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Banter Room

/in /by Ben McRae

The Banter Room, located in the sometimes stuffy but always sexy Yaletown, is a breath of fresh air. The reason, it walks the fine line of being upscale, bougey, and classy without being pretentious. The Banter Room is like being at a friend’s house, if you’re friend is a millionaire and the best host ever!

banter room

photo by Ben McRae

We fell in love with the couch seating, the poutine, and the one of a kind Champagne vending machine! Yes, you are reading this correctly, they have a Champagne vending machine stocked with Moet! You have to check out Thursday nights for $30 mini btl’s and $100 full sized btl’s of Moet. A hundred dollars to pop fine Champagne in Yaletown! I never thought I’d see the day.

Banter Room

photo by Ben McRae

As I mentioned before, Banter Room cuts down the veils of pretension that plague Yaletown by offering Happy Hour and Daily Drink Specials in a comfortable yet refined setting. The inviting space combined with ultra cool staff will make you feel like you never want to leave, and that’s fine!

Banter Room

photo by Ben McRae

We love the family style platters as everything is meant to be shared among friends. This creates a social atmosphere and encourages us Vancouverites to open up and enjoy the beautiful people that inhabit this city. The Banter Room is a breath of fresh air and is spot you need to check out!

banter room

photo by Ben McRae

Happy Hour Daily from 2pm-5pm

$4 Hey Y’all + Banter Lager

$5 P49 Wobbly Pop Ale

$5.50 Nude Strawberry Kiwi Vodka Soda

$6 Malbec/Pinot Gris

 

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:

Vancouver International Film Festival 2017

/in /by VanCity Drinks

With the 36th annual Vancouver International Film Festival running from September 28th to October 13th, 2017 – naturally there will need to be plenty of food and drink options for the hoards of cinephiles, celebs and industry folk alike.  VIFF has everyone covered this year in teaming up with some of Vancouver’s best restaurants and bars – including #VIFFTails, featuring film inspired cocktails to celebrate!

#VIFFTails

While you’re attending the festival, be sure to check out some of these motion picture perfect cocktails! Follow along and post your own pictures with #VIFFTails on social media.

 

cocktail_deathproofDeathproof

Ingredients: Beefeater gin, green Chartreuse, lime, egg white, cucumber, cilantro

An old Chambar “cult classic”, the Death Proof, which takes its name from the 2007 Quentin Tarantino slasher movie. Inspired by Tarantino’s cameo scene where he brings over a round of Chartreuse shots for the lead actresses and says “Chartreuse! The only liquor so good they named a colour after it.”


Where: Chambar | 568 Beatty Street | 8am-Late

 

songoficeviff-cropped1Song of Ice

Ingredients: Peppermint Vodka, Creme de Cacao Chocolate Liqueur, and Blue Curaçao Liqueur.

Summer Isles orange flavors mixed with the finest chocolate essences from across The Narrow Sea. Shaken on ice in the North and kissed by a White Walker.


Where: EXP Bar and Restaurant | 309 West Pender Street | 5pm-1am

 

homer_crop2I Always Wanted to be a Tenenbaum

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Famous Grouse, 1.0 oz Cinzano Orancio, 0.75 oz Luxardo Bitter Bianco, spray with lemon oil, garnish lemon peel

The Royal Tenenbaums

Where: Homer St. Cafe | 898 Homer Street | 11.30am-11pm

 

labattoir-viff-cocktail_saturday-night-fever

Saturday Night Fever

Ingredients:45ml El Gobernador pisco, 15ml Giffard Abricot du Rousillon, 30ml orange juice, 20ml lemon juice, 2 dashes Bittered Sling Clingstone Peach bitters, Hibiscus drizzle

Inspired by the 40th anniversary of this movie! A 70s inspired disco cocktail from the golden age that will make you dance like John Travolta. 


Where: L’Abattoir | 217 Carrall Street | Happy Hour: 5.30-6.30pm

 

cocktail_windsofarrakisWinds of Arrakis

Ingredients: London Dry Gin, Lime Juice, Orange Juice, Pineapple Syrup, Ginger Liqueur, Cinnamon Syrup, Ginger Beer, Aromatic Bitters, Lime Bitters

Dune (1984)


Where: Long Table Distillery | 1451 Hornby Street | Happy Hour: 3-5pm

 

nuba_cropped2Godzilla Gimlet

Ingredients: Gin, Lime Juice, Celery Juice, Agave Syrup, and garnish with a “Nuba”sized cucumber

Godzilla!


