Notable Now Vancouver: August 31, 2012

Just opened: Wildebeest (120 West Hastings Street)
Carnivores can rest easy at this newly opened meat-centric restaurant courtesy of the Diamond’s Josh Pape and James Iranzad – the brains behind Abigail’s Party and Hell’s Kitchen. Nab a table at this stylishly appointed and redone 19th-century brick building that also features a cozy wine bar, and let your taste buds be tempted with a menu featuring all types of meat and more. 

Opening soon: Heirloom Restaurant (1509 W.12th Avenue)
Set to open in the very near future just off South Granville is Heirloom, a casual-yet-chic 100-seat spot in the old Primo’s Mexican Grill space featuring a menu loaded with modern vegetarian offerings. Heading up the culinary creations in the kitchen is Georgia Morely, former the personal chef to lululemon’s Chip Wilson. Diners can expect a well-priced menu with most items hitting the $20 range.  

Gastown BBQ & Chili Festival (September 1 – 2 all day)
Spice things up this weekend and stop by Gastown’s popular pub, The Blarney Stone, which (alongside about a dozen other Gastown restaurants) is hosting a two-day festival featuring a BBQ and chili cook-off, pig roast and more. There is free entertainment and live music, and proceeds from food sales go to Atheltics 4 Kids. Festival takes place at The Blarney Stone between Carrall and Water Streets in Gastown.

Coming up: Fashion’s Night Out (September 6th at 5:30PM) 700 Hamilton Street (CBC Studio 40)
Join hundreds of other style-savvy people at this global initiative coming to Vancouver for the first time. FNO celebrates all things fashion-related in support of the industry. Recognized in more than 250 cities around the world, CBC Studios will host a free fashion show featuring local designs and looks from noteworthy names such as Jason Matlo, Daryl White, Evan Ducharme and Jacqueline Conoir.    

Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (August 31 to September 9th)
The 10th Annual VLAFF is set to start this weekend and kicks off another great year of screenings with Juan of the Dead (Granville 7 Cinemas) as part of the opening night gala event. With more than 60 different films and documentaries set to play at various theatres around Vancouver, this is a definite do-not-miss.    

Final Food Cart Fest at the Waldorf Hotel (September 2nd 12 – 6pm) 1489 E. Hastings Street
Take advantage of the last Food Cart Festival day at the Waldorf Hotel this Sunday (in partnership with Yelp and Street Food Vancouver). This summer foodie fest has been a hit and features plenty to feast on courtesy of the many globally-inspired food cart offerings of Cartel Taco, Re-Up BBQ, La Brasserie, Holy Perogy and more.

Photo courtesy Heirloom Restaurant