CityFood Magazine - Farmers Markets Busting Out All Over

In the photo: Vancouver gets greener as more farmers markets open for the season.

ANNOUNCEMENTS - ( June 9, 2009 )
( Items on this page were edited from, excerpted directly, or subjected to our warped viewpoints via official press releases .)

RESTAURANTS/HOTELS

Just Added: Capone's: Capones Restaurant and Live Jazz Club announced today the launch of a unique, high-end, restaurant delivery service - the first of its kind in the city. Delivering via branded, red-painted Vespas driven by sharply dressed servers, Capone's will be able to transport its in-house dining menu, as well as its Viti Wine Merchants wine list, directly to customers' homes.

What makes this delivery service different from that currently offered by fast food outlets is in the way it will pay attention to all of the finer details (such as take out menus that resemble actual restaurant quality menus), plus it will offer the unprecedented ability to order in a favourite bottle of wine to pair with the meals. Says Rick Momsen, Owner of Capones. “We have taken into account all of the small details of the restaurant dining experience, from the uniforms, wine and beer options, service and menu offerings, and incorporated them into our delivery offer... Servers will open bottles of wine and provide food descriptions and information in an effort to ensure that customers feel they are still receiving the Capones experience, without actually having to visit the restaurant."

Delivery begins June 12th and will be available 7 days a week from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (No guarantee on waiting time however.)

The Irish Heather GastroPub : By partnering with their beer suppliers and digging into Chef Lee Humphries treasure trove of recipes, the team at the Irish Heather GastroPub are offering a series of value driven meals on the 40 ft "long table". Each dinner includes a pint of beer and a plate of food for $12 plus tax and service charge. Look for Roast Suckling Pig with Kronenberg Lager, Pan Roasted Skate with R&B Red Devil Ale, Braised Lamb Cheeks with a Pint of Guinness, etc. The "Long Table Dinner Series" commences on June 15th and will be offered on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Dinner is served at 630 p.m. on each evening. You are welcome to arrive earlier, but must be seated by 630 p.m. as dinner and pint will be served promptly. See menu details here . Addition news to note: The Irish Heather has opened their patio for the season and will be extending their Spot Prawn menu for an additional month. 212 Carrall Street, Gastown, Vancouver. 604-688-9779.

Campagnolo : In honour of the Main Street Station Farmers Market's arrival in their 'hood, Campagnolo's Chef Robert Belcham will be offering "fresh from the market" dishes every Wednesday night. 1020 Main Street. To reserve call 604-484-6018.

Fuel Restaurant: Fuel takes sandwiches to the next level with their new globally-inspired lunch feature. Infusing classic favourites with Fuel personality, chefs Robert Belcham and Ted Anderson have developed a selection of epicurean sandwiches evocative of such locales as Paris, New Orleans and Morocco. Showcasing house-cured meats from The Cure and paired with seasonal accompaniments, sandwiches are priced at $14.50. Selections change approximately every two weeks. Currently on the menu, the Fuel Bacon & Egg Sandwich pairs house made bacon, free range egg, mayonnaise and grainy mustard on Italian bread from Calabria bakery, served with a Caesar salad. Upcoming features in the Fuel Sandwich Series include: Reuben - corned brisket, sauerkraut, potato salad, Pulled Sloping Hill Pork Shoulder - carolina style bbq sauce, slaw, Portuguese bun and the Fried Sidestripe Shrimp Po Boy - remoulade sauce, crispy grits, to site a few examples.

Bins 941/Bin 942: Bin 941 and Bin 942 Tapas Parlours, are now both serving up Pinxos (pronounced pinch-os) in a menu that changes every two weeks. Bite-size portions smaller than tapas, originating in Spain, the Pinxos at the Bins are just $5 a plate, making them as pleasing to your wallet as they are to your palate. Bin 941 Tapas Parlour is located at 941 Davie Street at Burrard; Bin 942 is located at 1521 West Broadway at Granville.

Tracycakes Bakery Cafe in White Rock is celebrating its newly expanded menu, longer operating hours and new liquor licence, with a special night of live jazz by local pianist Ryan Faas and free appetizers on June 12th between 7- 9 pm. Guests, who purchase a minimum of $5 in food or drinks, will be able to choose a free appetizer from the new menu which includes a cheese plate, artichoke dip, chef's choice quesadillas and a cream cheese layer dip. Free appetizers will be limited to one per couple. A champagne high tea plus the full Tracycakes menu including cupcakes will be available. 15015 Marine Drive, White Rock, B.C. (604) 541-4668.

