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Juniper – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Ben McRae

Dine Out Vancouver Fest is a time for trying that restaurant that you’ve always wanted to but somehow never have. Juniper, located in Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown, has been on my list for a while and I finally had the pleasure of experiencing one of my new favorite spots!

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

Juniper

I was instantly impressed by the extensive hand-crafted cocktail list boasting made in house syrups, tinctures, all made with premium spirits. The “Necessities” cocktail made with local espresso liqueur, aviation gin, rose wine, and an espresso gel rim is one of the best cocktails I’ve had in the last year!

The Dine Out experience offered by Juniper is about utilizing local makers and celebrating the best of the Cascadian region. Our first course consisted of beets, grilled with soft farmhouse cheese and roasted hazelnut or a choice of salmon, lightly cured with rye crackers and creme fraiche and dill vinaigrette. The dishes were delicate and rich and paired beautifully with their unique cocktails.

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

Dine Out is all about decadence! With this in mind my guest and I went for the $7 upgrade (well worth it) and indulged in the bison braised short rib on celery root puree with roasted sunchokes and heirloom carrots. The braised bison was tender and delicious! I had had a moment as I was enjoying this dish while sipping on a beautiful cocktail that reminded me why I’ve been passionately following Vancouver’s drinking and dining scene for the last 7 years.

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

Vancouver is constantly growing and developing which creates the platform for establishments to experiment and innovate! Whether it’s a cocktail list with ingredients you’ve never heard of or a dish you’d never think of. Experiencing the creativity of mixologists and chefs that let their passion shine through their creations is an elevated dining experience. Experiences like the one I had at Juniper adds to the culture of Vancouver as well as your own.

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

As I said before, Dine Out is the perfect time for you to get out there and enjoy that restaurant that you’ve always wanted to try. For me, it was Juniper. With it’s Cascadian-inspired fare and unique and extensive cocktail list, I’ll definitely be back!

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $40 three-course menu.

For more information:

Granville Room – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Leah Bens

It’s easy to get lost in the vastness of downtown Granville Street. But hidden in in the nooks of Vancouver’s busiest streets you’ll find one of The Donnelly Group’s premiere cocktail taverns subtly rested; Granville Room.

granville room

photo by Leah Bens

Granville Room

Right off the bat we were introduced to a unique atmosphere, where the ambiance of a casual cocktail lounge met dainty sophistication. Everything from the brick walls to the nine-foot-high oak bar formed a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that’s not easily found within Vancouver’s bar scene.

With enthusiastic service and a welcoming cocktail menu, we were more than ready to kick off the night; And what better way than with Monday’s $7 Old Fashioned drink special?

Granville Room Dine Out Vancouver Festival

photo by Leah Bens

As inviting as the cocktail menu was, we were ready to dive into the Dine Out Vancouver Menu and their beautifully selected BC VQA wine pairings. Being as indecisive as we are, we decided to try all the different options as we could. For the appetizers we were shocked by the major flavour packed into the coconut fried prawns and the beef rib empanada. The Thinhorn Creek Merlot paired with the empanada was amazing, but it was the night’s only white wine pairing, the Desert Hills Voignier that really knocked our socks off (and at only $9 for a 6oz pour, you really can’t go wrong).

granville room in vancouver

photo by Leah Bens

But it was the entrees that really took the cake. We decided on the meatloaf grilled cheese paired with Quails Gate Cabernet Sauvignon, and the fried pork belly paired once again with the Thinhorn Creek Merlot. The caramelized onions and coleslaw in the grilled cheese were a bold spin on a classic—and did it ever work! But you really couldn’t top the unreal tenderness of the pork belly, something I had never tried before, but will definitely be back again for.

