Hidden at the Westin Grand
byThe Westin Grand on Robson has been keeping a secret, Hidden Tasting Bar & Social Lounge. After coming in off the sidewalk near Robson and Homer, head up the large winding staircase toward the hotel’s lobby and there you’ll find Hidden. Windows stretching to the height of the massive ceilings surround the purple-coloured dining area lined with rounded booths. Here’s a sampling of the tapas-style dinner John and I recently shared at Hidden:
Our Hidden Experience
Bites
We started off by ordering a bowl of roasted hazelnuts, brazilian nuts and almonds ($5) while we looked over the beer list and the rest of the seasonal menu.
Earth
We’ve become big fans of beets lately and we really enjoyed medley that was offered. It actually went very will with a handful of roasted hazelnuts and almonds that we still had on the table.
Olive oil glazed baby vegetables with herb marinated grilled tofu ($8)
Candy cane, golden & white beet salad, cranberry hazelnut vinaigrette, goat cheese puree ($12)
Sea
Our friendly server, Bob, recommended these two dishes (below). I heard another server recommend them as well but he told us that he’s in love with the lobster poutine. My favourite of the two though was the black cod as it simply melted in my mouth – a nice follow-up to our crunchy appetizers.
Lobster poutine with Montreal cheese curds & béarnaise ($10)
Brown butter cauliflower puree, seared black cod, asparagus, fennel salad, lemon caper vinaigrette ($13)
Land
We went back and forth on this one as we were unsure if we had enough room left in our bellies. The temptation of something “bacon-wrapped” got the best of us and we’re glad we went through with it. Along with the black cod, the striploin was my favourite of the night.
Tiroler bacon wrapped striploin, truffle scented whipped potatoes & green bean bundle ($12)
Flight of crème brûlée ($9)
Indulge
Ready to skip dessert, Bob assured us that the flight of crème brûlée would be the best way to round out the night. We once again heeded his advice and were not disappointed. The three dishes each had their own flavour: nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. “All together, you get eggnog!” said Bob with a smile.
John and I decided to take advantage of the beer list, over the wine list, that evening. I went with the Whistler Bear Paw Honey Lager, Phoenix Gold from Phillips Brewing, and the Whistler Brewing Whiskey Jack Ale. John’s selections were the Double Decker IPA (he was a little disappointed there was only one IPA on the list), St-Ambrose Apricot Wheat (a bit of a miss as he’s not big into flavoured beer), and the 650ml Phillips Longboat Chocolate Porter, which was his favourite of the night. The Chocolate Porter even complimented dessert with its cocoa, coffee, and cola notes.
Due to the inexpensive “bites” menu and the list of over 40 BC craft brews, we decided that Hidden would be our new go-to place before a Whitecaps game or show (at the QE Theatre or The Centre). Although now that I’ve told all of you, it’s not so hidden anymore.
Hidden Temptations New Year’s Eve
On December 31st, Hidden will host Hidden Temptations one of Vancouver’s glitziest New Year’s Eve parties.
This food and wine gala will have gourmet chef stations, a chocolate indulgence buffet, live music and DJ’s, and more.
Tickets are $100 right now but they go up to $120 after December 25th. You can also book a hotel package that includes two tickets and an overnight stay for $369 (or $389 after December 25th).
The Westin Grand and Hidden have offered up the Hidden Temptations New Year’s Eve experience to one lucky reader of mine. The winner will receive 2 tickets to the party and a 1-night stay in a one-bedroom suite that night.
Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Answer on this post: What do you usually do on New Year’s Eve? (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at 11:00am next Monday, December 19, 2011. Must be 19 years of age or older to enter and win. Please enjoy your New Year’s Eve events responsibly and plan a safe ride home.
Update The winner is Brenda!
231 Comments — Comments Are Closed
Honestly – after a number of NYE busts, I’ve given up doing anything for the last couple of years. That said, this could be a nice change!
usually don’t do much of anything….. this would be fun!
I usually head to Downtown Vancouver to one of the various parties haha
Good food with good friends, some drinks in hand & some tunes!
Hang out at home
with a couple young kids we’ve stayed at home. But we’re ready to have some fun!
we usually skip the hype and have a quiet night at home.
either at home being quiet and cozy, or out at a friend’s house with wine and laughs.
i love to spend new years eve with my friends and family.
