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Events & Celebrations

Coquille: Summer, Seafood, Patio

Is it just me, or does this Summer season seem a lot shorter than the previous years? It seems like only yesterday when I was heading to the beach or watching the Canada Day fireworks display. My goodness, where has the time gone? As I sit here in this coffee shop people watching and finding inspiration for my upcoming blog posts, I felt it fitting for me to reflect and draw attention to the three things in Vancouver that epitomizes the ideal evening. On a hot day surrounded by the warmth of the sun, nothing beats the combination of summer, delicious seafood, and an amazing patio with the people you love spending time with.

It’s Patio Season

Picture this: Blue skies, a gentle breeze, the odd gull calling, and you’ve just taken a leisurely stroll down the historic streets of Gastown. You’re passing by the various gift shops, furniture stores, cafes, and are in need of a place to sit and grab a drink to quench your thirst – maybe even to recharge over some small plates. Just a few blocks from the iconic Steam Clock and adjacent to Gassy Jack’s statue emerges an eatery situated on a corner with an amazing view of the Hotel Europe, Vancouver’s “flatiron” landmark. This eatery, my friends, is Coquille – one of Vancouver’s best seafood restaurants (definitely the best in Gastown, in my humble opinion). On this summer day, you’re welcomed by an open patio with a view to bask in the surroundings anywhere you sit. This is patio season, and it’s still on!

Happy Hour Is Still In

Suppose you’re meandering the bustling streets of Gastown, carefully making your way down the brick sidewalks and you’re looking to recharge. The happy hour specials from Coquille is quite the enticing option if you’re a lover of fresh seafood. From the hours of 3pm to 6pm, a visit to Coquille will see fresh oysters at half price, grilled octopus skewers for cheap, and drink specials on their signature cocktails, craft beers, wines, and more! Don’t believe me? Have a look at their menu and you tell me why this place isn’t worth the visit.

With all this in mind, I believe that the Coquille patio is worth the visit – especially when the countdown to Autumn is upon us. Unlike the other patios that dot Vancouver’s dining landscape, this particular one gives you an intimate look into the historic gateway of our city yet still capturing the feel of the waterfront. Whether you’re starting your visit through Gastown or wrapping it up, the food at this eatery is both fresh and delicious, and staff are happy to welcome you whether you’re dressed formally or casually. 

Events & Celebrations

Celebrate The Lights With Us

Hey, Vancouverites! It’s back! Our annual summer tradition of relaxing on the beach and spectating the amazing fireworks display competing countries have to offer is just around the corner. If you haven’t heard, this year we are graced by the presence of India, Croatia, and our national heroes: Canada! Of all the activities we have to do this summer, I’m sure you would agree that catching the sunset on a nice patio, then watching the fireworks display is at the top of your list. What gets me even more excited is that we at Truffles Fine Foods is back!

The Hottest Lounge in Vancouver

With one of the best seats near the beach featuring the closest views of the fireworks, the Truffles Fine Foods team has partnered up with Concord Pacific to offer patrons an unforgettable experience at the Concord Lounge. Located at the famous Inukshuk near English Bay, the lounge opens nightly on the three nights of the fireworks display. It will feature live music, complimentary drinks, a delicious BBQ from locally sourced ingredients, and an unparalleled view of the waterfront so you can take in every firework that dots the night sky.

Cred: DailyHive

Best Seats For The Fireworks

If you’ve been convinced to check out Truffles Fine Foods at the annual Honda Celebration of Light, here are the essential details you’ll need to ensure that you’ve secured your seat:

Regular tickets starting at:

 $169 + applicable service charges & taxes

To reserve your table, tickets start at:

$209 + applicable service charges & taxes 

 

All tickets include:

Live Music + fireworks soundtrack simulcast

2 complimentary drinks & access to a private bar

Fresh summer BBQ featuring local produce

VIP washroom facilities

Word of advice: The Concorde Lounge was extremely popular last year, so it is best to arrive early, or have your seats/table secured. That said, all seats are amazing regardless of where you’re located in the lounge as the venue provides a very unique experience to then event. 

