SANDBAR’S FRESH CATCH William Tse Takes The Reigns as Executive Head Chef

A unique location, stunning patio and mouthwatering fresh seafood have long defined the bustling hub under the Granville Street Bridge. This week, The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant on Granville Island adds fuel to its fire– with the announcement of William Tse as the newly appointed Executive Chef.

In a radical move, The Sandbar’s longtime Executive Chef Jason Kleinfeld has made the transition out of the kitchen and into front of house, as the new General Manager. Having matured with the restaurant since the opening in 2000, Kleinfeld has been hugely responsible for Sandbar’s success. Admitting these are big shoes to fill, Chef Tse is the first to suggest, “Jason built a powerful team, and an even more powerful menu. I look forward to pushing the boundaries and adding my own personal touch”. Watch out Sandbar patrons because this dynamic duo has caught a new wave of inspiration and is about to make a splash in the world of sought-after seafood. 

With an extensive background in culinary arts, Chef Tse grew up in Toronto, absorbing the International cultures and global flavours of the metropolitan city. In 1992, moving to Vancouver to pursue formal training, Tse quickly learned the art of combining classical European techniques with his appreciation of Asian Cuisine. Within the short span of 5 years, Chef Tse progressed from a Cook’s Helper to a Red Seal certified Executive Sous Chef at Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House. Proving his talent and drive, Chef Tse was then offered the Executive Chef title at Goldfish Pacific Kitchen, where he has thrived for the past three years. 

The Sandbar is a 300-seat fresh seafood and fish restaurant in the heart of Granville Island. Perched over the waterfront with views from every seat; guests can enjoy the bustle of the market, the non-stop energy of False Creek, not to mention the soothing melody of live piano music Sunday through Thursday from 8:00pm. With renowned Master Sushi Chef Tsutomu Hoshi preparing dishes 7 days a week, coupled with the restaurants dedication to freshly landed catch, there is truly no place better equipped to cater to seafood lovers.

Granville Island Farmers Market June 3

Summer is just around the corner and Granville Island is buzzing. Beginning June 3rd, green-thumb enthusiasts, health-conscious consumers and savvy shoppers will enjoy the fresh offerings of one of the city’s top open-air markets.

A cornucopia of home-grown plants and flowers will kick off the market finds in June. Discover the rich history and culture of the Island, next to scenic False Creek, and get inspired to create your own backyard paradise. If that isn’t enough to jump start your green thumb, behold an array of beautiful hanging baskets, a great way to decorate your outdoor space just in time for summer entertaining.

From sweet strawberries and luscious red raspberries to crisp cucumbers and oversized summer squash, Farmers Market items go from farmhouse to your house in hours.

The Farmers Market on Granville Island has a new location this year – Triangle Square, 9 am to 3 pm, every Thursday, June to October. Monthly highlights include:

June: flowers, ornamental trees, hanging baskets
July: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, greens of every kind
August: peaches, plums, apricots, corn on the cob, even more greens!
September: apples, squash, pumpkins, still even more greens!

Also, be sure to stop by the Public Market table to get in on the monthly draw for a Farmers Market Shopping Bag of Goodness.

Feel good about supporting independent growers while taking in the sights and sounds of bustling Granville Island. After perusing the Farmers Market, grab lunch at the Public Market and wander down Railspur Alley to see local artists painting, blowing, or sculpting their creations. Stop to enjoy one of the many street entertainers, or toast the season at Granville Island Brewery – one of BC’s top microbreweries. Take the day to experience all that the Island has to offer, and in the evening discover a thriving nightlife with several acclaimed theatre companies that call Granville Island home.

Granville Island Public Market and The Net Loft are open until 7 pm, seven days a week. For more information about the Farmers Market, merchants and special events, visit granvilleisland.com.

Follow us on Twitter @Granville_Isle. 

Granville Island’s ‘Twitter Personal Shopper’ Provides Gift-Giving Inspiration

Clueless about holiday gifts? Granville Island has just the tweeter!

Starting today, November 30, the Island comes to the rescue of bewildered holiday shoppers everywhere with its own ‘Twitter Personal Shopper’.

Twitter – the real-time short messaging service with countless followers – is the perfect tool to share Granville Island’s myriad festive offerings. With an eye for style and a nose for deals, the ‘Twitter Personal Shopper’ will provide live tweets complete with photos of unique shopping finds sourced from all corners of the Island to bestow on followers.

This timely holiday helper is available to answer any questions followers may have, including the best spots to acquire handcrafted children’s toys, unique artsy collectibles, edible wonders and beautiful adornments.

In addition, the Granville Island tweet team and ‘Twitter Personal Shopper’ will provide updates about the many fun, family-friendly events happening every Saturday and Sunday in Triangle Square, from December 5 – 25. Alight your Yuletide spirit and enjoy music, performances, special events and kids’ activities in Vancouver’s cultural haven.

Granville Island’s ‘Twitter Personal Shopper’ is available November 30 – December 24. Follow us at Twitter.com/Granville_Isle.

Granville Island Public Market and The Net Loft are open until 7 pm, seven days a week. For more information about merchants and holiday events, visit granvilleisland.com.

Edible BC Market Dinner

On Tuesday, November 10th, we are very excited to have Chef Afke Zonderland join us for our next Cooking with BC’s Best Market Dinner.  And this evening is an EBC first – a gourmet, Raw Food Feast!

Afke exchanged her creative talent as kitchen designer for a chef’s jacket two years ago. Her passion for gourmet vegetarian food and a desire for abundant health naturally led her towards eating more un-cooked food.  She is the creator behind the popular Krumbleez and Krackleez brands and continuously amazes participants in her Raw Gourmet workshops with how satisfying, filling and delicious Fresh, Living Food really is.  Afke’s understanding of the value of eating, organically grown, minimally processed edibles forms the foundation of extraordinary beverages, meals and guilt free desserts. Her sincere enthusiasm to prepare and enjoy “the best food ever” is contagious.

Our demonstration-style Market Dinners take place in Granville Island, after hours, and allow you the unique opportunity to watch the chef prepare five seasonally-inspired courses in our open kitchen, right before your eyes.  Enjoy your dinner with sommelier-selected wines from BC’s top wineries.

Afke has generously previewed her menu for us – yum!

Orange Onion Wafers ~ Spicy Kale Chips ~ Almondaise

Salsa Wrap

macadamia nut cheese, honey, tomato, red pepper, radish sprouts, greens

Creamy Carrot Soup

ginger, lime, avocado, fresh coconut

Winter Kale Salad, Onion Crisps

avocado, lemon, greens, red beet

Thai Vegetable Teriyaki

Asian vegetables, pineapple

Fresh Okanagan Apple Torte

ginger, cashew cream, filberts, dates

Date: Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
Time: 7:45 PM – 10:30 PM
Cost: $84.95 per person, plus GST and gratuity
Price Includes:

five course seasonal meal with BC wine pairings
recipes, photos and the opportunity to interact with

professional chefs up close and personal
15% off everything in the EBC store that evening,

and a 10% discount on future tours and events booked that night.

Tickets are going fast – you can book online, or by calling our office at 604.812.9660.

Fall into the Market

Wine tasting at Granville Island’s Net Loft on Thursday, November 19th for the annual Fall into the Market Tasting event. The evening will feature wines of the Pacific Northwest along with tasty samplings from Granville Island food purveyors. It’s the perfect autumn event!

7:30 – 9:30 pm
ph. 604.739.7801
Come out and support the BC SPCA!

Tickets are ON SALE at all Liberty locations.

WEBSITE: www.libertywinemerchants….

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