The 39th Vancouver International Wine Festival returns February 11-19, at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues around Metro Vancouver, for eight days of tastings, dinners, galas, seminars and more. In honour of our nation’s 150th birthday this year, Canada has been chosen as the theme country, with 76 wineries from BC, Ontario and Nova Scotia participating. Tickets for all public events go on sale January 10 at 9:30am. VanWineFest.ca
The fourth annual Curry Cup is back on March 6, at Heritage Hall. Presented by the Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia, a portion of proceeds will be donated to Project Chef, which teaches children about healthy eating. Tickets are $60 until January 16 ($65 thereafter) and include samples of the curry dishes from eight competing chefs, wine and beer samples from Evolve Cellars and R&B Brewing, cocktails, door prizes, and an evening of fun competitive entertainment. Stay tuned for this year’s list of competitors. ChefsTableSociety.com
Railtown Café’s new, second location (at 968 Howe; two more are on the way) is now open, offering signature sandwiches, a build-your-own salad bar, pastries, and licensed seating for 45. The new location is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Mon.-Fri. from 7am-7pm, and Saturday from 9am-5pm. Also look for house-made ice cream available by the jar or cone, cold-pressed juices, and local craft beer, wine and spirits. RailtownCafe.ca
A new juice spot and health-focused café is coming to Strathcona. Roots + Fruits Café will be opening soon at 848 Powell. In addition to cold-pressed juices, there will be “mylk” beverages – like matcha cashew and chai-spiced cashew – while the plant-based menu will focus on vegetable and grain bowls, as well as snacks such as avocado toast, overnight oats, chia pudding, and energy bars. RootsAndFruits.ca
Fife Bakery has opened its doors at 64 E. 3rd. The bakery focuses on naturally fermented breads, and approximately 95 per cent of its ingredients come from BC (with the remainder sourced from elsewhere in Canada). FifeBakery.com
Dalina, a new Italian grocery and café, has opened at 687 Main, focusing on simple, hearty dishes; Italian coffees; local and sustainable produce, dry goods, dairy and condiments; and more. Open daily from 7am-9pm for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dalina.ca
