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 large3-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.
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 listof 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.
Sula Indian Restaurant is proud to announce the commencement of construction at its third location at 1708 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC. The new Sula Davie Street location will introduce an innovative modern Indian cuisine concept while honouring the heritage flavours that Sula patrons have come to love. Anticipated completion and grand opening are expected this winter, with the restaurant accepting dining reservations now for future dates starting from January 15, 2024.
This departure from Sula’s traditional Indian cuisine concept, which has gained popularity at their Commercial Drive and Main Street restaurants, marks an exciting chapter in the restaurant group’s evolution. Meticulous consideration went into selecting the perfect location, and Vancouver’s vibrant West End emerged as the standout choice. The new establishment, located just one block from English Bay Beach, will feature a modern interior design by Vancouver-based architect David Wong, Principal of WHG Designs.
At the helm of Sula’s Davie Street culinary team, Executive Chef Balvant “Bal” Ajagaonkar discovered his passion for cooking at age 15 while working a summer job in the kitchen of his hometown resort community of Malvan on India’s West Coast. During his tenure in India, Chef Bal garnered numerous culinary accolades, including at the national level Great India Cooking Competition held in Mumbai with four gold medals (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019), three silver medals (2014, 2015, 2017), and the prestigious Best Overall Live Cooking Award (2019). Most recently, Chef Bal served as the Executive Sous Chef at Mumbaikar Indian Restaurant and Bar in Toronto, ON.
“We are taking cherished family recipes and the heritage Indian flavours that we grew up with and adapting them for today’s modern diner,” says Chef Bal Ajagaonkar. “It’s a delicate balance of paying homage to the spice mixtures perfected over centuries while introducing innovative elements to the dishes to present them in different ways. We are thrilled to introduce this exciting new concept in Vancouver’s West End neighbourhood and be part of the community there.”
Guests can stay updated on the progress and opening of Sula’s Davie Street location through its website here and on social media here.
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Sula Commercial Drive and Sula Main Street
While construction is underway at Davie Street, Sula invites guests to visit its other Vancouver establishments at 1128 Commercial Drive and 4172 Main Street. Both restaurants are embracing the holiday season with a selection of festive cocktails, including the Kashmiri Kiss, featuring bourbon, triple sec, orange juice, and saffron syrup, and the Aparajita – Silk Road Seduction, made with butterfly pea flower tea-infused rum, Disaronno, and vanilla-infused mandarin peel.
For the first time, Sula will offer a set three-course holiday lunch menu from November 24 – December 30, 2023, excluding December 25, served from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Guests can select from their choice of starter featuring Samosa Pinwheels or Chicken Lollipops, main course options include Chicken Kali Mirch, Lamb Hara Patta (+$3), vegetarian Jackfruit Masala, and the vegan-friendly Kadai Mushrooms. Much loved dessert selections include Saffron Lemon Ricotta Cake, Mango Rasmalai, and Vegan Mango Coconut Pudding. Priced at $27++ per person, this holiday offering is available at both locations for dine-in only. Reservations are available here.
Group dining and buyout options are offered at both locations, and Sula also provides offsite catering services for events ranging from intimate dinner parties to corporate holiday soirees. Inquire here. The restaurant is also offering a gift card promotion from now – December 22, 2023. Guests who purchase a $100 gift card will receive a $110 total value on the card. Gift cards may be applied toward the cost of food and beverages at Sula Indian Restaurants and may not be redeemed for cash. Gift Cards can be purchased here.
Winter’s most wonderful dinner experience returns to Vancouver in January, when the much-awaited Cabane à Sucre returns to Michelin-starred Railtown restaurant St. Lawrence. Tickets for the perennially sold-out dinner series go on sale to the public on December 1 and are expected to sell out quickly.
Created by St. Lawrence Chef/FounderJean-Christophe (J-C) Poirier and Executive Chef/Partner Ashley Kurtz, the menu pays homage to Poirier’s home province of Quebec, and the annual tradition of trekking to its sugar maple forests. There, rustic, homespun habitant meals are served at the “Sugar Shacks” (Cabanes à Sucre), where sap is boiled and turned into the nation’s prized syrup.
For 2024, the annual St. Lawrence celebration will feature Sugar Shack-inspired dishes in two consecutive formats — communal long table dinner and chef’s tasting menu – with both menus sure to spark excitement and nostalgia from Québécois expats and Cabane lovers alike, making it a perfect gift under the tree this Christmas.
First up, from January 17 to 27, St. Lawrence is bringing back its original Cabane à Sucre Long Table dinners first introduced in 2020, with classic, communal Cabane seating and seven-course family-style menu featuring classic Québécois favourites like Oreilles de Crisse (fried pork rinds with maple & MTL steak spice), tourtière de cerf (venison tourtière, fruit ketchup & red wine sauce) and tarte à l’érable, crème glacée, lait & sapin (maple tart, maple ice cream, milk foam & spruce). Priced at $225 per person plus tax and gratuity, guests can expect rustic sharing plates, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage pairings by Sommelier and fellow French-Canadian David Lawson, who will join Chef Poirier in guiding guests through the fun and lively Cabane experience.
