Macaron lovers are on high alert. Ladurée, the world-famous Parisian patisserie and tea room that has been serving up some of the world’s best macarons since 1862, is opening up its first Canadian location this spring on Robson Street. The shop will sell macarons, viennoiseries, teas, jams, and a selection of perfumed candles and home fragrances. In addition, there will be a small tea salon.
Vancouver’s own Giancarlo Quiroz Jesus has been named winner of the 2016 Canadian Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition. Jesus will go on to compete in San Francisco as the Canadian representative in the Global Legacy Competition.
The Vancouver International Wine Festival has announced the 2016 trade competition winners. Norman Gladstone was named Spirited Industry Professional, for his significant contributions to the sales, service and promotion of BC wines. Alistair Veen, chef/owner of Tap Restaurant in South Surrey, was named Sommelier of the Year. As well, the Wine Program Excellence Awards, sponsored by Vancouver Magazine, were also awarded to multiple restaurants in B.C. and Alberta.
Fat Mao, chef Angus An’s new casual Thai-focused noodle joint, now has a liquor license and is open seven days a week from 11:30am-9pm. The After Work Special (4pm-7pm daily) offers any bowl of noodles plus a beer for $14.99. There are also some new small plates and desserts on the menu.
Lauren Mote of Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar has launched a “World Class” happy hour program, encompassing the cocktails that made Mote the first woman to win the Diageo World Class Canada bartending competition. Drinks include the Middle Earth (rye, white vermouth, amaro, balsalm fir, and orange and juniper bitters) and the Choclair (fresh espresso, bourbon, Grand Marnier, cacao, red berries, gentian and chocolate bitters), among others. Each cocktail is priced at $12 and is available daily 2pm-6pm.
After five, sold-out nights at New York City’s Exhibit C, The Acorn is re-enacting their five-course vegan tasting menu on March 6. The dinner also includes wines paired by sommelier Kurtis Kolt. Tickets $95.
Don’t forget that Dining Out for Life happens on March 10 at restaurants from White Rock to Whistler, and across the Lower Mainland. On this day, participating restaurants will donate 25 per cent of food sales to local not-for-profits Friends for Life and A Loving Spoonful. See the full list of participating restaurants at DiningOutForLife.com/Vancouver.
The brew abides… Vancouver Brewery Tours is rolling out their inaugural Big Lebowski-themed brewery and bowling tour on Saturday, March 26. The tour includes Lebowski-inspired “oat soda” samples at each brewery stop, including Big Rock Urban Brewery and Storm Brewing, and will finish at Grandview Lanes Bowling Centre. The tour also includes a trivia contest and costume contest. Pick up and drop off from Waterfront Station, as well as tour transportation, is included. Tickets $85 per person.
On April 9, DinnerPartyYVR is back for its fourth year of raising funds through a series of home-cooked dinners, all on the same night. Sign up for dinner at any hobby chef’s home and also receive admission to afterparty at Maker Labs, which includes desserts and entertainment. Tickets are $50 each, with all proceeds donated to the host’s chosen charity. See full host and menu listings at DinnerPartyYVR.com.
Feel like a weekend road trip? Harrison Hot Springs has announced its inaugural Uncorked festival April 22-23. The two-day food and wine event includes dinners, wine and food tastings, entertainment and more. Participating restaurants include Morgan’s Bistro, River’s Edge Restaurant, Muddy Waters Café and the Copper Room.
On April 28, Naramata Bench Wineries Association is partnering with the Vancouver Aquarium to hold Wine for Waves, a benefit for the aquarium’s Ocean Wise program. Taste spring releases from Naramata wineries, as well as bites from sustainable seafood restaurants. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets $110 per person.
