READ IT (AGAIN): Pair An “Alibi Room” Pint With The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy

by George Giannakos and Robyn Yager | Slowing down a little and breaking out a good book is never a bad idea. But what to read? You could walk into any bookstore and roll the dice on a recent release, but here’s another option: pick up a book that you last put down 5, 10, or 20 years ago. For the next book in Scout’s Read It (Again) series, we’ve picked Douglas Adams’ cult novel The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy. 

Why You Should Read It Again: Published in 1979 from a series of Radio Shows, The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy is the first novel in a 5 part saga. It’s about a huge number of things. Among these are space travel, the end of the world, the fabrication of planets, the quest for answers to the ultimate questions of life, the universe, and everything. It’s a very easy read.

Pair it With: A pint of bitter at the Alibi Room (157 Alexander in Gastown) whilst channelling the main character, a hapless Englishman named Arthur Dent (preferably in a dressing gown). But be quick about it. Because the world is about to end in order to make way for a hyperspace bypass.

OTHER CLASSIC PAIRINGS

SEEN IN VANCOUVER #432: Cactus Club To Open Its (Who’s Counting?) Location Today

At 5:00pm this afternoon (Wed), the Cactus Club will open its new 500 seat Coal Harbour monster, complete with 200 seat patio and 40 seat private room. Sadly, there is no truth to the rumour that this location (the 23rd) also includes a secret 55 seat pre-shift beauty/tanning salon underneath the dining room (built for the exclusive use of the staff). I know this because I invented that rumour. Just now. To celebrate the opening and Cactus Club’s 25th anniversary, the Olympic Cauldron will apparently be lit from 6pm to 10pm tonight. What the….why? Because stop asking questions and sing the anthem, traitor.

EVERYTHING SEEN IN VANCOUVER

AWESOME THING WE ATE #886: French Onion Soup & Gavroche Beer At “Tableau”

Tableau Bar Bistro | 1181 Melville St. | $11 for the soup, $9 for the beer | Pricy, but damn…

MORE AWESOME THINGS WE ATE

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Coal Harbour’s “Tableau” On The Lookout For A Bartender

January 23, 2013 

Tableau Bar Bistro is located at 1181 Melville St. in Vancouver BC | 604-639-8692 | tableaubarbistro.com

The GOODS from Tableau Bar Bistro

Vancouver, BC | Tableau Bar Bistro is looking for a professional bartender to join our busy award-winning restaurant. We are looking for someone who has a minimum 5 years’ experience in a high volume dining environment specializing in classic cocktails and house-made creations. The individual must be organized and efficient. A personable, charming demeanor with uncanny social skills and the ability to work within a team. Please send your resume and availability to info@tableaubarbistro.com (no phone calls please). Learn more about the restaurant after the jump…… Read more

GOODS: Chef Marc-Andre Choquette Plating Five Course Supper At “Tableau” This NYE

December 27, 2012 

Tableau Bar Bistro is located at 1181 Melville St. in Vancouver BC | 604-639-8692 | tableaubarbistro.com

The GOODS from Tableau Bar Bistro

Vancouver, BC | Toast the New Year with Coal Harbour’s Tableau Bar Bistro where chef Marc-Andre Choquette will delight the palate with a 5-Course Prix Fixe Menu featuring some of his signature creations (Tuna Niçoise Salad, Lobster Bisque, Baked Sablefish, and more). To top off the night, guests will indulge in a decadent dessert and a countdown to midnight with complimentary New Year’s party favours and merriment makers. The special menu is only $85 per person and spaces are going quickly. To make your New Year’s Eve reservations, please call 604 639 8692. Read more

GOODS: The West End’s “Le Parisien” Set To Serve Special Supper On Christmas Eve

December 10, 2012 

Le Parisien is located at 751 Denman Street in Vancouver's West End | 604-687-1418 | www.leparisien.ca

The GOODS from Le Parisien

Vancouver, BC | In Paris, Nuit de Noel (Christmas Eve) is a time to spend feasting with friends and family. Whether your Nuit de Noel tradition is to attend a carol service, stay at home, go to a movie or visit friends, consider joining us for dinner that night. As your neighbourhood French bistro, we offer a warm, family-friendly environment in which to enjoy good food and the joy of the season. Give the cook in your home an early Christmas present – our four-course prix fixe menu is only $45 and you’ll leave as full as a Christmas stocking. Details and menu after the jump… Read more

GOODS: Ladies Of House Wine Pairing With “Wine Australia” For Big Australia Day Party

December 5, 2012 

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House Wine is a wine consultancy company from trade vets Michaela Morris & Michelle Bouffard | housewine.ca

The GOODS from House Wine

Vancouver, BC | Once again, house wine has partnered with Wine Australia to throw a Down-Under-style party in celebration of Australia’s birthday. And that’s with over 40 different wineries and 120 wines from across Australia! You will discover why Aussie really rules. Join us for an adventure this Australia Day – Friday, January 25th at the Stanley Park Pavilion! Details and ticket link after the jump… Read more

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Tableau Bar Bistro On The Lookout For Experienced Lead Host

October 16, 2012 

Tableau Bar Bistro is located at 1181 Melville St. in Vancouver BC | 604-639-8692 | tableaubarbistro.com

