Event Archives | Foodgressing

Uncorked 2019 at Science World [Recap]

November 27, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

For one night only, internationally acclaimed winemakers, viticulturists and chefs from Iconic Wineries of British Columbia showcased the science, craftsmanship and terroir that make Okanagan wines so extraordinary.

“Uncorked: A Celebration of the Science of Wine” at Science World transported guests into the world of fine winemaking with fun, hands-on activities, and interactive seminars as we “uncork” the science behind the incredible wines we all enjoy.

Attendees had the opportunity to interact with winemakers and viticulturists; learn about the science of winemaking via seminars, interviews and Q&A sessions; and — best of all — taste exceptional wines from the most exciting wineries in the Okanagan Valley, including Mission Hill Family Estate, CedarCreek Estate Winery, CheckMate Artisanal Winery, Martin’s Lane Winery and Road 13 Vineyards.

Guests enjoyed culinary delights by Chef Patrick Gayler from Mission Hill’s Terrace Restaurant, named by Travel + Leisure magazine as ‘One of the Top 5 Winery Restaurants in the World’ and CedarCreek’s new Home Block Restaurant, nominated by enRoute magazine as one of ‘Canada’s Best New Restaurants’ in 2019.

Proceeds supported Science World’s On th e Road program, which last year brought live science performances to 41,500 students throughout BC who otherwise might not have had a chance to visit TELUS World of Science.

Below are more of my photos from the evening.

River Rock Casino Elemental Trends Winter Holiday Market on Nov 24

November 16, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

For one day only on November 24, River Rock Casino is hosting Elemental Trends Winter Holiday Market – an upscale Christmas market event featuring fine artisan, brands, creatives and makers from the local community.

River Rock Casino Elemental Trends Winter Holiday Market on Nov 24

There will gourmet treats, baked goods, jewelry, handmade clothing, and all sorts of interesting items for sale from 60 local talents and trendsetters.

FREE entry with non perishable food items in support of the Vancouver Food Bank.

The organizers, Joyce and Carol, are two female Chinese Canadians with immigrant parents who came to Canada over 40 years ago. Joyce and Carol are grateful their small family businesses were supported by the local community when they grew up. In return, they understand the importance to help local small businesses in order to fuel our local economy.

Event Details

Location: River Rock Show Theater (8811 River Road, Richmond BC)
Date/Time: November 24, Sunday from 10am until 5pm.

First 25 attendees will receive a swag bag valued at over $100!!

For more information, visit riverrock.com/promotion/elemental-trends-winter-holiday-market/

Related post:

Christmas Brunch, Lunch and Dinner in Metro Vancouver 2019

Whistler Cornucopia 2019: Araxi Big Guns Dinner – Pair Excellence Recap

November 12, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar pulled out all the stops to showcase the exciting wine treasures paired with exquisite food pleasures at the Big Guns Dinner – Pair Excellence during Cornucopia 2019.

Whistler Cornucopia 2019: Araxi Big Guns Dinner - Pair Excellence Recap

Wine Director Jason Kawaguchi handpicked some of the most sought-after wines for Executive Chef James Walt to craft an outstanding farm-to-table menu.

I had the pleasure of attending this delicious evening of food and wine from Araxi Restaurant. Here’s are some highlights.

Reception

Krug Grande Cuvee Champagne 166 eme Edition

Gnocchi Fritto
beef tartare, fresh herbs and cured egg yolk

Sunchoke Cups
crispy sunchoke, porcini mushrooms

Pacific Kiss Oysters + Caviar
Northern Divine caviar, crème fraiche and seaweed

Dinner

1st Course: Red Tuna Carpaccio
local crab tempura, yuzu gel, avocado and compressed apple
Gamier & Fils ‘Les Clos’ Grand Cru Chablis, France 2017

2nd Course: Wild Scallop Veloute
BC spot prawns, baby fall vegetables, ice plant
Checkmate Attack Chardonnay, Okanagan, BC 2015

3rd Course: White + Black Truffles
Pemberton celery root tortelloni, shaved truffles, 30-month Parmiggiano-Reggiano
La Spinetta Starderi Barbaresco, Italy 2013 Prunotto Bric Turot Barbaresco, Italy 2008

