Bulletins

Vancouver-based Online Advertising Sales Rep wanted. Part-time. Good commissions. Email with a cover letter and resume to eatpublisher@shaw.ca.

Kildara Farm on the Saanich Penninsula is need of blackberry pickers. Pay is $10.00 per 12 pint flat. Call Brian at 250-655-3093 

Fall Baker's Market in South Vancouver is accepting applications. Become a vendor. http://bit.ly/vcekh. Oct. 2 - Dec. 11

The 3rd Volume of PechaKucha Night Victoria will focus on yummy foodslow food, organic farms, community food groups, local food entrepreneurs, local drink entrepreneurs, local food stylists, local food photographers, urban food foresters, local chefs, local food enthusiasts, food designers - what a great way to celebrate the summer in Victoria!

August 12, 2010 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm at Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street  $10/$8students

PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.  It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of chit chat, it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds.

It's a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.

PechaKucha Night started as a simple idea for a one-off event, devised by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham of Klein Dytham architecture as the first event held at their creative kitchen SuperDeluxe in Tokyo, in February 2003. Since then it has grown into an international movement.

FOODROOTS' ONLINE BULK BUYING GROUP OFFERING:

.      LOCAL AND BC ORGANIC PRODUCE

.      BC ORGANIC DAIRY PRODUCTS

.      LOCAL ORGANIC/NATURALLY RAISED MEAT, FISH AND POULTRY 

.     BULK FOODS INCLUDING: GRAINS, FLOURS, CEREALS,NUTS, DRIED FRUIT, SEEDS, PASTAS, ETC.

HOW CAN YOU JOIN? VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR BUYING GROUP DETAILS.

13 reasons to visit Richmond, BC this summer and a 14th? Enter to win 1 of 4 fun-filled getaways, worth $3,500 each. Click Here

We are so close to selling this out.  Again, ALL proceeds to the BC Hospitality Foundation. This is a foundation that supports all hospitality employees in time of need.
 
Please book the last seats now... treat yourself or send one of your friends or employees.  We can do this, Victoria!
 
$50 per person with all proceeds going to the BC Hospitality Foundation
www.bchospitalityfoundation.com 11:00am‐1:00pm Thursday July 15, 2010
 
This is an unbelievable opportunity for you to support the BC Hospitality Foundation.  Please have a look at the website to educate yourself on how the Foundation can support you and your co-workers.  As this event is `trade only`, David Saunders (Riedel sales rep), has donated ALL of the glasses towards the event.  And what is more amazing is that you get to keep the glasses after the event **A value of over $100** All of the money will go directly to the BC Hospitality Foundation!!!

I can`t think of a better way and reason to help support this Foundation that is solely for the support of us, the people in hospitality.
 
If you have any further questions, please contact me directly and please sign up for this now!!  Myself along with co-chair of the Victoria branch of the BC Hospitality Foundation, Joey Porco, will be attending both events with more information about the Foundation.  We need your help supporting the Foundation events as well as getting the word out to the hospitality community.
 
For info on the events and to register:
 
www.victoriataste.com/2010‐schedule‐of‐events

Thanks for your help.

Stuart Brown| Senior Sales Consultant

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 Œheart of the park is the perfect place to relax, celebrate and enjoy what Vancouver has to offer.

Victoria, BC, June 29, 2010- One of Victoria's best kept secrets, the Fort Cafe, is proud to be launching its new summer lunch menu featuring top secret recipes (try to guess where the root beer is used), a commitment to sourcing local ingredients and as many house-made touches as possible, all at price points that will keep their dedicated customers coming back for more.

The Fort Cafe is devoted to offering Victoria a friendly, welcoming venue where guests can enjoy classic and unique cuisine, local ales and varied fringe entertainment.  Offering events such as their famous Friday Quiz nights and an eclectic array of live music, the Fort Cafe opens its door to anyone looking for good food and good cheer and a few side dishes of silliness, in a positive, art-filled venue.   

Tucked down the stairs a stone's throw from the Dutch Bakery on Fort Street, visitors to the Fort Cafe now can choose from selections like the Chicken Pancetta Wrap featuring pancetta crisps, goat cheese, grilled chicken and their house-made olive and fig tapenade or the Smoked Tuna and Avocado Salad with smoked local Pacific tuna, fresh greens and avocado served with a house-made cucumber wasabi dressing.    

Other new menu items include the Grilled Ham and Cheese, offering a locally inspired take on this classic.  It features house-roasted ham, sharp cheddar, apple slaw and Salt Spring Island Heather Ale dressing, all grilled on a ciabatta bun.  

Even with the focus on house-roasted meats and locally sourced seafood from Finest at Sea, the Fort Cafe hasn't forgotten the vegetarians.  Options include their Veggietastic Burger featuring a house-made walnut patty, aged cheddar, banana peppers, "Fort Frelish" and lettuce and tomato or a bowl of one of their 60 unique soups, of which they feature at least one vegetarian option daily.

The mastermind behind the look, feel and tastes of both The Fort Cafe and sister establishment PiCNiC, Melissa Byrnes is a multi-talented lover of all things beautiful and delicious.   

"At the Fort Cafe we have been working over the past three years to develop creative takes on classic favourites," says Byrnes. "By roasting all of our meats in house, making all of our sauces and soups from scratch and featuring local produce and beers, we have been combining our culinary backgrounds from Asia and California with the best ingredients we have in our backyard in order to offer up this fresh new menu."

The Fort Café's new lunch menu is available weekdays from 11am to 3pm.  Friday lunches are not to be missed, as they kick the weekend off with live Jazz from 12-2pm.

From Wednesdays through Saturdays, the Fort Cafe transforms into a cozy, colourful and welcoming evening destination for dinner, drinks or anything in between. They are located at 742 Fort Street and can be reached at 250-382-3130.  For updates search "Fort Cafe" on Facebook.

Brock Windsor, Chef Proprietor at the The Stone Soup Inn announces the B&B is now open.

