Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver to Stage Inaugural Farmer’s Market To MARKET; Latest news from Okanagan Crush Pad; LFNG: Red Hot Summer Releases; LaStella releases 2011 Moscato D’Osoyoos; Family Style at the Pourhouse Kitchen Table; Two well known hospitality industry pros join Uva Wine Bar and Cibo Trattoria; Savour the intense cuisine of Calabria at Cibo’s next regional Italian dinner on June 27; Q4 Ristorante by Quattro is now open on Broadway, and kicks off a delicious new chapter; Metro Vancouver Feast of Fields tickets available now;
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, VANCOUVER TO STAGE INAUGURAL FARMER’S MARKET
In celebration of local farmers and purveyors, Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, in partnership with Vancouver Farmers Markets, will host its first Farmer’s Market on Sunday, June 24th.
Nine local vendors and one winery, supported by Wayne Harris, the hotel’s executive chef and his team, will gather on the third-floor terrace of Market by Jean-Georges, to stage Shangri-La’s inaugural Farmer’s Market. From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the community-at-large is invited to savour, sip and shop.
Chef Harris, using products from the vendors, will be creating signature Market by Jean-Georges canapés while the bartending team will be stirring up housemade sodas. Tinhorn Creek Vineyards will also be on-hand with their Cabernet Franc Rosé and Gewürztraminer. All for complimentary sampling.
“Our entire team is ready and eager to welcome the community to this market,” said Harris. “We are starting with a small event and anticipate adding more vendors later this summer, to showcase the best of BC.”
- Purveyors brought together by the Vancouver Farmers Markets:
- Skipper Otto’s Wild BC Salmon
- Organic Farm Connection (salad greens and leafy things)
- Maan Farms (strawberries)
- Purebread
- French Made Baking (French pastries and macaroons)
- Yummy Baked Goods (traditional baking)
- Take a Fancy Chocolate and Sweets (chocolates)
Along with friends of Market by Jean-Georges:
- Sticky Spoon (jam)
- and… Erin Ireland, mother of banana bread & food writer (rave-winning banana bread, personally tasted & endorsed by Jean-Georges)
Please join the culinary brigade of Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver and the Vancouver Farmers Markets for their Farmer’s Market in the city centre. No reservations required.
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LATEST NEWS FROM OKANAGAN CRUSH PAD
Visit Okanagan Crush Pad
From its ponderosa-surrounded perch in beautiful Summerland, Okanagan Crush Pad overlooks the 10-acre Switchback Vineyard to Okanagan Lake. You will be in awe driving past vines to the graffiti-mural exterior that welcomes you. We invite you to come by and visit the winery, relax in the “O Tasting Lounge”, which offers a spot to escape on a sunny afternoon (with tastings of over six wine brands and 30 different limited production, vineyard inspired wines).
Surprise sets in when you spot the row of unique fermentation ‘eggs’ that comprise only one of the unique aspects of this high end, small lot, custom winemaking facility. Sun seekers may prefer the “Crush Pad Patio” where wines can be sipped and picnics enjoyed. This summer, the winery is open to the public for the first time, from June 15 to October 13, Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm. Visit and taste house brands Haywire and Bartier Scholefield and several others and discover why this winery has become one of the Okanagan’s rising stars. See directions and more www.okanagancrushpad.com
Upcoming events at Okanagan Crush Pad
Lastly, if you are able to help us spread the word with your friends, we have a couple awesome onsite events coming with Memphis Blues BBQ, as well as a Joy Road Catering dinner at God’s Mountain featuring winemaker Michael Bartier:
“Baah-be-cue, it ain’t just for breakfast anymore”
Mmm… we love barbeque… perfect with rosé! Succulent Memphis ribs, beef brisket, and pulled pork will be met by the wines from Haywire, Bartier Scholefield and Bartier Bros. at two VERY special events on July 11 and July 12 at 6pm, as Memphis Blues Barbecue House makes a special visit to Okanagan Crush Pad. Wear your stretchy pants!
