Toronto's best-kept restaurant secrets

May 24th to 26th Eat! Vancouver Food and Cooking Festival

June 5th Chef Meets Grape

June 15th BC Shellfish Festival

June 21st to July 1st  Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

May Long Weekend Reggae Sunday at The Queen’s Republic

The Queen’s Republic presents May Long Weekend Reggae Sunday with DJ Rico Uno, Retrofit & The GoodLife in The Annex featuring DJs Marvel & Seko.

Sunday, May 19th
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

Don Julio Blanco at The Queen’s Republic

The Fourth Annual Don Julio Blanco Party with Los Hermanos Libres DJs Flipout & Zak Santiago.  XXX Room in The Annex with Hyphy DJs. Complimentary Don Julio cocktails before 11pm and enter for a chance to win a $500 Flight Centre gift certificate.

Thursday, May 23rd
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

Starting From Scratch - 4AM

The Elements Group presents DJ Starting From Scratch alongside DJs Kidd & Downlowe.

Friday, May 31st
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Travis Porter at Bar None

The Mr. Porter Tour hits Bar None with a special performance by Fizal Stars and the Re-Up DJs Rico Uno & Genie.

Thursday, June 20th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

White Spot: Viva Italia is on now

Boathouse Restaurants: Taste of Spring Promotion

Hamilton Street Grill: June is Steak Month

Athene’s Greek Restaurant: May Coupon

Central Bistro: Sunday Jazz Night

Joe Fortes: Jennifer’s Pick of the Week

The Fish House in Stanley Park: Salmon Festival is now on

Directly from the Seasons in the Park Press Release:

May 21 TASTING EVENT 6:00pm - 7:30pm

For five generations, the Wagner family has lived and loved the Napa Valley. Peter Lindenlaub representing the Wagner Family will be presenting a line-up of 4 spectacular wines from this 100% family-owned vineyard. Highlighting wines from Caymus Vineyards, Belle Glos and Conundrum, this tasting is a must-come-must-taste event!

“Our grandfather settled here in the 1800s and from that moment forward, we’ve grown to understand there is simply no substitute for an intimate knowledge of the land that only comes by “living” in the vineyard. Working the land with our own hands has given us insights into California winemaking that can’t be found in any book or corporate farm manual.” - Chuck Wagner, Caymus Vineyards

Conundrum White

Belle Glos ‘Meiomi’ Pinot Noir

Bell Glos ‘Clark & Telephone’ Pinot Noir

Caymus Zinfandel

Tickets are $30 per person (not including tax & gratuity)

Seasons Tasting Events
March through September, we host a variety of tasting events in our Winebar every other Tuesday night. Week to week, our themes reflect some of the best products that we and our partners have to offer.  So join us for an unqiue, enjoyable and memorable experience in the Seasons Winebar!

For more information or to purchase tickets, please feel free to contact us! 604.874.8008 or seasonsevents@vancouverdine.com

Please note: There are no physical tickets for our tasting events. Once your purchase is completed, you will be added to our guest list. Please check in at the front desk upon arrival.

Seasons in the Park / W. 33rd Avenue at Cambie St. / 604.874.8008 / vancouverdine.com

Directly from the Red Card Sports Bar Press Release:

Our beloved home team is out but for those who love Canadian hockey, let’s cheer on our nation’s capital!

We will be highlighting the SENS vs. PENS series with sound on our 18 screens.

Fri, May 17 @ 4:30 PM (PT)
Sun, May 19 @ 4:30 PM (PT)
Wed, May 22 @ 4:30 PM (PT)
Fri, May 24 @ 4:30 PM (PT)
Sun, May 26 - TBD
Tues, May 28 - TBD

Come on down with your friends to support Canada and enter our extended HOCKEY LIVES HERE draw.

It’s extended until the Ottawa Senators are out of the playoffs - this means more chances for you to win! Ask your server for your ballot.

