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Seattle Restaurant News |
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May 17th, 2012
Directly from the Gruman and Nicholl Press Release:
CHEF HOLLY SMITH ANNOUNCES “TABLE 2 FOR 2″ MULTI-COURSE CHEF’S WHIM DINNERS AT RESTAURANT’S PRIZED TABLE
TWO RESERVATION TIMES WILL BE AVAILABLE EACH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT BEGINNING SUNDAY, JUNE 3
May 17, 2012 (Kirkland, WA) - By request, and in response to guests who repeatedly ask Holly to cook something special just for them, Cafe Juanita will launch Table 2 for 2 beginning Sunday, June 3, 2012. Four reservations will be available per week each month with only two seatings on Saturday and two on Sunday. Guests who score these special seats will be treated to a unique, multi-course culinary tasting experience crafted by Holly and Executive Sous Chef Justin Sledge. The talented culinary team will prepare individual tasting menus for the very special guests of Table 2 prized for its view of the open kitchen.
Reservations will open on the first Tuesday of each month for the upcoming month via telephone at (425) 823-1505. There are two seatings available on Saturday and Sunday evenings with the first seating at 5:30pm and the second seating at 8:45pm. A conversation about allergies and dietary restrictions will take place at the time of reservation to allow Holly to craft a unique and special tasting menu of seasonal dishes. Wine Director Dawn Smith will, upon request, work with Chef Smith to craft a beverage pairing to compliment the meal. Like the menu, Dawn’s pairings will be surprising and will elevate the overall experience. Reservations for June will open on Tuesday, May 15th with the first available reservation for Sunday, June 3. Reservations for July will open on Tuesday, June 5th. The Tasting Menu will be $135 per guest (plus tax and gratuity) with an optional beverage pairing available at $75 per guest.
ABOUT CAFE JUANITA:
Holly Smith opened Cafe Juanita in April of 2000 inspired by the cuisine of northern Italy. The restaurant is dedicated to sustainable practices, a commitment to organics and local sourcing as well as forging relationships with artisan Italian producers and winemakers. Holly is the 2008 James Beard Foundation winner for Best Chef Northwest and Cafe Juanita has been recognized by Gourmet Magazine, Robb Report, Wine Spectator, as well as multiple year nominations for Best Restaurant Service, Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Restaurant from the James Beard Foundation. In 2009 she competed on the Food Network’s “Next Iron Chef” and in 2010, Holly challenged and beat Iron Chef Cat Cora on “Iron Chef America”. The restaurant is located at 9702 NE 92nd Place, Kirkland, WA. (206) 823-1505 www.cafejuanita.com
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June 5th, 2012: CRU Wine Selections Angelo Gaja Benefit Dinner |
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May 16th, 2012
Directly from the CRU Wine Selections Press Release:
Vancouver’s Leading Chefs Celebrate Angelo Gaja, one of the World’s Greatest Winemakers at Exclusive Dinner to Benefit the Canadian Cancer Society
Vancouver, BC (May 16, 2012) – CRU Wine Selections is proud to present the food and wine event of the year: Vancouver’s top chefs will be pairing courses to the iconic wines of Mr. Angelo Gaja June 5th, at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Star Sapphire Ballroom. The dinner is to showcase Vancouver’s culinary talents while celebrating the exceptional wines of Angelo Gaja, with proceeds benefiting the Canadian Cancer Society.
Internationally acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest winemakers, there is no more important name or greater ambassador in Italian wine then Angelo Gaja. Credited with revolutionizing the wine business in Piedmont and changing the image of Italian wines, Angelo Gaja balances tradition and innovation to carefully produce exceptional wines that continue to represent a legacy of quality and supremacy that has evolved over 300 years. Gaja will visit only New York and Vancouver for his last North American tour, and the city’s oenophiles and gourmands are honoured to welcome him. A true icon in Italian wine, Angelo Gaja is one of the world’s most respected producers and best known wine personalities.
The once-in-a-lifetime event is to begin with a champagne reception, where guests will be greeted by leading Vancouver wine judge Sid Cross, followed by an exclusive address by Mr. Gaja. The sumptuous meal will consist of seven courses and dessert, each prepared by one of Vancouver’s top chefs. Each course will be paired with two wines, which Mr. Gaja will speak about in turn, as the sommeliers and managers of participating top restaurants serve them.
