CITYWIDE
This job can be a tough one on occasion as was demonstrated last Thursday when I was forced to travel from pizzeria to pizzeria in the quest for the best slice the city (and beyond) has to offer.
As part of the Pizza Challenge Media Tour, hosted by organizer and food writer Richard Wolak, also known as Vancouver Foodster, a group of us began our adventure at Cotto Enoteca Pizzeria on East Hastings Street in Burnaby.
Crossing city limits to enjoy a pizza had not previously crossed my mind, but that was before I tried their Pizza Di Spagna, a nod to Spain topped with arugula pesto, chorizo, peppers, cheese and baby arugula.
Then it was back to the city to visit another pizzeria not previously on my radar but now indelibly inked on my brain. The offering at Ragazzi Pizza, located on East 22nd Avenue off Renfrew, was unlike anything I had tried before with a creamed potato infused sauce, sautéed kale and a hint of spicing, smoked sausage.
Our pizza tour came to an end at Kits pizzeria The Bibo on West Fourth Avenue, where chef Marco Di Stefano, newly imported from Naples, prepared for us an authentic pizza topped with friarielli, a slender, thin-skinned pepper from the south of Italy. The kicker here was the fresh, gooey, buffalo mozzarella dropped on the pie after it came out of the fiery oven.
In total there are 14 pizzerias, including one in Maple Ridge, that have created specialty pies, which might not still be available after the Vancouver Foodster Pizza Challenge ends July 14. Once you've tried each of the creations at participating restaurants, vote for your favourite pizza once per day now through July 15. For more information and a list of participating pizzerias, visit vancouverfoodster.com. See photo gallery at vancourier.com.
GRANDVIEW WOODLAND
Cycle Chic Social is a night of style, art and design that will include DJs and dancing with BIKES, City of Glass and something called # findpeter, which I apparently am not hip enough to be familiar with despite the power of Google.
Other highlights of the evening include video installations, product demonstrations, food trucks and a cash bar. A fashion show includes local designs from Bhana Design and Nocturnal Workshop Back-packs. Bike aren't required to attend Cycle Chic Social, which takes place Friday July 5 from 8 p.m. until late at Sugar Studios, 1635 Powell St.
DOWNTOWN
Carnaval del Sol will take over parts of downtown July 6 and 7 for the annual festival that celebrates Latin arts and culture.
Highlights of the two-day party include stages featuring 60 musicians and folklore performers, a mini World Cup soccer competition with teams representing 16 countries, an outdoor Latin art studio, multiple food vendors, members of the Vancouver Whitecaps and, of course, free zumba classes.
Now in its fifth year, the festival is part of a week-long celebration, which also includes the Inspirational Latin Awards gala July 4, recognizing achievements in business, culture and the environment, athletics and philanthropy. For a complete schedule visit carnavaldelsol.com. [email protected]
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