Okanagan Crush Pad: “Eggs The Big Thing for Spring”; Looking forward – Playhouse Wine Festival 2012; Spring wines and special projects at Laughing Stock Vineyards; LaStella Spring New Releases; Summer begins at Market by Jean-Georges; Kristian Eligh announced as Chef de Cuisine at Hawksworth Restaurant; Upcoming events at Legacy Liquor Store; Hamilton Street Grill Monthly Wine Tasting June 6 & 7; Growing Chefs raising seed money with restaurants
EGGS THE BIG THING FOR SPRING
Summerland, BC [May, 2011] Lady Gaga arrived at this spring’s Grammys in a giant egg, and only weeks ago, children across North America were thrilled by hunting for eggs of all types. Now, in Summerland, BC, Okanagan Crush Pad Winery announces the latest in Canada’s winemaking evolution: they are the first and only winery in Canada to use egg-shaped temperature-controlled concrete tanks for winemaking.
Okanagan Crush Pad has ordered six of the concrete fermenters from California’s Sonoma Cast Stone.
Concrete has been used for centuries in winemaking, but these egg-shaped tanks take a forward- thinking approach using modern features such as temperature-control tubing. These tubes are embedded into the walls of the eggs and are engineered for use in concrete for radiant heating and cooling. This provides even temperature throughout the tank and no parts that requires cleaning come into direct contact with the juice.
There is also an impact on the flavour development of wine when concrete is used. Like oak vessels, which are commonly used in winemaking, concrete is slightly porous, allowing the wine to breathe as it would in oak. However, unlike oak, the eggs leave no oaky flavour as they gently diffuse oxygen. Concrete is considered neutral, like stainless steel, and imparts no flavours of its own. The concrete tanks are unlined and they permit a measured but lasting flow of oxygen into the tank throughout fermentation and aging.
The tank’s egg shape means more of the cap (skins and pulp floating on top of the juice in red-wine fermentation) stays submerged. According to Sonoma Cast Stone, this lengthier contact of the skins and pulp with the juice means wines come out brighter with higher fruit notes and prettier secondary aromas that you don’t tend to find in wines fermented in stainless steel.
Alberto Antonini, Okanagan Crush Pad’s Italian consulting winemaker, has a history of working with concrete in Europe and looks forward to working with the concrete eggs in Canada. While he has yet to experience Sonoma Cast Stone eggs, he is looking forward to using them during the 2011 vintage.
The wine trade in Vancouver and a handful of media were offered a sneak peek at a concrete egg as it made a stopover in Vancouver while being shipped to the Okanagan. The egg – as heavy as a rhinoceros when empty (4200 lbs / 1.9t) and weighing as much as an adult orca when full – certainly caught people’s attention and inspired curiosity.
“I can’t wait to taste the first Canadian wine made in one of these eggs,” said Christine Coletta, an Okanagan Crush Pad owner. “Okanagan Crush Pad is experiencing a lot of firsts but we believe this innovation will shape wine quality and help us define our region’s taste profile.”
Okanagan Crush Pad is a winery located in Summerland, BC and is home to the Haywire wines and others, including Bartier Scholefield, which will be launched in 2011. The licensed winery has been designed to facilitate production of multiple small lots of wine from many different sources, and the management of Okanagan Crush Pad welcomes clients seeking to use the facility’s specialized equipment.
For more info, visit: okanagancrushpad.com
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VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL LEAVES A LONG LINGERING FINISH
Chile announced as theme region for 2012
Vancouver, BC, May 17, 2011 – In the wake of a hugely successful weeklong wine celebration last month, oenophiles are already buzzing about next year’s Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival. Ringing in the Festival’s 34th fête will be the Theme Region of Chile, with a Global Focus on Cabernet(s). The 2012 edition of the Playhouse International Wine Festival will take place from February 27th to March 4th at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, and at select restaurants and venues throughout the city.
