Une soirée entre amis à Vancouver, BC

Vancouver Magazine hosts its 12th annual Big Night event on February 5, 2016. During this excusive culinary soiree, the winning chefs from this year’s Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards will be preparing delicious dishes to match top wines from the 2016 International Wine Competition. Food and travel blogger Diana Chan of Foodology gives us the low-down on the 10 participating restaurants.

A favourite old neighbourhood in Vancouver has recently seen a boost of new neighbours moving in, bringing a smorgasbord of fresh places for local residents and visitors to drink and dine. Here’s a round up of Davie and Denman’s new kids on the block, from underground bistros and beachside patios to new names and revamped restaurants. [Image courtesy of Beach Bay Cafe. Photo credit: Allison Kuhl Photography]

Lobster used to be a bottom feeder and the only thing that poor families in outport communities could afford. It's still a bottom feeder today, but now the clawed crustaceans fetch high prices in elite restaurants across the world. No matter your take on it, Vancouver’s renowned seafood restaurants serve up plenty of lobster dishes to satisfy your palate. [Photo credit: iStock.com/GMVozd]

In close proximity to one of the nation’s best wine regions, it’s no surprise that Kits is home to numerous restaurants catering to wine lovers. Whether you’re enjoying the work of an artisanal chef or just relaxing with friends after work, here are several spots to fill your glass in Kits. [Photo courtesy of Bishop's]

Vancouver’s grey, dark winter months make this the perfect time of year to stay indoors. We’ve tracked down a few of the city’s best new restaurants where you'll find refuge from the rain while enjoying culinary delights. From a summer camp-inspired sandwich shop to a Southern-style saloon, here are the hottest eateries to discover during the coldest season. [Photo of Juniper courtesy of Luis Valdizon, Where They Find Us]

Locals and tourists alike love Gastown, and for good reason. This neighbourhood has the Old World charm of Montreal, and is chock full of independent retailers, bars and restaurants. Enjoying the neighbourhood can come, however, with a hefty price tag. So for those looking for a quick post-work pint, or a steal of a deal while out on pub crawl with friends, check out these Happy Hour specials! [Image courtesy of Six Acres]

Why not skip the at-home Super Bowl party this year and head out on the town! Local pubs and bars will be luring football fans off the couch and out of the house with the promise of fried food, cold beer, prize giveaways, and plenty of exciting game-day action on and off the big screen. On Sunday, February 5, grab a seat at one of these 10 Vancouver venues to watch Super Bowl 51 in style.

Vancouver’s natural beauty is one of her strongest selling points, so fantastic views abound in our glorious city. In the rainy winter months, though, it’s easy to choose finding shelter over stopping to take it all in. Sitting on any of these heated patios precludes having to make such a choice, allowing locals to remain warm – and dry – while getting a small taste of the outdoors. [Image courtesy of Dockside Restaurant]

In the wine world, natural wines are controversial; many dispute what makes a vino natural. Sommeliers will argue about biodynamic and organic growing techniques, and what chemicals are permitted. As for the rest of us, we know natural, local wines reflect where they come from and are a fitting companion to a farm-to-table meal. Here’s where to make the most of your conscious sipping experience in Vancouver.

From buttermilk biscuits to chicken fried steak, many local eateries offer authentic meals inspired by the Deep South. These top picks include Vancouver’s finest southern meals this side of the 49th parallel.

If you’re a bartender or server who works on the weekends, you’ll likely want to blow off some steam when the rest of the city heads back to the office on Monday morning. Main Street has a concentrated collection of bars with some great industry night specials for the folks who work hard to keep the weekend crowds lubricated and well fed. Here are a few great places to go if you’re looking to boogie Sunday through Wednesday.

Vancouver is a super-casual place, which is great when all you want to do is slob around in yoga pants but not so good when you want to get dressed up a little and feel fancy. However, there is an easy fix to that sartorial problem – a night out at a hotel bar. I adore the glamorous ambiance of a ritzy hotel bar. Slip into your finery and enjoy a cocktail at my fave spots in town. [Photo courtesy of Hawksworth Restaurant]