SBonner

It looks like they want you to fax them your intentions now rather than e-mail. You can download the reso form off the site. Have a good time. Cheers, Stephen

Loosen, Dr. Layon, Coteaux du Limoux Liebfraumilch Lirac Lodi Stephen Bonner

The Gruner recommendation is bang on the money. I'd also look at a Coteaux du Layon from a top producer such as Baumard if you want to really enhance the inherent sweetness of the scallops. Stephen Bonner Vancouver

Two nights at the Zetter Hotel and dinner at St. Johns. Stephen Bonner

When I worked as a bartender/server in London we never expected a tip on the bar. If you have a few offer to buy the bartender a round and he/she will most likely keep the cash or in some establishments it will be added to a tip pool and split up amongst the staff. Stephen Bonner Vancouver

and you get to take a little boat back if you do not want to walk. Stephen Bonner

Maybe I read the article wrong but if she was born in 1976 would she not be 31? Still a great skill set to pass the exams at any age. Stephen Bonner

Chill Winston, Lucy Mae Brown SB

Vancouverites are whimps... jump in a cab if you can't find parking. Try living in London where you get charged for driving in congested zones to get to your favourite restaurant. The Canada Line is great for the city;wake up and see the light. The whole Tomato Cafe thing is just media pandering. They will do a great business in their new location with a better demographic. Stephen Bonner

I think it's a great idea if it gets someone interested in learning more about wine. Stephen Bonner Vancouver

Great report. My wife and I are off to Naples in October. Did any of you stay at or know of the Una Hotel? It's a small boutique hotel that we are planning to stay at. Thanks, Stephen Bonner Vancouver

Did you get a reso by sending them an e-mail? Stephen

I think the Raven Pub in Deep Cove also has alot of craft draught beers. SB

Giving it a miss this year... I was not all that impressed last year. Stephen Bonner

On June 7th with Books to Cooks, Ireland's most notorious restaurant reviewer, Trevor White, will be at So.Cial to promote his book Kitchen Con. It's $50 for the book, some oysters, and some of Sean's house made meats. Contact Books to Cooks for details and tickets. SB

I'd call the restaurant and ask.... Sean is a very talented chef and maybe able to do something for you. SB

6 Acres in Gastown has pretty close to 80 bottled beers from around the globe. On tap, O'Doul's on Robson, has a nice selection of microbrews. I also put together 8 microbrews from BC on tap at the Waazubee cafe. There's alot of bars out there with 10 or more taps. Volo sounds like a great place. I'm always impressed with bars in Toronto and the pride they have in featuring their own regional products be it wine, cheese, or beer. I'll have to check it out in the future. Cheers, Stephen

Nice post! guess I'm off the vip list for Arne's party Helen and I are actually doing a sous vide version of Tetsuya's signature dish "ocean trout with fennel salad and wakame" for an old family friend visting from Kenya tonight. Smoke duck sounds lovely though. Stephen

Too bad about the 10 metre high sign though! What an eye sore for a place coming across as a "posh" seafood place. SB

Helen and I had dinner at Tetsuya's last year. We e-mailed them and they promptly e-mailed us back asking for a credit card number to hold our seats. They will give you a couple of time slots that are available. Enjoy! We had the tasting menu/ wine pairing it was fantastic. On the downside they will not call you a cab when you leave...you'll have to walk up the street and hail one yourself or you can drive and park in their enclosed courtyard. Stephen Bonner

The old Star of India restaurant in Gastown that closed last month looks to be a new Moroccan restaurant in the works. Marrakech Bistro is the name on the window. Stephen Bonner

It's called Canvas Lounge and only open for private events as far as I can tell. I do know they have a small kitchen but most food seems to be trucked in by caterers. SB

a plate of proscuitto and Italian cheeses would cover some bases. Stephen Bonner Vancouver

highly anticipated by who? ← Me... I live across the street. I'm hoping they will have a patio as well. Stephen

Fujiya has a green tea flavoured kit kat Stephen Bonner