Cabane à Sucre Long Table Dinner January 17-27, 2024
Oreilles de Crisse Fried pork rinds with maple & MTL steak spice Flan de foie gras & gelée à l’érable Foie gras custard with maple aspic Saucisse cocktail & bbq sauce à l’églantier Cocktail sausage with rosehip bbq sauce Croquette de fromage de Québec Cheese croquette
Gravlax de truite marinée au gin du Québec & érable Crêpes au sarrasin Steelhead trout gravlax marinated with Québec gin & maple Buckwheat crêpes
Soupe aux pois & foie gras torchon Cretons, moutarde & brioche Yellow split pea soup with foie gras Brioche, cretons & mustard
Mini tourtière de cerf, sauce vin rouge & ketchup aux fruits Pomme Paillasson Venison tourtière, fruit ketchup & red wine sauce Potato cooked in duck fat
Canard au charbon, boulette de canard & choux garnis Fèves aux lard Charcoal grilled duck, duck meatball, ‘all dressed’ cabbage Baked beans
Tarte à l’érable, crème glacée, lait & sapin Beigne à l’érable & fromage Sauvagine Maple tart, maple ice cream, milk foam & spruce Maple Cruller & Sauvagine cheese
Guimauve à l’érable Maple marshmallow Biscuit à l’érable Maple cookie Bouchée de la Reine à l’érable Maple vol-au-vent
Then from January 30 to March 2, the maple syrup homage continues, as the St. Lawrence Chef’s Tasting Menu returns with elevated dishes inspired by the iconic Canadian ingredient. Using the best of what’s available from local farmers, fishers and producers, the chef’s tasting menu is offered at $148 per person plus tax and gratuity.
Tickets for both dining experiences offered from January 17 to 27, 2024 and January 30 to March 2, 2024 go on sale December 1 and are available online at stlawrencerestaurant.com/cabane-a-sucre. For more information about Cabane à Sucre, holiday offerings, or to stay up to date on all the latest news, visit stlawrencerestaurant.com
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Temper Chocolate & Pastry as it introduces a 2023Holiday Collection that includes classic confections, stocking stuffers, baked goods and more now available at the beloved café, bakery and chocolaterie located at 2409 Marine Drive in West Vancouver’s Dundarave neighbourhood.
Available for pre-order and pickup until Sunday, December 24, Temper’s festive features for 2023 are guaranteed to help holiday gift givers get in the spirit and spread joy with an all-star lineup led by the return of Temper’s signature and perennially sold-out Chocolate Advent Calendars.
An enchanting and delicious countdown to Christmas Day, each window in the colourful art pieces hides miniature chocolates, fruit flavour chocolate domes, peppermint patties, pecan clusters, white chocolate peppermint bark pieces, salty balls and more to be discovered for $69 each. Calendars can also be customized with signature selections for $75 and up, with previous years’ calendars able to be refilled for $50 per box.
Temper Owner and Head Chef Steven Hodge will once again tap into traditional holiday favourites by featuring sugar-dusted German Stollen fruitcakes in 350g ($25) and 700g ($40) sizes and Bûches de Noëllog cakes available in Salted Caramel, Black Forest and Chestnut varieties that serve 8-10 ($49 ea.) available for pre-order until Thursday, December 21, with pickup on Friday, Dec. 22 (pickup between 10am-5pm), Saturday, Dec. 23 (pickup between 10am-5pm) and Sunday, Dec. 24 between 9am-1pm.
Other festive offerings in Temper’s 2023 collection include:
Stocking Stuffers, featuring an assortment of seasonally themed, bite-sized chocolates in white, milk and dark varieties, $13 ea.;
Festive Chocolate Lollipops in white, milk and dark chocolate varieties, $4.25 ea.;
‘TemperMint Patties’, $5.50 ea.;
Candy Cane Bark in dark or white chocolate varieties, $15 ea.;
Individually Wrapped Taffy in 125g bags, $12 ea.;
Temper Fudge, 8 piece boxes for $12 ea.;
Spiced Candied Pecans, 125g bags for $15 ea.;
Shortbread Cookies in almond or walnut ($13 ea.) or hazelnut varieties ($15 ea.);
Hot Chocolate Spoons available in milk- and dark-chocolate varieties and topped with marshmallows or toffee bits, $5.50 ea.;
Packs of five Almond or Walnut Shortbread Cookies, $13 ea.;
Bags of Mini Chocolate Santas in milk, dark and white varieties, $10 ea.;
Holiday Chocolate Ornament Showpieces in red or blue varieties containing three holiday-themed chocolates, $35 ea.; and Holiday Chocolate Christmas Tree Showpieces containing six holiday-themed chocolates, $39 ea.
