The Refinery is located at 1115 Granville St, Vancouver BC | 604-687-8001 | www.therefineryvancouver.com

News from Scout supporter The Refinery

Vancouver, BC | The Refinery’s Cocktail Kitchen Series welcomes four “bartender finalists” in January, 2011. As the competitors quickly approach the wood for their chance to win the first ever Cocktail Kitchen at The Refinery and a trip to California, we can’t help but look back at the highlights from the four finalists’ performances over the past 6 months.

During July’s launch month, David Bain of South Granville’s West Restaurant caught guests off guard with his cocktail “The Triple Threat”. This well thought out and super creative cocktail used several different techniques and components. Guests were impressed by the fresh-foam which sat atop a simple four ingredient cocktail, including a homemade triple-chili infused heated agave nectar, The Refinery’s chocolate sweet vermouth, citrus and raw cacao nib Hornitos Reposado Tequila. This cocktail was an instant winner with its pairing of Driftwood Whitebark and Achiote marinated flank steak.

August saw Jay Jones of Barjonesing Consulting take us on a sensory adventure with Courvoisier Cognac. Being that the second course was amongst one of the hardest pairings – rich Cognac with a light frisée aux lardons salad – Jay convinced the room that his straight-forward spirit style would be perfect. “The Bellefleur” cocktail included Courvoisier, Joie Farm Rose, The Refinery’s strawberry and lemongrass bitters and a touch of tropical passionfruit syrup.

During the same month, the newly appointed General Manager of Chambar, Justin “JT” Tisdall knocked it out of the park with his “First” cocktail focusing on deconstructed tasting notes that paired exceptionally with Ben’s first course: a decadent foie gras parfait. Courvoisier cognac, cognac-cask smoked butter, Sauternes, The Refinery’s house bitters plus two of Justin’s homemade aromatic autumn fruit and herb tinctures.

The fifth month of Cocktail Kitchen welcomed an incredible line up of apprentice and veteran bartenders that completely won guests over with a sort of “green” passion that captured everyone’s attention. Overall, November proved to be one of the most successful months for weekly sell outs and an extraordinary array of cocktails. This month’s Havana Club 7 year Anejo Rum and the cuisine of the West Indies was definitely a “hot and spicy” one. Attacking a line up of spicy dishes with higher proof cocktails was definitely a challenge, but Graham Racich of Fraiche Restaurant “up on the hill” in West Vancouver wow-ed guests with two passed cocktail canapes, including deconstructed cocktail jellies, plus a line-up of refreshing and unique pairings for each course.

Now, we’re gearing up for the Cocktail Kitchen Finals. Here’s the schedule:

Wed January 05 2011 Jay Jones, Barjonesing Consulting
Wed January 12 2011 David Bain, West Restaurant
Wed January 19 2011 Justin Tisdall, Chambar
Wed January 26 2011 Graham Racich, Fraiche Restaurant

Guests are the judges. Tickets are available through the Refinery – call or pop in with a valid credit card to purchase on the spot. Tickets are $50 per person. Each guest will receive a passed “welcome” cocktail-canape pairing by Lauren Mote & Ben de Champlain, plus 3 courses of hearty well-presented and flavourful Russian inspired cuisine, and 3 paired Russian Standard Vodka cocktails by the competing bartender.

Russia Menu:

Course 1 | Pierogi | farmers cheese, fried onion, bacon

Course 2 | Borscht | beet soup, pork, dill creme fraiche

Course 3 | Cabbage Rolls | ground beef, onions, tomato sauce

Cocktail Kitchen Final winner & guest prizes will be announced at the Russian Standard
Finale party at The Refinery February 07 2011. Please save the date.

Thank you to our sponsors, Beam Global Inc. and Russian Standard Vodka for January’s competition.

For more information, please visit the Refinery website at www.therefineryvancouver.com or call 604-687-8001. All media inquiries should be sent to Lauren Mote mote@therefineryvancouver.com

About The Refinery

Granville’s newest hotspot, designed by Marilou and May of Vancouver based M-Studio is Vancouver’s best way to experience a new world eatery with an old world feel. The room designed with the environment in mind has used sustainable materials, led lighting and energy efficient equipment. Committing to a sustainable work environment, a dedicated bicycle storage area and public transit subsidy are examples of how they are trying to minimize their carbon footprint.