Sit back, relax, enjoy the view and music, and treat yourself to a night of indulgence!

Events & Celebrations

The Pipe Shop – A Unique Experience

If you live along the North Shore or have taken the Seabus to and from downtown Vancouver, you have probably heard of, or at least seen signs of the “Pipe Shop”. Contrary to what you might think it is, it has nothing to do with vaping or the legalization of anything. In fact, it is a building filled with character, history, and has become an iconic landmark in North Vancouver for several decades. After having undergone a series of renovations, this coveted location was transformed into a gorgeous venue for big events and Truffles Fine Foods is a proud catering partner. So, before I dive into what this place features, let’s take a trip down memory lane.

Credit: Vancouver Archives

What is the Pipe Shop?

North Vancouver has a very rich maritime history where shipyards once dotted its coast (and they still do to some extent). What began as the Wallace Shipyard in 1906 and later renamed to the Burrard Dry Dock in 1921, North Vancouver’s ship building history has shaped the history of our West Coast. Believe it or not, over 450 ships had been launched from the pier just a stone’s throw away from the Pipe Shop! Back in the 1940s when naval vessels were constructed for the war effort, this building was known as the Pipefitter’s building where all the pipes needed for ships were laid out and readied to be installed onto the vessels. Men and women would work tirelessly to ensure that each ship had the necessary components for launch. Following the closing of the Shipyard in 1992 and after the Pipe Shop was decommissioned, this 9,000 square foot building was renovated into a marvelous structure that incorporates its rich history with a modern flair! From the outside, it looks rather simple and vintage, but you’ll be amazed at the vaulted ceilings, heritage pillars, and original wooden beams that criss-cross their way above.

Booking An Event

Whether it be a wedding or a birthday celebration, the Pipeshop is designed to house up to 350 seated guests comfortably. This unparalleled facility is close to the pier which provides patrons with a remarkable view of the Burrard Inlet, Downtown Vancouver, and even the Lion’s Gate Bridge. On a warm, Summer evening, glimpses of the sunset can even be seen! Nearby is also the bustling streets of North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale area and the busy markets of Lonsdale Quay. Getting to and from the venue is also extremely convenient. There are paid parking lots nearby, but also free parking on evenings and weekends at the adjacent ICBC parkade. If you plan on taking transit, there are bus stops nearby and is a walking-distance from the sea bus terminal. 

 

On site, the Pipe Shop has Globe Lighting, 21 circuits of 20 amp power. Public washrooms are nearby, but all rentals (including table and chairs) are the responsibility of the renter. Although there are no kitchen facilities on site, we at Truffles Fine Foods have that covered. Since we are partners with the Pipe Shop, our team members have catered several parties and events at this venue and understand all logistics and challenges. Our team is able to work with you to plan your event and turn a good party into a great one. If you’ve any questions or concerns, reach out to our team today! We’re here to help.

Events & Celebrations

A Day Trip To VanDusen

vandusen

With the ever-increasing cost of living and the daily struggle with the notion of “adulting”, one often forgets one thing (two words): “Me time.” That’s right, it actually exists and is still a thing – at least, it can be if you want it to. As I sit here in my office surrounded by a forest of towering glass architectural feats, it made me realize how little time I spend on myself. It’s so easy to get lost in work – especially with how busy and demanding this city can become. Despite Vancouver priding itself on its majestic mountains and its beautiful coastal rainforests, finding some greenery where I can just sit in peace is, more or less, scarce.

With that in mind, however, there are pockets of hidden gems – secret gardens, if you will – that are found in various parts of our city. My recent trip to VanDusen Botanical Gardens allowed me to escape the hustle and bustle of my hectic day-to-day, and gave me that opportunity to focus on me. I was able to stroll through a garden of beauty and just meditate surrounded by nothing but peace and tranquility.

