Last night, January 17^th, I attended the media opening party of Max’s Burgers, located across the street from Whole Foods on Cambie and 8^th Avenue.

Chef Connor Butler

Max’s Burgers is the brainchild of Chef Connor Butler (Connor Butler Restaurant, C, Pearl on the Rock) and Redpath Foods, the team that’s brought you Max’s Deli and Stuart’s Bakery for decades.

British Columbia Sliders

Rooster on a Tailgate Sliders

Hail to the King Crab Po’ Boy Slider

Kennebec Fries with Truffle Mayo

Fraser River Mud Shake

Media guests were treated to a casual sit down dinner party where we chowed down on mini versions of many of their burgers, from the tasty British Columbia Sliders (the beef), to the Rooster on a Tailgate Sliders (the chicken), to the Hail to the King Crab Po’ Boy Slider (the crab). I also ate the Kennebec Fries with Truffle Mayo, tried the Poutine and sampled several beverages including the favourite Fraser River Mud Shake followed by the Orange Creamsicle Shake which was my #2.

Now, Chef Connor is making ‘perfect burgers’, and serving them with refreshing cold beverages, milkshakes along with fries, onion rings, and yam fries -  all fried in tallow. Max’s Burgers is focusing on using as many local suppliers as possible and providing amazing burgers with attitude and affordability!

Max’s Burgers is located at 521 West 8th Avenue in Vancouver (Just West of Cambie Street behind the Liquor Store) and will be open for lunch and dinner daily after January 23^rd.

Call 604-873 6297 or visit them online at www.maxsburgers.ca or follow them on Twitter @maxsburgersvan

By: Richard Wolak

Richard Chew - Co-Owner

Last night, December 14th I attended the opening party of Chewie’s Steam and Oyster Bar in Kitsilano.

Chef Tyrell Brandvold (2nd from left), Richard Chew (middle) and staff

Media guests were treated to a sit down dinner party where we could order anything we wanted off the menu and try as much as we were able to eat and drink all night long. It was a fun and festive atmosphere with a great playlist of tunes.

The staff were so hospitable and energized, all wearing their sporty t-shirts “Steamed, Stewed or Nude” referring to their oysters!

Shucking Oysters

Oysters, Oysters and more Oysters

They are showcasing many BC, Washington and east coast oysters at the huge 14 seat oyster bar you can also sit and admire the experts shucking you any type of oyster on the bed you chose! ”The menu offers fresh, local seafood being inspired by the delicious taste of New Orleans. The steam bar is unique to the city and guests will experience the true art of steam cooking southern classics like Gumbo, Etouffee, and Creole Mussels to name only a few, in the open kitchen concept.

The 'Buttermilk Biscuits'

I ate my way through the Buttermilk Biscuits, Southern Fried Chicken, Cheese Grits and the French Quarter Beignets.

Long-time restaurateur Richard Chew is one of the co-owners of Chewies, along-side partners Mel and Jamie Haddad. The bar features a selection of award winning and locally brewed craft beer. The wine list will reach from Naramata, British Columbia to Mendosa, Argentina and all the way to Marlborough, New Zealand.

Chewie’s Steam and Oyster Bar is located at 2201 West 1^st Avenue in Kitsilano. Open nightly and with brunch to begin mid-January.

Call 604-558-4448 or visit them online at http://www.chewies.ca or follow them on Twitter @ChewiesOysters

By: Richard Wolak

Chefs Allan Bosomworth (l) & Karl Gregg (r)

Last night November 28^th I attended the opening party for the Founders Lounge at The Cultch.

Guests were treated to small plates and wine selections, a taste of the menu offerings.

East Vancouver’s highly respected Two Chefs and a Table have taken over management of all food programs at The Cultch. The Two Chefs team are going to run The Cultch’s food services using the same fresh, locally-sourced and sustainable approach developed running their original Alexander St. bistro and the ground breaking nose-to-tail Big Lou’s Butcher Shop on Powell St.

The 38-seat Founders’ Lounge is located at 1895 Venables Street in Vancouver (inside The Cultch) and is open six nights a week from 5:30-11pm serving tapas, wine, craft beer and cocktails to event attendees and the public alike. It’s also available for private bookings on non-event nights.

Reservations can be made at 604-340-3445.

For more information on The Cultch, visit thecultch.com.

By: Richard Wolak

On Tuesday November 15^th,  I attended the opening party of Dunn’s Famous Restaurant in Vancouver.

