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The Scout Guide To Finding And Reserving The Right Table On Valentine’s Day

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With Valentine’s Day coming up fast we thought it wise to canvas the Scout Community to see what kinds of deliciousness members might have in store for our more romantically-minded readers. The response has been awesome, with ideas ranging from catered stay-at-home suppers and packaged getaways to heart-shaped chocolate raspberry cakes and indulgent meals at some of the most celebrated restaurants in the city.

If you are going to head out for dinner on February 14th – and please forgive us for stating the painfully obvious – it’s critically important to remember that you won’t be alone. For the love of all that is holy, book your table early. We fully expect that every one of these restaurants will be reserved with a waiting list within the next few days, so be smart and make the commitment now while you still (hopefully) have a chance. Dig in, have fun, and bon appetit.

CHOCOLATE ARTS

Chocolate Arts chocolate shop and café plays cupid this Valentine’s Day with an enticing line up of treats for your special someone.  From whimsical new creations to timeless Valentine’s staples, this local chocolaterie has everything your heart—and your taste buds—desire. Using the choicest locally sourced ingredients and finest craftsmanship, head chocolatier Greg Hook and his team go above and beyond with this charming Valentine’s Day collection. After 24 years in the business, they know better than anyone that nothing says “I love you” like the city’s most exquisite chocolate.

1620 – West 3rd Ave | Vancouver, BC | www.chocolatearts.com

NICLI PIZZERIA

“I fiori dell’amore” Valentine’s Dinner – Roses are red, violets are blue, pizza tastes better, when shared between two. Also with four other courses for 35$/person. Seatings at 6, 7h30 and 9pm. Call or email for reservations.

62 East Cordova | 604-669-6985 | www.niclipizzeria.ca

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NICLI’S NEXT DOOR

“Lady and the Tramp” Valentine’s Dinner – Nicli’s Next Door is re-creating the famous scene from “The Lady and the Tramp” with a plate of homemade spaghetti and meatballs served on one plate for two people. $25/person also includes salad and dessert. Seatings at 6pm, 7:30pm and 9pm. Call for reservations.

68 East Cordova | 604-669-6985 | www.niclisnextdoor.ca

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WILDEBEEST

This Valentine’s Day, Wildebeest offers an enticing menu, featuring three swoon-worthy courses crafted with love by Chef Wesley Young. Fan the flames of desire with options like brandied foie gras parfait with shallot jam and sinful chocolate ice cream with honeycomb and white chocolate dust. Tickets can be purchased by calling the restaurant at 604-687-6880 or online.

120 West Hastings St | 604-687-6880 | wildebeest.ca

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L’ABATTOIR

This Valentine’s Day, Chef Lee Cooper has designed a three-course menu, which will include classic dishes with Cooper’s own additions, including smoked salmon served with fresh sourdough, crème fraiche and roe, roasted prime rib of beef with potato gratin, mushrooms with sauce perigord, and honey cake with white chocolate cremeux, grapefruit and lime for dessert. Upon arrival, guests will be treated to a welcome cocktail created by Head Barman Shaun Layton, in addition to specially selected wines paired with each course.

The menu is $125 per person, inclusive of the welcome cocktail, wine pairings and tax. Reservations will be available from 7pm-10pm, and can accommodate parties of two to six people. Diners take note: the menu cannot include substitutions or special requests available and is not suitable for vegetarians. Tickets must be pre-sold in advance, and there will be an automatic gratuity of 18 per cent added on the final bill.

To book a table for the private dining room’s special three-course menu, please call604.568.1701 or email [email protected].

217 Carrall St. Gastown | 604.568.1701 | www.labattoir.ca

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SALT TASTING ROOM

Celebrate Valentine’s Day this year at Salt Tasting Room, and enjoy the My Blood Alley Valentine menu. For $60.00 per person, the menu includes three courses: a starter, a tasting plate and a shared dessert for two. Ask your server to assist with specially selected wine pairings for an additional cost, and flights of bubbles will be featured. For reservations call 604.633.1912 or visit www.salttastingroom.com to book online.

45 Blood Alley, Gastown | 604.633.1912 | salttastingroom.com

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POURHOUSE

Pourhouse will have some very special features on the menu for Valentine’s Day. Reservations are recommended. Steamed B.C mussels with a spicy tomato broth and served with grilled bread – $15 / Fried Cornish Hen for two with braised kale, polenta & housemade gravy – $36 / Sticky toffee pudding with housemade Buttermilk ice cream – $7

162 Water Street | 604-568-7022 | www.pourhousevancouver.com

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ASK FOR LUIGI

Ask For Luigi is hosting a special Valentine’s Day Tasting menu for $65/person. Reservations are recommended as it is filling up fast.

