Exploring Valentine’s Day Treats and Events in Vancouver: A Guide to the Best Food and Drink Experiences This Week

With February comes Valentine’s Day, the hope of spring and probably even more bland winter weather, and how could one make the most of it other than filling one’s days with food and drink events?

From beer tastings to donut dates, this week is shaping up to be a good one.

Here are the best food and drink events happening in Vancouver this week.

One-time events only

East Van Beer Tasting Event by Il Centro

This month, the Italian Cultural Center is hosting a beer event showcasing beers from several local breweries. East Van Brewing, Luppolo Brew Company, Container Brewing and Powell Brewery will be attending, giving guests the chance to sample 16 different craft beers. The beers are also paired with appetizers like empanadas, fried chicken with cornbread, and panzerotti.

If: Thursday, February 9 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m
Where: Il Centro — 3075 Slocan Street Vancouver
Tickets: $62.55

Donut date night, a red velvet affair

On Saturday, February 11th, Honey Dip Studios and Lee’s Donuts Jelly Gallery are hosting a donut date night. This Valentine’s Day themed night features food (donuts! Duh!), drinks, and live music. Tickets grant you access to a range of curated snacks, beverages, an alcoholic beverage, a red velvet donut (which you can decorate), a Kasama candy bar, and a small bouquet of flowers.

If: Saturday 11 February from 6pm to 7.30pm and again from 8pm to 9.30pm
Where: Honey Dip Studios, 109-1535 Johnston Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $50 per person

Manhattan Bar Collaboration Pop-Up at Botanist

Award-winning Manhattan, Singapore cocktail bar joins Fairmont Pacific Rim’s team of botanists for two evenings of sensory cocktail dinners. Botanist chef Hector Laguna will pair a six-course tasting menu with three Manhattan cocktails and three created by Botanist’s Jeff Savage. Those who miss this experience can head to the hotel’s Lobby Lounge and RawBar the following evening, February 9th, to sample some special cocktails created in Manhattan.

If: February 7th and 8th
Where: Botanist, Fairmont Pacific Rim – 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver

Nights in the aquarium

One of the most unique dating experiences in town is back, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Nights at the Aquarium, Vancouver Aquarium’s exclusive dining experience, takes place on Saturday, February 11th and Tuesday, February 14th. The popular event offers guests the chance to dine amidst the more than 65,000 animals in the aquarium. Guests can enjoy a three-course meal (including Aburi albacore tuna, braised beef short ribs or cast-iron seared redfish) prepared by the aquarium’s kitchen team.

If: February 11 and 14, 2023
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Buy online from $150 per person ($120 for members).

Recurring Events

La Poutine week

The annual celebration of fries, cheese, gravy and more is taking place in cities across Canada this year from February 1st to 14th – making the name a bit misleading as it will be held over two weeks instead of one. If you’re hearing about La Poutine Week for the first time, here’s the basics: Restaurants across the country, from the West Coast to the East Coast, will be attending the festival by signing up and offering their best versions of the classic Canadian dish. The list of participating restaurants for this year has just been announced on the event’s website.

If: February 1st to 14th
Where: Various restaurants

Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

“The Donut” and “Raincouver” by Honolulu Coffee | Kafka’s Coffee Roast “The Ultimate Hot Chocolate for Kids” (Cody Briggs)

The Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival (formerly known as the Hot Chocolate Fest) runs through February 14, 2023. The 2022 festival showcased non-Vancouver producers in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, Richmond, White Rock, and even whistler

This year, dozens of local coffee shops and other eateries are offering a huge selection of some of the most creative hot cocoas we’ve ever tasted.

If: By February 14, 2023 (check specific providers as dates may vary)
Where: Locations in and around Vancouver

Burger Bender

Courtesy Match Eatery & Public House

The Match Eatery & Public House is hosting its annual Burger Bender event through February 26th. Seven limited-time burgers are on the special menu, including a French onion dipper, as well as vegetable, fish, and chicken options. Burger Bender is offered at all locations in the Lower Mainland.

If: Until February 26th
Where: Match Eatery & Public House, various locations

The new BC Ale Trail tasting passes

The BC Ale Trail, in partnership with Translinks Dine the Line, is introducing five tasting passes throughout Metro Vancouver. Starting this month, people can head to 64 different participating locations to collect a stamp and win some awesome prize packages by embarking on five self-guided adventures. Running throughout February, this initiative encourages customers to go car-free, support local businesses we know and love, and discover new places we haven’t yet by using TransLink to get around.

If: Until February
Where: Different places

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