Zaatar W Zeit, the iconic authentic Lebanese eatery known for its traditional wraps, soups, dips, salads, and more, is excited to announce the opening of its second-ever Canadian location at 900 Main Street in West Vancouver’s Park Royal on December 16, 2023. To celebrate, the first 23 guests will receive a free wrap on opening day in a nod to the final month of 2023. 

The brand focuses on healthier food options, freshly prepared, with locally-sourced ingredients as the focal point, while also providing both vegetarian and plant-based options. The menu features native Lebanese favourites including the Classic Zaatar manousheh, made with authentic ground zaatar (thyme) mixed with toasted sesame seeds, sumac spice and oil; the Lahmeh Bi Ajjine (Beef) manousheh, made with minced beef blended with spices, diced onion and tomato; and the iconic Green Baked Falafel wrap, made with baked falafel (instead of the deep fried version) – a true vegan delight. Prices range from $6.49 to $15.99.

Those looking for a unique coffee experience will love their Lebanese coffee, made with unfiltered 100% Arabica beans; also available with cardamom. They also serve Organic American coffee and a large variety of organic teas. Caffeine-free enthusiasts can try the Blossom Infusion (Café Blanc), made with a traditional Lebanese infusion of orange blossom and lemon zest. Hot beverages are priced from $3.49 to $5.99. The eatery also provides a selection of liquor including wine, imported beer and local craft beer, ranging from $6.99 to $8.99.

Zaatar W Zeit’s Park Royal location will open their patio in spring 2024, expanding guests’ culinary experience to include beautiful views of Park Royal’s outdoor area. Much like the downtown location, Zaatar W Zeit’s new venue will have a minimalist interior of white brick walls, traditional mosaic tiles and wood accents, to create a light and airy environment perfect for casual dining. Seating options include low tables and booths, with Air Charging stations on every table. Located in Park Royal’s The Village at 900 Main Street, operating hours for the eatery will be Monday through Sunday, from 8:30 AM till 10:00 PM. For more information, follow @zaatarwzeitca on Instagram.

The team behind Mount Pleasant’s award-winning Spanish tapas bar ¿CóMO? Taperia recently visited Barcelona and Madrid for an eating trip, where they’ve come back with some delicious ideas. Guests can now experience executive chef Rafael Racela’s exclusive Taste Our Travels seven-course menu for two, available for only 20 days, from January 16 to February, 4 2024, as part of Dine Out Vancouver’s Tasty Events series. All seatings take place at one of Como’s two bars. Bookings are now available at comotaperia.com.

“We try to visit Spain at least once a year for inspiration, and it was great to be back with my business partner Frankie Harrington, our executive chef Rafael Racela, and wine director  and manager Ashwan Luckheenarain,” says Shaun Layton, co-owner of ¿CóMO? Taperia, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. “It was a quick one week trip, and we ate at as many places as possible, from new bars and restaurants to old favourites.”

The Taste Our Travels menu ($160++ per pair), features tapas-style dishes inspired the team’s favourite eats from their recent trip to Spain. Optional beverage pairings are also available for additional $60 per person.

Taste Our Travels Menu

Snacks
Foie Gras Torchon, Chestnuts, Pickled Mushrooms, Cracker
Inspired by Quimet y Quimet, Barcelona

Duck Chorizo Spring Roll, Bravas Emulsion, Mint Gazpacho, Side Stripe Prawn
Inspired byStreetXO, Madrid

Anchovies, Masa Frita, Alioli Picante, Mazago
Inspired byArima, Madrid

Lasagna
Single Layer Lasagna, Crab Bolognese, Chili, Garlic Crumble
Inspired byRestaurant Sacha, Madrid

Bacalao
Seared Bacalao, Pil Pil, Garlic, Herbs
Inspired byLa Cova Fumada, Barcelona

Beef
Wagyu Striploin, Herb Beef Butter, Mojama
Inspired bySala de Despiece, Madrid

Dessert
Milhojas y Crema, Cherries, Crema Inglesa
Inspired byEl Xampanyet, Barcelona

“Seeing the energy of a tapas bar in Spain in-person really shows how Como has been able to capture some of those same vibes in Vancouver,” adds Racela, who joined the team as sous chef in 2021, before being promoted to executive chef this spring. “There were so many great dishes, it was definitely hard to decide what ideas we wanted to try on our menu. These are just some of our absolute favourites.”

On the beverage side, Luckheenarain has selected a pairings menu, highlighting wine, sherry, and vermouth from Spain, including the 2018 Gramona ‘La Cuvee’ Corpinnat Barcelona, La Rioja Alta ‘Lagar de Cervera’ Rias Baixas DO, 2018 Clos Dominic ‘Clos Peto’ Priorat DOQ, and Heredad de Hidalgo Medium Sherry Jerez DO.

