Odd Society Spirits took first place in Sip Northwest magazine’s recent Best of the Northwest awards for its crème de cassis, beating out distilleries from across Canada and the US. The liqueur is available for purchase at the Strathcona neighbourhood distillery as well as at private beer, wine and liquor stores. OddSocietySpirits.com
Max Borrowman, the acclaimed bartender who previously worked at Fairmont Pacific Rim and Torafuku, has taken over the beverage program at Juniper in Chinatown. Borrowman will be expanding on the existing bar menu by incorporating First Nations and Spanish flavours. JuniperVancouver.com
Haida Wild, a seafood purveyor jointly managed by the Council of the Haida Nation and Oceans Canada, has received the “best choice” designation from sustainability advocates SeaChoice. Haida Wild’s razor clams– considered some of the best eating clams in the Pacific Northwest – are valued for their size and sweet, tender meat. HaidaWild.com
Squamish-based Gillespie’s Fine Spirits has released a new raspberry gin, made with fruit from Madair Farms in Abbotsford. The distillery has also launched a signature barrel program and whisky club. GillespiesFineSpirits.com
On Sunday, Oct. 16, Vancouver Farmers Markets hosts RIPE 2016, its seventh annual harvest celebration, at the Roundhouse. An all-star line-up of local chefs (including Ned Bell, Quang Dang, Meeru Dhalwala, Clement Chan and Shelome Bouvette) will team up with VFM producers to create eight market-inspired tasting stations, accompanied by local wine and craft beer, seasonal cocktails and dessert tastings. There will also be live music and silent auctions. Proceeds go to support of VFM’s healthy eating programs that benefit low-income families. Tickets $85 ($20 for children under 12). EatLocal.org/Ripe-2016
On Monday, Oct. 17, Torafuku hosts a special dinner in honour of the release of China: The Cookbook, published by the esteemed Phaidon Press. The six-course dinner is based on dishes from the book, focusing on traditional Chinese dishes with playful twists. Authors Kei Lum Chan and Diora Fong Chan will be in attendance. Get your tickets ($65 or $105, including a copy of the book) through Eventbrite here.
A pop-up chai bar is coming to Chinatown (434 Columbia) Oct. 28 to Nov. 3. Presented by Vancouver-based company Asian Chai, it will be offering various flavoured chais, as well as baked goods and locally made products. AslanChai.com
It’s truffle season at CinCin Ristorante. On Tuesday, Nov. 15, chef Andrew Richardson hosts a five-course truffle-themed dinner, paired with wines from Tuscany’s Carpineto winery. Tickets $185 from CinCin.net
On Thursday, Nov. 17, Fairmont Pacific Rim hosts its 12th annual Culinary Apprenticeship Dinner. Aspiring chefs from all Fairmont Hotels in the Pacific Northwest will be in the spotlight as each group of apprentices prepares a dish that celebrates one of Vancouver’s dining districts, while guests “dine around” at the various serving stations. Tickets are $139, including a reception, the “dine around” dinner, wine, taxes and gratuities. Call 604-695-5452 or email [email protected] Fairmont.com/Pacific-Rim-Vancouver