305 Alexander Street | 604-428-2544 | askforluigi.com

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PiDGiN

This Valentine’s Day, PiDGiN does all the work for you, so you can focus on charming your one and only. Guests can woo their loved one’s taste buds by picking between two menus. On this romantic occasion, choose from PiDGiN’s everyday menu featuring tantalizing additional dishes not normally available; or sit back, relax, and enjoy an enchanting multi-course meal created exclusively forFebruary 14th. No tickets necessary, but reservations are encouraged. For more information, or to make a reservation for the evening, please call 604.620.9400 or visit www.pidginvancouver.com.

350 Carrall St, Vancouver | 604.620.9400 | www.pidginvancouver.com

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CADEAUX BAKERY

Looking for something unique and special to gift to your honey this Valentine’s day? Cadeaux Bakery is offering some sweet treats for your special someone. In store and available for pre-order are our Sweet and delicious cookie bouquets with rose shaped cookies, rose meringues and hand rolled truffles $32.99. We will also have heart-shaped chocolate raspberry cakes ($12) and boxes of fruit jellies and chocolates for ($9_.

172 Powell Street | 604-608-8889 | www.cadeauxbakery.com

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BELGARD KITCHEN

Belgard Kitchen with be featuring some specialty treats to sweeten your night including Salt Spring Island Organic Blackberry Port, Postmark Brewing Chocolate Blueberry Porter and custom dessert creations along with our fabulous share plate menu. We are taking reservations for all group sizes across three seating times. Call 604-699-1989 or emai: [email protected] for bookings and info.

55 Dunlevy Avenue | 604-699-1989 | [email protected] | www.settlementbuilding.com

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THE ACORN

Now accepting reservations for Valentines Day. Full a la carte dinner menu available, with truffles and bubbles.

3995 Main Street | Call to book your table 604-566-9001 | www.theacornrestaurant.ca

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LA PENTOLA

On February 14th, join La Pentola for a special seven course Valentine’s Day meal by Chef Lucais Syme. Begin with Pacific oysters and octopus carpaccio followed by lobster tortellini, black truffle risotto and duck confit tagliatelle. For the main course, enjoy a rack of lamb with artichokes, oven dried tomatoes, black olives and parsley puree. For dessert, indulge in a dark chocolate mousse with beet sorbetto. Call 604-642-0557 or visit www.lapentola.ca to make a reservation.

350 Davie Street | 604-642-0557 | www.lapentola.ca

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SIENA

We’re featuring selected a-la-carte options until 6pm, then a delicious four course Lovers menu for $60 per person. Free Parking. Reserve at www.eatsiena.com.

1485 West 12th Ave at Granville | 604-558-1485 | www.eatsiena.com

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NUBA

Nuba has three unique locations offerings Valentine’s Day dinner that feature a healthy Lebanese menu designed for sharing as well as tantalizing cocktail and wine offerings.

Gastown | 207 West Hastings Street | 604-688-1655 | www.nuba.ca
Kitsilano | 3116 West Broadway | 604-336-1797 | www.nuba.ca
Mount Pleasant | 146 East 3rd Avenue | 604-568-6727 | www.nuba.ca

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CAMPAGNOLO & CAMPAGNOLO ROMA

Inspired by the regional cuisines of Italy, you will fall in love with every bite at Campagnolo and Campagnolo ROMA. Whether you want to keep things casual or have a grand romantic evening planned, both restaurants will ensure your experience is memorable and delicious. On Saturday, February 14th both Campagnolo and Campagnolo ROMA will offer tailored sharing menus for $80 (per couple). Reservations are only available for this menu. If you would rather not commit, regular menus will be available for walk-ins.

Campagnolo Restaurant | 1020 Main Street | 604-484-6018 | www.campagnolorestaurant.ca

Campagnolo ROMA | 2297 East Hastings St. | 604-569-0456 | www.campagnoloroma.com

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THE RED WAGON

For families, couples, or singles, fun is what you will find at the famous Red Wagon diner on Hastings St. Featuring root beer floats for sharing, both the kid friendly and spiked versions are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face this Valentine’s Day. They don’t take reservations so there’s nothing to fuss over. Head on down for brunch or dinner with those you love and enjoy a good meal.

