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The Ticket: Scotiabank Passions Gala brings out Vancouver’s best food

By Willem Thomas /

Vancouver’s star chefs are getting together for a very good cause

After 12 years and over $1 million raised for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, the Scotiabank Passions Gala—one of Vancouver’s most popular annual food and wine events—is back for its 13th iteration. This year, attendees can sip, savour, and mingle over food and drinks provided by 26 of the best restaurants in the city.The illustrious culinary event is a fundraiser benefiting the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, a local centre for cutting-edge HIV care and support. The non-profit foundation, known for its innovative and compassionate approach to healthcare, is the only program of its kind in Canada. “The continuity of support and the sheer effectiveness of the event is a key component in our ability to care for those in need,” says Maxine Davis, executive director of the foundation.This year’s list of participating restaurants is like a walk of fame of acclaimed Vancouver establishments, and it includes a number of Van Mag 2016 Restaurant Awards winners. Guests can expect all manner of exciting dishes from the likes of Black+Blue, CinCin, Forage, Hawksworth, Joe Fortes, Juniper, Minami, Royal Dinette, Tojo’s, West, and many more. Also, Vanmag’s 2015 Bartender of the Year, Lauren Mote, will be mixing up a variety of great cocktails throughout the night. R&B Brewing will be providing attendees with some of East Van’s best craft beer, and a selection of wines from New Zealand Winegrowers will be served as well.

“I am especially proud to have such a stellar line-up of restaurants,” Scotiabank Passions founder Nathan Fong says. “This year, we have some new and exciting additions and returns. It is a testament to the continuing power of Scotiabank Passions and the culinary community’s dedication to such a great cause. Guests are definitely in for a treat.”

The event will be emceed by Global B.C.’s Sophie Lui along with Fred Lee, Vanhattan’s Man About Town and a regular contributor to CBC. This year, Scotiabank Passions guests can attend the Sparkling Reception, which happens from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, before the main event. They’ll enjoy Oyster Bay bubbly, gifts from Urban Fare and a chance to sample the various chef stations first. Tickets are available at www.drpeter.org/passions or by calling 604-331-5086.

When: September 7, 6:30pm-9:30pm; Sparkling Reception at 5:30pm-6:30pmWhere: Yaletown Roundhouse (181 Roundhouse Mews)Price: $225 | $300 includes entrance to the Sparkling Reception