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Italian Day Returns To The Drive Sunday June 11th

22 May

After 3 years without the Italian Day Festival due to the pandemic and other gathering restrictions, Italian Day returns to The Drive Sunday, June 11th.  This 14 block vibrant street party will take place on The Drive from the Grandview Cut to Venables.  Italian Day is filled with food, entertainment, and loads of things to do, see and experience.  Grab some friends and stop at one of the many outdoor patios set up for the day, or take in one of the many food trucks lined up and down Commercial Drive.  You will certainly not go hungry while you wander and take in all the sights and sounds.

Italian Day kicks off at Noon and the party runs till 8:00 pm. Just a reminder that vehicle traffic on Commercial Drive is blocked off, so it is best to take transit, walk or cycle in. For those cycling to Italian Day, we expect a Bike Valet will be set up again at 1st Avenue & Commercial, but this hasn’t been confirmed yet. We invite you come out and celebrate all things Italian. Italian Day represents the largest one day cultural street festival in Vancouver. Stop by and see some of the magic of this great street festival. For more information about Italian Day, visit them online at www.italianday.ca.

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Gourmet Warehouse Lines Up More Delish Cooking Classes

21 Apr

Gourmet Warehouse has added more delish cooking classes heading into the Summer season. If you haven’t already experienced one of their classes, it is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with some like-minded food lovers. If you have participated, you know it’s a great way to pick up some knowledge and some great tips in the kitchen. Added bonus is after each cooking class all the participants are offered a 10% discount for purchases made the day of your class. We have set a few of their upcoming classes that caught our eye.  For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes.

Pasta Like A Pro: Summery Southern Pasta – June 1, 2023

If you love fresh pasta and would like to learn how to make it from scratch, this is your class. Chef Deniz is back to teach you how to mix, roll, shape, and cook fresh pasta. In particular, this class will focus on the southern Italian style of pasta dough and how you can recreate it at home. You’ll also learn how to expertly make hand-shaped orcchiette and the perfect ragu companion as well as fresh maccheroni for those hot summer days. We’ve set out the delish menu below.

MENU

• Summer Salad of BC Sungold Tomatoes, Burrata, UBC Farm’s Arugula, Pickled Onions and Fine Balsamic, Olive Oil
• Hand Shaped Orecchiette with Light Sausage Ragu and Roasted Rapini, Parmesan Reggiano
• Fresh Maccheroni with Zucchini Trifolati, Bottarga, Lemon, Dill and Fine Olive Oil
• Vanilla Gelato with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Maldon Salt

Date Night: Steakhouse Classics – June 7, 2023

Chef Deniz returns to educate you on the ins and outs of cooking steak. He will also discuss the ins and outs of buying, preparing, and cooking steak in its various forms. From Tartare to Cote de Boeuf (rib steak) this class will show you some of the most traditional ways to enjoy this choice ingredient and build your confidence for the next time you are at the butcher counter. We’ve set out the menu below. Note: Seats for this class are sold in pairs only.

MENU

• Classic Salad with Roquefort Ranch Dressing, Crispy Bacon, Marinated Tomatoes, Seasonal Herbs.
• Belgian Toast Cannibal, Steak Tartare with Pickled Shallots, Mustard, Sundried Tomatoes, Grainy Mustard, Sourdough.
• Pan Roasted Prime Cote de Boeuf, Pomme Puree with Preserved Black Truffles, Creamed Summer Greens,
Pan Sauce with Green Peppercorn and Parsley.
• Warm Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Gelato.

Chef’s Table: Istanbul Tavern Classics –
June 8, 2023

Chef Deniz invites you to a world class dining experience like no other. With 15 years of experience at some of the city’s most notable restaurants, like Cafe Medina, Chambar, and more, chef Deniz will artfully guide you through a 5 course tasting menu as he reveals the tips and tricks you will need in your kitchen to advance your skills to the next level and get you ready to wow your guests at your next dinner party. Having grown up in Turkey, Deniz will show you authentic preparation with expertly balanced spices and flavours right from his childhood backyard with Istanbul Tavern Classics.We’ve set out the delish menu below.

