THE DISH
When looking back over 2013, the list of fantastic, silent-eating-inspiring dishes was pleasantly long. These ran the gamut from the heady, rich and decadent meals from the likes of Cin Cin, Araxi, and Campagnolo Roma involving white and black truffles, beef heart, and pork belly galore to the delightfully minimalist and refreshing creations of Burdock and Co., Farmers Apprentice, not to mention an entire host of comfortable eats from Mamie Taylors, Good Wolfe et al. To choose one dish that beat out the rest is rather like choosing a favourite child. Instead, I chose a dish that was memorable because eating it awakened the senses, refreshed the palate, satisfied my craving for richness while offering health-enriching ingredients, and met all the requirements of contemporary locavorism. The oyster and radish salad at Burdock and Co., available seasonally (as is the entirety of the menu), gave all this. Look for a newer innovation on the current menu with rosemary-smoked mussels and pickled garlic. BurdockandCo.com
SCENE | HEARD
Yaletown is gettin lucky James Coleridge, owner of award-winning Bella Gelateria in Coal Harbour and maker of its artisan, old-world gelati and sorbetti, has announced he will be opening up a second location in Yaletown on Marinaside Crescent (in the old Bojangles space) sometime this April. The new location will carry similar frozen delights, but the larger 80-seat space will also offer Napoletana-style pizza, a dessert bar, java from Milano Coffee Roasters and wine. A little Lambrusco with your hazelnut gelato, anyone? BellaGelateria.com
Crosstown has a new watering holeBismarck has officially opened at 526 Abbott Street. While the eight large HDTVs might be a draw for sports fans, its the large line-up of craft brews and dishes like the lamb merguez tacos and the mighty sausage sampler tray that will have diners drooling. Bismarck.ca
The Gluten Free Expo, Canadas largest gluten-free event, is happening at the PNE Forum Building on January 25 and 26 from 10am to 4pm each day. Attend seminars on gluten-free living, and sample hundreds of products. GlutenFreeExpo.ca/BC/Vancouver
Chocolate Arts has posted their classes for 2014, with lessons on ganache, tempering and sweets for your sweetie, just in time for Valentines Day. ChocolateArts.com
Absinthe Bistro has opened at 1260 Commercial Drive. Think cheap and cheerful French fare with very reasonable two- and three-course prix fixe menus for $28 and $35, respectively, as well as a la carte offerings. And, yes, absinthe, both in drops and cocktails, is on the menu. BistroAbsinthe.com
Saying goodbye both Boneta and House Guest have closed their doors for good. No word yet as to what might be going into the now-vacant Gastown spaces.
DRINK | DINE
Dine Out Vancouver restaurant menus and tickets will be available to the public as of January 6. If youre an American Express cardholder, purchase advance tickets as of January 3. DineOutVancouver.com
Bambudda is launching a Chinese New Year menu after January 8 in advance of the Year of the Horse celebrations launching on the 31st. Bambudda.ca
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.
