The second annual Vancouver Cocktail Week is right around the corner.
From March 5 to 11, the event will take over restaurants and bars across the city with happy hours, workshops, seminars, and pairing dinners, not to mention a dazzling gala event and bartending competition.
Many of the events are selling out but these six international dinners offer a unique culinary opportunity to taste and sip global flavours. We've rounded up the best cocktail week dinners we think you should nab tickets to.
Here's what's not to be missed.
Dinner at L’Abattoir with Simon Ford of Fords Gin
This dinner was made for craft gin lovers. London dry Fords Gin, founded 10 years ago, is one of the fastest-growing gin brands and founder Simon Ford will be in Vancouver to share stories and teach eager listeners about gin while they enjoy a multi-course menu with cocktail pairings. The intimate experience at Gastown's L'Abattoir will begin with a welcome cocktail of gin, champagne acid, and sparkling wine followed by a delicate citrusy albacore tuna appetizer.
The cocktail pairings include inventive flavours like pumpkin seeds, spruce, and rosé vermouth that pair with the fish and braised veal entree.
Where: L’Abattoir - 217 Carrall St
When: March 8, 6 p.m.
Cost: $199, tickets here
Vij’s Private Dinner & Cocktail Pairing
Vancouver institution Vij's was recently named a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant and this cocktail dinner is the perfect opportunity to sample the award-winning menu with four courses. Guests can choose from modern Indian vegetarian, fish, and meat dishes paired with Johnnie Walker and Tanqueray 10 cocktails, all enjoyed in the beautiful botanical rooftop solarium.
Where: Vij’s - 3106 Cambie St
When: March 8, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $209.70, tickets here
Barkeeps of Bowmore – A Sensory Dinner Tour of Bowmore
Scottish distillery Bowmore is in town to show off their single malt with a five-course dinner at Acquafarina. Each course is meant to explore a specific area of the distillery on the Isle of Islay and different layers of the single malt scotch with stories about Bowmore's heritage. 12-, 15-, and 18-year scotch cocktails are paired with courses like scallops in the shell, wagyu tartar, and wild boar chops and, of course, there is a neat whisky nightcap with dessert.
Where: Acquafarina - 425 W Georgia St
When: March 8, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $277.66, tickets here
5-Course Dinner and Bira! Rum Tasting at Calabash Bistro
This South African rum is bottled in Canada and co-founder Karl Mudzamba will be in Vancouver to discuss Bira!'s unique journey from the South Pacific as part of this five-course menu at Caribbean restaurant Calabash Bistro. The dishes will highlight flavours of Africa, the Caribbean and the Southern United States prepared specially for the event by Calabash co-owner chef Cullin and will be followed by a tasting of three different Bira! rums.
Tickets include the five-course meal, BIRA!’s 3 rum expressions, tax and gratuity. Full cocktail and other drinks menus available for additional cost.
Where: Calabash Bistro - 428 Carrall St
When: March 9, 6 p.m.
Cost: $126.06, tickets here
From Cognac to Barbados: A Renegade’s Voyage
This four-course cocktail-pairing dinner is a look through history four centuries in the making.
Cognac, much like Champagne, is named for the region in France where it is made. The French wine-growing Maison Ferrand was first established in Cognac in 1989 by Alexandre Gabriel. He began making Ferrand Cognac, then followed it with Citadelle Gin, Plantation Rum and Dry Curaçao. The diversity in spirits lends itself to a story told through craft cocktails and gourmet dishes from the team at Tableau will accompany them.
Menu to be announced.
Where: Tableau Bar Bistro - 1181 Melville St
When: March 9, 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception, 7 p.m. dinner
Cost: $190, tickets here
Traditional Hawaiian Lū’au, North Shore Style, presented by Koloa Rum
A taste of traditional Hawaiian culture is coming to North Vancouver wine bar 16 West. Mr. Robert “Bob” Gunter of Koala Rum will explain the history and cultural significance of the "Aloha way of life" and bringing people together to feast over a four course menu paired with Hawaiian rum-based cocktails. Dishes include poke, kalua pork, shaved, ice, and coconut pie and there are promises of entertainment that won't be forgotten any time soon.
Where: 16 West - 140 16th St W, North Vancouver
When: March 9, 7 p.m.
Cost: $157.43, tickets here