MENU

• Traditional Mezze Platter, Babaganoush, Red Lentil Falafel with Endive, Charred Pepper Salad with Sherry and Gremolata,
Tzatiki, Sourdough.
• Eggplant Zaalouk, Caramelized Eggplant Salad with Spicy Tomato Sauce, Cilanto and Crispy Onions.
• Pacanga Boregi, Crispy Pastry with Beef Cured in Pastrami Spices, Young Kasseri Cheese,
Charred Tomato Salsa with Pomegranate Molasses.
• Hunkar Begendi, Local Lamb Stew alla Turca with Cheesy Eggplant Sauce and Stewed Bulgur
with Herbs and Harissa.
• Dondurmali Irmik Helvasi, Semolina Pudding with Sweet Spices, PineNuts, Vanilla Gelato

To see all the classes being offered and or to register, we invite you to visit GourmetWarehouse.ca.

Photo Credit: Gourmet Warehouse

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Gourmet Warehouse Announces Delish Spring Cooking Classes

16 Feb

Gourmet Warehouse has some great new cooking classes lined up this Spring. If you haven’t already experienced one of their classes, it is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with some like-minded food lovers. If you have participated, you know it’s a great way to pick up some knowledge and some great tips in the kitchen. Added bonus is after each cooking class all the participants are offered a 10% discount for purchases made the day of your class. We have set a few of their upcoming classes that caught our eye.  For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes.

Pleats & Eats: Dicky’s Dumpling Workshop – April 5, 2023

You are invited to join Pearl and Dickson, the creators of Dicky’s Dumps, as they show you how to effortlessly make your new favourite dumplings. You will learn various different dumpling folds and pinches to create beautiful and authentic treats that are perfect for sharing. This class will focus on three unique fillings and different cooking styles to expand your dumpling mastery. The menu for this class hasn’t been announced yet, but we’re pretty sure that it will be delicious! We also hear each class participant will be leaving the evening with a gift.

Date Night – Dreaming Of Amalfi Coast – April 20, 2023

If you have never been to the Amalfi Coast, we recommend putting it on your Bucket List. If you have been, you know how magical this part of Italy is. We encourage you to treat yourself and that special someone in your life with “Dreams of the Amalfi Coast” and discover the beautiful fresh flavours of one of the most famous coastlines in the world. Amalfi cuisine is encapsulated by fresh seafood, sparkling lemon, and perfectly ripened vegetables to fill your stomach and your soul. The menu for this class is set out below. Note: tickets for this class are being sold in pairs.

MENU

• Huacatay Vinaigrette Quinoa Salad with Mango, Avocado, Roasted Pepper, and Rocota Chili
• Verduras Causa – Whipped Beetroot and Potato, Lima Bean Puree, Aji Salsa, Pickled Beet, Huacatay, and Yam Chips
• Nikkei Ceviche – Wild Sockeye Salmon, Ginger, Avocado with Passion Fruit Ponzu, Wasabi Aioli, and Nori
• Lomo Saltado – Skirt Steak with Onion, Tomatoes, and Peppers with Kennebec Fries

Pasta Like A Pro – Spring In The South – April 27, 2023

Chef Deniz Tarakcioglu invites to join him to explore the regions of Southern Italy dish-by-dish, making each course yourself with expert guidance from our chefs. Roasted vegetables, classical pasta shapes, and delectable sauces will take you along the Mediterranean coastline of one of Italy’s historic regional cuisines. The menu for this class is set out below.

MENU

• Roasted Local Asparagus with Vin Cotto, Mortadella and Pecorino Romano, Fine Olive Oil
• Hand Shaped Orecchiette with Fresh Herbs, Olive Oil, Zucchini and Bottarga
• Maccheroni al Ferretto with Fennel Sausage Ragu, Spring Peas and Sheep’s Cheese
• Lemon Cream with Preserved Berries

To see all the classes being offered and or to register, we invite you to visit GourmetWarehouse.ca.