If you should wish to book a group party for a game or two, please contact Colette Lynch at ColetteL@viaggiohospitality.com or 604.689.4460 REDCARDSPORTSBAR.CA

Directly from the Tacofino Press Release:

Tofino-born Tacofino Opens for Business in Victoria. Bright-blue Food Truck to serve Burritos and Tacos

May 13, 2013 (Victoria, BC) – Founded in 2009 in Tofino, BC, Tacofino has become a must-visit spot among West Coast locals and visitors for the last 4 years. On Wednesday, this notable food-truck emporium will officially opened its doors for service with the launch of its Blue Truck in Victoria. The truck will be located in downtown Victoria, at 1925 Blanshard Street, in front of the Save-on Foods
Memorial Centre. The truck’s starburst pattern and bed-of-roses theme will be a hard-to-miss addition to the city. Josh Carlsen and Mike Dawson, formerly of Pig BBQ Joint, will operate the truck, which will serve as a trial run for a possible fixed location later in the year. Menu highlights include authentic Baja-style Fish tacos ($5), the Diablo cookie ($2.50) and spicy braised pork Burritos ($10). The menu will also feature vegetarian and vegan options, as well as seasonal specials like the Tortilla Soup ($5.50/$8.50).

Diners can expect favorites from the original Tofino menu, as well as new favorites from the Commissary, such as the Yam Tempura taco ($5). “We are excited to bring Tacofino to our former home town of Victoria,” states Jason Sussman. “We have a lot of good friends in the restaurant community and we’re stoked to be contributing our own food to the growing food culture there. ”We are sad to be leaving our regulars at our Burrard and Dunsmuir location in Vancouver but remind everyone they can still visit us at Robson Square and the Commissary, and to expect more exciting developments in Vancouver soon.
Tacofino Victoria will serve lunch from 11:00 am until 3:00pm Monday to Friday with the addition of dinner slated to launch early summer. The truck will be available for catering and special events.

Please visit www.tacofino.com to book it

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

The Vancity Summer Comedy Extravaganza at The Vogue Theatre

When: 7:30pm Friday June 7th 2013

Venue : The Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St., Vancouver, BC

Who: The Donnelly Group presents an evening with a group of stand-up comedy’s top international head liners. Featuring: Dino Archie, Brent Morin, Dave Merheje and Ivan Decker with DJ Sailor Gerry

Tickets start at $18 and are available online here: http://www.northerntickets.com/events/simply-dope-comedy/

After party at The Queen’s Republic

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

Dru Hill at Bar None
Slow Jam Sundays Concert Series presents Dru Hill with DJs Marlon J English & P-LUV.
Wednesday, May 15th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

DaM-FunK at Killjoy Barbers
Killjoy Barbers & Red Bull presents DaM-FunK alongside The Freshest DJs Marvel & Seko.
Thursday, May 16th
Killjoy Barbers
1120 Hamilton Street

May Long Weekend Reggae Sunday at The Queen’s Republic
The Queen’s Republic presents May Long Weekend Reggae Sunday with DJ Rico Uno, Retrofit, & The GoodLife in The Annex featuring DJs Marvel & Seko.
Sunday, May 19th
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

DJ Rhiannon at The Annex
Hollywood Promotions presents DJ Rhiannon at Liquor & Love Mondays alongside resident DJs Johnny Omega, Giglianni, Reign, Nikky & MTraxx.
Monday, May 20th
The Annex
958 Granville Street

DJ Edition Reggae Sunday at The Queen’s Republic
The Queen’s Republic presents a DJ Edition Reggae Sunday with DJ Rico Uno & special guests The Free Up Crew DJs Arems, Rexx & Hoppa.
Sunday, May 26th
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

Starting From Scratch
The Elements Group presents DJ Starting From Scratch alongside DJs Kidd & Downlowe
Friday, May 31st
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Directly from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts Newsletter:

The Food & History of Granville Island Public Market

Back for the season are our ‘ Plugged-In Market Tours’! Join one of our professional Chef Instructors on an engaging and enlightening walking tour. Pick up some Chef tips for shopping the diverse local ingredients of our public market and learn the history of our must-see  Granville Island. Suitable for out-of-towners and curious locals alike, these tours are offered every Friday with an optional lunch at our student-operated Bistro 101 to end your day at the market.