In celebration of summer, we're holding a contest: Win two tickets to the Main Event at Taste, Victoria's Festival of Food & Wine, July 15th. (Value $158)

To enter the draw, click here and let us know how we're doing:

A) What is your favourite EAT Website feature?

B) Least favourite?

C) What other features would you like to see on our website?

We appreciate your feedback. Contest closes at midnight, Monday, July 5th.

VICTORIA'S SECRET CULINARY SCENE EPICUREAN ESCAPE PACKAGE FROM VICTORIA'S HISTORIC INNS

Victoria, BC: Immerse yourself in Victoria's Slow Food movement for a few days and you'll soon be addicted to the fresh produce, adventurous charcuterie and to-die-for dishes that abound. Victoria's Historic Inns, a collection of heritage mansions, has created a two-night Epicurean Escape package to help you uncover Victoria's hip food scene. The ingredients: two nights of pampered comfort at one of Victoria's heritage inns; dinner for two at an award-winning restaurant; a take-home gourmet gift basket; a secret list of places to taste and tipple, distilled from the collective know-how of Victoria's most experienced innkeepers.

From an affordable food truck to special-occasion bistros, from produce stands and farm tours to wineries and cider works, Victoria has embraced the Slow Food movement with gusto. Vancouver Island's sub-Mediterranean climate is a boon to growers and restaurateurs who are among the world's leaders in organics. Tasting local, seasonal food in Victoria is easy: the key is knowing where to start. To help visitors scope out the best flavours, Victoria's Historic Inns' innkeepers have created a secret list of the city's culinary gems. From where to score the best fish taco to who makes the richest chocolate truffles, guests of the inns will receive insider tips on the best places to graze, and then take home a basket of culinary gifts to prolong the ecstasy.

The Epicurean Escape Package costs from $189.00 CAD per person for two nights (double occupancy) and includes two nights' accommodation, three-course dinner for two at one of two restaurants: either award-winning Café Brio (described as "the hottest restaurant in Victoria" by Northwest Palate Magazine), or Paprika Bistro with its European influenced, locally inspired menu; a gourmet gift basket to take home, and Victoria's secret list of culinary highlights. The package runs from June 25 to October 31, 2010.

For a taste-bud tingling time, reserve the Epicurean Escape Package from Victoria's Historic Inns at [http://www.victoriashistoricinns.com/epicurean-escape-package ]

The Inns: Victoria's Historic Inns is a unique collection of eight heritage properties. A reminder of Victoria's past, each inn extends to guests the luxury of a fine hotel with the personalized service and warm hospitality of an owner-operated inn. Each property has been fully inspected by Tourism British Columbia and the BC Innkeepers' Guild. The Inns are located a short walk or drive from Victoria's Inner Harbour and the City's many attractions

Lifestyle Markets in Victoria, BC is celebrating 15 years serving Canada’s healthiest city. Known as the place to shop for vitamins and natural foods, Lifestyle Markets remains dedicated to good health for everybody.

Join the festivities July 9 & 10 and July 16 & 17 at the Douglas Street location. There’ll be lots of wonderful foods to sample, draw prizes, natural product experts and some really good birthday cake, of course! 

They’ll also be selling Paw Prints (by donation) for The Victoria SPCA Paws for a Cause. To further their our support, Lifestyle Markets will match all of the donations from Paw Print sales – so don’t forget to pick up yours! 

180-2950 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC

(250) 384-3388

 www.lifestylemarkets.com

For further details about the Celebration, you are invited to contact Carmine Sparanese, General Manager, via e-mail: carmine@lifestylemarkets.com or phone: 250-384-3388. 

EAT contributor Rhona McAdam will launch her latest chapbook of food poetry, "Sunday Dinners", this Saturday, June 19th, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Open Space, 510 Fort Street, Victoria, British Columbia.

Published by JackPine Press, "Rhona McAdam and Colleen Philippi's "Sunday Dinners" is a delectable sampling of poems about food, which the reader discovers like long-lost treasures folded into the pages of an old cookbook."

To read two samples of Rhona's food poetry, download the latest issue of Cuizine, The Journal of Canadian Food Cultures.

One of the difficult parts of having food for the winter is remembering to plant the crops in the busy summer months, which is essential to get plants established. In this workshop we'll look at planning, prepping and planting the winter food garden. We'll talk about specific planting dates for a variety of crops, create a planting calendar, explore the importance of bed prep, and start some transplants and direct seed some crops for winter use. There are some difficulties to getting seed to germinate in the hot summer months which we will discuss as well. Participants will go home with some transplants for their own winter garden. Bring your own lunch or enjoy an organic farm lunch for $14 . Taught by Marika Nagasaka at ALM Organic Farm. 

Saturday, June 12   10:00-3:00 pm

Fee: $55 

Celebrations were just beginning for the awards received at the NorthWest Wine Summit in Oregon this year when in came the results from the All Canadian Wine Competition 2010 and it’s Gold, Gold, Double Gold!  The Double Gold went to the new Foch/Noir, a first for Muse Winery and the first Vancouver Island red blend.  Foch/Noir combines Marachel Foch with Pinot Noir, both Vancouver Island grown grapes.  The blend is tantalizing taste buds and obviously wowed the judges.  Also new this year for Muse Winery is their Rosé, winning Gold along with the Muse Ortega.  Taking the Bronze was their new Late Harvest Viognier.  Four medals and three of them new wines for Muse Winery, a fantastic accomplishment for any winery, greater still for this small boutique winery in Deep Cove on Vancouver Island.   

www.musewinery.ca

Becky Julseth and Neil Cooke-Dallin of Salt Spring Island Ales, exchanged their farming boots for city shoes last night as they accepted the ‘Best Session Beer’ award for their Golden Ale at the first annual BC Beer Awards in Vancouver.  

