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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Unpaid, Personal Opinion — This is not a paid post, I use the OpenTable app freely on my own. Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
At this time of year my OpenTable app is filled with reservations since the city gets so busy, there’s so much to do! Brunch with John, lunch with my sister, it’s always nice to have a guaranteed spot (and earn points that give you dining credits). It makes sense that a reservations app would have some insights about the top dining establishments in Canada, which is why there’s the OpenTable’s Best Restaurant List. Out of the top 100 restaurants, 8 from Vancouver made the cut for 2019.
Vancouver Restaurants on OpenTable’s Best Restaurant List
The list is a comprehensive look at the year’s most beloved dining spots selected from more than 500,000 verified diner reviews of over 3,000 restaurants across the country.
My favourites on the list are Tavola and Savio Volpe. Another that’s usually a top pick for brunch or dinner in the Bollwitt household is Forage (1300 Robson St, Vancouver).
Exterior of Osteria Savio Volpe
The Top 100 features the Italian neighbourhood gem Giulietta in Toronto, the Mediterranean influenced hot spot Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar in Calgary’s downtown core, and the equally as delicious as it is visually stunning Osteria Savio Volpe in Vancouver, while showcasing OpenTable’s eclectic dining options for every occasion across Canada.
To round up the year, OpenTable is also revealing the top dining trends of 2019, based on diner reviews:
References to plant-based foods have increased by 136 per cent since 2017
Swapping out crust for cauliflower was mentioned 487 per cent more in diner reviews since 2017
Jackfruit was mentioned 148 per cent more in reviews since 2017 as a stand-in for meat dishes like pulled pork
Diners are interested in trying new things; 70 per cent of reservations came from new diners booking specific restaurants for the first time on OpenTable
North American cuisine was most popular for breakfast and lunch, but Italian reigned supreme as the most popular cuisine for dinner
The restaurants featured have been recognized for their impeccable service, their ability to orchestrate one-of-a-kind dining experiences and for consistently offering unforgettable dishes. Ontario has the greatest number of restaurants included on the list with 55 featured, followed by Alberta with 19, Quebec with 15 and British Columbia with 9 restaurants. Newfoundland and Saskatchewan are also represented on the list.
The list of Top 100 Restaurants in Canada for 2019 is generated solely from OpenTable diner reviews collected between October 1, 2018, and September 30, 2019.
It’s fun, fascinating, and entertaining for the family or for date night! I’ve put together a Science World Gift Guide for some memory-making inspiration this holiday season:
Science World Gift Guide
Events
The Science of Cocktails (February 6, 2020) is the perfect way to give back and have some fun while you’re at it! Join Vancouver’s most talented bartenders and chefs as they showcase the connection between ingredients, technique and science at this exciting event.
All proceeds from Science of Cocktails support the Class Field Trip Bursary Program, allowing over 9,000 kids from underserved schools to visit the geodesic dome in the next school year by covering their entry and school bus fee. General Tickets are $165 with a charitable tax receipt for $50 and VIP Tickets $289 with a charitable tax receipt for $150.
Membership
You’ll always have something to do, on a rainy day or otherwise when you have a Science World membership. Give the gift of visiting Science World as often as you like. A membership for a family of four is just $225 for the year and includes a number of exclusive member perks and events.
Film Lover
Tickets to Science World’s OMNIMAX theatre make the ultimate stocking stuffer. The screen is 27 metres in diameter and 5 storeys high, which makes it the largest of its kind in the world! It also boasts a 15,000-watt xenon lamp that lights the screen so bright that if you placed it on the surface of the moon and focused it at a spot on Earth, you could actually see its light. Tickets start at just $12.75 or can be bundled with admission to Science World.
Date Night
Try one of Science World’s Adult Evenings like Science World After Dark this coming year. Bring your inner kid out to play at this 19+ event where you’ll Immerse yourself in adult-focused programming featuring special guest speakers, OMNIMAX® films, food options, adult beverages, and one-of-a-kind activities. Science World After Dark takes place every month so there are tons of date night options, all year long.
Follow Science World on Twitter and Facebook for the latest event information.
Win Combo Tickets
To celebrate all the fun gift ideas at Science World (I didn’t even mention the gift shop) I’m giving away 4 general admission + OMNIMAX combo tickets to Science World. The winner will be able to explore their exhibits, the Science Theatre and view one OMNIMAX film during their visit. Here’s how to enter the contest:
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Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a 4 pack of admission + OMNIMAX Combo tickets to @ScienceWorldca http://ow.ly/45zO30pZot4″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, December 12, 2019. UPDATE The winner is Alli!