Photo Credit: Gourmet Warehouse

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New In Town: To Live For Bakery

23 Jan

This weekend we had the pleasure of checking out the newly opened To Live For Bakery located at 1508 Nanaimo Street at Grant Street. This is the brain child of Vancouver based vegan food blogger and business owner, Erin Ireland. Erin has had a passion for plant based cooking and baking for some time. You may have seen her vegan banana bread, then named To Die For Banana Bread, which was a part of her ongoing business evolution. Erin operated her bakery business from a commissary kitchen and supplied over 150 cafes.   Erin has taken the next logical leap and embarked on a bricks and mortar vegan bakery which opened last November in East Van. We’ve been hearing good things, so we stopped by this weekend to check it out. We had the added pleasure of chatting with Erin herself who was handing out samples of carrot cake to those waiting in line. We can attest that the carrot cake was light, flavourful and oh so delicious.  We also sampled the hazelnut mousse cake, only available to the end of the month, croissant and cinnamon bun.

To Live For Bakery has lots to offer including coffee, sweet and savoury treats, bread and beautiful cakes. Erin has chosen a bright white modern décor accented by natural wood.  There is seating inside, but fair warning this is a busy spot, so be prepared for a short wait. The line moves fairly quickly and the samples certainly help, but the short wait allows you to view all that’s on offer. In good news, more seating is planned for the outdoor space in the summer.  We love seeing these community spaces pop up in East Van neighbourhoods and wish Erin nothing but success and look forward to our next visit. To Live For Bakery is open 7 days a week from 7:00 to 5:00 pm.  Stop by and check out this great new local spot.

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Gourmet Warehouse Lines Up Delish Cooking Class In The New Year

28 Dec

Gourmet Warehouse has some great new cooking classes lined up for 2023, but fair warning many of the upcoming classes are already sold out. So if something piques your interest, we recommend registering. If you haven’t already experienced one of their classes, it is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with some like-minded food lovers. If you have participated, you know it’s a great way to pick up some knowledge and some great tips in the kitchen. Added bonus is after each cooking class all the participants are offered a 10% discount for purchases made the day of your class. We have set a few of their upcoming classes that caught our eye.  For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes.

Pasta Like A Pro: Southern Italia – February 23, 2023

If you love fresh pasta, this class is for you. You are invited to roll up your sleeves and learn how to make some Italian staples from scratch. This is a hands-on class in which Chef Deniz while guide you through each step. You’ll leave this class with the working knowledge of how to make your own dough, form authentic Italian pasta shapes, create a timeless ragu, plus garnishing the Mediterranean way. We’ve set out the menu for this class below:

MENU

• Winter Salad with Caramelized Squash, Goat’s Cheese Truffles, Winter Greens,
and Fine Balsamic, Crostini
• Hand Shaped Orecchiette with Light Sausage Ragu,
and Roasted Rapini, Parmesan Reggiano
• Fresh Maccheroni Cacio Pepe with Pecorino Romano and Burnt Hazelnuts
• Vanilla Gelato with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Maldon Salt

Modern Peruvian – March 7, 2023

Acclaimed local chef Shelome Bouvette invites you on a journey of flavours through Peru. You will be introduced to classic Peruvian comfort food with a contemporary twist. We’ve set out the menu below:

MENU

• Huacatay Vinaigrette Quinoa Salad with Mango, Avocado, Roasted Pepper, and Rocota Chili
• Verduras Causa – Whipped Beetroot and Potato, Lima Bean Puree, Aji Salsa, Pickled Beet, Huacatay, and Yam Chips
• Nikkei Ceviche – Wild Sockeye Salmon, Ginger, Avocado with Passion Fruit Ponzu, Wasabi Aioli, and Nori
• Lomo Saltado – Skirt Steak with Onion, Tomatoes, and Peppers with Kennebec Fries

Cheesemaking 101: Mozzarella, Bocconcini & Burrata – March 5, 2023

You are invited to learn how to create your own  mozzarella, burrata and bocconcini using store bought milk. This class is led by Paula Nelson-Maddison who will teach you the science behind cheese in this 2 hour taste, touch and feel demonstration class. Paula will also show you unique and creative ways of serving these cheeses. For this demonstration class, each student will take home a kit so you can make 4 pounds of cheese at home along with online support.

