he winter rains have arrived, but there's still cause to celebrate. Wine drinkers (nee cork dorks) can hit vino-themed dinners both in the city and at Whistler; scotch sippers can check out the Hopscotch Festival; and homebody epicureans can flock to the first Winter Market. Your favourite booze or grub awaits; bring an umbrella.

Musical chairs news: Mike Mitchell, formerly of Cin Cin, is now GM at the fledging Metro Restaurant. Though the place is fantastic it's speakeasy-hard to find. Once again, here's the address: 200 Burrard, just off of Cordova. The recently launched new menu is an added draw, so exorcise your laziness, get your coworkers together, and go on a resto search.

Hey altruists, if you have a favourite charity, let Bistrot Bistro know. Each Tuesday, the popular French eatery donates 5% of its sales to a different charitable organization. This week, the coin goes to BC's Big Sisters. If you have a worthy cause, call Valerie or Laurent Devin at 604-732-0004. A personal empty stalking fund is not an acceptable suggestion.

Summer produce is long gone but, every second and fourth Saturday from November to May, the local Winter's Farmer Market (1882 Adanac Street at Victoria) offers plenty of fresh fare, including BC beef, lamb, poultry, vegetables, fruit, as well as cheese, bread, and preserves. Perhaps you'll decide against flying south after all.