• Archives
  • May6

    Twelfth Night
    [Rachel Cairns as Viola in Twelfth Night; photo by David Cooper]

    Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival will launch its 24th season next month with the emotional, romantic comedy Twelfth Night. Dennis Garnhum (Artistic Director, Theatre Calgary) will direct this production joining his first season with Bard on the Beach.

    Spirits are lifted, hearts are mended, and love is sought and won at the What You Will Hotel and Spa. It’s 1913 and in the pampered world of a fine European spa, everyone is falling in love with someone who is not exactly who they seem.

    Feste, the lobby lounge singer, entertains, Toby Belch and Andrew Aguecheek create mischief and Malvolio, the annoyingly pretentious hotel manager, threatens to spoil all the fun. Can young Viola ultimately find renewal and true love on the grounds of Olivia’s sumptuous hotel?

    Shipwrecked off the coast of Ilyria with the Sea Captain (Duncan Fraser), Viola (Rachel Cairns) is convinced her twin brother has drowned. Uncertain what to do, she disguises herself as the page Cesario, sets off for Ilyria, and offers her services to the Duke Orsino (Todd Thomson), only to fall in love with him.

    Orsino, however, is in love with the beautiful Countess Olivia (Jennifer Lines) and sends Cesario to woo her on his behalf while he stays with his attendants, Valentine (Andrew McNee) and Curio (Robert Olguin). Olivia, who is attended by Fabianna (Barbara Pollard), in turn becomes smitten with the lovely ‘boy’ after he comes to woo her with his poetic prose. Olivia’s kinsman, Sir Toby Belch (Bill Dow), encourages Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Richard Newman) to continue his suit for the Countess, as Aguecheek’s wealth supports Sir Toby’s carousing with Olivia’s Fool, Feste (Jonathon Young).

    When Olivia’s steward, Malvolio (Allan Zinyk), threatens to have them all sent away, Maria (Naomi Wright), Olivia’s maid, plots Malvolio’s downfall using a phony love letter to him from Olivia. Meanwhile, Viola’s twin brother Sebastian (Daniel Doheny), has been saved by a mariner named Antonio (Craig Erickson) and sets off for Ilyria to see Duke Orsino. After a series of mistaken-identity mishaps, twin sister and brother finally come face to face, revealing Cesario’s true identity and the numerous cases of misplaced affection. 

    In other words, story lines and twists aplenty make for a comedic romp in Vancouver’s Vanier Park.

    Set designer Pam Johnson has transformed the BMO Mainstage into the understated and opulent What You Will Hotel and Spa. Costume designer Nancy Bryant will add to the elegance of the early 1910’s with her pieces. A charming piano lounge will set the mood for sound designer Jeremy Spencer.

    Bard on the Beach Presents Twelfth Night
    Previews: June 12, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25; opens June 26
    Dates: June 12 to September 14, Tuesdays through Sundays; BMO Mainstage in Vanier Park
    Bard-B-Q & Fireworks evenings: July 27, 31, and August 3, 6 pm
    Celebrating Red & White wine event: between shows on August 17
    Tickets: $43 (evenings) and $25 to $30 (previews, matinees, and long weekend evenings) with a $25 Youth Rate (6-25 years, all performances). All prices include services fees and taxes.
    Early bird pricing in effect: $40 for a regular adult ticket when purchased by May 31.

    For performance schedules and tickets, phone 604.739.0559 (toll free 1.877.739.0559) or visit the Bard website.

  • May2

    house wine and Alberto Antonini

    house wine is honoured to host winemaker Alberto Antonini for a great evening of conversation at Vancouver Urban Winery on Monday, June 3. Between managing his own winery (Tuscany’s Poggiotondo), partnering on numerous projects, and lending his expertise to over 50 wineries as both a winemaker and viticulturist, Alberto is one busy man.

    The night will get underway with an intimate sit-down discussion where Mr. Antonini will share his global experiences crafting wines that express a sense of place. Bringing the discussion into BC’s backyard, he will then reveal his vision for our province’s terroir. Alberto has been working with Okanagan Crush Pad as consulting winemaker and viticulturist since 2010.

    The discussion will be followed by a wine tasting, offering guests the chance to sample wines from Australia, Italy, Argentina and BC — all wines that Alberto has either produced or consulted on.

    house wine is especially grateful to partners Okanagan Crush Pad, Trialto, Stile Brands and the Vancouver Urban Winery in helping to make this event possible.

