Seigo Nakamura, CEO of Aburi Restaurants Canada 

Aburi Restaurants Canada is pleased to announce the opening of its second Vancouver establishment, Minami Restaurant, on June 5, 2012 at 1118 Mainland Street in Yaletown. This is the sister project to Miku Restaurant, located in Coal Harbour, which opened in 2008.

“I am thrilled to unveil my vision for Minami to the Vancouver community,” explains Seigo Nakamura, CEO of Aburi Restaurants Canada. While still playing an active role operating eight restaurants with his Japan-based company, Tora Corporation, Seigo is now focusing on North American expansion. “It is my goal to create an environment that is truly unique, combining the beauty of Japanese culinary flavours and textures, with the creative arts and quality service.”

Minami, written in Japanese kanji characters means ‘a beautiful wave,’ and is also the name of Seigo’s youngest daughter.  Miku, his other Vancouver restaurant, was named after his eldest daughter.

Spanning over 8000 square feet of floor space, Minami will be a dynamic space for dining and entertaining, which will include two private dining rooms, a seated lounge, a hidden sun-filled patio and a custom-built sushi bar.

Award-winning design and architect firm, OMB, has transformed the space into a modern dining environment with influences of Japanese aesthetics. Project led by principal, Michelle Biggar, design elements are a creative interpretation of Minami’s meaning, and has been built using local and sustainable materials.  As an addition, guests can expect to see stunning, vibrant murals covering feature walls by internationally renowned mural painter from Kyoto, Japan, Hideki Kimura.

The menu will offer signature favorites of the Aburi Restaurant brand, such as the Aburi Salmon Oshi Sushi and Chicken Nanban, along with innovative and contemporary Japanese cuisine exclusive to Minami.  Seasonal and regional ingredients, as well as Ocean Wise seafood options are integrated into the dishes to reflect the diversity of responsible food choices.  An essential element of the dining experience will be heightened by the chef’s Zekkei style of plating – a Japanese term literally translated to ‘a superb view,’ by incorporating specialty porcelain plate ware called Arita Yaki.  Each piece has been handpicked by Seigo, and custom-designed by the pottery artisans of the Arita region in Japan.

The Minami bar will feature an extensive sake list, wine menu, and cocktail program designed by the highly-acclaimed 2010 Vancouver Magazine’s  ‘Bartender of the Year,’ Shaun Layton.

The full website for Minami Restaurant will launch on June 15, 2012. For live updates, please follow our Twitter feed and find us on Facebook.

About Aburi Restaurants Canada          

At the age of 25, CEO of Aburi Restaurants Canada, Seigo Nakamura became president of his father’s business, Tora Corporation.  With industry passion in his bloodline, Seigo always knew international expansion was a must.  Upon his first visit to Vancouver in 2007, he immediately envisioned revolutionizing the sushi scene by introducing Aburi sushi to one of the world’s most competitive sushi markets.  In 2008, Miku Restaurant was born and the Vancouver community welcomed and embraced Seigo’s signature Aburi style cuisine.  Adopting ‘ningenmi’ as the corporate philosophy, the term encompasses the belief that success can only be achieved when it is built upon the passion and pride from each individual embracing ningenmi at heart.  With Minami Restaurant opening in June, Seigo will be continuing on expanding and building the Aburi brand across Canada.

Widely recognized for their innovation and promotion of new Canadian cuisine and our country’s artisan beverages, the Coast to Coast – A Canadian Tribute to Bacon window reinforces Edible Canada’s mission to support and showcase artisan culinary producers and our vast food culture. The hours of operation will be 11am to 7pm daily.