MENU

• Fresh Mozzarella, Pesto and Sun-dried Tomatoes, Artisanal Crackers and Bread

To see all the classes being offered and or to register, we invite you to visit GourmetWarehouse.ca.

Photo Credit: Gourmet Warehouse

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Gourmet Warehouse Announces More Great Cooking Classes

11 Oct

Gourmet Warehouse has added more great cooking and baking classes heading into the holiday season. If you haven’t already experienced one of their classes, it is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with some like-minded food lovers. If you have participated, you know it’s a great way to pick up some knowledge and some great tips in the kitchen. Added bonus is after each cooking class all the participants are offered a 10% discount for purchases made the day of your class. We have set a few of their upcoming classes that caught our eye.  For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes.

Introduction to Pastry – November 5, 2022

Chef Andrei Godoroja, winner of ‘Great Canadian Baking Show’, will be leading this hands on pastry class. For those not familiar with pastry marking, it encompasses a wide spectrum of textures and techniques. In this class, you will learn to produce wonderfully flaky pastry that may be the basis of the most impressive and fastest desserts. We’ve set out below what you will be making in this class:

MENU

• Savoury Galette – Leek, Potato and Goat Cheese
• Sweet Galette – Apple and Cinnamon
• Puff Pastry – Seasonal Fruits and Fillings
• Fresh Fruit Tart – Chocolate Ganache, Pastry Cream, Fresh Fruit

Caren’s Holiday Appetizers 1 – November 23, 2022

Chef and owner of Gourmet Warehouse, Caren McSherry, hosts this demonstration cooking class in which she will teach you how to make 7 stunning canapes. In this evening class, you will learn to make:

MENU

• Turkish Lamb Kofte Skewers with Toasted Flatbread & Yogurt Tahini Drizzle
• Crisp Saffron Risotto Cakes with Grilled Prawns
• Prosciutto Parmesan Fingers
• Swiss Cheese Gougères
• Crispy Korean Tootsie Rolls with Kimchi Dipping Sauce
• Decadent Mini Dark Chocolate Tarts with White Chocolate Drizzle

Go Nuts For Doughnuts – November 26, 2022

Who does not love doughnuts? On November 26th, in this hands-on class, Chef Deniz Tarakcioglu will teach you how to make four different types of doughnuts and yes, you will make them yourself. Expect to learn the proper techniques including proofing, rolling out dough, correct practices for cutting and shaping dough and consistent frying. Chef Deniz will guide you through each step. The menu which includes sweet and savoury is set out below:

MENU

• Sourdough Beignets with Gravlax, Sour Cream and Pickled Onions
• Boston Cream and Berry filled Doughnut
• Cake Doughnut with Triple Chocolate topping
• Lokumades with Hot Honey

Taste of Taverna – December 1, 2022

Chef Deniz Tarakcioglu is back to lead this demonstration cooking class that shares the delish delicacies that Greece has to offer in “Taste of Taverna”. Ingredients that will feature prominently in the dishes include Roasted Garlic, Pistachio, Honeycomb and Lemon. Chef Deniz has spent his life in Turkey and the Mediterranean learning from friends and family the heart of European cuisine which he loves to share in each of his classes. The menu for this class is set out below:

MENU

• Roasted Garlic Hummus with Pita Crisps
• Pan Fried Halloumi with Honeycomb, Pistachios, Preserved Apricots
• Aegean Style Ling Cod Souvlaki, Fisherman’s Salad with Feta and Olives, Lemon Potatoes with Fresh Herbs
• Walnut Baklava with Clotted Cream

To see all the classes being offered and or to register, we invite you to visit GourmetWarehouse.ca.

Photo Credit: Gourmet Warehouse

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Farm To Table – A New Kind Of Dinner Theatre Coming To The Cultch

9 Oct

The Cultch invites you to join them for a truly unique interactive experience. Farm To Table comes to their stage and your kitchen November 17 to 21, 2021.  Think of it as a Zoom cooking lesson with some drama and a whole lot of laughs. The added bonus is that you can cook along with the show.