The new competition, which is part of Vancouver Craft Beer Week, represented most of British Columbia’s independent craft breweries with 35 overall contestants competing with more than 190 beers. As recently declared by the Vancouver Mayoral Office, May 10-16 is Vancouver Craft Beer Week and profiles the best brews offered in British Columbia.

The Session Beer category encompasses a broad variety of beer types with the defining characteristics being well-balanced malt and hop characters, a typically clean finish and an overall quaffability.  Session beers are designed to allow a beer drinker to enjoy multiple beers, within a reasonable time period or ‘session’, without overwhelming the senses.  Ideally, they are flavourful and refreshing without being overwhelmingly hoppy or high in alcohol.  

“It feels great to be recognized for quality and taste in a province that produces some of the best tasting beer in the world,” says co-owner, Becky Julseth.  “Session Beer is a  big category for us to win because it can encompass so many different beer types, with many different beers competing in this one category. Our brewmaster, Murray, is also a big believer in the session ale. I’m thrilled that this aspect of his craft seems to come across to judges in competition.”

The Golden Ale also recently claimed Gold in the National Canadian Brewing Awards for Golden/Blonde Ale in 2009 and earlier in 2004.

The first annual BC Beer Awards attracted an impressive blind tasting judging panel with serious beer credentials. Among some of the experts were long time beer critics Don Tse - certified beer judge, freelance beer writer and consultant, Tony Dewald - twenty year veteran of the Canadian craft beer movement, and Gerry Hieter - certified beer judge, founder of the Whistler Brewing Company and co-founder of Lighthouse Brewing Company.

Vancouver Craft Beer Week has also been a great opportunity to build awareness around female brewers in BC. Among other festival offerings, Julseth and several other BC Craft Beer ladies laid claim to the traditionally male dominated industry at the sold out Women in BC Beer event. Guests were invited to sample Salt Spring Island Ales among other breweries and enjoy gourmet cheese, chocolate and food parings. Julseth is also a member of the Pink Boots Society which aims to inspire and empower women to become professionals in the beer Industry, through education and advancement. 

With the planting of spring hops last month, Salt Spring Island Ales is positioned to offer another year of hyper-local beer. For more information on Salt Spring Island Ales please visit www.gulfislandsbrewery.com.  

On Sunday, April 27th, at 2% Jazz Espresso Bar, Midori Higa won 1st place for the second year running at the JagaSilk 3rd Annual Maccha Latte Art Competition.

Judged by a blind panel of judges that included Brette Richard of 2% Jazz,Dave Evans of the Stick In The Mud Coffee House, and Rob Kettner of Fernwood Coffee, Midori placed a full 4 points above the second place winner.

1st place: Midori Higa of Khona

2nd place: Erik of Fernwood Coffee/The Parsonage Cafe.

3rd place: Sarina Akutsu

The drinks were judged on creativity, balance, colour/contrast and clarity.All contestants were given 5 minutes to make as many maccha lattes as possible, and then select their favourite for judgement. The audience was given countless maccha lattes during the practice period and after the judges were finished.

Prizes included the $55 pool of cash from the participant's entrance fees and audience donations, a Crane Flies Above the Clouds maccha, and maccha bath salts.

The event was a great success and will take place at Fernwood Coffee in 2011.

Jared and Miuki Nyberg, owners of JagaSilk, plan on making the event even bigger and more sophisticated, focusing on the integrity of competition, while making sure no latte goes down the sink. www.jagasilk.com

Plenty Epicurean Pantry has some great organic seedlings available this week.

From Dayle at Terralicious: 

All in 4” pots at $4. 60 each:

o Julia Child

o heirloom Italian

o Beefsteak

o Earl of Edgecombe (orange)

o Green Zebra (green striped)

o Taxi (small yellow)

o Sweet Basil

o Musque de Provence Fairytale squash

o Winter Luxury pumpkin

Seedlings are certified organic. They are planted in organic growing medium and top 

dressed with compost. Please water the seedlings in the morning in the tray supplied. 

Keep the leaves dry as much as possible and be careful not to damage the stem. The 

seedlings have been “hardened off” but are still frost sensitive.

From Fiona at Metchosin Farm: 

Rhubarb $12.80 each

Globe Artichokes $4.60 each

Chard Mix $4.60 each

Red Russian Kale $4.00 each

Sweet Pea $4.00      each

Cherry Tomatoes $4.00 each

FoodRoots is offering a monthly Islands Meat Box. 

The box typically contains naturally raised frozen:

.         Chicken from Cowichan Bay Farm

.         Beef from Empire Valley

.         Bison from Island Bison

.         Lamb from Fir Hill Farm

If you'd like to order a meat box or other products from FoodRoots, go to www.foodroots.ca to register. 

The next pick up date is Saturday, April 24 from 11-2 at #3, 625 Hillside Ave.

Wild About Mushrooms 

Fol Epi, a bakery in Victoria, is offering their version of panettone called Colomba. It is produced using a long, wild yeast fermentation giving the sweet bread a complex flavour. Studded with candied orange peel and,  flavoured with vanilla and topped with a almond and hazelnut crust, it makes for a luscious but light ending to an Easter feast.

Fol Epi

Tonight is Earth Hour. March 27 at 8:30 pm. Earth Hour Canada

Victoria Residents: If you'd like to order some of this lamb for pick up between 11am and 2 pm this Saturday, March 27th at #3, 625 Hillside Ave, please contact Martha at penderislandfarm@shaw.ca 

Gulf Island Local Lamb.  Taste the difference. Delicious local lamb from a flock of Rare Breeds Sheep at Inis Eile Farm. Eat locally while helping to preserve heritage farm livestock and agricultural bio-diversity. Like the famous Salt Spring lamb the lamb from the outer Gulf Island lamb is also renowned for its exceptionally mild but distinctive flavour.  Chops, Roasts, racks , shanks and spicy or rosemary garlic sausage. Vacuum packaged in individual convenient sized cuts for your freezer. 