The Refinery is a food primary restaurant, with a strong focus on dynamic BC and worldly wines, eclectic beers and unique cocktails. With a 75-seat capacity, the Refinery will house Granville Streets only fresh, market-style-eatery. We take pride in introducing elements of charcuterie, cheese culture, cured and fresh seafood, fresh breads, antipasti and all things market fresh to the Granville scene. With the recent addition of General Manager and award-winning mixologist Lauren Mote, the Refinery remains a step ahead of the competition through exemplary service and great value. To commit to the establishment of a sustainable environment The Refinery will maintain a majority of local high quality products wherever possible.

We expect our guests to share. Share food, drink and celebrations but more importantly ideas, stories and laughs. A traditional, yet unique, menu and atmosphere will create a sense of ‘belonging’ for locals and tourists alike. At The Refinery we are providing an environment that allows our guests to feel carefree and full of life. Giving people the sense gathering in a small village in Europe, while being in their own backyard.

———————————————————————-

In addition to providing daily editorial, Scout is dedicated to supporting and promoting cool, interesting, and independent British Columbian businesses through the publication of their press releases and event info. To learn how to get your news up on our front page, check out our supporter details page here.

———————————————————————-

The Refinery is located at 1115 Granville St, Vancouver BC | 604-687-8001 | www.therefineryvancouver.com

News from Scout supporter The Refinery

Vancouver, BC | The Refinery is proud to welcome the fourth month of The Cocktail Kitchen Series. October celebrates the cuisine of ITALY, paired with Ramazotti sweet vermouth. This six month long interactive bartender competition recognizes the finest bartenders in British Columbia, and gives each a chance at demonstrating their expertise as restaurant bartenders. Basically, we are putting candidates to the test: allowing them to showcase their abilities while pairing cocktails to food. Check the premise of the program after the jump…

Each month, a bartender is paired with a different spirit, and a different country – this will be repeated weekly, for the duration of the month with a different bartender competing each Thursday. Guests are invited to come down and experience the interactive teachings of the featured bartender, who will attempt to effectively pair the featured country’s menu, with a set of three cocktails using the featured base spirit. Plus, there’s another spin: the bartenders will shop at The Refinery – it is mandatory that each cocktail include a Refinery house bitters. One week prior their Cocktail Kitchen, the bartender will be able to score 1 oz x 3 types of bitters/vermouths available at the Refinery for cocktail testing. The Refinery’s Bitters Program inventory sits at 23 types – 10 seasonal and 13 replenished.

Rules – for bartenders and guests

Bartenders

The three cocktails should be submitted at least 48 hours in advance – including methods, names, recipes. The cocktails will be paired to the featured 3 course tapas-style dinner, the menu of which bartenders will see in advance. Each cocktail must include a Refinery bitters/vermouth/tincture. Each bartender receives a gift for participating, and a cash prize is awarded to the winner of each themed month. The winning bartender will also be invited to participate the following month, increasing the chances of being included in the January showdown, where 4 bartenders will be competing for an all-paid trip to Napa Valley, California.

Guests

Each Thursday, guests will be given a score card, rating the bartender in the following criteria: Presentation, Taste, Originality, Knowledge, Presence, Showmanship, Inspiration, Passion – but here’s the catch – guests are grading the bartender’s ability to pair the cocktail and dish together effectively. Each week, guests are inviting to fill out all of the pertinent information on the their ballots, as they too will be entered to win a trip, which will be drawn by raffle at the January finale.

Menu | Italy vs. Ramazotti (no menu modifications may be made)

First
Truffled Arancini, Tomato Relish

Second
Local Pumpkin & Bacon Agnolotti, Sage Brown Butter Sauce, Crispy Prosciutto

Third
Braised pork cheeks, Madeira, Wild Mushroom Polenta, Swiss Chard, Dried Fruit Sauté

Cost:
$32 per ticket
30 seats available each week. Tickets are available through the Refinery by calling 604-687-8001 with a valid credit card to hold the spot.