Temper’s signature holiday treats will be available for purchase in-store until Sunday, December 24 or while quantities last. As each year’s lineup of festive Temper holiday confections are being handcrafted in limited supply, guests are encouraged to order or shop early to avoid disappointment.
‘CHOCOLATE ALL DAY’ COOKBOOKS NOW AVAILABLE
Hodge’s newly released Penguin Random House Canada cookbook, Chocolate All Day is also available for purchase at Temper for $37.50 plus tax per copy while supplies last. The 257-page cookbook features 100 of Hodge’s meticulously tested and best-loved recipes with inside tips from the Temper Owner and Head Chef on how to buy, store and work with chocolate, learn essentials like mirror glazes, pastry cream and buttercream and gain the type of confidence to tackle even the most challenging chocolate recipes.
Temper is open for takeout orders and pickup Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about Temper Chocolate & Pastry, visit temperpastry.com.
HOLIDAY HOURS
Temper Chocolate & Pastry will be operating with reduced hours during the season. The shop and café will close early at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 24 and will reopen on Thursday December 28. Temper will be open until 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 and closed until Thursday, January 4.
Beaucoup Bakery is ready to take guests on a delicious winter wonderland adventure this year with the unveiling of its 2023 holiday collection, Nutcracker Sweets. Inspired by the whimsical tales from the Land of the Sweets, pastry chef Betty Hung and her talented team have created two new Bûche de Noël flavours, a 12-piece Nutcracker bonbon set, and a cookie box fit for Santa Claus. And brand new for this year, charcuterie croissants for holiday brunches and lunches at its St. Regis location.
Starting November 24, 2023, guests can pre-order the Nutcracker Sweets collection online for pick-up at Beaucoup Bakery’s Fir Street location. Select treats (excluding yule logs) will be available at both cafes (Fir Street and St. Regis) for walk-ins each day.
“The Nutcracker is so iconic during the holiday season – we really wanted to capture the magic, wonder, and sweetness of the timeless classic with our new Nutcracker Sweets collection,” says Betty, who co-owns Beaucoup Bakery alongside her brother, Jacky Hung. “There’s definitely some whimsy in our cookie box this year, featuring green and red themed offerings, as well as delectable flavours with our popular bonbons. We can’t wait for our guests to enjoy very soon!”
The full Nutcracker Sweets collection includes:
Nutcracker Bonbons ($24) 12-piece handcrafted chocolate bonbon set featuring two limited-edition flavours: Pistachio Praliné with saffron vanilla ganache and Pecan Praliné with espresso ganache.
Bûche de Noël ($42 per yule log) Experience three yule log flavours, exclusively available for the holiday season: Mandarine mandarin cake, orange whipped ganache, orange marmalade, dark chocolate mousse and rich chocolate glaze Pistache chocolate joconde, chocolate custard, cassis, Valrhona Alpaco feuilletine crisps, pistachio mousse, rum ganache Calamansi coconut dacquoise, calamansi jelly, lemon yuzu crumble, vanilla mousse, coconut ganache.
Noël Cookie Boxes (12 for $25 & 24 for $45) Three flavours for 2023: Matcha Toffee Macadamia Snowballs, featuring shortbread with toffee and crunchy nuts; Yuzu Almond Florentines, a chewy almond caramel on a buttery cookie base; and Halva Sablés, featuring almond sablés dipped in almond chocolate and topped with nutty halva.
On a savoury note, Beaucoup Bakery is proud to introduce its new Charcuterie Croissants (from $15), available only at its St. Regis location. Guests can choose from three flavours: Prosciutto with a cheese croissant base, green peppercorn aioli, mustard, prosciutto ham, shaved gruyere, and arugula; Mortadella, featuring a herb cheese croissant base with green peppercorn aioli, pesto, shaved gruyere, mortadella, and arugula; and Smoked Salmonwith a herb cheese croissant base with dill cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, pickled onions, and fresh dill.
“We’ve been working on our croissant sandwiches for a while now, and are so happy to now share them with our guests,” adds Betty. “Downtown Vancouver is always bustling with people looking for new and fresh lunch options. These sandwiches will be a great addition to our St. Regis cafe.”
As always, a selection of Beaucoup’s most ordered pastries, such as its butter croissants, pain au chocolat, cinnamon scrolls, individual-sized cakes, scones, and more are available for pre-orders for pick-up on December 23 to 24, 2023 at its Fir Street location. Corporate orders are also available.
For more information and for holiday hours of operation, please visit www.beaucoupbakery.com.