4th Course: Pepper Crusted Venison Loin
Okanagan plums, cronses, parsley root and gorgonzola crumb
Tomassi Ca’ Florian Arnorone della Valpolicella Riserva, Italy 2010

5th Course: Slow Cooked Waygu Beef Cheeks
celebration of Rootdown Farm carrots and pinenut gremolata
Mt Brave, Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015

Dessert: Araxi “BFC”
Aaron’s signature ‘Harmony Ridge Chocolate’ Black Forest Cake + Petit Fours
Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Porto 1969

Thank you to Araxi Restaurant for an unforgettable evening!

Lumière Vancouver 2019: 25 Interactive Art Installations

October 18, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The annual, family-friendly Lumière Vancouver event returns to Vancouver’s Downtown and West End neighbourhoods Nov 1 – 3 from 5 pm – 10 pm.

Lumière Vancouver 2019: Nov 1 - 3 — Credit: Lumière Vancouver

Inspired by light and artistic expression, Lumière Vancouver includes more than 25 interactive art installations that add dazzle and wonder to four beloved sites:

English Bay
Jim Deva Plaza
Lot 19
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly known as the North Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery).

Each site’s interactive art installations honour a different theme:

• Nature (English Bay)
• Pride (Jim Deva Plaza)
• Local (Lot 19)
• Interactive (šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square)

Free Vancouver Trolley shuttles will be available to transport viewers between each site.

Public Disco will be hosting a free outdoor dance party each night of Lumière Vancouver at Jim Deva Plaza in the Davie Village.

Dance and light-inspired performances will further mesmerize audiences at all four sites.

Lumière Vancouver 2019 runs November 1 – 3, from 5 pm – 10 pm nightly.

(Select installations will remain up for the remainder of the fall season for spectators to enjoy nightly.) For more information, visit lumiereyvr.com

Uncorked 2019: A Celebration of the Science of Wine on Nov 14

October 18, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Iconic Wineries of British Columbia in partnership with Science World at TELUS World of Science proudly presents Uncorked: A Celebration of the Science of Wine, a new wine-themed event unlike any other.

Uncorked 2019: A Celebration of the Science of Wine on Nov 14

On Thursday, November 14^th, for one night only, internationally acclaimed winemakers, viticulturists and chefs from Iconic Wineries of British Columbia will showcase the science, craftsmanship and terroir that make Okanagan wines so extraordinary.

‘Uncorked: A Celebration of the Science of Wine’ will transport guests into the world of fine winemaking with fun, hands-on activities, and interactive seminars as we “uncork” the science behind the incredible wines we all enjoy.

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with winemakers and viticulturists; learn about the science of winemaking via seminars, interviews and Q&A sessions; and — best of all — taste exceptional wines from the most exciting wineries in the Okanagan Valley, including:

Mission Hill Family Estate — Winemaker Ben Bryant showcases wines from the 2019 ‘Canadian Winery of the Year.’
CedarCreek Estate Winery — Winemaker Taylor Whelan builds upon three decades of winemaking history in the Okanagan with his estate-grown, organically farmed wines.
CheckMate Artisanal Winery — Winemaker Philip McGahan harnesses the effects of climate change to produce Canada’s first-ever perfect 100-point score for a table wine.
Martin’s Lane Winery — Winemaker Shane Munn uses gravity alone to produce exceptional wines that have captured the ‘World’s Best Pinot Noir’ trophy in London.
Road 13 Vineyards — General Manager Joe Luckhurst pours award-winning wines from the winner of the 2018 ‘Canadian Winery of the Year’ Award.

Guests will have an opportunity to sample fine wines from each winery paired with culinary delights by Chef Patrick Gayler from Mission Hill’s Terrace Restaurant, named by Travel + Leisure magazine as ‘One of the Top 5 Winery Restaurants in the World.’

Chef Neil Taylor will present culinary offerings from CedarCreek’s new Home Block Restaurant, nominated by enRoute magazine as one of ‘Canada’s Best New Restaurants’ in 2019.