It alternates: usually one year more quiet and in with friends and alternative years at a party, though I’m leaning towards more low-key these days
Usually a house party at a friends place, so this would be a nice change!
I usually spend a quiet night at home watching Dick Clark, but a fancy night out would be nice!
It’s one of my best friend’s birthday on NYE so we usually go out downtown to celebrate.
The last few years it has been house parties.
In years past, I always tried to book a trip somewhere far far away, so I didn’t have to deal with being alone with all my coupled up friends. But this year, I find myself in a relationship for the first time in a long time, and can’t wait to spend time with him and build our own Holiday traditions!!
I try to either go to a house party or one hosted by a hotel. But all that matters is I’m with my friends and family having a great time!
For the past of couple years, we’ve been in Madrid for NYE and in Spain, it’s a family affair. And before that I used to work at a restaurant. Now, that we’re back in Vancouver, we want to celebrate in style and go to a great party! We would love to celebrate the beginning of 2012 at Hidden and it’s gala 🙂
I usually get take out sushi and stay in – Would love to change that this year to bring in year 2012!
For the last couple of years it was clubbing and house parties. But I’ve been going less and less to those, way too much money spent, and not that great. So I’m probably going to just go out for dinner with a couple of friends, and just grab a few beers.
Usually I just chill with close family at home
hang out with friends
Last year, we did dinner and a movie. I’m up for something more exciting this year!
stay at to home and chill with friends and family!
get together with friends
Depends on the year – usually have people over.
Usually stay home and count down with friends. Would love to go to a NYE party!
Good food, great friends, and flowing champagne!
Gourmet dinner and champagne with friends
I usually connect with parents on the telephone in their time zone and countdown the new year several times.
Chill out with good friends at home…
I’m originally from the southern hemisphere so I like to party on the beach for NYE.
Count down with the family!
Big party at my friend’s house =)
Usually a house party, location varies yearly!
We normally stay at home–it’s difficult to afford some of the New Year’s Eve events, but it’d be lovely to do something nice like this!
I usually stay in, sometimes alone or sometimes with a friend or two. NYE is not a big deal to me to be honest.
Hang with loved ones! Fall asleep early!
House party or a pub!
Have a family dinner and watch TV with my family.
just a low key house party
I spend my NYE with friends – drinking and chatting the night away!
I try and mix-it-up, something different each year!
I usually stay in town because i’m so broke after Christmas to get out.
Usually get together with friends!
spend it with famity!
I usually end up staying home and/or going to a friend’s place for a small gathering.
what i usually do on new years eve: drink a couple of ice cold bottles of sparkling apple juice all by myself…. even though i’m 21. I do what I want
get together with friends for dinner, then go to a hotel party after.
Countdown with family & friends!
hang out at friends place
Since cant recall any memorable nye’s over last five years must have sadly stayed home with partner.
Hope this year is better as mine is coming from overseas to visit me!
Usually rent movies and hang out with family
We usually stay at home and watch Dick Clark’s Rockin New Years Eve and then go bang pots and pans in the front yard with the kids.
We’re usually home-bodies with the kids. Banging pots and pans old school at midnight… 🙂
We usually have a nice dinner and go to a friends house!
I usually end up going to a big fun party with friends
We go tubing at Mount seymour with the kids and stand around the fire. It is a great way to spend the last day of the year.
Haha. Stayed at home the last 3 years. Zzzz. Need more excitement.
It changes every year and this would be a great addition to the mix!
Party down town!
sometimes quiet and sometimes crazy fun…depends on the year
Usually spent with either friends or family but this will be first new years eve asa newly single mommy, this would be a great way to ring in my New year and fresh start!
Having kids we stay at home and play games bringing the new year with banging pots…..kids are bigger now….
Usually have a quiet night in but would love to do something like this!
quiet evening at home with my partner, watching the countdown at midnight in times square on tv
the last few year have been watching the London countdown on youtube so the boys can get to bed at a reasonable time. Then chocolate fondue and red wine. 🙂
Usually a house party/get together with friends. Last year we stayed in. But it’d be nice to go out
I have been lazy the last few years and stayed in. The picture of the lobster poutine alone is temptation to get out and go to Hidden!
Go to bed early!
