The official nominees for enRoute’s best new restaurants in Canada have been announced, with a strong showing from BC, including Agrius (Victoria), Bar Oso (Whistler), and Vancouver’s Kissa Tanto, Osteria Savio Volpe, Nightingale, Royal Dinette, Mission, Torafuku and Ancora. You can vote for your favourites at EatAndVote.com.
Coming to Squamish… a new restaurant from Araxi alumnus chef Jeff Park and sommelier Pat Allen is set to open later this summer. The Salted Vine Kitchen & Bar will feature a more upscale dining menu in downtown Squamish, focusing on seasonal share plates, local craft beers and wines, a strong cocktail program. Look for happy hour and dinner service to start, followed by lunch and weekend brunch in the fall.
In celebration of its one-year anniversary, Ancora is offering a special Champagne tasting menu now through Sept. 21. The menu highlights five distinct styles of French sparkling wine, all available by the glass or the bottle. A flight of three, three-ounce glasses will also be available for $43. In addition, executive chef Ricardo Valverde has created several seasonal dishes that should pair nicely with the bubbles, including a farmers’ market salad ($16) and a new selection of causas, including crispy prawn with avocado mousse ($17).
Looking for kosher catering? Susan Mendelson, owner of The Lazy Gourmet, is launching Mendelson’s Kosher Gourmet. The full-service catering operation will be based out of Talmud Torah’s two, brand-new purpose built kitchens. In addition, Mendelson will be providing nutritious, kosher hot lunches for the school’s students, made fresh each day.
Knifewear has officially opened at 4215 Main Street, offering high-quality Japanese knives.
On Aug. 25, The Westin Bayshore continues its Long Table Dinner Series with a special five-course dinner paired with Mission Hill’s Terroir Collection Wines. On September 29, the partnership will be with Averill Creek Winery. Each five-course dinner is $155 per person, including tax, gratuities and wine pairings. WestinBayshore.com/Long-Table
On Aug. 28, La Pentola is hosting the next installment of their popular Sunday Supper series. This month the theme revolves around the tomato and includes nine courses for $65, served family-style. Optional wine pairings are available for an additional $45.
BBQ Off the Bypass returns to Langley on Sept. 11 with the Great BC Bake-Off. This family-friendly event is free to attend and offers live entertainment, treats from vendors, and samples from competing BBQ teams from Washington State, Montana, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. The Great BC Bake-Off is an amateur pie-baking competition open to the public.
Tickets are now available for Vancouver Aquarium’s annual Toast to the Coast on Oct. 14. Enjoy bites from Ocean Wise partner restaurants as well as signature BC wines, along with live entertainment, all in support of the aquarium’s ocean conservation programs. Tickets $150.
