ancouver has much to celebrate. Why, just last week, one of our talented barkeeps picked up a “Canada’s Best Award.” Get out and see just why our city shines. Try some wine, have some beer, and pick up a few skills of your own.

While we in Vancouver already knew it, it took the rest of Canada a “Grey Goose Vodka National Taste Off” (held in Toronto) to determine West Restaurant’s David Wolowidnyk as the best mixologist in the country. A panel of ten taste-makers voted their favourite drinks the “Jolicoeur” (green grapes, Sauv Blanc, elderberry syrup, lemon and Grey Goose) and the Paragon (Grey Goose with French tarragon, pear, lemon, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg). One more reason to visit South Granville’s West before Chef Hawksworth moves on to his own restaurant concept next year.

Another winner this week is Pino Posteraro - owner of Yaletown’s Cioppinos and Enoteca. He picked up the gold at the Gold Medal Plates last week. The evening paired local chefs with Olympic athletes to raise money for Olympic sport. You can pick up some of his winning tips in his new book "Cioppinos Mediterranean Grill," or watch him whip up appetizers at the 39th and Cambie BCLDB on Saturday, November 24 from 2-4 pm. They’re serving Antinori wines to pair.