GIVING RISE TO CREATIVE CUISINE

Chef not afraid to find new flavours

There’s still time to enjoy the specially curated Champagne menu (available all through August) at Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio along the False Creek seawall.

The menu is designed to appeal to a variety of taste preferences with selections like Ruinart R, J-M Sélèque Solesscence and Dom Pérignon. Champagnes are available by the glass and bottle, though indecisive guests can opt for a tasting flight of one rosé and two bruts ($49), each perfectly paired with Ancora’s PeruvianJapanese menu.

Sounds like a perfect night. To book a reservation, visit ancoradining.com, or call 604681-1164.

Oliver-Osoyoos wine country is ready to embrace the harvest with a fun-packed weekend of al fresco festivals on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

The festivities begin at Oliver’s Hester Creek Estate Winery at the sixth annual Garlic Festival (Sept. 30, from 11 a.m.). The same day you can swap your wine glass for a cold glass at the annual Cask & Keg at Oliver Community Park (6-10 p.m.), with beer, cider and liquor samples as well as an eclectic lineup of local food trucks, live music and an art show.

The weekend continues with the celebrated Festival of the Grape (Oct. 1, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.) featuring 50 wineries, food trucks and an artisan market.

To find out more or purchase tickets, visit oliverfestivalofthegrape.com.