What do you get when you cross a marine biologist with a famous chef? No, its not a joke, although it is a reason to rejoice. Vancouver Aquariums Mike McDermid and chef Robert Clark, both sustainable seafood advocates and founders of the Ocean Wise program, have opened up a little fish shop aptly named The Fish Counter at 3825 Main Street. Why so exciting? Its all sustainable, for a start. Pick up your wild coho and sustainably farmed sturgeon, as well as prepared items such as Clarks famous crab cakes, chowder, chinook candy or salmon rillettes. But, thats just half the story or, more accurately, the space. The other half of the brightly lit digs are home to some of the best fish and chips around (in your choice of sustainable salmon, halibut, etc.), not to mention an absolutely stunning oyster poboy in a toasted baguette that is chock-a-block full of deep-fried Fanny Bays and dotted with kimchi for a light bite. The accompanying coleslaw is laced with kale and is fresh and zingy. Look for daily specials such as moules frites and bouillabaisse, and dont miss the monster fish tacos.
Vancouver Urban Winery is one of the first few craft producers to receive a Lounge Endorsement Licence, meaning they can now serve beverages produced onsite without being restricted to sample sizes. Look for 36 wines on tap, as well as several by-the-bottle selections.
The 6th annual Chinese Restaurant Awards are back, including the annual Diners Choice and Judges Choice awards. From now until February 9, nominate your favourite restaurants and bakeries, then vote for your picks in each category February 10-March 9.
The BC Home + Garden Show, February 19-23, is back with the Urban Fare cooking stage at BC Place Stadium. See top chefs, cooking demos and Chopping Block, the home chef competition hosted by executive chef Ned Bell of Four Seasons Vancouver.
Running now until March 2, Grain Tasting Room is giving away free eggs benny during their weekly brunch service to anyone named Ben as part of their Bring a Ben, Get a Benny promotion. Five different eggs benny to choose from.
For the month of February, Township 7 winery will be donating partial proceeds to BC Guide Dog Services from all sales of their Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc sold at BCLDB liquor stores. As well, they have teamed up with Black + Blue Steakhouse for a fundraising dinner on March 10. Township7.com/BCGuideDogs.
Edible Canadas second annual Festival Under the Bridge: Edible Canada House is back February 14-16 at Edible Canada on Granville Island. Tickets are $20 ($15 for minors) and include live entertainment, screenings of Olympic events, multiple food stations, craft beer, local wines and spirits, and a separate play area with face painting for kids. Win two tickets here.
Connoisseurs of craft beers and spirits can indulge their passion and raise money for the people who have made this passion their career: The Barrels & Bottles fundraiser will feature tastings of 20 BC breweries and nine BC distilleries on February 22 at the Blackbird Public House and Oyster Bar. The event, which runs from 11am-4pm, raises money for the BC Craft Brewers Guild and the Craft Distillers Guild of BC. Tickets are $65 and include all samples; available on Eventbrite.
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.