Seminars taking place throughout the evening include:

Synthesis: The Science of Blending Wine
Blending helps to create distinctive wines with complex texture and flavours that reflect specific varietals and vineyards and, of course, are a pleasure to drink. Learn about the decisions that are made during blending and try it out yourself!
Evolution: The Science of Aging Wine
Wine changes continuously as it moves from grape to bottle and even within the bottle. We will learn about the various techniques and vessels used to age wine and how with the passage of time, each result in different aromas and flavours that characterize a fine wine.
Innovation: Technology and the Modern Organic Vineyard
Learn how precision organic farming and the use of state-of-the-art technology, such as drones in the vineyards, enables winemakers to produce wines of exceptional quality.
Terroir: The Science of Soil
Ancient volcanic and glacial soils, combined with the unique climate of the Okanagan Valley, make this one of the last great undiscovered wine regions in the world. See and taste how the multitude of soil types found throughout the valley impact the vines, resulting in incredible wines with distinct character.

Additional attractions include a sparkling wine lounge, silent auction, blind tastings, and more hands-on activities developed by the Science World team.

Tickets are available now for $89 from scienceworld.ca/uncorked. Proceeds will support Science World’s On th e Road program, which last year brought live science performances to 41,500 students throughout BC who otherwise might not have had a chance to visit TELUS World of Science.

Uncorked 2019: A Celebration of the Science of Wine

Thursday, November 14
7–10 pm
Science World at TELUS World of Science
1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Tickets $89 from scienceworld.ca/uncorked

Beanstock Coffee Festival 2019: Third-Wave Coffee

October 13, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The third annual Beanstock Coffee Festival invites coffee lovers from Vancouver and beyond to convene on Granville Island and connect with local micro-roasters, sample some of the best craft java in Western Canada, and learn about the importance of socially responsible brew.

Beanstock Coffee Festival 2019 takes place at Performance Works on Granville Island (1218 Cartwright St) on November 2 & 3 between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm.

This year’s event will feature 30 independent micro-roasters, including Agro Coffee Roasters, Luna Coffee, Prototype Coffee, Pallet Coffee Roasters, and Rooftop Coffee Roasters.

Early bird tickets start at $25 each, and include two tokens that can be exchanged for 100-gram samples of roasted coffee.

VIP Weekend Passes cost $75 and include unlimited priority entry access to both days of the festival; a Beanstock tote bag containing premium samples; and a festival branded ceramic cup for tastings and to take home.

Coffee is the world’s favourite beverage with more than 2.2 billion cups consumed around the world each day – but not every cup is created the same.

In recent years, third wave coffee – a movement towards high-quality, transparent and fair trade alternatives – has skyrocketed with speciality growers, traders and roasters uniting to improve each stage of production, from farming and processing techniques, to distributing the final product.

Beanstock Coffee Festival was created by a team of industry professionals committed to expanding public awareness of third wave coffee and local micro-roasters, while also advocating for a more sustainable future for coffee.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Taste of Yaletown 2019: List of Participating Restaurants

October 3, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The 15^thannual Taste of Yaletown (TOY) makes its return Oct 17 – 27. Restaurants will offer diners the choice of special menus at set prices of $35, $45, and $55, or dining casually with Happy Hour deals.

Taste of Yaletown 2019: List of Participating Restaurants

#MyHappyHour Theme

This year’s Taste of Yaletown is embracing Vancouver’s Happy Hour culture with their #MyHappyHour theme. Participating restaurants will offer Happy Hour menus for Taste of Yaletown, giving diners the chance to experience small dishes and select drinks from their menu.

With #MyHappyHour, diners now have the choice between having a 3-course menu or grabbing a few bites and drinks after work. New this year, #MyHappyHour FREE public Wi-Fi will take you directly to the best Happy Hour spots in Yaletown.

Returning Favourites

Among returning restaurants to this year’s festival are local favourites, Brix and Mortar, House Special, The Keg Steakhouse and Bar and The Greek By Anatoli.

Special Menus and Pairings

Yaletown restaurants will offer special menus and pairings for a limited time, making Taste of Yaletown the perfect time to celebrate and savour Vancouver’s best dining district, revel in the longstanding restaurants and pre-book reservations for holiday parties.

