Updated, May 17, 2023 BC Distilled 2023 Audience Favourites Awards: Absinthe: Tofino Distillery – Psychedelic Jellyfish Absinthe Amaro or Vermouth: The Woods Spirit Co. – Barrel aged Amaro Barrel-Aged Gin: Stillhead Distillery – Islay Cask Gin Brandy or Eau-de-Vie: Maple Leaf Spirits – Lady of the Cask Flavoured Gin: [...]
Osoyoos Larose has unveiled La Maison Osoyoos Larose, a truly unique wine club—likely the only one of its kind in Canada. Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin has evolved into one of BC’s iconic wines in a pretty short time. Especially when you consider it’s only just over a couple of [...]
O’Rourke Family Estate has been recognized by Chardonnay du Monde for its O’Rourke Family Estate 2020 BC VQA Estate Chardonnay—the wine’s inaugural release. You could say it was a pretty good St. Patrick’s day present for owner Dennis O’Rourke—whose bottles sport “Sláinte” (Irish for ‘good health’) on the label. The [...]
Recently I was delighted to meet Giovanni Meschini, charming proprietor of Fattoria Colmone della Marca, for a tasting of some unique wines. They come from one of Italy’s smallest DOC’s—I Terrini di San Severino Moro, in the heart of the Marche. Fattoria Colmone is the sole producer. They make only [...]
Bagheera, you may recall, is the sleek, black panther in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. In this decidedly post-Colonial era I was intrigued to see the name resurface—as the moniker of Vancouver’s newest hidden cocktail lounge. As it turns out, however, Bagheera comes by its handle honestly. Owners and cocktail [...]
Coast Restaurant just clocked two decades. It’s hard to believe, as I remember vividly the opening. At the time, Coast was a spectacular addition to Alberni Street, which was still pretty low key in those days. A menu centrepiece was the seafood tower, which was all the rage at the time. [...]
Janice Lotzkar was recently mentioned in a recent post on Aaron Chapman’s popular and widely read Vancouver Restaurant History Facebook group. My good friend Kurtis Kolt was asking for people’s memories of the pioneering Lotzkar. In 2020 I had written a brief piece about Lotzkar’s achievements and her contribution to the [...]
Dine Out Vancouver (Jan 20-Feb 5) turns 21 this year. Hard to believe that it all started in 2003 with just 57 restaurants. Equally impressive is that some restos have been there every year—such as Bacchus at the Wedgewood. This year, says Dine Out manager Lucas Pavan, no less than 370 [...]
Welcome to the Dark Side! For many people dark beer is a seasonal thing. Although, it doesn’t have to be. I enjoy a glass of decent stout or porter at any time of year. Especially if it comes with slice of strong Cheddar or blue cheese and a crusty baguette. [...]
Vancouver Industry Veteran Sandrine Ramoisy has launched TIPS, a much needed server training program.