This Montreal based deli was founded in 1927 and there Vancouver restaurant is the first to open in Western Canada.

Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwiches

Guests were treated to Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, hand carved by guest chefs from Montreal.

Poutine

Heritage Angus beef burgers

I ate my way through a Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich, a mini burger and a taster of the Reuben Sandwich, Poutine and Carrot Cake for dessert!

Specializing in 17 day smoked beef brisket, steamed 3 hours right before serving and always hand sliced to order lean, medium, fat; comfort food, family favourites, all day breakfasts, big desserts and six Montreal poutines!

The room is black and red throughout from the big booths to the seating in the room with brick walls and white hanging lights.

Dunn’s Famous BC is located at 827 Seymour Street (at Robson) in Vancouver. Serving an All day menu Sunday – Thursday 10am – midnight and Friday & Saturday 10am – 1am.

Call 604-682-8938 or visit on the web at www.Dunnsfamousbc.com

By: Richard Wolak

Executive Sous Chef Christopher Chabot (L) & Executive Chef Ryan Mah (R)

On Wednesday, November 9th I attended the opening party of Chinois Restaurant in Yaletown.  Proprietor Peter Girges of Rocksglass Concepts was on hand to greet media and other invited guests as they opened Yaletown’s only Chinese restaurant.

X.O. Fried Rice

The menu is made up of traditional Chinese dishes that have been jazzed up or fused if you will, from BBQ to meat, Seafood, Poultry to rice, noodles and vegetables.

Jumbo Prawns with candied walnuts

Prawn Toast

Out of all the appetizers that I tried my favourite was the Jumbo Prawns with candied walnuts in a creamy spicy sauce followed by the Prawn Toast.

White and red wine was being poured along with champagne and some house cocktails.

Executive Chef Ryan Mah, formerly of Goldfish and Joe Fortes is working alongside Executive Sous Chef Christopher Chabot also formerly of Goldfish. General Manager is Gordon Fai.

The David Nichol designed room is dark with Gold shining lights taking their cue to the old Chinese Lanterns that you may find in Chinatown.

Chinois Restaurant is located at 1035 Mainland Street in Yaletown, the restaurant is open for dinner nightly.

Call 604-629-8808 or reservations. On the web at http://www.chinoisrestaurant.ca

By: Richard Wolak

On Friday, October 28^th I attended the opening party of Black+Blue on Alberni Street in downtown Vancouver.  Proprietors Emad Yacoub and Shannon Bosa Yacoub share a passion for classic-style dining with their Black+Blue, a new steak-centric restaurant.

Executive Chef - Dennis Peckham

From juicy steaks to crisp service, classic cocktails to sumptuous décor, Black + Blue brings decadence and glamour back on the Vancouver dining scene.

Blue Velvet Cocktail

Lobster Bisque

Executive Chef Dennis Peckham, has crafted a menu where steak reigns. Working alongside Chef Peckham is Chef de Cuisine Jason Labahn, from famed Las Vegas steakhouses: Fix at Bellagio; Brand at Monte Carlo; and Alex at the Wynn.

Stunning lights

Baked Potatoes

Taking a cue from the restaurant’s name, whether you prefer black or blue, all cuts are prepared to perfection. The range of offerings is also impressive with an extensive selection of prime cuts available – from Wagyu to US and Canadian Prime.

In addition to steak, guests can expect to be wooed with a diverse mix of seafood classics: Oysters Rockefeller; Shrimp Cocktail; and Salmon Coulibiac. Tableside Caesar salads and shaker cocktails add charm.

Baked Alaska

As for the aesthetic, BOX Interior Design is behind the impressive 240-seat, three-level space design. Gold accents pop against a palette of rich tones to highlight classic-steakhouse finishes in velvet and leather. Striking details include: the meat cooler’s Himalayan Rock Salt ‘Wall’ where the salt acts as a canvas for the aged and cured meats on display; the glass-walled elevator, elegantly transporting guests between the three floors; a custom designed lighting installation suspended over the central bar from famed UK industrial designer Tom Dixon; and the private and semi-private dining rooms boasting smoked tobacco wall panelling, high coffered ceilings and granite-clad fireplaces.

Black+Blue is located at 1032 Alberni Street, the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, and for dinner only Saturday and Sunday. Call 604.637.0777 for reservations.

By: Richard Wolak

Last night, I attended the opening party of the new lobby lounge located inside the Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver.

Making the signature Iron Lotus Cocktails

Xi Shi Lounge is a tribute to the ancient Chinese goddess of the Lotus Blossom, Xi Shi, and their own Shangri-La heritage, with a modern interpretation.

