THE DISH
For those heading up to Whistler for fresh powder, fuelling pre- and post-ski is essential not to mention a good excuse to indulge. Westin Resort and Spa, Whistlers newly opened Grill & Vine has some hearty and delicious options, such as the starter of crispy quail with multi-grain waffle and maple-glazed grapes ($15) or the burrata and North Arms Farms beet salad, with crispy and raw beets, ver jus dressing and candied hazelnuts. Executive chef Bradley Cummings has created a menu that focuses on modern interpretations of classic grill favourites, like the sea scallop and bone marrow risotto, with its monstrous bone luge, Sakura Farms pork duo, and wild boar lasagna, as well as classic Napoletana pizzas from the Wood Stone oven and a few childhood favourites. Chorizo tater tots were creamy, salty and addictive, as was the black truffle mac n cheese (no truffle oil here, just the real thing). The restaurant also has an Enomatic system installed, meaning a rotating selection of 16 wines by the glass on offer. GrillandVineWhistler.com
SCENE | HEARD
Vancouver locals Josh Gale, an IT sales specialist, and Patrick Stansfield, an entrepreneur, have both made it into the Top 50 Home Cooks for the new culinary competition series MasterChef Canada on CTV. Watch for the series Mondays at 8pm beginning January 20.
The Fish Counter, the highly anticipated offering from Rob Clark and Mike McDermid (the two founders of the Vancouver Aquariums Ocean Wise program), is now open at 3825 Main. A fish store and tasty eatery, you can be sure everything, from the battered fish to the medley of soups, will be traceable to the source. TheFishCounter.com
The familiar blue and yellow colours of the Yolks food truck beckon where The Brave Bull steakhouse used to dwell. Fried chicken and waffles and other daily specials are now being served at 1298 E. Hastings. Yolks.ca
Victory Gardens has launched an online shop just in time for the holidays. Offering services, supplies, and handmade products, Victory Gardens mission is to help people grow their own food and increase the amount of food grown in our city. Shop.VictoryGardensVancouver.ca
DRINK | DINE
Rosewood Hotel Georgia is throwing a Christmas Eve gala dinner in the Spanish Ballroom. The Ocean Wise seafood buffet dinner also includes take-home photos, aerial performing artists, live music and prize draw. $148 per person ($188 for VIP tables). Children under 12 are $48, children under five are complimentary. Call 604-673-7013 for tickets. RosewoodHotels.com/HotelGeorgia
Cibo Trattoria is celebrating New Years Eve with an extravagant five-course menu that features beef carpaccio, fresh spaghetti in brodo with rock cod, risotto of foraged mushrooms, 45-day, dry-aged rib of beef, vanilla panna cotta, local oysters, champagne at midnight, and more. $109 per person. CiboTrattoria.com
False Creek Fresh Market (1500 Howe) is hosting a holiday sing-along from 5 to 7pm on December 17, 19, 21 and 23. Theres hot chocolate and cider to keep you warm; drop off food items for A Loving Spoonful.
Anya Levykh has been writing about all things ingestible for over a decade. Hear her every Monday on CBC Radio Ones On the Coast, follow her @foodgirlfriday and catch up at FoodGirlFriday.com.