    A Conversation with Alberto Antonini
    Date: Monday, June 3, 7 to 9:30 pm
    Venue: Vancouver Urban Winery, 55 Dunlevy Avenue, Vancouver
    Tickets: $79 (plus GST); available online

  • May1

    Edible Canada at the Market-2

    Edible Canada at The Market commands a prime spot on Granville Island close to the Public Market where over 12 million visitors peruse the food hall on a yearly basis. They started with a small shop in that very food hall (Edible British Columbia), selling many items now found in their current onsite shop. The busy restaurant has a comfortable, casual vibe, with families, businessmen, and groups coming and going.

    Edible Canada at the Market-1 Edible Canada at the Market-3

    The restaurant was packed during my recent lunch visit. Sitting by the window offers a glimpse into the daily life of Granville Island. The open kitchen is the first thing you see upon entry, opposite a series of square windows letting in a good amount of natural daylight.

    Edible Canada at the Market-10

    Edible Canada enjoys relationships with many local suppliers, including South Surrey’s Hazelmere Farms, providing the Granville Island restaurant with beautiful sunchokes for their soup. Sea to Sky bacon-salted butter is offered with crusty bread or rolls. Victoria’s Silk Road Teas and Granville Island Tea selections are on the beverage menu, as well as local beer, wine, and spirits.

    Edible Canada at the Market-11 Edible Canada at the Market-9 Edible Canada at the Market-8 Edible Canada at the Market-13

    You can see where this is going: Edible Canada at the Market is a proudly local restaurant and retail space that’s passionate about things sustainable. They are dedicated to sourcing the highest quality products across Canada.
    Read the rest of the post »

  • Apr30

    Rules of the Game movie still

    Each month, Melanie Friesen invites a distinguished guest to Vancity Theatre’s Cinema Salon, in order to present his/her favourite film. After the screening, both audience and speaker have the opportunity to engage over drinks and snacks in the Vancity lounge. This month’s film is Jean Renoir’s The Rules of the Game.

    The Rules of the Game is a bittersweet masterpiece about French romance, class, manners and hypocrisy on the eve of World War II. André, a French aviation hero, is in love with Christine, who is married to wealthy aristocrat Robert. Robert has a mistress, whom he invites to a weekend hunting party at his estate, along with André. Renoir himself plays Andre’s friend Octave. Underneath the stairs, the servants are also playing musical beds.

    Tout Paris was hostile on opening night in 1939, as the upper class is depicted in this film as insouciant and self-indulgent, with little regard for the consequences of their actions. Under Paris Nazi occupation, The Rules of the Game was banned as being morally perilous. Now the film is often named as one of the greatest films in the history of cinema.

    Dr. Ron Burnett

    This month’s Cinema Salon is hosted by Dr. Ron Burnett. Dr. Ron Burnett has been President and Vice-Chancellor of Emily Carr University of Art + Design since 1996.

    In 2010, Dr. Burnett was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government and received the International Digital Media and Arts Association Outstanding Leadership Award. In 2012, he received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in honour of his significant contributions and achievements.

    Vancity Cinema Salon with Dr. Ron Burnett Presents The Rules of the Game
    Date: Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 pm
    Venue: Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
    Tickets: $13.00; may be purchased online

  • Apr29

    “The first rule of writing: Write what you know”.

    Daniel Arnold, Anthony F. Ingram
    [Daniel Arnold, Anthony F. Ingram; photo by Damon Calderwood]

    One of the first lines uttered by our narrator, Bill (Anthony F. Ingram puts on a strong performance here) sets the stage for the rest of the two-hour (including intermission) production of Pacific Theatre’s How to Write a New Book for The Bible. That title alone made me curious, and I imagine it would to you as well. After all, a play with that title can go either the theological route, making for a long evening of Bible recitations, or come off as a primer on writing, well, literally a holy book.

    Anthony F Ingram, Erla Faye Forsyth
    [Anthony F Ingram, Erla Faye Forsyth; photo by Emily Cooper]

    Luckily for the audience, this is a combination of the two, with a great amount of humour thrown in to confront the gentle subject of aging parents close to death. Mother Mary (Erla Faye Forsyth) is a witty 82 year-young gal who gets the best lines in the play. Erla is fabulous in this role; speaking with her at the opening reception, this is a real-life situation for her as she’s currently living at home looking after her own folks.

    Playwright Bill Cain has put his own life into the play as well. How to Write a New Book For The Bible has been performed in the US; this is the autobiographical play’s Canadian premiere.

