Live & Work

THINGS TO CHECK OUT THIS WEEK IN GASTOWN

Champagne without the caviar, and dessert without the frosting – Mosquito, a new dessert lounge, has debuted on Water Street. This week’s list also includes the launch of Notturno’s wine dinner series, Bambudda’s Dumpling Festival, and Six Acres' Cask Night.

GASTOWN WELCOMES MOSQUITO

On your next date night, check out Mosquito, a champagne & dessert lounge, located next door to Orling & Wu. With swish sophistication, the new establishment offers diners luxurious creations and exquisite flavours. Prepared by the finest pastry chefs, the menu is made up of artistically plated desserts, delectable chocolates, macrons and light snacks. And, when the occasion calls, guests can order champagne, sparkling and dessert wine, by glass or bottle.

The intimate 40-seat lounge is designed by Craig Stanghetta and Kate Synder (also responsible for Revolver’s cool digs). The room is dimly lit and features dark furniture and walls, unique glass cutouts and gold accents, slightly reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era. Drop by and see for yourself. Mosquito is now open from Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm until midnight.

NOTTURNO TO LAUNCH MONTHLY WINE DINNER SERIES

Diners and wine enthusiasts, take note of Notturno’s new monthly wine dinner series. To celebrate the world’s most enticing countries and regions, Chef Robitaille will take guests on an exclusive culinary journey, completed with expertly paired wines.

Notturno’s first wine dinner kicks off today (Feb 16) and will highlight of the Italian region of Le Marche, in homage to Chef Robitaille’s heritage. Tickets for ‘A Taste of Le Marche’ are $100, wine pairings included. To purchase, please call 604-720-3145. Guests will receive a “passport” outlining the 11 countries/regions chosen for the series. Each dinner you attend gets you a stamp. If you attend five, you’ll receive a Notturno gift card. Because “this one goes to 11”, if you attend the first 10, the last one is on us. For more details, see Scout Magazine’s post here.

BAMBUDDA DUMPLING FESTIVAL

_{Photo credit: Jennilee Marigomen}

To celebrate Chinese New Year and The Year of the Sheep, Bambudda will host its own Dumpling Festival from February 18th to 22nd. Chef Curtis Lok has created a special menu that honours four traditional styles of preparation from pan-seared oyster lettuce dumpling to steamed Szechuan scallop & cod. To round out the traditional experience, Chef Luk will finish off with a non-traditional chocolate kumquat mocha dessert dumpling. Visit here for more details.

SIX ACRES MONTHLY CASK NIGHT

This Tuesday February 17th, Six Acres will host its monthly Cask Night, which offers the community a chance to taste local craft beer. On Cask Night, Six Acres will pour Powell Street Craft Brewery Topaz Dry Hopped Ale until the cask run dries. Paired with their comforting food menu, this is an event craft beer drinkers don’t want to miss.

WHISKY COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE

Come thirsty, bring a friend and meet plenty more at the upcoming Third Thursday gathering. The Whisky Wisemen community marked its second anniversary last month and is set to host another fun installment that draws existing friends, new people and likeminded whisky drinkers for a great cause.

As usual, the event will take place at Shebeen, a whisky house tucked inside the Irish Heather that boasts the best selection in the city. There is no cover charge and your first whisky glass is complimentary. After that, 10% of your total spent for the evening will go towards Project True, a local non-profit organization raising funds and awareness for disordered eating recovery, as will $1 from every one of their signature Wiseman cocktails sold. Visit here for more event details.

DON’T FORGET…

HI-FIVE

If you can hear your belly rumbling while out on the town, check out Hi-Five, a new specialty sandwich shop located at 22 East Cordova, beside La Fleur hair salon. The grilled cheese joint offers five sourdough sandwiches, to-go soups, and Six Acres mac & cheese. Hi-Five is open from Thursday to Sunday, 8pm until 2am.

CONDOBED

Create more room with designs solutions that are versatile and chic. CondoBed, a retailer and manufacturer of sophisticated storage furniture, offers an in-house collection and custom services to provide practical solutions for urban spaces. If you’re looking for an exclusive design, come visit the team at their new store location on 206 Carrall Street.

WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT

Guilt & Company will host a special ticketed show featuring Grand Analog. Led by Odario Williams, the hip hop group combines r&b, jazz, reggae and rock in an intitmate set that will get the crowd grooving. Doors open at 7pm, show begins at 9:30pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 16

Terminal Station at Guilt & Company

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 17

Steve Kozak Blues Trio at Revel Room

Live Music Night at The Irish Heather

Le Cabaret Du Passe at Guilt & Company

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18

The Revellers at Revel Room

Jen Hodge All Stars at Guilt & Company

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19

Mike Van Eyes at Revel Room

DJ Take 5 at Milano Espresso Lounge