Michael Vaughan's Vintage Destinations - Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival 2007



	Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival 2007 March 26-April 1, 2007 There are a record 53 events in the 2007 festival, including eight events exclusively for those in the beverage and food trade. The International Festival Tasting room (March 29, 30 and 31) is the hub of the festival. The tasting room is at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, as are the trade events and public wine seminars. Winery dinners, luncheons and other events take place at top restaurants and hotels throughout the city. The festival’s crown jewel is the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner and Auction on March 28 with exceptional wines, dining experiences, travel packages and other treasures going to the highest bidder. The theme region for 2007 is Australia, which will be represented by 50 of their wineries in this year's event. Early bird ticket sale will be available until January 31, 2007. For more information about the Vancouver Playhouse call 604-872-6622 or click here Destinations in Vancouver Parkside 1906 Haro Street, Vancouver • 604-683-6912 www.parksiderestaurant.ca A sure destination because the cuisine is spectacular and prices incredibly reasonable. The quality of ingredients and preparation are basically French leaning in the classic tradition but without being overly fancy or fussy. Flavours are pure and focused! Chef-co-owner Andrey Durbach's “20 under $20” ever-changing main menu offers imagination and flair. The appetizer of double baked goat’s cheese soufflé, main of sweetbreads in brown butter, caper and lemon sauce, followed by an extraordinary mascarpone sorbet added up to a truly remarkable experience. Co-owner Chris Stewart has assembled a brilliant wine list “60 under $60” as well as a special carte des eau de vie. The outside garden patio seats 40 and main room 60 along with a small cozy bar. Open for diner seven days a week. Cru 1459 West Broadway, Vancouver • 604-677-4111 www.cru.ca Wine aficionado Mark Taylor and his wife Dana Reinhardt have created a fine modern destination focusing on very tasty, imaginative recipes accompanied by an outstanding 40+ wine by the glass programme. The three-course prix fixe is a very reasonable $32, offers a wide variety of choices that include a fine selection of local produce. With only 35 seats, this place is always hopping. For dinner-only 7 nights a week (5-11 pm). Feenie’s 2563 West Broadway, Vancouver • 604-739-7115 www.feenies.com This is a fun place and is jumping. It is adjacent to the deluxe Lumière, owned by one of Canada’s hottest chefs Rob Feenie. The hottest item on the menu is a fully dressed Feenie burger, which comes with great fries ($12). It seats 80 plus 12 on the patio and is open seven days a week for lunch, in-betweens and dinner. Rangoli 1488 West 11th Avenue, Vancouver • 604-736-5711 This is definitely not your high-end venue. The focus is simply some of the most delicious Indian cuisine to touch your lips. It is casual and doesn’t take reservations, but dollars for donuts, owner Vikram Vij (who also runs the famous dinner-only Vij’s restaurant next door), will turn you into a devotee. The limited daily luncheon menu will be given a special lift when accompanied by frosty Taj Mahal brew. Best of all, you can take Vij’s specially prepared specialties home with you in special freezer bags. Open for lunch daily from 11-4 and from 4-8 for snacks, it seats 30 and has a small patio. Fairmont Hotels also offer variety of packages to accommodate you during your stay in Vancouver. For more information click here.	FROM THE ARCHIVES RECENTLY POSTED 2009 Wine & Food Events Vinitaly 2009 Art Basel Miami Beach 2008 Stratford Sparkles for the Holidays Montreal Passion Vin 2008 Okanagan Fall Wine Festival 2008 Toronto International Art Fair 2008 Ball's Falls Thanksgiving Festival Savour Stratford 2008 Michael Vaughan’s Montreal Insider’s Tips Art Basel Miami Beach 2007 Montreal Passion Vin 2007 Okanagan Fall Wine Festival 2007 Okanagan Summer Wine Festival 2007 International Wine Events in 2007 Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival 2007 New Zealand Pinot Noir 2007 FOR THE ENTIRE ARCHIVE

Copyright: Food & Beverage Testing Institute of Canada 2007 Prior written permission is required for any form of reproduction (electronic or other wise) and or quotation. Contact Michael Vaughan at mbv@total.net