Taste Our Travels can now be booked online.

Como Taper’s full menu will also be available for regular diners as well as those experiencing the Taste Our Travels tasting menu. Regular reservations can be booked through Como’s website at www.comotaperia.com.

The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) is helping holiday hosts spend more quality time with friends and family by offering their popular Holiday Dinner To-Go Packages and offering exclusive classes and events for all ages events to get merrymakers into the holiday spirit.

The full lineup of festive-themed activities and events offered by PICA throughout December and into the New Year includes:

HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING CLASS
Sunday, December 10
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Renowned ‘Cookie Queen’ and Chef Michelle Born — who has been featured on CTV, Global News, The Food Network and BC Living Magazine — returns to PICA to host a special holiday cookie decorating class that will teach guests tricks of the trade and learn how to employ professional techniques like flooding, lining, quilting, marbling and more as they decorate their own Christmas Cookie Ornaments.

A limited number of tickets to the Holiday Cookie Decorating class are available for $159 per person plus tax here. All supplies and equipment needed for the class will be supplied as well as well as an apron and recipe booklet to recreate masterpieces at home.

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN – HOLIDAY COOKIES
Saturday, December 16
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

PICA Chef and Baking & Pastry alumnus and former K-7 teacher and school principal, Chef Stephen, will lead this fun, hands-on cookie class that will teach kids from 8 to 12 how to read a recipe, properly measure ingredients, how to be safe in the kitchen and cook different types of cookies for the holiday season to share with family and friends.

During the class, each child will learn how to make and bake Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal and Double Oatmeal, Butter and Sprinkle Cookies and bring home their own apron as well as 12-18 cookies in a decorative tin to enjoy. A limited number of tickets to the class are available for $109 plus tax here.

HOLIDAY DINNER TO-GO PACKAGES
$135 per package (feeds two)
Available for pre-order until Friday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.

Returning once again this festive season is PICA’s popular and perennially sold-out Holiday Dinner To-Go packages. Available now for pre-order via the PICA website, each package is $135 plus tax and features a ready-made feast with generous portions for two hungry adults with all the trimmings in addition to traditional sides and dessert.

PICA BLUE HAT BAKERY-CAFÉ

HOLIDAY DINNER TO-GO PACKAGES

$135 per package plus tax, serves two people

Rosemary-Citrus Roasted Turkey Breast 

Kale & Butternut Squash Salad

Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Potatoes 

Green Beans Almondine 

Honey-Brown Butter Carrots & Golden Beets 

Sage & Caramelized Onion Stuffing

Traditional Turkey Gravy

Orange-Cranberry Sauce 

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Holiday Dinner To-Go pre-orders will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. or when quantities are sold out, with pick-up times set for Saturday, Dec. 23 and Sunday, Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pickups will be available at the northeast entrance at 1505 West 2^nd Avenue just off Anderson Street. Complimentary parking is available in the adjacent building on 2^nd Avenue. Orders not picked up prior to closing time (4 p.m.) will be stored for pickup on Boxing Day, Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Please note: Substitution requests will be politely declined, and dietary restrictions unfortunately cannot be accommodated for Holiday Dinner To-Go menus. As limited quantities are available, pre-ordering well in advance of pickup dates is strongly recommended.

FLOUR + WATER: A PASTA MASTER CLASS
Saturday, January 13, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Imagine the Pastabilities! During this class, PICA Chef Phyllis will help attendees take their pasta game to a whole new level by detailing the theory and practice when one mixes flour and water with fresh eggs and oil and explore the technique of pasta lamination and how to create beloved styles like linguine, fettucine and pappardelle.

Attendees will also learn how to make stuffed pastas like ravioli, tortellini and more as well as tips and tricks used by the pros to create delicate, pillowy, plump stuffed pasta, how to properly blanch and toss pasta in a variety of sauces that will be prepared to enjoy during the session. A limited number of tickets to the event are available for $175 per person plus tax here and include an apron and recipe booklet to take home.

Gingerbread house-making season has arrived! This year, why not break with tradition and build an edible house that looks just like your own home for the holidays? To provide the ultimate inspiration, Pop-Tarts^® Frosted Sugar Cookie Flavour Pastries and Rice Krispies Squares^® Holiday Bars have teamed up with iconic Canadian designer, Tiffany Pratt, to put a whimsical twist on the classic gingerbread house inspired by real Canadian homes from coast to coast.