From the press release

Vancouver, BC, March 15, 2010 - No need to tumble down a rabbit hole for an afternoon tea with a bit of whimsy and imagination. Inspired by Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland release, The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver unveils its very own afternoon tea party.

Mad Hatter's Tea

Tweedledee's Raisin Scones

White & Red Queen Tea Sandwiches

Smoked Salmon on Dark Rye

Mini Black Forest Ham & Brie Croissant

Cucumber & Watercress

Open-Faced Baguette with Apple Roasted Chicken

Wonderland Inspired Tea Pastries

Fresh Strawberries with Devonshire Cream & Berry Preserves

$36 per person, exclusive of taxes and gratuities

Add a glass of champagne $17 per person

Choose from an extensive range of our signature Fairmont teas that include natural bergamot notes in Fairmont Earl Grey, cherry and rose hints blended with a green tea in Kyoto Cherry Rose or a limited edition commemorative brew in the 1907 Centennial blend.

March Hare Tea

Bubblegum Tea with Bubble Maker

Tweedledee's Raisin Scones

Finger Sandwiches

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Black Forest Ham

Canadian Cheddar

"Eat Me" Chocolate Chip Cupcake & Cookie

Fresh Strawberries with Devonshire Cream & Berry Preserves

$16 per child 12 years and under, exclusive of taxes and gratuities

Guests are invited for a clink of a "cuppa" and tasty tea treats to toast the White Queen in The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver's elegant 900 West. Bring in your theatre ticket stub to Alice in Wonderland or wear your favourite tea party hat for 10% value-added savings. Don't be late for a very important Mad Hatter's Tea date that's offered daily from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm from now until April 30, 2010.

Local top chef Dino Renaerts makes move to replace chef Wayne Martin at the helm of Fraîche Restaurant and Crave Beachside.

On March 1st, the farm shop at Carmelis Goat Cheese will reopen for the season. Located near Okanagan Lake, some 12 Km south of downtown Kelowna next to high quality wineries such as Cedar Creek Estates Winery, St. Hubertus winery, Summer Hill Estate winery, and at the entrance to the Okanagan Mountain Park. Website 

Topo's Italian Restaurant has closed, according to a hand-written sign on the door, dated February 12th 2010. The note on the door expressed the owner's regret at having to close, and gratitude to all their loyal customers. 

SCHOKOLADE'S CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP

14th FEB, 2010 VALENTINES THEME  6pm - 9pm

Spending wonderful time together and  creating the most beautiful chocolate hearts. Dipping truffles and decorating strawberries with chocolate.  Enjoy this intimated time with chocolate.  Pairing international wine with our artisan handcrafted chocolates with fresh ingredients.Light hors d'oevures will be served, all ladies will be presented with rose and special handcrafted raspberry heartshaped pralines.

You also bring home all finished chocolate goodies for a long lasting memory of Valentine's day!

$150 per 2 persons ($75/person), maximum seating 16 person, make your reservation early.

Address and Contact

2263 East Hastings, Vancouver B.C. V5L 1V3

RSVP to 604-253-9411 or  info@schokoladecafe.com

Lorenzo Caponetti oiive oil tasting by Slow Food at Bossa Foods Jan 30 at 2:30 pm. Non-members $10. rsvp@slowfoodvancouver.com 

A 2nd showing of Focaccia Blues has been added for Sat, Jan 30 at the Odeon Theatre, 5pm. VIFF

The Niagara Grocery is now stocking Slater's Meats, with fresh selections arriving daily as well as a variety available in the frozen section. 

Brentwood Bay Lodge extends a warm invitation to explore their spectacular property and pristine surroundings at a very special rate. Until February 11th stay in their of our luxurious OceanSuites for just $99...our best Friends & Family rate.  

During your stay, pry you away from your beautiful room with a crackling fireplace and a jacuzzi tub to visit their SeaGrille fine-dining restaurant and The Spa - Essence of Life to make the most of your experience. 

www.brentwoodbaylodge.com

Bubby Rose's Bakery in the Cook St. village is now open for business on Mondays, from 9am - 4pm. 

Taking a page from the French who all seem to take their vacations at the same time, Victorian business owners take their much deserved breaks at the beginning of the new year.

Don't try to stock up or dine at the following until they re-open.

Ottavio's

Charelli's

Choux Choux

Plenty

Wild Fire

Brasserie L'Ecole

Cafe Mela

Vista 18 is closed for redecoration from January 3, 2010 at 3:00 pm until February 3, 2010 at 3:00 pm.

This exciting redecoration will include furniture, wall coverings, fabrics and colour scheme.  

Clive’s Classic Lounge located on the Lobby Level will remain open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner*

* no minors allowed after 11:30am

Every Sunday from January until April 2010 The Reef on the Drive will be holding rum nights: 17 weeks, 17 different rums. Complimentary tastings from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Feature cocktails all night. Visit www.thereefrestaurant.com for more details.

1018 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Cult favourite Roaring 40's blue cheese from on an island just north of Tasmania, Australia is creamy, superbly fruity, salty, nutty blue... and its back in stock at Slater's First Class Meats. (250) 592-0823.

‘Tis the season. Here are two winter drinks to help keep the spirits up. Complied by Jacob Galbraith

Adam Lepp, bartender at Canoe Brewpub suggests a Hot Mint Julip. “I chose this drink because it a summer favorite with a winter twist! Enjoy a taste of summer while we hibernate and dream of warmer weather.

Solomon Siegel, bartender at Solomon’s picked a H.I.S. (Hungary, Italy, Spain). Here’s his recipe. 

The H.I.S. is a great aperitif cocktail. It is dry and flavourful to get your palate going. I really like it for the holidays as it is lower in alcohol then a spirit base cocktail (around 14% compared to 30-40%). But it doesn't taste wimpy.

I use Tio Pepe sherry, nutty and dry. For Italian vermouth Cinzano if you want a little bit of sweetness, or (if you can find a bottle) Punt e Mas if you really like the bitter side.