A Marvelous Medley

Despite having VanDusen Botanical Gardens located next to a rather busy street, the trees and bushes do a great job at reducing all the noise pollution. After entering through the lobby, the path you choose is really just up to you! The self-guided tour I took had me meandering through the carefully curated plants and flowers. There were tunnels, bridges, fountains, and even a small pavilion in the heart of it all that allowed me to rest and relax. As much as I wanted to refrain from using my phone, every corner I turned had something worth adding to the ‘gram. On a perfect day when the sun beams down on you, there is no limit to the amount of photos one can take.

vandusen-maze

Truffles Café at VanDusen

To complete my visit to the gardens, I had to indulge myself at the Truffles Café. With a freshly baked pastry on my plate and a hot cup of fairtrade coffee in hand, I was able to relax and take-in the garden from a distance – a terrific way to wrap-up my visit! Given its prime location at VanDusen and the quality of food delivered, this café makes for a remarkable venue for small events, meetings, and even afternoon tea! Recall how I referred to VanDusen as a hidden gem in our busy city? Well, this Truffles Café is like a gem within a gem – a true rarity indeed!

For your chance to explore these lovely gardens or dine at this exquisite café, it’s quite simple! Whether by car or transit, VanDusen and Truffles Café are both located at 5151 Oak Street. I encourage you to visit the gardens’ website to see what events they have in order to help plan your visit. If you need a bit of guidance, look into the walking tours which are carefully curated by volunteers, or you can create your own journey. As for the café, it wouldn’t hurt to call ahead of time to reserve your seat. It gets busy depending on time of day, so keep that in mind!

VanDusen maze photo source: TripSavvy

Events & Celebrations

How To Plan Your Wedding Reception

Celebrity chef and Food Network host, Guy Fieri was once quoted saying: “Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat.” I cannot agree more. And, when it comes to a wedding, the meal served at your reception is what all your guests look forward to – after the ceremony, of course.

The reception is the time and place where friends and family gather, chatter amongst themselves, share stories and fond memories of you, and have many laughs over the speeches delivered. What stands out the most, however, with any reception is the meal (barring any embarrassing stories, of course). I have been to several weddings where the food quality ranged from amazing to mediocre – and those impressions are what guests take away from their night. If they leave hungry, or something tasted off, you’ll hear about it for years to come! To prevent this from happening at your reception, allow me to propose Truffles Fine Foods.

wedding-hearts-hands

Planning Your Menu

During your wedding planning process, you have to narrow down your budget. Putting aside the cost of photographers, makeup, the decor, DJ, and venue, you need to establish how much you’re willing to pay for food while taking into consideration the number of guests in attendance.

At Truffles Fine Foods, we marry convenience and luxury by offering the finest in ingredients, gastronomical creations, and options that work with the budget you have established.

Here are three pricing packages to get you started (all with 30 guests minimum):

The Premiere

$40 per plate

2 Entrees
2 Sides & 2 Salads
1 Dessert

Silver Screen

$50 per plate

2 Entrees
3 Sides & 3 Salads
1 Dessert

The Oscar

$60 per plate

1 Platter
2 Entrees
1 Chef Station
3 Sides & 3 Salads
1 Dessert

We also offer additional add-on options where you can pick and choose from 3 hors d’oeuvres, and/or dessert platters. The flexibility of our pricing for the amount of options found on our menu gives you the freedom to better plan your wedding reception meal while working within your budget. Our culinary team can also substitute dishes for individuals who have dietary restrictions.

 

Finding The Perfect Wedding Venue

Searching for venues can be stressful at times. Will there be enough seated space? Do they have their own kitchen? Is there parking for your guests? Taking these questions into consideration, I encourage you to visit our venues page. Truffles Fine Foods has partnered with several locations who have worked closely with our culinary team to deliver successful parties, meetings, and wedding receptions. From the picturesque UBC Boathouse to the historic Gulf of Georgia Cannery, we pride ourselves on delivering the finest of foods in all venues to make your wedding reception a memorable one.

So, how about it? Let us worry about the food and venue. Reach out to us, let us know what your preferences are and we’ll take it from there! Our team of experts will work with you to make your special day all the more special.

Events & Celebrations

Springtime is Tea Time

This past week marked the official start to the Spring season! Despite the lingering cold, we did get a chance to see the sun make its appearance for a few days. It was nice while it lasted and we’ll take whatever we can get, right? After weeks of braving the freezing temperatures and having to shovel snow off the sidewalks, we are now able to see glimmers of Spring emerge: our beloved cherry blossoms are finally blooming!