This sentiment is supported by a recent Ipsos survey*, where 84% of Canadians stated that holiday celebrations, like gingerbread house-making, should reflect various types of dwellings, from apartments, to single family homes, to cottages and mobile homes. Additional survey findings include:

• 66% of Canadians are seeking new and unique holiday experiences.
• 83% agree celebrating diverse living arrangements across multiple generations is a positive and inclusive way to embrace the holiday spirit.
• Close to half of Canadians (45%) feel pressured to create family holiday magic but are overwhelmed – good news, they don’t have to be!

For inspiration, designer Tiffany Pratt’s creations are the perfect place to start. “It was such a joy to partner with Pop-Tarts^® and Rice Krispies Squares^® Bars to create these whimsical and delicious homes,” said Tiffany Pratt, designer. “I love that my creations reflect the diverse types of homes seen across Canada – from a condo building to a mobile home to even my signature pink home!”

This holiday season, Canadian families are invited to create their own “home for the holidays” structures, using the limited-edition Pop-Tarts^® Frosted Sugar Cookie Flavour Pastries and Rice Krispies Squares^® Holiday Bars. Available at retailers across Canada, Pop-Tarts^® and Rice Krispies Squares^® Holiday Bars offer an easy, delicious, and mess-free holiday activity!

Both festive additions to any holiday house, the Pop-Tarts^® Frosted Sugar Cookie Flavour Pastries feature up to eight printed fun winter designs, while the Rice Krispies Squares^® Holiday Bars bring jolly red and green rice to this classic favourite.

“We know that parents are always looking for new ways to add holiday magic,” says Nicole Gawen, Vice President Marketing & Wellbeing, Kellanova Canada Inc. “Pop-Tarts^® Frosted Sugar Cookie Flavour Pastries and Rice Krispies Squares^® Holiday Bars are key ingredients for Canadian families looking to build their own personalized “home for the holiday” creation – whatever they may be.

Smitty’s Oyster House on Main Street is adding a series of ‘Go Shuck Yourself!’ oyster shucking classes and fresh new catches for fall and winter to its Lunch, Dinner and Happy Hour menus at the Mount Pleasant seafood hotspot (3125 Main St.) starting this week..

Available Tuesdays through Fridays from 3 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays starting at noon, the latest features to join the menu include Seared Salmon with butternut squash purée and market vegetables; a Soft Shell Crab Tacoserved on white corn tortillas with black garlic aioli, mixed cabbage, pickled onions and cilantro; Shrimp and Crab Pescadillas (crispy corn tortilla, salsa roja, salsa verde, crema); and a classic Shrimp Cocktail of poached Pacific prawns, Smitty’s signature cocktail sauce and fresh horseradish, among others.

Smitty’s new expanded Happy Hour Menu is available from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, all night Tuesday starting at 3 p.m. and from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and showcases feature-priced items such as:

• Raw Oysters (served with mignonette, assorted sauces, horseradish, lemon) $2.50 ea;
• Pan-Fried Oysters (panko-breaded, tartar sauce) $3.50 ea.;
• Trio of Broiled Oysters (Rocky Balboa, Chèvre Chaud, Keno) $12;
• Baja Shrimp Taco (Baja-style tempura shrimp, cabbage, cilantro, roasted jalapeño mayo), $6 ea.
• Seafood Tostada Trio (marinated tuna with guacamole, red onion; shrimp with cucumber, red onion, aquachile negro; halibut with carrot, cucumber, red onion, spicy remoulade) $16;
• Pescadillas (crispy corn tortilla, shrimp and crab stew, salsa roja, salsa verde, crema), $12;
• Chili Lime Prawns (Pacific prawns, garlic, shallots, lime, chilies, white wine, butter, Parmesan) $12;
• Halibut Fritters (beer-battered halibut, fries, tartar sauce, malt vinegar reduction), $12;
• Shrimp Cocktail (poached Pacific prawns, Smitty’s signature cocktail sauce, fresh horseradish), $12;
• Noodles and Prawns (pork and ramen broth, ramen egg, edamame, green onions, nori), $12;
• Salt Spring Island Mussels (white wine, lemon thyme butter, served with fries), $18;

Guests can also quench their thirst with Happy Hour drink specials including import and BC craft beer from purveyors like North Vancouver’s Bridge Brewing, Victoria’s Phillips Brewing & Malting and Vancouver’s Red Truck Beer Company and Steamworks Brewing in addition to glasses of house red and white wine, bubbles and feature cocktails including the smash hit libation ‘The Captain’ (Smirnoff vodka, Smitty’s signature recipe ‘clamato’, pickle, fresh grated horseradish, lime, topped with a whole soft shell crab).

