Get your five-day weather
Canada > Archive by tag 'beer'

beer

Hot Dining: Where to See Skaters on the Rideau Canal

We round up the best spots to grab a bite with the added enjoyment of watching skaters on the Rideau Canal.

Skaters take a snack break at the BeaverTails counter.

BeaverTail Shacks
Located on the Rideau Canal Skateway, you can skate up to the window, order one of these delicious Canadian treats, and grab a spot on a picnic bench without ever leaving the ice. Be honest: isn’t one of the main reasons you go skating here to have a BeaverTail and a hot chocolate after?
Several locations along the Rideau Canal. www.beavertailsinc.com

Canal Ritz
This Italian restaurant boasts one of the most scenic views of the canal and is located right near one of the entrances to the skateway, so after you’re done your meal it’s easy to lace up your skates and join in on the fun. Rather watch? Snag a seat by the big windows and curl up with a specialty coffee.
375 Queen Elizabeth Dr. (at Fifth Avenue), 613-238-8998. www.canalritz.com

Canal Oak
Part of the Royal Oak Pubs chain, this unique two-storey location is situated near the Pretoria Bridge, which crosses over the canal. Order a pint, relax by the fire, and enjoy some colourful people watching. It’s also a top spot to head after you’ve traversed the ice and need to refuel.
221 Echo Dr., 613- 234-3700. www.royaloakpubs.com

Hot Dining: 4 Tasty Taphouses

Dockside tempts with pan-fried chilli squid (front) and sauteed tiger prawns (back). Photo by KK Law

The burgeoning beer scene here yields no shortage of hop-friendly dining.
1 Dockside (pictured) Discover Granville Island’s “other” brewery and dine in vista-kissed surroundings.
2 Howe Sound Brewing Take a 45-minute trip to Squamish to sample Howe Sound Lager with seafood chowder or ale-braised pork sliders.
3 Steamworks Enjoy freshly brewed quaffs, such as Lions Gate Lager, in a brass-trimmed, wood-panelled Gastown pub overlooking the harbour.
4 Yaletown Brewing Grab a glass of Downtown Brown along with a steaming bowl of sliced beef tenderloin tip stroganoff in this red-bricked Yaletown haunt.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dates: A Taste of Germany at the Vancouver Christmas Market

The busy and festive Vancouver Christmas Market

November 24 to December 24

The holidays are just around the corner, and to help kick off the season the Vancouver Christmas Market sets up shop in bustling downtown. Peruse the Bavarian-style wooden booths for everything from hand-knit sweaters to German tinker toys to elaborate glass ornaments. Afterwards chow down on a bratwurst or schnitzel, then warm up with a cup of glühwein—warm, spiced wine—or imported beer.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET (Nov 24-Dec 24). 11 am-9 pm. $5, 7-12 $2, under 7 free. Early-bird admission $2, 11 am-4 pm M-F. Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, 600 Hamilton St. 604-924-4506. www.vancouverchristmas
market.com

Hot Dining: Heritage Tastes at Boneta

Boneta's new digs. Photo by KK Law

Heritage Tastes

Gastown’s popular Boneta has moved—almost right next door. The edgy new spot, tucked in behind Gassy Jack’s statue, sports a French-inspired, locally grounded menu and a convenient back door off Blood Alley. Those seeking more traditional continental fare head to Water Street Cafe, while seafood lovers pack into Cork & Fin and hop hounds find the city’s best craft brew selection at cozy and casual Alibi Room.—Tim Pawsey

More information:

BONETA Bartender of the Year, Vancouver magazine 2011. This modern bistro serves artfully presented dishes on a constantly changing menu. Reservations advised. $$. D (M-Sa). 12 Water St. 604-684-1844. www.boneta.ca

WATER STREET Cafe Overlooks Gastown’s cobbled streets and trademark steam clock. Fresh seafood, veal, lamb and daily specials. Private dining rooms. Reservations recommended. $$. L/D (daily). 300 Water St. 604-689-2832.

CORK & FIN Casual seafood and wine bistro. Decadent seafood dishes, oyster bar and vegetarian items. $$-$$$. D (Tu-Su). 221 Carrall St. 604-569-2215. www.corkandfin.ca

THE ALIBI ROOM Trendy spot serves dishes inspired by the modern English tavern. Menu changes seasonally. DJs (F-Sa). $$. D (Tu-Sa), brunch (Sa-Su). 157 Alexander St. 604-623-3383. www.alibi.ca

9 of the Best Organic Canadian Brews from Coast to Coast

Draught menu at La Barberie. Photo by Stan Hieronymus.