2296 East Hastings| 604 568 4565 | www.redwagoncafe.com

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BISTRO WAGON ROUGE

No reservations, no set menus — just great food in a cozy atmosphere. In addition to their classic French fare, diners can look forward to some fantastic February 14th features including beef heart tartare, and for dessert; chocolate fondant with Earl Grey syrup and berry semifreddo. If you are concerned about their no reservations policy, make it a part of the plan. Show-up, put your name on the list and grab a drink at one of the nearby distillery or brewery tasting rooms while you wait for a table.

1869 Powell St. | 604 251 4070 | www.bistrowagonrouge.com

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CAFÉ MEDINA

On Saturday, February 14, Café Medina will play host to an exclusive, five-course Valentine’s Dinner as Executive Chef Jonathan Chovancek and owner Robbie Kane offer a fresh, eclectic evening menu featuring their signature Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. A limited number of seats are available for $125 per person including wine pairings, tax and gratuity, and may be purchased via EventBrite.

780 Richards St. | 604-879-3114 | www.medinacafe.com

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BEL CAFÉ

For Valentines Day Bel Café will be preparing some new items. The team have prepared a new Valhrona Manjari & Raspberry Macaron as well as Valhrona Manjari dipped Raspberry Marshmallows (photo attached).

Rosewood Hotel Georgia, 801 West Georgia St | 604-673-7000 | belcafe.com

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FORAGE

Forage is all about sharing, especially on Valentine’s Day. Check out Chef Chris Whittaker’s shared courses on the prix fixe menu for two (or three, or more!) $49 per person before taxes, grats and beverages.

1300 Robson Street (@ Jervis) | 604-661-1400 | foragevancouver.com

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THOMAS HAAS

Show your love this February 14th by giving the gift of Thomas Haas’ signature creations, including such handcrafted Valentine’s Day delicacies as his whimsical handcrafted pair of chocolate ‘Love Birds’, or beautiful edible ‘Chocolate Flowerpot’ decorated with a selection of chocolates and truffles. All 2015 Valentine’s Day products are available at the two Thomas Haas pâtisseries in North Vancouver and Kitsilano beginning January 30, with a limited selection also available at high-end retailers such as Whole Foods and Urban Fare.

North Vancouver store: 128-998 Harbourside Drive | 604-924-1847
Kitsilano store: 2539 West Broadway | 604-736-1848
www.thomashaas.com

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BEAUCOUP BAKER & CAFE

Passionfruit takes centre stage at Beaucoup Bakery & Café. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a new line up of decadent desserts will be added to Beaucoup’s pastry case: Passionfruit Orange Tart, Caramel Passionfruit Éclair and Passionfruit Hazelnut Bostok. Advance orders of 4 or more (per item) are available by calling 604-732-4222 or emailing [email protected].

2150 Fir St.| 604-732-4222 | www.beaucoupbakery.com

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MAENAM

Award-winning Maenam offers a set multi-course menu ideal for couples to share, with indulgent main courses like whole fish or whole pork rib. Please call to reserve.

1938 West 4th Avenue | 604-730-5579 | www.maenam.ca

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LA MEZCALERIA

It’s Noche Romántica at La Mezcaleria. Enjoy live music and our menu specials in an intimate ambience. Reservations available – lamezcaleria.ca/valentines.

1622 Commercial Drive | 604-559-8226 | www.lamezcaleria.ca

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EXILE BISTRO & BELLA WINES

‘Labour of Love’ Valentine’s Tasting Dinner. Now taking reservations for a healthy, sultry, and bubbly Valentine’s dinner. As always, there will be options for vegans, gluten-free, and meat lovers. The multi-course tasting menu will be paired with Bella sparkling wines.

Dinner $90 per couple. Bubble pairing $40 per person.
1220 Bute Street | 604-563-8633 | www.exilebistro.com | www.bellawines.ca

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THE BOTTLENECK

VALENTINES with REALLY ROD. Join us on February 14th as we celebrate LOVE with five decades of hits from legendary vocalist Rod Stewart! A live performance by the legendary Really Rod! Show starts at 9pm. Food and drink specials all night. No cover.

