Michael Christiansen, commis at The Pear Tree and winner of the Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship, has won the gold medal at the 2015 International Young Chefs Competition, held in Budapest, Hungary, and hosted by La Chaine des Rôtisseurs. Christiansen was the Canadian representative, and competed against young chefs from 21 other countries. Congratulations to Christiansen and his mentor, Pear Tree chef/owner Scott Jaeger! ChaineCanada.org
Change is in the air: Jacob Deacon Evans, executive chef at Supermarine, left as of last week, and is to be replaced by Jesse Grasso, erstwhile chef at The Black Hoof in Toronto. Grasso is originally from BC and formerly worked for Supermarine owner James Iranzad at Abigail's Party. Grasso will also be in charge of menu redevelopment at Wildebeest and Bufala. No word yet on where Deacon Evans will end up, but we wish him well and hope to see him in a local kitchen soon. Expect a new menu at Supermarine from Grasso in the next couple of weeks.
Brix and Mortar, the rebranded offspring of Brix Wine Bar and George UltraLounge,has officially opened. Open for dinner daily from 5pm. BrixAndMortar.ca
Heading to Whistler? Bar Oso, the newest property from Top Table Group, is set to open in early November, 34 years after sister restaurant Araxi opened. The new wine bar will be overseen by Araxi executive chef James Walt and restaurant director Neil Henderson. BarOso.ca
Knife connoisseurs rejoice…Zwilling J.A. Henckels, the centuries-old German company renowned for its high-quality knives, kitchen gadgets and tools, is opening its first store in Canada at the new McArthur Glen outlet mall. Grand opening is Oct. 23. Zwilling.ca
Miss the ‘80s? All this month, Vancouver TheatreSports League is celebrating their 35th anniversary with a throwback show that celebrates the 80s in all its gaudy glory, including a selection of throwback cocktails (all priced at $8) at its Neil McRae Bar and Lounge. Think odes to Miami Vice, Bon Jovi’s Bad Medicine, and movies like Scarface and Ghostbusters. VTSL.com
Siena is celebrating autumn with a three-course mushroom menu for $36, available now through Nov. 4. Options include crimini and oyster mushroom soup, porcini-dusted beef carpaccio, chicken breast stuffed with lobster mushroom, pan-roasted steelhead with wild mushroom-farro “risotto,” and dessert. EatSiena.com
On Oct. 25, La Pentola’s Family Supper series is back with a special dinner featuring offal. The eight-plus courses include veal heart tartare with crispy pig’s ear, chestnut and bone marrow ravioli, and pig’s blood tagliatelle in braised boar shoulder ragu. Tickets $55 per person. LaPentola.ca
On Nov. 18, Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown is back for another year of Vancouver chefs competing to see who can create the most delicious seafood chowder. This year’s participating restaurants include Bao Down, Boulevard, Fukasaku, Glowbal, Hart House and more. Proceeds directly benefit the aquarium’s ocean conservation and education programs. Tickets $63 per person. VanAqua.org
Prohibition at Rosewood Hotel Georgia has created a new autumn cocktail menu based on moods like Celebratory and Flirtatious or Sophisticated and Cultured. The four-part menu includes cocktails like the Quince Cobbler, a combination of Grey Goose V/X, Pedro Ximenez sherry, orange, lemon, and housemade quince jam. ProhibitionRHG.com