This December, Coal Harbour’s award-winning contemporary Japanese restaurant, Miku (70-200 Granville Street), presents a new Holiday Kaiseki menu to celebrate the festive winter season. Available for the month of December, guests are invited to experience Miku’s warm omotenashi (wholehearted hospitality), while indulging in a delicious seven-course dinner created by head chef Martin Simicek and pastry chef Isabelle Valencia.
Miku first launched its seasonal kaiseki tasting menu eight years ago with a goal to combine meticulous preparation, beautiful presentation, and an element of surprise to deliver a memorable meal – all presented on artisanal Arita-Yaki plateware from Japan.
“We’re excited for guests to try our new Holiday Kaiseki, where we continue to highlight premium ingredients, such as Kristal caviar and Iwate A5 Wagyu, together with local offerings and fresh, sustainable seafood,” explains Simicek, who has worked alongside Aburi Restaurants Canada executive chef Kazuhiro Hayashi since 2017. “It’s truly a symphony of flavours as each course is enjoyed – starting with our delicate consommé and ending with our exquisite dessert.”
Miku’s Holiday Kaiseki ($195++ per person) is available during dinner service, from December 1 to 31, 2023. Reservations can be made online or via phone at 604-568-3900.
Miku’s Holiday Kaiseki
Duck Consommé duck confit, micro shiso
Wild Mushroom Mille Feuille matsutake mousse, Atlantic lobster, Kristal caviar
Aburi Prime chef’s selection of specially created nigiri in Miku’s signature style
Cranberry Kinako Bar kinako white chocolate ice cream, white chocolate snow, cranberry consommé
Guests can also choose between two different beverage pairings (from $65), curated by beverage manager Shota Yoshitake, to add to the experience. Each beverage pairing features a combination of unique local and international sake and wine. Examples include the Dassai ‘45’ Sparkling Nigori, Cantina Tibaldi Roero Arneis, Senkin Muku Junmai Ginjo Muroka-Genshu, Domaine Taka ‘Purple Label’ Junmai Daiginjo, and Château Suduiraut Sauternes with dessert.
“The team puts a lot of thought, care, and hard work into each kaiseki to ensure guests can savour something different each time,” adds Seigo Nakamura, founder and CEO of Aburi Restaurants Canada. “With our Holiday Kaiseki, we hope guests will visit with friends, loved ones, and/or their colleagues as part of their holiday celebrations.”
This October, Miku was recently named to Michelin Guide Vancouver’s recommended list for the second year in a row.
The Coca-Cola® Holiday Caravanhas embarked on its national tour and will be coming to Vancouver from December 15 to December 19 to bring a taste of the holidays to Vancouver this holiday season.
Guests will get to enjoy an interactive, festive experience including a meet and greet and free holiday photo with Santa, and a complimentary Coca-Cola beverage or hot chocolate or latte made with fairlife milk.
Friday, December 15th 5 – 9PM Safeway Kensington (6564 E Hastings Burnaby BC)
Saturday, December 16th 10am-1pm Save On Foods Sunwood (3025 Lougheed Hwy #100, Coquitlam, BC)
Saturday, December 16th 5pm-10pm Lafarge Lake (1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC)
Sunday, December 17th 10am-6pm McArthurGlen Designer Outlets (7899 Templeton Station Rd #1000, Richmond, BC)
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market is helping holiday hosts get into the spirit of the season and shift into festive feasting mode via a variety of fresh-caught seafood, kits and more available for pre-order at the Michelin-recommended downtown dining destination and retail market (762 Cambie Street) beginning Friday, December 1.
Beyond an ever-changing assortment of live oysters and raw bar features ready to go including mussels, clams and crab, frozen seafood, soups and stocks, smoked and canned seafood and a variety of salts and seasonings, new items that will be featured at the Shellfish Market for the festive season include:
Live and Cooked Whole Atlantic Lobster(by weight);
Shuckers’ Dozen Kits that include lemon, mignonette and a shucking knife;
Baked Oyster Kits;
Smoked Oyster or Dungeness Crab & Artichoke Dips;
Ekone Stocking Stuffer Sampler Packs(cans of Smoked Coho Salmon; Smoked Albacore Tuna with Lemon; Original Smoked Albacore Tuna; Habanero Hot Smoked Oysters; Lemon Pepper Smoked Oysters; Original Smoked Oysters; Smoked Mussels; and Canned Octopus);
Naas Foods Kelp Seasonings in Everything, Popcorn, Flakes and Smoked Flakes varieties.
“Shellfish has always been a holiday tradition on the West Coast, especially in our family. For me, the holidays are time to enjoy a cup of my grandmother’s oyster stew or slurp back as many fresh oysters as possible prior to ringing in the new year,” says Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market Co-Owner and Wholesale/Marketing Manager Malindi Taylor. “Every family has their own amazing recipes that make our shellfish shine, and we love getting to hear how it has been the centrepiece of festive feasts as families and friends gather together at this time of year.”