When I think of Spring, I always associate it to the feeling of freshness, renewal filled with opportunities. When it comes to food, I think of a quaint, chic meal served with some tea, sandwiches, and biscuits. Yes, my friends, I am referring to High Tea, or some might call it: Afternoon Tea – a tradition that dates back to the 19th century and, according to British history, introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford.

What Is Afternoon Tea?

According to history, supper was typically eaten later in the day – roughly around 8pm. So, the time between lunch and supper had this huge, depressing void of nothing. As a lover of food, this is completely unacceptable. Imagine not having to snack or indulge between meals because there was nothing available back in the day. Imagine not having snacks or cookies to munch on just to tie you over until dinner.

Thanks to the wonderful idea of Duchess Anna, there is now the long-stemming tradition that we still practice to this day. The meal itself used to consist of a tray of bread, butter, cakes, and tea. As the meal evolved over time, the selection of foods became more elaborate and began featuring dainty sandwiches, scones, and pastries served with jams and clotted cream.

Where To Have Afternoon Tea In Vancouver?

At Truffles Fine Foods, we continue to honour this tradition. We are huge believers that all good times are worth sharing with both family and friends. For this reason, we have the classic time-honoured tradition reimagined with both flair and sophistication – a meal that you would enjoy with every bite, and savour with every sip (holding your pinkies out is optional).

Our high-tea menu features two different offers courtesy of our catering team: Buffet style, or Plated style. Both require a minimum number of 15 guests. The menu features:

Assorted Tea Sandwiches

With cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad and ham & Swiss

Pastries

Freshly Baked Croissants and Scones

Miniature Desserts

Shortbread cookies, coconut macaroons, petit fours, French macarons with house-made raspberry jam, honey and clotted cream

Tea Selection

English Breakfast. Earl Grey, Green Tea, Chamomile

In the comfort of your own home or a venue that you’ve rented out, you can now relive the tradition of Afternoon Tea surrounded by the ones you love. Is there a right or wrong way to hold your cup or stir your tea? We leave that up to you!

For more information or to reach out to our team, Contact Us and book your tea time today!

Events & Celebrations

Truffles Partners With The Polygon

Gearing up for the wedding season? Or perhaps you are planning an event? We have some news for you! Keeping up with the latest news from Truffles Fine Foods, I am proud to announce that The Polygon Gallery has now confirmed that they are a venue partner with our culinary and catering teams! This announcement excites me as it already adds to a very extensive list of venues we have partnered with across the Lower Mainland.

What has me stoked about this particular announcement is that the Polygon Gallery really speaks to both the art scene in our city as well as the history of North Vancouver and the Lonsdale area. To this day, one can still see dry docks and ships coming to port albeit not as frequent as they used to. However, the Polygon Gallery pays homage to this history making this venue all the more desirable, in my opinion. In addition, the Polygon is an active gallery that does an active and amazing job at “presenting the work of artists who respond to transformations taking place in the world.”

exterior-polygon-gallery-truffles-fine-foods

The Polygon Gallery

If you haven’t heard of this venue or had a chance to explore the Lonsdale area, I encourage you to do so! The venue itself is a sophisticated and contemporary building overlooking the shores of the Burrard Inlet and downtown Vancouver. Located just a short distance away from the Seabus terminal and other major bus routes, getting to this venue is very easy.

I had the opportunity to take a gander at the space and it is absolutely gorgeous. Despite the day being cloudy when I went, the Polygon Gallery still boasted an amazing waterfront view while taking in the hustle and bustle of our lovely city. I would only imagine that, on a summer day, one can expect to see a sunset with a cocktail in hand.

interior-polygon-gallery-truffles-fine-foods

Venue Offerings

From a more logistical standpoint, this venue has all the amenities you need to host a successful party or event of any size. Their on-site services include:

  • Majestic views of downtown Vancouver and the Burrard Inlet from both the ground floor with an even better view from a covered second-floor balcony
  • Natural light emanating through their skylights and thirteen-foot ceilings
  • Built-in Audio/Visual systems and unique breakout rooms
  • Glass walls from floor-to-ceiling in the main floor lobby overlooking the new public plaza and Spirit Trail
  • An abundance of parking on the street and private lots in the area.

