Media Event Archives | Foodgressing

Nespresso Festive Collection inspired by Paris

November 8, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

A cup of coffee shared with friends is happiness tasted and time well spent. I had the opportunity to taste the new Nespresso Festive Collection inspired by Paris cafe culture. Delicious cups of coffee was paired with personalized pastries created by Beaucoup Bakery.

The Nespresso Original and Vertuo machines were showcased at the event. The Original is compact, lightweight and offers the espresso experience. The Vertuo is more innovative and offers the authentic Espresso with crema over a full range of coffee styles.

The Limited Edition Variations capsules feature Paris-inspired tasting notes and flavour like the Original Variations Macaron (cereal notes and sweet almond flavour) and Vertuo Variations Madeline (hints of biscuit and sweet almond flavour).

An award-winning barista from Beaucoup Bakery offered customized latte art at the event.

Afternoon Tea in Richmond at Origo Club

September 12, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Origo Club – a multi-concept establishment featuring a restaurant, cafe and art gallery – opened up in the Olympic Oval District of Richmond earlier this past summer (see post here). Following their successful launch, Origo Club has started offering an afternoon service available from Fridays and Saturdays from 1:30 pm to 4 p.m. I was invited to a media tasting of the afternoon tea service at Origo Club. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

Priced at $45 per guest, the three-tier afternoon tea set features small bites, sandwiches and pastries served in Origo’s relaxed-yet-refined dining room and paired with a choice of tea or coffee. The service can also be supplemented with a glass of Barons de Rothschild Champagne for an additional $35 per person.

Overseeing Origo’s Afternoon Tea service is Café Manager and Pastry Chef Remi Ho, who honed his skills under such acclaimed local chefs as Pino Posteraro (Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca), Kira Desmond (Secret Location) and Christophe Bonzon (Chez Christophe) before joining the team at Origo Club earlier this year.

Savoury

Savouries in the afternoon tea set included:

Chou aux Champignons
- choux pastry, mushroom duxelle
Quiche Lorraine
- puff pastry, coppa, spinach, gruyère cheese
Sandwiche au Saumon Fumé
- white bread gravlax, capers, crème fraiche
Canard et Cerises au Kirsch
- seared duck breast, Kirsch-marinated cherries
Scone avec Crème et Confiture
- plain and savoury scone, served with house-made jam and fresh cream

Sweets

The sweets included in the afternoon tea set were:

Éclair au Gianduja et Fruits de la Passion
- choux pastry, gianduja whipped ganache, passionfruit caramel
Flan au Fromage Blanc
- pâte brisée, cream cheese, vanilla bean
Tartelette au Citron
- lemon curd, lemon meringue
Gâteau Roulé
- pistachio sponge, rum and vanilla chantilly, fruit
Macarons
Financier
- burnt butter almond cake

My favourites were the seared duck breast, scones, eclair, pistachio sponge, and lemon tart. I liked that the sweets weren’t very sweet and the ornate teaware was very charming!

Reservations for afternoon tea can be made by calling the restaurant at 604-285-8889 or booking online via OpenTable.

Origo Club
Address: 10-6888 River Rd, Richmond, BC
Website: www.origoclub.ca‎

Juke Fried Chicken Second Location on Davie

August 29, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

There’s a new place in Davie Village to get your fried chicken fix. Juke Fried Chicken has opened their second location known as ‘Little Juke’ at 1074 Davie Street. Little Juke is open seven days a week from 11 am to late and features the same casual, laidback atmosphere and Southern-inspired fare as the original Juke Fried Chicken in Chinatown.

Little Juke Food Menu

Aside from serving up Juke’s trademark gluten-free, non-GMO-grain-fed and free-range regular and spicy fried chicken available in various drums-and-thighs sizes, Little Juke will also offer new menu items.

These include quarter, half or whole rotisserie chickens, Vietnamese-inspired nuoc cham ribs, ‘Big Boy’ fried chicken sandwiches, and sides like mac & cheese poppers and roast potatoes, as well as weekend brunch options on Saturday and Sunday. Little Juke offers a fully licensed counter-service space with seating for 22 as well as take-out or delivery options.

Little Juke Bar Menu

At the bar, Little Juke will add thick milkshakes to the menu as well as wine, cider, a selection of local craft beer from Postmark, Strange Fellows, Superflux and Moody Ales, and rotating batched cocktail creations such as Moscow Mules, Old Fashioneds and Negronis.

I attended a a media event last night where we were able to try their new menu offerings. I really enjoyed the rotisserie chicken, Vietnamese-inspired nuoc cham ribs and the Mac & Cheese poppers. As I live in the West End neighbourhood, I will definitely be back for more! Here are a few photos from the media event.

Little Juke
Address: 1074 Davie Street, Vancouver BC
Website: ‎www.jukefriedchicken.com/

Joe Fortes Summer Patio Party 2018 Recap

August 13, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Joe Fortes is known for having one of the best restaurant patios in Vancouver. The patio which overlooks Robson Street is an urban oasis featuring a garden, outdoor fireplace, and bustling horseshoe bar.

