The Diners’ Choice winners of the 2017 Chinese Restaurant Awards have been announced. Notable Vancouver winners among its 22 categories include Chang’An for Best Fine Dining and Best Northern Chinese, Long’s Noodle House for Best Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles, and Sun Bo Kong for Best Vegetarian Dining. View the full list at ChineseRestaurantAwards.com.
A new sustainable-seafood option has been approved by Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program. Giant red sea cucumber, which is described as having a gelatinous “al dente” texture, is a popular dish for Chinese New Year. In BC, there is a single commercial fishery that has been has been in operation since the 1970s. Find giant red sea cucumber on the Unsung Heroes menu at Blue Water Cafe during the month of February. VanAqua.org
Following renovations, Farmer’s Apprentice is open once again, with a new dining format for its dinner and weekend brunch services. Dinner now focuses exclusively on a set menu available either with “herbivore” or “omnivore” options for $55 per person. Optional beverage pairings are available for an additional $38. As well, a four-course menu with both herbivore and omnivore options is available for $40. Brunch is à la carte or as a five-course family-style menu for $25 per person. FarmersApprentice.ca
Valentine’s Day dining options are strewn as thick as rose petals on a nuptial bed. Here are just a few:
Au Comptoir is normally closed Tuesdays, but on Feb. 14 it will open for a special Valentine’s dinner service. The four-course menu has seating start times between 5:30pm and 6:15pm, and again between 8pm and 8:45pm. Menu highlights include potato and crème fraîche bavaroiswith local caviar; foie gras torchon; terrine of leek, lobster and black truffle; honey-glazed duck; bone-in ribeye for two; and dessert. $80 per person. Call 604-569-2278 for reservations. AuComptoir.ca
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar is offering a four-course dinner menu that includes slow-poached oyster with Northern Divine caviar; pâté en croute; butter-poached lobster tail or New York striploin with celeriac and braised short-rib pavé; and dark-chocolate mousse or raspberry vacherin. $99 per person. Call 604-642-2900 for reservations. BoulevardVancouver.ca
On Feb. 13 and 14, Farmer’s Apprentice is offering a flower-themed Valentine’s dinner menu. The six-course meal is available as either a “herbivore” and “omnivore” meal, with seatings at 5:30pm and 8pm. Each course will feature a different edible flower, such as elderflower with sablefish, lavender with aged duck, and hibiscus with lemon curd. $80 per person; optional wine pairings $50. Call 604-620-2070 for reservations. FarmersApprentice.ca