Granville Room Dine Out Vancouver Festival

photo by Leah Bens

We capped off the meal with both desserts, the chocolate praline bar and coconut panna cotta, which were the undisputed surprise of the night. Both were equally amazingly flavourful, and just the right size for a little treat. But of course, what would a dessert be without a fun cocktail to wash it down? We blindly chose the “Bye Felicia”, a completely unique spin on a coffee cocktail with Lot 40 Canadian Whiskey, and were surprised with blend of flavours that seemed to change with every sip. This was really the staple of Granville room’s vibe; a unique ambiance steeped with individuality. With the staff-run playlist setting the mood and the accommodating service by some of the friendliest bartenders I’ve met, you couldn’t help but feel good from the moment you walk through the doors. If you’re looking for a little retreat from the conventional, you can’t go wrong with Granville Room!

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $20 three-course menu.

For more information:

Central City Brew Pub on Beatty Street – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Ben McRae

Central City Brew Pub Dine out menu is an amazing selection for $40! The flavour profiles blend together from selection to selection. We had the enjoyment of getting the full experience and left there feeling very satisfied and yes, more than a little buzzed! The portions are the perfect size with all plates having a balance and combination of delicious elements.

central city brew pub beatty street

photo by Ben McRae

Central City Brew Pub on Beatty Street

For the first course we ordered Leek and Aged Cheddar Soup boasting their own Red Racer Pilsner broth which was hearty and a great warm up for our main course. The beautifully plated and even more delicious Seared Branzino, served with a warm Mediterranean chick pea salad and kalamata olive buerre blanc. You can also indulge your taste buds with the Red Racer Pale Ale Braised Lamb Shank, with gorgonzola pearl barley risotto and butter poached broccolini.

central city brew pub beatty street

photo by Ben McRae

With over 40 taps Central City is one of those breweries you never know what to order because you want to try absolutely everything! The trendy yet cozy atmosphere combined with their knowledgeable staff bring a welcoming charm (our server brought a mystery beer and she absolutely nailed it with the Dogwood London Fog). Their cocktail list ranges from classics to up and coming flavors which caters to everybody.
I’ve been preaching all week that if there is ever a time to Dine Out, this is it! Do yourself a favour and check out Central City Brew Pub on Beatty street (right across from BC Place). It’s a time for everyone to shake off the winter blues and enjoy amazing culinary experiences!

central city brew pub beatty street

photo by Ben McRae

central city brew pub beatty street

photo by Ben McRae

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $40 three-course menu.

For more information:

Joe Fortes – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Ben McRae

Dine Out Vancouver Fest is a magical time of the year where participating restaurants offer a three-course menu at a subsidized price. The original idea spawned from high end restaurants attracting new guests in a normally slow time. The beneficiaries are the beautiful people of Vancouver who get to dine like a movie star without having to break the bank.

Joe Fortes

In my opinion no other restaurant does Dine Out better than Joe Fortes. Rich with historical ties to Vancouver, Joe Fortes is the perfect blend of high end fine dining without the pretention. The three course $40 menu they’re offering is truly a special deal. I had the pleasure of dining at my favourite spot downtown and it’s left me gushing about it to everyone!

For my first course I indulged with their Albacore Tuna & Sockeye Salmon Crudo with Miso Aioli. Crudo means raw in Italian and this dish reminded me of a sashimi salad with sliced tuna and salmon on a bed of pickled vegetables.

joe fortes seafood & chop house

photo by Ben McRae

For my main I had to go with the New York Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes. I was amazed at the size of this beautiful, cooked to perfection, succulent steak. Sometimes you get restaurants cheaping out a bit during Dine Out due to the lower priced menu, not Joe Fortes! They keep the value coming and make sure every guest leaves satisfied.

joe fortes seafood & chop house

photo by Ben McRae

Of course you must finish of your meal with a cocktail and one of their delicious desserts. I went with their Creme Brulee which was the perfect end to a perfect meal.

joe fortes seafood & chop house

photo by Ben McRae

The reason why I love Joe Fortes is because they embrace the spirit of Dine Out by treating their beloved guests to an experience you won’t forget. I urge you to take advantage of this once a year opportunity!

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $40 three-course menu.

For more information:

Black + Blue – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Ben McRae

Now that Dine Out Vancouver is upon us it’s time to start treating ourselves to the finer things in life at a price that’s easy to swallow. There’s no better spot for that than Black + Blue by Glowbal Restaurant Group. We were invited to a Dine Out preview with them last week and are excited to recommend them as a must-visit during this year’s event.

