Weekly Planner Feb. 3

Thank goodness January is over. With February comes the start of Victoria’s festival season – first up, the The Victoria Film Festival. Happening Feb.3rd – 12^th, there are several food and drink events in conjunction with the VFF – note that many of these events are advance tickets only and sell-out quickly:

2012 OPENING GALA FILM AND RECEPTION – Friday Feb. 3rd

After the screening of House of Pleasures at the Capital 6, head over to the Atrium for the Opening Night Gala Party where you be will dazzled by music, dancing, and delicious local-sourced food by Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub.

FEAST AND A FILM – Monday Feb. 6^th

Enjoy a specially created, locally sourced 3-course dinner at Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub and then move to the Capitol 6 Theatre for a screening of To Make a Farm, the story of a year in the life of five new farmers.

SIPS ‘N’ CINEMA – WINE Saturday Feb. 11th

The triple treat of fine food, fine wine and fine film come with a trip to the theatre to see the film Sisters & Brothers. After the screening participants will move to the Wild Saffron Bistro at Swans for appetizers and a sommelier from Cascadia Liquor will lead you through a wine tasting. After the tasting, Festival Programmer Donovan Aikman will open up discussion of the film presented.

SIPS ‘N’ CINEMA – COCKTAILS Sunday Feb. 12th

The fun begins with a trip to the theatre to see the film House of Pleasures. After the screening, participants will move to the Veneto Tapas Lounge where they’ll be indulged with lovely appetizers, and notable bar master Simon Ogden will lead a cocktail tasting. After the tasting, Festival Programmer Donovan Aikman will open up discussion of the film presented.

Clive’s Classic Lounge

Clives offers a couple of interesting events this week – It’s International Pisco Sour Day Saturday Feb. 4^th and they invite you to come enjoy this South American Classic cocktail.

And on Thursday Feb. 9^th at 6 PM Clive’s Bon Vivant Series Presents Jacob Briars who will take you through the wonderful world of amari, bitters and vermouths.

Time again for the Downtown Public Farmer’s Market. Rain or shine, the market will be happening this Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM in Market Square.

Regular Events:

Time again for the Downtown Public Farmer’s Market. Rain or shine, the market will be happening this Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM in Market Square. Local products available include fresh and smoked salmon fillets, dried fruit, preserved goods, chocolate, salt, eggs, meat, produce, pasta, perogies, bread, tortillas, salsa, cheese, donuts, and ice cream.

Chef’s Table at Zambris

Join Zambris Chef on Thursday nights for his five-course tasting menu. Served at the bar in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, the classic Italian courses are created that day, based on the freshest ingredients that arrived that morning. www.zambris.ca

$75 for five courses; wine pairing option available. www.zambris.ca Reservations recommended email yann@zambri.ca

Friday Night Flights in the Cellar at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort Friday Feb. 3^rd 6 – 7 PM

Nestled deep within the Bear Mountain Resort is the Cellar, the Westin’s treasure trove of 10,000 wines from around the world. The Cellar is open every Friday night for a private tasting. For $20 you will receive four flights of wine, some nibbles and an entertaining presentation from knowledgeable sommeliers. This Friday night join Sommelier Carly Amirault as she presents a selection of wines from Italy.