Schedule:
* July 2010 – Region: CENTRAL AMERICA – TEQUILA
* August 2010 – FRANCE – COGNAC
* September 2010 – Region: INDIA (vegetarian) – GIN
* October 2010 – ITALY – RAMAZOTTI – starts October 7
* November 2010 – THE WEST INDIES – HAVANA RUM
* December 2010 – SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY – BOURBON
* January 2011 – Region: EASTERN EUROPE – Bartender Showdown
* February – June 2011 – Countries and Spirits to be determined

OCTOBER BARTENDERS:

October 07, Week 1: BRAD STANTON (Uva Wine Bar)
October 14, Week 2: SHAWN SOOLE (Clive’s Classic Lounge)
October 21, Week 3: COLIN TURNER (Cin Cin)
October 28, Week 4: September Winner (TBA)

If you are a bartender reading this, and wondering how you can get involved, please email Lauren Mote at mote@therefineryvancouver.com. Subject should read: “Cocktail Kitchen Series Bartender” – copy and paste the following into the body of the message, and fill out the questionnaire – we are booking in advance up until January 2011.

Full Name:

Which Bar(s)/Restaurant(s) are you representing?

How long have you been in the Industry?

Please include a short 250-400 word bio about yourself:

What’s your bartending style?

Do you have a preference of which country and spirit you’d like to be paired up with in a perfect world?

Please include a pic of yourself!

About The Refinery

Granville’s newest hotspot, designed by Marilou and May of Vancouver based M-Studio is Vancouver’s best way to experience a new world eatery with an old world feel. The room designed with the environment in mind has used sustainable materials, led lighting and energy efficient equipment. Committing to a sustainable work environment, a dedicated bicycle storage area and public transit subsidy are examples of how they are trying to minimize their carbon footprint.

The Refinery is a food primary restaurant, with a strong focus on dynamic BC and worldly wines, eclectic beers and unique cocktails. With a 75-seat capacity, the Refinery will house Granville Streets only fresh, market-style-eatery. We take pride in introducing elements of charcuterie, cheese culture, cured and fresh seafood, fresh breads, antipasti and all things market fresh to the Granville scene. With the recent addition of General Manager and award-winning mixologist Lauren Mote, the Refinery remains a step ahead of the competition through exemplary service and great value. To commit to the establishment of a sustainable environment The Refinery will maintain a majority of local high quality products wherever possible.

We expect our guests to share. Share food, drink and celebrations but more importantly ideas, stories and laughs. A traditional, yet unique, menu and atmosphere will create a sense of ‘belonging’ for locals and tourists alike. At The Refinery we are providing an environment that allows our guests to feel carefree and full of life. Giving people the sense gathering in a small village in Europe, while being in their own backyard.

———————————————————————-

In addition to providing daily editorial, Scout is dedicated to supporting and promoting cool, interesting, and independent British Columbian businesses through the publication of their press releases and event info. To learn how to get your news up on our front page, check out our supporter details page here.

———————————————————————-

The Refinery is located at 1115 Granville St, Vancouver BC | 604-687-8001 | www.therefineryvancouver.com

News from Scout supporter The Refinery

Vancouver, BC | As one one of the most innovative cocktail programs in Canada, The Refinery is proud to start the third segment of a six month interactive and educational competition called “The Cocktail Kitchen Series”. Launched on July 8th 2010, “The Cocktail Kitchen Series” aims to promote niche craft cocktail development, through the expertise of Vancouver’s best veteran and up and coming bartenders who have demonstrated creativity and leadership in their cocktail craft, as well as being the best in their field as “restaurant bartenders”.

Here is the premise of the program:

Each month, a bartender is paired with a different spirit, and a different country – this will be repeated 4 times a month with a different bartender each Thursday. Guests are invited to come down and experience the interactive teachings of the featured bartender, who will attempt to effectively pair the featured country’s menu, with a set of three cocktail using the base spirit. Plus, there’s another spin: the bartenders will shop at The Refinery – it is mandatory that each cocktail include a Refinery house bitters. One week prior their Cocktail Kitchen, the bartender will be able to score 1 oz x 3 types of bitters/vermouths available at the Refinery for cocktail testing. The Refinery’s Bitters Program inventory sits at 24 types as of today (September 03 2010).

