Italian Job Ready, set, dial. Dine Italia, back for Year 3, has dining deals for days—well, from Monday (September 1) to September 15 at least, at a raft of Lower Mainland restaurants. Try old faves like Quattro, Papi’s in Steveston, and Burnaby’s Vita Bella, or Fourth Avenue newbies Trattoria Italian Kitchen and La Quercia. Multicourse menus range from $20 to $50. Find them and other restos at www.iccbc.com/page200.htm .  

Phat and phatter The previous tenant at 1859 West 4th Avenue, Cheesecake 101, is gone, but we’re thinking that PHAT—short for pretty, hot, and tasty—is in for the long haul if it follows the success of its Yaletown sib. PHAT finds include excellent Montreal smoked meat, Reubens, barbecue beef brisket, all-day breakfast bagel bennies, and more. Do takeout or grab a seat at the massive communal table.

Blast from the past On Saturday (August 16), Kitsilano restaurants will be spilling out into the street. That’s because West 4th Avenue between Burrard and Balsam streets will be car-free for the Summer of Love festival. Browns Social House (2296 West 4th Avenue) will be flipping burgers on an extended patio next to the festival’s main stage at Vine Street, and many eateries will offer walk-up specials. The fest runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chinatown party Take in this weekend’s ninth annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival (August 9 and 10, noon to 6 p.m.) by joining food tasting and heritage walking tours, and exploring buildings not usually open to the public. There’ll be Chinese arts and crafts demos, “super sale” booths, and a children’s play area. Stick around for the night market or have dinner at one of Chinatown’s restos (vcbia.brinkster.net/CF/Festival.htm ).

Hotcake happiness Like ’em stacked? Get your maple on with the annual Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast fundraiser, held outside at Davie and Bute streets on Saturday (August 2) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in honour of one of Vancouver Pride’s founders. Local choirs and live music will accompany this by-donation breakfast of pancakes, fruit, sausages, juice, and coffee.

Local restaurant owners go to amazing lengths to deal with difficult situations, whether the blame lies with them or with diners. But they have some horror stories to tell about oversized, messy, and literally shitty customers.

Proud around town Kick-start Pride celebrations with Saturday’s Picnic in the Park (July 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) at Brockton Oval in Stanley Park, complete with a high-heeled-shoe toss, live music, and a beer garden. Fancy things up on Sunday (July 27) at Dine With Pride at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel for an auction and awards dinner honouring outstanding community members. Tickets are $100 at vancouverpride.ca/

Gord Martin is one busy man. Hard to believe, but it’s been 10 years since this former punk singer opened Bin 941 (941 Davie Street), nine since he started Bin 942 (1521 West Broadway), and almost four for Go Fish (False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf), his dockside seafood shack.

Urban eats Get ready to gorge on globetrotting treats at Citytv’s Taste of the City, on Saturday (July 19) at the PNE. Admission is free. Featured restos include Brasas Peruvian BBQ, Big Al’s Soul Food, Cassis Bistro, Mona’s Lebanese Cuisine, and many more. Taste tickets are 50 cents, and food samples are $1 to $4. More? CityCooks’ main stage features Simi Sara and chef demos ( www.citytvtasteofthecity.com/ ).

Dine for design Diners at Boneta (1 West Cordova Street) can end their meal on Sunday (July 13) with rhubarb cheesecake and a good feeling. That’s because half of the ticket price for the $65 three-course dinner goes to Lu’s Pharmacy for Women. The Downtown Eastside project, slated to open in September, was designed by a team of UBC architecture students, who have paired with Boneta for this fundraiser. For reservations, call 604-684-1844.

Anyone who’s travelled beyond B.C.’s borders lately knows what an utter bargain Vancouver restaurants are. Nonetheless, locals are ever on the hunt for dining deals, and restaurateurs are stepping up in droves, making it a virtual Dine Out year-round.

Moderne Burger is back After almost a year-and-a-half of papered windows, Moderne Burger (2507 West Broadway) is open once again. Renovations have made the joint bigger, though it still has a shiny happy ’50s-style décor. The signature burger remains the same—a handmade steak patty with no seasoning whatsoever ($7.45). Everything’s made to order, from bacon to french fries, which are cut and cooked on demand.

Indian food lightens up Bal Arneson will demonstrate how to give traditional Indian dishes a healthy make-over on Wednesday (July 2) at a class at the Cookshop (3–555 West 12th Avenue, 604-873-5683). Enroll in the $59 session and bring a friend for free, or take a bonus class instead, such as chef Thaung Yan’s Vietnamese Grill and BBQ on July 15.