Bistrot Bistro : Proprietors Valerie and Laurent Devin like to say, "there is no yoga required", simply come out to Bistrot Bistro in the heart of Kitsilano, enjoy the food and atmosphere of 4th Avenue and we will take care of the rest. In this case, the rest is a cheque for the local disabled sailing program (disabilityfoundation.org) founded by former mayor, Sam Sullivan. This is not the first time that Bistrot Bistro have signed off on a Karma Tuesday contribution. Since shortly after opening their doors in 2007, the Devins launched the monthly Karma Tuesday program. Customers and neighbors from across the city submit their charity or non-profit group, Bistrot Bistro selects a monthly recipient and donates 5% of each Tuesday's proceeds. In this way they are able to give back to the community and to say thank you for its support. Several groups have participated and received support from Bistrot Bistro including: The Rick Hansen Foundation, Big Sisters of Lower Mainland, Cassie/Friends Fund, Scotty Hard Fund, Children's Heart Network and Dress for Success to name a few.

FOOD/RETAIL

On Saturday June 13th, les amis du Fromage invite you to the grand opening of their new store located at 845 East Hastings Street, between Hawkes and Campbell. While you have a gander at the new store, they will have some specialties out for you to sample. Also make sure to take advantage of the Grand Opening Sale! Everything in the store will be marked down by an additional 15% off. Also, receive a free insulated shopping bag ($5.00 value) with any purchase over $25.00. Limit one per customer, while supplies last.

Maan Farms in Abbotsford will have U-pick strawberries soon. Visit www.maanfarms.com for details. Maan Farms also sells at the Main Street Station and West End Farmers Market locations.

FARMERS MARKETS

Are you leafy greens running out? Head for the Main Street Station Farmers Market which debuts this Wednesday, June 10th, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The newest market is located near the very urban yet surprisingly beautiful NE corner of Main and Terminal. The 90 year old Pacific Central Station forms the backdrop to this market and Thornton Park sprawls out in front. Visit your favourite vendors and listen to music as you pick up something on your way home from work. Conveniently located on SkyTrain's Expo Line this market is close to multiple bus routes and driving thoroughfares. Parking is available near the site. Ask about the bicycle delivery service! The market will run weekly from June 10 to October 21st, 2009.

On Saturday, June 13th, The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm kicks off the 2009 Season event with the official launch of the Vancouver 100-Mile Diet Foodshed Map . The map is a wild, hand-built looking poster crowded with painted images and narrative blurbs that evoke the area’s food culture. Folks will be able to purchase the poster at the 100-Mile Diet booth at the UBC Farm Market. Other activities include farm tours, live music, a 100-mile pancake breakfast cooked by local chefs (9:30 - 11 a.m.), fresh, local produce, garden tool sharpening (bring your tools!), beehive tours, bike tune-ups, local artisans, baked goods, children’s activities, and more. Bring your own cup/Ride your bike /Transit /Car pool. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. UBC Farm (6182 South Campus road; visit the farm’s website for a map). Phone: 604-822-5092.

You may have heard that a farmers market has been approved for August and September in Gastown as part of the City's new "Summer Spaces" initiative. Your Local Farmers Market Society has announce that they will be partnering with the Gastown Business Improvement Society to bring a farmers market to Gastown Sundays in August and September. The location will be the 200 Block of Carrall Street. More information to come soon - but mark your calendars! This is going to be a great spot for residents and visitors featuring entertainment, sidewalk cafes and a great selection of produce, prepared foods and high quality crafts.

Sinclair Centre Mini Market . Do you work in the downtown core - somewhere around Granville and Hastings perhaps? Well, check out a mini-market happening at Sinclair Centre (757 West Hastings) on June 18 from 2:30 - 5:30 in the Lower Atrium of the mall. There will be a small selection of prepared food and farm vendors offering a sampling of what you can find at any of the other 4 summer Farmers Market locations.

In addition to the new bike valet services at the East Vancouver (Trout Lake) Famers Market , another successful venture has been the introduction of a Market Money system which works like a cash machine by trading a swipe off your debit card with wooden tokens worth $5 each. (Vendors take these tokens like cash.) So far the system is working well and people are enjoying the convenience of having a "cash machine" on hand. To obtain the tokens, visit the market information booth at Main Street and Kits and "The Corner Store" at Trout Lake. There is a $2 fee per transactions to cover the cost of administration of the system. [Our thought. Looking for a present to give a market fan for a birthday or other special occasion? Why not buy them some "Market Bucks" and put them in an envelope. Better karma and probably more rewarding than a lotto ticket.]

