btvancouver

Received this release about a great event happening next week!

Prepare to experience some of the newest and tastiest offerings on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m. as Vancouver Foodster, Vancouver’s essential online food and drink guide, and Taste and Sip Magazine presents “Tasting Plates Vancouver”.
 
Participating restaurants will offer tasting plates of their food to the guests, thereby showcasing their restaurant and promoting their food and chefs.
 
The event is a roving tour that brings guests to the participating restaurants, cafes & food trucks, throughout the evening and they will walk, bike, transit or drive around the downtown area to the various participating restaurants.
 
Let your taste buds travel the city with Vancouver Foodster and Taste and Sip Magazine. Some of the participating restaurants include: Phat Deli Yaletown, Notturno Paninoteca, Cosca Restaurant, Juice Truck, Bonchaz, Soho Road and Footo Delights. More restaurants will be announced in the coming days.
 
Tickets: $25 per person (eventbrite fee extra) – ticket price includes tasting plates at each of the participating restaurants throughout the evening. A donation of $2 from each ticket purchased will go to support the Vancouver Food Bank. (Beverages are not included, you are welcome to purchase wine, beer, cocktails or mocktails at each of the participating restaurants).
Tickets are available for purchase ONLINE ONLY. 
The first 300 people to purchase an advance ticket will receive a copy of the new  book “Vancouver Foodster’s guide to dining and drinking in Vancouver “ written by Richard Wolak (value $21.95), approx 200 pages, publishing February 2012.
 
“When I first started Vancouver Foodster over 2-1/2 years ago, it was because I had a great passion for food and wanted to share it with the public,” explains Richard Wolak, Editor and Publisher of Vancouver Foodster. ‘Tasting Plates Vancouver’ is a chance for people to try something different, foods from restaurants, food trucks and cafés in Vancouver!” Richard Wolak
 
I’ll be there…will you?

Dawn

Had a great time celebrating Chinese New Year – the Year of the Water Dragon today at Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden ! We had Author and Cultural Educator Stephanie Yuen talking about food and some fabulous Lion Dancers!

Be sure to attend the Chinese New Year Parade this Sunday (you will see some of your favourite OMNI personalities ) , but please take the time to go to the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden for more festivities – admission is by donation on January 29th!

Gung Hay Fat Choi!

Dawn

This week’s Friday Fave…Ucluelet!

My Husband, In-Laws and I had been to Tofino a few times, usually at Christmas which falls right into Storm Watching Season. 

This time, we made our way to Ucluelet’s Black Rock Resort which can only be described as AMAZING. The weather was stormy coming in…Christmas brought some sunshine and Boxing day we were back to storms. All in all a PERFECT getaway.

the view from our balcony

I also have to give props to the Float Lounge for my new favourite (bonus Friday Fave!) warm drink: the Ukee Fog! It’s Steamed Milk with Navan Cognac  and then you top it with some chai tea (you make a little pot and keep topping it off). Delish!!!!

Have a great Weekend!

Dawn

Spent a wonderful morning at Solly’s Bagelry as we celebrated the first day of Chanukah (last night was Chanukah eve). Leah was able to show us through her production kitchen, we made Jelly Donuts, Ragolah and Latkes and learned of the significance of each of these foods as well as the significance of lighting the Menorah.

If you get a chance to go to Solly’s – be sure to have a potato and onion Knish or the Borscht – they are my fave!!

Happy Channukah!

Dawn

This morning I spent the morning at the Greater Vancouver Foodbank in anticipation of Foodbank Friday here at City TV on December 16th.

We always know the need is great. What you may not realize is that the need is up by 15 percent in addition to  being 10% below normal levels right now – so we have some work to do!

We all know about the non-perishables needed (high protein, beans ect) and most of us know that when you donate money to the food bank, each dollar they get actually translates into $3 spending power. But what exactly do they buy with that money?

They buy perishables like Fruits, Veggies, Bread, and meat, but also things like baby food and diapers. So you see…they need everything and anything you are prepared to give. Another thing to remember is that the donations received this time of year actually nourishes families right through summer.