    The simple set includes a solitary door, chair, old TV and two concrete bricks. The floor contains the Cain family tree on name plates, right down to playwright William.

    In the play, Bill and older brother Paul (a sharp performance by Jessie-nominated Daniel Arnold) are caring for their aging mother. While Paul is back in El Paso, Bill is reluctantly put in charge of living at home with Mom. You see, Paul has a “real job”, while Bill is just a writer. This is the biggest difference between the two: one is the athlete, the other, a scholar. On top of Bill’s parental care and script writing on the side, he’s a priest. And therein lies the premise of the play’s title. Bill wants to rewrite a book for The Bible.

    Byron Noble
    [Byron Noble; photo by Damon Calderwood]

    Theological references to family are peppered into the comedic story line. This is a tale told by all four characters, though Bill is the lead narrator. During key monologues, soft melodies are played in the background. Interwoven into the play are family rules and what’s fair. The four Cains proceed to sound off a list of rules, as they come from a functional family. As this plays out, a lot of family frustrations surface, making for excellent character build up.

    “Unconditional love makes way more demands than conditional love.”

    This theme is strongly brought forth by Bill and Paul’s mother, who’s had a rough life, a strong work ethic, but instilled the never-give up-attitude in both sons. Another interesting facet of the play is having the characters talk in the third person. Paul and Mary both give very powerful performances and were my favourite two characters in How to Write. Byron Noble completes the picture as Peter, the dad and Mary’s husband, who appears in both life and afterlife. Both Daniel Arnold and Byron Noble play a few characters during the course of the play.

    Byron Noble, Erla Faye Forsyth
    [Byron Noble, Erla Faye Forsyth; photo by Damon Calderwood]

    While the first half conveys the family mold, the second half has more to do with Mary’s inevitable exit from this world. Acting as priest, Billy closes the production, giving much food for thought as well as a lovely, simple after-life ending to the story. Kudos to Set Designer Lauchlin Johnston for his attention to detail. Try to visit the set during intermission and after the play. There’s a lot happening on both the walls and floors.

    Book cast
    [Byron Noble, Daniel Arnold, Anthony F. Ingram, Erla Faye Forsyth; photo by Emily Cooper]

    This production is directed by Morris Ertman, returning for his second show at Pacific Theatre this season following his work on Leave of Absence. How to Write a New Book for The Bible continues at the Pacific Theatre through May 25.

    Pacific Theatre’s landmark 30th season begins on September 20. Visit the website for its nine productions through June 2014.

  • Apr29

     Chef Karen Barnaby
    [Chef Karen Barnaby]

    Vancouver Food Talks returns in June with its eighth edition in the series, celebrating one year of hosting inspiring speakers from our local food community! This edition of Food Talks is themed 5 Iconic Women Chefs

    Each of these inspiring women will talk about what they do and their role as a woman chef in the food community. 

    Volume 8’s five women chef speakers will be:
    Chef Karen Barnaby
    Karen has lived and worked in Toronto, cooking at The Rivoli and the David Wood Food Shop. In Mexico, she worked as a private chef. Vancouver has been her home since 1991 where she has held the position of Executive Chef at both the Raintree Restaurant and the Fish House in Stanley Park. Her current role is Chef of Product and Business Development for Albion Fisheries, Intercity Packers, and Fresh Start Foods under the Gordon Food Service umbrella.

    Chef Meeru Dhalwala
    Meeru Dhalwala was born in India and moved to Washington, DC, at a very young age with her parents. In DC, she worked with various international non-profit organizations on human rights and economic development projects. She received a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Bath University in England. In 1995, Meeru moved to Vancouver and joined her husband, Vikram, to work at his newly opened restaurant, Vij’s. She quickly took over the menu responsibilities and has been creating new dishes since the summer of 1995.

    Chef Susan Mendelson
    Susan has shared her recipes on radio, television, and in her 10 cookbooks. After 30 years, Susan still feels passionate about delicious and beautiful food and believes that only the finest ingredients should go into any food that is created. Susan has supported several key organizations, donating a percentage of her book royalties to Big Sisters of BC, the Vancouver Jewish Family Service Agency Food programs and others.

    Chef Angie Quaale
    Angie Quaale founded Well Seasoned in 2004 after working for several years in hotels and fine dining. Her successful career has focused on commercial food sales, menu development, and retail food distribution.

