Valerie van der Gracht 
Yesterday I went to Trout Lake Farmers Market with three family members. Although the weather wasn’t all that great the market was busy and bustling. The Trout Lake Farmers Market is on the edge of the park and set on a paved service road that parallels an alley. It is relatively narrow given the … Read more
While visiting the Okanagan we had a short list of restaurants we wanted to try. Some of the chefs are contributors to the website’s #TasteofThursday feature where we publish recipes of top chefs from Vancouver, Victoria and the Okanagan. It had been a number of years since we visited the Naramata and Oliver/Osoyoos area so … Read more
Although slightly out of order I thought it would be most inspirational to start on the second day of our Okanagan travels which began with a magnificent sunburst of a morning. We were high above the bench looking down on vineyards, lakes and the hamlet of Naramata. The day promised perfect summer weather and we … Read more
We have been dining at Hy’s Steakhouse off and on since the 70’s. Back in the day Hy’s Encore was the only place to go for steak in Vancouver. Located in the financial district Hy’s was the see and be seen place for the movers and shakers. One thing you could count on with … Read more
Sometimes it’s just fun to step out of your comfort zone. That’s exactly what I did not long ago when I accepted an invitation to a media dinner at The Emerald Supper Club. You’d may be surprised, there is a lot more on offer here than the Club vibe, although if that’s your thing … Read more
Tulalip Resort Casino’s Journeys East is only one of several restaurants to try at Tulalip, the options include Tulalip Bay, Blackfish, Cedars Cafe, The Draft, Eagles Buffet and Canoes Carvery. I’ve indulged in at least half of these dining spots and recommend them all. Dining at Tulalip Resort Casino ranges from casual to fine. With so … Read more
I started my time away at Tulalip Resort Casino with a relaxing afternoon in the impressive TSpa. Definitely the total package here from the moment you step through the double glass doors into the spacious lobby you are greeted by attentive staff who are there to make your visit everything you would expect from … Read more
It had been awhile since I had dined at Cibo Trattoria. For me a handy spot for a light dinner before heading to the Orpheum. Or a cozy romantic place for a dinner for two. Luckily it remains both of those things with it’s recent reinvention. Under the capable hand of Mark Taylor, formerly of … Read more
I cannot believe it took me so long to try out the popular Chinatown restaurant – Juniper. Thanks to a friend I had an opportunity to attend a media tasting menu evening in February. The food was so good and I’m definitely going back before the winter menu is but a faint memory. Handy when … Read more
For anyone familiar with the “hot spot” circuit of restaurants in Vancouver it’s not surprising that Mott32 would fit the bill and, at least temporarily, be the place to be and be seen. Shortly before the grand opening of the hotel that houses the Mott32 Restaurant I was invited to a media dinner to … Read more