As for Unicum, if you use Angostura bitters you have an Adonis cocktail, which is good too. But stop by Solomon's and ask me where to find Unicum.

30mL Fino Sherry

30mL Italian Vermouth

2 dashes Zwack Unicum

Stir with ice and strain into a small cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

From December 12 - 23 SIP Lounge & The Refinery will be asking each guest to bring in a non-perishable food item to support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Please include your business card for the nightly raffle of a Gift Certificate for SIP Lounge & The Refinery - available for use in food and/or beverage. Cash donations are also accepted.

A special sale of Morning Bay wines 

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Still Life Boutique at 551 Johnson St. in Victoria

Some awesome deals for your Christmas entertaining:

6 bottles 2007 Pinot Gris

6 bottles 2004 Cabernet Syrah

Total cost $120!

(retail value $168)

Ministry of Transport "cleans up" for the Olympics by removing farm signs. So much for culinary tourism? VancouverIslandLocalFood.com

Hillside and Douglas area 

385 Sq feet of warehouse space 

180square ft private office space 

Shared office space a possibility 

Shared access to VIHA approved packaging space 

Shared cooler 

Call Susan at 250 595-6729

BACIO is Mangia e Bevi's annual fundraiser in support of cancer awareness and research.  Proceeds from the menu are donated to BC Children's Hospital Oncological Research and Lions Gate Hospital Oncological Clinic.In its first two years the event raised a total of $27,300. 

The BACIO menu, featuring classic Italian cuisine, will be available throughout January 2010.

The Moss St. Market has closed for the season, but this Saturday, November 14th, in their usual location (corner of Moss and Fairfield), Apple Luscious Organic Apples and Terra Nova Organic Meats will be available from 10 am - 2 pm. 

Richmond, BC, Canada – Are you still seeking those elusive Opening and Closing ceremony tickets for the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games? Here's a tip: it is all about who you know in Richmond, British Columbia. Go to Tourism Richmond's latest website to find out how Richmond residents are teaming up friends old and new from all over the world to win two grand prize packages worth $12,500 CAD each. No friends in Richmond? No problem. Tourism Richmond has even created a Message Board where you can find Richmond residents ready to partner with you. Visit the site before November 24th, 2009 to buddy up with a Richmond friend or family.

For more information and a complete list of rules, terms and conditions for the "Share Richmond 2010 Olympic Winter Games Contest," please click here.

The Tibetan Kitchen has relocated from Market Square to a sit-down location at 680 Broughton St. Tibetan monks blessed the restaurant at the pre-opening event last week. The new Tibetan Kitchen opened for business November 5th. 

After nearly four years of incredible success at our Granville Island Retail location, [http://www.edible-britishcolumbia.com/] Edible British Columbia is opening a satellite store in downtown Vancouver’s historic Hudson Bay store.  On Saturday, November 7, 2009, EBC will open at HBC, with a mini retail space showcasing our top 100 products from across BC, plus some favourites from our brand new Edible Canada line.

Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks is pleased to launch our Tin Fish Food Bank Drive. Throughout the month of November, we will donate $5 from the sale of every copy of Tin Fish Gourmet ($13.95) by our very own Barbara-jo McIntosh. For every dollar donated, the Food Bank can triple its buying power. This means that the $5 donated from each book sale will buy $15 worth of food.

Tin Fish Gourmet makes a wonderful holiday gift so pick up copies for friends and in return, give to the Food Bank.

You are also welcome to drop off donations of non-perishable food items at Books to Cooks. The Food Bank is pleased to accept a variety of foods, but is in particular need for protein items such as fish, meat and peanut butter.

Have you been yet to the hot buzz new restaurant in downtown Victoria? If you have link here and leave your comments.

After being closed for most of September and October, Brasserie L'École is once again open for business. Historical restorations are still underway, so the scaffolding will remain up for another month or so. Please note that they will now operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. To read the management's reasons for this change in policy, please click here. 

The November early bird Producer’s Dinner menu will incorporate house-made breads and other foodstuffs (think pasta perhaps) made from the milled wheat flour along with others that use wheat berries acquired from a different supplier on Vancouver Island.

"The grain CSA is the first one in the Lower Mainland which is one of the reasons why I find it so exciting. It is a step closer to a local food system," says Bishop’s Executive Chef Andrea Carlson. "We’ve received about 200 kg of flour and I will be exploring different ways in which to use it."

The ‘Staff of Life’ three-course early bird menu is available every evening in November from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for a very reasonable $38.

If you wish to add the wine pairing, then that is an additional $20 for 3 oz. pours or $38 if you prefer larger 6 oz. pours.

Reservations are always a good idea and can be made online at www.bishopsonline.com or call 604-738-2025. 

3 courses $29

Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash Soup

Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Or 

Organic Mesclun Salad Greens

Crumbled Blue Cheese, Caramelized Walnuts, Cranberry Vanilla Vinaigrette

--

Roasted Local Chicken Breast

Chanterelle Pan Jus, Dijon Yam Puree

Or

Pan Seared Pacific Halibut

Apple Parsnip Puree, Citrus Vinaigrette

--

Honey Cider Poached Pear

Butterscotch Mascarpone

Or

Wild Berry Tea Cake

Chai & Vanilla Bean Frozen Yogurt

Lure Seafood Restaurant & Bar

http://www.lurevictoria.com/

250 360 5873

Free Parking

The Moss Street Market has extended its season again this year due to popularity and the amazing abundance of food that continues to pour in from our farmers. The market's last  day will be October 31st and organizers have some fun family events planned for Halloween. Morning music with the jazzy Boogaloo In Orbit. In the afternoon dance to the tunes of Flash In A Pan. Trick or treat with the vendors. Halloween crafts at the Kid's Tent and more apple varieties from Harry Burton: Northern Spy, Calville Blanc d'Hiver, King and more Bramleys. The abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, preserves, jams and jellies is outstanding at this time of the year.