‘GO SHUCK YOURSELF’ OYSTER SHUCKING EVENTS
December 14, 21 and 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Oyster aficionados can learn the tricks of the trade from Smitty’s professional team of shuckers when the restaurant hosts a trio of ‘Go Shuck Yourself’ events on December 14, 21 and 28 starting at 6:30 p.m.

Each event is limited to 10 guests who will enjoy complimentary wine and tapas and get the inside track on varieties and tasting notes of East and West Coast oysters and learn how to shuck their own. Tickets to each event are $100 per person plus tax and gratuity and include a $25 gift card that can be redeemed on future visits to Smitty’s Oyster House on Main Street.

RESERVATIONS AND HOLIDAY FUNCTIONS
To make reservations for Smitty’s Lunch, Dinner or Happy Hour services or Go Shuck Yourself events, click here. Smitty’s Oyster House on Main Street is also available to be booked for holiday parties, private functions and full buyouts seven days a week. To enquire about availability, call the restaurant at 604-876-5810 or send an email to smittysoysterhousemainst@gmail.com.

For more information on Smitty’s Oyster House on Main Street or to stay up to date on the latest news, go to smittysoysterhousemainstreet.com

Those who plan to leave something really special out for Santa should look no further than Miss Vickie’s. Since the holidays are all about wishes, Frito Lay Canada is launching a limited-edition bag that puts a twist on an old classic. Remember fighting over that one folded chip in a bag, a.k.a. a “wish chip?” This season, you can pick up a bag of Miss Vickie’s All Wishes kettle cooked potato chips and spread the wish-making around. The bags are filled entirely with wish chips – those delicious folded-over chips you can find in Miss Vickie’s bags – and are packaged in a limited-edition holiday bag design.

Beginning later this week, Canadians can receive a bag of Miss Vickie’s All Wishes by visiting MissVickiesHolidayWishes.ca. Limited quantities of the limited-edition bags will be dropped every day from December 8th to 12th at 11:11AM ET.

This bag isn’t just a way to get wishes—it’s a way to grant them, too. Canadians who make a charitable donation of $5 or more are able to receive a bag. The Miss Vickie’s brand is committed to tripling charitable donations to a maximum of $50,000. Even Santa would agree, that’s a lot of wishes.

In an open letter published across the country today, Santa announced that he wants a break from cookies. This year, Santa is wishing for something savoury, and he’s asking Canadians to start a new tradition by putting out a bowl of chips.

And it’s not just Santa who has chips on his wish list – according to new research commissioned by Frito Lay Canada and among members of the Angus Reid Forum, 68% of Canadians sometimes want another option to sweets during the holiday season, and more than one-third actually prefer savoury snacks.

Frito Lay Canada believes it’s time chips became the holiday’s main character. That’s why the maker of beloved chip brands like Lay’s®, Doritos®, and Cheetos® is encouraging a new holiday tradition for the millions of Canadians who are ready for something new.

“This campaign started with one simple idea: What if Santa wanted an alternative to cookies?” says Jess Spaulding, Chief Marketing Officer at PepsiCo Foods Canada. “That really inspired us to think creatively about how Santa could speak for every Canadian who finds themselves wishing for a bowl of chips this holiday season.”

In its new festive ad campaign launching nationally today (and starring Santa Claus), Frito Lay Canada is making chips the main character of the holiday season and encouraging Canadians to rethink the tradition of leaving cookies for Santa.

Circle K is calling all cookie lovers! On December 4, National Cookie Day, Circle K is offering customers a free cookie through their new and exclusive platform https://circlek.coupons.com/ * nationwide to celebrate the world’s sweetest day, in the sweetest way possible.

Circle K’s cookies are baked fresh daily making them the perfect pick-me up on the way to work, for a lunchtime dessert, or during the commute home.

* Valid only on Fresh Food Fast cookies at participating Circle K locations across Canada. Each coupon can be used once, only one coupon can be redeemed per customer. The coupon is valid on December 4, 2023 only and expires at 23:59. No cash value. While supplies last.

The holidays are meant to be a joyous time, but it turns out more than half of Canadians experience feelings of loneliness during the holiday season. Purdys Chocolatier believes in encouraging connection and joy through their chocolate, especially around the holidays. So this Christmas, they wanted to show Canadians that reaching out to people in our lives is far more appreciated than we realize.

Purdys Chocolatier introduces Reconnect Roulette, a microsite that rewards people with Purdys chocolate when they send a text to someone they miss. Running from now until December 25th, the site is designed to inspire and reward Canadians for reconnecting with loved ones they’ve lost touch with. It features a Reconnect Roulette wheel which randomly selects a prompt, such as ‘someone who helped you through a tough time’ or ‘someone who made you feel most like yourself.’ It’s the player’s choice to identify the person in their life who best fits the prompt and they’ll then be encouraged to send them a message. Should they decide to reach out, Purdys Chocolatier will gift them a complimentary 3-pack of their iconic Hedgehogs as a sweet reward!