I attended Joe Forte’s annual summer patio party recently because nothing says summer like delicious food, sunshine, a beautiful patio and good vibes. While the good weather lasts, be sure to check them out for refreshing summer cocktails, fresh oysters and delicious entrees like lobster & shrimp rolls, chicken & waffles, and more. Here is a photo recap of the event:

Not to be missed are the pie selection including Lemon Meringue Pie, Apple Crumble, Bourbon Pecan and Espresso Chocolate Chiffon.

Joe Fortes
Address: 777 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC
Website: www.joefortes.ca‎

Vancouver Rooftop Patio Dining: D/6 Bar & Lounge

August 6, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The sun is shining and there’s no better way to spend summer in Vancouver than sipping cocktails on a rooftop patio. The patio at D/6 Lounge and Bar in Parq Vancouver is now open for all-day dining (11:30 am – 9:30 pm). Whether it’s lunch with a laptop or a lavish affair with your crew, D/6’s thoughtful all-day fare menu works for any occasion. I was recently invited to long table lunch at D/6 Bar and Lounge. Here’s a look at the delicious eats and sips I enjoyed.

Disclosure: All food and drinks at this media event were complimentary.

Cocktails

Perched beneath the eaves of BC Place on the 6th floor of Parq Vancouver, D/6’s patio is a great place to enjoy cocktails al fresco.

Shared Plates

Salad

Sushi

Flatbread

Sweets

My favourites from the luncheon were the Trio, Edamame Hummus, Chicken Wing Bar, Farmstead Greek Feta Salad, and Pride Cake.

D/6 Bar & Lounge at Parq Vancouver
Address: 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC
Website: www.parqvancouver.com/restaurants/d6/

What to Eat at Nat Bailey Stadium during a Vancouver Canadians Game 2018

August 4, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Headed to a Vancouver Canadians game this season? You never have to sacrifice a yummy meal to catch a ball game in this city. Last week, I was invited to attend a media tour to see what they’re serving up this year at Nat Bailey Stadium. From 3 foot long hot dogs, pulled pork tottine to the new Oreo Churros and Sweet Tea, here’s a look at the food options available when you attend your next Vancouver Canadians game.

Top Food Picks for Food at the Nat

This season’s top picks include some old favourites and new menu items.

Double Pig Mac and Cheese ($12)

This twist on the mac n’ cheese is topped with smoked pulled pork, bacon chunks, tangy gold bbq sauce, parsley, green onions and sour cream.

The Nat Bat ($16)

Smoked Jumbo turkey legs smothered in Coors Banquet BBQ Sauce – need I say more?

3 Foot Long Yard Dog

Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own if you are up to a challenge.

Pulled Pork Tottine ($9)

My personal favourite featuring Cavendish tater tots, smoked pulled pork, gravy, cheese, green onion and sour cream.

New at the Nat

New this year at Nat Bailey Stadium are the Oreo Churros and Sweet Tea.

Oreo Churros

Move over ice cream because Churros covered with Oreos should be the go-to dessert at the Nat.

Sweet Tea

Brewed fresh, this super sweet tea is just like the traditional sweet teas you’d find down South

BBQ PICNIC IN THE PARK

The Vancouver Canadians BBQ Picnic In The Park has become the most popular group experience out at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium during the summer season. This area is perfect for hosting team-building staff events, client appreciation parties, team wind-ups, birthday parties and reunions for groups of 30 to 400 guests.

The Park features an all-you-can-eat BBQ, walk-up service bar, and your own section in the picnic area complete with tables, chairs and umbrellas. Food options include seasoned BBQ chicken, seasoned BBQ chicken, char-grilled hot dogs, corn on the cob and more.

The Keg Caesar Bar

The Keg has a special stand at Nat Bailey serving classic Keg Caesars ($9).

The tasty food options at Nat Bailey will certainly keep you satisfied when you attend a Vancouver Canadians game. To find out when the next Vancouver Canadians game is happening, visit http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t435.

Laurence and Chico Cafe in Vancouver

July 6, 2018 by foodgressing 2 Comments

At the newly opened Laurence and Chico Cafe, the worlds of fashion and food collide. New York-based designers, Laurence Li and Chico Wang, are known for their vividly-coloured contemporary accessories and womenswear brand sported by the likes of Cardi B and Solange Knowles. But in this new joint venture, the fashion duo have decided to open a stylish cafe in Laurence’s hometown of Vancouver.

The 2,000 square feet space located at the corner of Robson and Bute is part cafe and part fashion retail store. I attended a media preview at Laurence and Chico Cafe last week. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

Interior

It’s all in the details and Laurence and Chico have dressed up the cafe in whimsical fashions from head to toe. From the creature-esque armchairs, colourful murals to intricately dressed mannequins, your head will be turning once you walk into Laurence and Chico.

