Top Chef Canada winner Dale MacKay will be hosting Sunday Brunch for QMUNITY on April 29th at his latest restaurant, ensemble Tap (“eTap”). This event will serve as a fundraiser for QMUNITY, which is BC’s queer resource centre.
QMUNITY is a leading provincial resource centre offering community services and programs that celebrate, support and enhance the diverse cultures of queer communities. We offer our resources in a welcoming, accessible, and safe space that is relevant to the communities we serve. Our services and programs support healthy and active living, provide leadership, increase awareness, advocate where needed, and promote arts and culture.
When: Sunday April 29, 2012 from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Where: ensemble Tap, 990 Smithe St, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online for $25
Executive Chef Brad Hendrickson will join Chef Dale MacKay in preparing brunch entrees, fresh mimosas, coffee, and more while guests enjoy live entertainment, raffle and door prizes. 25% of proceeds and $1 from each drink purchased will be donated to QMUNITY. Tickets must be purchased in advance as seating is limited.
To promote this special fundraising event, ensemble Tap — known for its brunch items such as crispy bacon pancakes and pulled pork paired with poached eggs and barbecue beans — has offered up a unique opportunity for a Miss604.com reader. The winner of this contest will be able to spend $125 to enjoy a separate brunch at their leisure (with up to three friends) at ensemble Tap. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post naming your favourite brunch foods (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 12:00pm. The prize cannot be redeemed for the QMUNITY fundraising brunch but can be enjoyed at any other time. Follow QMUNITY on Twitter and Facebook to find out more about their programs and initiatives in Vancouver and around BC.
Update The winner is Debbie F.
The Burnaby Heights Merchants’ Association (“The Heights”) would like to spread the word about their eateries and have launched Crave, a three-day dining event with specials throughout the community at local eateries.
From Tuesday, April 24th to Thursday, April 26th, you can dine out for $15, $20, or $25 and enjoy a specially-prepared three-course meal throughout this friendly neighbourhood.
When you make your reservation you will also be entered to win a $50 gift certificate for the Heights restaurant of your choice. You can also try your luck in Follow Me Foodie’s contest for Crave. Follow @BurnabyHeights on Twitter for more information.
Vancouver Craft Beer Week is returning for the third year with more headlining events, neighbourhood festivities, and week-long specials around the city thanks to the participation of over 60 breweries.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Headliner: VCBW Opening Night Overture Presented by Darby’s Liquor Store
Time: 6:00pm to 11:00pm
Tickets: Available now
Location: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Headliner: Hop-Headbanger’s Ball
Time: 4:00pm to 9:00pm
Tickets: Available now
Location: Woodland Smokehouse, 485 Commercial Drive
Opening Act: Island to Island Beer Pairing Dinner
Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Tickets: Available now
Location: Edible Canada, 1596 Johnston St, Granville Island
There are also six “Neighbourhood Gigs” on this date. Full details here.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Headliner: Hoppapalooza III
Time: 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Location: Alibi Room, 157 Alexander St
Opening Act: Earls Gets Crafty
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Tickets: Available now
Location: V Lounge by Earls Restaurants, 1095 Mainland St
There are also six “Neighbourhood Gigs” on this date. Full details here.
Specials can be found throughout the week at Donelly Group establishments, The Burrard Hotel (for a place to crash downtown), The Cascade Room, Big Ridge Brewing Co., Yaletown Brewing Co., Central City Brewing, Central City Liquor Store, Romer’s Burger Bar, Darby’s Pub, Darby’s Liquor Store, Chambar, Fairmont Waterfront, and Rogue. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
The Kitsilano Cask Carouse is coming up this month, presented by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Vancouver. There will be 4-stops on the tour, each with a different cask-conditioned ale made by one of BC’s craft breweries. Tour guests will receive an appetizer to pair with each sleeve and the stops will also feature a speaker who will educate participants on a variety of beer topics.
Where: Meet at the Safeway on West 4th at Vine
When: Saturday, April 21, 2012 check-in at 11:30am
Tickets: Available online for $50 per person or $45 for CAMRA members
Cask Carouse stops include:
Sunset Grill Tap House & Whiskey Bar featuring Red Truck French Oaked Strong Ale
The Bimini featuring Parallel 49 Imperial Wit
Darby’s Pub featuring Lighthouse Brewing Switchback IPA
Displace Hashery featuring R&B Brewing Raspberry IPA
We’re fortunate to have such a vibrant and increasingly popular craft beer scene in BC and across the Lower Mainland. This tour will be your chance to explore some new-to-you brews, enjoy favourites, and meet other local beer lovers.
Participants will be split into four groups so if you’re booking with friends, just let the organizers know. Also, vegetarian meal options are available upon request. This event is for those of legal drinking age so you must be 19 or older to participate. Follow CAMRA Vancouver on Twitter and Facebook for more information.
CAMRA has generously offered up a pair of tickets to give away to my readers. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment here naming a BC beer or brewery (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner next Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 12:00pm. You must be 19 years of age or older to enter this contest. Please enjoy responsibly.
Update The winner is @jpfaubert! Cameron!
The Big Baby Drive is heading to Surrey this month after a successful campaign at Oakridge in March. Organized by One Big Movement (“OBM”), which was founded by SFU students, the drive collected over 1,100 items for local low-income mothers and their children.
Joseph Choi & Lynn Shinto of One Big Movement. Photo by Phylicia Torrevillas of Metro News.
The Surrey event will be held at Guildford Town Centre (near London Drugs, at Customer Service) April 28th and 29th from 10:00am to 4:00pm. I asked Mercedes Book from One Big Movement if they have a wish-list for this drive based on the items received at Oakridge. She said that while they collected plenty of helpful goods and toys, they really would like to stock up on essentials like diapers.
Wish-list items:
- Unopened baby food, body care, skincare & shampoo products
- New or Washed blankets, clothes and bedding
- New diapers (open boxes are okay – sizes 4, 5 and 6 are highest in demand)
- Baby monitors, speakers and breast pumps
- Toys (nursery, bath, developmental, playhouses, etc.)
All donations and items collected are go directly to programs run by the YWCA Metro Vancouver. Guildford Town Centre is located off 104th Avenue between 152nd and 150th. Follow One Big Movement on Twitter and Facebook for more information about upcoming events and campaigns.
