Food and Wine : Catherine Barr Vancouver Events, Celebrities & Entertainment News

Harmony Arts Festival 2016 West Vancouver

Posted: August 24, 2016

Harmony Arts Best of the West - Every year the people of West Vancouver get a chance to show everyone just how beautiful life by the sea can be. The 10-day long festival of arts, culture, music and more brings people from all over to celebrate. With displays, markets, food and fun - there's also theme nights and special events. The Best of the West event was held on Ambleside Pier and combined local ...more

Lonsdale Quay 30th Anniversary Long Table Dinner Event

Posted: June 24, 2016

Lonsdale Quay 30th Anniversary Corks and Forks - Hard to believe it's been 30 years since the Lonsdale Quay set up shop in North Vancouver. Known for its mini markets, eclectic shops, fresh food and amazing views of the waterfront and city, the Quay is a staple with locals and tourists alike. Celebrating with a special Corks and Forks long table dinner, Quay executives and special guests toasted the occasion in ...more

Hotel Georgia’s New Prohibition Cocktail Lounge is Sexy Chic

Posted: February 11, 2015

A modern crystal chandelier greets you at the door as you descend the spiral staircase. At the bottom, a plush long bar, lined with tantalizing turquoise bar chairs, outlines the room. Small cluster cocktail tables with padded booths and small stools stand adjacent waiting for couples to come cuddle. And while you may be there for a casual drink, you'll quickly wish it was for something more forbidden, like a ...more

Deighton Cup 2014 at Hastings Park Vancouver

Posted: July 27, 2014

It has to be one of the most colourful and fashionable events in Vancouver. Add in the bow ties, fanciful hats, champagne VIP lounge, luxury cars and horse racing and it's easy to see why it's also one of the hottest parties of the summer. The Deighton Cup, produced by the good folks at The Social Concierge, was held last weekend at Hastings Park. Local celebs and socialites were easy ...more

Canada’s Bartender of the Year 2014 in Vancouver

Posted: July 13, 2014

What does it take to become Canada's Bartender of the Year? Well, you must know your spirits and mixes for starters. A knowledge of basic ingredients also helps. Then there's the whole science of muddling things. And, if you want to impress, you must have a flair for the dramatic too. Last week ten of the best from across the country came together to compete in Canada's most prestigious contest ...more

River Rock Resort Celebrates 10 Years in Vancouver

Posted: June 23, 2014

It's a month long party out in Richmond as the River Rock Casino Resort holds their Diamond Celebration and 10 year anniversary party. A special VIP evening was held last week as dignitaries, politicians and invited guests were treated to a glamorous evening at the conference centre. The birthday theme included gourmet food and extra special party items like hot dogs, cotton candy and a full ice cream sundae station. ...more

Glowbal Group’s New Trattoria Opening Night

Posted: May 13, 2014

West Vancouver's Emad Yacoub and Shannon Bosa Yacoub are well known for their Glowbal Restaurant Group. With names like Italian Kitchen, Black and Blue, Coast and more, this yummy enterprise has achieved great success in Vancouver over the last few years. Now it's time to add another member to the family with the opening of their newest venture - Trattoria. Located at Park Royal as part of the shopping centre's ...more

Heart of Gold 2014 Pre-Gala Reception

Posted: May 7, 2014

The Heart of Gold Gala, held in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation - BC and Yukon chapter, will hold its 10th Anniversary fundraising event later next month. In preparation for the big night, a private VIP reception for donors, committee members and guests was held yesterday at the super chic downtown home of Janelle and Kyle Washington. The stunning views and sunlit patios were the perfect backdrop for ...more

Mission Hill Anthony Von Mandl at Vancouver Board of Trade

Posted: April 29, 2014

The Vancouver Board of Trade is well known for its speaker series and business events that attract the most prominent people in Vancouver. Last week, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Mission Hill owner/proprietor and Mark Anthony brands' own Anthony von Mandl was at the podium to speak to a near sell-out crowd about his history and the BC wine business. A riveting performance with all the elements of a best-selling ...more

Canadian Sommelier Association BC Launch at Hawksworth Vancouver

Posted: April 16, 2014

Champagne was flowing and glasses were clinking at the celebration launch of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) in British Columbia. President Michelle Bouffard welcomed guests to the private room at Hawksworth Restaurant (in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia) and introduced the BC association and its board members. Wine experts alike agree that the new association will help bring big opportunities to the province and members are happy to now ...more

