members the opportunity to fully participate in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, at both the consumer and operational levels.

“Our goal today was to highlight the progress that has been made for British Columbia to lead the way within Canada in sustainable tourism development,” said Paul Vallee, Chair of ETHOS and Vice President of Tourism Vancouver.  “Our vision at ETHOS is a tourism industry in BC that is healthy, vibrant and thriving, socially, culturally, environmentally and economically.  We think this first year of operations shows there is a willingness to work collaboratively to reach our sustainable development targets and put us on the world stage as a sustainable tourism destination.”

CSTAC, which represents tourism industry members across Canada, collectively endorsed the decision to have BC based ETHOS take the lead in developing and implementing the national certification program.

“British Columbia has shown such insight in creating and supporting a unique alliance of government, industry, and non-government partners when it created ETHOS,” says CSTAC Chair, Randy Williams. “And as a member of CSTAC, ETHOS has been instrumental in the Council’s development of the Canadian Sustainable Tourism Criteria , ensuring that it is directly aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria.”

Today, tourism within BC attracts over 24 million visitors annually and employs 131,000 people across 18,000 tourism businesses.

About ETHOS
Created in 2009, ETHOS serves as an independent and accountable organization to facilitate tourism’s transformation to a quadruple bottom line (economic, environment, social and cultural) industry.  ETHOS invites tourism industry members to contact them directly at 604-689-7774 and to sign up as a network member at www.ethosbc.com.

About Pacific Carbon Trust
Pacific Carbon Trust is a Crown corporation created to deliver high-quality BC-based carbon offsets to help clients meet their carbon reduction goals and to support the growth of BC’s low-carbon economy. For more information, please visit www.pacificcarbontrust.com.

About Green Business UK Ltd.
Green Business UK Ltd is the sole authorized advisory and assessment company for the Green Tourism Business Scheme. The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) has been running since 1997 and with over 2000 certified businesses in the UK and Ireland, it is the largest and most established sustainable tourism certification program of its type in the World. ETHOS has signed a contract with Green Business UK Ltd. as the sole license holder in Canada to develop, administer, and implement a Canada-based National Sustainable Tourism Certification Program formulated and driven by the principles of the GTBS. For more information please visit www.green-business.co.uk.

List of BC Participants

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LOCAL LANDSCAPE PRODUCES ENCHANTING INGREDIENTS

Teahouse Unveils Stunning Edible Garden

(Vancouver, BC, Canada) – Why give a boring bouquet of flowers when you can eat them for breakfast, lunch or dinner? It’s time to step outside the flower box because Teahouse in Stanley Park has announced a new and prospering edible garden. Already in full bloom, locals can dine among various edible ornamentals, vegetables, herbs, fruit trees and berries now producing over 36 varieties of fresh produce.

In addition to promoting sustainable regional agriculture, Teahouse in Stanley Park has simultaneously created a summer menu that takes fresh to a new level. Moving from the ground up, the garden is producing everything from Jerusalem artichokes to pineapple sage and to top it off, the roof has been covered with approximately 50 tomato plants. Mainly heirloom varieties, Chef Francois Gagnon has declared his favourite tomatoes the Green Zebra assortment – which can often be seen in his feature Heirloom Tomato Salad with goat feta, cucumber and red wine vinaigrette.

In sync with the seasons, the dishes being prepared at the Teahouse this summer reflect the freshest characteristics of B.C.’s local bounty. Chef Francois Gagnon has been inspired by the health and flavour benefits of small-scale farming and applauds the edible garden’s contribution to his latest creations. Dishes featuring coveted Salt Spring Island mussels, Qualicum Bay scallops and Fraser Valley Chicken proclaim that Teahouse is the Mecca for a gourmet west coast experience.

Located at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park, the Teahouse boasts classic French bistro cuisine and on point service. Perched above the seawall, overlooking English Bay and Spanish Banks, this eatery in the ‘heart of the park’ is the perfect place to relax, celebrate and enjoy what Vancouver has to offer.