870 Granville Street (directly beside the Commodore Ballroom) | Open Tuesday through Saturday 11:30am – 2am | For reservations and bookings call 604 -739 – 4540 | www.thebottleneck.ca

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN FLATBREAD

$18 three course meal. House Salad or Daily Soup . Artisan flatbread pizza or handcut pasta . Warm Double Chocolate Brownies or Cheesecake for dessert.

1876 West 1st Avenue & 4186 Main Street | Kits: 604-730-0321 Main St: 604-566-9779 | rockymountainflatbread.ca

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EARNEST ICE CREAM

We’ll be offering a few special Valentine’s flavours the week of February 9-15th. Cherry Chip, Vegan Chocolate Raspberry, Cinnamon Heart and a special Black Forest Sundae. All items available at both locations – while supplies last!
3992 Fraser Street, Wednesday-Monday, 12-10p (closed Tuesdays) | 604-428-0697
1829 Quebec Street, Tuesday-Sunday 12-10pm (closed Mondays) | 778-379-0697
earnesticecream.com

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ODD SOCIETY SPIRITS

Odd Society Spirits will be serving up flights of miniature cocktails showcasing their Crème de Cassis made with BC grown blackcurrants. The lineup includes tasters of the Sour Owl, BC Royale and a Cupid Shooter for $14. Located on Powell Street near many incredible restaurants in the upcoming neighbourhoods of Hastings Sunrise and Grandview Woodlands, lovers can stop by the distillery’s cocktail lounge for a pre or post dinner drink.

1725 Powell St. | 604 559 6745| www.oddsocietyspirits.com

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THE STABLE HOUSE BISTRO

For Valentine’s Day this year, we will be offering a 4 course set menu ($45) as well as an optional wine pairing ($30). Oyster Duo with Champagne-Terragon Foam and an apple/celeriac salad / Red Beet Terrine with B.C. smoked salmon and rye crackers / Braised Lamb Shank with pomme pureé, garlic and glazed carrots / Chocolate Cheese Cake with cranberry custard and almond brittle

For Reservations, call 604 736 1520. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or special requests.

1520 W. 13th Ave | 604-736-1520 | www.thestablehouse.ca

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OYAMA SAUSAGE CO.

Oyama makes your Valentine extra special with the Oyama Love Terrine, with a heart inside, Creamy Duck and Raspberry Paté and Truffled Duck Paté, as well as delicious Elk and White Chocolate Sausages, Truffled Duck Sausages, Champagne Truffle Chicken Sausages and Okanagan Red Wine Lamb Sausages.

Granville Island Public Market 1689 Johnston St. | 604-327-7407 | www.oyamasausage.ca

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TRUFFLES FINE FOOD

VanDusen Garden Valentine’s Picnic. Take a romantic stroll through the beautiful 55 acres at VanDusen Botanical Garden, enjoy classic tunes, take a sweet selfie and dine al fresco amongst the trees or overlooking one of our picturesque lakes. Includes entry for 2, and a grommet lunch provided by Truffles Fine Foods. Just bring your own basket and blanket! Cost: $40 Hours: 10am-4pm”

5151 Oak Street | 604-257-8663 | vandusengarden.org

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TERRA BREADS

This February, we’re taking our favourite locally grown raspberries to a whole new level with rich chocolate cupcakes, flaky sugar cookies and a seasonal buttery cocoa favourite #WeHeartRaspberry

Mount Pleasant Bakery + Café | 53 5th Ave West, Vancouver | 604 873 8111 | terrabreads.com

Olympic Village Café | 1605 Manitoba St., Vancouver | 604 877 1183 | terrabreads.com

Kitsilano Bakery + Café | 2380 W 4th Ave, Vancouver | 604 736 1838 | terrabreads.com

Granville Island Bakery | Granville Island Public Market, 1661 Duranleau St., Vancouver | 604 685 3102 | terrabreads.com

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MARKET BY JEAN-GEORGES

A special Valentine’s Day edition of Movies at MARKET will take place on February 13 & 14. The most tempting of all sweets becomes the key weapon in a battle of sensual pleasure versus disciplined self-denial in Chocolat. For the Valentine’s Day Movies at MARKET, tickets will be priced at $128 per person and include a glass of champagne, gourmet popcorn, movie and a Chocolat themed five-course dinner. For more information or for reservations, call the restaurant at (604) 695-1115.

