Events

June’s Best Food Events in Vancouver—Where to Dine This Month

Take on summer with BBQs, ice cream festivals and even a spicy wings challenge.

By Xiao Qing Wan /

Though technically solstice isn’t til the 21st, summer—spiritually—is finally upon us, and that means it’s time for hearty barbeques, craft beer nights, and of course, lots of ice cream. Still hungry? Restaurants across the city are hosting special collaborations and pop-up events this month, featuring limited-time menu items to keep the summer feasting going.

Boulevard x Suyo

Get ready for a fun night filled with bespoke tipples and delectable desserts, as 2024’s Pastry Chef of the Year Kenta Takahashi and Bartender of the Year Max Curzon-Price are teaming up to present an exclusive tasting event this month. For two nights only, the Boulevard x Suyo collaboration features a multi-course cocktail and dessert tasting menu, where patrons can view Takahashi and Curzon-Price in action as they put together the perfect cocktail-dessert pair. Buy your tickets fast, as there are only eight seats available for each session.

845 Burrard St., June 4 and 5, 7 p.m.
Tickets here

Jay Nok and Rewind present ‘Hey Haaa’: The Thai Brunch and RnB Experience

If you have yet to try Vancouver’s latest vibey Thai spot Jay Nok, this is your sign. Starting this month, the restaurant will be serving a new brunch experience every second Sunday in collaboration with Rewind. Groove to smooth R&B tunes while digging into Thai comfort staples like a sour yet spicy tom yum congee or an indulgent kao pad nam complete with a gooey egg. For those with a sweet tooth, opt for the pandan-flavoured French toast dusted with a generous helping of Thai tea powdered sugar.

127 West 2nd Ave., June 22, 11:30 a.m.
Reservations here

Chambar: Apprentice Dinner Vol. 3

Chambar’s monthly Apprentice Dinners highlight up-and-coming chefs and supports their culinary journey by allowing them to take the lead and devise a multi-course menu inspired by their heritage. This month, look forward to a Mexican-inspired menu crafted by Christopher Vega, which marries the rich flavours of his heritage with expert techniques. Think lingcod ceviche paired with a zingy pineapple salsa and tamarind paste, or a rich beef short rib adobo served with blue corn gorditas and garbanzo beans.

568 Beatty St., June 3, 6:30 p.m.
Reservations here

Photo: Maggie Lam

Wildlight Kitchen and Bar: Summer BBQ Series Argentine Night

If winter is hotpot season, then summer is surely the season for barbeque. Wildlight Kitchen and Bar’s Summer BBQ series is back again this year, kicking off the season with the bold, vibrant flavours of Argentina. Sip on a fruity cocktail while enjoying the live grilling session by Chef Warren Chow, and of course, don’t forget to eat lots of smoky, perfectly charred barbecued meats and vegetables.

5380 University Boulevard, #107, June 22, 6 p.m.
Tickets here

Belgard’s Wine vs. Beer Showdown

It’s about time we answered the age-old question: which is better, wine or beer? Belgard Kitchen has taken on the massive responsibility of hosting the ultimate showdown between the two titans of libations, offering a four course menu that will be paired with carefully selected wines and beers. Find out what makes a good pairing from Rust Wine’s winemakers, Four Winds Brewing’s brewers, and the chefs at Belgard Kitchen. Don’t forget to vote for your favourites and put an end to this debate at long last!

55 Dunlevy Ave., June 5, 6 p.m.
Tickets here

Hot Ones Challenge

Ever thought that you could handle the super spicy wings from Hot Ones? Well, this is your chance to show off your tolerance as Good Company Bars is hosting the Hot Ones Challenge. Dig into deliciously tender chicken wings, all covered in generous servings of hot sauce, including exclusive blends from Vancouver’s own Gladstone Hot Sauce. Bring lots of napkins as you’re sure to be sweating loads amidst the sweltering heat: both from the sun and the mouth-searing hot sauces.