Throughout December, the Fanny Bay Oyster Bar will also get guests into the holiday spirit with a variety of lobster-themed features including Lobster Poutine(Atlantic lobster, lobster bisque gravy, cheese curds, fries, $23); Lobster Rolls(2 pcs., toasted brioche bun, celery, peppers, Old Bay aioli, $23); Lobster Bisque(Atlantic lobster, brandy, lemon-herb crème fraîche, sturgeon caviar $24); and Lobster Thermidor (whole Atlantic lobster, mushroom duxelles, creamed leeks, Dijon, brandy lobster sauce, panko, autumn vegetable medley, $49).
Seafood fans and New Year’s revellers alike can also flip the calendar in fine style on Sunday, December 31 starting at X p.m. when Fanny Bay will showcase a bottle of Taittinger Champagne and a dozen assorted oysters available for dine-in service only for $120.
The downtown dining destination is set to grow from its current quarters into an 1,800 sq. ft. space with 60 more seats, a private dining room for parties and shucking classes and a larger oyster bar once its planned expansion is set to be complete in the spring of 2024.
HOLIDAY HOURS
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market will be open Christmas Eve (Sun., Dec. 24) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed Christmas Day (Mon., Dec. 25), Boxing Day (Tues., Dec. 26) and New Year’s Day (Mon., Jan. 1)
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar is located at 762 Cambie Street and is open for dine-in service and takeout seven days a week from 2 to 10 p.m. with daily Happy Hour features available from 2 to 6 p.m. The Fanny Bay retail market is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers fresh and smoked seafood selections, premium shellfish and oysters from British Columbia and Washington State, gourmet pantry items, seafood boxes and specialty kits available to order online for pick-up or home delivery.
Jules Bistro Chef/Owner Emmanuel Joinville has announced he will lower the curtain on his beloved Gastown ‘bar à vin’ and bring to an end more than 16 years as a staple of Vancouver’s culinary scene following a final night of service on Sunday, December 31.
Joinville is inviting long-time friends and family to join the Jules team to raise a glass, enjoy a favourite dish or two and say goodbye to the beloved Parisian-inspired bistro, which will remain open from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and from 11:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays over the next six weeks.
Joinville opened Jules in 2007 and quickly carved out a reputation par excellence thanks to its West Coast-inspired, seasonally informed renditions of classic Parisian fare, cozy and intimate ambiance and authentic spirit of hospitality.
While the restaurant was named after his son, it became a bit of a proxy child in its own right, with Joinville making his way into the kitchen each morning at the break of dawn to pore over classic recipes, hand-pick choice ingredients and prep for each day’s service.
“Jules has been a labour of love for me since day one and making the decision to bid farewell is a bittersweet one, but it’s time for me to pass the torch to a new generation of culinary talent,” says Joinville. “It is with deep gratitude and love that I embark on the next adventure and enjoy semi-retirement. I won’t say it’s the end, but ‘jusqu’a la prochaine fois’ — until the next time.”
Joinville began his kitchen career in 1981 in his hometown of Dijon, France as an apprentice at Chef Rene Villard’s 3-star Michelin restaurant Chateau Bourgogne, and climbed the culinary ranks to earn his own stripes as an acclaimed and well-respected chef and restaurateur prior to emigrating to Vancouver with his family in 2000 and opening Jules in 2007.
“I am so thankful for all of my staff who have become like family over the years, and the guests who have dined with us since we opened, and I hope to make a few more memories in the days before our last service,” says Joinville. “We’ve been so lucky to forge friendships with so many regulars and be a part of their celebrations, date nights and special occasions, and it’s an experience I will never forget.”
Reservations for Jules’ final weeks of service are available by calling the restaurant at 604-669-0033 or by booking online via OpenTable.
This Wednesday through Friday order a grande or larger handcrafted drink after 2pm & get a second 50% off. Grab your friends, coworkers and carpool crew and get an afternoon pick me up. What will you order?
*Offer valid after 2pm from November 22 – 24, 2023 at participating Starbucks stores. Buy any handcrafted drink, grande or larger and get one of equal or lesser value for 50% off (up to a maximum value of $10) in the same order. Excludes hot brewed coffee or tea, Starbucks Reserve® beverages and ready-to-drink beverages. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Store hours vary. Check the Starbucks app or starbucks.ca for order ahead availability and hours of operation by store.
Delight everyone on your holiday gift list with exquisite signature treats, cookies, and chocolate creations from Mon Paris Pâtisserie! Premium shortbread cookies in five incredible flavours are a scrumptious way to make the holidays even more memorable. Meanwhile, festive handcrafted chocolate gifts and stocking stuffers will immerse your loved ones in the undeniable magic of the holiday season. The Mon Paris 2023 Holiday Collection is available for pre-order and pickup now.