Gotham 15th Anniversary Soiree Attracts Local Celebs

Posted: April 13, 2014

Gotham Steakhouse is a well known celebrity hotspot in Vancouver. With big wines, a glamourous cocktail lounge and famous faces - it is a see-and-be-seen kind of place that has held some legendary parties and charity events over the years. Celebrating its 15th anniversary last week, owner Neil Aisenstat invited friends and VIP guests to help mark the milestone. Cheers and congrats! - - - 01 - Lovely ladies are alway part ...more

Boulevard Magazine – Society Column March 2014

Posted: March 16, 2014

01 - Celebrting Canada's Olympic achievements in Sochi 2014 was all part of the theme at the XL Leadership Summit event's opening night reception. Famous faces included former VANOC CEO John Furlong (left), TwentyTen Group founder and managing partner Andrea Shaw and Canadian astronaut Cmdr Chris Hadfield. 02 - Live music, fireworks and a rock guitar flash mob were all part of the spectacular invite-only opening night of the new Hard ...more

New White Spot Opening at Park Royal

Posted: March 10, 2014

It's legendary - in more ways than one. West Vancouver's White Spot Restaurant, located at the corner of Taylor Way and Marine Drive, was a place of memories for many of us who grew up here. The Pirate Paks, the burgers and shakes, and the carhop service are all part of a history that stretches back almost 60 years. But even though the old locale is no more, do not ...more

Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2014

Posted: January 20, 2014

Have you been sticking to that New Year's diet plan? If yes, then this will probably not help. If no, then get ready to indulge in one of the most delicious times of the year. Tourism Vancouver's Dine Out Vancouver Festival is on now (Jan 17 - Feb 2) and you won't want to miss it. This city wide event was originally designed to give a boost to a traditionally ...more

Whistler Cornucopia Wine and Food Festival 2013

Posted: November 12, 2013

It's one of Whistler's biggest events of the year - and this year it just got bigger. Whistler's 17th Annual Cornucopia food and wine festival is on now and there's lot of new stuff happening. Usually held for only one weekend, this year the festival has expanded to a full 11 days and two weekends. Sponsored by North Shore based BlueShore Financial, the event is known for its famous winemakers' ...more

Top Chef North Shore Vancouver Competition

Posted: September 16, 2013

It was an extra delicious day this past Saturday at Park and Tilford's Save-on-Foods store as the first ever Top Chef North Shore event took place. Billed as a friendly culinary competition and fundraiser, store shoppers got a chance to sample each of the amazing offerings from all six participating restaurants. In the end it was the BC Children's Hospital Foundation who came out the biggest winners as all donations ...more

Diner en Blanc Vancouver Style

Posted: August 26, 2013

It's from Paris. It's white. And it's all a big secret until an hour before it happens. Le Dîner en Blanc, a specialty dining extravaganza originally imported from France, is quickly becoming a world-wide phenomenon. But this members only invite celebration is a visually stunning spectacle to behold. Held in Vancouver this past week, this second annual gathering was the most perfect posh picnic in the history of Vancouver. The ...more

Harmony Arts Best of the West Gala Night

Posted: August 11, 2013

West Vancouver's Harmony Arts Festival is always an annual favourite featuring various events, concerts, craft markets and more. Last Wednesday it was time for the week's signature gala event as the third annual Best of the West took place on a perfectly picturesque Ambleside Pier. This evening soiree celebrated the best BC has to offer with 13 North Shore restaurants pairing up with 13 different BC wineries. Guests were able ...more

Novus Nights at Vancouver Club for Zajac Ranch

Posted: May 12, 2013

It was the place to see and be seen last week as the Mel Jr & Marty Zajac Foundation of Young Professionals held their first annual fundraiser. Held at the prestigious Vancouver Club, Novus Nights was an evening of glitz and glamour. Each level of the five floor club was magically transformed into a different theme complete with matching food and libations. A chance to network with fellow up-and-comer business ...more

On the Scene with John Green – Bar Consultant to the Stars

Posted: March 12, 2013

Whether he’s shaking hands with the Rolling Stones, or shaking a martini for actress Sharon Stone, celebrity club owner and international bar expert John Green has become the latest “One to Watch” here in Vancouver. John Green with Rolling Stones Ronnie Wood & Charlie Watts Armed with an impressive resume and a collection of celebrity photos that would make a paparazzi drool, Green has definitely earned his stripes. His reputation ...more

