Event Archives | Foodgressing

Vancouver Craft Beer Week Festival 2019: Festival Highlights

May 21, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The Vancouver Craft Beer Week (VCBW) festival returns to the PNE Fairgrounds on June 8 and 9, 2019, for a full weekend of live music, food, art, craft beer and cider, games and good times.

The VCBW festival caps off a 10-day citywide celebration of craft beer culture and community running May 31 through June 9.

For a complete list of VCBW citywide events including VCBW’s 10th Anniversary Kickoff Party on May 31, visit VancouverCraftBeerWeek.com.

Vancouver Craft Beer Festival 2019 Highlights

100 + breweries and cideries pouring more than 300 beers and ciders.
Festivalgoers can create a list of must-try breweries and favourite standout beers in advance through the VCBW website.
An incredible lineup of food trucks and food purveyors including local favourites DownLow Chicken Shack and Big Day BBQ
BC Ale Trail-er pouring 10 craft breweries from the furthest reaches of B.C.’s Ale Trail.
BC Farm Crafted Cider Association’s cider row featuring a variety of cideries from across the province.
United States Brewers Association has chosen the VCBW as their exclusive Canadian festival partner four years in a row. They are crossing the border to present 20+ breweries and 40+ beers, many of which have never been poured in Canada.
Live interactive painting with the Vancouver Mural Festival.
Go RV’ing presents a camp style lounge outfitted with one of their popular retro trailers.
VIP Section catered and presented by Whole Foods Market.
The BC Lions will have two players onsite hosting a football toss on the Saturday, and two members from the Felions Dance Team on Sunday.
No stress transportation to the festival with dedicated Evo valet parking (attendees must plan an alternative safe ride home).
Live music lineup includes BB, Campfire Shitkickers, Dead Soft, Eleven Twelves, Foxy Moron, Rain City, the Spillionaires, the Tanglers, Woodhead, Mark Woodyard & Friends, Vinyl Ritchie, Young Friend, plus the Carnival Band, Hip Hop Tricycle, DJ Sheldon Knight and DJ Hebegebe.

Vancouver Craft Beer Festival 2019 Details

Date/Time: Saturday, June 8 from 2 – 7 pm; Sunday, June 9 from 12 – 5 pm
Location: PNE Fairgrounds, Vancouver
Tickets: Single day, weekend passes and VIP tickets available now starting at $39
Website: vancouvercraftbeerweek.com/events

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver 80th Anniversary Celebrations on May 24, 2019

May 21, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

To celebrate its 80^th anniversary, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver invites the public to drop in on May 24 and enjoy lunch for $19.39, live music, Happy Hour party – and of course, cake!

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver 80th Anniversary Celebrations on May 24, 2019

On May 25, 1939 the third Hotel Vancouver swung open its doors and four days later welcomed King George VI and Queen Elizabeth who officially opened the property and were guests at a luncheon held in their honour. Eighty years later, the hotel has become a city landmark and, although the menu has changed, is still playing host to royals and celebrities.

Debut of 80^th Anniversary Photo Exhibition
The hotel’s anniversary exhibition, inspired by its storied past and captured through the contemporary lens of Dennis Grocer of The Collective You, is unveiled in the lobby and on display throughout the year.

9:00 am to 11:00 am – Hail Caesar
With a purchase of any breakfast item in Notch8, guests will receive one complimentary cocktail from the Caesar bar.

8:00 am – Power Breakfast Bars
Bars will be distributed to the first 1,000 guests. Available at the hotel entrances on Burrard and Georgia, the bars are made from executive chef Colin Burslem’s personal recipe and chock full of goodness with dried local cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and oatmeal.

9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Cake for a Crowd
Watch Pastry Chef Eric Fernandez and his team create a five foot (80% chocolate in keeping with the anniversary theme!) cake in the shape of the hotel for the afternoon celebration.

11:30 – 2:00 pm – $19.39 Lunch Special in Notch8
Diners can indulge on a deal with a set menu lunch inspired by archival menus. Served on a silver tray, it includes a Waldorf Salad with walnuts, apple, grapes and celery served in a lettuce cup, a pot of New England Clam Chowder with oyster crackers (an ode to Griffin’s restaurant), rotisserie Chicken Vol Au Vent with peas, carrots, sweet corn and mushrooms, and Chocolate profiterole and Vanilla Chilboust for dessert. Taxes and gratuities are not included. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at hvc.concierge@fairmont.com or 604-662-1900.