Shangri-La Hotel – Vancouver 1115 Alberni Street , 3rd Floor | 604-695-1115 | www.marketbyjgvancouver.com

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CULINARY CAPERS

Stay in with your sweetheart! As an alternative to dining out, Executive Chef Margaret Chisholm has designed a delicious Valentine’s Day Menu that is easy to heat, assemble and serve in your own home. Items include: butternut squash soup with warm crostini topped with chèvre and fig compote, braised beef short rib with mocha porcini jus, and Pavlova with raspberry mascarpone.

Culinary Capers Catering Valentine’s Day Menu (Note: direct menu link: http://www.culinarycapers.com/menus/seasonal-holiday-menus/valentines-day-menu/)

1545 West 3rd Avenue | 604-875-0123 | www.culinarycapers.com

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GRAIN

This is a little out of the box but we thought with all the dinner’s out and other fun Valentine’s events in the city it might be cute to include our Walrus Bread Mix as a romantic idea to buy & bake for your special someone at home on Valentine’s day?

Looking to show your love in the most delicious way possible? Pick up a bag of GRAIN’s limited edition no-knead bread mix at WALRUS and surprise your special someone with a loaf of freshly baked bread. It’s easy to make and is made locally with freshly milled 100% Canadian red spring wheat.

WALRUS | 3408 Cambie Street | 604.874.9770 | www.eatgrain.ca

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ALOE DESIGNS

“Say ‘I love you’ with one of World Reclaimed’s Modern Bird Feeders: a reminder of warmer days ahead. Our bird feeders are designed for a bird to perch in the open air, feed, and balance its wings before taking flight. A great alternative to a box of chocolates- this sweet sustainable gift will bring love birds to your landscape each and everyday of the year. $55.00 each with 15% off (Enter Promo Code: SCOUTVDAY) from February 1-14th. Order online and email:[email protected] to arrange pick up at Aloe Designs Studio – 1443 E Pender St.”

1443 E Pender St | www.worldreclaimed.com

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CAVALIER

Looking for the perfect gift to get your girl or guy this Valentine’s Day? We’ve got Vancouver’s top local designers as well as fine jewellery made with ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones. From red rubies to pink sapphires, to custom designed rings and Nivrel watches, we know you’ll be able to find something for your sweetheart that says I love you!

#217-207 W. Hastings St | 604-681-0047 | www.cavaliergastown.com

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HART HOUSE

Make your night special with Valentine’s at Hart House, voted Top Ten Most Romantic Restaurants by OpenTable Diners.
Featuring a 5-Course Menu with shared couple’s mid-course & dessert.
Early Reservations (first seating) are allocated a two hour dining time.
Reservations by phone only: 604-298-4278

6664 Deer Lake Avenue Burnaby | 604-298-4278 | www.harthouserestaurant.com

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CEDARCREEK ESTATE WINERY

Join Kelowna’s Lakeshore Wine Route and Sandrine in celebrating the love of wine and chocolate! Enjoy complementary, single-origin chocolate specially created to pair with a feature wine from each winery.

5445 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC | 778-738-1022 | cedarcreek.bc.ca

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DAYDREAMER WINES

Daydreamer is a small, organic wine focused, family run winery based on the beautiful Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Simply enter the Coupon code daydreamerwines2014 at checkout and receive 15% off all purchases during the month of February.

1493 Todd Rd Penticton | 1-778-514-0026 | www.daydreamerwines.ca

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BLACK ROCK RESORT

Sweetheart Dinner in Fetch Restaurant @ Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet. Book our Sweetheart Valentine’s package and enjoy a romantic dinner for 2, as well as continental breakfast each morning in Fetch Restaurant. Feb 13/14 only.

Reservations required.

596 Marine Drive, Ucluelet,BC | 250-726-4800 | www.blackrockresort.com

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WOLF IN THE FOG

Wolf in the Fog will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with freshly shucked oysters from Out Landish Shellfish Guild and three new seasonal share plates. Chef Nick Nutting will be preparing three platters that are prefect for sharing with your Valentine: one vegetarian, one seafood, and one meat dish based on the freshest ingredients of the day. Regular menu items will be available as well. Call 250-725-9653 or visit wolfinthefog.com to book your reservation.

150 Fourth Street, Tofino, BC | 250-725-9653 | www.wolfinthefog.com

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BODEGA RIDGE

Bodega Ridge is offering a 3 night for the price of two special for Valentine’s day on romantic Galiano Island. It is only a 50 minute ferry from Vancouver but feels a world away. Phone or email to reserve now.

120 Manastee Road, Galiano Island | 1-877-604-2677 | www.bodegaridge.com