ZAGAT 2010 VANCOUVER GUIDE IN TIME FOR THE OLYMPICS

Dec 28 2009

ZAGAT 2010 VANCOUVER GUIDE IN TIME FOR THE OLYMPICS

World-Renowned Restaurants Open to Serve Expected Wave of Visitors;

Though Locals Feel the Economic Pinch, They Celebrate Better Dining Deals

New York, NY. December 16, 2009 – With the 2010 Winter Olympics approaching, Zagat today released its 2010 Vancouver Survey, covering 298 of the city's finest restaurants, nightspots, attractions and hotels. The Survey is based on the input of 2,721 local consumers, and spans venues across Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria and Vancouver Island. It shows that although locals are feeling the economic pinch, there is no shortage of good deals or new hot spots in Vancouver.

"The commercial influx of tourism expected with the Games will no doubt stimulate the dining and entertainment industries throughout the region," said Zagat Survey CEO Tim Zagat. "We hope that our new guide will serve as a useful tool for both locals and visitors who want to experience all that Vancouver has to offer at this special time."

Expanding Eats: In preparation for the throngs of athletes, spectators and media, Vancouver has expanded its ever-growing culinary scene. This year's top-rated newcomer, Maenam on the West Side, promises a mix of "authentic, flavourful" Thai plates and "elegant service." In addition, the city has welcomed a veritable "who's who" of restaurant industry leaders, including New York's Jean-Georges Vongerichten, with his Downtown Market by Jean-Georges and Daniel Boulud, who opened db Bistro Moderne and revitalized existing restaurant, Lumière. Other exciting newcomers include affordable French Au Petit Chavignol, Downtown's Cibo, West End's Nook, and Les Faux Bourgeois on the East Side.

Bargain Dining: Local diners feeling the economic pinch may be more attentive to prices (30%) and eating at less expensive places (24%), but there is no shortage of good deals in Vancouver. Leading the way is this year's Top Bang for the Buck, Nat's New York Pizzeria, a West End and West Side eatery that offers "superb" pizza at a modest price. The presence of prix fixe menus at Cru and Pied-à-Terre will continue to entice weary spenders, as will Dine Out Vancouver, which has been pushed back until after the Winter Games. The small-plates trend is reverting back to Spanish-style tapas, highlighted by newcomer Mis Trucos, newly opened (December '09) Café Barcelona and soon-to-open Judas Goat.

West Side: The West Side is the focus for new restaurants, starting with the previously mentioned Maenam (Top Newcomer). Also on the West Side is the "local favourite" La Brasserie and Trattoria Italian Kitchen, a lower-priced sibling to Downtown's Italian Kitchen. These affordable newcomers, along with aforementioned prix fixe menus, explain why 40% of surveyors say they're finding better dining deals. Since the guide went to print, Fuel has closed and reopened as refuel, with a more moderately priced menu. Elsewhere in the city are Granville Street's The Edge and eco-friendly The Refinery, as well as Lebanese siblings Nuba Restaurant (Gastown) and Nuba Café (Downtown). The top ten Best Buys (in order of rating) include:

1.Nat's New York Pizzeria

2.Pajo's

3.Go Fish!

4.Vera's Burger

5.Tomahawk Barbecue

6.Cafe Medina

7.Saravanaa Bhavan

8.Nuba Restaurant/Café

9.Vij's Rangoli

10.Gyoza King

Winners: This year's winner for Top Food is La Belle Auberge, located in Ladner and described as one of the "best-kept secrets" with "world-class" cuisine from chef Bruno Marti. Following behind are Vij's (winner for Most Popular in this Survey), Cioppino's, Le Crocodile and ToJo's. Queen Elizabeth Park serves as the backdrop for this year's Top Decor winner, Seasons in the Park, and Bishop's takes home the award for Top Service. The full list of restaurant winners is as follows:

Vancouver                                                                                   

1. Top Food La Belle Auberge                                                                                              

2. Top Decor Seasons in the Park                                                                                     

3. Top Service Bishop's                                                                                         

4. Most Popular Vij's                                                                                        

Victoria/Vancouver

1. Panache

2. Empress Room

3. Hastings House

4. Keg Steakhouse & Bar

Whistler

1. Bear Foot Bistro

2. Edgewater Lodge

3. Bear Foot Bistro

4. Keg Steakhouse & Bar 

Plan Ahead: As an expected 2.3 million attendees will descend on Vancouver by mid-February, locals and visitors should plan for changing traffic patterns, enhanced security zones and extra travel time when maneuvering the city. Keeping this in mind, anyone who wants to make reservations over the phone would be wise to call ahead.