Watch the large ball drop at NYC on tv.
Oh my! This package looks amazing!!! Sadly, each New Year’s Eve gets less and less fun. When I was younger, I attended parties and had a lot of fun. However, nowadays, I just stay at home and watch TV. I believe I may even have slept before the count down last year. Oops!
Dinner with the family and ringing in the new year with all my siblings and parents!
I normally party with friends.
i usually party with my friends
Casual get together with close friends :D!
We usually find a last minute house party to go to!
I am such a homebody – and never seem to have friends around! This year I do!
Usually small gathering of friends at someone’s house.
Good company, food and drinks!!
Spend time at home with family..but this year, family is out of town..so.. hopefully something fun will happen!
Spend it with family, close friends and good food!
At home, watching a great movie, and eating leftover Christmas baking.
Having a quiet evening with friends, great food and great drinks.
Watch the ball drop in New York at midnight on television with my baby and the same great friends for years.
Spending the evening with my lovely wife
I usually stay home – with 2 kids, NYE has become less of a party and more of a family thing!
Meet up with family and friends.
Stay at home and countdown with family.
For the last 3 years, I’ve been going to the NYE Renaissance Party. I want to try something different this year.
I usually throw a family dinner- kinda like the traditional Christmas gathering that people usually go to and expects every year instead I throw the new year’s eve family dinner. Some usually stay but everyone is allowed to go to whatever other plans they have for the rest of the night.
I usually just stay at home and watch movies and eat pizza and popcorn and then bang pots and pans at midnight….
Cook a nice meal and hang out with my boyfriend
Commodore Ballroom 🙂
It hasn’t been a habit of mine to *really* celebrate NYE until last year. I joined friends in enjoying nightlife activities. 🙂
Hang out with a few buddies.
write in my journal-reflect on the past year and set some new goals to be fulfilled in the new year ahead
Hang out with friends, reflecting on the last year and musing over the year to come!
I usually spend new years eve with my family at home as I reflect on how good God has been to me all my life.
I usually try to conjure up some fun with friends, at which ever over priced party we agree on, but the plans usually fall a part 🙁 NYE… too much pressure!
It depends- I’m usually with family but this would be fun!
I usually spend NYE with my family, or at a family party. This year ‘d love to try something different!
Stay at home, order in, watch movies, and fall asleep early:) This would be a great change: delicious food and a fun night out!
I usually work bartending on NYEve Be awsum if i got to relax n do sum celebrating wit the gf at great party! d:D
Jon and I usually have fondue and wine in the living room with a fire, watching New Years Eve-related movies…not exciting but we don’t have to find a ride home either!
Out for a walk around downtown watching the festivities and fireworks
Just reading back over the posting again…40 BC craft brews? Wow, we have to check this place out- Jon would love it!
spend some time with friends, drink, laugh, have fun!
Normally we have a quiet night in. A few times we have headed out to a house party. This would be an absolutely wonderful treat and a great way to start 2012!
Usually a night in or spending it with friends at a house party.
A night out with friends!
party!
Most of the time we stay home and have an amazing meal followed by lots of drinks. Just before midnight we gather in the street with our neighbours, hand out sparklers to the kids, and do champagne at midnight. Usually someone has left over fireworks from Halloween. And then it’s over.
We usually spend time with family and the kids at a party somewhere. No idea what the plan is for this year though.
I used to go clubbing, which was pretty fun but the past couple of years, I’ve done nothing and each NYE has been a complete bust. My friend and I were talking about doing something like this, this year but tickets are expensive! It sounds like a fantastic night though!
It’s usually something pretty low key involving some food, drinks and friends. This would solve my problems of figuring out what to do this year!
Stay at home with family
Party!
Party with my friends!
I usually pop champagne in a friends apartment with good company! But going somewhere would be a lovely change 🙂
It’s pretty quite usually just spend time with the family!!
go over to a friends house. would be nice to have a night out on the town!
new years eve for me is all about great food and even better company-i always choose to be with friends and family..
Spending the evening with family and friends. Good food, good drinks and great company is the best way to ring in the new year.
Nice homemade dinner and double date 🙂
A small group of friends/family, amazing food, and sparkling apple cider! (who needs champagne? 🙂
It varies, I have gone out with friends, spent it with family, spent it by myself too… Hoping to do something fun this year!