The cocktail list has been crafted by Jay Jones the Bar & Beverage director for the hotel who is one of the top cocktail creators in his field.

From “The Iron Lotus,” their homage to classic cocktail culture to the servers in tailored, traditional dress, Asian touches are evident, Sino Chic attire…  think Shanghai in the 1930′s.

The Max Zipursky Trio

The bar menu offers up a small selection of tasty appetizers including my favourite of the night the crab cakes; you will also find unique cocktails and other fine liquor. Last night The Max Zipursky Trio played live jazz for the guests to enjoy.

Xi Shi Lounge is open nightly and located in the Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver at 1128 West Georgia Street or online

By: Richard Wolak

Thierry Busset and Jack Evrensel

On Tuesday, September 27^th I attended the opening party for Thierry on Alberni Street in downtown Vancouver. It’s owned by Thierry Busset and Jack Evrensel who are partners in the tasty project. Jack is also the President of Top Table Group.

Tree of Macarons

It is no secret that I have been a fan of Thierry Busset’s Macarons since discovering them a long time ago, Thierry’s centrepiece the Tree of Macarons showcased the table of the desserts at the centre of the party.

Bowl of Macarons

This is a classic French café with a modern twist, guests sampled signature dishes from their sweet and savoury menus, as well as wine and apéritifs in their fully licensed café.

Thierry is open daily 7am- Midnight and is located at 1059 Alberni Street in downtown Vancouver. You can also find them on twitter @thierrychocolat or online at http://www.thierrychocolates.com/

By: Richard Wolak

John, Matti, Chris, and George Gianniakos

On Wednesday, August 31^st I attended the opening party for Revolver Coffee on Cambie Street downtown Vancouver.

It’s operated by brothers John, Matti, Chris, and George Gianniakos who are 4 passionate brothers who share a true love for the bean; it’s owned by parents, Tarry and Kristine Gianniakos who also own Crema in West Vancouver.

I was happy to find one of my favourite coffee roasters beans on the bar, those from Ritual Coffee in San Francisco. They are smart about their coffee choices, customers have the choice of two for their espresso based drinks where you can choose from Ritual Coffee or Phil & Sebastian. They also have different roasters coffees available (always changing) with five brewing methods to choose: steel filter; Aeropress; siphon, clever or French press.

George told me that serving the best tea is also important for them and each brew pot is temperature controlled. On the Espresso side of things the menu is going to be simple, none of that fancy ‘bucks stuff, here it is going to be the true brew. On the eats side of things look for fresh baked goods, candies and nuts.

I have always loved cafes, especially ones that excude coolness, a place that people can enjoy the best coffee while being inspired and lost in thought.

Revolver Coffee is open daily 7:30am- 7pm and is located at 325 Cambie Street in the Gastown area of Vancouver. You can also find them on twitter @revolver_coffee or online at http://revolvercoffee.ca/

By: Richard Wolak

Raeffele Aiello -owner

Last night I attended the opening party for Frankie’s Italian Kitchen on Beatty Street downtown Vancouver.

As Guests arrived they were served a glass of Prosecco and served canapés of salmon tartare, ahi tuna puffs and more. A pasta station where guests could enjoy a vegetarian offering as well as meat sauce with the homemade pasta. The table was filled with antipasto, breadsticks, delicious focaccia bread, and several pizzas. Afterwards a variety of desserts were served including many Italian dessert specialties!

Chef Luigi Ornaghi

Chef Luigi Ornaghi heads up the kitchen at Frankie’s. Ornaghi has over 30 years experience as both chef and owner from kitchens throughout Northern Italy, the French Riviera and most recently the United States. The affable chef is a new arrival in Canada, he speaks four languages and has studied and taught at culinary schools throughout Piedmont, Italy.  He is also the recipient of accolades from the Chaine des Rotisseurs in Italy and Australia as well as other global gastronomic associations.

Making Pasta Creations

Pesto Pizza topped with Mussels

Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar brings some of southern Italy’s famous flavours and family recipes, as well as not-so-traditional Italian dishes, to the table. Fresh ingredients, proven recipes, fair pricing and exceptional authentic service are the pillars of Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar.

Private Dining Room

Desserts

More Desserts

Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar is located at 765 Beatty Street next to the Georgian Court Hotel open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, reserve online www.frankiesitaliankitchen.ca or call 604.688.6368.

By: Richard Wolak