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

Black + Blue

In the words of their head chef, they’re getting back to solid cooking and avoiding overly complicated dishes to make sure that guests get the full enjoyment of the items on the plate. Their Dine Out menu stays true to this, and there is something for everyone on the spread, including fish, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. But, of course, steak. As the chef himself puts it: “we’re a steakhouse.”

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

To start, they have the options of a hearty and wholesome mushroom soup, a cheesy kale caesar salad, and a pork shoulder terrine that will make want a second instead of a main. But the main course is the real hero here – your choice of a harissa-crusted tuna loin, Jasper grilled tofu, and, of course, a savoury slow-roasted striploin with potato gratin and smoked onion jus. All of the entrees are fantastic, but they ensure that they impress with the steak option. The striploin, carved into two slices for easy sharing, will melt in your mouth while you wonder if you can order a cup of jus to sip on. To finish, they’re serving a black forest cake that anyone will still have room for. At $40, the meal is truly a steal during the Dine Out season.

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

The room itself feels like you’ve taken a trip to when dining was a real and elegant experience. You can enjoy an expansive three-level space, anchored by a ‘cloud of gold’ that can be viewed from wherever you are in the room. From their display of the finest cuts of steak available in town, to their phenomenal service, you feel confident that you’re in the hands of a top-tier restaurant.

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $40 three-course menu.

For more information:

BLACK + BLUE
1032 ALBERNI ST
VANCOUVER, BC
V6Z 2V6

(604) 637-0777

glowbalgroup.com/blackblue

 

Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by VanCity Drinks

Dine Out Vancouver Festival from Jan 19th – Feb 4th, 2018

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Forget Christmas, Dine Out Vancouver is a foodie’s dream come true! Every year hundreds of restaurants and bars graciously offer 3 course menus at a ridiculous price! The idea is to get you out of your comfort zone and try that fancy spot that you’ve walked by countless times.

dine out vancouver festival 2018

photo by Tourism Vancouver

Dine Out Vancouver Festival is about community, collaboration, and sharing Vancouver’s culinary story with the world. Dine Out showcases everything from neighbourhood food tours to lunch-hour food truck fests, and from BC VQA wine tastings to global guest-chef collaborative dinners.

dine out vancouver festival 2018

photo by Tourism Vancouver

Don’t miss out on this once a year celebration of Vancouver’s diverse and unique culinary scene. Get your reservations in NOW! For a complete list of restaurants and tantalizing options visit – dineoutvancouver.com

dine out vancouver festival 2018

photo by Tourism Vancouver

Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

via dineoutvancouver.com –

Produced by Tourism Vancouver, Dine Out Vancouver Festival is Canada’s largest annual celebration of food and drink. Attracting more than 100,000 locals and visitors each year, the festival takes over the city with 17 days of culinary events, prix fixe menus at 280-plus restaurants (at $20, $30 or $40 CAD price points), as well as special hotel packages and rates. The festival promotes local and regional ingredients, the wines of British Columbia, and the city’s exceptional culinary talent.

dine out vancouver logo

 

  • Hotel stays starting at $89/night.
  • Club Amuse-Bouche Collection hotel packages, which pair Dine Out event tickets with once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences and luxe accommodation.
  • Vancouver World Chef Exchange dinner series with international culinary stars from global culinary hubs.
  • Street Food City, a celebration of local food trucks, at the new Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza.
  • Exciting new festival events – details coming soon.

Join the conversation about Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 via social media @DineOutVanFest with hashtag #DOVF – Enjoy!

dine out vancouver festival 2018

photo by Tourism Vancouver

 

Dine Out Vancouver 2017 – Joe Fortes, Timber, Sai Woo, Chambar, Brix & Mortar

 

For more information:

TOURISM VANCOUVER
SUITE 210-200 Burrard St
VANCOUVER, BC
V6C 3L6

dineoutvancouver.com

Lucas Pavin, Festival Coordinator

(604) 382-2222

[email protected]

tourismvancouver.com