Cocktails

Canada > Archive by tag 'Cocktails'

Hot Dining: Contemporary Food and a Great Atmosphere at Absinthe

Contemporary Canadian soul food at Absinthe

What to expect from a restaurant named Absinthe? Well, five varieties of this spirit, of course (“Yes, it’s legal, and yes, it does have the real ingredients,” says general manager Thomas McVeigh). You’ll also find seasonal menus and contemporary Canadian soul food to fill your belly, such as the much-loved steak frites and the “Benevolent Burgers” ($1 from which goes to charity). Round out the experience with an extensive wine list, creative cocktails, and a relaxed ambience that lets you laugh loudly with your friends. 1208 Wellington St. W., 613-761-1138.

Hot Dining: Cranberry Bellini Recipe

Cranberry Bellini

Toast the new year with this festive Cranberry Bellini, an updated version of the Italian classic, created by Hendrick’s Gin Brand Champion, Charlotte Voisey. We think it will make the perfect addition to any New Year’s Eve party.

Ingredients
• 1 oz (30 mL) Hendrick’s Gin (which recently won gold for “Best Distilled Gin” at the 2011 International Spirits Challenge)
• 1 oz (30 mL) cranberry juice
• 1 oz (30 mL) simple syrup
• 1/2 oz (15 mL) fresh lemon juice
• 4 oz (120 mL) champagne

Method
• Combine ingredients in a mixing glass (except champagne)
• Shake well
• Strain into a flute glass
• Top with champagne
• Garnish with a sugared cranberry

Serves one

*To make simple syrup: Bring equal parts sugar and water to a boil. Stir to dissolve and then let cool.

Hot Dining: All’s New at Yew

Yew's popular Low Thai'd cocktail. Photo by KK Law

The Four Seasons’ flagship room, Yew, with its soaring ceiling and two communal tables, now features inventive marine cuisine, highlighted by a dazzling new raw bar. Top tastes include albacore tuna with Aggasiz-hazelnut granola and lime-miso aioli; scallop crudo; and roasted steelhead with bourbon-maple-squash purée. Wines are well chosen, while creative cocktails are all shook up by star bartender Justin Taylor.—Tim Pawsey

More information:

YEW Hotel Dining & Bar, Where to Dine Awards since 2008. $$-$$$. B/L/D (daily), brunch (Sa-Su). Four Seasons Hotel, 791 W. Georgia St. 604-692-4939. www.yewrestaurant.com

Hot Dining: Pretty in Pink

Pink Elephant Thai. Photo by KK Law

You don’t need rose-coloured glasses to appreciate Pink Elephant Thai, an aptly named, decidedly modern, magenta-wrapped downtown spot that yields a mouth-watering range of Thai specialties from its upstairs open kitchen. Before dinner, check out the cocktail action from a (pink) stool at the downstairs bar. Menu highlights range from barbecued squid with chilli dipping sauce to deep-fried soft tofu to a delicious “Three Princesses” trio of dessert sticky rice. Don’t miss the daily soup-and-small-plate happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: All Shook Up

Jay Jones of Market by Jean-Georges. Photo by KK Law

The city’s cocktail culture is on fire thanks to a growing community of serious practitioners, such as Jay Jones (pictured), the debonair lead bartender behind the sleek bar at Market by Jean-Georges. The classics inspire many of Jones’ more popular concoctions, such as a BC blueberry sangria, while his uniquely styled Royal Canadian Mint Julep combines small-batch Canadian whisky with fresh BC cherry purée, mint leaves and barrel-aged bitters. Taste more good drinks and eats at funky The Refinery, marble-wrapped Oru and second-storey The Diamond in Gastown.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: Raising the Bar

Simon Kaulback mixes drinks at Boneta. Photo by KK Law

When it comes to cocktail culture, Gastown rules the wood. Boneta barkeep—and Vancouver Magazine’s bartender of the year—Simon Kaulback (pictured) is just as happy making classics as he is his Oloroso- (sherry) and Wiser’s- (whisky) themed Bronfman, which salutes “the family that put the ‘pro’ in Prohibition.” Find other serious shakers at nearby upstairs local secret The Diamond, speakeasy salute Pourhouse, edgy resto L’Abattoir and late-night industry insiders’ fave Revel Room.—Tim Pawsey

You Are Here: Hamilton Street

Find an eclectic mix of dining, shopping and places for pampering on this stretch in historic Yaletown

By Jill Von Sprecken

Hamilton Street Grill. Photo by KK Law

SPLURGE ON STYLE
The bold graphic prints at iconic Finnish company Marimekko pack a punch on bright handbags, home accessories and fashions for the whole family. Or try the Goorin Brothers Hat Shop, a brand established in 1895, on for size. The stylish boutique carries a selection of toppers for men and women, ranging from classic to creative.

BEAUTY-FULL
In an area brimming with salons, Noir Lash Lounge has the niche market covered. Eyelash extensions, the only service offered, make peepers pop with styles ranging from au naturel to high drama. At Blo, a bombshell blowout is only a hairdryer away. There’s nary a pair of scissors nor a bottle of dye to be found, just salon-worthy locks in a snap. Guilt-free indulgence can be found at Frilly Lilly, where dessert-inspired beauty products, such as the “bathcake,” are (almost) good enough to eat.

SPOT-ON SEAFOOD
A converted brick-and-beam warehouse space is the backdrop for Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar, where innovative offerings, such as jellyfish and sea urchin, are always local and sustainable as well as beautifully prepared. Drop anchor at casual Rodney’s Oyster House for raw oysters and chowders that are sure to make a splash.