Holiday Chocolate Gifts
O Tannenbaum, $35: This white-and-milk-chocolate evergreen stands in splendid beauty against winter’s snow along with three assorted signature truffles.
Noël Candles, $35: A flicker of nostalgia in white, milk and dark chocolate filled with gianduja, and caramelized puff rice.
Ornaments, $22: Hand-painted milk or dark chocolate decorative tree ornaments with two signature truffles hidden inside.
Holiday Fruit & Nut Tree, $39: Milk or dark chocolate decadence with a variety of nuts and dried fruits.
Truffle Boxes, $20: 20 pieces of decadent chocolate truffles in two distinct flavours of rich dark chocolate, and vibrant chocolate raspberry.
Festive Chocolate Bar Box, $23: Five festive chocolate cylinder-shaped bars in three seasonal flavours including Chestnut and Rum in dark chocolate; Raspberry Cookie Crunch in milk chocolate; and Lemon Pie in white chocolate.
Chocolate Boxes, $36.50: 16 bonbons in a variety of signature flavours, enrobed in dark, milk, and white Belgian chocolate.
The 2023 holiday chocolate collection is available now at Mon Paris Pâtisserie. Orders for seasonal treats, special occasion cakes, and Belgian chocolate bonbons can be placed online at monparis.ca, in person at Mon Paris (4396 Beresford St., Burnaby), or by phone at 604-564-5665.
Award-winning Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie launches 10th Anniversary-inspired 2023 Holiday Collection for festive gift giving and seasonal indulgence. Located in Burnaby Heights and White Rock, the chocolatier is featuring its signature handcrafted showpieces, gourmet advent calendars, gift boxes, and stocking stuffers including festive chocolate lollipops starting from $2.95++, now available in-store and online for pre-ordering.
The inspiration for Chez Christophe’s 2023 Holiday Chocolate Showpiece Collection comes from the company’s 10th Anniversary celebrations, creating a North Pole pastry kitchen brigade out of premium chocolate. Milk chocolate “Chez Santa” acts as the executive pastry chef, holding a rolling pin and a croissant. The dark chocolate penguin plays sous chef to Santa, donning a chef hat with a mixing bowl and spoon by his side. Everyone’s favourite reindeer takes on the integral role of chocolatier, holding a bench scraper and a square of completed chocolate work.
“Chez Santa” – Made entirely of 42% milk chocolate and 35% caramelized white chocolate. Filled with a limited edition red, white, and green dark chocolate and caramelized white chocolate corn puff dragee.
“Chef Penguin” – Made entirely of 63.6% dark chocolate with a 34% white chocolate base and dark chocolate coffee bean dragee decor.
“Chocolatier Reindeer” – Made entirely of 35% caramelized white chocolate with a 42% milk chocolate base and 63% dark chocolate decor. Filled with dark chocolate and caramelized white chocolate corn puff dragee.
Limited quantities of each showpiece are available. Guests are encouraged to order early online for pick up in-store to avoid disappointment. Ordering information can be found HERE.
The 2023 Chez Christophe gourmet Advent Calendar, priced at $28.95++, contains 25 countdown days of decadent chocolate surprises such as 33% ruby chocolate, 35% blanc caramel chocolate, and 83% Zabuye dark chocolate. Guests looking for a dairy-free option can enjoy the Vegan Advent Calendar with countdown squares of 42.3% NXT plant-based “milk” chocolate, 63.6% Montreux dark chocolate, 83% dark chocolate, and raspberry-infused chocolate, priced at $29.95++.
Chez Christophe has two convenient locations – 4717 Hastings St. Burnaby, BC and 1558 Johnston Rd. White Rock, BC, open Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to place orders online HERE for pick up in-store. In addition, beginning on November 30, 2023, Chez Christophe will accept pre-orders for its Bûche de Noël (Yule Log) for pick up on December 23rd and 24th, 2023. Flavours are to be announced before the late November launch.
Advance tickets are now on sale for the Vancouver International Wine Festival. Save $6 off International Festival Tasting (IFT) tickets for the 45th Vancouver International Wine Festival, or taste it all and save $30 on the Super Pass. Want to taste for free? Book one of 43 downtown hotels available through StayVancouverHotels.com and receive an IFT ticket, a saving of up to $135.
The 2024 festival runs from February 24 to March 3 and welcomes 149 wineries from around the wine world. All participating wineries and their principals gather in the Tasting Room (February 29-March 2) to showcase their wines. Advance-price tickets are limited and savings are in effect while quantities last. After that, tickets are available at regular rates. The StayVancouverHotels free ticket offer is available through February 15, or while quantities last.
This year, the festival’s theme is Discover Italy, with 71 wineries and their principals from Italy travelling to Vancouver to share wines from their storied terroirs. They’re joined by 78 wineries from 11 additional countries. Overall, more than one out of four wineries are making their festival debut in 2024.
