Chef David Hawksworth has revealed the name for his of his much-anticipated new restaurant. Nightingale will be more a more casual offering than Hawksworth’s eponymous original restaurant at Rosewood Hotel Georgia. The new dining spot is also themed around contemporary Canadian cuisine, but with a focus on share plates, house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, salads and charcuterie. The name is based on Aesop’s fable The Hawk and the Nightingale. Opening is set for spring. HawkNightingale.com
Perch Restaurant, which opened in September on the rooftop of the Student Nest at UBC, has now closed. The not-for-profit restaurant was designed to support student programs including SafeWalk, Speakeasy and the Sexual Assault Support Centre. No word yet on future plans for the space.
Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in Oliver will reopen for the season on March 1. Executive chef Jeff van Geest will launch a new spring menu focusing on the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean combined with the Ocean Wise seafood. Tinhorn.com/Restaurant
On Saturday, Feb. 27, L’Abattoir will be hosting a special dinner with Il Poggione, one of Montacino, Italy’s oldest and largest family-run wineries. The four-course dinner will be paired with select wines from the estate, and includes yellowtail ceviche, smoked duck breast, grilled beef shortrib, and dessert. Tickets $175. LAbattoir.ca
On Sunday, Feb. 28, La Pentola continues their family supper series with a dinner focusing on pastas and wines from Sicily, Campagnia, Tuscany, Veneto and Piedmont. Tickets $50 per person ($80 with wine pairings). LaPentola.ca
On Feb. 28, El Camino’s is holding its annual Oscar Party from 3pm-8pm, which will include Oscar Bingo, food and drink specials, including a bocadillo and Pacifico for $12, and viewing of the awards. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed and the Oscar Bingo winner. ElCaminos.ca
On Wednesday, March 9, the hospitality and media industries are coming together to support one of their own. Michael White, former editor of Westender and Vancouver Magazine and award-winning author of Popkiss: The Life and Afterlife of Sarah Records, was recently diagnosed with cervical dystonia, a rare and debilitating chronic neurological movement disorder. Writer, Blocked: A Benefit for Michael White, will take place at Café Medina and will feature canapes provided by Café Medina, cheese and charcuterie from La Grotta del Formaggio, and dessert by Bella Gelateria, as well as wine from See Ya Later Ranch. There will also be a silent auction with donations from numerous supporters. Tickets $49 per person. WriterBlocked.Eventbrite.ca
The annual Pig Out Festival is back at Covert Farms in Oliver on Saturday, April 30. Chefs from eight local restaurants will showcase their-hog-roasting skills, and local wineries will be offering up wines to pair with the dishes. There will also be live entertainment. Tickets $55. OliverOsoyoos.com/Events
Mamie Taylor’s regional, longtable dinner series continues on March 16 with a Tex-Mex menu. The four-course dinner includes a classic margarita, oxtail jalapeno poppers, gulf shrimp tortilla soup, chilli-rubbed hanger steak, and goat milk caramel quesadilla. Tickets $45 per person. MamieTaylors.ca