Teahouse
Stanley Park Drive, Ferguson Point | Vancouver
Tel: (604) 669-3281
www.vancouverdine.com

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The GLOWBAL COLLECTION ~ JULY FEATURES

There is no shortage of exciting events happening throughout Vancouver this summer – from the theatrics of Bard on the Beach to the hotly anticipated Celebration of Light. The GLOWBAL COLLECTION – with six lauded restaurants – presents the perfect opportunity for a delicious pre-or-post-event dining experience. From July 15 -25, glowbal grill, COAST, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria Italian Kitchen, and SOCIETY Dining Lounge are offering guests fresh fare, inspired from around the corner and around the world, guaranteed to complement any Vancouver staycation.

This month, glowbal grill is paying homage to Texas and its famous BBQ. Appetizers include the Chipotle, Prawn and Avocado Tortilla or Spicy Texas Chilli. Put some meat on your bones – and in your belly – with entrée selections like Bourbon BBQ Glazed Bison Ribs or the Southern Spiced 16oz Cowboy Cut Ribeye. Finish up with the quintessential summer dessert – Strawberry Shortcake. click here for full menu details

COAST explores Vancouver Island from bottom to top with appetizer plates offering Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops or Charred Local Octopus Salad with truffled sea urchin vinaigrette. Main courses offer sea selections including a Grilled Wild Ling Cod with a Dungeness Crab Crust or a ‘Canadian Surf and Turf’ of Broiled Beef Tenderloin with Poached Atlantic Lobster. Diners will fall hook, line and sinker for COAST’s patriotic Canadian Maple Parfait – complemented with house-made fudge – for dessert.click here for full menu details

Guests may just ask Sam to play it again after feasting on Sanafir’s Casablanca-inspired menu this month. The Mixed Olive Salad appetizer features confit garlic in a tangy tomato cumin vinaigrette. Lamb Tagine, Lobster and Fried Eggplant, and Fig and Apricot Couscous, are featured in the Tapas Trio entrée. For dessert, sample the decadent Crème Caramel topped with coconut and almond truffles. click here for full menu details

Discover the ancient flavours of Sardinia at Italian Kitchen. Known for its natural beauty and abundant seafood, this Mediterranean island is the inspiration for menu items like Cassula – a Prawn and Halibut seafood soup, or Culingiones – stuffed ravioli with cacciocavalo cheese and braised greens. Entrées also embrace the sea with Aragosta Arrosto – Stuffed Lobster served with Bianco Risotto, and Tonnato – Tuna with Fennel Sausage, Peas and Heirloom Tomatoes. For dessert, enjoy Frutti di Bosco al Proseco con menta – fresh berries in Proseco and mint with a limone sorbet. click here for full menu details

Explore the Puglia and Apulia regions of Italy at Trattoria. From the land of many colours comes a kaleidoscopic menu. Primo selections include a vibrant Roasted Beet Salad or Duck Tortelli in Tuscan tomato sauce. Pizza and pasta are offered for entrées, including Spicy Calabrese and Gamberi Spaghetti Nero and Oven Roasted Cauliflower and Onion Pizza. End on a sweet note with a Sugar Dusted Fritter. click here for full menu details

Summer screams for delicious comfort food and SOCIETY is dishing it up with delight. Try a Mini Chilli Dog or Bacon Vichyssoise to start the meal. Entrées include Queen Charlotte Halibut Fish ‘n Chips and Kobe Beef Hamburger Helper served alongside macaroni ‘n cheese. Strawberry season is in full swing, enjoy it with Strawberry Shortcake for dessert. click here for full menu details

Make your reservations online at glowbalgroup.com

Check out THE GLOWBAL COLLECTION blog for the latest news on all the restaurants at blog.glowbalgroup.com/. Text ‘glowbal’ to 82442 on your mobile phone for a directory of all the GLOWBAL restaurants and instant links for reservations and special offers (standard text and data rates may apply).

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AN EVENING AT CRU IN SUPPORT OF ‘THE WEEKEND TO END WOMEN’S CANCERS

Dinner begins at 7 pm and will include five courses with wine to compliment each course.