The 2011 Festival closed to rave reviews and saw the likes of legendary Spanish wine icon Miguel A. Torres, proprietor Telmo Rodriguez, and industry headmistress Mary Ann Yewen mingling with curious neophytes and seasoned connoisseurs. At more than 60 events across Vancouver, about 25,000 toasted Spain’s vin-influence with vibrant still wines, sparkling Cavas, unique Fortified Wines and tender slices of gourmet, melt-in-your-mouth Iberico ham.
For 2012, guests can look forward to tasting the full range of Wines from Chile, a country with 460 years experience in winemaking. Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère the Chilean theme region will also take attendees on a delicious culinary adventure while sharing their lush culture and rich history. Industry insiders take note: winery applications for the 2012 Playhouse Wine Festival are now open and will close on June 15th. Festival tickets will go on sale January 10, 2012, and trade tickets will go on sale January 17, 2012.
ABOUT THE PLAYHOUSE WINE FESTIVAL
The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, Canada’s premier wine show, will run from February 27th to March 4th, 2012. The Playhouse Wine Festival is one of the biggest and oldest wine festival events in the world. In 2012, the Theme Region will be Chile and the Global Focus, Cabernet(s). The Festival features a week of special events including the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, wine seminars, wine minglers, winery dinners, and lunches and brunches at fine restaurants and hotels. The Playhouse Wine Festival is produced by the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival Society, which has three mandates: provide an informative, educational and entertaining wine experience for public and trade; be a premier marketing opportunity for the wine industry and Festival partners; and raise funds for the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company. Since its inception in 1979, the Festival has raised over $7.5 million to enable Western Canada’s leading theatre company to mount 229 productions and develop extensive community outreach and educational programs.
The Shore Club generously presents the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival.
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SPRING WINES AND SPECIAL PROJECTS AT LAUGHING STOCK VINEYARDS
Spring has Sprung in Naramata – White Wine Releases
While Spring has been a long time coming, it has finally arrived with bud break in the vineyard around the corner and the release of our lastest white wines. 2010 was definitely one of the coolest growing seasons we’ve had. For whites that means an abundance of fresh acidity to balance the ripe flavours that Okanagan fruit routinely delivers.
Pinot Gris 2010 – $20.00
Pinot Gris really is one of the darling varietals of the Okanagan Valley. It ripens easily and consistently produces an enjoyable, fruit forward yet food friendly wine. Fermenting in neutral oak barrels provides a nice richness to complement the fresh fruit flavours.
Blind Trust White 2010 – $25.00
Our winemaker has full discretion over the assets so you’ll just have to trust us on this white blend. Blind taste the Blind Trust and try to guess the varietals before checking under the capsule for disclosure of the assets.
Viognier 2010 – $26.00
Only 210 cases available, this is our 2nd release of Viognier, one of the new grape varieties that we are working with on our Perfect Hedge Vineyard in Osoyoos. Viognier is a unique white varietal combining a luscious mouthfeel with amazing aromatics.
These wines are only available direct from the winery or in select restaurants. Order now online or call the winery at 250.493.8466 and we’ll ship direct to your door.
To receive a mixed 6-pack of these wines, become a Series B Preferred Share Wine Club member and receive mixed shipments three time a year.
Director’s Blend Wines
In the Pink
DRINKING ROSÉ FOR A CAUSE
In partnership with Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, Laughing Stock has created “In the Pink”, our first ever Rosé wine.
“In the Pink” is a financial expression that describes an investor or the economy as being in a good financial position or in the best of health. To that end, $2 of each bottle purchase will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. As well, our ticker tape label includes companies that are involved with breast cancer research and fundraising.
Having produced only 75 cases of this 70% Syrah and 30% Cabernet Franc based wine, it is exclusively available at YEW restaurant + bar. “In the Pink“ will be available as of May 5, 2011, Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Also, join David & Cynthia for Laughing with YEW Winemaker Dinner on May 27, 2011. Drinking serious wine with a light-hearted attitude.
For more info, visit: laughingstock.ca
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LASTELLA SPRING NEW RELEASES
Among the offerings are several delightfully fresh and light summer sippers. As well we will release a small
quantity of the LaSophia Cabernet Sauvignon (usually reserved for our wine society members) which we will offer on a strict 2 bottle limit basis. Of course we invite you to join our wine society (with special perks and first hand access to ALL the small batch limited release LaStella wines like the La Sophia).