WHO:  bakers & foodies unite!

WHAT:  to buy/sell delicious baked goods 

WHERE:  408 East Kent Avenue South, Back door #115

Vanco uver, BC  V5X 2X7.  Free parking.

WHEN:  Saturdays, Oct. 17, 24, Nov. 7, 14, 21, Dec. 5, 12.

11am - 3pm

WHY?  Support your local, talented & creative bakers, who love to bake for customers like you!

www.bakersmarket.com

Come and join us at the Baker's Market. If you have a"sweet-tooth"€, this is the place for you.  Inspired by traditional farmer's markets, this market is even better since it is indoors with lots of free parking too.  You'll find talented bakers selling cakes, cupcakes, cookies, muffins, scones, breads, pies, tarts.  Also many bakers will be happy to take orders for birthday cakes, wedding cakes and much, much more!

BAKERS:  if you are a baker of any kind, home baker, student baker,pastry chef, bakery owner, wedding cake decorator, cookie baker; this is the place to show-off and sell your baked treats. 

Give yourself a break and treat yourself to something sweet.

Remember DESSERTS is STRESSED spelled backwards!

So.Cial in Gastown Custom Butcher Shop and Deli Competes in the Gastown Blues & Chili Festival

Sunday, September 20th - 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm

200 Block of Abbott Street between Water and Cordova in Gastown

FREE Admission

Public 2 oz. chili tastings start at approximately 12:30pm

Cost $1 per 2oz sample/ $3 per 8 oz cup

$15.00 to sample 2 oz size of all 18 contestants

StarChefs.com announces that the 2009 International Chefs Congress (ICC) will take place between September 20th - 22nd at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City! Don't miss the most exciting professional culinary event in the US. ICC is a three-day culinary symposium where more than 60 of the world's most influential and innovative chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists, and sommeliers present the latest techniques and culinary concepts to their peers. Read More

The BC Wine Appreciation Society is filling up the bus for its fourth annual bus tour of the South Okanagan. Stops at great restaurants such as Nk’Mip Winery, lunch at Burrowing Owl Winery, and many more tasting opportunities in the Oliver/Osoyoos round out a fantastic trip. Call 250.498.2225 to make your reservations. Trip scheduled for September 12th and 13th. Only 24 seats available.

On Sept. 9, Hart House at Deer Lake offers a “California Experience” garden party that pairs world-class Californian wines with inspired west coast cuisine.  Guests can relax and enjoy live music as they dine al fresco, celebrating the bounty of our neighbours to the South. $45 per person, call 604-298-4278 to reserve.

Sept 12, 2009, La Frenz Winery. The Naramata Wineries drop their tailgates for the goodtimes wine event of the season. Meet the winemakers, taste the wines, and fuel the fun with live music and south western BBQ cuisine. Tickets are $79, call 1-800-663-1900 or buy online at www.naramatabench.com

The house wine girls are headed far south to Chile and Argentina. Both countries are gleefully associated with great values but this doesn’t apply to just the cheap and cheerful. They deliver at all price points! We will tantalize you with a wide range including the flagship wines of Carmenère and Malbec, as well as other varieties that are making an equally bold statement. Don’t miss this delicious tango for your taste buds. Sept. 16 at the Vintage Gallery at O’Doul’s. Click here for more info.

Examine the “see, smell, and sip” components in accessing the quality of wine. September 3rd at the Dunbar Centre from 7 to 9pm. $45 fee includes acid and tannin samples, a wine aroma sensory kits, and four wine samples. Register online at www.dunbarcentre.ca

A day of great music and wine at one of BC’s prettiest vineyards. September 5th marks the Winestock Music Festival’s fourth year at Morning Bay Vineyard on Pender Island. This year’s acts include The Odds, The Furies, Coco Love Alcorn, and many more. For the full line-up visit www.morningbay.ca. Tickets available online.

For a limited time.

This summer, Executive Chef Dave Roger is proud to present a new tantalizing Tapas menu. Pair this with our specially priced $20 bottles of wine from our exclusive feature sheet available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.marriottvictoria.com/firewater to view menus.

Cibo Regional Dinner - August 12
The most exciting monthly regional dinner yet! This evening will feature the cuisine of Sicily and will be hosted with the House Wine Girls. 5 course dinner for $48.

Jackson Triggs Rootstock: For one night only: On August 19, the Amphitheatre at Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery, Niagara on the Lake, will host ROOTSTOCK, wine country's first ever Canadian Songwriters' Circle. This intimate evening will feature five of Canada's top musical artists - Steven Page, Jim Cuddy, Tom Cochrane, Kathleen Edwards and John Mann (Spirit of the West), and will truly be a celebration of fine Canadian music and wine.

Mark Saturday, August 15, 11:00 a.m. on your calendar for our Can It! class. Chef Glenys Morgan discusses key points of canning and demonstrates recipes from Well Preserved by Mary Anne Dragan. Guests will leave with the confidence to can the summer and fall bounty at home. Cost: $65.00.

The Granville Room is proud to have Garrett Oliver (Brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery) here in Vancouver. Friday, August 14 6:00 – 9:00 PM Brewmaster’s Dinner at the Granville Room in Vancouver.

Okanagan Summer Wine Festival, Silver Star Mountain, Vernon, Aug. 6-8. A mile-high treat of wine tastings, arts, music, seminars, gourmet meals and outdoor activities (to help work it all off).This is a four course dinner with Brooklyn beer paired to each course. Garrett will talk about the food and beer during each course.

August 15 one-day camp 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. En Plein Air Art: 'en plein air' epitomized the techniques of Impressionist artists Monet, Renoir, Seurat and Cezanne. Looking at the artists of the period, participants will try their hand at Impressionistic painting styles out in the Garden. At the same time, they will experience fresh new flavours as they prepare and share a picnic lunch using local, seasonal ingredients.  This one-day program is for children ages 6 - 11 years of age. Children attend unaccompanied by an adult. Program fee covers admission to the Garden as well as food and art supplies. Cost: $45 per participant

Explore the secret life of bees at Sooke's Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery tour. Meet their bee colony (behind glass) and see the inner workings of their world. 1 hour tour begins at 11am Sunday, August 9. $10 per person. (Cost of tour is forgiven with equivalent purchase.)
Call 250.642.1956.

