On Fourth Avenue there’s a sleek new coffee spot – 49th Parallel Coffee roasters at 2152 West 4th. The aqua and chocolate interiors are welcoming, the espresso is perfect and fresh croissants are just waiting to be savoured.

There’s been much movement around the city. Mike Mitchell has left CinCin for Metro where he’ll manage both the restaurant and the wine program. Chef Julian Bond completed his stint at the Salmon House and will now run the Pacific Culinary Institute and Chef Elizabeth Manville takes over as Product Development Chef at the Cactus Club. Additionally, the Terminal City Club recently welcomed wine director Teresa Alampur, fresh from Toronto’s Canoe Club.

If you’re looking to get out of town this week there’s Cowichan Bay Wine Festival on the Island. Winery dinners, chocolate and cheese pairing, BBQs and a shuttle bus to get you there. Info at http://wines.cowichan.net/. If the Okanagan is more your style, try their festival from September 28 until October 2. Tour vineyards and sample wines. Call 250-861-6654 for details.

Wine fans should perhaps consider heading back to school. Cru Restaurant on Broadway is offering “Sunday School of Wine” on October 14, 21, 28 and November 4 from 4:00pm-5:30pm for $40 a session or $140 for all four classes. Call 604-677-4111 to register.

If cocktails are more your style, consider attending the Gourmet Warehouse’s Girls Night Out on October 1 from 4:00pm-8:00pm for $40.00. Meet cocktail diva Dee Brun and sample recipes from her new book “Libations of Life – a girl’s guide to life, one cocktail at a time”. The girls from Cupcakes will be on hand with samples, as well as Giffard Liqueurs and many other suppliers. Call 604-253-3022 for tickets.

Here’s to another great week on the town!