Concept & Rules:

- 3 cocktails, submitted at least 48 hours in advance – including methods, names, recipes
- The cocktails will be paired to the featured 3 course tapas-style dinner, the menu of which bartenders will know about 1 week earlier
- Each cocktail must include a Refinery bitters/vermouth/tincture
- Each Thursday, guests will be given a score card, rating the bartender in the following criteria:

* Presentation
* Taste
* Originality
* Delivery:  Knowledge, Speed, Presence, Showmanship, Inspiration, Passion
* Grand Prize each month

- Bartenders will change monthly, giving most an opportunity to participate in the program
- Bartenders will be given a bar tab just for participating, and gift from the monthly liquor sponsor
- The winning bartender will be invited back to participate the following month during week 4
- The end of the sixth month, and seemingly covering 6 different regions/countries and spirits, the bartender with the most wins will receive a grand prize trip to Napa Valley, provided by the owners Ray, Peter and Ryan of the Refinery and SIP Resto Lounge Granville Street (additionally a guest ballot will be pulled at the end of the series and they’ll be winning a trip too!)
- This is a 6 month long promotion and contest – BUT we do not take time off – we keep going every 6 months

Cost:

$32 per guest plus all applicable taxes and gratuities- Runs from 7:00pm – 9:30pm every Thursday evening
42 seats available each week. Tickets are available through the Refinery by calling 604-687-8001

SCHEDULE:

* July 2010 – Region: CENTRAL AMERICA
* August 2010 – FRANCE
* September 2010 – Region: INDIA
* October 2010 – ITALY
* November 2010 – THE WEST INDIES
* December 2010 – SOUTHERN US BBQ
* January 2011 – Region: EASTERN EUROPE – Bartender Showdown
* January – June 2011 – Countries and Spirits to be determined

SEPTEMBER BARTENDERS:

Thurs Sept 02 – Lauren Mote (Refinery)
Thurs Sept 09 – Jacob Sweetapple (The Fairmont Pacific Rim)
Thurs Sept 16 – Danielle Tatarin (The Keefer Bar)
Thurs Sept 23 – Justin Tisdale (Market/Chambar)
Thurs Sept 30 – David Wolowidnyk (West Restaurant)
**Bartender profiles can be seen at www.therefineryvancouver.com/restaurant/cocktail_kitchen

INDIA VS. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN, proudly sponsored by Bacardi Canada Ltd.

India Menu: (by Ben de Champlain)
First:
Onion and lentil fritters with grilled pineapple and tamarind chutney.

Second:
Indian spice roasted tomato soup with lentils, black chickpeas, spinach and fennel, with a gin paneer.

Third:
Cashew & coconut curry with potatoes and cauliflower, with a green bean and fresh herb salad.

In the last year, we have had over 40 articles written about us and our specialties, above and beyond business listings. We urge you to check out website under “Press” to see for yourself how representing your bar/restaurant with the Cocktail Kitchen Series at The Refinery is best for business. Each week we will have 2 different media personalities in attendance, as well as a film crew and/or photographer. The press releases we write are reaching more than just local restaurant industry news. We also do radio segments, TV spots, and reach a broad range of national and international publications, not to mention the persuasive and domineering food and beverage blog industry here and across the globe. As a bartender, this is an excellent avenue to raise your profile in the municipal and national community.

About The Refinery

Granville’s newest hotspot, designed by Marilou and May of Vancouver based M-Studio is Vancouver’s best way to experience a new world eatery with an old world feel. The room designed with the environment in mind has used sustainable materials, led lighting and energy efficient equipment. Committing to a sustainable work environment, a dedicated bicycle storage area and public transit subsidy are examples of how they are trying to minimize their carbon footprint.

The Refinery is a food primary restaurant, with a strong focus on dynamic BC and worldly wines, eclectic beers and unique cocktails. With a 75-seat capacity, the Refinery will house Granville Streets only fresh, market-style-eatery. We take pride in introducing elements of charcuterie, cheese culture, cured and fresh seafood, fresh breads, antipasti and all things market fresh to the Granville scene. With the recent addition of General Manager and award-winning mixologist Lauren Mote, the Refinery remains a step ahead of the competition through exemplary service and great value. To commit to the establishment of a sustainable environment The Refinery will maintain a majority of local high quality products wherever possible.

We expect our guests to share. Share food, drink and celebrations but more importantly ideas, stories and laughs. A traditional, yet unique, menu and atmosphere will create a sense of ‘belonging’ for locals and tourists alike. At The Refinery we are providing an environment that allows our guests to feel carefree and full of life. Giving people the sense gathering in a small village in Europe, while being in their own backyard.