“At Purdys Chocolatier, we believe our chocolate brings people together. This holiday season, we wanted to take this one step further by encouraging reconnection and heartfelt reunions,” says Julia Cho, Director of Marketing at Purdys Chocolatier. “We hope ‘Reconnect Roulette’ can be a warm invitation to reach out to that person you’ve been meaning to message. You never know what it could lead to and the joy it could bring!”

Purdys Chocolatier’s Reconnect Roulette campaign video features heartfelt, real-life stories from numerous Canadians sharing their experiences and highlighting individuals who have had a profound impact on their lives, but whom they’ve lost touch with.

Visit purdys.com/reconnect to reconnect with someone this holiday season and receive complimentary Hedgehogs from Purdys Chocolatier in return.

No matter how long it’s been, McDonald’s fans never forget the feeling of opening a Happy Meal® box to see the surprises inside. Last year, in the U.S., the brand gave guests the chance to relive that excitement as adults with the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box. Now, McDonald’s is once again sparking nostalgic joy with the help of a visionary artist and some very special Buddies.

Introducing: the Kerwin Frost Box – a one-of-a-kind global collaboration with artist and lifelong McDonald’s fan, Kerwin Frost – launching in Canada and other select markets around the world starting December 11.

The Kerwin Frost Box & McNugget Buddy Collectibles

The Kerwin Frost Box includes the choice of 10-piece Chicken McNuggets® or a Big Mac®, a medium World Famous Fries™, a medium fountain drink and a special McNugget Buddy collectible – coming back IRL for the first time in over 25 years. But this time, designed in partnership with Kerwin Frost.

Growing up in Harlem, New York, Kerwin found his McNugget Buddy collection to be a source of creative inspiration. So, it was only right for McDonald’s to bring back the Buddies, and through them, introduce fans to “Frost Way” – where everyone is welcome to be exactly who they are. Complete with mix-and-match outfits, the Buddies’ designs are inspired by Kerwin’s childhood experiences and belief that everyone should feel free to express themselves. Meet the Buddies!

• Kerwin Frost – The Mayor of Frost Way is a true champion of the citizens and encourages them to be themselves. In his free time, catch him adding art to his collection or fixing things around the neighbourhood.
• Don Bernice – The Wise Stylist, an experienced fashion designer who creates all the outfits for the Buddies in Frost Way, while also offering stern advice and words of wisdom. After all, she is “don” – the very best!
• Uptown Moe – The Neighbourhood Hero, the no-nonsense, street-smart, supportive guy from around the block in Frost Way who everyone knows and loves. He also gives the best motivational speeches on a whim.
• Waffutu – The Curious Optimist, who grew up in Frost Way and was raised by the whole neighbourhood. She spreads positivity wherever she goes and can turn any frown upside down with the wave of a wand and tilt of a crown.
• BRRRICK – The Cool Guy, the most adventurous Buddy in Frost Way who speaks in puns, loves trying new things and techno music. He’s lowkey nervous, but always cool under pressure.
• Darla – The Dreamer, a soft-spoken yet peacefully confident singer who moved to Frost Way to pursue her dream of becoming a superstar as the lead singer of “The Frostettos.” When she’s not on stage, she runs the local McDonald’s in Frost Way – where she’s employee of the month every month!

“The McDonald’s brand has a long history of bringing nostalgia and joy to fans of all ages,” said Alyssa Buetikofer, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s Canada. “Our brand fans in Canada have repeatedly shown their love of collabs, which is why we’re excited to be part of the Kerwin Frost Box to bring the reimagined McNugget Buddies back to life with a new look and a new fanbase.”

The McNugget Buddies were first introduced in 1988 as part of a limited time Happy Meal featuring ten different McNugget Buddy collectibles. They’re best known for their wacky adventures and personalities, wild imaginations and interchangeable outfits.

“I’ve loved McDonald’s since I was a kid. I even had my own Ronald McDonald doll that I brought to picture day at school, and it was my dream to collect all the McNugget Buddies,” said Kerwin Frost. “Now, coming up with my own special set of Buddies – each one representing different aspects of self-expression – it’s unreal, a dream come true. McDonald’s has been a great partner from day one, and they’ve truly allowed me to create without limits. I hope the Kerwin Frost Box will serve as a reminder for people to hone their creativity and not be afraid to show the world who they really are.”