“The Tasting Room is the heart of the festival, and with the holiday season coming up, we’re delighted to offer festivalgoers the opportunity to save on their evening or afternoon of tasting,” said Harry Hertscheg, VIWF Executive Director. “Tickets make a great gift for the wine lover on your list, and you can buy them online or by phone. Best of all, the ticket price you see is the amount you pay. No surprises upon check out!” The advance sale offers savings on International Festival Tasting tickets and associated packages. See details below.
ADVANCE SALE OFFERS
International Festival Tastings Festivalgoers save $6 off the regular price of International Festival Tasting tickets (Thursday, February 29, Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2). Advance tickets for evening tastings, 7 to 10 p.m., are $109 for Thursday, $119 for Friday and $129 for Saturday. The Saturday matinee tasting from 2:30 to 5 p.m., set against the stunning backdrop of Coal Harbour, is available for the advance price of $119. Only a limited number of tickets are available at the advance rate for each of the four sessions. Once the advance allotment sells out, tickets may be purchased at regular prices.
Super Pass For those wanting the full tasting experience, Super Passes go on sale for only $460, a $30 savings. Super Passes include access to six tastings (four public IFTs and two Trade Tastings, presented by ContainerWorld) and the exclusive Festival Toast VIP reception. Purchased individually, the Super Pass events are valued at nearly $700.
BOOK A HOTEL, GET A FREE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL TASTING TICKET! Turn your tasting into a weekend trip! Book a stay at one of StayVancouverHotels.com’s 43 downtown hotels and receive a free International Festival Tasting ticket (a $115 to $135 value at regular rates) to the session of your choice. This offer is only available until February 15 or while allocations last, so book early to for best hotel rates and availability. The StayVancouverHotels.com initiative is an important cornerstone of the festival’s Don’t Wine and Drive program.
The Tasting Room at the Vancouver Convention Centre is where all 149 participating wineries gather to pour ~800 select wines. Discover exciting new wines, or return to old favourites, sipping from premium wine glasses. The room will also feature tasting stations featuring wines from California, New Zealand, Italy, and sparkling wines from around the world. You can also find wine-friendly food and beverage exhibitors offering tasting samples, including ARC Iberico Imports, Caffè Umbria, Clearsips, D’Oro Gelato e Caffè, FIJI Water, La Grotta del Formaggio, Rishi Tea & Botanicals, Soft Crush, Terra International Foods, and True Italian Taste. However, festivalgoers are encouraged to have a meal before attending as food quantities are limited. Other Tasting Room exhibitors adding value for attendees include BC Food & Wine Radio, ContainerWorld, Delta Air Lines, Enostore, Import Vintners & Spirits Association, and Riedel – The Wine Glass Company.
Theme Country: Italy This is the year to discover the storied wines of Italy, with 71 wineries from 13 different regions featured at the festival. “Italy contributes some 20% of the world’s wine, yet for many it remains a relative mystery,” says festival keynote speaker, wine journalist and educator, Filippo Bartolotta. “The magical boot of Europe boasts hundreds of varieties, wine styles, interpretations, and breadth.” Stop by the Scopra L’Italia booth to start your Italian wine journey and learn more about Italian wines from local experts.
Vine Stars What makes VanWineFest unique is the presence of global “vine stars” – winemakers, proprietors, senior executives – who come to Vancouver every year to pour and discuss their wines with festivalgoers. Each winery will be represented at events by a principal, a senior representative from the winery. Seek out the royal blue lanyards at tastings and special events to meet our vine stars face-to-face.
More Room, Smaller Crowds Both the Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon sessions are guaranteed to have a lower capacity than Friday and Saturday evening, offering more room and more time to interact with winery principals.
BCLIQUOR Festival Wine Shop Included in the price of each ticket is the opportunity to shop at the onsite BCLIQUOR store where exclusive wines from all participating wineries will be available for purchase. Take advantage of the bottle check – shop early to pick up your must-have wines, check your purchases, and then return to the Tasting Room to discover more wines. Whether you buy one bottle or 100, your wine purchases can be shipped at no cost to your nearest BCLIQUOR store anywhere in the province. This is an unparalleled opportunity to start or build a wine collection, with knowledgeable staff to guide you on which wines are best to cellar.
Don’t Wine and Drive
Book a downtown hotel via StayVancouverHotels.com and get a free International Festival Tasting ticket (while supplies last or until February 15)
Get a free transit ticket from BC Liquor Distribution Branch as you leave the tastings to Get Home Safe
Grab a taxi or limo home
HOW TO PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS Online:VanWineFest.ca Phone: 604-873-3311, toll free 1-877-321-3121 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) All ticket prices include wine, food (if a food event), gratuities, taxes and service charge.
