One of those good news/bad news scenarios…On Oct. 31, Pied-à-Terre on Cambie Street had its final service before closing for good. Owners Andrey Durbach and Chris Stewart aren’t moving out, however, as they have opened a new, casual Italian-American restaurant in its place, inspired by the Italian neighbourhoods of San Francisco and New York. Sorella is now open nightly from 5pm.
In other open/close news, Shirakawa, the short-lived Japanese restaurant in Gastown that focused on wagyu beef, has closed. The lease has been taken over by the owners of the meat-free Meet on Main, which will open its second location sometime in the new year.
Chef Jefferson Alvarez, formerly of Secret Location, is opening a new restaurant in Kitsilano in the new year. SUR Canada will focus on progressive South American cuisine (so, not Mexican). Don’t expect any tacos, but, knowing Alvarez, do expect innovative and experimental dishes. Opening set for mid-January.
Yolks, the popular East Side breakfast spot and food truck, is expanding to a second bricks-and-mortar location at Broadway and Cambie. Look for the opening later this month.
Giardino is now open for lunch daily Monday to Friday. The menu is almost as robust as at dinner, and don’t miss the fresh beach oyster soup with paprika.
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar has named Diana Claxton as its new wine director. Claxton formerly worked at Homer St. Café and Bar, Wildebeest, Fable Kitchen, and Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill. She will be focusing on expanding the accessibility of the extensive wine list, as well as promoting the restaurant’s wide range of organic and biodynamic varietals and blends.
Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program has just launched a new, interactive app that is designed to help consumers find seafood recommendations and Ocean Wise restaurants on the go. The Ocean Wise free app is now available for download via the Apple store and Google Play.
Local shopping now available at two winter markets…In addition to the ongoing winter market at Nat Bailey Stadium, Vancouver Farmers Markets has launched the Hastings Park Farmers Market at the PNE fairgrounds, between the Agrodome and the Forum. The market is now running every Sunday, 10am-2pm, through to May 1.
Viva Italia! The Vancouver International Wine Festival is back February 20-28, and tickets are now on sale. This year’s theme country is Italy, with more than 60 wineries from nine iconic regions participating.
On Nov. 18, Mamie Taylor’s ongoing Taste of the States monthly longtable dinner series continues with a visit to “Paris of the Plain” Kansas City, Missouri. Focusing on the region’s famous barbecue, the menu includes a welcome craft cocktail, blackened catfish, Kansas City-style beef ribs, and turtle pie. Tickets $45.
On Nov. 23, Edible Canada is hosting a special whiskey dinner with Andrew Starritt of Cask Strength. Unique and rare single malt whiskeys will be paired with dishes like wild boar and maple-bacon cheesecake. Tickets are $147.50 and include five-course dinner, whiskey pairings and gratuity.
To celebrate 10 years since opening his first store in North Vancouver, Thomas Haas is launching a collection of 10th Anniversary Chocolate Bars with a new flavour each month for the next year. The first release will hazelnut and cocoa nibs on Nov. 15. Haas is also holding 10 days of giveaways from Nov. 19 to 28, and a chance to win a trip to Paris with Haas himself.
Toptable restaurants West, Blue Water and Cin Cin will all be offering special holiday season weekday lunch menus during the month of December. West will offer a three-course prix fixe tasting menu for $45, while Blue Water and Cin Cin will have à la carte menus.