Leave the cooking to us, new summer inspired menu now being served…check out link www.paprika-bistro.com for full copy of new menu.

3 Course Dinner Table d’hôte Menu

• Soup or salad to start

• Choice of 3 entrees

• Chef’s choice dessert

$26 ~ available from 5pm to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday

Paprika Bistro

2524 Estevan Ave. | Victoria B.C. | V8R 2S7

ph: 250.592.7424 

The recycling of used shipping containers is taking off. In Victoria, an old container has been spruced up and outfitted as an OceanWise sanctioned take-out  fish and chips place on Victoria waterfront. I've seen a pod of used containers turned in to an eco house in Vancouver. 

Now, in Montreal, Müvbox offers a variety of dishes featuring lobster from Îles-de-la-Madeleine. To promote themselves they made a very cool video. Watch it here.

The Irish Heather's new Long Table Series: Set at the 40-foot communal table in the Salty Tongue space next door and starting promptly at 6:30 p.m., the dinner series ($12/per person) serves up a pint and a full plate of food fixed by the Irish Heather's new executive chef. Runs Monday through Wednesday every week during the summer. 210 Carrall St., Vancouver, 604-688-9779, www.irishheather.com, to reserve email sean@irishheather.com

The Moustache Café is pleased to announce it will offer a 25% discount on all bottles of wine all day Tuesdays.  This is a great opportunity for wine lovers to come out and explore the Café’s extensive cellar. Located in North Vancouver’s Lolo (Lower Lonsdale) District. Click here for more information.

Sustaining the local economy is even more important this summer and visitors and residents at Sun Peaks Resort will once again be supporting local farmers, ranchers and artisans. The award winning Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market is returning for a 4th season and will be set up in the heart of the Sun Peaks Village every Sunday from 10am to 2pm  all summer.

Following the example of Asia’s evening markets, Richmond will be offering its array of curried fish balls, Korean barbeque, Easter shish kabobs and more on summer nights. Saturdays 7pm to midnight and Sundays 7pm to 11pm, stroll the market stands for delicious nosh. A perfect way to spend a summer evening. Find your way to 12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond.

Italy - 18 Sep 09 - 21 Sep 09

Bra, Italy

This biennial event has become the leading international festival for quality cheese producers. At the seventh edition this year, the world’s most renowned artisan cheesemakers (presidium producers included), affineurs, sellers and shepherds will once again come together to present their cheese to an enthusiastic public.

An estimated total of 150,000 people wandered through the streets and piazzas at the last edition of cheese in 2007, looking, tasting, learning, chatting with cheesemakers or listening to one of the many concerts. Almost one-third of the visitors came from outside Italy, highlighting the international nature of the festival, which brings together cheeses from countries around the globe: from France to Australia, and from Cape Verde to Bosnia-Herzegovina. 

www.cheese.slowfood.com

Green Table’s Andre LaRiviere says the New City Market ‘food hub’ is a step closer to LEED certified reality. http://greentable.net

Chef Bradford Boisvert of Amuse Bistro in Shawnigan Lake will be preparing lunch at the Terralicious school July 6. terralicious.ca

Outstanding in the Field returns to British Columbia for feasts at the farm

July dinners planned at UBC Farm in Vancouver and North Arm Farm in Pemberton Valley near Whistler

Outstanding in the Field, a group of culinary vagabonds who stage white-tablecloth dinners in farm fields across North America, is coming once again to Vancouver's UBC Farm. The group also will visit the Whistler area for a dinner at North Arm Farm in Pemberton Valley. 

On Saturday, July 18, Outstanding in the Field sets its long table at North Arm Farm where farmer Jordan Sturdy, who also is Pemberton's Mayor, will be the host for the evening. Working out of an al fresco kitchen, Chef James Walt of Whistler's Araxi Restaurant will prepare the five-course feast. 

On Sunday, July 19, Outstanding returns to UBC Farm in Vancouver for its fourth dinner there. Andrea Carlson of Bishop's Restaurant is guest chef for the UBC dinner. "We love city farms, and UBC's fields have been the site of some of our fondest memories," said Outstanding founder Jim Denevan."We are very excited about our newest event in Pemberton Valley and look forward to creating new memories there."

2009 marks Outstanding in the Field's 10th year of shining the spotlight on the people who work hard to produce our good food.  "Even in the midst of economic difficulty, or perhaps because of it, people are more eager than ever to get out to the farm, see where their food comes from, and sit down at the table with the farmers and food artisans who cultivated it," said Denevan. 

Outstanding in the Field dinners begin with a tour of the host farm. Then guests sit down at Denevan's signature table -- a long, linen-draped expanse set between the soil and the sky. During dinner, the host farmer and other local food producers who provided ingredients for the meal share the table with the guests and talk about where the food on the plate came from and what it takes to get it there.  

Back in the '90s, Jim Denevan held "Farmers Nights" at Gabriela Cafe in Santa Cruz, Calif, where he was executive chef. One night he thought: instead of bringing farmers into the restaurant, why not take people out to the farm? The first Outstanding in the Field farm dinner was in 1999, and Denevan took the concept on the road in 2003.  

Denevan views Outstanding dinners as art installations, taking great care in laying out the long table to complement each individual site. Not surprising, because Jim also is an artist of a different sort -- check out his large-scale drawings in the sand here. Both the dinners and Jim's beach art are transitory -- the lines in the sand disappear as the tide rises and the waves sweep them away; the dinner at the farm becomes a wonderful sensory memory that makes a lingering imprint on the diner's mind.