Usually I stay in with friends or family. This sounds exciting though!
If we’re not at a friends place watching movies,and playing board games. Then we’re at home watching movies! Nothing overly exciting, like a night out at an event 🙂
|Absolutely we’re in. Spending New Years downtown would be a perfect experience to bring in 2012!!
We often spend New Years in the USA or at home w/friends and family. Have often talked about spending it downtown.
I usually attend house parties, but it would be fantastic if I could have a romantic getaway for NYE!! 😉
Quiet evening, reflect on the year that’s been and the year to come.
At this juncture, I have no plans for New Years. This would be a wonderful gift.
Most New Year’s have been very quiet…too quiet. I’ts time to celebrate in the big city instead of here in Smallville. (Sechelt)
Sleep
Dessert and prosecco at midnight with good friends at my house
Watch NYE specials on TV with good friends and catch up on the past year.
TV marathon
I usually just head to a friend’s house party but would love to attend something fancy like this! 🙂
Spend New Year’s eve with friends and champagne. The best combination there is 🙂
Celebrate New Years wherever I am in the world – playing with fireworks in Manila or celebrating with my parents in Israel
We are boring, we order expensive takeout and buy a bottle of bubbly and watch old movies. I think I might be old before my time :p
Haven’t done much the past few years, what with having little ones – but they’re older now and I think it’s time my wife and I got back into the social night life!
Usually have a dinner party with friends at home. Only boring if the friends are!
usually have dinner and drinks with friends, this sounds exciting!
Stay at home with family. Have a nice dinner. Would like to try something new!
If there’s a public countdown, I go to that, or get together with friends.
Have a fancy dinner with family and Friends!
Stay up late with the kids and bang pots and pans! Would love a night off with a friend though. Don’t remember the last.
usually don’t anything special. but would to change it up this year!
We usually do a whole lot of nothing on new year’s eve and I often have to work night shift. This would be a special night out for my wife and I.
We usually walk the labyrinth at St. Pauls, get some sushi and then wander along the beach at midnight.
The last few New Years Eve, we get the group of ladies and our guy friends or significant others and have a New Years Eve party at home. Everyone brings something that they want to get rid of from the old year and we go around in a circle and discuss resolutions and what not. It’s been great times and would love to take this to another venue.
i usually go to my sisters home to go to a new years eve dinner!
Hang out with friends
Watch old movies and drink champagne with friends.
Casual get-together to play games
Kiss my wife at 12!
Dinner downtown and then watch Dick Clark! (its just not the same with Ryan Seacrest)
Usually go to the bar with friends.
Sit by the fireplace with my loved ones and count down with wine.
Have a lovely dinner and count in the New Year!
Share some drinks with friends
My New Years Eve consists of eating a nice dinner with my family and lighting sparklers at midnight and watching the countdown on TV!
This prize would put a smile on my wife’s face that will last till spring.
My wife and I and children generally spend a quiet New Year’s at home and beat pot and pans at midnight. Happy New Year!
It will be my first NYE in Canada, but in my home country it is a tradition ringing the bell at the beach, skipping 7 waves and wearing white! I’m from Brazil, so it’s summertime there, and we gather with friends and family to celebrate the new year!
I drink champagne and dance my guy.
Going to a friends for dinner and drinks.
After many years of being a NYE grinch (one year even going to bed well before midnight!), it would be fun to get all dolled up and have somewhere to be!
My hubby and I usually stay home and order Chinese food. Nothing too exciting! This would be a nice change 🙂
Drink lots of wine and watch some good movies with my family!
Usually spend it with friends but they are out of town this new year’s so would be wonderful to go to the Westin for a ROMANTIC New Year’s. :o)
Usually am working. Not a good thing. Would love to try something new.
We usually have a gathering at home, either a food party (wahahah) or a hot pot night…
NYE I’m always usually always en-route to a party and end end up celebrating the countdown on a bus/walking to party in the cold surrounded by dear friends
We have a tradition of walking the labyrinth at St. Pauls, going for sushi and then a midnight stroll along the beach.
Potluck dinner + board games.
stay home with my 4 kids and try to keep the 6 yr old awake
FIND SOMEONE TO MAKE OUT WITH ME 😛
I usually dance!