Located in the heart of Victoria, The Courtney Room bar team is proud to introduce a new, dedicated cocktail menu, featuring whimsical illustrations by local artist Cate Webb from Black Cat Tattoo, a five minute walk from the restaurant.

Entitled An Exploration of the Pacific Northwest Vol. 1, the cocktail menu is an excellent showcase for the restaurant’s cocktail program, which shines a spotlight on the seasonal ebbs and flows of Vancouver Island’s native ingredients. Victoria-based Cate Webb’s elegant, interpretive illustrations adorn every page, inspired by each drink, creating a visual representation of each cocktail, alongside flavour notes and uplifting anecdotes.

“We wanted to create a cocktail menu that has a distinct sense of place,” says Anton Wilson, bar manager at The Courtney Room. “Working with Cate Webb has really helped to bring our vision to life with her ethereal hand-drawn illustrations. As an extremely talented small business owner and community leader in her industry, Cate’s body of work harnesses a beautiful balance between delicate and bold, the perfect fit for our very first, stand-alone cocktail menu.”

The cocktails range from the “light, revitalizing and session-able” Spruce Tip Highball, with locally-foraged spruce tip liqueur, Stag’s Hollow verjus, soda water, lemon oil and spruce, paired with an illustration of a majestic stag framed with a wreath, to the Maple Bay with Stillhead Distillery x The Courtney Room Bartender’s Cask Whisky, maple water, house bitters, cane sugar and citrus oil, illustrated by a dreamy block print of Vancouver Island’s coastal waters.

Providing the leadership behind The Courtney Room’s flourishing cocktail program, Anton Wilson brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for local ingredients to his role. His expertise has been recognized through numerous accolades, including being ranked in the Top 30 in-region in the 2023 Diageo World Class Canada program and a Patron Perfectionist Top 20 in 2022.

Anton’s connection to Vancouver Island is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Growing up on the island, he developed a strong affinity for local flavours and a close understanding of the edible plants that thrive in the region. To source the freshest ingredients, Anton collaborates closely with Victoria-based forager Lance Staples, as well as local producers such as Amanda Swinimer of Dakini Tidal Wilds in Sooke for locally and sustainably foraged seaweed, ensuring that each cocktail showcases the best of what the island has to offer. From locally-foraged herbs to spruce tips and rosehips, Anton’s creations are a true reflection of Vancouver Island’s diverse bounty, both land and sea.

The Courtney Room’s commitment to showcasing the region’s sense of place extends beyond foraged ingredients. The restaurant proudly partners with Vancouver Island distilleries, including Ampersand Distillery, Sheringham Distillery, Antidote Distillery, Wayward Distillery, and Stillhead Distillery. These collaborations further enhance the unique character and authenticity of the cocktail program.

The stand-alone cocktail menu at The Courtney Room will be updated twice-annually, allowing guests to experience the ever-changing flavours of Vancouver Island.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.thecourtneyroom.com. 

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! The new year brings a chance to reflect and celebrate, and 2023 was nothing short of thrilling for Mount Pleasant’s award-winning SUYO Modern Peruvian. To ring in 2024, SUYO Chef/Partner Ricardo Valverde and his team invite guests to embark on a one-night-only culinary journey, featuring a meticulously curated multi-course family-style tasting menu showcasing the acclaimed restaurant’s most iconic dishes of 2023.

Offered exclusively on December 31, 2023, SUYO’s exciting New Year’s Eve dinner celebration will serve as a passport to a Peruvian getaway and a tribute to the restaurant’s tremendous year. Taste the dishes that garnered SUYO a MICHELIN Guide endorsement, two 2023 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards (Best New Restaurant, Best Latin Restaurant), and a spot on the longlist of finalists for EnRoute Magazine’s Canada’s Best New Restaurants of 2023. 

SUYO’s New Year’s Eve menu features an array of dishes diners have hailed as must-trys, like the Hamachi Tiradito with Nikkei Leche de Tigre, Smoked Pork Belly with Charred Eggplant Tamal and Romesco Sauce, and a Beef Tartare with Nori chip and Cancha (Andean toasted corn). Priced at $289 per person plus tax and gratuity, the dazzling nine-course New Year’s family-style feast showcases 15 hallmark dishes. Additionally, SUYO’s full menu of thoughtfully-selected wines and MICHELIN Guide-awarded cocktails will be available to purchase. Guests in attendance during the second seating will have the opportunity to toast to the new year during a countdown led by Chef Valverde himself. 