To Your Health: The healthy dining trend continues, with 72% of surveyors favouring low-carb, low-fat, heart healthy menu items and 81% favouring organic, locally grown foods. Even more impressive is the fact that 68% are willing to pay more for these "green" menu items. As for trans fats, an overwhelming 74% of surveyors feel they should be banned from restaurants. The locavore movement (born in British Columbia with the publication of 100-Mile Diet) continues to be trendsetting, with Raincity Grill offering a special tasting menu, as well as BC Wines, which promotes locally produced wines that are not only popular, but award-winning.

Diners Speak Out: Vancouver diners eat out an average of 2.7 times per week, which is on par with Toronto and Montréal (2.7 and 2.8, respectively), but below the U.S. average of 3.2. When asked how their dining habits have been affected by the economic downturn, 32% say they are eating out less, while 19% are skipping appetizers/desserts and 17% are cutting back on alcohol. Service is still the weak link of the local dining scene, with 79% naming it their top dining irritant. On the upside, since the economic downturn, 33% of surveyors feel their patronage is more appreciated, 25% are eating healthier and 19% are able to score hard-to-get reservations.

The Survey in Detail: Local Zagat content is available whenever and wherever diners need it, in a full range of formats: ZAGAT.com, the award-winning ZAGAT.mobi (for web-enabled mobile devices), ZAGAT TO GO for iPhone, Android and smartphones and Zagat's free augmented reality application nru, also for Android. These mobile applications offer signature ratings, reviews and cost estimates, as well as features ranging from click-to-call and online reservations capability to location-based widgets. The 2010 Vancouver guidebook ($6.95 U.S.; $7.95 Canadian) was edited by Cynthia Kilian and Tim and Heather Pawsey, and is available in all major bookstores or online at ZAGAT.com. For information about the Survey and to find additional statistics, please visit http://www.zagat.com/presscenter. And there's also Zagat via Facebook and Twitter @ZagatBuzz!

About Zagat Survey, LLC

Known as the “burgundy bible,” Zagat Survey is the world's most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink, stay and play around the globe, and as such has become a symbol of quality. Zagat Survey rates and reviews airlines, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, resorts, shopping, spas and a range of other entertainment categories in more than 100 countries. It has been lauded as the “most up-to-date, comprehensive and reliable guides ever published” and as “a necessity second only to a valid credit card.” Zagat content is available in print, on the web, on the mobile web, iPhone, BlackBerry and on TV. For more information, visit ZAGAT.com.

CHRIS THOMSON COMPETES AT THE WACS GLOBAL CHEFS CHALLENGE - CONTINENTAL FINAL

Oct 15 2009

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL: The Canadian Culinary Federation (CCFCC) is proud and delighted to announce that Chris Thomson, Executive Sous-Chef of The Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta, assisted by his apprentice Myles Fedun of Jacks Grill in Edmonton, Alberta, finished in first place with a gold medal at the WACS Global Chefs Challenge Continental final for the Americas which was held in Sao Paul, Brazil, on Saturday, September 26, 2009.

Quick Service, Casual Family, Upscale Casual or Fine Dining - Now everyone can get involved with Eat & Drink BC!

Sep 1 2009

Quick Service, Casual Family, Upscale Casual or Fine Dining - Now everyone can get involved with Eat & Drink BC!

Due to overwhelming demand, this year's program is being expanded so everyone, across all sectors can participate. While many of our participating restaurants were excited with the new format of offering incredible three course menus, we realized that there are many businesses who wish to participate who are simply unable to accommodate the three course menu. So in order to encourage businesses to buy local & consumers to eat, and drink local (no matter what they are craving), we are now giving the option to provide an Eat & Drink BC! offer of either a 3 course pre-fixe menu or a BC Bundle. ie a slice of BC pizza and a glass of milk, or maybe a BC burger with a pint of BC beer - it's your choice.

WHAT DOES MY BUSINESS HAVE TO DO?

