Dine Out Vancouver
Dine Out Vancouver Festival
Jan. 17 to Feb. 2 | Various locations
Info: dineoutvancouver.com
1 . It’s not as intimidating as it might seem. With 263 restaurants participating, Dine Out Vancouver is Canada’s largest restaurant festival. That’s a lot of online menus to peruse. Rest assured, however, that if you’ve waited this long to make reservations, then the available options have probably decreased somewhat. That’s OK: now in its 12th year, the event is a perfect opportunity to discover a new favourite eatery you might not have otherwise considered.
2 . It’s inclusive. Not into eating animals? Many of the restaurants offer vegetarian options. Some also offer gluten free choices.
3 . It’s boozy. If you think a three- course meal ( usually an appetizer, entrée and dessert, though some restaurants play around with this formula) is better with the right glass( es) of wine or even beer, many participating restaurants are happy to offer a selection of food- enhancing libations. 4 . It’s about food experiences. Checking out restaurants is only part of the deal — Dine Out also features a number of events, from an East Side Brunch Crawl to the Ultimate Raw Canvas Experience ( eat, drink and paint) to the Secret Supper Soirée ( ticket- buyers are taken to two secret locations), and many more.
5 . It’s January. What better time to try restaurants you’ve been eyeing throughout 2013 than in the post- holiday doldrums? Participating restaurants range from the familiar ( Cactus Club) to neighbourhood favourites ( Arms Reach Bistro in Deep Cove), and from the new ( The August Jack in Kitsilano) to the established ( C Restaurant), all with prix fixe menus ranging in price from $ 18 to $ 28 to $ 38.