SUYO MODERN PERUVIAN’S NYE MENU
 $289 per person + tax and gratuity, with beverage pairings available for purchase

BAJA VENUS CLAMS
a la chalaca

HAMACHI TIRADITO
nikkei leche de tigre
SCALLOP TIRADITO
acevichado sauce

CRISPY SUNCHOKES
kale, truffles, ocopa

KING SALMON ANTICUCHERO
ikura, cilantro, skin chicharron
BLUEFIN TUNA CAUSA “NIGIRI”
smoked mayo

STURGEON JALEA
smoked tartar sauce, herring caviar
SMOKED PORK BELLY
charred eggplant tamal, romesco sauce

AJI DE GALLINA EMPANADA
foie gras
BEEF TARTARE
nori chip, cancha

ARROZ CON PATO 
cilantro beer rice, huancaina, pickled shallots
VEAL CHEEK TACO
canario bean, criolla, seco norteno jus

SEMIFREDDO 
pisco, yuzu, cinnamon, opalys, lime gel
HAZELNUT FINANCIER
chestnuts, umeshu, pear, kiwicha tuile

PETIT FOURS

A unique experience like no other in Vancouver – or Canada – SUYO’s menu pays homage to the most famous flavours of Peru in a modern approach through Chef Valverde’s unique lens. Together with the expert guidance of General Manager/Partner James Reynolds, the inspired touch of award-winning Bar Manager Max Curzon-Price, and leadership of Director of Operations/Partner Felix Ng, SUYO Modern Peruvian has affirmed its role as an innovative Vancouver dining destination in its landmark first 18 months. 

RESERVATIONS
Secure your seats for New Year’s Eve at SUYO by making a reservation online at: https://suyo.ca/new-years-eve-2024/. Seatings are available at 5/5:30/6 p.m. and 8/8:30/9 p.m. The special dining experience is priced at $289 per person for food, plus tax and gratuity.

For more information or to stay up to date on all the latest news, visit Suyo.ca.

Baskin-Robbins Canada introduces a festive and delicious treat for the holiday season with its newDecember Flavour of the Month, Cup of Cocoa, along with the brand’s latest holiday-themed dessert, Holly-days Cake, customizable to any flavour within its wide assortment. These two innovations follow the recent addition of a fourth Ultimate Take-Home Sundae flavour, Brownie Mint Double Chip, launched in November.

“Enjoying ice cream is a journey that starts with the eyes and the mind,” says Natalie Joseph, spokesperson for Baskin-Robbins in Canada. “Adding the soothing nature of cocoa to your next order or the festive vibe that comes from holly to your dessert table is going to bring a smile to someone, and for us, that’s priceless. It enriches our lives and makes every effort well worth it.”

Cup of Cocoa is a delightful combination of rich chocolate and marshmallows, reminiscent of a cup of hot cocoa, infusing a winter favourite into an ice cream offering. The new Holly-days Cake, customizable with any flavour, adds a sweet personal touch to the holiday celebrations, making it a unique and tailored treat for gatherings and festivities. In total, Baskin-Robbins Canada has introduced 14 new menu flavours to its lineup in 2023.

For more information on Baskin-Robbins Canada, to order online or to enquire about numerous franchising opportunities, visit baskinrobbins.ca or follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

Embrace the holiday spirit as Honey Salt invites you to participate in the beloved tradition of Gingerbread House Decorating! Back by popular demand, this enchanting event promises a delightful experience for families to come together and create lasting memories in the heart of the holiday season.

Date: December 3, 10 and 17

Time: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Honey Salt (39 Smithe St, Vancouver,)

Participants will be provided with all the necessary ingredients and tools to construct and decorate whimsical gingerbread houses. The event, priced at $36 for adults and $21 for kids aged 3 to 12, and gingerbread kits for $29 each. Each ticket includes a choice from our specially curated Gingerbread Lunch Menus for both adults and kids, along with a complimentary festive drink.

Gingerbread Lunch Menu for Adults: Choose one item from our delectable menu:

• Burrata Salad
• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
• Grandma Rosie’s Turkey Meatballs
• Fish and Chips
• Grilled Chicken Shawarma
• Tourtière Quebecois
• Biloxi Fried Chicken Sandwich
• Backyard Burger (option to substitute with our protein-rich Garden Burger)

Kids Menu (12 and under): Choose one item for our younger guests:

• Kids Mini Market ($12)
• Hamburger with French fries ($16)
• Crispy Chicken Bites with fries ($15)
• Roasted Salmon with mashed potatoes and veggies ($19)
• Grilled Chicken Mac & Cheese with Scooby-Doo noodles ($16)
• Spaghetti with a choice of red sauce or butter noodles ($13)

Celebrate the magic of the season with Honey Salt’s Gingerbread House Decorating event—a perfect blend of creativity, delicious cuisine, and festive cheer. Secure your spot now for a family-friendly celebration like no other! Please email hsbookings@parqvancouver.com to reserve a table.

