Wildebeest has announced Pekka Tavela as its new executive chef. Tavela got his start as a pastry chef and has worked at top local kitchens, including Chambar, Pourhouse and Boneta. For the last year, he has been chef de cuisine at Wildebeest, so we’re anticipating a smooth transition. Wildebeest.ca
Café Medina has a new bar manager, Trixie Blümel, formerly of UVA Wine and Cocktail Bar. Blümel has introduced a new line of cocktails to go with Medina’s brunch and lunch offerings, using handmade syrups, and infusions, distinctive garnishes, and fresh-squeezed juices. MedinaCafe.com
Big Trouble, the restaurant formerly known as The Parker, is now officially open. The new menu includes local, ethical meats, as well as the vegetable-forward and gluten-free dishes that patrons have grown to love. BigTroubleYVR.com
Going to Food Cart Fest this summer? In addition to lots of food trucks dishing their fare every Sunday near Olympic Village, this year also sees the launch of Sunday Local, a licensed patio with live music and a 400-person capacity. Try local craft beers and wines, as well as checking out the open-air market and the giant ping pong area. FoodCartFest.com
The new outdoor outlet mall at Vancouver International Airport, McArthurGlen, has joined forces with Hawkers Market to launch Hawkers Mercado on July 9. The new pop-up initiative will feature an artisan food hall, sweet shop and dessert shop. Local vendors include Chef Jefferson Alvarez (5entidos), Capilano Tea House and Botanical Soda Co., Whiskey Six BBQ, Sexy Juice, and Hugo’s Churros. McArthurGlenVancouver.com
This Canada Day, Wild Rice will be open from 11:30am to 11:30pm, with specials all day long, including a prime rib or vegetarian dinner for $50. WildRiceBC.ca
In Chinatown, Mamie Taylor’s and Re-Up BBQ are hosting RibFest on July 1, an annual amateur barbecue competition. While the competitors fire their grills, feast on $12 rib plates from Mamie Taylor, smoked by Re-Up BBQ, and sided with coleslaw and macaroni salad. Special $5 beer also available. MamieTaylors.ca
On Wednesday, July 8, Cibo Trattoria is hosting The Anti-Chianti Experience, the third in their wine dinner series. This time, the six-course menu features an atypical approach to wines hailing from Tuscany. Dishes include sage and anchovy fritters, panzanella salad, bisteca alla fiorentina and more. Tickets $89 plus tax and gratuity. CiboTrattoria.ca
For the month of July, Provence Marinaside is once again holding their annual Lobster Fest. The three-course menu for $56 includes choices such as lobster salad, lobster and scallop cake, lobster bisque, lobster Thermidor, whole lobster and much more. ProvenceMarinaside.ca
On July 14, Forage executive chef Chris Whittaker is collaborating with Todd Graham of HandTaste Ferments on a special dinner that focuses on all things fermented. From traditional Japanese dry ferments, seasonal fruit vinegars and fish sauce, come try a meal that will tickle your tastebuds. Tickets $125 per person. ForageVancouver.com
