SCOTCH TASTE: Vancouver Writers Fest presented their always popular A Dram Come True benefit. The 12th edition fronted by Alison Hart and Ann McDonell was another lively celebration of spirits from Scotland and beyond. While lightweights like yours truly cozied up to the wine bar, enthusiasts ponied up to the seven tasting bars offering 36 varieties of whisky. More than 250 guests gathered at Hycroft in support of the Oct. 21-26 festival. Exceeding expectations, more than $33,000 was generated for the 27th annual literary luau.
SUPERIOR HOOCH: If scotch wasn’t your fancy, much tequila was on tap at the third annual Vancouver International Tequila Expo, presented by ProMexico, Mexico Tourism Board and the Consulate General of Mexico. Western Canada’s largest festival dedicated to Mexico’s number one export spirit — British Columbia tequila sales in 2012 reached $24 million — the event offered some 40 premium brands of the hooch, retailing up to $1,000 a bottle, for sipping (not shooting). A crowd of nearly 1,000 assembled to cap the agave week of seminars, master classes, pairing dinners and tastings. Proceeds supported the B.C. Hospitality Foundation, helping fellow industry members in times of need.
COUPLAND EVERYWHERE: It was a fabulous week for Douglas Coupland. The Vancouver-based writer and artist’s new exhibition “everywhere is anywhere is anything” — the first major survey of his work — at the Vancouver Art Gallery made its debut with much fanfare and creativity. A capacity crowd gathered for the opening festivities, which included the unveiling of Gumhead, a seven-foot tall sculpture of Coupland’s head. The public is invited to cover the public art piece with chewing gum. A flock of hovering seagulls at the unveiling had intentions of changing the name to something else. Following day, the Generation X author was among 25 recipients, including condo king Bob Rennie and philanthropist Lorne Segal, named to the Order of B.C.