Please…come by the back lane of CityTV (180 West2nd) this Friday between 5:30 and 9am. Bring your food. Bring your money (cash, credit, interac is also accepted) and bring your smiling faces. We will be smiling right back at you and the smiles you won’t see (but know they are there) will be the ones on the mouths you helped feed.

See you Friday!

Dawn

Not only a great tune by Ella Fitzgerald  but also a valid question!

I know here in the Lower Mainland we have the reputation for deciding things last minute, but it’s not too early to start thinking about it!

At almost 94 years old, the fabulous Dal Richards Orchestra is performing again at the River Rock Casino and Resort in Richmond and I am THRILLED to join him as we ring in 2012!

Dal with his Gals! Jennifer Hayes and myself

You can order your tickets through Ticketmaster - hope to see you there!

Dawn

Had a great morning on Tuesday with my FAVOURITE TV Chef (and at 6′7, the tallest I have ever met!), Michael Smith at Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks!

with Chef Michael Smith

He made these unbelievable Peanut Butter Cups from his new cookbook …something you may wish to make with the kids! Here’s the Video from Breakfast Television if you missed the show!

Barbara-Jo also offered 3 great books for the foodie in your life

Barbara-Jo's picks!

The authors of these books are also appearing in store along with many other great chefs, please check the event schedule.

Enjoy!

Dawn

Now I like bacon just like many Canadians….but this new release from J&D Foods in Seattle ”might” be a little too out there…

From the makers of Baconnaise, Bacon Salt, Bacon Flavoured Popcorn and Bacon Flavoured Jones Soda (all of which I have tried on Breakfast Television…here’s the VIDEO of a chat we did on BT)…something for those of you who just need that something “extra”.

Bacon or sex? why choose?

Not sure who their market might be…likely a novelty item that will end up at some pranksters gift exchange. Hey I don’t judge.

If you crave bacon or….something else in the morning – you can  check out their website for more details

Good Morning (good morning!),

Dawn

Here’s your chance to meet Bestselling Wine Author Natalie MacLean in Vancouver or the Okanagan for the Launch of her New Book! Named the World’s Best Drink Writer at the World food Media Awards, the Canadian journalist and sommelier Natalie is just back from a whirlwind trip to uncover the world’s best bargain wines and share them with you.

Join Natalie MacLean for an unforgettable evening of wine, laughter and story-telling to celebrate the launch of her second wine book, Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines. You have 2 options to meet Natalie!

 
Okanagan/Kelowna November 8

B.C.  Wine Museum
Wine tasting with appetizers
Tickets: Mosaic Books 250-763-4418 or the Museum
click HERE for more information
Vancouver November 21

Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel
Tasting of a number of wine and cheese pairings
click HERE for more information

Space is limited for these exclusive BC events. Reserve your tickets now. Your ticket price includes a personally signed copy of Natalie’s new book, Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wine plus a wine tasting.

For more information about the book and an amusing video trailer about it, please visit the  Natalie MacLean Website

Dawn

I had the privilege of being on location this morning at Potluck Cafe and Catering on East Hastings. For the last decade,  the Potluck has been feeding an average of 30,000 meals PER YEAR to residents of the Downtown Eastside. In addition to the lunch programs, the Potluck also co-founded the DTES Kitchen Tables Project which focuses on access to water and quality, nutritious food across the DTES  and also ensures the distribution of “real food” to those living with HIV/ AIDS, Hepatitis C and Diabetes.

I got to see these great people at work – and boy are they busy! John, Blue, Peter and Felix were busy in the kitchen working on a catering gig…and working front of house was Helen, who has gone through the program and says the Potluck Cafe has “saved her life” . She and I were fast friends.They also have a friend in Barney Bentall who is preparing for the Grand Cariboo Opry (both in Victoria and Vancouver)

with Helen and Barney Bentall

The Grand Cariboo Opry, in its 6th year, promises to be a great time, so get your tickets before they sell out - but there are other ways you can help! As a company can hire them for your next luncheon or also sponsor a lunch for residents of the DTES ( Happy Planet is sponsoring one tomorrow).  As an individual, you can dine at the cafe, volunteer or donate to the Potluck Community Programs.

It’s a great program that needs your help!

Dawn