Greater Vancouver Food Bank

For the 15^thyear in a row, Yaletown will be making a donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Taste of Yaletown has raised over $115,000 in efforts to support the local community since the event began in 2004.

Taste of Yaletown 2019 List of participating restaurants:

Banter Room
Bistro Sakana
Brix and Mortar
Cactus Club Cafe
Flying Pig
House Special
Little Saigon
Provence Marinaside
Robba da Matti
Rodney’s Oyster House
The Greek by Anatoli
The Yaletown Keg Steakhouse and Bar
West Oak Restaurant
Wildtale
Yaletown Brewing Co
Yaletown Distilling Co

Please visit https://yaletowninfo.com/taste-of-yaletown/ for menu details from each restaurant and join the conversation online using the official Taste of Yaletown hashtag: #TasteOfYaletown.

Festival of the Grape and Oliver Cask & Keg 2019 in Oliver, BC

October 2, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

For the 23rd year, Oliver will see the Festival of the Grape host thousands of visitors this weekend on October 5 and 6.

Festival of the Grape and Oliver Cask & Keg 2019 in Oliver, BC — Credit: Leila Kwok

This fall festival weekend is the culmination of a summer that annually brings visitors to Canada’s Wine Capital from around the world, to experience world-class wineries, stellar food and drink, and the best hospitality around.

This year Cask & Keg takes place on October 5, at 6 pm at the Oliver Community Park. A night of celebrating local breweries, distilleries and cideries, Cask & Keg is an outdoor evening event focused on celebrating the creations from local and regional breweries, distilleries and cideries.

This fun, relaxed evening will be filled with live entertainment provided by Knacker’s Yard, tasty morsels created by a variety of food trucks and locally made artisan wares on display by select vendors.

The very next day, Bacchus comes to visit at noon, with the kick off to the 23rd annual Festival of the Grape, also at Oliver Community Park. Live music will be provided by the raucous rock group Jack and Jill, hailing from Penticton and Summerland, who come to rock with sets lists that include a wide variety of rock and roll music from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. The dance floor will be cutting loose to covers ranging from ZZ Top and No Doubt to Green Day and Queen.

The Festival of the Grape allows the public to sample the best wineries in the region in one place, while enjoying the live entertainment, food trucks and highly competitive Grape Stomp, where costumed teams compete in five minute heats to be crowned the champion grape stompers of Oliver.

New this year is the VIP area which will feature seminars and tastings. A limited number of tickets are available for the VIP access.

The Festival of the Grape is proud to be the home of the Annual Fall Art Sale by the Oliver Arts Council, and will also feature a merchant market, where curated vendors will have their best items available for sale.

Tickets to the event are available online at showpass.com by searching Festival of the Grape 2019 and Oliver Cask & Keg and at the Oliver Visitor Centre, 6431 Station St., Oliver, B.C.

EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival: November 4 – 9, 2019

September 20, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The 18th annual EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival is making its return November 4 – 9, 2019.

Attendees will be able to enjoy signature events such as EAT! Harvest, the EAT! Dinner Series, EAT! Pastry Day and the popular EAT! Expert Classes. Net proceeds from ticket sales will benefit BC Breast Cancer Foundation.

EAT! Harvest

At EAT! Harvest, on Friday, Nov 8^th, 2019 at 7 pm PST at The Vancouver Club, guests can expect to dine on food from award-winning guest chefs such as Cathy Whims (Nostrana), Christine Sandford (Biera Restaurant), Jonathan Gushue (Fogo Island Inn), Craig Harding (La Palma) and Carl Heinrich (Richmond Station) along with local culinary stars Pino Posteraro (Cioppino’s), Brian Luptak (The Acorn), Robert Belcham (Campagnolo) and Ian McHale (Wildebeest). The West Coast’s most celebrated chefs are joined by the East Coast elite to create a unparalleled menu highlighting an array of cultures and flavours.

EAT! Pastry

EAT! Pastry Day starts on Saturday Nov 9^th, 2019 at noon PST at the Vancouver Club. Guests can enjoy an exclusive demonstration of three recipes from Vancouver’s premier pastry chef Thomas Haas. Attendees can also attend the Expert Tasting Panel with signature dessert samples from Chef Haas, Christophe Bonzon, Greg Hook & Adam Chandler. The day will conclude with the Grand Tasting Event featuring the elite of the dessert scene.

