Market by Jean-Georges at the Shangri-La Hotel
has gone through a few culinary incarnations since it first opened in 2009, but the newest (and youngest) chef to take over so far just might be the best. Chef de duisine Montgomery Lau was the former executive sous chef, so he has a good understanding of the JG menu philosophy, but is working on his own unique flavours and twists, such as the sweet potato macarons pictured here. This is being served as an amuse during the fall months, and is a good indicator of Laus gastronomic leanings. The sweet potato filling is both salty and sweet, with light cinnamon and nutmeg notes, plated over crushed hazelnuts that were also salty-sweet. The twig is crispy, dehydrated yam skin that has been rolled up to create a twist on a traditional pretzel stick. Other items to try include the pan-seared sea bream with corn, chanterelles and silky carrot, and the spiced rum toast for dessert, with raisins and brown butter ice cream.
Bittered Sling has launched seven deadly new bitters for the holiday season. The Seven Deadly Slings include flavours such as Cascade celery, Clingstone peach, Shanghai rhubarb, and Malagasy chocolate. Find them at specialty retailers throughout the Lower Mainland.
Another reason to fly withWestJet has selected Lesley Stowes iconic Raincoast Crisps and cookies as part of their in-flight snack program.
Advance tickets to the 2014 Vancouver International Wine Festival are now on sale. The festival is a fundraiser for Bard on the Beach Theatre Society. This years theme country is France, and the global focus is all things bubbly.
Choices on West 16th Avenue is offering a series of health-focused cooking demos and tastings, as well as seminars, on November 18 and 19. Register online at ChoicesMarket.com under Events.
Get thee to WhistlerThe 17th Annual Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival launches this week and there are still many event tickets available. Here are three to check out; all tickets and event details available through WhistlerCornucopia.com
Made in Mexico The Flavours of a Nation
November 8, 6pm, $128.50 + tax
Executive Chef Edgar Navarro of The Mexican Corner Restaurant welcomes chef Diego Hernandez and chef Pablo Salas, two of the worlds most renowned Mexican chefs, for an evening of rare tequilas and fine Mexican flavours. Start with a one-hour seminar and tasting led by tequila connoisseur Pablo Contreras, then enjoy a five-course dinner of re-imagined Mexican classic dishes paired with tequilas from Patrón.
Argentina: More than Malbec
November 9, 2pm, $40 + tax
Join Wine Diva Daenna Van Mulligan for an afternoon exploring the centuries-old winemaking history and important wine regions of Argentina as you taste your way through the native varietals like Malbec, Bonarda and Torrontes.
Alta Bistro + Laughing Stock Vineyards
November 10, 6pm, $149 + tax
Financial brokers-turned-winemakers Cynthia and David Enns of Laughingstock conduct a blending and tasting seminar, followed by a family-style dinner by Chef Nick Cassettari of Alta Bistro.
Anya Levykh has been writing about all things ingestible for over a decade. Catch up with her at the 17th Annual Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival, on Twitter at @foodgirlfriday, and on her site, FoodGirlFriday.com.