3:30 pm – Cake and bubbles
Join General Manager Adam Laker for the cake cutting and a celebratory toast in the lobby. Limited to the first 500 guests.

4:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Lobby Party
Live music and dancing to Trilojay in Notch8 and the Lobby Court. Buffet available for $49 per person (includes taxes and gratuities) with a Seafood Bar of oysters, crab cocktail, jumbo prawns, torched ahi tuna, Carvery with prime rib, Yorkshire pudding and jus, Soup Station with French onion soup with raclette, London gin tomato soup with inside out grilled cheese, and lobster bisque with lobster rolls, and Dessert Bar with homemade gelato, orangettes, chocolate bark, truffles and babas au rhum.

North Vancouver Shipyards Friday Night Market 2019: May 3 – Sept 27, 2019

May 19, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Friday Night Market is now on every Friday night all summer long from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. until September 27, 2019. This free weekly event has no line-up to gain entry, offers a casual and welcoming vibe to everyone (including dogs), features live bands, alfresco dining and dancing, alongside stunning views of the Vancouver skyline.

shipyards night market 2018 north vancouver

Close to Downtown Vancouver and easy to get to via the Seabus, the Shipyards Friday Night Market features 150+ food and artisan vendors, a 19+ beer garden, and musical talent from across BC on the Shipbuilders’ Stage.

NIGHT MARKET FEATURES

Food Trucks

There are typically 30+ local food trucks and food vendors at the Shipyards Night Market. New to this year are unique food trucks like the vegan double-decker Buddha-Bus from the owners of Buddha-Full, the Chowdery and Truckin BBQ. Some returning favorites include Reel Mac & Cheese, Rolling Cashew, Tacofino, Mama’s Fish & Chips, Taters and Urban Wood Fired Pizza. For desserts, visit the Pocket Pies, Dolce Amore gelato, Chouchou Crepes, Kettle Corn, Slavic Rolls and more.

The Shipyards Friday Night Market recognizes its potential environmental footprint and is dedicated to using compostable cutlery and straws and to sorting and minimizing all waste.

Beer Garden (must be 19+ to enter)

Selections include local craft beer from a variety of local breweries including Bomber Brewing, vodka and gin sodas from Nude, red and white wine, and cider.

With a 350-person capacity, there are plenty of seats with a great view of the stage and each evenings’ headlining band.

Shopping & Entertainment

The Shipyards Friday Night Market believes in a local lifestyle and in showcasing BC’s artistic and culinary artisans. The artisan marketplace, which is both inside The Pipe Shop and outdoors, features products such as jewelry, clothing, kids wear, baked goods, distilleries, cideries, preserves, soaps, plants, chocolate and more.

When: Every Friday from May 3 to September 27, 2019
Where: Shipbuilders’ Square – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Time: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: FREE and no lineup to enter
Getting There: Catch the Seabus from Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver – the Market is conveniently located just east of the SeaBus terminal and Lonsdale Quay.
Parking: There is street parking and free parking in the ICBC Parkade after 6 p.m. on Fridays, which is adjacent to Lonsdale Quay.
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs, which are on a leash, are welcome
Website: www.shipyardsnightmarket.com

DISH (Drink. Indulge. Savour. Help) – BCHF Fundraiser Event Recap 2019

May 19, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

On May 8, the BC Hospitality Foundation hosted DISH (Drink. Indulge. Savour. Help) – a fundraising event featuring wine samples, bites from top local restaurants, a cocktail competition, a silent auction, and more.

DISH (Drink. Indulge. Savour. Help) 2019 Event Recap BC Hospitality Foundation

Guests at DISH enjoyed bites from 14 Vancouver-area restaurants and samples from over 25 wineries from California, Washington, Oregon, and New Mexico.

Proceeds from the fundraiser support the work of the BCHF, which provides assistance for hospitality workers in financial crisis due to extraordinary medical circumstances, as well as operating a scholarship program to foster the next generation of hospitality industry leaders.

I attended the event as media. Here are a few photo highlights from the evening.

Vancouver All-Day Breakfast: OEB Breakfast Co. Vancouver

May 18, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

There’s a new all-day breakfast restaurant in town! Calgary-based OEB Breakfast Co. has now opened a location in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood at 1137 Marinaside Crescent. Founded in 2009, OEB has restaurants in Calgary and Edmonton and soon-to-be in Saskatoon and Scottsdale, Arizona.