———————————————————————-

In addition to providing daily editorial, Scout is dedicated to supporting and promoting cool, interesting, and independent British Columbian businesses through the publication of their press releases and event info. To learn how to get your news up on our front page, check out our supporter details page here.

———————————————————————-

The Refinery is located at 1115 Granville St, Vancouver BC | 604-687-8001 | www.therefineryvancouver.com

Job Listing from Scout supporter The Refinery

Vancouver, BC | The Refinery is looking to staff an experienced prep cook and line cook position(s). These positions are competitive in starting wage, training, and gratuities. You’ll be learning innovative cooking techniques using seasonal homemade products, learning extensive jarring, canning, curing and pickling. This position is high energy, fast paced and highly rewarding! You’ll also be behind some of the most interesting monthly menus designed by Ben de Champlain for our successful “Cocktail Kitchen” bartender competition now in its second month…

About The Refinery

Granville’s newest hotspot, designed by Marilou and May of Vancouver based M-Studio is Vancouver’s best way to experience a new world eatery with an old world feel. The room designed with the environment in mind has used sustainable materials, led lighting and energy efficient equipment. Committing to a sustainable work environment, a dedicated bicycle storage area and public transit subsidy are examples of how they are trying to minimize their carbon footprint.

The Refinery is a food primary restaurant, with a strong focus on dynamic BC and worldly wines, eclectic beers and unique cocktails. With a 75-seat capacity, the Refinery will house Granville Streets only fresh, market-style-eatery. We take pride in introducing elements of charcuterie, cheese culture, cured and fresh seafood, fresh breads, antipasti and all things market fresh to the Granville scene. With the recent addition of General Manager and award-winning mixologist Lauren Mote, the Refinery remains a step ahead of the competition through exemplary service and great value. To commit to the establishment of a sustainable environment The Refinery will maintain a majority of local high quality products wherever possible.

We expect our guests to share. Share food, drink and celebrations but more importantly ideas, stories and laughs. A traditional, yet unique, menu and atmosphere will create a sense of ‘belonging’ for locals and tourists alike. At The Refinery we are providing an environment that allows our guests to feel carefree and full of life. Giving people the sense gathering in a small village in Europe, while being in their own backyard.

———————————————————————-

In addition to providing daily editorial, Scout is dedicated to supporting and promoting cool, interesting, and independent British Columbian businesses through the publication of their press releases and event info. To learn how to get your news up on our front page, check out our supporter details page here.

———————————————————————-

The Refinery is located at 1115 Granville St, Vancouver BC | 604-687-8001 | www.therefineryvancouver.com

News from Scout supporter The Refinery

Vancouver, BC | As one one of the most innovative cocktail programs in Canada, The Refinery is proud to start the second segment of a six month interactive and educational competition called “The Cocktail Kitchen Series”. Launched on July 8th 2010, “The Cocktail Kitchen Series” aims to promote niche craft cocktail development, through the expertise of Vancouver’s best veteran and up and coming bartenders who have demonstrated creativity and leadership in their cocktail craft. Read the premise and details of the program after the jump…

Each month, a bartender is paired with a different spirit, and a different country – this will be repeated 4 times a month with a different bartender each Thursday. Guests are invited to come down and experience the interactive teachings of the featured bartender, who will attempt to effectively pair the featured country’s menu, with a set of three cocktail using the base spirit. Plus, there’s another spin: the bartenders will shop at The Refinery – it is mandatory that each cocktail include a Refinery house bitters. One week prior their Cocktail Kitchen, the bartender will be able to score 1 oz x 3 types of bitters/vermouths available at the Refinery for cocktail testing. The Refinery’s Bitters Program inventory sits at 19 types as of today.