When:         Sunday August 8th at 7:00 pm
Where:       1459 West Broadway (between Granville and Hemlock)
Cost:           $120 per person which includes tax, gratuity and donation
Contact:     Cru Restaurant 604-677-4111 or go to www.cru.ca

Twenty dollars from each dinner will be donated to the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers.  This money will fund breast cancer research, treatment and patient resources through the BC Cancer Foundation.

If you would like to know more about The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers, please go to www.endcancer.ca.

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Q4 RISTORANTE TO OPEN ADDITIONAL LOCATION DOWNTOWN

(Vancouver, BC)  July 9, 2010– Patrick Corsi and Alex Tsakumis, partners in the ever-popular Q4 Ristorante in Kitsilano, are pleased to announce they will be opening a second Q4 location downtown in November 2010. The new restaurant will be located on Richards Street in the elegant boutique L’Hermitage Hotel.

“We’ve had our eye on the perfect downtown location for some time, and you can’t beat Richards and Robson,” said Patrick Corsi.

The new restaurant will be open for dinner nightly, and lunch Monday to Friday.  Box Interior Design is planning a warm, stylish comfortable space with approximately 70 seats including plenty of room at the bar which is expected to appeal to visiting hotel guests as well as residents of L’Hermitage en Ville residential tower.

Longtime Q4 executive chef Bradford Ellis is looking forward to making the move downtown from West 4^th.  His menu promises classic, unpretentious Italian, and he’s thrilled about the Wood Stone Forno pizza oven that take centre stage in the kitchen.  Naturally the menu will be complemented by an extensive wine list.

About Q4
Over a decade and a half, Q4, Vancouver’s original new Italian restaurant, has established itself as one of the city’s favourite neighbourhood restaurants.  In 2009 longtime proprietor, Patrick Corsi joined forces with a new partner, noted real estate developer and entrepreneur, Alex B. Tsakumis.  For more information please visit www.q4restaurant.com, phone 604.734.4444, follow Q4 on Twitter @Q4Restaurant, and become a fan on Facebook.

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A TASTE OF HISTORY AT THE 16TH ANNUAL FEAST OF FIELDS

Finally, the marriage of local foods and culinary arts is enjoying a broader audience in both British Columbia and around the world. And with such a rich bounty of local foods available year round, it’s easy to see why. To showcase and celebrate this connection that we are blessed with, FarmFolk/CityFolk has teamed up with Wellbrook Winery to host the 16th annual Feast of Fields on Sunday, August 29th at Wellbrook Winery, located on Bremner Farm in Delta, BC.

Each year, Feast of Fields offers an inviting, relaxed farm setting where guests wander at their own pace, taking in high summer’s many food gems prepared by the best of BC’s culinary masters. Together our region’s farmers, restaurateurs, vintners, brewers and food artisans share with the public their passion and knowledge of our local fare. Since 1994, Feast of Fields has provided a delicious opportunity for its guests to experience the simplicity of committing to a local, sustainable diet, as well as the endless enjoyment and variety that come with eating locally.

This year’s theme, ‘A Taste of History‘ will not only showcase 2nd generation farm production, but will also highlight the long standing relationships that some of BC’s best chefs have with BC farmers. Host Wellbrook Winery is located on Bremner Farm, a 55-acre property known for growing, producing and bottling some of the best juices in Canada. Started in the 1950s by Stan Bremner, the combined operations are today run by sons Alan and Terry. Along with running a successful fruit juice company, the Bremners also own Wellbrook Winery, which specializes in blueberry, cranberry, strawberry, peach, apricot and apple wines. A special feature of the winery location is ‘The Old Grainery Store’, which was lovingly restored by Terry Bremner during a two-year restoration project.

Feast of Fields is FarmFolk/CityFolk’s annual fundraiser. Net proceeds support their work year round as they help to create a sustainable food system for British Columbia. Not only will guests have a great culinary experience but they will also be investing in a secure food future.

Feast of Fields takes place Saturday, August 29 from 1–5pm at Wellbrook Winery (4626, 88th Street, Delta, BC). Tickets are $85 and can be purchased online starting June 15th at www.feastoffields.com.