Ensemble Tap Review

Last year, Chef Dale MacKay took the title of Top Chef Canada, made Vancouver’s “Worthy 30” (a list of the city’s most accomplished and unhitched), and opened Ensemble Restaurant and Ensemble Tap. This type of energy is remarkable; Mackay’s successes even more so, considering the tough time restaurants face in this overtaxed … Read More

2012 Playhouse Wine Festival Preview

Area oenophiles know that less than two weeks remain until the opening of the annual Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival. Now in its 35th year, the fundraiser for the Playhouse Theatre Company is recognized as one of the largest wine festivals in the world. On offer is everything from the … Read More

Review: Without Papers Pizza

With great food comes great responsibility. At least, that’s part of the thinking at Without Papers Pizza. After all, with pizza this good, there needs to be great service to boot, which in this case, means helpful staff, late hours and free local delivery. Located in Inglewood, co-owners Jesse Johnson … Read More

The Practical Modern Man Makes Soup

It’s winter and, as we all know, winter never ends. Luckily, a practical modern man’s ardour continues to make its warming presence felt in the fireside months. If such a man also had a lady who could use a little thawing après-ski, he could do worse than to begin by … Read More

Allen’s Steak Festival, 2012

The following informed opinion offered entirely hormone-, antibiotic- and hyperbole-free: No Torontonian self-described “steak lover” is worth his salt (salt-free also a perfectly respectable option, mind you) if he fails to attend the annual Allen’s Steak Festival, in 2012 running from Feb. 7 – 25. For this extended fortnight, Allen’s … Read More

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