The Salmon Shop appetizers at Plated and Paired

Last night, Dine Out Vancouver’s 2013 edition kicked off throughout the city with prix-fixe menus, the clicking of wine glasses, and various events.

Plated and Paired at Granville Market-4 Plated and Paired at Granville Market-11

I attended Plated and Paired, a fantastic way to experience the Granville Island Public Market off-hours.

Plated and Paired at Granville Market-25 Odie! Plated and Paired at Granville Market Winebard Karen Gurney pouring wines from The View Winery

38 BC wineries were on hand to pair their wines with samples from Public Market shops and dishes prepared by Granville Island chefs from The Sandbar, Bridges Restaurant, and Edible Canada at the Market.

The Sandbar represents. R: Executive Chef William Tse Plated and Paired at Granville Market-5 Plated and Paired at Granville Market-23 L'Épicerie, Rotisserie and Gourmande at Plated and Paired
[Top: Sandbar’s chefs; Bottom: L’Épicerie’s pear + bleu cheese tarts with caramelized onion and balsamic syrup]

It was a very lively yet casual evening with entertainment, a chance to ask questions of the vendors, and simply to savour bites of delicious foods while sampling wines.

L'Épicerie, Rotisserie and Gourmande
[L’Épicerie, Rotisserie and Gourmande]

Granville Island Tea Company at Plated and Paired
[Granville Island Tea Company]

The two hour event was fully sold out, yet there was enough room to make your way around to the tables and poke into shops such as L’Épicerie, Rotisserie and Gourmande and the Granville Island Tea Company. Samples of loose teas were on display while hot teas were prepared for guests.

Granville Island Tea Company at Plated and Paired Granville Island Tea Company at Plated and Paired Granville Island Tea Company at Plated and Paired

Granville Island Tea’s employees were also happy to answer questions. Rounds of hot Masala chai made their way around the event space. I discovered my own wonderful blend by mixing two of the shop’s rooibos teas together: Tuscan Pear and African Cream.

Gourmet oils from L'Épicerie, Rotisserie and Gourmande

L’Épicerie, Rotisserie and Gourmande is stocked full of gourmet items. A large wall full of infused oils caught my attention. In fact, this shop warrants a future visit for their olive oils, vinegars, and gourmet tapenades.

My favourite wine of the evening: Nk'Mip's 2010 Talon, just released

I chose to stick to red wines at this event, finding a favourite in Nk’Mip’s 2010 Talon ($22.99), a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, enhanced with Cab Franc, Malbec, and Merlot. The rich plum and cassis lingered in my mouth followed by hints of clove and cocoa. This is a beautifully balanced blend that I hope to see more of around town. Under 1,500 cases were produced in October 2012.

Earl Grey shortbread from Laurelle's Fine Foods
[Earl Grey shortbread from Laurelle’s Fine Foods]

Dine Out Vancouver continues through February 3. There’s so much on offer this year. Check the website for events ranging from Act I, Eat 1 (in conjunction with the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival) to Street Food City II, a way to sample a large variety of the city’s street food carts clustered near the Vancouver Art Gallery.

La Baguette & L'Echalote at Plated and Paired La Baguette & L'Echalote macarons at Plated and Paired

To view more photos of the evening, visit my Plated and Paired Flickr photo set.

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