The incredible line up of participating chefs includes:
Darren Brown, Oru, Fairmont Pacific Rim
Thomas Haas, Thomas Haas Chocolates
David Hawksworth, Hawksworth Restaurant
Frank Pabst, Blue Water Café
Adam Pegg and Lucais Syme, La Quercia
Pino Posteraro, Cioppino’s
Hidekazu Tojo, Tojo’s
Vikram Vij, Vij’s
The exclusive black tie event takes place in the Star Sapphire Ballroom at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Tuesday June 5th, 2012 from 5:00pm to 11:00pm. Sponsored by the Dilawri Group, space is limited to 100 guests. Tickets are $1000 per person (plus tax) with tables of 14 people available, and proceeds will go to the Canadian Cancer Society. Tickets include: Reception, GAJA presentation, 7 course meal with 14 wine pairings, and Mr. Gaja will join each table for one course. To purchase tickets, please contact Jeanette Horwood T: 778-882-7654 E: jeanettehorwood@shaw.ca
CRU Wine Selections
CRU Wine Selections was established in 2005 by two long time professional friends and colleagues, James Johnson and Nick Kosick. The founding vision at CRU was to work with some of the world’s most exclusive wineries, bringing Western Canada a dedicated selection of wines from over 40 elite producers, with special focus on the wines of Italy. CRU is incredibly proud to partner with the Dilawri Group, the Fairmont Pacific Rim and Vancouver’s greatest Chefs to bring you this historic night in Vancouver dining with a living legend, Mr. Angelo Gaja.
www.cruwineselections.com
Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is committed to eradicating cancer and improving the lives of people with and beyond cancer. It has more impact against more cancers in more communities than any other cancer charity. The impact comes from leading cancer prevention initiatives, funding outstanding cancer research and delivering trusted information and compassionate support.
www.cancer.ca
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The Kitchen Party and Watermark Beach Resort News |
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May 16th, 2012
Directly from The Kitchen Party Press Release:
The Best Kitchen Party in Vancouver Returns
OLIVER, BC… Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country brings The Kitchen Party back to Vancouver this June 7th. Trail Appliances, Vancouver’s premier kitchen showroom, is host to this year’s event, which features 12 of Vancouver’s top restaurants paired with the 24 wineries of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country. Tickets for this grazing style party are just $75.00 and can be purchased on-line at http://kitchenparty.eventbrite.ca.
The Kitchen Party began in Vancouver in 2008 and has sold out each year – after all – we all know the best parties end up the kitchen. This year, Trail Appliances, located at 2876 Rupert Street (at Grandview Highway) features 11 incredible showroom kitchen, each with a well known Vancouver chef and 2 Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country members. (Please see attached list) This is an opportunity to taste new releases from Canada’s most sought after wines, sample canapés from celebrity chefs and bid on an outstanding wine cellar; 48 wines lovingly housed in a top of the line Viking Wine Cellar featuring 2 temperature zones, a value of over $5000. Don’t miss out on this and vacation packages to Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country
About Trail Appliances: As a family owned and operated business since 1974, Trail Appliances is one of the leading independent appliance retailers in Western Canada with 13 stores in BritishColumbia and Alberta. Trail offers Canada’s largest appliance selection creating a complete shopping experience for every need – single family homes, apartments, condos, and town homes.
About Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country: Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country is bordered by McIntyre Bluff to the north and the USA border to the south. Its major growing areas lie on three benches: the Golden Mile, the Black Sage and the Osoyoos Lake benches. Still a very rural area, this part of the valley is dedicated to agriculture of all kinds; however the diversity of soils amd microclimates here create premier land for many grape varieties. The unifying character that makes this possible is our desert climate, which is common to all wineries. Oliver is home to The Wine Capital of Canada while Osoyoos boasts Canada’s “Warmest Welcome”.
The Kitchen Party Takes place Thursday, June 7th at Trail Appliances located at 2876 Rupert Street (at Grandview Highway). Tickets can be purchased on-line, http://kitchenparty.eventbrite.ca . The Kitchen Party is sponsored by Trail Appliances and Viking.
Directly from the Watermark Beach Resort Press Release:
Watermark Beach Resort Welcomes New Executive Chef Jonas Stadtländer
May 15, 2012 (Vancouver, BC) – The Watermark Beach Resort is pleased to announce that Jonas Stadtländer has accepted the role of Executive Chef for the Resort. Chef Stadtländer will be at the helm of the Wine Bar & Patio, as well as and the Resort’s conference and banquet space, which hosts both conferences and weddings. Jonas brings a combination of passion and experience to his new role leading the culinary team at the world-class Osoyoos resort.
In recent years, Jonas has acquired a wealth of experience working a variety of roles at top restaurants in Japan, Germany, Australia, and Canada. His time at Germany’s Wielandshöhe restaurant and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Tokyo gave him an appreciation for varied culinary and cultural traditions.