Summer is just around the corner, a trip to the Okanagan Valley to visit some of your favourite wineries makes for a lovely summer holiday (of course we hope we’re among your most anticipated stops). We do our best to hold back a little of all our wines so visitors to the winery can enjoy them as well. We look forward to seeing you this summer at the winery!
Wines can be ordered by email, on our website, or by phone:
LaStella Order Desk:
604-697-0988
sales@lastella.ca
online shopping
There is a 10% discount on full case purchases of 12 bottles or more. You can mix and match your favourite bottles to make up a full case. Use promo code “spring11″ on our online shop for activating your 10% discount. Offer expires May 15, 2011.
Please review our ordering page for shipping regulations and details.
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SUMMER BEGINS AT MARKET BY JEAN-GEORGES
Join us for the beginning of Summer! The MARKET by Jean-Georges patio will officially be open for business during our lunch service today.
Chef de Cuisine Karen Gin and the MARKET by Jean-Georges team are excited to offer an entire summer of patio pairing and parties. “Sip” locally inspired cocktails created by lead bartender Jay Jones, and “Savour” our fresh spring menu. The perfect spring and summer perch.
For Reservations call: 604-695-1115 Or Email: marketbyjg.slv@shangri-la.com
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KRISTIAN ELIGH ANNOUNCED AS CHEF DE CUISINE AT HAWKSWORTH RESTAURANT
Culinary talent prepares for imminent opening in state-of-the-art kitchen
VANCOUVER, B.C. (May 10, 2011) Hawksworth Restaurant is pleased to confirm the appointment of Kristian Eligh as Chef de Cuisine. With over a decade of culinary experience to his name, Eligh has an impressive resume that includes recent tenures as opening Chef de Cuisine at Market by Jean-Georges at the Shangri-La Hotel and Chef de Cuisine at Diva at the Metropolitan Hotel. In further pursuit of his passion, he has also completed stages in a highly regarded collection of leading North American restaurants: Blackbird Restaurant and L2O in Chicago; Spice Market, Perry St and Jean Georges in New York; and McCrady’s in Charleston, South Carolina, all of which continue to influence his cooking style today.
As Chef de Cuisine of Hawksworth Restaurant, Eligh’s goal is to lead a strong kitchen brigade in producing consistently amazing food. “Contemporary in technique and presentation and a showcase of Canadian ingredients encompassing the ethnic diversity of our region,” says Eligh of the food at Hawksworth Restaurant. “We are striving to create compelling flavour profiles, while keeping the cuisine light, fresh and vibrant.” Eligh eagerly anticipates showcasing dishes such as Twice-cooked Pacific octopus with pickled ramps, confit potato and smoked buttermilk, and Dry-aged ribeye with foraged mushrooms, crispy bone marrow and chimmichurri.
Alongside Chef David Hawksworth, Eligh will conduct services in what is speculatively one of the most stunning kitchens in the country with custom, stainless steel appliances, a top-of-the-line royal blue garland cooking suite, floor-to-ceiling tile walls, retractable heat lamps on the service pass and an exclusive line of enameled pots and pans from Le Creuset. “Different from most kitchens, we are utilizing a KDS micros system which eliminates the use of printers and instead places a touch computer screen on each cooking station,” says Eligh. “This will help us eliminate noise of printers, cut down on paper consumption and ultimately increase the productivity levels of the kitchen.” As the restaurant prepares for its imminent opening this May, Eligh hopes to implement sound systems in the back of house that will help establish Hawksworth as landmark restaurant in Vancouver.
For more info,visit: www.hawksworthrestaurant.com
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WAYNE KOZINKO ANNOUNCED AS PASTRY CHEF AT HAWKSWORTH RESTAURANT
Seasoned culinary artist prepares for imminent opening
VANCOUVER, B.C. (May 13, 2011) Hawksworth Restaurant is pleased to confirm the appointment of Wayne Kozinko as Pastry Chef. Having spent much of his career in Vancouver, Kozinko most recently served as Pastry Chef for the Four Seasons Hotel and its restaurant, Yew. Previously, the Edmonton native spent nearly a decade at the Metropolitan Hotel — where he worked with Executive Pastry Chef and acclaimed Chocolatier Thomas Haas — and honed his skills at Vancouver’s Il Giardino and Borgo Antico.