Usually spend the evening with my favorite things; good friends, good food and good drinks… but a romantic New Years sounds very tempting.
Every new year’s is different – party at home, out at an organized event, trip somewhere – but always with good company!
My friends and I would go to a gala every NYE. This year is different. Half of them will be going on a trip and this will be the first time I will be spending NYE with a special someone.
Usually spend it with friends somewhere!
Friends, Family and good food
Usually try to go out at least for a walk in the city. Last year we went to a Comedy Club for a dinner and a show. Hidden Temptations sounds like a great party!
Like everyone else. Spend it with friends, family, and bubbly 🙂
We haven’t gone to a New Year’s celebration in more than 20 years since we moved to the Sunshine Coast. Celebrating in the big city would be a blast.
Put our toddler to bed then watch the specials on tv with friends.
Relax with a glass of something containing alcohol.
I stay up til midnight and the fireworks
Staying at home with my hubby and enjoying a special dinner & some drinks
I celebrate with my family at home with a big feast and gathering in the living room waiting for the countdown XD
Dancing, eating and laughing with my friends.
Counting down with my family
I go to a movie with my girl!
These days I’m hard pressed to make it to midnight…small children wear you out pretty early! But a night out would be ‘grand’.
For the past few years I’ve stayed in on New Years Eve. Partly because I’ve never been anywhere that I can dress up for and partly because NYE is an even greater disappointment for a single gal then Valentines Day!
Taking a huge chance with this entry, maybe I’m meant to go out this year?
Either have friends over or go to friends or go out for a nice dinner. Haven’t done the big party scene in years. Would be fun!
Small gatherings with the usual friends.
Last couple years we visited the casino with neighbours! There is lots of action there on New Year’s eve believe me…
I spend new years eve watching the ball drop on tv at home with my family.
Friends, bubbly, and food!
I usually spend NYE at home with good old Dick Clark!
Most times I have a dinner with friends before news years and then spend it with my family!
I like spending NYE with good friends, good food, good music, and champagne!
The new year’s eve was always a day where I was allowed to watch tv for all day without having to worry about homework I was given to do during winter break. Nonetheless, I was watching tv for hours and hours and caught up with all the movies that are playing on tv. Some of the movies continue to play every year I turn on tv on christmas eve.
http://holidaypages4u.tripod.com/christmas_movies_tv.htm the foloowing link is for some christmas movie suggestions on different tv channel in December 2011 🙂 Enjoy b/c I wil too!
It varies but the last few years I have been going out with the single girls whenever we can find something that doesn’t cost too much where we can hopefully meet people and every year I write in my journal so I an remember the year’s events
Video games with my brother in law and nephew
My boyfriend and I usually go to a friend’s house party, but it sure would be nice to do something by ourselves and romantic for once! Good luck.
Spend a quiet evening at home with my husband.
Typically watch CBC comedies (Ron James, Air Farce) and have appetizers with the kids.
Normally we would go to a party at someone’s house or at least hang out with people but last year we rented movies, got some drinks and stayed home. We sadly were both asleep by 11pm, and woke up just in time to say “Happy New Year” at midnight before going to bed! Ha-ha. I’m hoping this year we can do something exciting because we’re 24/27 and even our parents went to parties!
We usually stay at home and celebrate quietly, which is why I hope I win this prize!
I usually spend new years with my mom at home infront of the fire place 🙂
Normally keep it low key with activities such as going up to Grouse for night skiing or doing stuff such as going for dinner and a movie.
Anything with the friends…from hot tubs to house parties
Usually NYE is spent at a friends place, so this event may be a nice change!
I usually spend the night at home with friends.
Every year now for almost the past decade, somebody in my group of friends hosts a party, and it’s become tradition to have a roast. So far this year, nobody has made plans yet. But that seems to be a normal occurrence for us.
cheese fondue and wine
Spend time with family and friends!
I usually spend new years eve with my friends. There is plenty of wine and laughter during the evening!
Hanging out with my Wife and a glass of wine!
drink
In the past few years, I’ve been spending New Years Eve with my friend and her family .. fairly low key but fun. This year though, I want to go all out!
Am retweeting as well @BCizzzle xx
Spend time with family and friends – then find a good event to celebrate at.
Watching Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve!
oH AM i TOO LATE?
Go to the annual science world party!