EAT! Dinner

The EAT! Dinner series will be Wednesday Nov 6^thand Thursday Nov 7^th,, 2019 at restaurants including The Acorn, The Vancouver Club, Wildebeest, Cioppinos and Campagnolo. Each restaurant will host an award-winning chef from Eastern Canada and the Pacific Northwest for elevated culinary experiences.

EAT! Expert

EAT! Expert Classes will start on Monday Nov 4^th, 2019 with Educational Pizza Making at Nicli Antica Pizzeria, the Basics of Charcuterie at Campagnolo featuring guest chef Dave Mottershall and Grilling Peruvian Street Food with Shelome Bouvette at Chicha.

For tickets to each of the signature events, please go online at EAT! Vancouver.

Follow EAT! Vancouver online at Eat-Vancouver online, Eat.Vancouver on Facebook, Eat_Vancouver on Twitter and EatVancouver on Instagram. Join the conversation at #EatVancouver

Related post:

EAT! Vancouver: EAT! Pastry 2018 Event Recap

Araxi Longtable Dinner 2019 Recap

August 20, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

This past weekend, the ninth annual Araxi Longtable Dinner Series took place in Pemberton, BC. The event is known for being British Columbia’s most compelling and ambitious al fresco dining experiences and this year’s dinner took place at the base of Mount Currie on North Arm Farm.

Araxi Long Table Dinner 2019 at North Arm Farm Pemberton BC

Executive Chef James Walt and Chef Jorge Muñoz-Santos crafted an exclusive four-course menu showcasing superlative regional dishes with renowned Restaurant Director Neil Henderson orchestrating all aspects of service for the event.

The Reception

Guests first enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail reception with live music, passed canapes and beverages.

The canapes included Gazpacho with Herb Oil; Goat Cheese + Beet Caponata; Smoked Yarrow Meadows Farm Duck with BC Corn; and Grilled Octopus with Romesco.

The selection of beverages offered were Steller’s Jay Sparkling Brut 2015; Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2016; North Arm Sour (Gin, Cassis, North Arm Farm Blueberry, Lemon + Apple Juice; and Garden Party Punch (Sherringham Distillery Seaside Gin; Lemon Sherbet, Carrot + Ginger, Soda).

The Dinner

Bar Oso presented Housemade Fresh and Cured Charcuterie. This included Yarrow Meadows Farm Duck Liver Parfait; Smoked Ham Hock and North Arm Farm Vegetable Terrine; Fraser Valley Pheasant and Okanagan Apricot Terrine; The Finest Prosciutto, Bresoola and Chorizo Cured Meats; Il Caminetto Baked Breads, Crostini and North Arm Farm Vegetable Pickles. Paired with LaStella LaStellina Rosato 2018.

Il Caminetto presented GoodField Farms Heirloom Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella “Caprese” Housemade Fresh Pasta, North Arm Farm Leaves and Herbs. These included Jesse’s Tomatoes with Basil Emulsion and Balsamic Pearls, and Fresh Casarecce Pasta with Smoked Goat’s Cheese Fonduto. Paired with CedarCreek Platinum Block 4 Pinot Noir 2014.

Araxi prepared the Duo of RR Ranch Beef Charcoal Grilled Beef Striploin and Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks with North Arm Farm Young Root Vegetables and Tender Shoots. Paired with Burrowing Owl Athene 2016.

For dessert, we enjoyed a Golden Eagle Blueberry + Lemon Chiffon Gateau and Araxi Signature “Harmony Ridge” Chocolate Ice Cream Bars. These featured Aquilini Family blueberries with layered lemon mousse cake and Chef Aaron’s custom blended chocolate ice cream two ways. Paired with Fort Berens Late Harvest Riesling 2017.

Congratulations to all the culinary teams from Bar Oso, Il Caminetto, and Araxi for putting on an unforgettable evening. The Araxi Longtable Dinner will be returning in 2020. For more information, visit araxi.com/longtable/.