First off, we think young professionals ought to consider skipping the city for a night out of town come Friday. The 17th Annual Cornucopia is back for 10 days of foodie fun and liquid festivities. There are a plethora of tastings, seminars, parties and experiences to whet your palate and appetite. Score a stellar package deal with great rates on accommodation as well and enjoy some R&R at this slope-side town.
If you opt to stick closer to home, there is still plenty going on to occupy your days ahead, starting with a trip over to Olympic Village at False Creek to check out the brand new CRAFT Beer Market that opens on Thursday. This massive LEED Gold Certified space (housed in the iconic Salt Building) carries about 140 or so beers on tap coupled with upscale pub-style comfort food, a huge terraced private room and plenty of nooks to explore. At 13,000 square feet of space, this is one of the city’s largest venues and features a custom keg room that holds 400 kegs alone.
Post-brew sampling, head over to Main Street and check out the newest tapas spot to open its doors: Tapas23. This stylishly appointed space off 23rd and Main boasts seating for 35 (additional bar seating available), a menu full of delectable Latin-infused cuisine and Mediterranean-themed ambiance. Great cocktails and a wine list rife with expertly paired offerings guarantee your taste buds will be satisfied.
Kicking off the holiday gift-giving season, those of you who are keen on getting a head start might want to head down to the Vancouver Convention Centre to the 40th Annual Circle Craft Market that’s taking place all weekend. With more than 300 different vendors and artists on site showcasing their unique designs, it’s the perfect chance to score some buzzworthy finds.
Given that the weather is looking pretty sketchy, take advantage of some time indoors and check out flicks offered by two stellar film festivals in town. The Vancouver Asian Film Festival and 25th annual Vancouver Jewish Film Festival kick off with hundreds of screenings, soirees, seminars and more. Look for a diverse array of productions that’ll provide a cinematic fix. Dramas, short films, comedies, and thrillers will all be screened courtesy of local, North American and international artists.
Saturday night, why not head out to Bistro Wagon Rouge off Powell Street? This ‘twin’ restaurant to Notable favourite The Red Wagon has a decidedly French twist added to the menu mix. Tuck into cassoulet, French onion soup, pork belly and more treats that’ll keep your wallet happy too.
Run off the previous night’s excess for a cause and be sure to register for Sunday’s Poppy Run through Stanley Park. This 8-km forest run raises money and awareness for those who gave for our freedom. We can’t think of a better way to show appreciation (and you’ll feel better for it too).
Post-run, get cleaned up and head out for a stylish brunch at Notable go-to The Parlour Restaurant, who are hosting an NYC-themed Veuve Clicquot brunch. A $30 ticket scores you a welcome glass of champagne, brunch buffet, Veuve shades (they’ll come in handy the next day) and a great social atmosphere with killer music.
Next, cruise over to Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar‘s newest location at the foot of Burrard Street. They’ve got plenty of screens with all the latest NFL games and a great vibe. Need more of a reason to check it out? How about the fact that they feature half price pizza and beer specials on Sunday…
If you’ve still got a hankering for a bit of Sunday social time, head down to the Vancouver Urban Winery and saddle up to their tasting bar for a wine tour without the commute. They’ve recently announced a lineup of new wines, longer tasting bar hours, as well as open mic nights that’ll liven up your Thursdays (the next ones take place on November 14th and 28th, respectively).
Top photo courtesy CRAFT Beer Market