“We are thrilled to have Wayne lead the pastry team at Hawksworth Restaurant and the upcoming Bel Café,” says Chef David Hawksworth. “The artistry and skill that he showcases in the kitchen are a credit to the unwavering dedication that he has long put toward his craft.”
Wayne Kozinko oversees the team who creates and executes seasonal desserts, sweets, breads and pastries at Hawksworth Restaurant and neighbouring Bel Café. Kozinko takes pride in training and working with a group of talented individuals in a positive environment.
“Our dessert menus illustrate classic combinations reduced to their base flavours, then reworked into more modern interpretations,” says Kozinko. “Utilizing as much local product as possible, we will showcase familiar and unusual flavour profiles, our goal is to offer an exceptional last course, by being creative and pushing boundaries.”
Kozinko’s expertise earned Diva a Vancouver magazine restaurant award for Best Last Course from 2005 to 2007. In 2000, he earned first place in the Quady Electra Dessert Competition at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival; and in 2001, as a member of Thomas Haas’ team, Kozinko took top honours in four categories at the National Pastry Team Championships.
For more info,visit: www.hawksworthrestaurant.com
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UPCOMING EVENTS AT LEGACY LIQUOR STORE
RICASOLI CASALFERRO AND TORICELLA WINE TASTING
Friday, 4-7 pm 05/20/2011
An absolute treat for wine lovers, we are pouring the IGT Casalferro and the Toricella Chardonnay from the classic Chianti house Ricasoli. A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, this delicious wine begs to be paired with a little wild boar ragu with pappardelle.
Special thanks to the European Union for funding this fantastic tasting!
JACOB’S CREEK WINE TASTING
Saturday, 2-6 pm 05/21/2011
Jacob’s Creek wines have their beginnings in 1847, when German immigrant Johann Gramp planted the Barossa Valley’s first commercial vineyard on the banks of Jacob’s Creek. Today, Jacob’s Creek’s fresh, food friendly style and excellent quality have made it hteh most popular brand in Australia and Australia’s leading export brand for ore than a decade.
LUXARDO LIMONCELLO LIQUEUR TASTING
Sunday, 2 – 6 pm 05/22/2011
A distinctive, premium liqueur made with the juice of fresh lemons from Southern Italy. Served cold over ice or mixed with tonic, iced tea or lemonade this tart treat is perfect for lazy Sundays.
MIKE NICOLSON: FORMER MASTER DISTILLER
Tuesday, 7 – 8 pm 05/24/2011
An Evening with Mike Nicolson, Former Master Distiller at Diageo:
The passion for Malt Whisky has been more engrained in Mike rather than acquired. As a third generation distiller, the Grandson of the last Manager of the now long silent Port Charlotte Distillery and, whose other, paternal Grandfather can be seen in a sepia photograph from the early 1900’s, hanging in Caol Ila, it has been his preoccupation and his life. Mike’s Father, a Scotch Grain Whisky Distiller, meant that the ambience of distilling was never far away, even as a child. (see here for extended biography)
19 seats available for this harvest table event – purchase early, this will be an amazing event! $60 a ticket.
GRAPPA Di MOSCATO TASTING
Thursday, 4 – 7 pm 05/26/2011
A white smooth grappa and intensely aromatic, an acquired taste obtained through the distillation of pressed grapes of Moscato. It is crystal clear, sweet and rich in fragrance.
HOUSE WINE GIRLS: PINOT AROUND THE WORLD
Friday, 6-8 pm 05/27/2011
From the heartbreak grape’s birthplace of Burgundy to its more recent success stories in Oregon, New Zealand and California, Pinot Noir has captured the hearts of winemakers and seduced numerous wine drinkers. Join the girls in a comparative tasting of Pinot Noir across the globe and discover this grape’s special charms. Besides visiting more established areas we will pour examples from newer dwellings of BC, Chile and Argentina. Be prepared to fall in love!
