There’s always something to do in Vancouver…but first we eat.
If you like to make food the focal point of fun, we’ve got 13 delicious food and drink events happening in and around Vancouver in January.
Check back in, because we’ll keep adding to the list.
"Jim Meehan comes to Vancouver" - Seminar & Book Signing
Bar stars, and those who love them, this one is for you. “Meehan’s Bartender Manual” is the modern-day resource for all bar professionals and at home enthusiasts, and now the man himself, Jim Meehan, will be speaking in Vancouver. Hosted by Bittered Sling, Meehan will offer two seminars, one for industry and one for consumers, along with a book signing, at Royal Dinette.
When: Sunday, January 7 from 6:30-8:30 pm (industry at 1:30 pm)
Where: Royal Dinette - 905 Dunsmuir Street
Cost: $75 (Consumer event); tickets available online
Noodle Mania #5
Robba da Matti Restaurant/Facebook
New year, new chance to really use your noodle. Or, at least eat some. Vancouver Foodster’s fifth Noodle Mania takes place on January 10, when attendees will eat their way from restaurant to restaurant enjoying all sorts of tasting plates showcasing noodle dishes from around the globe.
When: Wednesday, January 10 at 6 pm
Where: Participating restaurants in Vancouver
Cost: $60 ($45 advance); tickets available online
Taste BC
Get ready to sip, nibble, and mingle at B.C.'s biggest wine tasting. Clink glasses with your fellow oenophiles inside the Crystal Pavilion at the Pan Pacific Vancouver for an evening of wine, beer, spirits, and bites from local restaurants.
When: Thursday, January 11 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: Pan Pacific Vancouver - 300-999 Canada Place
Cost: $49.99 (all-inclusive) are available at any Liberty Wine Merchants location
Purdys bark-making classes
Learn from Purdys’ experienced connoisseurs how to create your own scrumptious chocolate bark with your choice of nuts, dried fruits or other crunchy inclusions. You’ll also discover the amazing journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bliss.
When: Saturday, January 13 and Saturday, January 27 at 1 pm
Where: Purdys Chocolatier South Granville - 2705 Granville Street
Cost: $30-60; tickets available online
Gluten-Free Expo
Canada's largest gluten-free expo hits Vancouver. Sample foods, shop for new and exciting products, and learn from all sorts of experts on and off the presentation stage.
When: Saturday, January 13 from 10 am-6 pm and Sunday, January 14 from 10 am-4 pm
Where: Vancouver Convention Center, East - 999 Canada Place
Cost: Tickets range from $12-50 and are available online
Sushi Art Cooking Class
Eventbrite
Time to get your sushi skills rolling! Learn how to make perfect sushi rice, use natural food colours and enjoy sushi making while making artistic shapes. Suitable for all levels and everyone including vegans. You'll get the exact address when you sign up.
When: Thursday, January 18 from 7-9 pm
Where: Location TBA
Cost: $60; tickets available online
Dine Out Vancouver 2018
Now in its 16th year, the annual restaurant and food festival will be back to tantalize locals and visitors to Vancouver from January 19 to February 4, with its array of special menus and event programming all around the city like the food cart feast of Street Food City, World Chef Exchange dinners, and the Secret Supper Soiree.
When: January 19-February 4, 2018
Where: Various locations
Hot Chocolate Festival 2018
Hot chocolate/Shutterstock
Back for its eighth year, the delectably sweet Hot Chocolate Festival will fill Vancouver’s mugs once again this month. The month-long event is undoubtedly the sweetest way to count down to Valentine’s Day, as restaurants, cafes, and treat shops all around town come up with original cocoa concoctions and specials to please your sweet tooth.
When: January 20-February 14, 2018
Where: Participating Vancouver locations TBD
Italian Hot Chocolate and Cookies Workshops
Timed to go along with the deliciousness that is the Hot Chocolate Festival, this workshop will cover how to make Italian hot chocolate with cookie pairings. Get a taste of classic Italian hot chocolate and learn a few new ways to spice it up, and learn how to make cookies from scratch using traditional Italian recipes. This intimate workshop is also offered a third time on February 4.
When: Sunday, January 21 and Monday, January 29 from 2-4 pm
Where: Italian Cultural Centre - 3075 Slocan Street
Cost: $35; register online
Whisky Classique
Deepen your appreciation of whisky at the Whisky Classique, where hundreds of fans of the spirit will gather to sip and mingle. Slip into the Grand Tasting Hall where many whisky vendors will be pouring their line-ups of whisky for guests to try. The evening includes a catered dinner and charcuterie.
When: Sunday, January 22 from 7-10 pm
Where: The Rocky Mountaineer Station - 1755 Cottrell Street
Cost: $115; tickets include souvenir glass, samples, and dinner and are available online
Robbie Burns Night at The Cascade Room
For the ninth year The Cascade Room will host a lively and delicious celebration in honour of Scottish poet Robert Burns. The evening will feature bagpipes, whisky, haggis and other delicacies from the kitchen, including decadent deep-fried Mars Bars. There will be two 'Piping of the Haggis' events (5:30 and 8 pm), live music, and a special three-course dinner menu ($35). First come, first served.
When: Thursday, January 25; doors open at 4 pm
Where: Cascade Room - 2616 Main Street
Tacofino x Red Truck Collab Dinner
Tacofino kicks off a fresh new series of beer dinners this month when Executive Chef Stefan Hartmann and Head Chef James You create a custom, five-course menu in collaboration with Red Truck Beer Company to host the inaugural event.
When: Thursday, January 25 (seatings at 6 and 8:30 pm)
Where: Tacofino Hastings - 2327 East Hastings Street
Cost: $50 per person inclusive of tax, gratuity and ticketing fees; tickets available online
Nada package-free grocery store pop-up
There's a new waste-free grocery store coming to Vancouver, and they are almost ready to go in their new space. They've been doing pop ups for a couple of years now, and they are popping up yet again--in their very own future space. Bring your own containers and get to know the vendors that work with Nada.
When: Saturday, January 27 from 10 am-6 pm
Where: 675 East Broadway