Farm to Table is a new kind of dinner theatre in which Nadine, a struggling restauranteur has broken up with her boyfriend, closed her restaurant and moved-in with her mother.  Things are going smashing as you can tell. In an attempt to get back on her feet, she’s pivoted her passion for making delicious food into creating an online cooking show.   This is where the fun begins.

The Cultch has partnered with FreshPrep which ticket gets you the Chef’s Kiss Package delivered to your door so you can cook along with the show. Of course, if you prefer, you can buy your own groceries to cook, or just watch the fun unfold via Zoom.  Prices start at $29 for a solo ticket show and up to $69 for the Chef’s Kiss Package which, of course, includes your ticket for Farm To Table.  To purchase your ticket, visit The Cultch.

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Vancouver Farmer Markets Kick Off Summer Season

30 Apr

Spring is here which means lots of local products at our farmer markets in East Vancouver. Each of the markets hosted by Vancouver Farmer Markets has a lot to offer in the way of locally grown produce, handmade goods, artisan breads and baked goods, locally made jams, cheese, free range and organic eggs and of course wineries, breweries as well as spirits to name just a few.  Trout Lake as many readers may know is the largest market in East Van and with Covid protocols, do expect a bit of a line up.  Mount Pleasant Farmers Market which is in Dude Chilling Park is a smaller market, but we love that it’s on a Sunday. Riley Park Farmers Market is next to one of the most beautiful community gardens we’ve seen and happens year round every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Main Street Farmers Market is currently closed due to construction. We have set out below the dates when the markets begin and end for the Spring/Summer season. We encourage you to stop by and support our local producers this season.

Trout Lake Farmers Market
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday: May 1, 2021 to October 30, 2021
Location: Lakewood Drive & E 13th Avenue

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Sunday:  May 23, 2021 to October 31, 2021
Location: Guelph Street between 7th & 8th Avenues (on the paved play area between Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Guelph Park/Dude Chilling Park)

Riley Park Farmers Market
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday: All Year Round (Sumer Kick Off May 1st)
Location: 30th Avenue and Ontario Street

Main Street Farmers Market
Currently Closed Due To Construction

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Sauvignon Blanc Cheese Tasting March 28, 2021 With les amis du FROMAGE

19 Feb


On the success of their recent Facebook Live tasting event, les amis du FROMAGE has lined up another event for cheese and wine lovers. Host Allison Spurrell will again be leading this 1 hour tasting which features the wine varietal Sauvignon Blanc. The tasting package is featured for 2 people and includes:

Cheese (8 types)
Crackers
Olives
Accompaniment
Tasting menu

Heads up, the wine is not included in the ticket price, but they have partnered with Marquis Wine Cellars who have helped choose the best pairings as well as a discount. After you purchase your ticket, you will be contacted by les amis du FROMAGE with a discount code for the suggested wines which we’ve set out below.

The Sauvignon Blanc Cheese Tasting event happens Sunday, March 28th at 6:30 pm. To purchase your ticket, visit les amis du FROMAGE. Note, cut off for ticket sales is March 21st.

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Virtual Cooking Class With Just Giulia February 12th

9 Feb

Giulia Lombardo invites you to join her for a virtual cooking class this Friday, February 12th. Giulia is going to teach you how easy it is to make fresh pasta. You can follow along step by step as she cooks, or watch her cook and then try it on your own after the cooking class. The menu for this upcoming class is:

Squash and Mascarpone Filled Heart Shaped Ravioli with
Sage and Brown Butter Sauce
Suggested Wine Pairing: Poplar Grove Pinot Gris

The cost of the cooking class is $20 with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. The fun kicks off at 6:00 pm. To register, email her directly at justgiulialombardo@gmail.com. Note, space is limited. You can also find Giulia on Instagram @justguiliaa or check her out You Tube. We’ve included one of her delish You Tube videos below. Mangia bene (translation: eat well).

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