As the holiday season is almost upon us, what sounds better than staying in with pizza and movies?  

This year, Pizza Pizza and Crave are excited to reintroduce the Crave Combo. Comprising of a large 3-topping pizza, 3 drinks and a New 2023! Two months of Crave, the combo returns for another successful year of snacking and streaming. 

Available for purchase online and in Pizza Pizza restaurants across the country, the offer brings a relatively new concept of content combo to the pizza QSR industry in Canada. 

Spend joyful time with your friends and family watching beloved holiday classics while savouring your favourite flavours thanks to Pizza Pizza X Crave. 

To learn more about terms and conditions, please visit www.pizzapizza.ca/cravecombo

Ladurée Canada’s newly launched Holiday Macaron Box is the ultimate indulgent treat for this holiday gifting this season.

Launched nationwide in Canada on November 12, these limited-edition macaron gift boxes boast a beautiful festive design, perfect for placing under the tree or on a dinner party table. With customizable macaron selection in Ladurée’s iconic flavours like salted caramel, rose, orange blossom, chocolate, marie antoinette tea, pistachio, coffee, lemon, raspberry, passion fruit, vanilla, and blackcurrant violet, the boxes range in size eight to 42 pieces and cost from $45.00 CAD to $190.00 CAD.

The elegant design on the box draws inspiration from the artistry of fine jewelry, particularly gouache drawings, brought to life by French artist Amandine Delauna. These opulent boxes sparkle with white accents, green pine garlands, and delicate ribbons akin to Louis XVI mirrors. The large box holds delightful macarons and transforms into a charming pop-up decoration, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the surprise.

Holiday macarons and boxes will be available at Ladurée’s Toronto Yorkdale Tea Salon and First Canadian Place Exchange Tower location and its Vancouver Robson Street Tea Salon and Carriage Pop-ups at CF Pacific Centre and Vancouver International Airport. Additionally, these items and all Ladurée Canada pastries and cakes are available to order on www.ladureecanada.ca for in-store pick up or convenient delivery within the Greater Toronto Area and Greater Vancouver area.

Saint Nick is adding Glowbal Restaurant to his ‘nice’ list and will fly in to be the guest of honour when the downtown hotspot at 590 West Georgia hosts two Sunday editions of its popular all-you-can-eat Santa Brunch Buffets on December 3 and 17.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days, families can gather for photos with the jolly old elf before or after enjoying a festive feast that will feature an array of hot and cold favourites like Braised Short Rib Eggs Benedict, Pork Banger Sausages, Glowbal Brunch Poutine, Waffles and Pancakes, Chilled Seafood, Pasta, Chef’s Omelet and Carving Stations, Desserts and much more.

Available for $85 per person plus tax and $30 per person for kids 12 and under, the Santa Brunch Buffet will also feature traditional highlights befitting the festive season like Roasted Turkey and Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Classic Stuffing, Pumpkin Pie and Caramel Apple Cake.

Glowbal Restaurant Group’s flagship restaurant has once again been transformed into an elegant holiday oasis guaranteed to delight guests of all ages with holiday-themed décor that evokes an unmistakably festive feeling thanks to snow-kissed wreaths, Christmas trees, garlands and a multitude of glittering lights.

Out on Glowbal’s al-fresco patio, guests will be kept cozy throughout the fall and feel the full joy of the festive season by enjoying VIP seating in a one-of-a-kind intimate Winter Wonderland that features overhead heaters, privacy screens and awnings for protection from the elements.

Glowbal’s bartending team is also getting into the spirits of the season courtesy of a new ‘Tis The Season list of classic and contemporary cocktails until the New Year that includes: Mulled Wine (red wine, clove, cinnamon, tawny port, orange & lemon zest, sugar); Gingerbread Eggnog (St-Rémy VSOP, Nocino Walnut Liqueur, house-made eggnog & gingerbread, nutmeg); Brandy Alexander (St-Rémy VSOP, crème de cacao, single cream, nutmeg); and a Christmas ‘NY’ Sour (Elijah Craig bourbon, fresh lime, simple syrup, mulled Bordeaux egg white foam).

RESERVATIONS

As tables for the Santa Brunch Buffet services book quickly, reservations are highly recommended and can be made here or by calling the restaurant directly at 604-602-0835.

Glowbal Restaurant is located at 590 West Georgia and is open for lunch, dinner and Happy Hour service daily from 11:30 a.m. until late, and for weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. Reservations for indoor and outdoor dining can be made online at www.glowbalgroup.com/glowbal or by contacting the restaurant directly at 604-602-0835.