He got his start here at home in Canada: he was born and raised in Toronto, and grew up with an insider’s view of the restaurant business. His father is well-known chef Michael Stadtländer, and his family operates a mixed farm in rural Ontario that embodies the field-to-table approach to cuisine.
Jonas is excited about his new position at the Watermark, saying that “cooking in the South Okanagan is a dream for a chef” because of the region’s amazing abundance of premium ingredients, including outstanding fruit and vegetables, quality meats, artisan cheeses, and world-class wines.
To make your reservations at the Watermark Wine Bar & Patio, call 250-495-5500 or 1-888-755-3480 www.WatermarkBeachResort.com.
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Wild BC Spot Prawn Festival News |
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May 16th, 2012
Directly from the Wild BC Spot Prawn Festival Press Release
A World of Flavours at this year’s Spot Prawn Festival in Kelowna
Kelowna, BC… Wild BC Spot Prawns once again make their way to Kelowna for the 2nd Annual Wild BC Spot Prawn Festival, this year hosted by Bonfire at the Cove Resort. Saturday, June 2nd from 1 – 4pm, join top chefs for a sampling of these delicious crustaceans. Codfather’s will once again be on hand to sell live Spot Prawns. Admission to the Festival is complimentary, sampling tickets are $2 per prawn. The Cove Resort is located at 4205 Gellatly Road, West Kelowna.
This year’s Wild BC Spot Prawn Festival features flavours from BC, Italy and India.
Restaurants participating including;
Bonfire at the Cove
C Restaurant with Chef Robert Clark
Ricardo’s Mediterranean Grill
Hillside Estate Winery and Bistro
Joy Road Catering
Nineteen Grill and Lounge
Poppadoms
he Terrace at Mission Hill Family Estate
About Wild BC Spot Prawns
Wild BC Spot Prawns are a delicacy known around the world for their sweet, delicate flavour and firm texture. They are most recognizable for their reddish brown colour, which turns bright pink when cooked, defining white spots on their tail and white horizontal bars on the carapace. Spot prawns are the largest of the seven commercial species of shrimp found on the west coast of Canada.
For more information about Wild BC Spot Prawns visit www.wildbcspotprawns.com
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Sun Peaks Resort Summer Event News |
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May 15th, 2012
Directly from the Sun Peaks Resort Press Release:
Canada’s Alpine Village gets ready for its biggest line-up…ever!
Sun Peaks, BC (May 15, 2012) - Sun Peaks is excited to announce additions to its already massive event schedule this summer. This coming summer will feature over 35 events, including 15 newly created or partnered events, representing a 100% increase over last year. Branded as Canada’s Alpine Village, the mountain community will host an event every weekend from June 30to September 29, drawing visitors from all over the region.
In addition to previously announced events, such as the upcoming Free Outdoor Concert featuring Kevin Costner and Modern West, Sun Peaks is adding to its summer line up “Seak the Peak” Geo Caching Weekend (July 21 & 22), the brand new 5’Forty Longboard Challenge (August 19) and the Yeah Bru! Classic Dual Slalom Downhill Mountain Bike Race (September 2).
The community will continue to celebrate its 50 year anniversary throughout the summer with events happening every month, starting with the Mr. Fairway Contest (June 2) and culminating at the 50th Reunion Finale Barbeque (September 8th).
The increased events schedule allowed Tourism Sun Peaks and resort businesses to partner with talented local organizers to identify opportunities. Partnerships were forged to stage the Yeah Bro! BC Cup Series #3 Downhill Mountain Bike Race (July 14 & 15), Dirty Feet’s XC Mountain Bike Event (July 21 & 22) and Trail Run (September 8th). Cooperation also expanded RunClub’s Jo’s Road Race (June 30 & July 1) into a destination weekend.
The dramatic increase in events has been driven by two factors according to Christopher Nicolson, President of Tourism Sun Peaks. The first was a need to attract more ‘first-time’ locals and regional residents during the summer.
“Events offer a specific reason to come to Sun Peaks,” says Nicolson. “Most people who visit in summer have an exceptional experience and return. The scented air, vibrant colours, and invigorating village and activity draw people back. But we needed to find a way to entice guests for their initial visit.”
The second reason is directly related to the creation of the new Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality. As a formal municipality, the community was able to work with the provincial government and secure new investment for tourism and infrastructure.
For more information, go to www.sunpeaksresort.com/events
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Vancouver Craft Beer Week News |
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May 14th, 2012
Directly from the Earls Restaurants Press Release:
Earls Restaurants launches new regional craft beer program across Canada at the Vancouver Craft Beer Week May 18 – 26, 2012.