Coast to Coast – 100% Canadian Bacon Menu

West Coast Cobb Salad  $10.00
Bacon Lardons, Heirloom Tomatoes, 
Quebec Blue Cheese, Smoked Salmon

Bacon & Duck Rillette Poutine $8.50
Canadian Cheese Curds, Caramelized Onions

Two Rivers All Beef & Bacon Whistle Dog $8.00
Smoked Canadian Cheddar, Fried Onions, Bacon Jam

BLLT – Bacon, Lettuce, Lobster & Tomato   $12.00
Bacon Aioli, Heirloom Tomatoes, Butter Lettuce, Swiss Roll

Crispy Fish & Bacon Tacos  $7.00
Ontario Pickerel, Crispy Bacon, Apple Radish Slaw, Spicy Mayo

Box O’ Bacon (6 Strips) $8.00
Pepper Candied Bacon with Rye Chocolate Ganache Dipping Sauce

Sweet

Cadeaux Bacon Cinnamon Sticky Bun $5.00

Bella Gelateria Bacon Chocolate Gelato $5.50

“To Die For” Bacon Banana Bread with Whipped Maple Butter $6.00

Spot On

It’s that time of year when you see chefs salivating over creative ways to cook and present wild BC Spot Prawns, a delicious delicacy that’s only available for six to eight weeks. Turns out less is more with these succulent pink, bite-sized beauties, so come in and enjoy our simple yet perfect preparation for a limited time. But be prepared to be addicted

Spring Menus

With the sweet smell of blooms, longer days and a nod to all-things fresh and local, we’ve spruced up our menu for spring. Highlights include White & Green Asparagus with Truffle shavings, Porcini Dusted Halibut Pave and sides including Fingerling Potato & Arugula Hash…hungry?

Best Patio

The readers of Vancouver’s Where Magazine have voted LIFT Best Patio. It seems our seawall perch over the Pacific speaks to locals and we thank you! As the only seaside rooftop patio in the city, come enjoy pinch-me views, tranquility around the fire-pit, warm hospitality and a relaxed vibe that makes you want to linger and star-watch

http://liftbarandgrill.com

“We are thrilled to be opening our restaurant in Burnaby” said Alex Tung, Executive Chef/Managing Partner of Cotto Enoteca.  “We chose the Capitol Hill area as the location for Cotto because of the highly dynamic and diverse neighborhood.  This area is comprised of families and residents who desire simple and delicious food, paired with extraordinary service.  We are very much looking forward to serving our new guests here at Cotto.”

Cotto Enoteca will be showcasing modern Italian cuisine, specializing in authentic Neapolitan style pizza and comforting house made pastas.  The menu will be steeped in Italian tradition, though updated with west coast sensibility and will be presented in an approachable and informal setting.  Chef’s “simple, yet elegant” cuisine will feature the natural beauty of local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients in an appropriate and sumptuous manner.  Showcasing the best ingredients of British Columbia and the traditional techniques of Italy, will be the overwhelming inspiration behind Cotto Enoteca.

The wine program will feature a considerable “by the glass” offering including an eclectic list of specialty wines focused solely on BC and Italian wineries.  The cocktail list will spotlight our interpretations of classic Italian inspired libations, while the beer menu will include a few classic Italian selections along with an exciting and highly specific craft beer offering.

Cotto Enoteca Pizzeria’s 55 seat dining room and 45 seat patio is located at 6011 Hastings Street in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of North Burnaby. For more information and current updates, follow our social media streams or contact Chef Alex Tung directly.

(604)808-4673 — cotto@yowzaculinary.com

http://www.cottoenoteca.com (coming soon)

http://www.twitter.com/cottoenoteca

http://www.facebook.com/cottoenoteca

http://www.twitter.com/chefalextung

SUMMER LIVING ON THE PATIO

The MARKET by Jean-Georges patio will officially be open for business as of May 18th.

Executive Chef Wayne Harris and the MARKET by Jean-Georges team are excited to offer an entire summer of patio pairing and parties. “Sip” locally inspired cocktails created by lead bartender Jay Jones, and “Savour” our fresh spring menu. The perfect spring and summer perch.

For Reservations call: 604-695-1115 Or Email: marketbyjg.slv@shangri-la.com

SUMMER COCKTAILS

Summer living at its finest. Award winning bartender Jay Jones has been hard at work creating a refreshing take on classic cocktails. The result is the most enticing cocktail list in Vancouver.  The Mint Julep (pictured), Coconut Mojito, and Blueberry Sangria are just a few examples of what you can expect this Summer at MARKET by Jean-Georges.

