THE DISH
West Side residents have long been unfairly favoured by living near award-winning La Quercia. Now, theres another reason for gastro-envy. Owner/chef Adam Pegg also runs LUfficio next door. This cozy little wine bar focuses on Italian salumi (think charcuterie) and cheeses, as well as a rotating list of small plates, pastas, and daily set menus, all perfect for some post-shopping refreshment. On a recent visit, the house-smoked herring with buratta and pickled onions was a wonder of flavour and contrasting textures, while a dish of chicken meatballs with crispy sage was a warm, juicy amuse that prepared us for the large wooden block of cured meats that followed. Paired with a few glasses of Prosecco Zardetto, and the night was complete. LaQuercia.ca/Lufficio
SCENE | HEARD
Brad Miller of Red Wagon has opened a new French bistro, Bistro Wagon Rouge, at 1869 Powell. Look for casual, inexpensive French food with innovative yet comfortable twists. 604-251-4070.
Coming soon to a farmers market near you locally produced craft beer, wine, cider and spirits will soon be available right next to the artisan cheeses at your local market, according to the provincial government. Fingers crossed for a boozy spring.
Odd Society Spirits has partnered with Chef Hervé Martin of The French Table to create a locally-sourced Crème de Cassis for the holidays. $22 for 375 mL at the Odd Society Tasting Room at 1725 Powell Street. OddSocietySpirits.com
Choices Markets is now offering a series of wellness guides for $11.95 each to help guide you through a healthy holiday. ChoicesMarket.com
Scott Cameron, previously handling cooking duties at Odessa, has brought his Italian expertise to the newly renovated Upper Deck Taphouse (formerly Speakeasy), which also offers a selection of microbrew beers such as Driftwood, Philips and Red Racer. Booths and fireplaces make it cozy inside when the weather isnt conducive to enjoying the patios view of Davie Village.
White Spot restaurants at Richmond Centre and Kingsway Vancouver locations will be supporting the Richmond Hospital Foundation and Variety Childrens Charity on Christmas Day, thanks to management and staff donating their time, tips and proceeds from the day. Their goal is to beat last years record of $14,000. WhiteSpot.ca
DRINK | DINE
Campagnolo is offering an Italian New Years Eve feast, served alla famiglia (family-style). Priced at $48 per person, reservations must be for four or more people. Menu includes multiple dishes of antipasti, primi, pizza, secondi and dolci. CampagnoloRestaurant.ca
Rocky Mountain Flatbread is hosting early family New Years celebrations at their Main Street and Kitsilano locations. Two seatings, at 4:30pm and 6:30pm, include live music, pizza making, and a warm double chocolate brownie. $18/adult, $15/child. Face painting and crafts are also available. RockyMountainFlatbread.ca
Maenam has a four-course NYE chefs menu for $60 per person, covering the spectrum of hot, sour, salty and sweet. Look for dishes like chicken and prawn in golden egg nets, hot and sour beef soup, green mango salad, stir-fried lobster, and Thai iced tea panna cotta. Maenam.ca
Burdock & Co is also on the NYE train, with a four-course naturalist wine-focused dinner for $65 per person. Bubbly pairings available for an additional $45 per person. The organic, locally-sourced menu is available for two seatings, at 6pm and 9pm. BurdockAndCo.com
Anya Levykh has been writing about all things ingestible for over a decade. Hear her every Monday on CBC Radio Ones On the Coast, follow her on Twitter @foodgirlfriday and catch up at FoodGirlFriday.com.
