7 Food and Drink Events Around Vancouver That You’ve Gotta Try This February

As I write this, Dine Out and the Hot Chocolate Festival are in full swing, and plans are shaping up for the Vancouver International Wine Festival next month. Our PM is besties with Hudson Williams, tuna melts are the hottest reheat food around and the ginger ale is flowing freely at the cottage. In short, all is right with a very small piece of our world. I shall take that as the comfort we need in this dark season—and the rest of my comforts will come from the following delicious suggestions.

Heated Rivalry Drag Brunch on Granville

It may be cold in Saskatchewan, but here at the International Prospect Cup, fans are hoping for something hot on the ice… oh, sorry—like everyone else, I am OBSESSED with all things Heated Rivalry. So, where better to be amongst fellow loons than at Good Co. on Granville this Valentine’s Day? The fun starts at 3 p.m., there’s a Season Finale ‘reheat’ watch at 3:30 p.m. and then it’s drag brunch till close at 6 p.m.

Stop Press! North America’s 50 Best Bars Is Coming Back

Just a quickie to say: the North America’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 22, at the Convention Centre in Vancouver. With gangs of guest bartenders roaming the town, you know that there will be pop-ups and guest shifts aplenty. Keep an eye on socials to stay up to date.

Evening Happy Hour at Hydra

I love a good happy hour deal and recently spotted an absolute banger at Hydra, which is available every day—including weekends. From 9 p.m. till close, you can score a dozen oysters and two happy hour drinks (includes sparkling wine, Grey Goose martinis and Hugo Spritz!) for $55. If, like me, you’re not so fussed about dessert and prefer a savoury end to your night, this makes a perfect last stop before home.

Rent a Raclette Grill and Give in to Melted Cheese

I had a raclette party this week. I invested in a raclette grill a few years ago after renting one from Les Amis du Fromage, and it became immediately clear that I needed to be able to melt cheese and pour it over potatoes and pickles any damn time I wanted. Pick up cheese at their East Hastings location when you book a grill for the night (it’s just $10!). It’s one of the most fun ways to have dinner with friends.

Staff Meal at Chambar

Reliably delightful, Chambar has a new “staff meal” feature every Monday, starting on February 28, which gives happily affordable feels: a three-course meal for $28 (plus tax and tip). In this economy? With drinks specials? Thank you. Reservations are not needed. Bring friends. Feast on!

North Vancouver Family Day Crawl

Family Day is coming up on February 16. Head over to Shipyards for a self-guided craft beverage tour around local cafes, breweries, cideries and distilleries for just $3 a ticket (from 12 to 9 p.m.). Your ticket gives you $3 off your first drink from every participating venue. With nine locations taking part, including Shaketown Brewing, Copperpenny Distilling, Windfall Cider and Le Café Brocante, my math says, the more places you visit, the more you save!

Chow Down for Charity

The Chowder Cup is back on February 5 at Heritage Hall, with proceeds benefitting the Chefs Table Society Commons. The event pits eight chefs against each other in a sustainable seafood chowder chow-down, competing for the coveted Chowder Cup trophy. Each chef will craft a signature chowder featuring a responsibly sourced B.C. seafood ingredient, paired with a local brewery or cidery, including Smugglers Trail Cask, Parkside Brewing and Sea Cider. Chef competitors include Wildlight Kitchen & Bar, Fanny Bay Oyster Bar and Bar Bravo Vancouver. Get your tickets here.