In addition, the venue is big enough to fit 540 guests at standing capacity, and 180 for a seated dinner. There is also a kitchen prep area on site allowing for our catering team to set up and serve the culinary creations we deliver.

I would go into further details about the Polygon Gallery, but I think the images speak for themselves. It’s a beautiful venue and, when teamed with Truffles Fine Foods, it definitely adds flare to any event you host.

For more information, you can visit them here.

To learn more about the other venues Truffles Fine Foods has partnered with, click here.

Events & Celebrations

Dine Out Vancouver 2019

Since 2002, it has been a tradition for Vancouverites to venture out from their abodes and set foot in restaurants across the Lower Mainland. “What might be so enticing?”, you ask? Dine Out Vancouver, of course! For those of you readers who have not heard of this event, it is undoubtedly the ultimate adventure for foodies and casual diners alike. Hosted by Tourism Vancouver, the list of restaurants who have been participating over the years continue to snowball as they are challenged to present an array of culinary delights in reasonable and enticing set menus. Although some diners prefer their order a-la-carte, Dine Out provides an opportunity for you to get the most value through a set menu of entrées, mains, and desserts. Believe it or not, this year brings together more than 200 restaurants, craft breweries, wineries and more as they collaborate in this exciting endeavour!

Dine With Coquille

As Vancouver’s fastest growing seafood restaurant and one of the best in Gastown, our friends over at Coquille are taking part in Dine Out for the first time this year! Their nautical-inspired restaurant will be welcoming diners throughout the day by offering two menu options – one for lunch, the other for dinner. If you have a hungering for seafood and shellfishes, this is an opportunity you do not want to pass on!

Their lunch menu is priced at a reasonable $35 and features options such as oysters, ceviches, and octopus; but for a more exquisite experience, visit during the dinner hours and try their $45 set menu – an elaborate dance of the ocean’s harvest. For a complete list of what is featured on their menus alongside the wine pairings their connoisseurs have created, visit their Dine Out listing HERE.

Romance At L’Abattoir

There is nothing more romantic about Vancouver than dining in the heart of historic Gastown over a candlelit dinner in a 19th century building. This is what you would come to expect in one of Vancouver’s top restaurants – L’Abattoir.

Also taking part in Dine Out this year, this restaurant features only a dinner menu, but priced at a very reasonable $45. Perhaps you will start your meal off with an albacore tuna crudo, or a warm terrine of smoked pork jowl before moving over to the lamb sirloin main course. Whatever tickles your taste buds – surf, turf, or vegetarian – the experience at L’Abattoir is sure to satisfy all your dining needs. Each dish from appetizers to dessert will also have a proper wine pairing, so be sure to ask your servers about it! For a complete view of their menu, click HERE. 

Regardless of where you choose to dine, I am a huge fan of Dine Out Vancouver and definitely look forward to it every year. Since it was first introduced to this city, the list of participants has grown. The only hard part, now, is deciding where to eat and what to order. Good luck making up your mind, my epicurious friends!

Tourism Vancouver’s Dine Out Vancouver Festival begins on January 18th to February 3rd, 2019. For event tickets and all other information, visit here.

Events & Celebrations

Looking For Gift Ideas?

It is hard to believe how quickly Christmas has come and gone, but no one said the season of giving has to end on Boxing Day! Whether you are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or some other special occasion, finding the right gift for the right person is always important! (Hint: Valentine’s Day is creeping up on us fast!)

A Gift Fit For A Foodie

With that in mind, here is my proposal should you be on the lookout for a terrific gift idea for your seafood-loving-epicurious-food-loving friend (try saying that 10 times in a row): the magnificent Coquille gift card! 

coquille-gift-card

No, you are not dreaming! Our lovely friends at Coquille are now actively taking orders on gift cards of up to $300 in value. The best part? You don’t even have to leave your home to do it! All orders are processed online and can be either mailed to the lucky recipient with a special message written, or (should you really want to add the personal touch) have it picked up at the restaurant at your convenience so you can hand deliver it yourself. One thing to note, however, is that the value of these cards start at $50 and increase by increments of 50 up to the stated $300 maximum.