OEB prides itself in being a Chef-driven and locally-owned concept with menu items that simply can’t be made at home, balanced by lighter fare and vegan options.

I was invited to a media tasting recently. Here’s a look at my experience.

Modern & Inviting

The modern, vibrant and inviting interior of OEB’s new location features a breakfast appropriate pallette (ie, yellow), high top communal tables, smaller dining tables and bar seating.

The broken egg-shell overhanging lights are a fun touch.

OEB Breakfast Co. Vancouver Menu

OEB’s menu is divided into Farm Fresh Classics, Blue Plate Specials, Breakfast Poutines, Benny’s, Omelettes, Sandwiches, Sweet and Sides. The entrees generally run around $15 – $20.

Some of their Signature items include Eggs & Caviar (farm fresh scrambled eggs, bourbon, sour cream, green onions, sevruga caviar, pumpernickel rye), Fresh Toast Trifle (Meyer lemon curd, market berries, Sicilian pistachio, torched French meringue), and Canadian Eh! (Canadian back bacon, dark maple syrup or brown butter hollandaise).

Some other interesting offerings that caught my eye are Wild Boar Spalla (free run hen eggs over easy, cured wild boar shoulder, smoked chipotle aioli, arugula, aged Manchego, artisan brioche), Indian Inspired Avocado Bagel (Haas avocado, semi-dried tomatoes, dill, chickpeas, braised onions, turmeric), and Hogs & Scallops Breakfast Poutine (poached eggs, seared digby scallops, bacon lardons, Saint Cyrille cheese curds, brown butter hollandaise).

For drinks, OEB offers fresh juices, fruit smoothies, espresso-based drinks. Those who prefer a boozier breakfast can enjoy hot or cold coffee cocktails, prosecco cocktails, beer (on tap or bottled/canned), wines (by the glass or bottle).

Local Producers

OEB takes pride in sourcing high-quality ingredients and working with local producers wherever possible. Here are are the producers that the Yaletown location is working with:

Fully-organic and Canadian what bread from A Bread Affair (Langley, BC)
Pierogies from A Taste of Ukraine (Port Moody, BC)
Herbs and produce from Barnston Island Herbs (Barnston Island, BC) and Ponderosa Mushrooms (Maple Ridge, BC)
Butery from Arctic Meats and Sausage (Port Coquitlam, BC), Drakes Meats (Lanigan, SK), Brome Lake Duck Farm (Knowlton, QC), and Albion Farms and Fisheries (BC)
Salmon from Wolveshead Smoked Salmon (NB)
Coffee from Caffe Umbria (Seattle, WA)

Waitlist System

OEB Breakfast has a waitlist (not reservation) system via Yelp. Be sure to join the waitlist ahead of time and check out the live wait time.

What We Tried

At the media tasting, I was able to try three entrees along with a few sides.

The Waffle & Laks ($21) features dill cured laks, crisp buttermilk waffle, tzatziki, Spanish capers, pickled red onions, and micro herbs.

The Soul in Bowl ($17) was a hearty, comforting dish with poached eggs, duck fat fried herb potatoes, Saint Cyrille curds, slow cooked bacon lardons and brown butter hollandaise.

The Threesome ($19) is one of OEB’s Farm Fresh Classics. It comes with two free run eggs any style, duck fat fried herb potatoes and your choice of double smoked bacon, Canadian bacon, rosemary ham, blueberry chicken bangers, or maple pork bangers and choice of toast. I went with French Toast and blueberry chicken bangers.

Not to be missed are OEB’s duck fat fried herb potatoes. Perfectly golden, crispy and delicious. Some of OEB’s dishes incorporate them as part of the entree but you can have them as a side as well.

We also enjoyed a few sides of fruit and coffee by Cafe Umbria.

Overall Impression

I enjoyed all the dishes that we tried from OEB and would love to return in the future. With such an extensive menu and so many inventive dishes, breakfast or brunch at OEB doesn’t get boring.

OEB Breakfast Co. Vancouver
1137 Marinaside Avenue, Vancouver, BC
www.eatoeb.com

Ancora Hosts Paella and Rosé Patio Parties on June 8, 2019

May 16, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

In celebration of National Rosé Day, Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio will be hosting dual Paella and Rosé Parties on the open-air patios at both its False Creek and Ambleside locations on Saturday, June 8 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Ancora Paella and Rosé Patio Parties June 8, 2019

The simultaneous reception-style events will feature six notable rosés hailing from BC.