    Chef Merri Schwartz
    A deep passion for food and agriculture led Schwartz to found Growing Chefs! Chefs for Children’s Urban Agriculture in 2005. This Vancouver-based, non-profit organization pairs chef volunteers with elementary school classrooms, where chefs help students plant, grow, and cook their own vegetables. Schwartz founded Growing Chefs! with the hope that sustainable practices will become integral to living and cooking in Vancouver and beyond.
     
    Enjoy tasty appetizers prepared by the chefs at The Westin Grand followed by the talks. After the speakers, Richard Wolak, Founder of Food Talks, will moderate a Q&A, offering the audience a chance to ask questions and engage with the speakers. There will also be a draw for prizes. Wine, beer, cocktails and other beverages will be available for purchase.

    Growing Chefs will be the event’s designated charity, an organization that educates children on the food community in public schools.

    Food Talks Volume 8
    Date: Tuesday, June 11, 6:30 to 9:30 pm
    Venue: The Westin Grand, 433 Robson Street, Vancouver
    Early Bird Tickets: $18 per person before April 30 (11:30 pm); Advance Tickets: $30 per person after April 30. After June 8, regular tickets will be $40 per person.
    All tickets exclude Eventbrite fee.
    A donation of $3 from each ticket purchased will go to support Growing Chefs.

  • Apr29

    Sisters of the Tap-18
    [2012's Sisters of the Tap event]

    Of the many new festivals popping up around Vancouver, the Vancouver Craft Beer Week is one that has grown like wildfire in its three short years. The Fourth Annual Vancouver Craft Beer Week returns this year with the theme “We’re Going All In”. This represents Vancity’s new brewery movement and the big gamble these four new brewers have taken to open their doors this year.

    Brassneck, Bomber, 33 Acres, and Main Street Brewing will all surface on the Vancouver craft beer scene this year. A fun promotional video features the risks each of the four are taking, with a poker game in full force and cigar smoke looming in the air.

    Nine signature events, six feature events, six walk up events, and many special beer-related activities will all capture the hearts of Lower Mainland craft beer lovers.

    Vancouver Craft Beer Week launch
    [Mayor Gregor Robertson taps the 2011 Collaboration cask]
     
    The opening night gala will be sponsored by the soon-to-open Craft Beer Market. Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre will again serve as opening night venue. On that night, those same new brewery owners will tap the first cask of the official VCBW beer, brewed last month at Parallel 49 Brewing Company.

    This year’s Collaboration is an Altbiere; partial proceeds will be donated to Mark Brand’s A Better Life Foundation, which in turn will use the money to fund the Save On Meats Meal Token Program. A great way to enjoy a limited-release beer for a great cause.

    Russell Pale Ale served with pulled pork
    [Russell Pale Ale served with pulled pork at Memphis Blues]
     
    After the opening gala, look for six days of non-stop beer events, parties, and dinner pairings, culminating in the main event, the VCBW Beer Festival presented by Earls Kitchen & Bar and the Donnelly Group. The craft beer action will move south to Richmond’s glamorous River Rock Casino (keeping with the gambling theme), where a huge patio and two giant beer halls will be filled with no less than 50 tables of the craft beer industry’s finest. This translates to over 50 breweries in attendance, from East Vancouver to Belgium.

    Blood Alley Bitter paired with spicy pork ribs
    [Blood Alley Bitter]

    Enjoy a world tour of craft beer tastings right here at home. Just remember to take the Canada Line home; there’s a convenient stop right near the casino.

    Biercraft Belgian Beer Showcase-30
    [BierCraft Belgian Beer Showcase event, 2012]

    Events are already starting to sell out, so if you’re keen on attending a few, now’s the time to consult the website and pick your favourites—or risk disappointment.

    Biercraft Belgian Beer Showcase-19
    [Sharing the craft beer love at BierCraft, 2012]

    The Vancouver Craft Beer Week festival runs from May 31 to June 8. Visit the website for full event details and to order tickets. Follow the four new players in town on their respective Twitter handles: @bomberbrewing, @Brassneckbrew, @33acres, and @mainstreetbeer

  • Apr26

    ORU poached lobster salad at Fairmont Pacific Rim
    [ORU poached lobster salad]

    The 9th Annual Chef Meets BC Grape wine and food tasting fundraiser will be held this year on June 5. For the first time, the BC Wine Institute will partner with the Arts Club Theatre. More than just a tasting, this is a great opportunity to talk directly with local winemakers and sample VQA wines from over 75 select BC wineries. Chef Meets BC Grape is aimed at wine enthusiasts and foodies alike, as the evening also celebrates the talents of over a dozen chefs who will create food pairings that illustrate the dining diversity enjoyed here in BC.