Reservations can be made at -
(604) 695-1115 or marketbyjg.slv@shangri-la.com

THE DELICIOUS ART OF NEGOTIATION

Discover the revamped power lunch at MARKET by Jean-Georges, guaranteed in 50 minutes or less. The internationally inspired flavours and award-winning wine list leave little room for debate. Which means you have more time to work out a deal over who gets to enjoy that last bite of dessert.

Reservations can be made at - (604) 695-1115 ormarketbyjg.slv@shangri-la.com

Fresh Microbrews, local to each region, reflect the commitment to all things fresh at Earls

 In a commitment to promoting microbreweries across Canada, Earls Restaurants is pleased to present their new beer selection offering craft beers local to each region where restaurants are located – British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

With the growing emphasis on only fresh, made from scratch items on their food menu, and fresh squeezed juices, no artificial flavours on their bar menus, artisanal craft beers are an important part of the authentic flavours available at all Earls 60 restaurants.

Defined as small-batch beer made by independent, traditional breweries, craft beer is free of preservatives and stabilizers and created to be served shortly after brewing and bottling.

Keeping craft beers local ensures freshness as well as offering unique flavour profiles distinct to each region.

Beverage Director Cameron Bogue (Advanced WSET Level 3), who oversaw the selection of beers for Canada and worked with a tasting panel that included Executive Chef/Corporate Development Chef Reuben Major and George Piper, the long time wine buyer for Earls, noted it was both an envious and difficult task. “With all the fantastic breweries across Canada, it was very difficult to narrow down our favourite,” explained Bogue, “we conducted a blind taste test of nearly 200 beers in one afternoon alone looking to find the very best – the perils of my job!”

Microbrews are not new to Earls Restaurants, nor is the emphasis on great quality beers. Earls broke ground as the first restaurant in Canada to offer draught beer back in 1982, when only bars and taverns could offer it (Alberta’s Drummond Brewing) and that same year Earls’ first location in Edmonton broke ground again creating Albino Rhino, their own house beer made by, then microbrewery, Big Rock. Five years later Whistler Brewing Co. took over as the microbrewery producing the iconic house brand in the west. With the 2009 move into Ontario, Muskoka Brewing produces the house microbrew in the east. Both Whistler and Muskoka also create new seasonal flavours for Earls throughout the year.

Regional selections include:

British Columbia: Phillips Brewing Co. (Blue Buck Pale Ale, Slip Stream Cream Ale), Howe Sound Brewing Co. (Devil’s Elbow India Pale Ale, Four Way Fruit) Whistler Brewing Co. (Albino Rhino house and seasonal beers) as well as bottled microbrews  by Whistler Brewing Co. (Whisky Jack Pale Ale, Grapefruit Ale)

Alberta Alley Kat Brewing Co. (Aprikat), Big Rock (Traditional Ale), Whistler Brewing Co. (Albino Rhino house and seasonal beers)

Saskatchewan Saskatoon Brewing (Pale Ale), Whistler Brewing Co. (Albino Rhino house and seasonal beers)

Manitoba Fort Garry Brewing Co. (Pale Ale, Dark Ale), Whistler Brewing Co. (Albino Rhino house and seasonal beers)

Ontario Muskoka Brewing Co. (Cream Ale, Summer Weiss, Mad Tom IPA ), Mill Street Brewing Co. (Tankhouse Ale, Organic Lager), Steam Whistle Brewing Co. (Premium Pilsner) Albino Rhino (house and seasonal beers)

The new selection of beers is available now at all Earls Restaurants.

“I started out by looking for breweries that make a selection of beers, each unique to their style,” added Bogue. “What I found was a world-class selection of beers, bolstered by stories of entrepreneurship in their local communities – in other words, craft brewing with a purpose.”

