Dine Out Vancouver, Canada’s largest restaurant festival, produced by Tourism Vancouver and presented by American Express, dishes up unlimited ways to enjoy the flavours of the city. Rumor has it that this years foodie fest is going to hit a record in terms of participating restaurants (though we’re not allowed to dish out the exact number until January hits).
With 17 calendar days of non-stop eating on the agenda, it’s the best way to literally eat your way around Vancouver. Top this off with a smattering of new culinary events, tasting tours, hotel options (so you can really unleash) and fantastic new dining experiences – Dine Out 2014 is shaping up to be more than a flash in the pan.
As with previous years, the rules are still the same; once the actual list of restaurants is revealed early next year, it’s up to you to race to the web and peruse the prix-fixe menus priced at $18, $28 and $38 respectively. Next step – score yourself a reservation ASAP (they get snapped up fast!) and let the dining begin.
This year, there are plenty of extra reasons to get in on the Dine Out act with an exceptional line up of culinary events on offer. We’ve culled the listings and hand-picked a few of our top must-attend events to whet your appetite – tickets can be purchased now and might make a good last minute Christmas gift, n’est-ce pas?
Act 1, Eat 1: Gob Squads Kitchen
Presented by the PuSH International Performing Arts Festival, score a spot at this deliciously fabulous dinner theatre combo. First, you will head to Salt Tasting Room for a fantastic 3-course dinner and then over to SFU’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts for a culinary-inspired live theatre performance. This culinary meets art event takes place on January 16th; dinner is at 6PM, show starts at 8PM.
Six Course Discourse
Follow Me Foodie’s own Mijune Pak is setting the culinary stage with a delicious evening of non-stop eating at this special food and wine extravaganza being held at the Stadium Theatre in Edgewater Casino. Grab your tickets and join the Einstein of foodies as she chats with six of Vancouver’s top chefs; Hamid Samilian, John Bishop, Vikram Vij, Scott Jaeger, Owen Lightly and Tina Fineza. Hear first-hand what makes them tick, their experiences and their passions. Takes place January 17th.
Plated & Paired at the Public Market
Presented by Granville Island Public Market and the Wines of British Columbia, this event takes place on January 17th at 8PM and promises to be bigger and better than ever. With the market closed, this after-hours tasting event gives you an exclusive opportunity to explore the market by night tasting the best of Granville Island. This event always sells out – don’t delay nabbing your tickets! Cost is $48.
Brunch Crawl – (West End Edition)
Presented by one of Vancouver’s top food bloggers, Richard Wolak of Vancouver Foodster, this event is new to Dine Out this year, so be sure to score yourself a spot on this tasty all-day feast taking place on January 19th. At a cost of only $40, you’ll enjoy a lazy brunch tour and sample your way through about 8 different restaurants, bistros and cafes around Vancouver’s West End. Meet at Marquis Wine Cellars to check in and get rolling from 10 AM until 3PM. Nosh on offerings courtesy of Buckstop, 1789 Restaurant, WE Coffee, Le Parisien, Just Juice, Central Bistro, Milestones, De Dutch and others.
Side Dishes – The Best of Hawksworth
One of our all-time favorite spots to dine, Hawksworth Restaurant is really set to tempt taste buds with this special series of events. Get dolled up and make your way to the York Room at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia for a night that is truly inspired. Chose from a variety of dates and specific prix-fixe tasting menus served longtable dining style. Each evening will feature a different meny prepared by Chef David Hawksworth and his team; pick one or indulge in all five! You certainly won’t be disappointed with whatever choice you make. Tickets are $48.
For more information on any and all upcoming Tourism Vancouver Dine Out 2014 events, visit the official site: www.dineoutvancouver.com.