by Talia Kleinplatz | In the midst of primary season and the mind-numbingly awful Republican debates, a beacon of sanity shines bright from a Kentucky steakhouse.

Canada’s 100 best restaurants were revealed this week with 14 Vancouver hotspots in the mix including Ancora, Farmer’s Apprentice, and Royal Dinette.

In making a great cocktail, ice is integral to achieving proper temperature and dilution. But does this necessitate artisanal ice? The Globe and Mail explores the merits of having an ice program in today’s cocktail industry.

Mixed feelings come to surface as the Empress Hotel’s Bengal Lounge lives out its last days. After 47 years, the iconic space will close it’s doors on April 30th.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with a panel discussion featuring Vancouver’s leading women in the hospitality industry. Entry is by donation to support local rape crisis and transition centres.

First the bees, now the butterflies. We live in scary times as our world’s most important pollinators are dying off.

As someone with an unreasonably strong fear of rotting food, I found this article to be incredible helpful in assuaging my bruised, curdled and moldy anxieties.

Dress codes for female staff at some restaurants may be discriminatory? In my opinion, there’s no “may” about it.

You are being watched…or at least that photo you just posted on Instagram of your lunch is. True story: Scientists are closely monitoring everyone’s favourite photo app in order to learn more about our eating habits.

In very exciting news, Gastown is getting its very own La Mezcaleria. I see a lot more queso fundido in my future.

Arthritis and joint pain be gone! One local man’s mission to make bone broth a little easier for all of us to enjoy.

Punch Magazine on the history of flair bartending and where the Brian Flannigan-esque style fits into today’s cocktail scene.

A tequila with the “heart of Mexico and the soul of Detroit?” The story of one Michigan-based family business that spans from downtown Detroit to Jalisco. I have to find a way to get my hands on a bottle of this stuff!

As food prices in Vancouver continue to rise, one can’t help but wonder if a return to backyard gardening might not be a financially sound idea.

An eye-opening read on the west coast water shortage. When the hedge fund managers start to invest in H20, I think we should be worried.

A top notch lineup of local chefs set to compete at the 3rd annual Curry Cup. Hosted by BC Chef’s Table Society, tickets are $60 and benefit local charity Growing Chefs.

Step away from the Smirnoff Ice, my friends. Spiked soda is the new cool kid on the block when it comes to ready-to-drink cocktails. The boozy root beer has my number.

With shout outs to local favourites like L’Abattoir, Beaucoup Bakery and Ask For Luigi, Bon Appetit shares its picks for their favourite spots to eat and drink in Vancouver.

Drinking via Instagram honours this week go to Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar. Is that Moscow Mule I see?

Looking for work in the Vancouver’s food and beverage industry? Check out who’s hiring.