SPECIAL EVENT

 In conjunction with the VANCOUVER CRAFT BEER WEEK Earls presents “Earls Gets Crafty”

Sunday, May 20^th from 4 pm – 6 pm  

$25 includes 8 beer samples, food and gratuity

Join BC Brew Masters from Phillips, Howe Sound and Whistler Brewing at Earls Restaurant, Yaletown and be part of the official launch of our new North America wide craft beer and microbrew program. We’ll sample all 8 of our BC craft beers and serve up some beer friendly appetizers from our new spring menu made fresh from scratch in our Yaletown kitchen. $25 includes 8 beer samples, food and gratuity. Tickets at  http://vancouvercraftbeerweek.com/2012/events/sunday-may-20th-2012/

About Earls

Earls Restaurants opened the doors to their first customer in 1982 creating, then setting, the standard for a new casual fine dining concept in North America. Aiming for a target well above fast food, without the airs or prices of fine dining, Earls is fun and casual, offering great food and service at a great price. With 63 locations throughout Canada, Washington State and Colorado, Earls remains a family-owned restaurant group started by Leroy (Bus) Earl Fuller and now run by his son, Stan Earl Fuller. A chain that doesn’t act like a chain, each restaurant opening is carefully overseen by the Fuller family with menus and service of the same high standards, while every location offers a unique design, thinks independently and is part of the local community – supporting local suppliers and hiring local staff. Today Earls is a steward of casual culinary culture with a global menu that features local ingredients and an award-winning wine list. Earls is considered to be one of the best companies to work for in North America, voted Best 50 Employers in Canada. The restaurant group continues to grow with new locations opening in Canada and the US. For further information, visit www.earls.ca.

Earls, where the kitchen is the soul, the bar the spirit, and our people the passion

Vancouver’s greenest restaurant follows up its win with a new sustainable menu loaded with spring flavours

One week after taking home the Green Award 2012 at the 23^rd annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, Trafalgars Bistro follows the achievement by pushing green cuisine to the next level; introducing a warm-weather menu bursting with fresh flavours and sustainable ingredients.

Chef Matthew Villamoran — who counts local trailblazers Rob Clark and Ryan Zuvich as mentors — created the new roster of dishes in keeping with the neighbourhood bistro’s award-winning commitment to community and the environment.

“It fits with what I do,” says Villamoran. “I’ve long believed that if you use quality ingredients and treat them with respect, the end result will justify your extra effort.”

From brunch and lunch through to snacks and dinner, Villamoran walks the environmentally friendly talk: curating just-picked produce and natural meats from local farms; making his own condiments and even cheeses in-house; and seeking out lesser known and sustainably harvested seafood, (which make up 80 per cent of the new menu). He pulls it all together with finesse, crafting balanced, full-flavoured dishes highlighted by a hint of whimsy.

Starters include grilled octopus served with pickled and fresh chili, and watercress salad tossed with chili vinaigrette, or another that mingles pickled local beets, Okanagan goat cheese and hazelnut “mulch.”

Mains at lunch include comfortable classics like Abbostford fried chicken sided by warm potato salad, while dinner brings sustainable standouts like prosciutto-wrapped sturgeon or luscious rainbow trout.

Of course, it isn’t just Villamoran’s efforts that went into the bistro’s recent win — that was a team effort.

Last year, Lorne Tyczenski and Stephen Greenham, co-owners of Trafalgars and next-door bakery Sweet Obsession, decided to do something about their garbage. In just four months they reduced the waste from the bistro and bakery by 98 per cent — less than a garbage bag of waste per week — thanks to diligent recycling and the GreenGood GG-50 composter. The freezer-sized machine turns organic matter into nutrient-rich soil, which is then used in local community gardens.

It’s a win-win. Obviously.