The trees are lit and Santa has paraded through town, now it’s time for lights, festivals, and markets! Miss604 is proud to be a media partner of Lights at Lafarge in Coquitlam and Burnaby Village Museum’s Heritage Christmas, find these events and more things to do in Vancouver this weekend below:
Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker will take to the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver from December 20-22, 2019 for their annual holiday performance.
Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (630 Hamilton St, Vancouver)
When: Friday, December 20, 2019 at 7:30pm Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 1:00pm & 5:00pm
A traditional rendition of a classical masterpiece, The Nutcracker features local and international dancers from The National Ballet of Canada, The Bavarian State Ballet, and National Ballet of China.
This year’s performance will cultivate cultural exchange by featuring dancers from National Ballet of China and Bavarian State Ballet who would not ordinarily be seen on the West Coast. Highly sought-after choreographer and Canadian-born ballerina, Anna-Marie Holmes has choreographed an unforgettable performance that will dazzle audiences of all ages, featuring The National Ballet of Canada’s Principal Dancer, Svetlana Lunkina as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Bavarian State Ballet’s Dmitrii Vskubenko as the Cavalier Prince, who will be making their Vancouver debut alongside a breath of BC’s artistic talent.
With new interactive experiences in the lobby prior to the show, Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker will engage all senses. A live choir, twelve-foot Christmas tree, larger-than-life Nutcracker and sleigh, photo booth and an enchanting snow scene vignette will take your breath away. A curated gift shop will feature ornaments, books, tutus, tiaras, and of course, Nutcracker dolls, so guests can bring home a special memory.
I have a pair of tickets to give away to this beautiful ballet at 7:30pm on December 21st, here’s how you can enter to win:
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Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to @GohBallet’s The Nutcracker http://ow.ly/il3v30pZ7y2″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. UPDATE The winner is Paula!
Buying a Christmas tree can help provide housing for homeless foster youth, mothers and babies.Aunt Leah’s Christmas Tree Lots are now open for its 25th anniversary season in 6 locations around Metro Vancouver. These lots are a major annual fundraiser for Aunt Leah’s Place, with 100% of profits from the sale of the trees going to provide housing for moms and babies and youth aging out of foster care.
About Aunt Leah’s
It is estimated that half of BC foster youth will experience homelessness. Aunt Leah’s unique approach involves providing family-like support that includes housing, financial help, life skills and emotional care. This model has been shown stop the cycle of homelessness and, in the case of young moms, can prevent their children from going back into the foster care system.
Aunt Leah’s started selling Christmas trees in the 1990s when government funding was cut. It has turned into a viable social enterprise and our Christmas tree sales have grown every year. For a lot of families an Aunt Leah’s’ Christmas tree is a cherished part of their Christmas tradition.
Aunt Leah’s Christmas Tree Lots
Aunt Leah’s Christmas Tree Lots will be open from November 21st, 2019 to December 23rd, 2019 (or until supplies last). Take your pick of Douglas Fir, Jack Pine, Grand Fir, Nordmann Fir, Noble Fir, or Alberta Spruce.
North Vancouver: Lonsdale Quay (East Plaza) 123 Carrie Cates Court
Vancouver – Kerrisdale/Marpole: St. Stephen’s United Church at 54th and Granville St
Vancouver – River District: River District Neighborhood 3555 Sawmill Crescent
Coquitlam: Eagle Ridge United Church 2813 Glen Drive
Burnaby: All Saints Anglican Church at Royal Oak and Rumble
Luppolo Brewery – East Vancouver: 1123 Venables St, Vancouver
You can also pre-order trees online and book delivery to any city in Metro Vancouver. They also have stands, wreaths, and other festive greenery for sale. Follow Aunt Leah’s on Twitter and Facebook for news and updates.
Wreath Giveaway
Thanks to Aunt Leah’s I have a wreath to give away to a lucky Miss604 reader. Beautifully handcrafted by a local artisan, this wreath is made of a mix of bows and pines carefully selected to create a high quality wreath that will fill your home with a very pleasant Christmas scent and will last all season long. Here’s how you can enter to win:
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Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a handcrafted wreath from @AuntLeahs #AuntLeahsTrees http://ow.ly/65uy30pZ6yq” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 9:00am on Monday, December 9, 2019. The winner will be able to pick up their wreath at the Aunt Leah’s lot that is most convenient for them.
