What does it take to become Canada’s Bartender of the Year? Well, you must know your spirits and mixes for starters. A knowledge of basic ingredients also helps. Then there’s the whole science of muddling things. And, if you want to impress, you must have a flair for the dramatic too. Last week ten of the best from across the country came together to compete in Canada’s most prestigious contest in a two day, two city event that dazzled the mind and entertained the imagination. Sponsored by Diageo World Class Canada, this year’s winner was Grant Sceney of Vancouver’s own Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel. Grant impressed his peers and judges Dale DeGroff, Tony Abou-Ganim, Steve Olson and last year’s victor Jenner Cormier, to take home top prize. Now he’s off to the U.K. where he will compete against 40+ of the world’s best bartenders at the World Class Global Finals on July 28th. A gala celebration night was held at the Vancouver Art Gallery on the final night. Congrats to all involved.
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01 – Shea Hogan, from the Shameful Tiki Room on Main, chats with Bittered Sling’s Lauren Mote who can also be found at Uva Wine Bar.
02 – Cooper Tardivel, left, bar manager at Hawksworth in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, celebrates with Absolute Vodka’s Jacob Sweetapple.
03 – Taking a chance to get out from behind the bar are Navin Toor, left, beverage coordinator for Earls, Jay Jones, who is the new Director of Wine & Beverage with Canucks Sports & Entertainment, and Stephen Whiteside, from the Donnelly Group.
04 – Winner Grant Sceney, head bartender at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, is all smiles with Victoria Whyte as they celebrate his victory in style.
05 – Samir Sharma chats with contestant and fellow Keefer bar man Gerald (Gez) McAlpine.
06 – Fairmont Waterfront chef Alessandro Vianello and Prestons Restaurant supervisor Harriet Vianello enjoy the gala reception.
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By Catherine Barr – June 24, 2014
Also as seen in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper
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By Catherine Barr
www.CatherineBarr.com | www.WestVancouver.com | www.NorthVancouver.com
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Since 2008, Mangia e Bevi Ristorante in West Vancouver has started the year off on the right foot with a charity month of dinners designed to raise funds for cancer research. Last week, it was time for the B.A.C.I.O. (Because A Cure is Obtainable) final night gala. “Bacio” – which means “kiss” – featured a fabulous menu of Italian specialities, live music, auction items and more. Monies raised this night go to support the Lions Gate Oncology Clinic and BC Children’s Hospital Oncology Research.
As we say goodbye to June, it’s time for a look back at several great summer events. First up, the West Vancouver Library Mallet Masters Croquet Tournament was held at Ambleside Greens Golf Course where mulligans are not only allowed, they’re encouraged. Dressed in Hampton’s whites, teams took to the field to pound it out for glory and charity. Next, it was sexy swimwear by Anna Kosturova and art by Tiko Kerr at Bud and Dottie Kanke’s fashionable Goldfish Pacific Kitchen in Yaletown. Entitled “Summer Splash”, all funds raised to go support the Vancouver Native Health Society. Lastly, West Vancouver’s Ron Orr rolled out the red carpet at his Roxy nightclub for “Rockshow” a live heavy metal hair band night celebrating the establishment’s 22nd anniversary.
You know it’s a good party when you get to play with the Belugas and tickle the sea otters. Add in some sustainable seafood, a glass of vino and some lavish auction items and you’ve got “Night at the Aquarium” – the Vancouver Aquarium’s signature gala fundraiser. This year, the gala raised over $300,000 and all of the proceeds go directly toward supporting the Aquarium’s numerous research, education and conservation efforts. Also last week, North Vancouverite and Steamworks proprietor Eli Gershkovitch welcomed guests to his newest installment – Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar – located in the downtown seabus terminal. Formerly known as the Transcontinental, the refurbished room features fabulous new decor and a new menu well worth the trip.
It was a culinary event of Olympic proportions and the big winners were our own Olympic athletes. The Canadian Culinary Championships (CCC) were held late last month and were the culmination of the local regional Gold Medal Plates city competitions held throughout the year across Canada. The fundraisers were all designed to help put Canadian athletes on the podium come February – so no matter how you slice it, everyone came out a winner. Also, this week marks the start of Mangia E Bevi’s special month-long fundraiser entitled “B.A.C.I.O” (Because A Cure Is Obtainable). The West Vancouver restaurant is raising funds all this month with a special menu – a portion of which will be donated to the BC Children’s Hospital and the Lions Gate Hospital Oncology departments. Join them until Jan 31 at 
IT was a fun “foodie” type week last week as competitions, cookbooks and the first sign of Christmas crept into the headlines. First up, local chefs help promote sustainable seafood at the Vancouver Aquarium during the Seafood Chowder Chowdown. Then, it was time for a little Viva Italia at Quattro on 4th as local favourite, Antonio Corsi, teamed up to publish his family’s food secrets in a fabulous new cookbook – just in time for Christmas. And speaking of Christmas, the first cheer of the year goes to the good folks at Rogers Communication in a special holiday reception held at the chic and stylish Lift restaurant and lounge.
It’s a chic and stylish corner in an up-and-coming neighbourhood and, judging from the menu, the music and the moniker, the name of the game is success. Lolo (taken from the slang for Lower Lonsdale) is billing itself as a “small plates and wine” restaurant that offers artisan cheeses, charcuterie meats and a rather plump wine list. This week they held an elegant opening party for friends and guests. Add in the live music, sidewalk patio and lounge-y feel, and this little boite may just have hit the spot.
Kermit the Frog said it best – It’s not easy being green. However, thanks to some new sustainable programs (like the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program), Vancouver chefs are responding with enthusiasm. Such was the case at Blue Water Cafe last week. West Vancouver owner Jack Evrensel, along with his talented team, launched a new seafood cookbook focusing on “Spare the Ocean, Spoil the Palate”. The restaurant also played host to the Red Carpet Soiree – a toast to the 100 year celebration of the Red Cross – an organization known for its care of third world, health and sustainable recycling programs.
The big lighthouse in Park Royal’s Village is shining a light on something new thanks to some funky changes and an innovative menu designed by famed Vancouver chef Rob Feenie. Since taking over the former Steamworks location, the gang at the Cactus Club’s West Van Taphouse has reinvented the space making it unique by offering their 20/20 beer menu, entertainment and more. Last week all was revealed at a special media tasting event that proves this group has tapped into something really great.
V is for Variety, The Children’s Charity that is. But V is also for Vodka, Vancouver and Va-va-va-voom. At least that’s the way I’d describe the new Earls hotspot in trendy Yaletown. West Vancouver’s Fuller family has done it again by re-inventing style in the upper loft of their newest location. Designed for private parties and a more “upscale” experience, the room is nothing short of spectacular. “Vodka is at the heart of V,” explained general manager Ryan Emmerson who opened the doors with a special fundraiser for the kids earlier this month.