Seafood Platters Galore

Deciding on the “right” amount is something you ought to consider – naturally, right? So if your foodie friend is big on seafood, I would like to divert your attention to the seafood platters available at Coquille. Yes, there are other amazing appetizers and entrées, too, but I deliberately chose to highlight these platters because they provide a perfect sample of all the fresh seafood options from the bar and, given the selectable values on the gift cards, your friend can be treated to these amazing ensembles:

Sailor’s Platter (serves 2-3) $60

6 oysters, 2 jumbo shrimp, crudo, scallops, crab legs, clams & mussels

Captain’s Platter (serves 3-4) $110

8 oysters, 4 jumbo shrimp, crudo, scallops, crab legs, lobster tail, ceviche, clams & mussels

Admiral’s Platter (serves 5-6) $175

12 oysters, 8 jumbo shrimp, crudo, scallops, crab legs, lobster tail, ceviche, clams & mussels

Whoever is the lucky recipient to your gift, I am sure they will have an amazing time while dining. I have eaten at Coquille several times and the food just keeps getting better and better. Without a doubt, they are quickly becoming one of Gastown’s best restaurants, and I am confident that your lucky friend will agree once they have had a chance to use the awesome gift card you send them!

Events & Celebrations

Holiday Memories In The Making

It is almost the holiday season – the time to be jolly, folks! I am not sure about you, but to me, it felt like November just fast-forwarded its way to December and now we are all on the eve of celebrating the holidays. After surviving the madness of Black Friday shopping, I can finally step back and breath a little. Throughout town, I have been noticing that decorations are starting to adorn the interiors of stores and the pretty lights are adding a unique glow to our rain-soaked city – which is a definite sight for sore eyes. Are you feeling festive yet? Getting ready to immerse yourself with the holiday spirit? If you need some convincing, let me extend a lifeline your way!

 

Christmas Dinner To Go

That is right, friends! It is back! Fire and foremost, thank you to all of you for making our Thanksgiving Dinner To Go a hit. We received more orders than I can count and the feedback we have gotten have all been very positive, so thank you!

Shifting gears and calibrating ourselves for the annual Christmas dinner, Truffles Fine Foods is proud to offer another dinner to go. This year, we are featuring a delicious four-course dinner for four, prepared fresh by our culinary team for a very reasonable price.

What is on the menu?

 

Sliced Boneless Turkey

Served with turkey gravy, stuffing and cranberry sauce

Butternut Yam Purée

Garnished with toasted nuts & Canadian maple syrup

Steamed Vegetable Medley

Carrots, green beans, cauliflower and broccoli

Chocolate Pecan Pie

 

That is right, folks! If you missed out on our famed turkey dinner, or if you are in need for seconds, we are bringing it back! This dinner also comes with the all the obligatory sides you would expect to experience at a traditional Christmas meal – don’t you just love comfort food? To top it all off, our rich and decadent chocolate pecan pie will round-off your meal leaving you in gastronomic bliss. If you are interested, I encourage you to visit our page to place an order. Like all awesome things in life, our quantities are not infinite. We will be taking orders until the 21st of December, or until we are fully booked.

Book your holiday party with Truffles Fine Foods - Vancouvers catering company

Memories In The Making This Season

On the topic of the holidays, we know that making memories is something we all cherish during the festive season. If you need just a little more convincing on why choosing Truffles Fine Foods to deliver on your Christmas dinner is a good idea, why not see our team at work? Check out this video of our culinary team preparing a tasting menu to lucky patrons at our downtown location, or feel free to visit one of our convenient locations.

We all know how stressful preparing a big, Christmas meal can be – especially with everything else happening (you know – the shopping, the wrapping, the decorating, the in-laws, etc.), so why not let Truffles Fine Foods help alleviate some of that stress by preparing for you a delicious meal. Let us help you create memories you and your guests will not forget this Christmas!