Famed restaurateur Umberto Menghi is back, or soon will be, with a new restaurant at 1328 Hornby, called Giardino in honour of the late Il Giardino, which closed almost two years ago. Look for a new Tuscan theme and menu, as well as an outdoor garden patio. Opening sometime this spring.
Prohibition, the much-anticipated speakeasy-style cocktail bar at Rosewood Hotel Georgia, will hold its official opening on Feb. 12. The vaulted, underground space is inspired by the hedonism of the Roaring 20s and will feature classic, contemporary, and bespoke cocktails designed by famed barman Brad Stanton, and food by Rosewood Hotel Executive Chef Ken Nakano.
Instead of a candygram, why not a winegram? Marquis Wine Cellars is offering up the inventive Valentine’s gift idea with bottles priced $13.90-$64.90. You pick the wine, free wrapping is included, and you customize your gift note. Shipping is free in downtown Vancouver.
On March 26, join local restaurants by taking part in the annual Dining Out for Life fundraising event, which raises money for AIDS service organizations. On this day, dine at a participating restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and 25 per cent of your food bill will be donated to registered not-for-profits Friends for Life and A Loving Spoonful.
Acclaimed mixologist Lauren Mote has partnered with Yew Seafood & Bar executive chef Ned Bell to create an Ocean Wise cocktail program that is inspired by the work Bell does to promote sustainable seafood and healthy oceans and waterways. The 16-cocktail collection is based on the world’s five unique oceans and major waterways.
After a decade of successful service, Abigail’s Party owner (and co-owner of Pizzeria Bufala and Wildebeest) James Iranzad has announced that the restaurant will close after final service on Feb. 15. We’re sad to see this popular brunch spot go, but worry not, as Iranzad will be opening a new concept in the same space in the coming months. Stay tuned…
Provence Marinaside, after 13 years in operation, is taking some time off for a facelift. The restaurant will close after brunch service on Feb. 15 to undergo an extensive renovation. The plan is to re-open in three to six weeks, by end of March at the latest. In the meanwhile, TWB (The Wine Bar) will remain open next door, and will offer Provence’s breakfast, brunch and lunch menu, as well as favourites from the restaurant’s dinner menu.
Blue Water Café’s Unsung Heroes menu is back all month long for its 11th year in a row. Taste executive chef Frank Pabst’s stellar menu of lesser-known and under-utilized sustainable seafood, such as jellyfish congee, gooseneck barnacles, sea urchin mousse in lettuce wraps, sturgeon liver, smelt fish and chips, and more.
In celebration of Chinese New Year and The Year of the Sheep, Bambudda executive chef Curtis Luk has created a specially-themed dumpling menu honouring the four traditional preparations – pan-seared, fried, steamed and boiled – as well as a non-traditional dessert sampling. Dishes include pan-seared oyster and chicken lettuce dumplings in ginger soy, steamed Schezuan scallop and black cod dumplings, boiled pork and truffle dumplings over egg noodles, and fried lamb curry dumplings. The menu will be available Feb. 18-22.
Maenam is spicing things up for Valentine’s Day with a four-course menu that includes coconut-infused crab-and-pomelo miang, southern-style duck curry, hamachi sashimi with coriander and peanut nahm jim, red curry of beef rib, eight-spice whole sea bass, passionfruit tart and more. Tickets are $75 per person, with optional $25 wine pairings.
Nicli’s Next Door is paying home to that classic spaghetti love story, Lady and the Tramp, with a three-course meal for two to share that includes a beet and straciatella starter, a large plate of housemade spaghetti and meatballs, and dark chocolate tart. Vegetarian meatballs also available. Seatings at 6pm, 7:30pm and 9pm. Tickets $25 per person.
Meanwhile, Nicli Antica Pizzeria is offering a floral-themed five-course menu for VDay. Menu includes spiced shallot soup, antipasto platter with salumi and cheeses, spring salad with beets, pine nut brittle and Meyer lemon yogurt, choice of Margherita or Funghi pizza, and Earl Grey tiramisu for dessert. Tickets are $35 per person.