Society. Photo by KK Law

TOP TASTES
For a new take on small plates, visit Hapa Izakaya to sample Japanese tapas, sake and cocktails. At Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill, the extensive wine cellar is second only to the fresh ingredients and traditional flavours, which take centre stage. Try Hamilton Street Grill for steaks or the famous burger, served with aged cheddar and truffle mayonnaise. Sip cool cocktails and nosh on pad thai on Charm Modern Thai’s trendy patio. For other South Asian bites, try Simply Thai or Urban Thai Bistro. Hot spot Society serves creative comfort food with a twist, from spiked milkshakes to lobster shepherd’s pie.

DRINK UP
For inspired cocktails that will get your creativity flowing, check out Raw Canvas. An extensive menu of beer, wine and mixed drinks is served alongside the “painting pit.” Purchase a canvas and unleash your inner artist. If a caffeine buzz is what you’re after, try Argo Cafe for that perfect cup. Fair trade beans are roasted in-house and complemented with soups, sandwiches and baked goods.

BY NIGHT
DJs set the scene at George Ultra Lounge, the perfect spot to sip a classic martini. Built on a foundation of food, drink and graffiti art, 100 Nights is a lively venue with plenty of glitz and glamour. Trendy Afterglow Lounge combines sultry decor, beautiful people and libations—certainly a potent cocktail.

Hamilton Street is a 10-minute walk from downtown. Or take the Canada Line SkyTrain to the Yaletown-Roundhouse stop.

Vancouver Life: Pride of Davie Street

Rainbow flags and pink bus stops decorate the streets of gay-friendly Davie Street, known for its vibrant collection of bars and restaurants, in the heart of the culturally diverse West End

By Dylan Martin

Davie Street is awash with rainblow flags during the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival. Photo courtesy Vancouver Pride Society

Casual Cuisine

Chock-full of delicious dining spots, Davie Street offers plenty of places to find an inexpensive meal at any hour of the day. Hamburger Mary’s provides a retro diner experience, while Denny’s serves an all-day-breakfast. Joe’s Grill is a local favourite, as is Vera’s Burger Shack, known for its toppings.

International Eats

With a variety of ethnic restaurants, Davie Street has something for every palate. Satisfy cravings for savoury Korean barbecue at Dan Sung Sa or for fresh Italian pasta at Café Luxy. Japanese food fans have their pick between Kadoya, Samurai and Downtown Sushi Bar, while Indian lovers indulge in tandoori and curry dishes at India Bistro. Further down the road, folks wanting inexpensive Greek food line up at the ever-popular Stepho’s, known for its heaping portions.

Colourful costumes are a highlight at the Vancouver Pride Festival. Photo courtesy Vancouver Pride Society

Party Places

Those seeking sophisticated sips turn to the cool cocktail bars 1181 Lounge and Oasis Ultra Lounge. While sports fans cheer on their favourite team at Score on Davie, friends share brews at The Fountainhead Pub. Dance enthusiasts converge on Celebrities, where international DJs get the crowd on their feet.

Pride Week

Every summer, thousands of spectators flock to the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival (Jul. 31) for the 150 flashy floats, the colourful marching bands and the festival on Sunset Beach featuring local performers. All are celebrating the queer community in over-the-top style. Concerts, street parties, lectures, boat cruises, art exhibitions and other similarly enticing events take place during the days leading up to the parade and festival, meaning there is lots to see and do.

Davie Street is an easy walk or a short taxi ride from all downtown hotels. Or hop on the Canada Line SkyTrain and get off at the Yaletown-Roundhouse Station, at the foot of Davie Street.

Hot Dining: Summertime Drink

Summer Lemon Zinger. Created by William Grant and Sons and Charlotte Voisey.

For all those cool cats out there who will be kicking back on this sunny weekend (and who are over 19 years old!), we’ve got a fun summer drink you can whip up for your next barbecue. The “Summer Lemon Zinger” was created by Charlotte Voisey, a William Grant and Sons mixologist.

Designed for picnics, barbecues, or lazy porch-side evenings spent with friends, this Canadian Whisky cocktail is easy to prepare in a big batch ahead of time.

Ingredients:
-1 ½ oz (3 tbsp/45 ml) Gibson’s Finest 12 Year Old Canadian Whisky
-1 oz (2 tbsp/30 ml) tea (brewed strong and allowed to cool)
-2 oz (4 tbsp/60 ml) fresh made lemonade (equal parts lemon juice, sugar and water)

Method:
-Combine ingredients in a glass or pitcher over ice
-Garnish with available fresh fruit – raspberries, orange, and lemon wheels work well
-Enjoy!

Serves 1

Hot Dining: Tasty Trips

Melody Fury with some of the tempting entrees at The Diamond. Photo by KK Law

Deciding where to dine in a strange city can be a daunting affair. Vancouver Food Tour skips the guesswork and takes you right to the restaurants—several, in fact. Small-plate tours, led by culinary maven Melody Fury and her expert guides, give guests the inside edge on the town’s best tastes. How about Modern-Chic Chinatown, Gastown Tasting, Craft Cocktail or a gourmet Paint the Town extravaganza across the city? Or go further afield: hop on a floatplane for a taste of idyllic Salt Spring Island. Groups are limited to 12 and prices include all food and taxes.—Tim Pawsey