Restaurants: Register your business online today and decide which level of participation best fits your business. Create a menu that features primarily BC foods and pair it with a BC wine, beer, spirit or non-alcoholic beverage. Feature this menu in your restaurant between October 1st and October 31st, 2009 and we'll send hungry diners to your door!

Registration is FREE for all BCRFA, ABLE BC, BCHA and BC Innkeepers Guild members. Register today to help us reach our goal of 1000 businesses. There has never been a better time or more need to work together. Collectively we will be able to "eat our way to prosperity" - what a tasty economic proposition!

Farms, Wineries, Breweries, Accommodations, Distributors, Manufacturers, Retailers, Schools, Hospitals and more... If you grow, sell, catch, raise or promote BC foods and beverages as part of your business, please create your online profile today .

Sponsors: Eat & Drink BC! offers many sales driven investment opportunities for the 2009 season. If you would like to help this program grow and become part of a family of supporters who are dedicated to stimulating the current economy, please call Sharron Tulk, Program Manager, at 604-669-2239 to discuss your specific investment needs and to obtain a copy of our 2009 sponsorship opportunities guide.

Media & More: Please help us reach our goal of registering 1000 businesses by spreading the good word about Eat & Drink BC!. For every dollar spent on local food, up to 90 cents is re-circulated into the local economy. One meal at a time, we really can make a difference.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Visit us online

Office: 604-669-2239

Fax: 604-669-6175
Email: membership@bcrfa.com

With Kind Regards,
The Eat BC! Team

Canadian Culinary Conference 2011

Aug 10 2009

Are you interested in information regarding the Canadian Culinary Conference 2011? If yes please email conference2011@bcchefs.com

Trans fat Regulation and Ethnic Food Service Establishments

Aug 6 2009

As you may know, BC has a new trans fat regulation and we are busy trying to prepare the food industry with information and education about how to meet compliance in time for the enforcement date of Sept. 30th, 2009.  We are in the process of developing targeted tip sheets for ethnic food service operators (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Farsi and Punjabi).  These tip sheets would be available on our website (www.restricttransfat.ca) and the environmental health officers would use them at their visits to the ethnic restaurants, etc. to assist in restaurants understanding the regulation and what products may need to be changed and what products are available to assist in meeting compliance requirements.

We are looking for key contacts in the industry (preferably a chef) in each of the Korean, Vietnamese, Farsi and Punjabi cultures to assist in contributing to and/or validating key information for the tip sheet (ie.  Common cooking methods, suppliers/distributors used; fats used in baking/frying; common food sources of industrially produced trans fat, etc).

Basically, we would be asking that these contacts volunteer their time in a telephone call or feedback via e-mail once we have drafted the content.  The content would be translated by one of our consultants.  Chefs or restaurant owners who particpate would be acknowledged on the tip sheet.

Please let me know if I can provide any other background info.

Regards, Lorrie

Lorrie Cramb, R.D., M.Ed.
Manager-Healthy Eating
Chronic Disease/Injury Prevention and Built Environment
Population and Public Health
Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport
1515 Blanshard St., 4-2
Victoria, B.C.  V8W 3C8
Telephone:  (250) 952-1956
BB:  (250) 507-0256
Fax:  (250) 952-1570

BC Chefs Golf Tournament 2009

Jul 27 2009

Dear Members:

Thank you to all of the participants in the annual BC Chefs’ Association golf tournament at Westwood Plateau. As I made my way around the golf course and then at the reception, I was constantly reminded that our association has the most dedicated, passionate people who love to contribute to a worthwhile cause and who know how to have a good time!

Because of the generous support of our sponsors and the enthusiastic participation of the golfers along with the tireless efforts of our volunteers and organizing committee, this event was a terrific success. Your contribution is very much appreciated and I look forward to talking with you at our association meetings in the coming months.

Again, thank you for your involvement in this event as well as our association and continued success to all of you.

View 2009 Golf Tournament Program

View 2009 Golf Tournament Winners

Latin American Chefs

Jun 29 2009

Three of the outstanding culinarians from Ecuador will be presenting lectures and demonstrations showcasing Latin American cuisine and restaurant management,
July 13-17th, 2009.

Chef of The Year

Jun 29 2009

CHEF PROFESSOR HANS ANDEREGG HONOURED AS CHEF OF THE YEAR.