Where:  Nuba | 207 West Hastings Street + 508 Davie Street | Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11.30am-4pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm. Dinner: Sunday-Thursday, 5pm to last seating at 9pm; Friday and Saturday, 5pm to last seating at 10pm

 

cocktail_singaporeslingSingapore Sling

Ingredients: Gin, Benedictine, Cointreau, Pineapple, Cherry Brandy, Angostura Bitters and Grenadine

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas


Where:  The Union | 219 Union Street | Monday to Thursday, 5pm-12am; Friday, 5pm-1am; Saturday, 10am-1am; Sunday, 10am-12am | Weekend Brunch: 10am-2.30pm

 

Host Restaurants

If you’re feeling a little peckish, VIFF has partnered with some of Vancouver’s best restaurants to host you before or after your show. Enjoy a fantastic meal during your night out at the movies, with a range of options from public houses to fine dining.

Vancouver International Film Festival

Donnelly Group, VIFF Official Hospitality Partner

Visit any Donnelly Group Public House from Sept 28 to Oct 13 and enjoy an exclusive VIFF 2 course prix-fixe menu for $19. Visit donnellygroup.ca to book a table and view the menu.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-1am, Fri. 11:30am-2am, Sat. 4pm-2am

Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar, 1095 Hamilton Street

Hours: Dinner: 5pm-11pm, Bar: 4.30pm-1am

Chambar, 568 Beatty Street

Hours: 7/7 days, 8am-Late

CinCin Ristorante + Bar, 1134 Robson Street

Hours: Dinner: 5pm-11pm, Bar: 4.30pm-Late

Joe Fortes, 777 Thurlow Street

Hours: 7/7 days, 11am-11pm

L’Abattoir, 217 Carrall Street

Hours: Open nightly. Happy Hour: 5.30pm-6.30pm daily (bar seating only)

Nuba, 207 W Hastings Street / 508 Davie Street

Hours: Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11.30am-4pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm. Dinner: Sunday-Thursday, 5pm to last seating at 9pm; Friday and Saturday, 5pm to last seating at 10pm

During VIFF, show your ticket at Gastown and Yaletown locations to receive 10% off your meal.

viff

Safe to say we’re looking forward to all of the Vancouver International Film Festival activities, celebrating creativity and innovation on the screen. Be sure to check out viff.org & @viffest on social media for more information on tickets and festival events!

photos and information via viff.org

 

Game Night Downtown – Planning Right In The Stadium District

/in /by Bob Pember

Whether you’re watching the BC Lions finish, catching the Vancouver Whitecaps beat the Seattle Sounders, or staying faithful to the old/young Canucks – here are a few great places to enjoy some drinks before or after your game night downtown!

Bogart’s Bar & Restaurant

121 Robson Street, Stadium District

Happy hour Monday – Friday 3 PM – 6 PM, $4 pints, $4 house wine, and $8 food menu

game night downtown 1

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s Stadium District, Bogart’s Bar is a casual New York-style bar & restaurant serving spirits, wine, craft beer and some of the best international whisky in the area. Offering delicious comfort food with a wide selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Chef Jeramie Adams’ technique and modernist-style cuisine, creates a unique menu experience.

Hello Goodbye Bar

1120 Hamilton Street, Yaletown

Happy hour Wednesday – Saturday, 6 PM – 8 PM, $6 beer, $7 wine, $8 cocktails, and $1 dumplings

game night downtown 2

Through an unmarked door and down a hidden staircase in Yaletown, Hello Goodbye is a buzzing cocktail club and drinking den. They feature seasonal cocktail menus, light snacks, live entertainment and DJs for late night revelry. Their happy hour is a great way to warm up before the game and the drinks flow all night after the final whistle.

Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smoke House

562 Beatty Street, Gastown

Happy hour Monday – Friday 3 PM – 5 PM, $6 wine, $6 snacks, $10 cocktails

game night downtown 3

The Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smokehouse is a tasting room serving a full range of Howe Sound products (approximately 12 – 17 brews) plus a selection of beer from emerging craft breweries in the city. They bring the backyard to the city.

The Pint

455 Abbott Street, Gastown

Happy hour Monday – Friday 3 PM – 6 PM, FREE wings with any pint

game night downtown 4

Serving a true 20oz pint ($5.50 on Thursdays) + 40 mouth watering sauces & dry rubs for your wings! They have 80+ HDTVs so you never miss your game even if you’re not in the arena.

Shark Club Vancouver

180 W Georgia, Stadium District

Daily features, happy hour Monday – Friday 3 PM – 6 PM, $4.75 highballs, $4.75 wine, and $9 food menu

game night downtown 5

Upscale without being pretentious, and freshly renovated, Shark Club Vancouver redefines sports bar & pub greatness. Shark Club’s close proximity to Granville Street, fused with pregame energy from Rogers Arena and BC Place, puts this legendary downtown sports bar in a league of its own.