965 Granville St., June 7, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Reservations here

PICAchef in Provence: A Julia Child-Inspired Pop-Up Dinner

We’ve all tried cooking one of Julia Child’s recipes in our lives, but let’s be honest: it never turns out quite the way you want it to (not for us, at least!) Well, try no longer as the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts will be presenting a five-course Provençal menu in celebration of the legendary Julia Child for one night only. Look forward to a rich and hearty saffron-infused bouillabaisse and a lavender-scented strawberry fraisier that will have you savouring every bite.

101-1505 W 2nd Ave., June 4, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets here

Mon Paris Pâtisserie Summer Pastry Series

There’s something about summer that gets everyone in the mood for a baked good— not saying that we’re not into pastries during colder seasons, but the warm weather does manage to charm us into baking a bit more often. This month, French bakery Mon Paris Pâtisserie will be hosting a Summer Pastry Series, featuring a traditional French pastry each weekend. Owner and chef Elena Krasnova will be kicking off the series with the subtly sweet and flaky kouign-amann, followed by the mille-feuille, an indulgent éclair, and rounding it up with the decadent Paris-brest. Think rich hazelnut praline buttercream sandwiched between light and flaky choux pastry— yeah, we’re drooling too.

4396 Beresford St. (Burnaby) or 1731 Manitoba St., every weekend in June, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Details here

Wine Hour at The Teahouse

Wine and dine at The Teahouse in Stanley Park this summer with their newly launched Wine Hour. Choose between the white wine flight or the rosé and red flight ($15/flight) and savour four different types of wine sourced from both within B.C. and other countries like Italy and France. No wine tasting is complete without a cheese board, so be sure to pick out one of The Teahouse’s seasonal tasting boards ($12) while you’re at it— we hear there’s a board with edamame hummus garlic toast, mixed Sicilian olives, and crispy chickpeas on the menu.

7501 Stanley Park Dr., every Monday, Thursday and Friday in June, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Details here

Spring Special at Lorette Brasserie

Snowboarding season may be over, but that doesn’t mean there’s no longer a reason to visit Whistler. Newly opened French restaurant Lorette Brasserie celebrates the warmer weather with a special spring menu, offering three small plates for $30. This includes the umami-driven ahi tuna tartare, a refreshing endive and fuji apple salad, and even a duck leg confit paired with sherry spring onions and a smoked sausage and white bean cassoulet. Not yet convinced? Lorette Brasserie will also be serving fresh oysters at half price.

102B-4359 Main St. (Whistler), daily, 5 p.m. ’til late
Reservations here

Vancouver Ice Cream Festival

Beat the heat with the third edition of Noms Magazine’s Vancouver Ice Cream Festival. This year’s festival will run from June 20 until August 4, and features over 30 vendors across the city. Familiar faces like Beaucoup Bakery, Killer Ice Cream and Tutto Belle Il Gelato will be joining the event once again, alongside new additions like Eggbomb+ and Koko Monk Chocolates. Look forward to refreshing ice cream and event-exclusive items like Japanese kakigori (shaved ice) and specialty parfaits. You will also receive a festival passport and collect stamps with every purchase: the more stamps, the more chance to win prizes, so this is your sign to eat all the ice cream you want this summer!

June 20 to August 4
Details here

The Real British Invasion Pop Drag Brunch at Fable Diner and Bar

Celebrate Pride Month at Fable Diner and Bar with this spectacular brunch event. Featuring Vancouver-based drag queen The Real Human Girl, this high-energy drag brunch will have you hooting and hollering while singing along to iconic tunes by British pop divas. Enjoy brunch favourites like avocado smash toast or eggs Benny, and wash it all down with a mimosa (or two— we won’t judge).

755 Richards St., June 22, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Tickets here

 

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Bao Bei Pop-Up Dinner with Jesse Grasso

It’s been 15 years since Bao Bei first opened its doors along Keefer Street. The casual restaurant is most popular for its dishes that combine culinary influences from Taiwan and China. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, the restaurant has brought back its OG menu, including the succulent pork belly paired with fork-tender potatoes and cucumber, and the shan tofu— a chickpea tofu paired with fermented chili tomato and a delectable almond and garlic emulsion. Alongside the OG menu, former Bao Bei sous chef Jesse Grasso will also be returning to the restaurant for one night only, serving up fan favourites throughout the night.

163 Keefer St., June 22, 5:30 p.m to 10 p.m.
Reservations here