Its time to get out your lederhosen. At least two Vancouver restaurants are hosting Oktoberfest dinners. From Sept. 22 to Oct.7 the Market at Shangri-La will be serving leberwurst, weisswurst, pork hocks and sauerkraut, and if you come in your best Oktoberfest clothes, you may win a prize. The three-course prix fixe lunch is $29 per person on weekdays, $39 on weekends (it includes Ayinger beer) and the dinner is $49. Go to Shangri-La.com for details.
The Vancouver Alpen Club the heart of the German-speaking community - invites everyone to celebrate with Bavarian music, dancing, and chants. There will be competitions in traditional yodelling and sawing, and an Oktoberfest princess will be crowned. Regular tickets are $25 and if you want to indulge in the Bavarian buffet, tickets are $75. Tickets are available at the clubs restaurant (4875 Victoria Drive) or online at Ticketweb.ca. Event days are Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20. VancouverAlpenClub.ca
Its harvest time for Lawns to Loaves. If youd like to pitch in with the threshing, milling and eating, youre invited to the Eco-Pavilion in the Strathcona Community Garden near Hawks and Prior on Oct. 6 from 11am to 3pm. The event is free, and if youve been growing grains this year for Lawns to Loaves, bring them to be pooled and processed at the celebration. LawnsToLoaves.wordpress.com
This month the Hamilton Street Grill is featuring Australia as part of its monthly wine tasting series. Food will be paired with three McWilliams wines at sit-down-yet-casual dinners on Sept. 24 and 25 from 5:30 to 7pm. Tickets are $25 and must be reserved by calling 604-331-1511 or emailing [email protected].
BC Liquor Stores celebrate the wines of Argentina with three free wine and food events and the chance to win a prize package that includes two nights at Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Wines will be paired with empanadas from Panaderia Latina Bakery on Oct. 6 at the Cambie signature store, 2-6pm; Oct. 11 at the Alberni and Bute signature store, 3-7pm; and Oct. 12 at the Park Royal signature store, 3-7pm.
Its not often that wine directors get a hand in blending the wine they serve, but that is exactly the opportunity made available to Owen Knowlton of West, Andrea Vescovi of Blue Water Café, Dave Marchand of CinCin and Samantha Rahn of Araxi. They helped create Foxtrot Vineyards The Waltz, a blended pinot noir that will be available exclusively at their restaurants starting Sept. 18. TopTable.ca
Chefs who represent the next generation of culinary achievement across North America are being featured at West. On Oct. 2, Chef Marc Lepine, owner of Ottawa-based Atelier restaurant, will join Chef Quang Dang for a collaborative seven-course dinner, with each chef creating alternate coursess. Tickets are $125.WestRestaurant.com
Lea and Justin Ault have opened their first Hapa Izakaya outside of Vancouver. Torontos trendy College Street is home to the new 120-seat restaurant that features a large bar, lounge and patio. Making it happen are siblings general manager Maaji Isobe, bar manager Mackenzie Isobe and manager Jiena Isobe from Hapa Robson, chef Koichi Fujioka from Hapa Robson and chef Takayuki Sato fromHapa Kitsilano, along with partners Toby Tseung and Sy Baek (Jienas husband). HapaIzakaya.com
