Central Bistro is quickly becoming a favourite neighbourhood watering hole in the West End so when one of our most-loved breweries, Howe Sound, invited us to the brewmaster’s dinner there last night, we were happy to accept. Chef Robert Erickson, who regularly orchestrates beer pairing dinners, took a selection of five Howe Sound Brewing beers […]

The historic Rosewood Hotel Georgia is slated to re-open with the next few weeks with renovated rooms, restored opulence in the ballrooms, and a high-tech flare. Rosewood Hotel Georgia with residential tower in the background. The hotel had been a focal point of downtown Vancouver since 1927, hosting world-famous guests, until it closed to undergo […]

Hapa Umi is now open at 909 West Cordova in Vancouver, looking out over Coal Harbour and Canada Place. It’s the “big sister” restaurant to the beloved Hapa Izakayas around town (on Robson, in Yaletown, and in Kitsilano) that serves up full dinner items that are big enough for one and plenty enough sharing family-style. […]

John and I recently treated ourselves to a quick trip South of the border to enjoy a little retail therapy, the tulip festival, and a Mariners game. Thanks to recommendations from my Twitter followers, we ended up staying at the Four Seasons Seattle. The hotel invited us down to ART Restaurant for dinner and three […]

It’s been four years since I wrote my first “Downtown Vancouver Patio Guide” and since then dozens of new eateries, cafes, and lounges have opened up in the open air. When the springtime sun shines and the cherry blossoms pop, patio dining is on everyone’s mind. Relax at lunch, have a romantic dinner, people-watch, or […]

The Georgia Straight’s annual Golden Plate Awards have been announced as Vancouverites voted, in 138 categories, for their favourite places to eat and drink around town. Here are a few highlights for me: Best Richmond Restaurant Tapenade Bistro (Steveston) Best Korean Jang Mo Jib Best Middle Eastern Afghan Horsemen Best Neighbourhood for Restaurants Gastown Best […]

Over the weekend John and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary. Since we’ve been on the go so much, we decided to have a mini staycation and ended up staying in Richmond (following our attendance at the Sport BC banquet Thursday night). We had the most amazing room at the River Rock Casino Resort […]

The annual “Bullying Stops here – Pink Shirt Day” is coming up February 23, 2011 and a local cafe is serving up a sweet treat to raise awareness. Visit your local Take 5 Cafe any day in February to purchase a pink cupcake for $2 and all proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls […]

Tales of the Cocktail has been bringing mixologists, spirit enthusiasts, professionals and suppliers together for the last eight years with their festival in New Orleans. For the first time ever, the festival is going on tour and they have made Vancouver their very first destination — with plans to make the Vancouver edition an annual […]

It was a big year in the Vancouver foodie scene with the introduction of street food vendors, Fair Trade Town status, and even the city’s first cupcake competition. In 2010 I was fortunate to dine at many of the region’s finest establishments, judge a cocktail competition or three, and recap experiences from across the province. […]