Vancouver International Wine Festival Bacchanalia Gala 2013

Posted: March 3, 2013

The players may have changed, but the celebration remains the same. The Vancouver International Wine Festival (previously known as the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival), held its Bacchanalia Gala Dinner last week. The magnificent ballroom at the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel was transformed into a magical setting as guests sipped on bubbly glasses of Mumm Napa DVX 2005 during the reception. Then it was time for dinner and a magical trip ...more

Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2013 North Shore Picks

Posted: January 27, 2013

It was once the slow time of year for restaurants. But now, tables are full and kitchens are hopping thanks to Tourism Vancouver's 2013 Dine Out Vancouver Festival. Taking place until Feb 3, participating restaurants are offering a choice of either $18, $28 or $38 set menus featuring some of the best items from their regular menus. The list of North Shore restaurants participating includes: The Boathouse at Horseshoe Bay, ...more

New Two Lions Public House Opens in North Vancouver

Posted: January 22, 2013

The New Year is always a good time for a little resolution and change. Such is the case with a North Vancouver entertainment group that is anxious to bring the party back all year long. The Two Lions Public House, formerly known as the Mosquito Creek Bar & Grill, has swung open its doors to a new crowd, new menu and new attitude. Now owned by the Jennings Hospitality & ...more

Food Network’s Recipe to Riches is Nuts for Don Harquail

Posted: December 4, 2012

Don Harquail has always been the famous friend with the designer desserts. But now, thanks to reality television, this Burnaby hobby chef's life has just gotten a lot sweeter. That's part of the premise behind Food Network Canada's latest reality show Recipe to Riches. Returning for its second season, the series pits home based cooks against each other in separate categories - all for a chance to win the grand prize of ...more

Whistler’s Cornucopia 2012 Parties, Wines and Food

Posted: November 13, 2012

For the last 10+ years now I've had the privilege of attending Whistler's annual Cornucopia festival of food and wine. Not for the faint of heart, those who venture beyond Cornucopia's serious side will find a high energy, full throttle weekend affair full of alcohol and after hours activities that go well into the wee hours of the night. So, as expected, this year's organizers stopped at nothing to put ...more

North Shore Rotary Food and Wine Festival

Posted: October 23, 2012

The 11th Annual North Shore Rotary Food and Wine Festival took place last week at Park Royal North in West Vancouver. This local event, which featured favourite restaurants paired with BC wine distributors, is always a hit as it gives guests a chance to sup and sample from some of the best local offerings. Live music, displays, entertainment and lots of socializing helped round out the night which helped raise ...more

Jennifer Hudson Performs at Vancouver Opera Gala / Big Sisters BC Wine Auction

Posted: May 6, 2012

Grammy and Academy Award-winning performer Jennifer Hudson delivered a stunning live performance for an audience of invite-only guests last month at the Vancouver Opera's signature gala fundraiser. Entitled "Overture: Aida" the evening included a elegant and delicious dinner event which took place on the stage of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Four Seasons chef Ned Bell ensured all the details went perfectly as guests also bid on amazing live and silent ...more

BC Lions at 13th Annual Healthy Chef Competition in Vancouver

Posted: March 19, 2012

Eating healthy can be fun, just ask the BC Produce Marketing Association and the BC Lions. Last week, the 13th annual Healthy Chef Competition took place at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Vancouver. Grey Cup winning members of the BC Lions, including Travis Lulay and Geroy Simon, were among the several celebrities in the room as chefs battled it out for top spot. Guests at the event came away with ...more

West Vancouver Italian Restaurant Holds Cancer Fundraiser and Gala Dinner

Posted: February 6, 2012

Since 2008, Mangia e Bevi Ristorante in West Vancouver has started the year off on the right foot with a charity month of dinners designed to raise funds for cancer research. Last week, it was time for the B.A.C.I.O. (Because A Cure is Obtainable) final night gala. "Bacio" - which means "kiss" - featured a fabulous menu of Italian specialities, live music, auction items and more. Monies raised this night ...more

Year of the Dragon at Osaka Market West Vancouver

Posted: January 29, 2012

It's time to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Said to be the mightiest of the Chinese Zodiac symbols, anyone born under this sign is likely to be ambitious, successful and hard-working in nature. Helping to welcome the year in style last week were the good folks at Park Royal's Osaka food market. A special VIP guest reception was held that featured food tours, arts and crafts displays and traditional ...more