Tickets – $29 plus HST are for sale online now. www.okanagancrushpad.com/events/
Alfresco Vineyard Dining with Joy Road Catering
Imagine yourself under a tree, a warm, gentle summer wind blowing, and as your stress melts away, a to-die-for seasonal meal is placed in front of you, paired with wine… Okanagan Crush Pad is teaming up with Joy Road Catering to host a dinner at God’s Mountain Estate on Thursday, July 19, 2012 that should not be missed! Those in the know understand what magic Cameron Smith and Dana Ewart are able to achieve with the best local ingredients from foragers and local farmers, as well as fruit picked on estate. You will dine with Okanagan Crush Pad winemaker Michael Bartier and enjoy a menu created around the wines. Tickets are $115.00 plus HST and available at www.joyroadcatering.com/contact_us.php. These Joy Road events sell out, so don’t delay!
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LFNG: RED HOT SUMMER RELEASES
Perfect to pair with ribeyes on the BBQ, it’s time to invest in some Big Reds, the latest releases from Laughing Stock.
Blind Trust Red 2010 – $29.00
Our winemaker has full discretion over the assets so you’ll just have to trust us on this red blend. Blind taste the Blind Trust and try to guess the varietals before checking under the capsule for disclosure of the assets. The 2010 growing season was one of the coolest we’ve experienced, but the light cropping in the vineyard resulted in ripe fruit, but unfortunately leaving us with half the production we normally have for this big bold wine. (750 cases)
Syrah 2010 – $34.00
This is only our 3rd release of Syrah and the grapes are from our Perfect Hedge Vineyard in Osoyoos. The style we have developed is aligned with the classic Côte Rotie, blending 94% Syrah with 6% Viognier. By combining the strong masculinity of Syrah with the more delicate femininity of Viognier, the result is a classic example of how the whole is greater than the individual parts. Very elecgant and solid structure. (620 cases)
Order 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 times a year.
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LASTELLA RELEASES 2011 MOSCATO D’OSOYOOS
Despite the unseasonably cool weather in Vancouver so far this spring, the grape growing season in the South Okanagan is perfectly on schedule. Bud burst and early growth have occurred in a predictable and routine manner – a great relief after the stressful seasons of 2010 and 2011.
One of LaStella’s most anticipated releases every year is the LaStella Moscato D’Osoyoos. For months fans have had to be patient but finally the wait is over and it’s here! The Moscato D’Osoyoos is always released after the rest of the white wines as it has a slight effervescence and needs to be bottled a little differently.
LaStella’s Moscato D’Osoyoos is unique in the Okanagan Valley. We’re both delighted to be unique, and disappointed that more of our neighbours haven’t embraced this delicious style of wine (a hat tip here should go out to the great guys at Orofino who have just started making a similar wine but in a drier style!). LaStella is the only winery to imitate the famous effervescent, slightly sweet Moscatos of Piedmont. The alcohol level this year is under 8% and the wine carries a moderate but not cloying amount of sweetness. It is a perfect way to end a summer meal or even start a Sunday brunch!
The style is very well suited to the Okanagan Valley – indeed the Muscat grape’s signature orchard fruit aromas of peaches, apricots and pears seem naturally at home here.
Food Pairing:
As in Italy, Moscato makes the perfect accompaniment to the beginning or end of a meal. The soft and approachable style of this wine will also complement softly flavoured cheeses.
For more information, visit: lastella.ca
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FAMILY STYLE AT THE POURHOUSE KITCHEN TABLE
Remember Family Dinner at momʼs house … platters of mouthwatering pork tenderloin, succulent beef and perfectly roasted chicken? She always made your favorite grilled vegetable with a side of perfectly seasoned potatoes. You can bring that memory back any night of the week at Pourhouse with Family Style Dinners at The Kitchen Table.
Chef J-C Poirier will put together a special, yet simple meal featuring the best of the season for you and your friends and family to enjoy. The food is rustic and honest and is served “family dinner” style. The meal is served on platters that you can dish out yourselves just like you would at your own Family Dinner. Your groupʼs table is nestled right amidst the hubbub, in the kitchen, allowing you to feel as if you are part of our family.
Start the meal off right with an aperitif … we can then help you decide on a wine paring for your meal and we can suggest a perfect digestif or coffee for the end of the evening. It’s the perfect opportunity to share delicious food, a couple of drinks
and fond memories with your friends and family!