12 seats available $75/ticket – Purchase ticket here
ST. GERMAIN COCKTAIL TASTING
Saturday, 2-6 pm 05/28/2011
St-Germain is the first liqueur in the world created in the artisanal French manner from freshly handpicked elderflower blossoms. Neither passionfruit nor pear, grapefruit nor lemon, the sublime taste of St-Germain hints at each of these and yet none of them exactly. It is a flavour as subtle and delicate as it is captivating. A little like asking a hummingbird to describe the flavour of its favourite nectar.
Delicious on it’s own or in a multitude of cocktails!
These events are free and welcome to the public unless otherwise noted.
DRY CREEK WINE TASTING
Sunday, 2-6 pm 05/29/2011
The family at Dry Creek Vineyard believes that great wines begin in the vineyard. For them, winegrowing is a collaborative effort with Mother Nature. Their aim is to strike a careful balance between soil, climate and vine. They take great care in carefully farming, harvesting and shepherding our wines through the winemaking process. The artistry of their winemaking team lies in their ability to carefully guide this process with as little intervention as possible.
For more info, visit: legacyliquorstore.com
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VANCOUVER’S MOST POPULAR MONTHLY WINE TASTING SERIES
Hamilton Street Grill
Monthly Wine Tasting Series Presents
Ruby Blues Winery (Ruby Tuesday Winery),
the newest winery along the famous wine producing Naramata Bench,
from the former owners of Red Rooster
Monday, June 6th and/or Tuesday, June 7th
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
In keeping with our popular format, try a sampling of three new wines and have three savoury, wine-inspired food tasters while learning from a wine expert as they take you through a sit down yet fun and casual style tasting. At $25 per person, this tasting is one of the city’s best valued regular events – in other words, a bargain!
This month we are pouring from a boutique winery on the Naramata Bench, paired alongside Hamilton Street Grill’s Executive Chef Neil Wyles wine inspired appetizers.
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL AS SWEET.
THE SAME CAN BE SAID FOR RUBY BLUES WINES…
The newest winery along the Naramata Bench, started by the same vintners who founded and owned Red Rooster for 10 years (sold in 2005), opened their small boutique winery as Ruby Tuesday only to discover that the name threatened the very being of a certain American casual restaurant chain. Concerned that a tiny, funky winery in Naramata, BC by the same name would confuse the American dining public, a damn good bottle of Shiraz (Silver Medal, All Canadian Championship 2010) was sacrificed and the winery was rechristened Ruby Blues.
Winemaker Lyndsay O’Rourke with Winemaker consultant Phil Soo have already produced some unique wines – The big and juicy “White Stiletto”, a white blend of 2010 Viognier, Gewürztraminer and Muscat; a more elegant 100% Viognier and award winning wines that include a Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon and, still in the cellar, a 2008 Merlot Grand Reserve. We’ll be trying three of these.
For more information on the wines visit rubytuesdaywinery.com
Monday, June 6th or Tuesday, June 7th
5:30 pm
Hamilton Street Grill
1009 Hamilton Street, Yaletown, Vancouver
Tickets $25 per person
Reserve by credit card at: 604-331-1511 or hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net
UPCOMING EVENTS AT HAMILTON STREET GRILL
“Taste of Tuesday”
Hey you gotta to love Telus for this, (we think that’s the idea!)
There are still three more Tuesdays in May to take advantage of the Telus sponsored
Taste of Tuesday. Every Tuesday in May join us at Hamilton Street Grill for a dinner entrée…and Telus will pay for an appetizer and a dessert!
That’s right, Telus is celebrating some new products and services by choosing Hamilton Street Grill as one of the restaurants offering this great promotion. No strings attached (except for the usual not valid with other promotions, no cash value, etc. etc….)
We think reservations are going to be a must!
June is STEAK MONTH!
As a Yaletown original celebrates 14 years we share the good times with you!
For the month of June (including Father’s Day) enjoy an
8 oz. Certified Angus™ Sirloin steak grilled to order, just the way you like it,
with garlic smashed potatoes and market fresh vegetables
For just $14. Fourteen years, Fourteen Dollars!