About Trafalgars Bistro and Sweet Obsession Cakes and Pastries 

Named Vancouver’s greenest restaurant by Vancouver magazine, Trafalgars Bistro is a cozy, informal, award-winning Ocean Wise restaurant with a modern French menu located in Vancouver at 16th & Trafalgar.  Chef Matthew Villamoran’s style embraces French classical techniques, Italian processes, high quality ingredients, using sustainable products from the Pacific Northwest.  Two doors down, Sweet Obsession Cakes and Pastries is a bakery and café with patio, serving up fine desserts and savoury snacks of uncompromising quality using no stabilizers, preservatives, and no artificial colour or flavourings.  Owners Lorne Tyczenski and Stephen Greenham have created their bistro and bakery with a farm-to-table philosophy supporting local organic farms that share their passion for sustainability, simplicity and seasonality.  The Westside favorites have been neighbourhood fixtures since 1993.

TWG Tea, the world’s finest luxury tea brand, has created a multi-sensory experience with their array of divine creations to pique your mother’s taste buds and heart strings this Mother’s Day. Inspired by beauty and elegance, TWG Tea’s collection radiates a luxurious aura that is fit for a queen. 

Bain de Roses Tea

In the month of May, the roses of Grasse come to bloom, enveloping Provence with an incomparable and luxurious perfume. Masterfully blended by TWG Tea, this sensual Darjeeling is a magical union of extraordinary roses and hints of vanilla and sweet spices. Show your gratitude for mother’s feminine touch with this outstanding tea. 

Bain de Roses Tea Scented Candle

Combined with a secret bouquet of black tea, heady notes of white sandalwood, warm vanilla and fresh grapefruit, Bain de Roses exhales a passionate and dramatic elixir as sweet as a rose macaron.

TWG Tea Design teapots

The TWG Tea Design teapot represents the convenience of modern functional features and the pleasure of serving tea in the classic beauty of an exclusive TWG Tea design. A high-quality polished stainless steel warmer with an inner felt lining envelope the porcelain teapot and keep the tea warm for one hour. All the porcelain teapots come with an especially designed removable filter which allows the leaves to unfurl and to develop their fragrance during the infusion. This teapot is perfectly suitable for all tea varieties.

TWG Tea Morning Teacup & Saucer

The TWG Tea tea wares are crafted in luminescent bone china and beautifully shaped to perfectly accommodate any tea selection. Emblazoned with the stylish TWG Tea insignia, this collection is the perfect tableware to grace a modern yet timeless tea table.

Vogue Teacups

The Vogue Teacups are made of the one of the finest porcelains in the world by the most renowned artisan in Russia. This exceptional design features an original hand painted pattern available in red, yellow and cobalt.  The classic shape with a hint of modernity of these chic teacups will accompany perfectly the most elegant tableware.

 Tsarina Collection                                                

Summer Palace Collection

Lacquer Tea Trays and Russian Porcelain Tea Sets

A stellar collection of tea sets deserve an equally exquisite vessel. For the perfect hostess who entertains her friends and provides a sanctuary for her family through lovingly-brewed tea sessions, give the gift of a feminine accent of tea time glamour, one that would rival a royalty’s finest. These lacquer tea trays are perfect to display prized tea sets, hand-crafted by Russia’s most renowned porcelain masters and inspired by ancestral designs. Highlight the trend-setting taste maker in every mother with these fashionably stylish tea accessories.

Mother’s Day Tea Service

Indulge your mother with an enchanting treat with The Urban Tea Merchant’s Mother’s Day Tea Service. Featuring a splendid selection of handcrafted tea-infused tea sandwiches, petite savories, and delightfully luscious sweets. Offered in the tea service is an optional sparkling tea cocktail infused with Sweet France Tea. Each mom will receive a 50g TWG Tea gift to take away. There is no better way to show your love and appreciation for the most important woman in your life. This special tea service is available from May 11^th to May 13^th at our Downtown Vancouver Tea Salon.

About The Urban Tea Merchant

The Urban Tea Merchant is a luxury retail company offering fine tea, tea ware and lifestyle accessories, founded in 2004 by Karinna & Tom James.

The Urban Tea Merchant is proud of their exclusive distribution partnership in Canada with TWG Tea, the finest luxury tea brand in the world. Tea enthusiasts can now discover the finest array of TWG Tea blends at any of The Urban Tea Merchant locations and partnership venues.