Save the Dates
Advance tickets and StayVancouverHotels ticket are now on sale
Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction goes on sale Wednesday, November 22 at 9:30 a.m.
Trade Days Pass goes on sale Wednesday, December 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Winery dinners go on sale Wednesday, January 3 at 9:30 a.m.
All remaining public events go on sale Wednesday, January 10 at 9:30 a.m.
All trade events go on sale Wednesday, January 17 at 9:30 a.m.
As the season of joy and merriment draws near, Phantom Creek Estates is delighted to unveil its exclusive, limited-time 2023 holiday wine bundles. From the wine aficionado to the culinary enthusiast, these thoughtfully curated selections are sure to delight recipients and elevate any celebration this holiday season.
Available for purchase online starting November 15, the holiday bundles feature an impressive selection of wines, including exclusive Grand Cru Club offerings, ensuring a truly special experience for the recipient. Each bundle has been carefully designed to reflect the diverse tastes and preferences of Phantom Creek Estates’ discerning clientele.
To further enhance the holiday spirit, all orders will be entitled to complimentary shipping, providing an extra touch of convenience and value for customers.
Phantom Creek’s four 2023 holiday wine bundles make ideal gifts that offer a compelling taste of the acclaimed B.C. winery’s exceptional vintages and unparalleled craftsmanship. The selections embody Phantom Creek’s passion for excellence and dedication to offering the finest in the world of wine.
While the bundles are perfect for any wine lover, Phantom Creek has curated gift sets with delightful extras for bubble enthusiasts or epicureans.
The thoughtfully crafted Sparkling Bundle combines two exceptional sparkling wines with a sabre for a thrilling uncorking. The 2017 Sparkling Brut seamlessly blends the lively finesse of Chardonnay with the depth of Pinot Noir, while the Chardonnay-dominant Brut Reserve shows delicate, elegant fruit with the added richness and complexity from aging in neutral barriques for 11 months prior to blending.
Gastronomes will love the Chef’s Choice Bundle, which showcases the winery’s 2020 Malbec and their fruit-forward, floral, and fresh small-lot 2021 Viognier. The bundle comes with two thoughtful additions sure to elevate any home cooking experience: a copy of the beautiful Okanagan Eats Cookbook, autographed by Phantom Creek’s own Chef Alessa Valdez, as well as Chef Alessa’s Spice Rub.
Make a date that the whole family will love with The Courtney Room’s Brunch with Santa, taking place on Sunday December 10th, 12-3pm.
The jolly gift-giver himself will be joining for family photos, while everyone enjoys live jazz and savours a delicious, two-course brunch menu. Starting with delicious, house-baked pastries, first course highlights include Smoked Salmon and Beets with whipped ricotta, duck fat rosti and radish, or Butternut Squash Soup with sage and brown butter. Second course options include Mushroom and Avocado Tartine with poached local farm eggs, sourdough and chili, or Chicken and Waffles with maple hot sauce gravy and signature slaw.
A special menu for little ones includes firm favourites such as Chocolate French Toast with macadamia nut butter and banana and Gluten-free Waffles with berry compote, chantilly cream and maple syrup. Tickets cost $75 for adults and $30 for children under 12s, plus tax and includes coffee, tea or juice. Every child will receive a goodie bag and the team will be collecting non-perishable food items to donate to the Mustard Seed Church Holiday Food Drive.
On December 25th, a special, four-course Festive Menu will be served, featuring Roasted Hokkaido Scallops, winter radish salad, ras el hanout emulsion or Beef Tartare, turnip, pecorino, flax crumble, seeded rye bread to start. To follow, guests can select from a range of choices, including: Roasted Turkey Breast, sea buckthorn, crispy brandade, pickled local peppers, saffron charcoal emulsion; Roasted Squash Agnolotti, mushrooms, Reggiano, brown butter, lemon; or Beretta Farms Beef Striploin, duck fat rösti, smoked carrots, bordelaise. Dessert options include TCR Christmas Pudding or Apple Tart Tatin. $160 per person plus tax and gratuity.
Ring in the New Year in style at The Courtney Room with a very special chef’s tasting menu, featuring eight delicious courses on December 31st. Highlights include In-house 14-day Dry Aged Kampachi, winter radish, smoked tomato negroni; Vancouver Island Venison with pistachio, pine mushrooms, hearty greens, salal berry jus; and Spiced Crème Brûlée with citrus and smoked paprika. $145 per person plus tax and gratuity.
From 10pm on New Year’s Eve, The Courtney Room’s bar will turn up the party vibe and welcome local favourite Dumpling Drop for a once-a-year feature menu, as well as live music. $30 per guest plus tax and gratuity.
Reservations over the holidays are highly encouraged. To view menus and make a reservation, visit www.thecourtneyroom.com.