The GOODS from Tableau Bar Bistro

Vancouver, BC | Tableau Bar Bistro is looking for a professional Lead Host to join our busy award-winning restaurant. We are looking for someone who has experience in a high volume dining environment. Applicants must have a solid understanding of how restaurant floor plans are built and managed. The individual must be organized with a bright, personable and charming demeanor, uncanny social skills and the ability to work within a team. Knowledge of Open Table is required. Please reply with your resume and current availability to info@tableaubarbistro.com (no phone calls, please). Read more

The View From Your Window #142: Looking West Over Stanley Park From Coal Harbour

October 10, 2012 

Reader G.T. | Coal Harbour | Vancouver, BC | 5:00pm | SHARE YOUR VIEW

We love posting the photographs that reveal the views from our reader’s windows. Whether it’s a back alley in the fall or a sandy beach in high summer, we’re always stoked to see what you see from home, work or while on the road. Some of our all-time favourite reader submissions below… Read more

GOODS: Top Vancouver Chefs To Compete In 2012 “Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown”

September 27, 2012 

The Ocean Wise symbol is the Vancouver Aquarium’s assurance of an ocean-friendly seafood choice | oceanwise.ca

The GOODS from Ocean Wise

Vancouver, BC | Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program proudly announces the 12 Vancouver Ocean Wise finalists who will compete head-to-head at this year’s 2012 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown, presented by Rickard’s and Granville Island Brewing. This year’s event takes place on November 21 at the Vancouver Aquarium. Tickets are available at vanaqua.org/chowder-chowdown.

“This friendly, but competitive, cook-off brings together 12 of Vancouver’s top chefs as they showcase their original ocean-friendly seafood chowders, paired with craft beer, at this fun and delicious consumer event,” says Mike McDermid, Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise partner relations manager. “The winner, who will be crowned 2012 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown Champion, will be selected by a celebrity panel of judges, and guests are invited to vote for the People’s Choice winner at what promises to be memorable evening of unique and flavourful chowders, all in support of sustainable seafood.”

See the line-up of local Ocean Wise chefs contending for the winning title of Vancovuer Aquarium’s 2012 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown Champion after the jump… Read more

GOODS: “Casse-Croûte Fête” On October 2nd At Coal Harbour’s Tableau Bar Bistro

September 26, 2012 

Tableau Bar Bistro is located at 1181 Melville St. in Vancouver BC | 604-639-8692 | tableaubarbistro.com

The GOODS from Tableau Bar Bistro

Vancouver, BC | On Tuesday October 2nd from 4:00pm to 5:00pm, join us at Coal Harbour’s Tableau Bar Bistro for a Casse-Croûte Fête to celebrate the delicious small bites “Casse-Croûte” menu. Enjoy JS Dupuis’ award-winning bacon ceasar and all you can slurp oysters while cheering on your favourite competitors in an oyster-shucking battle. With BC Lions’ star player Angus Reid watching the clock alongside Chef Marc-Andre Choquette (who will judge presentation), the competitors – Urban Rush’s Fiona Forbes, Man About Town Fred Lee, Classic Rock 101’s Bro Jake and Victoria of Victoria’s Food Secrets – will face off in hopes of winning the 2012 Oyster Crown. Read more

GOODS: “Tableau” Serving Special Dinner To Toast The End Of Spot Prawn Season

Tableau Bar Bistro is located at 1181 Melville St. in Vancouver BC | 604-639-8692 | tableaubarbistro.com

The GOODS from Tableau Bar Bistro

Vancouver, BC | As British Columbia’s spot prawn season comes to a close for another year, Coal Harbour’s Tableau Bar Bistro is set to celebrate this truly local delicacy. On June 13th, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, the restaurant will be offering a special Spot Prawn Chef’s Table menu created by Executive Chef Marc-André Choquette. To make this spot prawn fête even sweeter, guests will enjoy wine pairings for each course selected by resident Sommelier Alex Thornley. Menu and details after the jump… Read more

GOODS: Coal Harbour’s “Tableau Bar Bistro” Set For Mother’s Day With Parisian Brunch

Tableau Bar Bistro is located at 1181 Melville St. in Vancouver BC | 604-639-8692 | tableaubarbistro.com

The GOODS from Tableau Bar Bistro

Vancouver, BC | Celebrate mom this Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13th, with a Parisian experience in the heart of Vancouver. From 10:30am – 3:00pm, Coal Harbour’s French inspired Tableau Bar Bistro will be offering a special Mother’s Day brunch menu that your mom will adore. Created by chef Marc-André Choquette, Tableau’s brunch offerings will make it a fête des mères to remember.

With Tableau Bar Bistro’s help, treat your mom to strawberry and mascarpone stuffed brioche French toast; BBQ pulled pork on cornbread paired with a poached egg, asparagus, and ancho chili béarnaise; a lobster and shrimp frittata with roasted seasonal vegetables; and steamed wild BC salmon paired with creamy scrambled eggs, wilted spinach, and tartar sauce. Top this off with a phyllo-wrapped mini banana with chocolate chip ice cream for dessert and a “Mommy Dearest” cocktail created for the important day, and mom will be singing your praises. Details after the jump… Read more

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