Mamie Taylor’s has a new chef. Jeff Koop, who previously worked in Australia for several years, takes over the kitchen from Tobias Grignon, who has moved on to several consulting projects, as well as an upcoming underground restaurant. MamieTaylors.ca
Chef Vikram Vij’s Rangoli is moving – a little to the left. The popular South Granville eatery is taking over the former Vij’s space next door, giving it a few more seats and that lovely summer patio. (Sadly, the restaurant will no longer have a retail space from which to pick up Vij’s many take-home products.) Look for the move in early 2017. VijsRangoli.ca
From Nov. 11-13, come out and support the BC Hospitality Foundation at the Monogram Pop-Up Dinner Series, at Gastown’s Monogram Studio (253 Columbia). Hosted by Mijune Pak, it features chefs Makoto Ono (formerly of Pidgin), Alex Hon (West) and Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson (the Pear Tree). Each night features a different chef. Tickets $125 per evening, per person, from BCHospitalityFoundation.com.
Savio Volpe celebrates its first anniversary (and being named one of Canada’s best new restaurants by enRoute magazine) with a special offering on Tuesday, Nov. 15. All guests will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco, and the kitchen will be cooking a special Umbrian dish, strangozzi al tartufo nero, a handmade pasta with black truffles. One hundred per cent of proceeds from the sale of the dish will be donated to the Central Italy Earthquake Relief Fund, which offers support to those communities hardest hit by the recent earthquakes. SavioVolpe.com
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Wildebeest collaborates with Brassneck Brewery and Four Winds Brewing for a Southern-style dinner, in which each course will be paired with two beers (one from each brewery). The menu includes skillet cornbread with roasted chicken butter, shrimp and grits, Louisiana boudin, oxtail and octopus, and pecan pie. Tickets $69 per person. Wildebeest.ca
On Thursday, Nov. 17, Black + Blue hosts a special dinner with Napa Valley’s Undervine winery. Seven wines will be paired with executive chef Josh Wolfe’s five-course menu, which includes Dungeness crab salad, grilled venison loin and beef tenderloin. Tickets $160. Contact [email protected]. GlowbalGroup.com/BlackBlue
The Canadian Music Therapy Trust’s Hopscotch Festival – Western Canada’s largest combined Scotch, whisky, beer and spirit tasting event – returns Nov. 21-27 for its 21st annual edition, with multiple masterclass tastings, paired dinners and the grand tasting hall. HopscotchFestival.com
On Tuesday, Nov. 22, Timber celebrates its first anniversary with some birthday fun, starting at 6pm. In addition to a photo booth and live music, there will be a beaver-tail dessert bar, where you can customize your beaver tail. A house-made birthday cake (made with bacon) will be served at 8pm. TimberVancouver.com
On Friday, Dec. 2, the Vancouver Collaborative Feast, in celebration of the ninth annual Chinese Restaurant Awards, will take place at Dynasty Seafood Restaurant. East and West will collide as Dynasty’s master chef, Sam Leung, welcomes guest chef Ned Bell (of Vancouver Aquarium) for a nine-course Ocean Wise dinner with wine pairings. Tickets $2,500 per table of 10, including reception. ChineseRestaurantAwards.com/EastMeetsWest-Vancouver/
