Love-ly stocking stuffer
They say that smell is one of the fastest triggers to a memory. Taste ranks right up there, too. Thats why the intense molasses flavor of the new gingerbread granola from Love Crunch packs such an emotional punch. It takes you right back to your childhood. Gingerbread cookies, sugar-coated ginger snaps, building gingerbread houses its all there. Natures Path, the makers of Love Crunch, seem to know us so well. They know that while the seasonal granola is ostensibly for breakfast, its also an irresistible snack, so theyre suggesting Love Crunch even as a stocking stuffer. And take heart for every bag of the organic gingerbread granola sold, the Vancouver company is very generously donating a bag to the food bank.
Seafood cooking class
Only the Japanese eat more fish than the Spanish, say the good folks at South China Seas Trading Company, who are celebrating by holding a Spanish cooking class on November 29. The menu already has us drooling fish cooked with brandy and sherry, squid in its own ink, creamy brandada de bacalao, and seafood in a French-inspired saffron Bechamel sauce. The class is from 7 to 10 pm at 1502 Victoria Dr. Tickets are $95 and tend to sell out fast. SouthChinaSeas.ca
Brothers battle it out
Yonah Sweetapple reigns as the UVA Wine Bar manager. His brother Jacob also is known for knowing a thing or two over at Chambar. On Nov. 14 at UVA, theyre taking park in a Negroni-focused competition. Guests are invited to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Vancouver food bank, which will also get 10 per cent of the evenings Negroni proceeds. Apple-fest starts at 7pm at 900 Seymour. UVAWineBar.ca
Score a scone
On Nov. 16, from 3 to 5pm, all COBS Bread patrons will receive a gingerbread scone for free. Its a new holiday product made with finely chopped candied ginger, white chocolate chips and gingerbread spicing. Also new for the holidays is a cranberry and pistachio French baguette. COBSBread.com
Gastown food tour
Taste your way through Gastown with a special Christmas culinary tour, available Dec. 1 to Jan. 6. Offered by Taste Vancouver Food Tours, and led by Gassy Jack (or a modern-day facsimile), the two-hour walking tour stops at nine eateries where participants can shore up their energy levels. Stops include Starbucks, Rogue Wetbar, Steamworks Brew Pub, Rogers Chocolates, Brioche, Chronic Tacos, Trees Organic and the Gastown Tea House. Tours start at 2 and cost $39 a person. TasteVancouverFoodTours.com
Red Racer redesign
Central City Brewers Oatmeal Stout is now available in cans as a six-pack or part of the Red Racer seasonal selection 12-pack mixer. Its a full-bodied, Irish-style stout that uses oatmeal, roasted barley and chocolate and crystal malts. Red Racer is also getting a new look to reflect the brands premium quality. The new logo was designed by Barnstorm Creative Group. But dont worry the girl on the red bike is still having as much fun on the label.
