For reasons related to the pandemic, while invited, I wasn’t able to judge at this year’s British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards. But having just seen the results, there are a few things that strike me as being worth noting in particular. In 2018 the BC Wine Awards (formerly the long-running Okanagan Wine Festival judging) [...]
It’s a wrap! Sunday’s Vintners Brunch capped off in style another highly successful Vancouver International Wine Festival. Sponsored by the Vancouver Sun, Vintners Brunch is the week’s undisputed highlight for those lucky enough to attend. After all, it is one of the fastest selling events in the festival. Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre ‘backstage’ [...]
North America’s biggest consumer tasting is here! Grape gurus from every corner of the globe are also here. That part is key. Vancouver International Wine Festival requires that principals be in the room to pour. In great part it’s this proviso that’s made the festival so successful. The chance for consumers and trade to meet [...]
With 18 years of Dine Out under my (thankfully elastic) belt, a few hours spent clicking through the current festival’s menu offerings has me convinced that this is one of the best lineups yet. There are plenty of good reasons to relish Dine Out Vancouver. While the festival has grown to include many more special [...]
This year’s British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Award winners were announced last night in Kelowna. The winners were unveiled at Okanagan Wine Festival’s signature tasting and reception at the Packing House. The event kicked off the 39th Annual Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. Wine of the year is: Deep Roots Syrah 2017 (Naramata Bench) $29.48—which edged [...]
The Tasting Menu is back. Although, truth be told, at West Restaurant it never went away. Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to witness the artistry of West Chef Bobby Milheron in two contrasting settings. The first was at the BC Seafood Festival in Comox. The second was at the South Granville restaurant itself. [...]
Curry Cup 2019 is a wrap! I’ve judged at a few competitions over the years. But I’d have to say that the Curry Cup is one of the coolest. Maybe it has something to do with my U.K. upbringing. But I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for a good curry—which is still [...]
Vintners Brunch is for many still their VanWineFest highlight. It's easy to see why. The setting is dazzling, especially on a day like this past Sunday, when the North Shore Mountains and harbour seem almost on the edge of the room. It's also a great party, one of few events that comes with live music. And while [...]
Dine Out Vancouver's been around for 17 years now. Way back when it was a pretty straightforward setup. A few dozen restos offered three course menus at $10, $20 or $30. (Yes, hard to believe but there really was a time when you could still get an almost free lunch.) ;-) Today’s greatly expanded Dine [...]
Dine Out—as most people know—is built around a whole lot of special, three course menus. Some 300 or so Vancouver area restaurants offer varying degrees of deals and experiences. Yet what many don't realize is that Dine Out has grown into the Dine Out Vancouver Festival. The two week long extravaganza includes culinary experiences of [...]
