THE DISH
If you havent been to Mamie Taylors yet, then you are missing out on a seriously fun experience. The newest in a line of eateries to open in the Chinatown/Main Street neighbourhood, Mamie is all about contemporary American comfort food, with interesting twists. A recent favourite was the hearty plate of white cheddar grits ($13), topped with lots and lots of grilled mushrooms, crunchy bread bits, scallions, and a perfect slow-cooked egg yolk that breaks with runny abandon at the prick of a fork. Vegetarians would enjoy this dish, as long they dont mind the taxidermy that dots the vertical landscape. Pair it with the house cocktail ($9), a refreshing combination of scotch, lime juice, angostura bitters and ginger beer. Other standouts include the veal tongue Montecristo sandwich and the fried chicken dinner. MamieTaylors.ca
SCENE | HEARD
Boca, a new Latin-inspired sandwich shop, opened on West Broadway at Granville last week. Chef Tina Fineza has consulted on the menu, so it should be pretty darn fine. Look for bocadillos, salads and tortilla soup. Boca2Go.ca
Chambar is closing in May 2014and re-opening a few doors away at 566 Beatty St. in summer 2014. The new space is larger and will include a new south-facing patio that will be open year-round, as well as a rooftop patio for special events, a cocktail bar, larger lounge, and additional lower level. The new space will be open all day for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Chambar.com
Cartems Donuterie is opening its new location at 534 West Pender this week. The larger space will house a production kitchen and 24 seats, including communal tables. Cartems.com
Odd Society Spirits, a new craft distillery, has opened in East Vancouver on Powell with the hooch trifecta of small-batch vodka and gin, and un-aged whiskey (a.k.a. moonshine). OddSocietySpirits.com
DRINK | DINE
FarmFolk CityFolk is celebrating its 20th anniversary at Van Dusen Gardens new visitor centre with an evening of local food and drink. Tickets are $40 and available at FarmFolkCityFolk.ca.
Le Parisien is planning a fondue night on October 29. Dinner is $65 including tax, gratuity and wine pairings, and includes a frisée and lardon salad with poached egg, cheese fondue and dessert. Buy tickets at
LeParisienFondue.Eventbrite.ca
From now until November 14, Languedoc Wines is sponsoring a wines-by-the-glass promotion at four of the citys top wine bars: The Wine Bar, Brix, Siena and Seasons in the Park. Order a glass from the south of France and be entered to win your own Languedoc wine bar crawl for two. Languedoc-Wines.com
Siena Restaurant in South Granville is running a mushroom festival menu through November 6, featuring three courses for $32 per person. Choices include chanterelle tartlet with double cream brie, porcini ravioli with mascarpone portobello confit, and white chocolate and black truffle tart. EatSiena.com
La Pentola is hosting its next Famiglia Supper Series on Sunday, October 27 at 6pm. $55 per person gets you 10+ courses served family style. LaPentola.ca
Cornucopia is back November 7 to 17. With 11 days of drinking and dining events, there is a lot to sample and savour. Get the details at WhistlerCornucopia.com.
