Mark Brands Portside
Mark Brand is diversifying. Hes opening a three-level pub and live music venue called Portside Pub at 7 Alexander Street. Hes taken his inspiration from traditional East Coast pub culture to create a comfortable and affordable place for people to gather and enjoy good music and a great pint. There will be 24 craft beers, ranging from locally sourced favourites including the lager and IPA from Phillips Brewery, as well as international brews such as the Belgium Palm Amber Ale, Erdinger Weissbier Dunkel, and Delirium Tremens.
Changes at Wildebeest
Following chef David Gunawans decsion to leave Wildebeest to become a partner of Che Baba Cantina and Yoga Studio, the popular Gastown restaurant has announced that chef Welsey Young will lead the kitchen crew starting Feb. 1. Young has been with the restaurant since day one and his CV includes C and West in Vancouver, 357c in Montreal and Tom Aikens in London.
Poutine addicts rejoice
Smokes Poutinerie is bringing traditional Québec Poutine to two locations in Vancouver: 942 Granville Street (which just opened) and on Robson Street (which will open soon.) The franchise offers 30 different types of poutine. Exclusive to Vancouver will be a Steak Fajita with steak, sour cream, caramelized onions, red peppers and salsa.
Master of malts
The Irish Heather is joining forces with master of malts Iain McCallum for a Three Distillery Long Table Series supper on January 22. The single malts from Bowmore, Glen Garioch and Auchentoshan Distilleries will paired with dishes by Executive Chef Paul Haldane.
Choices dinner
The Annex at Choices Floral Shop (2615 W 16th) is hosting The New Carnivore with Ovation Lamb, Black Creek Ranch and Marquis Wine Cellars on January 21 from 7-9pm. The cost is $60. Register online at ChoicesMarket.com or at Choices Kitsilano.
HAVE help, will train
Chef Lee Humphries of C will be join students from the HAVE Culinary Training Society at a fundraising dinner called Amber and Friends on February 21. Amber is Amber Anderson, an official chef de cuisine who has helped hundreds of men and women living in the Downtown East Side through HAVE Café. Tickets are $125 each and are available online at HAVECafe.ca.