July – September
Hamilton Street Grill goes Groupon
On sale at the end of June, Grouping’s valid in July, August and September give you a classic Hamilton Street Grill Burger and a pint of beer for $11 ($22 value)
We suggest you stock up for all those summer days you don’t feel like cooking, or have a pocketful to drop by and treat out of town guests. Watch for us on groupon.com/vancouver
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FIREFLY LA TABLE COMMUNE SCHEDULE AND TASTING INFO – MAY
Hip Hop Grapefruit IPA
Firefly is very proud to announce the release of our very own Hip Hop Grapefruit IPA!
A collaboration between Howe Sound Brewing and Central Bistro, it’s a delicious citrus-centered IPA, brewed with Chinook, Super Galena, Cascade and Centennial Hops, with the addition of fresh Ruby Red grapefruit in the mash tun and dried grapefruit peel in the brew kettle. This amber IPA has a deep grapefruit nose and bitterness, but yet is well-balanced, unique and mouth watering.
Bottles are available exclusivly and for a limited time at both the Firefly Cambie St. and Maple Ridge locations. Additionally, the beer will be available on tap at Central Bistro for a limited time. Come on by and pick up a bottle today.
Official VCBW Beer
Did you manage to get your hands on the Vancouver Craft Beer Week’s Offical Beer?
“In celebration of Vancouver Craft Beer Week’s return, 28 of British Columbia’s finest breweries have banded together to create a collaboration beer, with all proceeds being donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society Tsunami Relief Fund. Thanks to Canada Malting for donating the raw materials for the creation of this beer, and to R&B Brewing where the collaboration beer was brewed on April 1st, 2011. This year’s collaboration beer style is Cascadian Dark Ale (CDA), a style that originated in the Pacific Northwest. We trust you’ll enjoy the robust dark malt body and hoppy backbone of this finely crafted ale.”
Our Cambie St. store sold out of it’s stock in 48 hours! If you missed out you still have a chance to try this special beer as our Maple Ridge store will be recieving a very limited supply this Friday afternnoon (May 13th). Be sure to get a bottle of this very tasty and very limited brew!
Special Tasting of Bird In Hand Wines
Justin Nugent, co-owner of Bird In Hand Winery will be sharing award winning wines and story in store for your enjoyment.
The Nugent family live and work on the picturesque property, reflecting the strong sense of community in the Adelaide Hills.
Bird in Hand has become known as one of Australia’s top wineries, winning the “Wine of the Year” in 2006. More than 10 of their wines are listed above 90 points including several above 95 points
“I know it’s this attention to detail that has placed Bird in Hand wines up there among Australia’s very best. You can taste the detail. You really can.” ~ Andrew Nugent, co-owner and winemaker, Bird in Hand.
May 25th, 2011 – 6pm to 8pm, Cambie St. Store – Free
Host a custom tasting with a few friends at Firefly
Do you have a thirst to learn about wine in a casual, unpretentious atmosphere? If you can get 10 to 12 friends together we will hold a private workshop and tasting just for you at La Table Commune in the Cambie Street store. The cost of a custom tasting will depend on the wines you choose to taste. For more information or to book a date for a tasting, please contact us at 604.875.3325.
Let’s Keep in Touch
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Vancouver Store: @fireflyvan
Maple Ridge Store: @fireflymridge
Read about what the Firefly Vancouver Team is drinking on their Staff Blog
For more info, visit: fireflyfinewinesandales.com
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FARMFOLKCITYFOLK’S 2011 METRO VANCOUVER FEAST OF FIELDS!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH AT KRAUSE BERRY FARMS IN LANGLEY
Vancouver, BC… FarmFolkCityFolk is pleased to announce the location and date for their 2011 Metro Vancouver Feast of Fields event. On Sunday, September 11th, Krause Berry Farms in Langley will host the 17th Annual farm to plate grazing featuring over 40 restaurants, wineries, breweries, local farmers and many other food and beverage participants enthusiastically showcasing the finest of organic, local and fair trade offerings. Tickets go on sale June 1st and cost a very reasonable $85 per person.