Call or email to book your Family Style dinner at the Pourhouse Kitchen Table (we recommend 4 people to optimize your experience). Email us info@pourhousevancouver.com or call (604) 568-7022
Sample menus:
BC Oysters and a plate of charcuterie and house-made terrine
Stuffed roasted chicken with pomme puree, sautéed spinach and gravy with a side of grilled asparagus, parmesan and arugula
OR
Braised leg of lamb with lentils & Swiss chard with a side of roasted beets & mint yogurt
OR
Roasted beef with potato gratin and peppercorn-bourbon sauce with a side of sautéed carrots and pearl onions and house-made biscuits
House-made apple pie with cream cheese ice cream
OR
House-made seasonal almond and fruit pie with crème fraiche ice cream
OR
House-made chocolate tart with peanut ice cream
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TWO WELL KNOWN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY PROS JOIN UVA WINE BAR AND CIBO TRATTORIA
VANCOUVER – JUNE, 2012 – Josh Bentley, Vice President of Viaggio Hospitality Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Edwards as General Manager of Uva Wine Bar and Cibo Trattoria and Colette Lynch as Restaurant Sales Director.
“We are delighted that two such well known and respected individuals have joined our team,” stated Bentley. “Cibo and Uva have always enjoyed an envious reputation for award winning experiences and Steve and Colette are looking forward to continuing and growing this environment” continued Bentley.
Steve Edwards was most recently the General Manager and Sommelier of the acclaimed Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler and was nominated Sommelier of the Year at the 2012 Vancouver International Wine Festival. Under his guidance, Bearfoot Bistro was the only Whistler restaurant to be awarded three stars in the eponymous “Where to Eat in Canada.” “The immeasurable magic of food and wine inspires me daily,” says Steve. I’m thrilled to be part of such a talented team at Uva and Cibo and I am a huge fan of Neil Taylor and his international reputation. It’s awesome to be back in Vancouver and I’m looking forward to welcoming a lot of old friends and clients to Cibo”, continued Steve. Steve’s tremendous wealth of experience includes stints as Restaurant Manager and Sommelier at Vancouver’s much awarded Cin Cin Ristorante and Restaurant Director and Sommelier of Araxi – Whistler’s first fine dining restaurant. Steve also holds a diploma from the International Sommelier Guild and is a graduate of the Wines of Australia Sommelier Immersion Program.
Colette also brings many years experience to the team and has an enviably vast knowledge of food and wine. Her extraordinary organizational skills and event planning background ensure all guest experiences are second to none. Colette’s impressive resume includes wine portfolio consultant, Restaurant Manager at Fraiche Restaurant in West Vancouver and Group Sales Executive and Special Events Coordinator for Goldfish and Joe Fortes Restaurants. “We have an incredible array of dining spaces and experiences to offer – the private Madonna Room is absolutely stunning and I’m really excited to showcase the other establishments on the property as well. The respectful renovation of the over 100 year old building really is unique and then of course there is Neil’s fabulous cuisine,” enthused Colette.
Colette welcomes inquiries on group and/or private party bookings. She can be contacted directly at colettel@viaggiohospitality.com.
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SAVOUR THE INTENSE CUISINE OF CALABRIA AT CIBO’S NEXT REGIONAL ITALIAN DINNER ON JUNE 27
VANCOUVER – JUNE, 2012: Located in the toe of the Italian peninsula directly across the straight from Sicily, Calabria is a contrasting land of mountains, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. The warm climate and extraordinary kaleidoscope of colors from the sea personify the passionate intensity of the people and the robustly strong flavours of the cuisine. The lower terrain of Calabria is highly agricultural with an abundance of orchards and olive trees and Calabrians are fond of preserving meat and fish in olive oil. Chilies are used liberally and show up in many main dishes. Calabria is also home to the delicious Sopressata sausage. Desserts tend to feature indigenous figs and citrus fruits.
