Vicino Pastaria to close
When Bill McCaig decided to build on the success of his extremely popular Nicli Antica Pizzeria by opening Vicino Pastaria and Deli next door, he first had to make a big investment in creating the warm and welcoming space. The renovation ate up more capital than I had anticipated. On top of that, the slow start and lack of liquor licence adversely affected the restaurant being embraced by the community. We finally received our license a few weeks ago; unfortunately it came too late to save Vicino, he announced in a press release on Feb. 10. I want to thank all the staff who worked so hard to make Vicino work under very trying circumstances. Many of them will be integrated into Nicli Antica Pizzeria, which continues to thrive and prosper. Vicinios will close February 24. He is seeking a tenant interested in taking over 68 E. Cordova.
Rainier Provisions opens
If youve loved whats on the menu at the Salt Tasting Room, heres your chance to fill up your fridge with the same charcuterie, sausages and specialty cheeses. Heather Hospitality Group has opened the 102-seat deli/restaurant/coffee shop, Rainier Provisions. It will eventually be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers 18 types of bourbon, six on-tap beers and coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters. A 40-seat patio will be open in time for summer. So if you find yourself with a need for squid ink or quince paste, head to 2 W. Cordova between 11:30am and 6pm. RainierProvisions.com.
Thurlow St. Keg is moving
The BC chapter of Les Clefs dOr reports that The Keg will open at the Shangrli La Hotel and close its location on Thurlow next to the Dollar Store. No date has been set, nor is there word whether a restaurant or retailer will go into the current Keg space.
New food truck event
Street Eats and Beats Under the Bridge is Feb. 22 and 23, Les Clef dOr reports. The two-night party in the garage behind Edible Canada on Granville Island will run from 6pm to midnight as part of Winterruption. It will feature Vancouvers most highly acclaimed food trucks, local beer and wine, as well as live DJs. Tickets are $30 each per night. Minors are welcome but two pieces of ID are required for alcoholic beverages.
Bakers, warm your ovens!
The Cupcake Throwdown pits 25 of the citys best amateur and professional bakers in a democratic contest that will raise funds for RainCityHousing, Five Star Footy Club and Leaky Heaven Youth. Spectators $10 entry gives them four tasting tickets and a ballot; more tasting tickets are $1 each. Its on February 27 from 7-10pm at Fortune Sound Club. MCing the evening is the very funny Erica Sigurdson with DJ Hebegebe on the decks. Tickets are available at CupcakeThrowdown.com.