We look forward to showing you one of the most popular culinary destinations in Vancouver!

For more information or to reserve your space in one of our upcoming tours: http://www.picachef.com/gi_tour.html

Directly from the Rocky Mountaineer Press Release:

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER’S EXCLUSIVE FREE UPGRADE OFFER ELEVATES WESTERN CANADIAN RAIL JOURNEY

Book a qualifying package of four nights or more until June 28 and receive a service level upgrade

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada  - Internationally acclaimed, Rocky Mountaineer is pleased to offer guests a Free Upgrade from now until June 28th, on qualifying holiday package tours of four nights or more for select departure dates in 2013. Upon booking, guests receive a complimentary rail seat upgrade, further enhancing their Western Canadian vacation. RedLeaf Service bookings are promoted to SilverLeaf Service, while bookings made in SilverLeaf Service are upgraded to the award-winning GoldLeaf Service. Guests who book in GoldLeaf Service receive a $400 credit towards the package price.

“We are excited to offer guests an exclusive opportunity to get the most of their holidays in Western Canada,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Global Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer. “This offer enables guests to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the Canadian Rockies from the luxury of custom made dome coaches.”

One of the many applicable holiday packages is the Western Explorer, which travels between Vancouver, BC and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The eight day/seven night journey includes two days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer and stays in popular destinations, such as Vancouver, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary, AB. Guests can choose to begin or end their holidays with an exhilarating Summit Helicopter Tour.

The Free Upgrade Offer is available on eligible rail packages of four nights or more from now until June 28th, 2013 and must be requested at time of booking. Offer is available on select dates only and based on availability and may be modified, withdrawn or travel dates may be substituted without prior notice. Further restrictions apply.

For more information on the Free Upgrade Offer or to receive a copy of the 2013 Rocky Mountaineer brochure, please contact your travel agent or Rocky Mountaineer directly at (800) 665-7245, or visit rockymountaineer.com.

Directly from the Tinhorn Creek Press Release:

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards and Walnut Beach Resort Launch Wine and Unwind Package New Package Offers the Best of BC Wine Country

Osoyoos, BC – Experience the best of BC’s wine country with Tinhorn Creek Vineyards’ and Walnut Beach Resort’s new Wine and Unwind package. They’ve cooked up a relaxing recipe of kayaking, fine wine, and delicious dining for a luxurious lakeside two-night break.

Arrive in sunny Osoyoos at Walnut Beach Resort and relax in your one-bedroom suite overlooking the sparkling lake, or soak up some sun on the private licensed beach. Switch off while you take a dip in the open year round outdoor pool, or unwind in the hot tub under a starry sky.

Wake refreshed and ready for an exciting morning of kayaking with Hoodoo Adventures; let them expertly guide you from the resort on a gentle paddle around the lake. Stop at Hayne’s Point to indulge in a special picnic featuring local producers Poplar Grove and Upper Bench Estate cheeses paired with carefully selected wines from Tinhorn Creek.

Leave some room for an indulgent afternoon of delicious food and fine wine at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in Oliver, BC. After an exclusive private winery tour and tasting session, you’ll finish off your unforgettable day with a sumptuous Mediterranean meal at the award-winning Miradoro Restaurant.

The Wine and Unwind Package includes:

Two night stay in a one bedroom lake view suite at Walnut Beach Resort in Osoyoos, BC
Kayaking tour on Osoyoos Lake + picnic with Hoodoo Adventures
Winery tour and tasting at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
Chefs multi course dinner + wine pairings for two at Miradoro Restaurant

This package is available from May 15 – September 30, 2013, and starts at $798 plus taxes and gratuity. Packages are subject to availability and based on double occupancy. The starting from rate is valid May 1-June 27 and Sept 3-Sept 30, rates will increase from June 28-Sept 2 during peak season. Please allow a minimum of two weeks advance notice for bookings. To book, e-mail Tinhorn Creek Vineyards at winery@tinhorn.com and quote the booking code Wine & Unwind.