By Merle Rosenstein

At tailgate parties, at barbecues and in pubs across Canada, six packs are paired with pizza, burgers and poutine. But these days beer has outgrown snack food and sports and has gone artisanal. Craft brewers are combining top-quality ingredients and producing unusual, signature brews, while beer lovers flock to festivals to learn the art of food pairing with lager, ale and stout. (more…)

Hot Dining: Pints & Paperbacks

The New Oxford Public House. Photo by KK Law

Yaletown’s The New Oxford serves up beer with pub-style food, all under the watchful eye of Oscar Wilde. His portrait is just one of many nods to the famous university, with vintage touring bikes and shelves of classic novels adding to the ambience.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

The New Oxford Public House, $-$$. L/D (daily). 1144 Homer St. 604-609-0901.

www.donellygroup.ca/oxford

Hot Dates: Happy Halloween

Halloween charms from Thomas Sabo

October 31
Celebrate Oct. 31—grown-up style—with autumn-inspired charms from Thomas Sabo. Sure, you’re no longer getting decked out in your ghoulish best, trick-or-treating from house to house, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop celebrating All Hallows’ Eve altogether. Pop by Thomas Sabo’s new Oakridge Centre store to choose charms of your own, or model your bracelet or necklace after the acorn and pumpkin combo shown above. Other options for ringing in this scary holiday: pints of pumpkin ale and creepy, festive decorations at HomeSense.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

Thomas Sabo, Oakridge Centre, 650 West 41st Ave. 604-263-7226.

www.thomassabo.com

Homesense, 493 Robson St. 604-683-4406.

www.homesense.ca

Hot Dining: The Great Pumpkin

Photo by David Hills/istockphoto.com

Vancouver brewers celebrate Halloween early with a bevy of pumpkin ales. Taste the best of the season at Steamworks Brewing Co., Granville Island Brewing Taproom and Central City Brewing Co. in Surrey. Or try them all by the flight at St. Augustine’s Pub on Commercial Drive, which also boasts no less than 40 beers on tap.—Tim Pawsey

More information:

Steamworks, $$. L/D (daily). The Landing, 375 Water St. 604-689-2739.

www.steamworks.com

Granville Island Brewing Taproom, 1441 Cartwright St. 604-687-2739.

www.gib.ca

Central City Brewing Co., $. L/D (daily). 13450-102 Ave., Surrey. 604-582-6620.

www.centralcitybrewing.com

St. Augustine’s Pub, $. L/D (daily), brunch (Sa-Su). 2360 Commercial Dr. 604-569-1911.

www.staugustinesvancouver.com

Hot Dining: Canadian Cuisine, Eh!

Edible Canada photo by KK Law

Head to Granville Island to discover Edible Canada, a sleek bistro, wine bar and retail store that celebrates all things comestible and Canuckish. Nibble on crispy, bronzed, Fraser Valley duck fat fries; slurp richly flavoured West Coast seafood bisque; or savour BC birch syrup and kasu-roasted sablefish, all from a menu that includes plenty of vegetarian and gluten- and dairy-free options. Refreshments range from hard-to-find Okanagan and Vancouver Island wines to “eastern” beers such as Steam Whistle and Propeller, for homesick Torontonians and Haligonians.—Tim Pawsey

More information:

EDIBLE CANADA AT THE MARKET Full-service bistro celebrates the best in BC and Canadian cuisine, with fresh ingredients and artful presentation. Take-away window, patio and demo kitchen. Also a retail space with artisanal foods and unique kitchen wares. Sign up for a culinary tour. $$. B/L/D (daily).

1689 Johnston St. 604-682-6675. www.ediblecanada.com

Across Canada: 10 Great Craft Beer Destinations

By Red Hunt

A coast to coast beer journey, visiting the best brewpubs and beer bars in Canada. In recent years the Canadian craft beer scene has seen an explosion of new micro-breweries, meaning you can find local suds anywhere from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland. Here are ten of our favourite spots to grab a pint of craft beer.

