Cirque du Soleil is returning to Vancouver with a five-day engagement of Varekai, a captivating forest at the summit of a volcano inhabited by whimsical and enchanted creatures, at the Pacific Coliseum from May 20, 2015 to May 24, 2015. www.cirquedusoleil.com/varekai. Ticket prices range from $40 – $125 (subject to change). Synopsis Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world – a world where something else is possible. A world called Varekai. From the sky falls a solitary young man, and the story of Varekaibegins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world…
Author: cassandra
Our avocado adventures in the kitchen continue and we’ve discovered that they are also AWESOME as a substitute for some of the less healthy fats when crafting tasty chilled desserts. When you use Avocados from Mexico you will increase the nutritional value of your sweet treat by contributing nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients (plant compounds that promote good health). In addition, over 75% of the fat in avocados is unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), making them a great substitute for foods or ingredients high in saturated fat. And since I’ve just been told my cholesterol is too high and learned that avocados are one of…
Our pal and fellow food writer, Tara Lee, has come out with some very tasty sounding baked goods and is debuting The Scone Queen at Baker’s Market, May 24, June 7 & 14. At the Market, they’ll be three different kinds of scones: Cardamom and currant White chocolate and dried sour cherry Aged cheddar and chive (sweet and savoury) Tara stated that “scones have been a personal and family obsession for quite some time!” The Queen also suggests that you enjoy them with copious amounts of butter and/or clotted cream If your heart and stomach are calling out for scones, please email me…
In every glass of New Zealand wine is a world of pure discovery. Join a variety of premium New Zealand wineries with over 90 wines at our exclusive annual tasting. Meet the representatives, taste their exceptional wines, and make our discoveries your own. Food Stations offering small samplings will be provided to enhance your New Zealand tasting experience. New Zealand in a Glass Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:00 PM -9:30 PM $65 Pinnacle Vancouver Harbourfront Hotel – Vistas 360, Vancouver BC Purchase Regional Varietal Counters Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris Enjoy the contrast in styles of Pinot Gris refreshingly elegant…
As an addict of cookbooks, and an owner of many, I was eager to get my hands on the newest Whitewater Cooks with Passion Cookbook, the fourth in the serious. This book is indeed filled with passionate recipes, and just flipping through the pages reignited my own cooking passion. I’ve whipped up many of the easy to follow and extremely tasty recipes. Shelley Adams, the author, is the owner of Whitewater Ski Resort and the director of the Fresh Tracks Cafe in Nelson. She’s sharing the innovative recipes she’s become known for at the cafe, a collection of multicultural recipes that…
St. John Ambulance is urging Vancouverites to take safety into their own hands and get emergency ready with the launch of their dedicated emergency preparedness blog, 15 Easy Steps to Emergency Preparedness at EmergencyReady.ca. We are sharing this article on how to prepare for an emergency with and how to stock up on non-perishable food items so you can weather the storm with less stress. Fueling your body in an emergency is very different from your everyday diet. The focus is on meeting your basic needs rather than on satisfying any cravings and preferences. Of course, non-perishables and other emergency-friendly foods have…
Well, well, well, the LA Times just reported “According to a 2014 study by the American Chemical Society (ACS), sugars found in the plant that makes tequila could lower blood glucose levels for people with type 2 diabetes, and help obese people lose weight, researchers say. According to the study, Agavins, a natural form of sugar found in the agave plant, are non-digestible and can act as a dietary fiber, so they would not raise blood glucose.” So get out there and try some of this magic Elixir! The 4th Annual Vancouver International Tequila Expo? The Grand Tasting event features over 25 tequila and…
Vancouver Foodster is at it again with a tour of restaurants and in the Downtown, Queensborough and Sapperton neighborhoods in New Westminster. This tasting extravaganza goes from 6pm until 10pm and is presented by Vancouver Foodster. Each restaurant will be serving up Tasting Plates for guests to enjoy and you will have a chance to visit many different types of restaurants and a brewery throughout the event, meet some new food loving friends, meet the chefs, and learn about each of the participating restaurants. Vegetarian options will be available at many of the participating restaurants. Bring along a friend or two, your…
Have you been into the Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver of late? There are actually two great spots to dine, the more casual GRAIN in the hotel lobby and Mosaic Restaurant, merely an escalator ride away. Mosaic flies under the radar, but I’ve had some amazing meals there over the years, prepared by a number of different chefs. I used to work across the street at 666 Burrard Street, so it was rather convenient. Vaneats.ca has a wicked $27 3-course dinner deal on now, so what better timing to check it out? Chef Jo Ong was in when we visited and came…
JOIN THE GARAGISTE WINE PARTY! In 2015 the coolest winemakers are hitting are the road! Festivals scheduled in Vancouver & Kelowna! After the huge success of their inaugural SOLD OUT Festival last September at Meyer Family Vineyards in Okanagan Falls, Garagiste North has planned two Festivals this year! The first of its kind in Canada, ‘Garagiste North’ (The Small Guys Wine Festival), celebrates the artisan winemaker creating commercially produced small case lot wines (under 2000 cases). An eclectic gang, they are a blend of passion and experience, new and old, the cult and the boutique, the virtual and custom crush—all gathered in one…
