Food Source

A lot of people are down on Valentine’s Day. The most common complaint I’ve heard is that it seems too manufactured to be genuine: why should we love each other on this one particular day any more than any other day? I for one find Valentine’s Day endearing. If I’m attached, I like to do something creative and special for the person I’m with, and if I’m single, I like to buy yellow roses for my friends and eat chocolate with them.

• Valentine's Day chocolate store picks

I completely don’t agree that you should feel lousy on Valentine’s Day if you’re not attached. That’s just programming, and frankly it’s a little self- absorbed. It’s not all about you, ya know. Plus, the day is an excuse to go out and find someone to sleep with. Make it work for you.

But it’s a particularly odd spot to be in if you have just begun dating someone and Valentine’s Day pops up.

Right after the winter holidays and right before the bustle of Valentine’s Day, the restaurants of Vancouver offer a selection of three-course prix fixed meals, highlighting Vancouver’s freshest and hottest culinary offerings. Glowbal Group of Restaurants is no exception and on January 14, food writers and bloggers alike were treated to a food tour to preview the menus for Coast Restaurant and Black + Blue. 

Please note, suggested choices are based on: personal preference, size portion and quality of ingredients.

Coast’s feature menu ($38) offers a selection of west coast flavor with an assortment of seafood and comfort options as add ons.

First Course Options:

Bay Scallop & Clam Chowder – roasted parsnip, Yukon potatoes

Continuing his successful Food Talks series, Richard Wolak hosted a third edition of his speaker events featuring experts from the Vancouver's food scene.

At Westin Hotel Vancouver's Pop Up Patio, guests were treated to an assortment of canapes prepared by Executive Chef, Matthew Richmond.

Watermelon with feta and olives

Westin's feature slider with bacon, avocado and chipotle mayo

Braised short ribs with vanilla scented peaches

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) brought together established brands, first-time manufactuers and distributors for two days of insight into the food industry, as well as product launches, at Grocery Showcase West. This year's trade show and conference, which took place from April 21 to 22, also marks the 50th Anniversary of the CFIG.

The showcase, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, helps grocery entrepreneurs connect with distributors, retailers and industry leaders that can take small products and transform them into household names. Here are a few products to look for at a grocery store near you.