January – Vancouver Monthly Planner

January 4^th -April 26^th. 10am-2pm Winter Vancouver Farmer’s Market. Every Saturday find the best of local produce at the Vancouver Farmer’s market held at Nat Bailey Stadium.

January 17^th –February 2^nd  Dine Out Vancouver Festival

Enjoy special three course menus including an appetizer, entrée and dessert at a fixed price point of either $18.00, $28.00 or $38.00 at participating Vancouver restaurants. With a record-breaking 263 restaurants participating there is a menu and restaurant sure to please everyone.

In addition to fabulous dining at Vancouver restaurants, Tourism Vancouver hosts over 30 special events during the festival. Highlights include the always sold-out, “Secret Supper Soiree” presented by the Swallow Tail Supper Club. Get whisked away on a double-decker bus to a secret location for an evening of cocktails, wine tastings, canapés and a multi-course dinner. Cost: $129.00+.  Enjoy winter wonderland with the Snowshoe Fondue which includes a snowshoe trek at the top of Grouse Mountain followed by a fondue dinner sponsored by the Dairy Farmers of Canada. Cost: $95.00+.  Have your film and eat it too, the Shangri-La hotel presents Film Feast with the award-winning food documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi followed by a four course dinner inspired by the movie. Cost: $58.00+. Street Food City is held outside at the Vancouver Art Gallery from January 22^nd to 26^th with over 15 of Vancouver’s much loved food-truck vendors.

There are over 20 hotels participating in the festival, offering room rates at price points of $78.00, $108.00 or $138.00.  No need for the Skytrain, ferry or a cab home, instead enjoy a staycation in downtown Vancouver.

With the January fashion shopping sales and endless options for lazy lunches and delectable dinners, Vancouver’s Dine-Out Festival is a must visit.

January 18^th –February 14^th  Hot Chocolate Festival

Warm up winter and enjoy a custom-designed hot chocolate creation from one of 20 participating cafes and restaurants. The Hot Chocolate Festival supports the downtown Eastside Women’s Job Training Program.

Tuesday, January 21^st. 4:30pm-7:30pm Liberty Wine Merchants presents Taste BC

The 20^th Annual celebration of Taste BC which supports the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation takes place this year at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Enjoy wine, beer and spirit tastings accompanied by food from Vancouver best restaurants and local vendors. Always sold-out-buy tickets early to avoid disappointment. Cost: $49.99

Sunday, January 26^th. 17^th Annual Gung Haggis Fat Choy

Unique to Vancouver, the Annual Gung Haggis Fat Choy event combines Scottish Robbie Burns Day with Chinese New Year celebrations. Enjoy an evening of Robbie Burns poetry along with celebrating the Chinese Year of the Horse at Floata Restaurant in Vancouver’s historic downtown. 5pm reception followed by poetry, live entertainment and a Chinese banquet including haggis. Cost: $65.00+

Tuesday, January 28^th. 6pm-9pm. Central City Brew master’s Dinner at Craft Beer Market

For the love of craft beer: Join a different brew master each month for a special four course beer and food paired dinner. Plan ahead: Join Driftwood Brewery on February 28^th. Cost: $60.00

Plan Ahead:

Friday, February 7^th.  7pm-9pm. Vancouver Magazine’s Big Night

A celebration of food paired with the award-winning wines from the 2014 International Wine Competition.  Enjoy dishes and wine pairings from Vancouver’s best chefs. Participating this year: David Hawksworth (Hawksworth), Rob Feenie (Cactus Club Café), Chris Whittaker (Forage), Angus An (Maenam), Thomas Haas (Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie), Frank Pabst (Blue Water Café). Alain Raye  (La Régalade) , Wesley Young (Wildebeest) and Adam Pegg (La Quercia.) Cost: $99.00+

February 24^th– March 2^nd, 2014 Vancouver International Wine Festival

The 36^th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival features 178 wineries from 14 countries. For 2014, France is the feature country and the global focus is on Bubbly. With over 58 events, including winemaker’s dinners at some of Vancouver’s best restaurants, seminars, tastings and the always sold out Acura International Tasting Room, the festival attracts both recreational wine drinkers and industry experts. Tickets on sale now.