Hot Dining: For beer lovers

Rock Bottom Brewery

Rock Bottom Brewery

  • Rock Bottom Brewery on Spring Garden Road: Distinctive ales brewed on site, creative menu of matching dishes.
  • The Maxwell’s Plum on Grafton Street: 60 different beers on tap, live sports on the big screen.
  • Henry House on Barrington Street: Imported ales and local specialties like the distinctive Peculiar Ale.
  • Hart & Thistle in the Historic Properties: Craft brews produced on site, large waterfront patio.
  • Durty Nelly’s on Argyle and Sackville streets: Irish-style pub, Irish brews and pub food are the specialties.

Interview With DobbernationLoves’ Andrew John Virtue Dobson

Dobson at a noodle house in Tokyo, Japan.

Andrew John Virtue Dobson started his blog DobbernationLoves (on Twitter: @dobbernation) after his first solo backpacking trip through Europe. The Toronto-based blogger’s day job is at Planeterra Foundation, the charitable arm of Gap Adventures, the Canadian-based travel company that hosts tours around the globe. The blog’s title is a clever play on Dobber (a nickname) and Nation (which he sees as “an authoritative stance on what I was doing and where I was going”). Dobson describes DobbernationLoves as a “lifestyle blog with an encyclopedia’s worth of information on travel, Toronto-based restaurants, cheese, wine and beer. I post consistently throughout the week all of the things I love, whether it be covering a fashion or arts based event, or some recipe I came up with over the weekend. I share whatever makes me smile.”

(more…)

Pop a Cold One at Halifax Seaport BeerFest

With nearly 200 varieites on offer, this annual festival is heaven for beer lovers

By Trevor J. Adams

Taps Magazine picked Halifax’s as Canada’s “favourite beerfest” and it’s not hard to see why. Running from August 5 to 6, the Halifax Seaport BeerFest on Marginal Road features some 200 beers and ciders from around the world.

Now in its fifth year, the festival has been growing steadily and is now a beloved rite of summer for the city’s committed tipplers. “For the past two years, evening sessions have sold out,” says festival co-chair Bruce Mansour. Organizers are expecting 5,000 attendees
this year.

This year’s highlights include an expanded Quebec pavilion, Baxter Brewing (Maine), King Brewery (Ontario) and Canada’s newest brewer, Spearhead Brewing from Toronto. In addition to the ample array of ales, vendors will sell beer-inspired food on-site. Forget about the stereotypical hot-dog-on-a-barbecue vendors, though. Some of the city’s most popular restaurants will be serving up sample-sized creations. They include Saege Bistro, Fid Resto and Brussels Restaurant & Brasserie.

Once again this year, organizers are offering a Ladies VIP Brew Tour with Mirella Amato. For a $10 surcharge, women can skip the line-ups and enjoy a 30-minute talk, sampling and food pairing.

The weekend kicks-off on August 4 with a one-of-a-kind beer dinner at Brussels Restaurant & Brasserie. Troy Burtch of Taps Magazine hosts. The meal features four courses paired with five festival beers, each introduced by a brewery representative. New this year is the Beer Brunch at The Maxwell’s Plum on August 6 from 10 a.m. to noon. It’s a chance for attendees to meet some of the brewers in town for the festival.

BeerFest Survival Guide
With dozens of vendors, hundreds of beers and thousands of dedicated drinkers, BeerFest can overwhelm newbies. Organizers have provided these survival tips to help you get the most out of the experience (without doing yourself permanent harm).

• Pace yourself. It’s not a race and there’s plenty of beer to go around.
• Protect yourself. The event is predominantly outdoors. Check the weather and bring rain gear or sun block as needed.
• Carry cash. The beer is included in the ticket price but the food isn’t. After a
couple hours, you’ll want food. Trust me.
• Eat before you go. Trying 200 different beers on an empty stomach will end badly.
• Do a quick circuit and pick out some must-try highlights before you start
drinking with gusto. You probably won’t get to try everything, so be strategic.
• Drink water. If you’ve had beer before, this one is self-explanatory.

The Details
Tickets are available at some Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation stores and online. The cost is $40 per session or $45  at the door. Sessions run Friday night 7:00 p.m. to 9:30pm, Saturday afternoon 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday night 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets sell quickly, so it might be wise to buy in advance. Follow the link for more information.

