Now that the holidays are officially over, and our wallets feel slightly less stuffed, the need for comfort is greater than ever. I found mine the other night at Los Cuervos, the small tacqueria and cantina that opened in the old Che Baba space at 603 
Kingsway. The team behind it are Les Faux Bourgeois owners Andreas Seppelt and Stephan Gagnon, along with their long-time chef, Gilles LHeureux, who himself spent over half a decade living and working in Mexico City. Sitting just a few doors away from its sister resto, Los Cuervos focuses on the humble taco, but, unlike most other tacquerias in the city that serve their goods on a three-inch-wide double-walled, these come on single six-inch corn tortillas that fold perfectly over onto themselves, meaning less mess and better handling. Try the Alambre, a rich bison skirt steak topped with bacon, melted cheese, onion and peppers, or the Cochinta Pibil, a Yucatan pulled pork with red onions. Daily specials one night included an outstanding tamarind-glazed pork belly with crackling. There are also vegetarian options, like the outstanding mixed mushrooms with huitlacoche (a Mexican truffle) sauce. At around $3.50 each, you can certainly try most of the 10 taco options without breaking the bank. Just leave room for the flautas ($5 each), crispy rolled tacos stuffed with duck, sweet potato and feta.
Fraîche in West Vancouver served its last dinner on December 31, 2013. It was named one of the top 10 new restaurants in 2008 when it opened, and recognized as being one of the best restaurants on the North Shore. Best wishes to the staff and owners.
Vancouver International Wine Festival tickets are now on sale. Running from February 24 to March 2, this years collection of seminars, dinners, tastings and other events focuses around the theme country of France, with a global focus on bubbly.
Ganache Patisserie in Yaletown has expanded its retail space at 1262 Homer Street with a larger seating area, and an expanded croissant and coffee menu.
Canadas first PappaRoti franchise is expected to open later this month at 1505 Robson. The glazed, coffee-carmel coated pastries are called the father of all buns from Malaysia. It will also feature specialty teas and JJ Bean coffee.
Vancouver Farmers Markets are presenting their second annual Food Truck Fest during the month of January at the Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey Stadium every Saturday. Look for almost 20 trucks to be on hand, as well as covered seating and live music.
Haggis is, lets say, an acquired taste. And not everyone wants to acquire it. Thats why when House Wine raises drams of single malts, blended scotch, Irish whiskey, bourbon and wine in honour of Scottish poet Robbie Burns bri, it will be serving cheese instead. Its at Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery on Robson on January 22 from 6 to 8p. Tickets are $45 at HouseWine.ca
Dine Out Vancouver is almost upon us, with over 200 restaurants offering their prix fixe deals starting January 17. Dont forget all the special events that will be happening throughout the two-week festival. Here are my top picks for culinary adventure:
East Van Craft Brew and Culinary Tour: Vancouver Brewery Tours and Off the Eaten Track are joining forces to take you on a three-hour tour through some of East Vans best breweries and restaurants. $65
WEs own Follow Me Foodie, Mijune Pak, presents 6 Course Discourse, an interactive evening of food, wine and conversation with six of Vancouvers top chefs: John Bishop, Hamid Samilian, Vikram Vij, Owen Lightly, Tina Fineza and Scott Jaegar. January 20; $50.
Street Food City is back for its third year, with 23 food trucks on rotation over a five-day period. Expect up to 15 trucks each day on the North Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Free admission, but you have to pay for the food.
Full details on these and other events at DineOutVancouver.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 FoodGirlFriday.com.