Well, I dished on some good foodie gifts, but I thought I needed to do one more guide on what to give Mom’s to help them escape from the kitchen as well, just in case your Mom should want to! Jeweliette Jewelry double sided Pearl Earings! Modeled here by one of our fav stylists, Nadia Albano. Love all their fantastic jewels. Visit them on Hornby near Helmcken before your next event and sparkle! Saje Ultrasonic Nebulizer $69.95 Add a splash of chic to any home with this ultra stylish and fun unit. Reduce dust and other common allergens while creating a pleasing atmosphere of…
Today we are celebrating Cinco de Mayo here with perhaps a margarita or two, some fish tacos and of course Avocados from Mexico are in the mix. They are on sale at IGA at the moment for 99 cents as a bonus, and you’ll find this Ocean Wise Tilapia we use there too! While many think May 5 is to celebrate Mexican Independence day (Sept. 16) , it is actually to commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. There’s your bit of history for the day, now go mix yourself a margarita…
It’s time to treat your Mama right this mother’s day. While you may not want her to spend any time in the kitchen on that special day, she’s certainly going to want to get in their quickly once you give her one of these amazing foodie gifts. From the top left to right: 1) All-Clad Copper Core 2Qt Saucepan SALE $179.95 at Cookworks. 2) The Beasty Box from Urban Digs is a “nose to tail” butchery box. We source locally produced meat from small scale farms like our own that practice sustainable farming methods. $175 3) Northern Divine Caviar 4) Epicure Mini Baker$17 -…
YEW seafood + bar Wine Director, Emily Walker is bringing together six of the city’s most talented sommeliers to do what they do best – pair amazing wines with exceptional cuisine to the delight of our guests. Throughout the evening guests will experience a variety of wine regions, styles and expressions – expertly and personally prepared with thoughtful dishes from a one-on-one collaboration with Executive Chef Ned Bell. This is an exciting opportunity for guests to experience the passion and personality of each participating sommelier. Guests will experience a six-course dinner filled with original wine selections representing the sometimes quirky…
Join the French Table and Hester Creek Estate Winery from the beautiful Golden Mile Bench. The price for the menu is $125.00 including tax but not service. Tuesday May 5th, 2015 Hester Creek Estate Winery Reception from 6:00 to 6:30pm with Hester Creek Pinot Blanc Dinner at 6.30 MENU Trebbiano – New Vintage: Smoked ahi tuna tartar, avocado sesame salsa, apple chips. Rose – Cabernet Franc: Spot prawn ceviche, crispy spot prawn head on watermelon and jicama salad. Cabernet Franc Block 3 Reserve: Seared pheasant breast on wild mushrooms, bread pudding, Madeira sauce. Reserve Merlot: Cheese Selection Alpine gold from Farmhouse Agassiz Tiger blue from…
Miku is not only delicious, but also artistic. Thenew Japanese multi-course dining at Coal Harbour’s Miku Restaurant (70-200 Granville Street, Granville Square) introduces three Kaiseki-inspired menus. Considered an art form, Kaiseki combines meticulous preparation, beautiful presentation, and an air of mystery in one memorable meal. Balancing taste, texture and appearance, Miku’s three Kaiseki options, Shokai ($68), Kaisen ($88) and Aburi ($118), are served on handcrafted Japanese Arita plates meant to enrich the presentation by tying in to its seasonal theme. The Aburi menu, which requires 72-hours notice, specifically explores a variety of global flavours that go beyond Miku’s signature menu items.…
Some delicious news from Notturno in gastown! On Friday, May 1 Notturno be launching our new food and cocktail menus. New additions include the introduction of The Long Board – a daily assortment of terrines, pates, seafood and other delicious treats, as well as an homage to spring – Risotto Milanese with onion cream and ramp butter. Also new this month are four cocktails for adventure enthusiasts…or just cocktail enthusiasts…or just people who like tasty beverages. For the lightsaber-wielding cocktail aficionado we offer H’s May The Firth Be With You. As an ode to our friends south of the border, we’ve got…
2015 BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival I’ve attended this twice and am crossing my fingers to get there this year again! Such an amazing region with the freshest seafood and an abundance of excellent restaurants, wineries, and food experiences. For the 2022 Festival website and tickets. BC Seafood Festival The 9th annual BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival is the largest festival of its kind in British Columbia! Located in the Comox Valley, you can enjoy 10 days filled with culinary events, shellfish and seafood producer tours, celebrity chef demonstrations, and winery dinners that celebrate the bounty of the sea, coupled…
We love Masi wines and who better to host them, but South Granville’s Sienna Restaurant? So good I even had my bday there last year! More info….. A Winemaker’s Dinner with Masi Agricola. “Modern wines with an ancient heart” Please join us on Wednesday, May 5th for a delicious evening with one of the best producers of Amarone, hosted by J Wheelock, Brand Ambassador for MASI wines. MENU Serego Alighieri Possessioni Bianco 2012 Poached BC Spot Prawns lemon & parsley butter, baby fennel slaw Campofiorin Rosso del Veronese 2012 Crimini & Oyster Mushroom Risottotruffle emulsion, grilled leeks, manchego, porcini tea Brolo di…
Avocados are certainly one of the health foods we never have to force ourselves to eat, they are delicious and of course, not just for guacamole. This fruit (yes they’re a fruit and not a vegetable) makes it’s way onto our dining table in everything from salads, to sandwiches, to creamy smoothies, desserts, and of course, is a must for our guacamole. Avocados are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and good fat. They make are meals more filling, and although they do have a fair amount calories, they are healthy calories and a little avocado goes a long way. Pair it…