2009 Aluminum Chef Competition

Jun 24 2009

Rio Tinto Alcan 2009 Aluminum Chef Champion Adam Goldner (left) and Runner-Up Jessie Smith (right) proudly display their winning entries in this year’s cooking competition at the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival.  Ten students from Vancouver Community College, Art Institute, and Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts competed in the two day culinary showdown,  judged by Canada’s Bocuse d’Or Chef David Wong.

Rio Tino Alcan 2009 Aluminum Chef Champion Adam Goldner builds his winning entry as celebrity judge and Canada’s Bocuse d’Or Chef David Wong critiques his work. Taking place at the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, the cooking showdown featured ten student competitors from three Vancouver culinary schools.

Les Dames d'Escoffier International Legacy Awards

Apr 17 2009

Les Dames d’Escoffier International Legacy Awards Offer Professional Wisdom to Women in Food, Wine and Hospitality

The first Les Dames d‟Escoffier International Legacy Awards will be announced on June 15, 2009. Awards in three categories serve as internships in providing women at the beginning or mid-career in their chosen culinary professions the opportunity to learn, first-hand, from accomplished Dames.

The awards offer a week-long, high energy work place experience to non-Dame women in the USA and Canada. Candidates must have at least two years of experience and must be currently working in the food, beverage or hospitality industries.

Download the PDF by clicking the link below for the full press release.

Culinary Teams Showcase talents for a Good Cause

Apr 17 2009

Vancouver, BC – Executive Chef Mike Pinter and his panel of judges found this year’s selection of winners a particularly difficult decision to make given the range of thought and preparation displayed by the ten food establishments that competed at the 10th annual 5 to 10 A Day Healthy Chef Competition in downtown Vancouver in late March. Next year’s event is scheduled for March 17, 2010.

Download the word doc by clicking the link below for the full press release.

Pear Excellence - Culinary Student Competition

Mar 10 2009

Culinary Students, it’s your time to shine!
Create a fresh pear recipe that tantalizes our taste buds, and we’ll sing your praises!

Show us your flair with the pear!

• Pears - Does it use an appropriate amount of Green Anjou, Red Anjou, or Bosc USA Pears so that the flavor can be tasted?
• Creativity - Is the recipe creative and unique?
• Mechanics of the Recipe - Does it work? Does it taste good?
• Appearance – Does the dish look appetizing?
• Inspiration – Does the dish have the capability to inspire?

Register online at http://www.usapears.org/pearexcellence

BC CHEFS MEDIA PRESIDENTS BALL2009

Mar 4 2009

We are proud to announce that in 2009, the BC Chefs’ Association is celebrating its 51st Anniversary. The 39th annual Presidents’ Ball attracts chefs, foodservice professionals, consultants and suppliers from across British Columbia. On Friday, February 6th The Presidents’ Ball will attract 200 guests at the Executive Plaza Hotel, 405 North Road Coquitlam BC.

Join David Wongs Facebook Page

Oct 31 2008

Chefs, foodies, anyone who has ever loved the art of cuisine or just plain eating – help us spread the word about the most prestigious culinary competition in the world and support Canada’s Chef. Become a fan of Chef David Wong, and follow his quest to bring Canada gold at the January 2009 Bocuse d’Or Culinary Competition in Lyon, France! We need all chefs and aspiring chefs to pull together and help make Canadian culinary history here.

By clicking on the link below, you can sign on to his Facebook page and:

• Interact with people who share similar interests – share stories about David, send advice, anything you want
• Share original videos and photos of David or Bocuse d’Or events
• Browse behind-the-scenes at what David is doing to prepare for the world’s most prestigious culinary competition
• Send David messages of support as he ramps up for France
• Help Bocuse d’Or Canada spread the word among Canadians about what the Road to Bocuse d’Or is all about!

To join this community and connect with David, click here!

National television FOOD series, THE ROOKIE, seeks APPRENTICE CHEF HOST!

Oct 29 2008

You’re a passionate young chef, with cooking school and some hands on work under your belt. You are hungry for experience and searching for inspiration. Your heroes are the chefs who are masters of their own domains and creators of the food that matters. And in search of an education you can’t get in any school, you are going to seek them out and offer yourself up to their tutelage.

