After many years of bartending in Vancouver at establishments such as Babalu, The Opus Hotel and The Caprice, Gerry moved to the Okanagan and currently tends bar at RauDZ Regional Table where he works closely with the kitchen to design a cocktail program that utilizes locally sourced organic fruits, vegetables, herbs and roots as well as locally distilled spirits and beers. His approach to cocktailing could be described as “field to glass” and he is a strong proponent of complimenting spirits with real ingredients sourced from the local community.

Joie Alvaro Kent swears that there’s a baby picture of her out there with a spoon in one hand and a pen in the other, belying her future as a self-confessed kitchen geek and word nerd. Her food writing regularly appears in MONTECRISTO magazine, NUVO magazine, Vancouver magazine and its annual Eating & Drinking Guide, and Best Places Vancouver. She also puts her palate through its paces as a judge for the Vancouver magazine Restaurant Awards and the Chinese Restaurant Awards. Erstwhile rock climber and fledgling cyclist, Joie’s love of sports is partially fueled by the need to offset her massive caloric intake while reconnaissance dining.

Regarded as one of Vancouver’s premier barmen, Shaun has refined his palate via some of the world’s most renowned bars. Adventures have seen him competing in the U.K. and France, touring distilleries throughout Europe and the U.S, and participating in internationally recognized seminars. His philosophy is grounded in a passion for history and culture of cocktails, proper techniques and barware. Shaun was recognized as the 21st Annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards Bartender of the Year. www.labattoir.ca

Eric Lorenz is a tequila and mezcal aficionado, importer, writer, educator, booze traveler, and researcher in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Eric is Canada’s first Certified Mezcalier and holds the CSS, the Distintivo ‘T’ Diploma from the Consejo Regulador del Tequila, certifications from WSET, and has been a Judge at the annual Spirits of Mexico Competition in San Diego. His semi-journalistic thoughts on agave spirits as Canada’s National Tequila Examiner are shared with the world at Examiner.com.  Extensive travels and research in the lands of tequila and mezcal in Mexico have given him a insider’s perspective of everything from the indigenous origins of mezcal to the modern production methods employed to produce tequila. Through his company, Lorenz Agave Spirits, he has introduced many to the art and the sensory delights of tasting agave spirits via seminars & dinners for the general public, corporate clients, bar and hospitality staff, and at agave spirits festivals throughout Canada and the USA. He is also occasionally called in as a tasting consultant to new brands looking to enter the Canadian marketplace.

Sheila Whittaker grew up in Osoyoos as the wine region was growing up around her.  She became addicted to wine education partially because the more she learned, the more she realized there was to learn, and partially because ‘sommelier’ has a nicer ring than ‘wine-o.’ Now a Certified Sommelier with a Bachelor of Journalism who loves adventures, she is destined to write about wine and travel, which she does on her blog RubySuitcase.com.

Today, we welcome Top Table’s lastest creation, Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe to the Urban Diner community.

Check out their new listing: here

Inspired by speaking with many of his seasoned wine friends and his readings John’s quest for knowledge began. John Clerides jumped at the opportunity to open Marquis Wine Cellars in 1986, which over the last few decades has become one of Vancouver’s best loved wine stores.

John has travelled extensively though Australia, Washington, Oregon, California, Italy, Spain, France and Austria, sourcing unique, flavourful, undiscovered wines. Even after 25 years his quest for discovery remains unabated. You will most likely find John in either one of three places, at Marquis Wine Cellars assisting his clients, in a vineyard or cellar somewhere in the wine world, or his most preferred location: at the local ice rink playing hockey.

Today, we are excited to welcome Hawksworth Restaurant to the Urban Diner community.

Check out their new listing: here

Today, we are excited to welcome Pink Elephant Thai, Alberni Street’s newest restaurant to the Urban Diner community.

Canucklehead is a huge food enthusiast, in all its forms of glory.  He has lived throughout the Asia and the US, immersing himself in the local cuisine where ever he goes.  He is happiest cooking and eating with his friends and family and contributes regularly to a number of local publications.

He likes nothing more than being a good customer, so pays for all of his own food and avoids freebies and groupons.  He has also convinced himself that no one notices him taking pictures of his food.

Today, we welcome the Daniel Hospitality Group’s Burrard Bridge & Bar and Mill Marine Bistro to the Urban Diner community.

Today, we are excited to welcome The Keefer Bar in Chinatown to the Urban Diner community.

Check out their new listing here.

We are happy to welcome Peckinpah, Gastown’s home of Carolina Style bbq, to the Urban Diner community.

Check out their new listing here.

Today, we are excited to welcome the Commune Cafe to the Urban Diner community.
Check out their new listing: here

From all of us at Urban Diner, please enjoy a safe and happy holidays with family and friends!