Cafe

On the cafe side, you’ll find pastries, cakes and confections sourced from local bakeries as well as espresso-based beverages. Afternoon tea service is expected to roll out in the coming weeks.

Some of the pastries I tried at the event include a pistachio eclair, lemon meringue tart, strawberry cream puff and more.

French artisanal ice cream parlour, La Glace, also supplies ice cream treats to the cafe.

Retail

On the retail side, items designed by Laurance and Chico are available for purchase including postcards, bags, t-shirts and more.

Themed Bathrooms

While you are at the cafe, you might just want to take a selfie or two inside the restroom. One of the restrooms is rubber ducky themed where you just need to look up and you can see the ceiling adorned with them.

There’s also a floral-themed bathroom featuring paper-mache flowers.

I look forward to seeing what is in store with Laurence and Chico in the future in terms of fashion and at the cafe.

Laurence and Chico
Address: 833 Bute St, Vancouver, BC
Website: ‎www.laurenceandchico.com/

H2 Rotisserie & Bar One Year Anniversary

June 26, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The Westin Bayshore‘s onsite restaurant, H2 Rotisserie & Bar, just celebrated their one year anniversary! Time certainly flies and it does feel like yesterday that I attended their grand opening party (see post here). At a special celebration for media last week, attendees raised a toast to summer with delicious bites, handcrafted cocktails and live music. Chef Caitlin Mark also prepared some delicious rotisserie carvings for guests. Here are a few photos from the event.

Vancouver Happy Hour: Copper Chimney

June 15, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Executive Hotel Le Soleil’s signature restaurant, Copper Chimney Indian Grill & Bar, has just undergone some changes to bring customers new and exciting experiences. The restaurant has new menus, a bread bar concept, gin and tonic bar and Happy Hour with an Indian Twist.

At Copper Chimney Indian Grill & Bar, you’ll find contemporary Indian comfort foods made in-house from scratch using family recipes, hand-ground exotic spices, and fresh BC ingredients. The kitchen also has two tandoor (clay) ovens to prepare some mouthwatering tandoori dishes. The extensive, yet simple, menus pair classic Indian dishes with more Western-influenced menu items with a few fun twists. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options are available.

Copper Chimney’s Happy Hour features an Indian-twist on classic dishes. From handmade samosas, lamb meatballs or Bombay short rib sliders to squash fritters with tamarind dipping sauce and poutine creatively topped with butter chicken, Happy Hour at Copper Chimney’s Happy Hour menu is blending of cultures. Below is a copy of the Happy Hour menu.

I attended a media event where we sampled some of the Happy Hour offerings. Below are a few photos from the evening.

The Manchurian Cauliflower was my favourite item featuring a crispy, sweet and sour cauliflower.

The space at Copper Chimney is undoubedtly beautiful featuring art deco-inspired decor and soaring ceilings. They also have a very charming, private dining room on the second floor with pretty string lights and a skylight.

Copper Chimney
Address: 567 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC
Website: ‎www.copperchimney.ca

Real Canadian Superstore and PC Spring/Summer Home Collection 2018

June 7, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The Real Canadian Superstore and President’s Choice unveiled the latest Spring/Summer Home Collection as well as some new innovations from the PC Insider’s Collection. I attended a showcase of this seasons’ must-have outdoor living pieces and tasted some of the items that would be perfect for summer entertaining.

Summer Entertaining Food Ideas

We were introduced to a number of products that would make summer entertaining stress-free and most importantly, delicious! Some of the items we tried included the Creamy Triple Onion Dip, Panzanella Skewer with Axiany Tomato and Bocconcini, and Garlic Herb Shrimp and Pesto Crostini.

I love grilled seafood and the PC^® Gigantico^®Garlic & Herb Grilling Raw Butterflied Shrimp seems like a product I would enjoy. They’re perfect for sharing on tapas-style plates when entertaining.

If you love a cold brew, you’ll be happy to know about the PC^® Cold Brew Nitro Black Coffee. It’s a must-try item for the summer featuring a dark roast cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen to create a creamy texture and cascading effect with a top layer of crema.

One of the uses of the Nitro Cold Brew was in this Coffee Mai Tai Mocktail.

One of the products that I loved (and have since purchased a few times myself) was the PC^® Superfruit Skyr Lactose-Free Icelandic-Style Yogurt Bars. Equally tempting as a snack or not-so-guilty dessert, each 80 mL bar has 80 calories and 8 g of sugar. Made with a blend of blackberry, blueberry and dark sweet cherry purées, these luscious skyr bars are smooth, creamy and lactose-free. I recommend them!

For your summer steaks and burgers, PC offers the PC^® Caramelized Onion Topping. It’s a savoury-sweet gourmet topping perfected with rich blackstrap molasses.

Outdoor Living Pieces

We also had the opportunity to view home collections for the spring/summer season and really, there is something for everyone! With the new PC Spring/Summer pieces, you can put yourself in the island mood or get into the desert feels. And if you are feeling patriotic, there’s a vintage-inspired Canadian collection as well. Check out the photos below.