Steamworks Blitzen ale now available in bigger bottles
Tis the season for festive beers and, more specifically, the highly anticipated Steamworks Blitzen ale. Starting this weekend, Steamworks Brewing Company will warm the hearts of craft beer lovers across British Columbia with the first-ever release of Blitzen Winter Ale in 650ml bottles. Every bottle depicts a sleigh-driven reindeer bursting through Vancouvers Science World, ingeniously repurposed as a steampunk snow globe. Blitzen, an ode to Belgian Tripel, is a richly brewed winter ale with apple and citrus aromas, a toasted malt character and a creamy finish enough to make any beer drinker sing holiday cheer. Blitzen Winter Ale will be available in BC Liquor Stores as well as private licensed retail stores.
Tap & Barrel introduces wine Wednesdays
Vancouvers Tap & Barrel has just launched Flight Night, which runs every Wednesday.Each week, sommelier David Stansfield picks a flight of three wines and personally attends to serve the wine and experience the offerings with his guests. On December 12, hes going to be including the Summerhill Organic Syrah a single vineyard certified organic Syrah sourced from the Sekhoor family vineyard in Osoyoos. Stansfield describes the wine as a big, mouth-filling wine with alluring notes of dark berries, coffee, and spice. The restaurant is located in the Olympic Village at 1 Athletes Way, 604-685-2223.
The Slow Bean opens
At the Slow Bean (99 West Pender at Abbott), art and performance live alongside great food. The recently opened restaurant is serving made-from-scratch vegetarian bowls and plates for $3.50/$5/$8. Daily specials made in-house from the basics lentils, squash, rice and more. Fresh green salads, hot tea, home-made Horchata. For info, email [email protected] or visit Niners.ca.
NYE Okanagan wine escape
Join the British Columbia Wine Appreciation Society and Good Life Vancouver for a weekend escape to wine country ending with Paraiso Events Spectacular! NYE 2013 Masquerade Gala at the NkMip Conference Centre. Oliver and Osoyoos wineries have created dazzling holiday light displays for their annual Winter in Wine Country open houses. Visit selected Oliver and Osoyoos wineries on Dec. 29 and 30from 3 to 7pm so that wine-lovers can enjoy both the holiday lights and complimentary wine tastings. Three-nights all-inclusive package from Vancouver starts at $386.49 per person. Tickets available here.
Turkey time
JD Farms has fresh turkeys in store right through to the New Year. As well, many of the Langley farms Lower Mainland retailers are taking some fresh turkeys early so that customers can have one for any early celebrations. Sizes range from about 8 pounds up to about 20 pounds.
DG snags employer award
Daniel Hospitality Group (DG) has been awarded first place as BCs top hospitality employer, and second place as overall Best Company to Work for in BC (with more than 100 employees) in the annual survey presented by BC Business Magazine. This is the second consecutive year DG has been awarded the Best Companies to Work for in BC. Founded in 2001 by Daniel Frankel, the company currently operates and manages six landmark restaurants in Vancouver, including The Mill Marine Bistro, Burrard Bridge Bar & Grill (Pirate Pub), Prospect Point Café & Gift Shop, Stanley Park Pavilion, Stanleys Park Bar & Grill. The latest addition is Tap & Barrel in Olympic Village and a second location opening at the Vancouver Convention Centre in 2013. By receiving this award DG is encouraged and motivated to continue to work hard- cultivating our family-style work environment, says Frankel.
Eat, drink, give at East of Main
East of Main Cafe introduces Eat. Drink. Give. group dining menus. Group menus start at $25 per person and are designed for parties of eight or more. Guests are encouraged to eat delicious food and drink hand-crafted cocktails,knowing that all profits from their holiday feast will be given to Project Limelight Society, a free performing arts program for young people living in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside. Participants learn skills, techniques and forms of expression, including clowning, creative writing, voice work, movement and improvisation. For reservations at East of Main, contact Tami Nasu at [email protected] or call East of Main at 604-899-2777.
Blogger launches barista, waiter, cocktail maker awards
Vancouver Foodster is recognizing and celebrating the best baristas, waiters and cocktail makers in the city and surrounding areas. Who makes the best coffee? Is the friendliest? Mixes the best cocktail? Who is the best server in all of your favourite restaurants? No one is off limits male, female, young, or, not-so-young, in the city or suburbs. People are invited to nominate their favourite barista, waiter, and cocktail maker by Monday, Dec. 31. The best of the best will be crowned Jan. 7. Nominate your favourites at VancouverFoodster.com.
Waldorf Hotel Cereal Bar
Theres nothing better than a bowl of cereal and Inspector Gadget in the morning, right? Why not head down to the Waldorf Hotel to their amazing Cereal Bar featuring 42 different types of cereal from all over the world. They are certain to have all your favourites as well as imported brands. WaldorfHotel.com. courtesy of BC Les Clefs dOr
Monk McQueens closing
After over 26 years in its premier oceanfront Stamps Landing location, the Monk McQueens Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar has announced that it will be passing the reins to the Mahony family of Vancouver for a new Mahony & Sons location as of Jan. 1, 2013. With a plan to renovate and reopen in summer 2013, this is the third location for the Vancouver-based Irish pub themed chain; the Monks Group will maintain ownership of the building. The last service will be Dec. 31. courtesy of BC Les Clefs dOr