Click on the Word Format link below for more info

INTERNATIONAL CHEF DAY

Oct 6 2008

INTERNATIONAL CHEF DAY
OCTOBER 20, 2008


Recognized around the world, B.C. Chefs are making an initiative to join chef’s Associations around the world and across Canada to celebrate our craft & make a difference in our community.  Please come and join us in our Jubilee anniversary as junior and professional chefs will be preparing food for the less fortunate or anyone who wishes to share for a specially prepared meal from 11:30am until 4pm at Oppenheimer Park 400 Powell St Vancouver, BC.

We would like to thank the generous donations from: B.C. Produce Marketing Association and Chimo Foods for their Perogies and all the local suppliers who donated food and products to make this event a great success. Without their help, this event would not have been possible.

CULINARY TEAM CANADA OFF TO THE WORLD CULINARY OLYMPICS.

Sep 30 2008

Culinary Team Canada under the patronage of the Canadian Culinary Federation will be leaving Canada on October 14th bound for Erfurt, Germany.

From October 19 – 23, Erfurt will be host to the world’s most important cooking competition, the International Exhibition of Culinary Art (IKA), - the Culinary Olympics. Held every four years, this competition attracts thousands of leading chefs from every continent who gather to compete in a huge variety of culinary competitions.

Over the years, Canada’s chefs have won many accolades and awards and are ranked among the world’s best.

Competing against over 30 international teams from around the world, Culinary Team Canada is setting its sights on winning the Culinary World Cup and being the best in the National Team competition. To do so, they must prepare a Cold Display Table, featuring a variety of foods from buffet platters and canapés to petit fours and sugar displays, and a Hot
Competition featuring a three-course menu prepared and served to 110 people in 2 hours.

Managed by John Carlo Felicella, Culinary Arts Department Head at Vancouver Community College the team is made up of Captain, Tobias MacDonald, La Belle Auberge Restaurant, Ladner BC. Pas try Chef, Mickey Zhao, St. Germain Bakery. Scott Jaeger, The Pear Tree Restaurant, Burnaby BC. Hamid Salimian, The Westin Bear Mountain Resort, Victoria BC. and Cameron Huley, The St. Charles Golf and Country Club, Winnipeg MB.

You are invited to meet the chefs of Culinary Team Canada – film or photograph behind the scenes kitchen preparations and sample their Hot Three Course Menu that will be served as part of the competition in Germany

on Tuesday, September 30, 2008, 7-9pm
JJ’s Restaurant, Vancouver Community College 707 West Pender Street, Vancouver
General Public Ticket s $70.00 Call 604 318 1633

BC Chefs in City Life

Aug 1 2008

VIEW LARGER

THIRD COOKS' TOUR OF CUBA

Aug 1 2008

CALLING ALL CHEFS AND CUISINE PROFESSIONALS...
THIRD COOKS' TOUR OF CUBA!
November 24 - December 8th, 2008
 
Slow Food - Local Food
World leader in Organic Production and Urban Agriculture
Food Sovereignty and Security
 
CUBA HAS IT ALL!
 
Join award-winning Agrologist Wendy Holm this November and
SEE FOR YOURSELF!
 
Full info at theholmteam.ca
This trip is tax-deductible for cuisine professionals.

View Brochure

View Itinerary

WILD BC SEAFOOD FEST ... wild BC salmon, sablefish and sardines

Jul 27 2008

Join members of BC’s commercial fishing industry and some of BC’s most acclaimed chefs and seafood experts as they demonstrate a variety of amazing wild BC seafood recipes and provide tips on buying, storing, preparing and even eating some of our favourite wild BC seafood. Plus sample their amazing creations and receive copies of the featured recipes to savour them at home!

This year’s special guest chefs include: Jeff Van Geest (Executive Chef/Owner of Aurora Bistro, Vancouver, BC) who will feature contemporary west coast creations; Manuel Ferreira (Owner of Le Gavroche and Senova Restaurants, Vancouver, BC) who will be presenting Mediterranean inspired creations; and, Stephen Wong (Vancouver journalist, food and beverage consultant and cookbook author) who will be presenting Asian inspired recipes. Award-winning fishmonger from The Salmon Shop and Screaming Mimi’s in North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay Market, Kosta Zogaris will add much information and enthusiasm as the cooking stage MC, and Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie will also join the fun on the cooking stage.