Foodie Fridays on News 1130

Tune in at 11:05 on News 1130 every Friday for Foodie Fridays
Restaurant of the week – Teahouse in Stanley Park
With summer (supposedly) in full swing, there are many reasons to head into Vancouver’s biggest park for your summer entertainment. Check out the Stanley Park website for the full scoop.  I will be heading down for Theatre Under The Stars productions of Bye Bye Birdie and Anything Goes (playing until August 20), will be also checking out the Aboriginal Village, an I’d be heading to Park’s Canada Turns 100 celebration this weekend, if I wasn’t heading out of town.
While packing a picnic might be a great (check out my segment on BT last year for great picnic spots), I recommend you reserve at least one night for a meal at the Stanley Park Teahouse.
Items to note:

Do not worry about getting in and out of the park, as The Teahouse has a shuttle from the downtown hotels from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., so there is no need to fight the crowds to find a parking spot.
If you are looking for a quick bite, you can pick up Fish and Chips at the restaurant (2 pieces plus chips for $17).
Monday to Friday from 3- 5 pm the restaurant hosts Pizza and a Pint – your choice of pizza and a pint of Stanley Park Ale for $10.
Wine Tastings for $20 are on most Wednesdays – snacks, wine and a great presentation included.  Click here for updates.
Sangria Sundays – $4.50 for a glass and $14 a pitcher More here.
Prime Rib Sundays for $20 or $32 for the 3 course More here.
Everyday – Great Westcoast cuisine from Chef Annabelle Leslie , superb service with front of house manager Kerry Enzie and my favourite servers Jil, and John and views that will stop you mid-bite.
Dishes to try – Tuna atop Tomatoes, Crab Cakes, Sablefish, Rib Eye, Strawberry Cheesecake, Coconut Pie

Wine Pick this weekMcWatters Meritage – Okanagan Valley – $25
Notes from the winery – This was grown in the sandy loam soil on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver, which is located on the southern part of the Okanagan Valley, where we enjoy long hot dates and cool nights.  Our Meritage is comprised of several different clones to lend it depth and complexity including: two Bordeaux Merlot clones which impart a velvety texture, soft tannins and with blackberry and black cherry fruit flavours; three Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux clones which give it structure and richness, and one Cabernet Franc clone that provides a spiciness and black pepper characteristic. The grapes (Merlot 60%, Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Cabernet Franc 5%) were carefully selected at the peak of ripeness. The wine was then matured in small French oak casks for 15 months and then a further 15 months in bottles, pre-release.
Events to Check Out
Tastings at Legacy Liquor Store

HESTER CREEK WINE TASTING

Friday, 4 – 7pm   Jul 15, 2011

Join us as we try a solid line up from one of BC’s premier wineries with some of the oldest vinifera vines in BC, dating back to 1968.

SPLASH ICE TEA TASTING

Saturday, 2 – 6pm   Jul 16, 2011

Splash Iced Tea is a lightly carbonated, fruit flavored beverage, craft brewed with Fair Trade Certified™ whole leaf organic White Peony tea.Three amazing flavors, Peach, Strawberry Pineapple, and Blueberry & White Grape.

NELSON MANDELA BIRTHDAY PARTY

Sunday, 2 – 6pm   Jul 17, 2011

South Africa’s Lammershoek’s vineyards began their journey in 1750 when they were planted and now boast 50 year old Chenin Blanc vines. In honour of the 93rd birthday of Nelson Mandela try the Chenin Blanc, and Zinfandel Syrah blend.