BOOKS

On Wednesday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks hosts Briget Albert , author of Market-Fresh Mixology . Tonight Briget will delight guests with cocktails using seasonal fruits, herbs and other market fresh ingredients. The perfect remedy for warm summer evenings. The cost of the evening is $65. 604-688-6755. 1740 West 2nd Avenue. Vancouver.

CALENDAR

JUNE 16, 2009:
Pacific Breeze at So.Cial at Le Magasin .
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Maureen Fleming, owner and managing partner of So.Cial at Le Magasin and Executive Chef Romy Prasad, along with Frank Gregus and Maurice Hamilton, owners and winemakers, present a 5-course tasting dinner featuring the BC wines of Pacific Breeze Winery. 6:30 p.m. reception / 7 p.m. dinner. $95 includes all taxes and gratuities. 200-332 Water Street. Gastown, Vancouver, B.C. 604-669-4488.

JUNE 17, 2009:
Lobster Supper at Hart House .
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Celebrate the season with wine, music, and fresh Maritime lobster. The evening begins with a casual tasting of wines held in Hart House’s gardens. Guests may then purchase wines from the evening’s specially-paired list to enjoy with their al fresco supper. The menu features fresh Nova Scotia lobster, live Maritime music and a spectacular view of Deer Lake. $52 per person plus taxes and gratuity. 6 p.m. Hart House at Deer Lake. 6664 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby. Reservations by phone only at 604-298-4278.

JUNE 24, 2009:
11th annual Summer Wine Rave at Hell's Kitchen.
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In honour of good drinking and developing palates, we welcome the arrival of summer with a celebration of under-appreciated varietals. $25 entry provides two hours of tasting dozens of wines poured by twelve of the city's top agencies, paired with hors d'oeuvres and dessert, followed by the after-party with DJ's Kutcorners and Rico Uno of The Freshest Kids. 7 p.m. 2041 West 4th Ave., Kitsilano, Vancouver. 604-736-4355.

JUNE 25, 2009:
AU=Precious Element at Opus.
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As part of this year's Arts Umbrella event, Au=Precious Element with its theme of "Gold and Glamorous" will be held at the Opus Bar at Opus Hotel. Funds raised will support arts programs for Vancouver’s less-privileged children. Canapés courtesy of Elixir bistro’s Executive Chef, Don Letendre will be enjoyed along with cocktails. Gold-painted goddesses will dance to the beats of DJ’s Blondtron & Krown, and guests will go home with a bag full of sponsored goodies. Tickets are $130 per person (a charitable tax receipt will be issued for a portion of the ticket price) and the event runs from 8 p.m. until late. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, visit the website link above. Taking place at the Opus Hotel in Yaletown. 322 Davie St., Vancouver.

JULY 14, 2009:
Bastille Day at les amis du Fromage.
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Make room in your Bastille Day schedule for this fantastic cheese tasting where you will explore some of the many regions from France. This tasting promises to highlight some of the best that France has to offer, and will include some classic cheese pairings with wines from the Alsace, Loire valley and Bordeaux. $75 plus GST per person. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Taking place at Au Petit Chavignol - 845 East Hastings Street, Vancouver. Tickets available in store or by phone at les amis du FROMAGE 2nd Ave store only. 604-732-4218

JULY 21, 2009:
Black Hills Wine at les amis du Fromage.
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Five vintages (2003-2007) of Nota Bene from Black Hills Estate Winery will be paired with a variety of cheeses and charcuterie, including some local BC favorites. David Lancelot, local wine guru and BC wine buyer for Marquis Wine Cellars will offer some insight into these wines. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Taking place at Au Petit Chavignol - 845 East Hastings Street, Vancouver. $110 + GST per person. Tickets available in store or by phone at les amis du FROMAGE 2nd Ave store only. 604-732-4218

OCTOBER 4, 2009:
11th Annual Salt Spring Island Apple Festival .
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The theme of this year's festival is "Celebrating Heritage Apples - TRAVEL BACK IN TIME". Visit the annual celebration on Saltspring Island for a chance to sample over 350 varieties of organic heritage apples, plus many related tours and activities. See past apple festival highlights at www.appleluscious.com. More details for this year's festival to be announced.