Hot Dates: Long Table Series

Photo courtesy The Irish Heather

Ongoing
Love thy neighbour. Well, you may not when you first sit down at The Irish Heather’s 12-m- (19-ft-) long communal table, but chances are good after rubbing elbows while conversing over a plate of homestyle food. Owner Sean Heather’s clever Long Table Series (pictured) runs every Sunday through Wednesday with a changing menu. The deal? Enjoy an entree, side and beer for just $16. Options on the summer menu include lamb burgers and pork ribs. And don’t worry, Mom: this is one time when it’s okay to talk to a stranger.—Kristina Urquhart

15 Things We Love About Whistler

Photo by Chad Chomlack courtesy Tourism Whistler

1 Spectacular scenery, such as the gorgeous Whistler Olympic Park with its welcoming inukshuk. Whichever way you turn, you’ll see a picture postcard come to life.
2 Devouring a juicy Triple O burger at White Spot. This local restaurant chain was founded in 1928.
3 The abundance of festivals and special events, everything from bike races to rock concerts to a children’s art festival.
4 Looking for reminders of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Their spirit lives on in venues such as the Whistler Sliding Centre. (more…)

Vancouver Life: Cambie Street

Spend an afternoon exploring the sights and smells of Cambie Street between 17th and 19th avenues, a hotspot for great eats and the latest trends

By Carli Vierke

Cheese from Benton Brothers

The Local Gourmet
It’s foodies’ choice on Cambie. With both local and global fare, the restaurants, cafes and artisan shops offer a mix of flavours. Whether it’s gooey BC cheeses from the family-owned Benton Brothers or homemade tiramisu from Kreation cake shop, everything you need for the perfect epicurean feast is here. Feel like treating yourself without lifting a finger? Enjoy steak frites at the friendly French bistro Pied-à-Terre, or grab a slow-roasted pulled-pork sub to go at Las Tortas Gourmet Mexican Sandwiches.

Eye for Design
Suit up for a stylish stroll at Shop Cocoon, a boutique that features the latest trends in clothing, jewellery and handmade toiletries (think goodies such as hand-milled pomegranate soap), all crafted by local designers. For fashionable inspiration in the home and beyond, check out Walrus, a minimalist shop known for its fun, stylish lifestyle goods such as Scandinavian-designed lanterns or locally designed hot-pink rubber shoes. The space doubles as an art gallery and transforms one night a month into a packed cultural hub where Vancouver artists have their exceptional work showcased.

Ceramic birds from Shop Cocoon

Drink Up
No matter what type of buzz you’re looking for, you’re in good hands. At Beans coffee shop, grab a soy latte while getting cozy on one of the vintage couches or armchairs. For the beer connoisseur, Biercraft Bistro serves dozens of Belgian, imported and local beers. Develop your taste buds with a pint of the creamy Augustijn Blonde alongside a pound of fresh local mussels in a beer, cilantro and lime-butter broth. If you’re seeking libations to go, the Liquor Barn has a good selection of wine, beers and spirits from all over the world. Cheers.

Hot Dining: Perfect Pints

The long bar at New Oxford Public House. Photo by KK Law

Downtown’s most pubbish newcomer is the stylin’ New Oxford Public House, a red-brick, wood-and-mirror-trimmed watering hole whose line-up of taps (Phillips, Driftwood, Granville Island and more) is matched by good bites and affordable lunch specials. Pack in to the town’s longest bar for the likes of chilli squid, Thai-spiced mussels, hefty half-pound bacon ’n’ cheese burgers, fish ’n’ chips or parsley-truffle fries, all washed down with a pint of Guinness—under pictures of Maggie Thatcher and Tony Blair.—Tim Pawsey

Barmy for the British

When HRH Prince William weds Kate Middleton on Apr. 29, the world will be watching on the telly. These fab Vancouver spots will get you in a British frame of mind even before the big day

By Jennifer Patterson, Sheri Radford & Kristina Urquhart

Royal Romance, Modern Marriage: The Love Story of William & Kate courtesy Triumph Books

Cheers, Mate
British brews, such as Fuller’s London Pride, are on tap at Three Lions Cafe, which also serves staples such as lamb curry. Bangers ‘n’ mash is on the menu at Dover Arms Public House, a great place to watch Manchester United with your mates. Craving toad in the hole? The Cheshire Cheese Inn dishes up the sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding. Elephant & Castle is popular for bevvies.