There will also be a selection of Mediterranean-inspired tapas such as Boquerones (white anchovy on toast), Castelvetrano Olives and an exclusive taste of Cinco Jotas Jamón Ibérico.

Procured from Spanish provider Cinco Jotas, the top-grade jamón is made from 100% purebred “black hoof” Iberian pigs that enjoy more grazing space and are fed from acorn-rich dehasas (meadows) for two seasons.

This is a unique opportunity for guests to taste the highest grade of jamón in Spain, and therefore the world. Ancora is proud to be the only restaurant in Canada to feature this prized authentic ham fashioned from pure ibérico-breed pigs, which gives it a much more pronounced acorn flavour as well as texture and aroma.

During the events, Chef Ricardo Valverde and his team will be interacting with guests on the patios while cooking up Ancora’s signature Peruvian-style Paella (local crab, prawns, scallops and clams, as well as the unique addition of chimichurri and Huancaina aioli) for all to enjoy as the main course.

PAELLA AND ROSÉ PATIO PARTY MENU

Tapas

Boquerones
Castelvetrano Olives
Cinco Jotas Jamón Ibérico

Peruvian-style Paella

Local Crab, Prawns, Scallops and Clams Served with Chimichurri and Huancaina Aioli

Wines

Sea Star Blanc de Noir Rose 2018, Pender Island, BC
La Frenz Pinot Noir Rose 2017, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
Mt. Boucherie Rose 2018, Okanagan Valley, BC
Boutinot, Pasquiers Grenache Cinsault Rosé, Pays d’Oc. 2018, France
Quinta da Calçada Lago Cerqueira Rosé (Vinho Verde) 2017, Portugal
Rocca di Montegrossi Rosato 2018, Tuscany, Italy

TICKETS

A limited number of tickets for Ancora’s Paella and Rosé Patio Parties taking place at both their False Creek and Ambleside locations are available for $49 plus tax and gratuity and may be purchased online at ancoradining.com/product-page/paella-and-rosé-patio-party.

Ancora Ambleside — 1351 Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver BC V7T 2P9 | 604-926-0287
Hours: Lunch noon to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday | Cocktail Hour 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday to Friday | Dinner 5 p.m. to close daily

Ancora False Creek — 1600 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2L9 | 604-681-1164
Hours: Lunch noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday to Friday | Cocktail Hour 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday to Friday | Dinner 5 p.m. to close daily

Disclosure: I attended a media preview.

McDonald’s McHappy Day 2019 to support Ronald McDonald House Charities

May 1, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

McDonald’s McHappy Day 2019 is happening on Wednesday, May 8th. When you buy a McDonald’s Big Mac, Happy Meal, or hot McCafé Beverage, $1 will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities and other local children’s charities. This year marks the 26th year of McHappy Day in Canada.

McDonald's McHappy Day 2019 to support Ronald McDonald House Charities

McDonald’s Canada has partnered with a homegrown Canadian brand, Peace Collective, as the exclusive designers of the McHappy Day x Peace Collective collection. The collection includes limited-edition t-shirts, socks, mugs and tote bags available for purchase at participating restaurants on McHappy Day.

Ronald McDonald House gives 25,000 families a year a place to stay together when they have to travel for their sick child’s treatment. The goal is to help support even more families in 2019.

Here’s how your contribution can help reduce the emotional and financial burden for families:

$25 can feed a family breakfast before they head to the hospital for the day
$171 can cover the cost to operate a room at Ronald McDonald for one night
$500 can supply sheets and towels for families at Ronald McDonald

Learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities at rmhc.ca or click here to donate. You can show your support on social media using the hashtags #MCHAPPYDAY and #MYPLEDGE.

Playland at the PNE Opening Date 2019: Saturday, May 4, 2019

April 28, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Playland at the PNE is opening for the 2019 season on Saturday, May 4^th, at 11 am. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

Playland at the PNE Opening Date 2019: Saturday, May 4, 2019

35 Rides and Attractions

Thrill-seekers can choose from over 35 rides and attractions, including Playland’s most historic and beloved attraction, the Wooden Roller Coaster (rated #1 wooden coaster in Canada) and Canada’s most extreme pendulum ride, The Beast.

Visitors can also take a wild spin on Crazy Beach Party then later strap in on the Hellevator, with its invigorating and fantastic 200-foot free fall!

Family Attractions

Family attractions such as Pacific Adventure Golf or the Climbing Wall will keep aspiring golfers and alpinists busy and in between they can win some prizes at BC’s largest midway, which is open all summer long as well!