They are celebrating their launch of TWG Tea in their flagship Tea Salon and Boutique, located midtown Vancouver on Alberni Street, “Vancouver’s Mini Rodeo Drive” where customers can experience the selection of the more than 200 TWG Tea blends.  TWG Tea is also available for purchase and shipped anywhere in North America through The Urban Tea Merchant website, www.urbantea.com.

About TWG Tea

TWG Tea, the finest luxury tea brand in the world, was established in Singapore in celebration of the island’s great history as a trading post for fine teas.  The company has three tea boutiques and two tea salons in Singapore and a newly minted salon and boutique in Jiyugaoka in Tokyo, Japan. TWG Tea is honoured to be the premier tea supplier to the finest hotels, restaurants and international airlines, and currently retails at multiple locations across the globe including its new tea counter at Harrods in London and at Dean & DeLuca in Madison Avenue, New York.

TWG Tea has cultivated exclusive relationships with tea cultivators who offer the company privileged access to harvests from their renowned gardens worldwide. With a passion to share its expertise with tea lovers all over the world; TWG Tea also offers a wide selection of signature modern tea accessories in addition to creating single estate and specially blended teas. For more information on TWG Tea, its tea products and tea accessories, please visit www.twgtea.com.

“Andrew is a phenomenal talent,” Evrensel said. “His international expertise, combined with his intimate knowledge of local suppliers and ingredients, will be a real credit to Vancouver’s culinary scene. We feel very fortunate that he is coming to CinCin.”
Richardson, a native of Newcastle, England, graduated with honours from Manchester Metropolitan University, with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Catering Management. He began his cooking career as Sous Chef under the five-year mentorship of Chef Terence Laybourne at the Michelin-starred 21 Queen Street in Newcastle, and later as Head Chef at sister restaurant Brasserie 21, which received the Michelin Bib Gourmand rating.

Andrew moved to Vancouver in 1999 and was actively involved in the opening of Cioppino’s as Executive Sous Chef, and then took on the same role at West. He further honed his skills at Sooke Harbour House and the Carter House Inn in Northern California before accepting the Executive Chef role at Whistler’s Araxi. He later returned to Newcastle to open Laybourne’s Jesmond Dene House Hotel, performed a five week extended stage at The French Laundry, and then moved to Calgary to open the top-rated Blink as part owner.

Richardson said, “I believe in simplicity, and the interaction of prime ingredients on the plate. Less is often more, especially in Italian cookery, and I am looking forward to taking full advantage of the unique wood-fired kitchen, and working with the extraordinary team that has made CinCin such a compelling success for 20 years.”

With the relaunch of the table d’hôte menu, Pied-à-Terre is offering what is surely the best-value dining experience in town: order the table d’hôte menu for two and we’ll include a bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee.

The table d’hôte, or fixed price, menu offers a choice of modern French classics such as: heirloom tomato salad with basil and goat’s cheese; duck confit with walnuts, grapes and Sarladaise potato; and crêpes with warm berries and crème fraîche.

At $38 per person, with 3 choices for each of the 3 courses, the menu delivers great options and great value. At $99 for 2 people including a choice of a bottle of house red, white, or rosé wine, the value is even better. These prices make it easy to finish your meal with an after dinner drink from Pied-à-Terre’s extensive list of cognac, calvados, and eaux-de-vie.

“I designed the table d’hôte menu to offer classic bistro favourites at a great price,” said Chef Andrey Durbach. “After all, a neighbourhood bistro is supposed to be the kind of place you can afford to go to any night of the week.”

About Pied-à-Terre restaurant
Opened in 2007 in Vancouver’s Cambie Village, the restaurant is a quick taxi ride from downtown, easily accessible via the Canada Line Skytrain, and has free parking via the back lane. Pied-à-Terre offers an intimate and charming dining room, knowledgeable and warm service, and well-priced, delicious food. Pied-à-Terre is open 7 nights a week for dinner and for lunch on Fridays.

View the complete menu. Call 604.873.3131 for reservations.