The Tea Scene
If the thought of all that pub-going leaves you positively knackered, make like the monarchs and try afternoon tea instead. Indulge in dainties, scones and creams at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s 900 West Lounge or the Wedgewood Hotel’s Bacchus Restaurant. Adonia Tea House is brimming with British charm, from the floral wallpaper to the china pastry stands. Or get the royal treatment with service at The Urban Tea Merchant and Secret Garden Tea Company.

Chips or Crisps?
If it’s sweets from across the pond you’re after, you’ll be chuffed to peruse the selection at The Celtic Treasure Chest, Black Pudding Imports or Mary’s British Home Store—all stock British foodstuffs, including tasty treats from Cadbury and those addictive Walkers crisps, better known in Canada as chips. For true British chips (of the fish ‘n’ variety), try Go Fish, Mr. Pickwick’s Fish and Chips or Pajo’s at the Wharf.

Royal Wedding William & Kate: A Dress-Up Dolly Book courtesy Penguin Books


Take it Outside
To watch a cricket match, head to the Brockton Cricket Pavilion in Stanley Park. For a game of rugger, try the Brockton Oval in Stanley Park for local matches or UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium for international rugby. To simply bask in nature, visit Queen Elizabeth Park, named after Prince William’s great-grandmother, a “commoner” who married King George VI and who, along with her husband, visited Vancouver in 1939. While here the royal couple also officially opened the Lions Gate Bridge.

Dressed to the Nines
Jumpers and trousers aren’t up to snuff when prepping a wedding wardrobe. London’s own Agent Provocateur carries sexy knickers, the perfect underwear accompaniment to Burberry’s fine frocks and check-lined trench coats. Decorate nails with Butter London’s new shade, No More Waity, Katie—available online at www.butterlondon.com. Top it all off with a feathered fascinator or elegant chapeau from Edie Hats, then pop into The Flag Shop for a wee Union Jack to wave about.

Mini-Break
Fancy a trip to a city renowned for its British heritage and sights? Victoria is just a quick jaunt away via BC Ferries or floatplane.

To find out everything you ever wanted to know about William, Kate and their big day, visit www.theroyalweddingwilliamkate.com.

Hot Dining: Cheers!

Durty Nelly's

•    Durty Nelly’s, Sackville Street: Irish pub, imported beers like Harp and Smithwick’s, plus local microbrews.

•    Split Crow, Granville Street: The quintessential Maritime pub: historic setting, daily live music, friendly crowds, daily beer specials.

•    Fife & Drum), Upper Water Street: Smart-casual Scottish-style pub; Stella Artois, Guinness and Heineken on tap.

•    Brussels Restaurant & Brasserie), Granville Street: Belgian cuisine; huge imported beer selection: Leffe Bruin, Chimay Première Red Label, Mort Subite Kriek Lambic and many others.

•   Old Triangle, Prince Street: Irish pub, co-owned by singer Brian Doherty, “Guinness & Oysters” special on Wednesdays.

20 Things We Love About Whistler

Photo by Eric Berger courtesy Tourism Whistler

1 Skiing or snowboarding down the seemingly endless mountainsides.
2 Cold beer on a heated outdoor patio.
3 Shopping for souvenirs in the pedestrian-only village.
4 All the exciting events and festivals throughout the winter.
5 The oh-so-hilarious tees from Cows, which include delightful movie-title puns such as “Dairy Potter” and “Indiana Moo.”
6 Heading out on a dogsled adventure—wearing goggles, of course. Mush!
7 Partying every night and snowboarding every morning.
8 Beautiful Whistler photography by local artists Blake Jorgenson and Mark Richards.

Frolicking in the snow. Photo by Bonny Makarewicz courtesy Tourism Whistler

9 Learning to sabre a bottle of Champagne inside Bearfoot Bistro’s 20,000-bottle wine cellar.
10 All the nominees and winners of our annual Where to Shop Awards.
11 Frolicking in fresh powder.
12 Treating our chapped, windburned faces to a luxurious facial at one of Whistler’s spas.
13 The clean, fresh air.
14 Zooming down the mountainside at the Coca-Cola Tube Park.
15 Warming up with a true Canadian delicacy: a piping-hot pastry from Beavertails.
16 Catching a ride from Whistler to Blackcomb Mountain on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
17 Top-notch regional cuisine at one of Whistler’s many restaurants.
18 Skiing the trails at Whistler Olympic Park.
19 Leaving the tots with a babysitter and heading out for a romantic night on the town.
20 Après ski. Nothing beats curling up by a fire after a day on the slopes.

« Older posts