Food and Drink

Buen Gusto Tacos and Totchos, Cheese Please, and Triple O’s return to provide scrumptious snacks to foodies, while FunDunkers Mini Donuts, the Candy Shoppe, S’Luscious and BeaverTails will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Check out my guide on Playland food options here.

Admission Passes

Playland One Day admission passes are currently available online.

Playland Season Pass:

SEASON PASS – GENERAL (48″ & Over)	$95.00
SEASON PASS – JUNIOR (Under 48″)	$57.00
SEASON PASS – SENIOR (65+)	$48.00

Playland One Day Admission Pass:

PLAYLAND ONE DAY ADMISSION – GENERAL (48″ & OVER)	$36.00
PLAYLAND ONE DAY ADMISSION – JR (UNDER 48″)	$26.00
PLAYLAND ONE DAY ADMISSION – SENIOR (65+ YRS)	$19.00

For more information, including ticket prices and hours of operation throughout the summer, please visit: www.pne.ca.

Opening: May 4^th, 2019
Time: 11 am – 1 pm
Location: Playland at the PNE, 2901 East Hastings Street Vancouver

Related posts:

What to Eat at Playland 2019

9 Fun Facts about the PNE and Playland

Stanley Park Easter Train 2019 [Review]

April 20, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

One family-friendly activity happening this Easter long weekend is the Stanley Park Railway Easter Train 2019. My family and I visited the Easter Train yesterday and here’s a look at what you can expect.

Stanley Park Railway Easter Train 2019 | Easter Long Weekend Vancouver Downtown | Stanley Park Easter Train 2019

Stanley Park Easter Train 2019 Dates, Hours and Ticket Prices

The train runs from Thursday, April 18 to Monday, April 22 from 10 am to 5 pm daily.

Tickets are available online or onsite. The cost for the train ride is $6 for ages 3 and up and free for kids 2 and under. You can also get an All Access Fair Pass which includes a train ride, the scavenger hunt, and all carnival games and bouncers for $14 (online) or $16 (onsite).

We purchased our tickets onsite and there weren’t any issues with long wait times for buy tickets nor for getting on the train right away. However, they reserve just 20% of each day’s tickets for sale at the ticket booth.

Train Ride

As you ride through the Stanley Park, you will see a series of themed vignettes while enjoying their Easter soundtrack.

Free Activities

There are numerous free activities for kids to enjoy including a Bunny Burrow Maze, Meet the Easter Bunny and Easter Crafts.

My son enjoyed shaking paws with the Easter bunny and posing for a photo.

We also went to the Toddler Zone where he dug though the straw for Easter eggs in an enclosed area.

My son also made some bunny ears which he enjoyed wearing afterwards.

Food and Beverage

There is a concession stand, the Bunny Hop Canteen, serving cotton candy, churros and pretzels. The Cob House is selling organic popcorn. I also saw two food trucks, The Praguery and Insomniac’s Coffee, onsite.

Overall Impression of Stanley Park Easter Train 2019

We enjoyed our time at the Stanley Park Easter Train and would recommend it for families to visit this Easter long weekend. For more information, see vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/easter-train.aspx.

Water Street Cafe & Stag’s Hollow Winery Wine Maker Dinner April 17, 2019

April 14, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The Water Street Cafe is excited to work with Stag’s Hollow Winery from Okanagan Falls, BC for the next Wine Maker Dinners Series at the Cafe.

Chef Alan and his team have worked with the owners and winemakers at Stag’s Hollow Winery to bring guests a very special night of culinary expression paired with the best of the best from BC wine.

The team at Stag’s Hollow has researched and sought out grapes, both new and old, suited to the Okangan’s soils and microclimate. These include Tempranillo and Albarino from Spain, and Dolcetto and Teroldego from Italy. These unique varietals offer a new experience for the Okanagan Wine lover.

Although these grapes come from all over the world, wines produced by Stag’s Hollow from these grapes are identifiable, as being from nowhere else in the world but from the Okanagan Valley.

Event Details

6 wines, 5 courses
Welcome Wine at 6:30 pm, Dinner at 7 pm
$88 per guest

Receive 10% off tickets to this Wine Dinner when you mention “FOODGRESSING.”

Please call the Water Street Cafe at 604-689-2832 directly to reserve your seat today. Full details here.

Related post:

Water Street Cafe and Hillside Winery Winemaker Dinner Recap