THE DISH
Beta 5 Chocolates has become one of the citys top chocolatiers in a very short time, and recently took home several golds and a silver at the Canadian National Chocolate Awards for their Fishermans Friend, Whole Cherry, and Bay Leaf truffles. They are also known for their candies, such as the unparalleled raspberry caramels, and laminated pastries (try the chocolate kouign amann). My favourites, however, are the decadent and rather large cream puffs, especially the Salted Caramel, Milk Chocolate SMore (with toasted marshmallow on top), and the Blueberry Yuzu. $4.50 each or four for $16. Only available in-store and filled on demand. Beta5Chocolates.com
SCENE | HEARD
Chef Paul Moran of Kelowna has won the $10,000 grand prize presented by the Chefs Table Society of BC at the inaugural Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship competition. The event drew young chefs from across Canada to compete at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts this past Sunday. Celebrity chef judges included Mark McEwan of Food Networks Top Chef Canada, Vikram Vij of Vijs, Scott Jaegar of The Pear Tree, Norman Laprise of Toqué! in Montreal, author Jacob Richler, Anthony Walsh of Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants in Toronto, and, of course, David Hawksworth and Kristian Eligh of Hawksworth Restaurant. Moran also will receive a stage at an international restaurant of his choosing.
Vijs Railway Express, the food truck from Vikram Vij, is the Peoples Choice Award winner for Best New Restaurant in Canada, as judged by Enroute Magazine. It was the only food truck nominated among 35 prestigious restaurants nation-wide. VijsRailwayExpress.com
Pictured: Jason Apple, Vikram Vij and Jory Simkin of Vij's Railway Express. Supplied photo
DRINK | DINE
Burdock & Co. has launched a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am to 2pm. Look for beef brisket ramen, poached eggs on sunchoke cake, and the famous fried chicken and pickles. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items are also available. BurdockAndCo.com
Bob Likes Thai Food Restaurant will be launching a pop-up at Gudrun Tasting Room in Steveston Village starting this Sunday, November 3. Look for it after that on the first Sunday of every month (except January, when it will take place on January 12). The set menu is $65 per person and includes five courses paired with a shared bottle (for two) of gewürtztraminer. Tickets available at both Bob Likes Thai Food locations and at Gudrun Tasting Room. BobLikesThaiFood.com | Gudrun.ca
Restaurant swap... For one night only, Market by Jean Georges in Vancouver and Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler will be switching locations. On November 9, Market will pack up its chefs, front-of-house team, bartenders and furniture, and take over Bearfoot Bistro. On November 13, Bearfoot comes to Market. Both evenings will feature four-course tasting menus for $78. Reserve the Whistler dinner at 604-932-3433 and the Vancouver dinner at 604-695-1115. MarketByJGVancouver.com | BearfootBistro.com
Cin Cin Ristorante is holding two winery dinners, on November 11 and 14. The first will partner with San Felice and the second with Viticcio Winery. Both wineries are situated in the Chianti Classico region of Italy. Each five-course dinner is $160 per person. Tickets available at 604.688.7338. Cincin.net
West Restaurant is teaming up with Louis M. Martini for a winery dinner on November 26 at 6:30pm. Special guest Peter Marshall, Principal at the Napa-based Martini and noted fine wine expert, will be in attendance, and each of the five courses will be paired with one of Martinis chardonnays and zinfandels, as well as their signature cabernet sauvignon. Tickets are $140 per person (includes reception) and available at 604.738.8938. WestRestaurant.com