Cost for the July 18 and 19 Outstanding in the Field dinners are $200 CAD, which includes wine paired to each course throughout the meal. Start time for both dinners is 4pm.

For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.outstandinginthefield.com . 

To see photos from the 2009 Tofino Food 7 Wine Festival Click Here

For story and photos click here.

Advance Tickets for the 5th Annual  Organic Islands Festival & Sustainability Expo are now available. The festival takes place July 4 & 5 at Glendale Gardens, Victoria, BC

For more information on where to buy tickets and for a complete exhibitor's list go to the Organic Islands website.

This week at the pocket markets, we have Island: lettuce, kale, chard, chives, collards, green onions, parsley, braising greens, salad mix, fresh garlic, mint, tomatoes, rhubarb, spinach and eggs. We also have banana fingerling potatoes from Across the Creek in the Pemberton Valley; cucumbers from Delta; mushrooms from Kelowna; and apples (ten varieties this week) from Cawston. 

FERNWOOD COMMUNITY MARKET: TUESDAY 4:30-8 in Fernwood Square

CENTENNIAL SQUARE : (Pandora side): TUESDAY and THURSDAY 12-5

DOCKSIDE GREEN: WEDNESDAY 12-5 and SATURDAY 9-1 beside Fol Epi Bakery, 398 Harbour Rd

4649 WEST SAANICH ROAD: WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY 12-5 beside Georgies and Urban Oasis Garden Centre

GORDON HEAD: THURSDAY 3-6 at St. Dunstan’s Anglican Church, 1806San Juan

ESTEVAN VILLAGE: THURSDAY 3-6 at the corner of Estevan and Musgrave

HUMBOLDT VALLEY: FRIDAY 1:30-5 on the plaza by Café Mela, 784 Humboldt

QUADRA VILLAGE: SATURDAY 10:30-2 on Kings Road near Café Fantastico

If you don’t have a chance to visit the markets during the week, check us out at the warehouse market. Starting Saturday, June 6, we’ll be running a market at the warehouse (#3, 625 Hillside Ave – between Government and Rock Bay) from 10-2.

The wait is over; Spot Prawn season is upon us in Vancouver. To celebrate, Le Gavroche has put together a 3-course, $45 Spot Prawn tasting menu.  Enjoy our local, sustainable, and delicious Spot Prawns a multitude of ways, like Ceviche or Sautéed in Piri-Piri Spice.  For an additional $25, treat yourself to wines masterfully paired with your meal by the pros at Le Gavroche.

Okanagan winery Blasted Church releases white wine in time for wedding season. 2008 Mixed Blessing – Blasted Church. Read the notes. www.blastedchurch.com

Artisan Wine Co is pleased to announce the launch of White Bear Wines, at the EPIC sustainable living expo this week. New aromatic BC wine, White Bear is 100% Okanagan grown and crafted. In partnership with several environmental
organizations, the winery has committed to raise awareness and funds for the long term preservation of the Great Bear Rainforest on BC's Central Coast and for the conservation of the Spirit Bear's habitat...Click here to read full report.

Just in time for Mother's Day, The Sutton Place Hotels in Vancouver and Toronto will be launching a menu created specially for baby. "All of our hotels welcome children of all ages, however until now, baby food was not on our restaurant menus," says Wolfgang Dauke, Food and Beverage Manager of The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver. The new baby menu will be available in both Fleuri Restaurant in Vancouver, and Accents Restaurant & Bar in Toronto beginning Sunday, May 10th, coinciding with the ever-popular Mother's Day Brunch. Only the finest quality ingredients will be used to prepare baby's meal.

Whole Foods opens a new Cambie location: The shelves are stocked, the menus are set, the fresh seafood chilled and the espresso is brewing. On April 29, Whole Foods Market is opening the doors to its newest and largest location in B.C. With more than 50,000 square feet of fresh local choices and prepared foods favourites, the new Cambie store offers extended product lines, improved environmental features and an expert team of specialists dedicated to creating a heightened shopping experience for customers on every visit.

A MATTER of TASTE GROUP TOUR at the UBC MUSEUM of ANTHROPOLOGY
Explore the links between food and the MOA’s exceptional collection of 15th to 19th century ceramics in the Koerner European Ceramics Gallery. A tour of the gallery and a sampling of old-world foods is included. $12 per person also gets you into all Museum galleries. Call 604.822.3825 to book your group.

ORGANIC ISLANDS FESTIVAL: Anyone interested in participating in this year’s Organic Islands Festival should volunteer between April 1st and June 30th by contacting Jen Cizman at 250.658.8148. This festival, which runs July 4th and 5th, promotes a ‘Vancouver Island Diet’ and gives locals a chance to meet their producers as well as make new connections with up and coming green business leaders, eco-pioneers, and environmental activists. Learn more on www.organicislands.ca

Nanaimo sheep producer Penny Stapleton needs to leave the country to go and help her ill mother. Penny has 80 plus sheep (including lambs) that need an EXPERIENCED live-in farm sitter as soon as possible.Penny can be 

contact: 250-754-9966, email hollyhillfarm@shaw.ca

• Brasserie L’Ecole - Best Victoria

• Sooke Harbour House - Best Vancouver Island

• The Pointe at the Wickaninnish Inn  - Best Resort Dining

• Shawnigan's Amusé Bistro awarded Silver for Best Van Isle restaurant 

"Amusé Bistro", Vancouver Magazine writes, "delivers proof positive that a short menu celebrating local ingredients means a talented couple can create a better restaurant than many a resort with more resources."

www.amusebistro.com

TERRALICIOUS GARDENING and COOKING SCHOOL: Early Spring session start Mar. 30 and go ‘til May 9. Learn how to plant a garden in your own backyard, tend a market garden, preserve your harvest, and cook an elegant meal with Tina Fraser-Baynes and Dayle Cosway at beautiful Haliburton Farm just outside Victoria. Visit terralicious.ca for details.