BELGIUM BEAUTY: Chambar owners Nico and Karri Schuermans opened their revamped restaurant and lounge two doors south of their original location. Building on 10 years of culinary excellence and hospitality, the new 270-seat multi-level hot spot boasts a beautiful roof top and adjacent patio, expanded wine list and revamped food program (serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night small plates menus), along with the same service patrons have come to expect.
HEY OCEANS: Yew Restaurant’s Ned Bell received a hero’s welcome when he returned home following a cross-Canada cycling campaign, an 8,700-kilometre journey that began in St. John’s Newfoundland on July 1. The executive chef pedalled across the country to raise awareness of our oceans and sustainable seafood. Bell started Chefs for Oceans this year in order to encourage more people — chefs, restaurant owners, and consumers — to think about the fish they purchase and eat. Bell officially concluded his $100,000 fundraising at the Four Seasons for a night of decadent seafood tastings, storytelling and celebration.
MAN-CANDY: The Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society released their 2015 Hall of Flame Calendar. Hundreds converged at the Imperial Lounge for the official launch of the 28th edition, hosted by the Beat’s Holly Conway. Party guests mixed and mingled with this year’s pinups, including the calendar’s first female model, Katrina Davidson, before enjoying an exclusive Hall of Flame fashion show. Proceeds from calendar sales will benefit the CKNW Orphans Fund and B.C. Professional Firefighters Burn Fund.
MORE PASSION: Marking a new decade, the Dr. Peter Centre’s signature soiree Passions moved to a new venue — the Imperial Lounge. This year’s event featured 20 participating restaurants and culinary talent including Joe Fortes, CinCin and Forage, along with newcomers Boulevard Kitchen, Fat Badger and Raw Bar at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. Yours truly once again was party host and auctioneer at the Courier-sponsored event. Proceeds of more than $100,000 will support the facility’s Day Health program clients.
READY FOR TAKE OFF: Twelve teams of 15 successfully pulled a 127,000 pound 757-200 jet and helped raise over $10,000 for United Way. Although the plane didn’t take off, the UPS Jet Pull did launch the agency’s 2015 campaign throughout the Lower Mainland. This year’s efforts will support families, children and seniors in need. Funds support 150 agencies that deliver more than 450 programs and services. Last year, United Way helped 400,000 people.