    Participating restaurants will include:
    Beta5 Chocolates
    Cibo Trattoria
    The Dirty Apron Cooking School
    Edible Canada at the Market
    The Flying Pig
    Forage
    The French Table
    Le Gavroche
    ORU Cuisine
    2b bistro & bar
    The Patio at Nk’Mip
    Provence Restaurants
    Seasons in the Park
    SoL Sun Belt Cookery
    The Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
    Tableau Bar & Bistro

    Click here for the list of participating BC wineries.

    Chef Meets BC Grape
    Date: Wednesday, June 5, 7 to 9:30 pm
    Venue: Vancouver Convention Centre East, Ballrooms A & B, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
    Tickets: $80 (available online) or via phoning 604.687.1644
    Groups of six or more: $75 per ticket (group tickets must be purchased under one account)

    All event proceeds will support Arts Club Theatre’s productions, youth education, and community outreach programs.

    There’s also a couple of winery dinners scheduled for that week definitely worth checking out:

    Cawston, BC vineyard

    Best of BC Dinner
    Date: Thursday, June 6, 6 pm
    Venue: MARKET by Jean-Georges at Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver, 1128 West Georgia Street

    Tickets: $165 (includes $85 charitable tax receipt); via email: specialevents [at] artsclub [dot] com or phone: 604.687.5315, ext. 248

    BC is home to over 200 wineries, dedicated to producing complex wines that rank amongst the best in the world. This dinner will showcase wines that will have just made Maclean’s list of top Canadian wines by region. Master of Wine, Rhys Pender, will host an evening honouring both BC VQA winemakers and wine proprietors.

    Mission Hill Family Estate Dinner
    Date: Monday, June 10, 6 pm
    Venue: Provence Mediterranean Grill, 4473 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver
    Tickets: $165 (including a $85 charitable tax receipt); via email: specialevents [at] artsclub [dot] com or phone: 604.687.5315, ext. 248
    *Attend both dinners for $300 per person (includes $145 charitable tax receipt).

    Mission Hill was awarded both Winery of the Year and 2011’s Canadian Winery of the Year. The iconic winery is one of BC’s pioneers in crafting superb wines from the finest grapes of the Okanagan Valley appellation. Provence Restaurant will prepare an adventurous meal to match Mission Hill Family Estate’s premium wines.

  • Apr25

    Black and Blue The Roof-6

    Glowbal’s Black+Blue steakhouse has opened a beautiful rooftop dining experience: The Roof at Black+Blue. The restaurant and lounge space is well-heated with ample room to spread out and chill with views of the city.

    Black and Blue The Roof-5 Black and Blue The Roof-7

    I was invited to a packed house last night to enjoy an array of beautiful appetizers, cocktails, wines and spirits while engaging in friendly conversation and watching the chefs at work.

    Black and Blue The Roof-18 Black and Blue The Roof-14 Black and Blue The Roof-4 Black and Blue The Roof-2

    Black & Blue carries a large selection of fine meats from around the world. Hand-carved steak, jerk chicken, bacon-wrapped scallops, prawns, flatbreads, mini sandwiches and sweets were some of the appetizers being passed around this cool new space.

    Black and Blue The Roof-11

    Executive Chef Jason Labahn presided over the outdoor oven, busy preparing bacon, steaks, and jerk chicken directly from oven to counter. I noticed that no food lasted very long on that marble counter either!

    Black and Blue The Roof-1
    [Arrival at Black+Blue’s The Roof]

    The Wood Stone Josper Charcoal Broiler oven can reach temperatures of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit, adding a new spin on the word charbroiled. The Josper oven’s tradition began in Spain over 40 years ago; it’s now owned by more than 20,000 customers in over 50 countries.

    Black and Blue The Roof-12

    Chef Labahn will get a lot of use out of the Josper, cooking up prime meats, skewered fish, seafood and chicken over the grill’s wood coals.

    Black and Blue The Roof-10

    The Roof has an adjustable electronic ceiling depending on the weather; 120 guests can be accommodated al fresco rain or shine. There’s curved booths, tables, bar seating, and cozy benches with smaller tables.

    Black and Blue The Roof-3

    Two walls of glass-enclosed fireplaces add warmth and a romantic vibe to the modern design.

    Black and Blue The Roof-9
    [Chef Labahn with owner Emad Yacoub]

    Congrats to owners Shannon Bosa-Yacoub, Emad Yacoub, and Chef Jason on this gorgeous new endeavor.