Dancing in the streets One of Vancouver’s most fun- and food-filled celebrations, Greek Day 2008, flows onto West Broadway between Macdonald and Blenheim streets on Sunday (June 22) from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. There’ll be souvlaki-laden grills, dancing, music, and Greek vegetarian cooking demos at the Cambas Wines Culinary Cooking Tent.

King of the grill If your pop doesn’t qualify for this moniker, sign him up for the first of Morton’s the Steakhouse’s master classes, Grilling 101 ($99) on June 22. Chef Lee Milton leads the edible demo, while participants score tips and techniques—fuelled by beer and wine—before diving into the resulting steak and seafood lunch. Dads walk off with goody bags, grilling cheat sheets, and more. Reserve at 604-915-5105.

Grouse Mountain’s Altitude Bistro is just one place to toast the eventual arrival of summer with good food and great views.

Here's the beef Slide into Hamilton Street Grill (1009 Hamilton Street) between June 5 and 15, and help celebrate the resto’s 11th birthday with a killer $11 eight-ounce sirloin-steak dinner deal. Reservations are a must (604-331-1511). On tap on Tuesday (June 10) is HSG’s Peller Estates Wine Dinner (seven courses, $62.50) with rising-star winemaker Stephanie Leinemann.

Main's on the move Giving busy 4th Avenue a run for diners’ dollars, Main Street’s latest addition is sweet spot Grub (4328 Main Street). With just 30 seats, this modern room has a “fresh board” of market-inspired daily entreés, antipasto, and thin-crust pizzas. A third Burgoo is slated to open mid June at 15th and Main, while across the street Brewery Creek Cold Beer and Wine Store is in expansion mode.

A swish set to dish about If you thought that dining at YEW restaurant + bar (791 West Georgia Street) at the Four Seasons was a bit dear and too much of a scene, think again. Stop in Sunday and Monday evenings and a three-course dinner’s a swell $35. Plus, they’ll open any of the 150 wines on the list if you buy two glasses. Check it out at www.fourseasons.com/vancouver/dining.html

Market on the calendar Sign of the season, the East Vancouver Farmers Market kicks off on Saturday (May 17), from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Trout Lake Community Centre. Bring your trendiest tote so you can take part in the Shopping Bag Showoff.

A little bit western With a down-at-heel exterior, Ping’s Café (2702 Main Street) belies a sleek, modern interior complete with Rodney Graham art. Many might think yoshoku is izakaya-style food, but owner Josh Olson, formerly at Dunbar Street’s Modern Club, describes it as postwar Japanese Western-style food. Sample dishes include “regular” items like gyoza, edamame, and yakitori, plus pork cutlets, breaded seafood, and a Ping dog (grilled bratwurst with daikon).

Your weekly food round-up

Shaken: Not Stirred Sunday Brunch, Shakespeare’s 444th birthday, a hip new watering hole, carbon-neutral coffee bar, Vista D’oro Farms, FigMint Restaurant & Lounge and fried chicken Fuel Restaurant.

Secrets of Norte We’re pleased as punch to report that much missed Philip Mitchell of gone-but-so-not-forgotten Café Norte is back in our sights and will be teaching a few secret-no-more Norte Mexican favourites at Tools and Techniques (250–16th Street, West Vancouver). Maximum Mexican Comfort Foods is on April 21 and Mexican Fiesta Flavours on May 12. Book early at www.thestoreforcooks.com/.

The words Okanagan and wine are nearly synonymous. Today, Okanagan wine country encompasses wineries from Granite Creek north of Vernon to Nk’Mip, near Osoyoos in the south. Most of the wineries stretch along either side of a four-lake daisy chain (Osoyoos, Vaseux, Skaha, and Okanagan) tucked neatly into the Okanagan Valley.

Corner stores are fast disappearing. Yet the ones that remain are thriving as they adapt to changing communities.

Today we gravitate to the easiness, the wallet-friendly prices, and the good food at spots like Bistrot Bistro and Bin 941, but it’s still a treat to tuck into simple, decent eats in the unpretentious, timeworn surroundings of diners.

New face for Feenies, Wine fest awards, Tequila takes a shot with new resto & more

It’s Irish for party Over the past 11 years, Sean Heather’s Irish empire has shamrock ’n’ rolled the city on St. Patrick’s Day. Go on-line now to www.irishheather.com/ (and we stress now ) to reserve the various lunch and dinner packages offered March 17 at The Irish Heather (217 Carrall Street). Why? Because this will be the last such St. Pat’s party, as the whole shebang moves to new digs (210-212 Carrall Street) sometime soon. Go weep in your Guinness.