Fresh Microbrews, local to each region, reflect the commitment to all things fresh at Earls
Vancouver, BC – May 13, 2012 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 20th 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/
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Hamilton Street Grill: Wine Tasting and Steak Month News |
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May 11th, 2012
Directly from the Hamilton Street Grill Press Release:
Spring Tasting: Monday, May 28th and/or Tuesday, May 29th
One of British Columbia’s best new wines 8th GENERATION along with one of Hamilton Street Grill’s favourite wine presenters, Quinn Diepold 5:30pm - 7pm - $25 per person
In keeping with our popular and fun format, try a sampling of three new wines and have three savoury, wine-inspired food tasters while learning from a wine expert as they take you through a sit down yet casual style tasting. Guests are seated at both individual tables and at shared tables
This month we are pouring three selections of 8th Generation wines alongside Hamilton Street Grill’s Executive Chef Neil Wyles wine inspired appetizers. Neil makes excellent choices when pairing his appetizers with the wines and the tasting format is casual, informative and fun!
Monday, May 28th and/or Tuesday May 29th
Start time 5:30 pm
Hamilton Street Grill
1009 Hamilton Street, Yaletown, Vancouver
Tickets $25 per person
Seating always sells out quickly Reserve by credit card at: 604-331-1511 or hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net
Our favourite annual celebration - Steak Month!
June is steak month at the Hamilton Street grill as we celebrate our 16th year in style
This years anniversary month special is the California Cut Striploin served with garlic mashed potatoes and market and vegetables. A thick juicy Striploin for only $16, all month long
Reservations 604-331-1511 (Hey, what a great way to celebrate Father’s Day!) Not valid with other promotions
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Whistler: Nita Lake Lodge hires new executive chef Michael Guy |
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May 10th, 2012
Directly from the Nita Lake Lodge Press Release:
Whistler’s Nita Lake Lodge Welcomes New Executive Chef Michael Guy
Dedicated culinary professional to lead food services team at Nita Lake Lodge
Whistler, BC (May 9, 2012) – Award-winning Nita Lake Lodge is thrilled to announce the appointment of Michael Guy as Executive Chef. Born in BC and raised in Alberta, Michael Guy brings to the table more than a decade of experience as a chef in Canada and abroad.
Guy’s attention to detail and passion for locally sourced artisanal ingredients is a perfect fit with the three outlets at Nita Lake Lodge: Aura Restaurant, Cure Lounge & Patio and Fix Café & Deli. Aura, the hotel’s signature restaurant, was recently awarded with a bronze award for Best Whistler Dining at the 23rd Annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. Aura incorporates the finest and freshest ingredients from the area, featuring a private dining room and an expansive outdoor patio diners can enjoy while soaking in the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Starting his career with culinary training at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver, Michael Guy spent the first few years of his career working at such Vancouver institutions as Bluewater Café, Raintree Restaurant and West Restaurant. After some time in Ontario as well in a year-long stint as chef for the Canadian Ambassador in Rome, Guy and his family returned to BC where he took a position as sous chef at the renowned Araxi Restaurant in Whistler. In late 2009, Guy opened his funky modern roadhouse and catering business Western Promises Food in Pemberton. Guy is very excited to be heading the kitchens at Nita Lake Lodge and to be staying in Whistler, a destination he and his family have come to love in the four years since they moved to the area.
“I hope to help Nita Lake Lodge become the number one boutique hotel in Canada with a reputation for incredible food, made from scratch,” says Guy, Executive Chef at Nita Lake Lodge. “The hotel is a beautiful property within a stunning setting. I want to further the reputation of Nita Lake Lodge’s three restaurants as a destination unto themselves.”
About Nita Lake Lodge
Uniquely situated on the shores of Whistler’s Nita Lake, the luxurious, 77-room Nita Lake Lodge features spacious deluxe studios, along with one and two bedroom suites. Lakeside Aura restaurant showcases bright, modern Pacific cuisine made with the finest local ingredients. Cure Lounge & Patio serves creative cocktails and Old World house made charcuterie, while Fix Café & Deli features wholesome snacks and take-home treats. The full service spa offers a range of services to help guests and visitors reestablish health, harmony and balance. Through Innovative Fitness, guests have access to personalized, professional coaching at Nita Lake Lodge’s gym facilities and outdoors.
Located a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway, Whistler—home of the 2010 Olympic Games—is located at the base of world-class mountains Whistler and Blackcomb.
For reservations or more information about Nita Lake Lodge, visit www.nitalakelodge.com or call 1-888-755-6482.
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