    Black and Blue The Roof-16
    [Meat lovers unite: floor-to-ceiling glass case of meat cuts on the restaurant's main floor]

    The Roof at Black+Blue is officially open as of today and is a wonderful urban space to enjoy with friends over a relaxing meal and drinks.

    Black and Blue The Roof-17 Black and Blue The Roof-19 Black and Blue The Roof-8

    Black+Blue is located at 1032 Alberni Street (on the 3rd level) in downtown Vancouver. They’re open seven days a week from 11:30 am to 10 pm as well as weekend brunch. Visit the website for detailed menu information.

  • Apr24

    Grain Tasting Bar-1

    Last night, I was invited to the opening of Vancouver’s newest lounge space, Grain Tasting Bar. Drawing its name from the reclaimed wood doors and accents located throughout, this new downtown player offers smoked wood-fired pizzas, salads, crafted sandwiches, charcuterie and cheese, and shared plates, all created with local ingredients.

    Grain Tasting Bar-3
    [Pear and ginger margarita]

    Grain is located inside the Hyatt Regency Vancouver’s lobby, its entrance chic and urban. It’s the perfect spot to grab a light meal or drinks before heading upstairs to dine at Chef Thomas Heinrich’s other venue, Mosaic Bar and Grille.

    Grain Tasting Bar-4 Grain Tasting Bar-5 Grain Tasting Bar-14

    The salads on the menu are under the Lettuce section; a couple of salad choices that stand out are the Gelderman Farms pulled roasted pork and crispy kale salad, with Klippers organic butternut squash, apple, pea greens with apple vinaigrette, as well as the seared Vancouver Island Albacore tuna salad with farm tomatoes, arugula, and cucumber vinaigrette.

    Grain Tasting Bar-12

    On the charcuterie side, house-made duck proscuitto, Toscano proscuitto, and Okanagan salted and dried Sezmu beef are delicious choices to pair with Little Qualicum Cheesework’s Brie, Olde Farmer raw cow’s milk cheese, and Salt Spring Island Cheese’s Romelia. Softly-scented truffle honey, candied walnuts, pickles and other lovely accompaniments make the cheese and charcuterie experience complete here.

    Grain Tasting Bar-10

    Local suppliers such as Oyama Sausage, Gelderman Farms Pork, Skuna Bay Salmon, plus several craft brewers, wine makers and distillers keep Grain’s dishes high in both quality and sustainability.

    Grain Tasting Bar interior
    [Photo provided by Grain Tasting Bar]

    The space captures a lot of natural daylight and looks equally imposing at night, offering city street views with lush trees outside the window.

    Grain Tasting Bar at night
    [Photo provided by Grain Tasting Bar]

    In summer, the windows slide open to integrate the outdoors into the lounge, a creative, cutting-edge window design by Sunflex.

    Grain bar
    [Photo provided by Grain Tasting Bar]

    I especially like the bar’s colouring and design. The shimmery ceiling reflects the lighting and bar stools below, almost adding a water-like quality. Everything from inventive cocktails, BC wines, and craft beer begin their journey here, in a beautiful space designed by California firm EDG Architecture.

    Grain Tasting Bar-6

    The cocktail list is equally fun and inventive: Cherry and Basil Margaritas, Bangkok Mules, Ginger Pear Martinis (my favourite–so far), Poet’s Reach, and Ruby Tuesday are just a few on offer. Hand-made, small batch Victoria gin, including concoctions from Long Table Distillery, the city’s first micro distillery, find their home here as well.

    Grain Tasting Bar-8

    Beers are available on tap and in bottles (both domestic and imported). You’ll feel at home with the BC red and wine listings, including Burrowing Owl Merlot, Quail’s Gate Pinot Noir, Mission Hill’s ‘Five Vineyards’ Cabernet/Merlot, Sumac Ridge’s unoaked Chardonnay, Prospect Winery’s Pinot Blanc, Haywire’s Gamay Noir-Rose and others. All wines are available either by the glass or bottle and range from $9 to $16/glass.

    Judging from the last night’s scene, this will become the spot to hang your hat (or laptop bag) for some serious unwinding. Kudos to Chef Heinrich and his team for putting together yet another spot to celebrate simply delicious food and drink.

    Grain Tasting Bar-7 Grain Tasting Bar-9 Grain Tasting Bar-11 Grain Tasting Bar-13

    Grain Tasting Bar is located at 655 Burrard Street and is open daily from 11 am to 1 am.