Fraîche debuts, pastry boot camp & more

Mardi Gras on Davie From Thursday to Saturday (February 21 to 23), break out the boas, glitter, and beads and celebrate Davie Village’s third boffo Mardi Gras in high style. This year, your $10 wristband—available at Little Sister’s bookstore, Priape Vancouver, and participating bars—gets you discounts at many bars, eateries, and shops, and eliminates cover charges and lineups. Proceeds benefit the LGTB Centre at 1170 Bute Street.

I HEART YOUIt’s odd that each Valentine’s Day so few eat what you’d think would be the logical dish. One place to track down the real thing is La Bodega (1277 Howe Street) where you can order a grilled, medium rare tapa of marinated veal heart. Two skewers cost $6.50.

Rob Feenie joins Cactus, celebrate Chinese New Year on Granville Island , + more

 

The Dine Out Vancouver Web site went live last week. Reservations at all the top-draw restaurants are maxed out. Or are they?

Regulars of Sophie’s Cosmic Café (2095 West 4th Avenue) turned out in droves to stand in line for the much-missed kitchsy “garage sale” décor, brunches, lunches, and dinners when the 20-year-old eatery reopened after a month of...

Hit the 12th annual Holiday Market this weekend (December 15 and 16) at Heritage Hall (Main Street at 15th Avenue) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and make a quick sweep of Christmas shopping. There’ll be more than 100 vendors with tables loaded with treats like...

If you work downtown, on Friday (December 7) drop in at the 21st annual CBC Radio One Food Bank Day when you can see hosts and special guests live at Pacific Centre (6 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Call in your donation on 604-662-6470 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m...

Dickensian feasts, you say? On December 11, UBC Catering will cook its splendiferous annual Dickens Buffet at the suitably historic Cecil Green Park House (6251 Cecil Green Park Road). Two seatings at lunch, one dinner seating, and costs $36.95...

7 dining events > Vegetarian Resource Centre wilts, Broadway International Wine Shop dries out, Beer Dip fondue, celebrity dim sum, Porridge for Parkinson's, the Sutton Place Wine Merchant uncorks, and a filmmaker screening of Tableland

7 dining events > WISE Hall winter market, fresh local salsa, the latest Beaujolais Nouveau + more

TRUE GRIT Check out www.heartofthecityfestival.com/ to see the wealth of events and eating ops at the 4th annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival running until November 4. You’ll discover an abundance of talent and cool happenings from the theatrical to the edible. Fill up at the vegan Sweet Sounds Sunday Brunch, Bread for the Dead workshop, the Japanese Hall food bazaar, and the Ukrainian Supper.

He cooks, he cleans, he chats: Dennis Green

SMOOTH MOVE New beanery on the block, 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters, coffee supplier to Artigiano and other cafés, has set up shop in sleek Italianate surroundings at 2152 West 4th Avenue. In addition to excellent espresso-based coffee drinks, Clover coffee, teas, and fresh-baked dolce, find whole beans, grinders, and cupping sessions for restaurateurs and serious coffee geeks.

DEUCE COUP North Vancouver is abuzz with new restaurants, with Deuce (1617 Lonsdale Avenue), sib to Yaletown’s Capone’s, the latest draw. The space is bright and light, with clean modern lines, and the food aims to match. On the compact menu, you can find Brown Derby salad, Dungeness crab risotto fritters, and Serious Mac & Cheese. Swank cocktails invite, and there’s Unibroue on tap, too.

Hot, spicy, crunchy, and healthy snacks? Burnaby's INDIANLife Food Corporation makes a tasty range of six vegetarian snacks that will kick any chip cravings out the door. On our current hit parade are two newbies: Chevdo, one of India's most popular snacks, made up of a lightly spiced mix of rice flakes, nuts, lentils, raisins, and more; and the Hot Punjabi Mix (peanuts, chickpeas, lentils, peas, and puffed rice) that delivers an in-your-face spicy kick.

B.C. winners of Superstar Chef Challenge who grew up cooking are made for TV

At $29.95 for a skinny 200-millilitre bottle, you'll be eking out this thick, sweet, and darkly delicious Solera 2000 Pinot Noir Balsamico vinegar drop by addictive drop. Barrel-aged, it's the pinnacle of artisanal vinegars made in Summerland by Okanagan Vinegar Brewery's Alois Thurn, and worth every penny of its lofty price tag. Others in the lineup (375 millilitres, $15.50) include organic-apple and black-cherry fruit vinegars, plus Cabernet, Merlot, Champagne Riesling, and sherry vinegars.

100 MILES AND RUNNING The 100-Mile Diet Society is heading up a Canada-wide Eat Local Challenge running until October 8. Sign up and try it out for a day, week, or the entire thing at www.100milediet.org/vancouver/. With just-caught seafood, local wines, and much more, you’ll eat very well and support local producers, as well as making a positive impact on the environment and your health.