SCENE | HEARD
Sad news for fans of Big Lou’s Butcher Shop in Railtown. As of May 31, the purveyor of local, ethically-raised meats and hearty sandwiches ceased operations. On its Facebook page, the shop cites the reasons for the close as the personal and financial costs associated with the legal issues of its founding (and former) partner, Allan Bosomworth. Bosomworth was convicted in January of this year of spying on staff and customers in the bathroom of the now-closed Two Chefs and a Table.
Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship has announced that TD is now the presenting sponsor for the annual culinary arts competition. Stay tuned for news on the finale dinner coming up in September.
Central City Brewers & Distillers is opening a new brewpub this summer in the original Dix location at 871 Beatty Street. Look for burger and barbecue options, as well as craft brews and spirits. CentralCityBrewing.com
DRINK | DINE
Mealshare continues to grow in its endeavour to feed those in need. The organization has just served its 250,000th meal, and, as of June 4, 11 more Vancouver restaurants have partnered with the innovative program that provides a meal to someone in need every time you buy a Mealshare-branded menu item at a participating restaurant. Newcomers include Craft Beer Market, Farmer’s Apprentice, The Acorn, Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar, Bambudda, The Greek, and Meet on Main, among others. See the full list of participating restaurants at MealShare.ca.
The next installment of the Greasy Spoon Diner Series in support of A Better Life Foundation has been announced for June 16. This time, chef Juno Kim, known for his underground suppers and custom catering menus, will be creating a four-course menu paired with beer or cocktails for each course. Proceeds from the dinner will be directed to the Megaphone Vendor Meals program. Two seatings are available, at 5:30pm and 8pm. Tickets are $95, including drinks, taxes and gratuity. GreasySpoonDiner.com
Oak Street Farmers’ Market is now open every Wednesday 3pm-7pm at the corner of Oak Street and West 49 Avenue, and will run through to October 14. This is the only farmers’ market in Vancouver that offers exclusively organic produce, meat, and eggs from local suppliers. Also, come for live music, food trucks, Shiatsu massage, knife and tool-sharpening, on-site sewing and clothing repair, as well as community booths and, of course, local baked goods and other artisan foods. OakStreetMarket.ca
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program, West Restaurant is holding an Ocean Wise collaboration dinner on June 23, featuring Chef Robert Clark, one of the founding chefs of the program. The evening begins with a sparkling wine and canapé reception followed by a six-course sustainable seafood dinner prepared by both Chef Clark and West executive chef Quang Dang. Tickets are $125 and proceeds will be donated to Ocean Wise. WestRestaurant.com
West isn’t the only Top Table restaurant participating in the anniversary. On June 30, Cin Cin will host Table on the Terrace, a 40-guest table perched on the restaurant’s patio overlooking Robson Street. Chef Andrew Richardson will serve a four-course menu comprised of Ocean Wise ingredients, paired with wines selected by Wine Director Shane Taylor. Tickets are $79 per person. CinCin.net
Wild Rice is serving up a special prime rib dinner for Father’s Day on June 21. The meal includes prime rib with jus, mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts for $35. A maple-bacon doughnut for dessert is available for an additional five dollars. WildRiceBC.ca
Hart House Restaurant is holding its annual Mediterranean Garden Party on July 22. Enjoy an hour-long tasting of French, Spanish and Italian wines paired with a canapé reception, followed by an al fresco Mediterranean-themed dinner with live music. Tickets $68 plus tax and gratuity. HartHouseRestaurant.com
It’s a bit in advance, but tickets are sure to sell out quickly. Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks is hosting a special evening with the legendary Michel Roux on October 14 at The Five Sails Restaurant at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Restaurant owner and chef Ernst Dorfler will be cooking up dishes from Roux’s latest book, The Essence of French Cooking. Michel Roux will be in attendance, and the evening includes a champagne reception, book signing, personalized copy of the book, three-course dinner, tax and gratuity. Tickets $195. BooksToCooks.com