Executive chef Neil Taylor’s showcase menu of Calabria includes:
baked cippolini onion, pancetta and pecorino
rock cod carpaccio-citrus, bottarga, chili, herbs and lemon oil
spaghetti with calabrian chili, parmesan brodo and a fried egg
meatballs agro dolce-braised broccoli
baked figs w honey, walnuts, candied citrus and ricotta
Dinner will be $48 per person )not including tax and gratuities), and Wine Director and General Manager Steve Edwards will also be on hand to suggest unique, regional wine pairings- many of which will be specifically brought into the city for this dinner.
For reservations please email steve@cibotrattoria.ca or call 604-602-9570
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Q4 RISTORANTE BY QUATTRO IS NOW OPEN ON BROADWAY, AND KICKS OFF A DELICIOUS NEW CHAPTER
(Vancouver, BC) June, 2012 — Over the past 18 years, Q4 Ristorante by Quattro has earned its standing as Vancouver’s original new Italian restaurant. Now, the restaurant has begun a delicious new chapter in its story, with the opening of its gorgeous 200-seat location on West Broadway, a relocation of the original West 4th room which is now closed.
As well as the polished design of the room — led by Karen Bohne of Moeski Consulting Inc. — guests will love the buzzy bar, the sleek private wine room which seats up to 25 people, plus the West Side’s most exclusive private dining room, formerly the Lumiere space, set to open later this summer.
Also sure to gain a fast following is weekend brunch: a mouth-watering array of well-priced dishes perfect for any occasion (or for no occasion at all). Think frittata layered with pancetta, cipollini onions and portabello mushrooms for just $9; or lobster and avocado eggs benny for $16.
Overseeing the entire roster of beautifully executed dishes — which also includes dinner nightly and lunch from Monday to Friday — is Q4 Restaurant Group Executive Chef, Bradford Ellis. Now in his 12th year with Q4 Restaurant Group, Ellis has created a menu that includes Q4 classics while also offering a fresh, regional spin on Italian. He relishes the opportunity to ensure excellence in both kitchens at the new location, which will service the restaurant and the wine bar, as well as Q4 Catering and a new retail packaged food division for the company.
Best of all, for fans of Q4, both old and new, the wait is over. Buon appetito!
About Q4 Restaurant Group
Over a decade and a half, Q4 Ristorante by Quattro, has established itself as Vancouver’s original new Italian restaurant. In 2009 longtime proprietor, Patrick Corsi, joined forces with a new partner, noted real estate developer and entrepreneur, Alex B. Tsakumis, and one year later they opened Q4 al Centro in downtown Vancouver at 780 Richards Street. In May this year, the duo relocated the original Q4 from its iconic West 4th location to bustling West Broadway. All along, Q4 Catering has quietly gained a reputation amongst Vancouver’s most discerning clientele as an elite catering company. For more information please visit www.q4restaurant.com, or follow Q4 on Twitter @Q4Restaurant and like us on Facebook.
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METRO VANCOUVER FEAST OF FIELDS TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
Vancouver, BC… Start thinking summer. The weather may not be indicative now, but come September it certainly will be, and tickets are now on sales for FarmFolk CityFolk’s Metro Vancouver Feast of Fields, summer’s best celebration of the season, food and refreshments. Feast of Fields takes place this year (as always) on the first Sunday after Labour Day: Sunday, September 9 from 1-5pm. Our 2012 Host Farm is Golden Ears Cheesecrafters in Maple Ridge. Adult Tickets are $85 each. Tickets for children aged 7-12 are $15.00. Children 6 and younger are free. The Feast Bus is $15 return. Purchase your tickets on-line now at www.feastoffields.com or at any ChoicesMarkets starting July 1st.
Golden Ears Cheesecrafters is the Fraser Valley’s newest Artisan Cheese on-farm processing facility and local food shop. It is a compilation of talents that seamlessly came together for the Davison Family.
About Feast of Fields
A gourmet wandering harvest festival – Feast of Fields is FarmFolkCityFolk’s annual fundraising event, generously sponsored by Choices Markets. With a wine glass and linen napkin in hand, you can taste the very best of BC from regional chefs, vintners, brewers, distillers, farmers, fishers, ranchers and food artisans from across the province – some think of it as a 50+ 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.
Golden Ears Cheesecrafters is located at 22270 – 128th Ave. Maple Ridge.