Concept & Rules:

- 3 cocktails, submitted at least 48 hours in advance – including methods, names, recipes

- The cocktails will be paired to the featured 3 course tapas-style dinner, the menu of which bartenders will know about 1 week earlier

- Each cocktail must include a Refinery bitters/vermouth/tincture

- Each Thursday, guests will be given a score card, rating the bartender in the following criteria:

* Presentation

* Taste

* Originality

* Delivery:  Knowledge, Speed, Presence, Showmanship, Inspiration,   Passion

* Grand Prize each month

- Bartenders will change monthly, giving most an opportunity to participate in the program

- Bartenders will be given a bar tab just for participating, and gift from the monthly liquor sponsor

- The winning bartender will be invited back to participate the following month during week 4

- The end of the sixth month, and seemingly covering 6 different regions/countries and spirits, the bartender with the most wins will receive a grand prize trip to Napa Valley, provided by the owners Ray, Peter and Ryan of the Refinery and SIP Resto Lounge Granville Street.

- This is a 6 month long promotion and contest – BUT we do not take time off – we keep going every 6 months

Cost:

$30 per guest (Includes tax and gratuity)

40 seats available each week. Tickets are available through the Refinery by calling 604-687-8001

SCHEDULE:

* July 2010 – Region: CENTRAL AMERICA

* August 2010 – FRANCE

* September 2010 – Region: SOUTH EAST ASIA

* October 2010 – ITALY

* November 2010 – THE WEST INDIES

* December 2010 – INDIA

* January 2011 – Region: EASTERN EUROPE – Bartender Showdown

* January – June 2011 – Countries and Spirits to be determined

AUGUST BARTENDERS:

August 05, Week 1: TREVOR KALLIES (Granville Room)

August 12, Week 2: JAY JONES (Barjonesing Consulting)

August 19, Week 3: BEN DE CHAMPLAIN (The Refinery)

August 26, Week 4: JUSTIN TISDALL (Market at the Shangrai-La)

In the last year, we have had over 40 articles written about us and our specialties, above and beyond business listings. We urge you to check out website under “Press” to see for yourself how representing your bar/restaurant with the Cocktail Kitchen Series at The Refinery is best for business. Each week we will have 2 different media personalities in attendance, as well as a film crew and photographer. The press releases we write are reaching more than just Scout Magazine and Urban Diner for local restaurant industry news. We also do radio segments, TV spots, and reach a broad range of national and international publications, not to mention the persuasive and domineering food and beverage blog industry here and across the globe. As a bartender, this is an excellent avenue to raise your profile in the municipal and national community.

Additionally, if you are a bartender reading this, and wondering how you can get involved, please email Lauren Mote at mote@therefineryvancouver.com. Subject should read: “Cocktail Kitchen Series Bartender” – copy and paste the following into the body of the message, and fill out the questionnaire – we are booking in advance up until January 2011.

Full Name:

Which Bar(s)/Restaurant(s) are you representing?

How long have you been in the Industry?

Please include a short 250-400 word bio about yourself:

What’s your bartending style?

Do you have a preference of which country and spirit you’d like to be paired up with in a perfect world?

Please include a pic of yourself!

About The Refinery

Granville’s newest hotspot, designed by Marilou and May of Vancouver based M-Studio is Vancouver’s best way to experience a new world eatery with an old world feel. The room designed with the environment in mind has used sustainable materials, led lighting and energy efficient equipment. Committing to a sustainable work environment, a dedicated bicycle storage area and public transit subsidy are examples of how they are trying to minimize their carbon footprint.

The Refinery is a food primary restaurant, with a strong focus on dynamic BC and worldly wines, eclectic beers and unique cocktails. With a 75-seat capacity, the Refinery will house Granville Streets only fresh, market-style-eatery. We take pride in introducing elements of charcuterie, cheese culture, cured and fresh seafood, fresh breads, antipasti and all things market fresh to the Granville scene. With the recent addition of General Manager and award-winning mixologist Lauren Mote, the Refinery remains a step ahead of the competition through exemplary service and great value. To commit to the establishment of a sustainable environment The Refinery will maintain a majority of local high quality products wherever possible.

We expect our guests to share. Share food, drink and celebrations but more importantly ideas, stories and laughs. A traditional, yet unique, menu and atmosphere will create a sense of ‘belonging’ for locals and tourists alike. At The Refinery we are providing an environment that allows our guests to feel carefree and full of life. Giving people the sense gathering in a small village in Europe, while being in their own backyard.

———————————————————————-

In addition to providing daily editorial, Scout is dedicated to supporting and promoting cool, interesting, and independent British Columbian businesses through the publication of their press releases and event info. To learn how to get your news up on our front page, check out our supporter details page here.

———————————————————————-