Farm Folk City Folk (FFCF) has more news. This year’s Feast of Field’s coordinator has just been announced. Chef Dana Reinhardt, formerly of Cru Restaurant, has taken the helm to manage this culinary feast, and who better than a chef to work with food and beverage purveyors to produce a truly inspiring food experience.
Says Reinhardt, “I am thrilled to work with FFCF and this year’s Feast of Fields. Throughout my career I have been a true supporter of the local bounty we boast of in BC. Now I also get to work with many of the chefs that have helped to create BC cuisine.”
Krause Berry Farms is located in picturesque Langley and lovingly produces berries, vegetables, jams, jellies, syrups and gifts. The farm offers freshly picked berries and produce or the chance to work the land and pick your own. And no visit to the farm is complete without a stroll to “The Porch”, where fresh-made berry shortcakes, milkshakes and pies complete a “berry tasty” experience.
A gourmet wandering harvest festival – Feast of Fields is FarmFolkCityFolk’s annual fundraising event. With a wine glass and linen napkin in hand, you can taste the very best of BC from chefs, vintners, brewers, farmers, fishers, ranchers and food artisans from across the province – some think of it as a 35+ course meal with wine and beer! Feast of Fields highlights the connections between producer and chef, field and table, and farm folks and city folks. Feast of Fields is a gastronomic journey towards a sustainable, local food system.
Further details will be posted as participants are confirmed. Tickets go on sale June 1st so stay tuned for further event details.
Krause Berry Farms is located at 6179—248th St, Langley, BC V3W 1C3. Tel. 604.856.5757
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RESTAURANTS RAISE ‘SEED MONEY’ – ONE DOLLAR AT A TIME
(Vancouver, BC) – Nowadays one dollar, a Loonie, doesn’t seem to buy much – not even a cup of coffee or a litre of milk. You can’t feed anyone for $1… or can you? You might want to re-think that assumption.
For the entire month of June, several of Metro’s top restaurants will be adding one dollar to the price of a menu item to support Growing Chefs’ Eat.Give.Grow fundraiser. It’s a simple concept for a simple program. Each restaurant will specially mark the item on their menu. If you order it, the restaurant puts a Loonie in the kitty for Growing Chefs. You don’t have to even think about it. Last year those individual Loonies added up to almost $8,000 that went to funding Growing Chefs’ school-based programs throughout Metro.
Founded in 2005 by professional pastry chef Merri Schwartz, Growing Chefs is a registered non-profit organization that is dedicated to teaching kids about growing and preparing their own nutritious food in an urban environment. It connects chefs and growers, along with their valuable knowledge, to children through classroom-based programs that involve the planting of windowsill gardens. These gardens are used to teach the young participants about the food they eat while inspiring them with the idea that they can grow their own food, even in the city. To date more than 1,000 children have benefitted from participation in Growing Chefs. The success of the Vancouver initiative has sprouted satellite programs in locations as far afield as Penticton and London, Ontario.
Look for the specially marked menu items at the following participating restaurants:
Bishop’s, Beyond Restaurant and Lounge, Big Ridge (Surrey), Brewhouse (Whistler), Campagnolo, Chambar, Dockside Restaurant, Flying Beaver (Richmond), La Ghianda, Les Faux Bourgeois, Maenam, Mangia e Bevi, Mis Trucos, Nook, O’Doul’s Restaurant and Bar, Organic Lives, Pied-à-Terre (adding $1 to every bottle of wine), Pourhouse Restaurant, Provence Mediterranean Grill, Provence Marinaside, Re-Up BBQ, Tableau Bar Bistro, Tavola, Taylor’s Crossing, The Dirty Apron, The Helm, Tuscany Restaurant (Bowen Island) and Yaletown Brewing Company.
Updates to the list of participating restaurants will be posted to Growing Chefs’ web site and Facebook page.
What can a Loonie buy? It can buy a packet of bean seeds, a jiffy pot, part of a trowel or a plastic plant tray. It can also buy a child the knowledge and ability to grow his/her own food for the rest of their life … and that’s priceless.
For more info, visit: growingchefs.ca
