Happy Hour with Purpose~
Today we were gathered at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar for Happy Hour. They are one of Vancouver’s Michelin-recommended dining destinations and a proud prize partner in the Spirit of Hospitality Lottery. Making them the ideal destination to learn more about the BC Hospitality Foundation. A lovely afternoon or conversation hosted by Alana Dickson, Executive Director of the BC Hospitality Foundation.
For those unfamiliar, the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is a registered charity that raises funds to support hospitality and tourism workers facing financial crises, due to a health condition affecting themselves or a family member. Each year, BCHF helps workers across BC by offering urgent financial relief.
Operating the last 19 years, the goal has always been to support an industry worker in need, in order to help get them back to work as soon as possible. There is no limit to how long said person has to be in the industry or what position they carry, only that they are still currently active. The health matter in question need not be caused by work or have occurred at work. One of the handful of stories Alana gave, recalled how a server was on her bike when struck, causing her to fly off it and land on her face. This resulted in her losing many of her teeth. The foundation was quick to support her with financial aid for the cosmetic surgery needed to make her feel as close to whole again.
It is 7th year, the Spirit of Hospitality Lottery is the foundation fundraising campaign. Their goal is to reach $65,000 through donations and ticket sales. However as the lottery enters its final weeks. they are still shy of $30,000, which they hope to make by the end of October 30th. This is when the lottery closes and the prizes will be drawn the following day.
As taken from the press release, “Since 2006, the BCHF has provided over $1.28 million in direct financial support to more than 325 hospitality workers facing unexpected medical crises. These funds help individuals and families across BC cover essentials such as rent, groceries, and medical expenses while they recover.
“Every dollar makes a difference,” says Alana Dickson, executive director of the BCHF. “When someone’s facing an illness or injury, a bit of help can mean the world. We’re asking our community to come together so we can keep saying ‘yes’ when workers reach out for help.”
“The Spirit of Hospitality Lottery offers ticket buyers the chance to win over $40,000 in Canadian travel and dining prizes, including a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, a Big White ski vacation, a Sicamous houseboat adventure, and luxury getaways in Victoria, Tofino, Whistler and Quebec City.”
At the time of this post they were at $37,325 raised with 12 days left. And after reviewing all the prizes below, I got my tickets; making a contribution to this worthy cause, and entering for a chance to win one of the following prizes.
Tickets may be purchased singly or in packages: 1 for $5, 3 for $10, 7 for $20, and/or 20 for $50.
They also had sadly bird prizes that have been drawn like $400 towards dining at Bow & Stern Brentwood, a resort stay at Ex Nihilo Vineyards, and menu tasting at AnnaLena Vancouver worth over $500.
There are still 14 prizes to be won and they only get better. So in order to tempt you, here they are listed in their entirety with descriptions.
Prize # 1 Take a Ride on the Rocky Mountaineer (worth over $6500)
Journey through the Rockies in style with a 2-day rail experience aboard the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service from Vancouver to Calgary. Marvel at panoramic views while enjoying gourmet meals and impeccable onboard service. Your adventure continues with a one-night stay at The Westin Calgary, complete with breakfast, plus $500 in travel cash to make your trip even more memorable.
Prize # 2 Sicamous Houseboat (worth over $5500)
Set out on a one-of-a-kind vacation aboard a Mirage 65 Houseboat for a 3-night adventure on Shuswap Lake. Cruise through scenic landscapes, drop anchor in hidden coves, and enjoy the comfort of your own floating retreat. A unique experience to share with family or friends on BC’s beautiful waterways.
Prize # 3 Victoria in Style (worth over $4000)
Fall in love with Victoria during this luxurious getaway. Stay 2 nights in a Penthouse Suite at Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites, followed by a 1-night stay at Oak Bay Beach Hotel in an Ocean View Suite with access to their world-class mineral pools. Travel in style with roundtrip Helijet flights for two and experience the magic of Butchart Gardens. The ultimate Victoria escape.
Prize # 4 Big White Ski Vacation (worth over $4500)
Make family memories on the slopes with a 5-night stay in a 2-bedroom condominium at Big White Ski Resort. This winter wonderland includes 5 days of lift tickets and rentals for 2 adults and 2 children under 18, a thrilling day at the Tube Park, and round-trip transfers from Kelowna International Airport. A snow-filled adventure perfect for the whole family!
Prize # 5 Island Treasures (worth over $1,000)
Uncover Vancouver Island’s hidden gems with a 2-night stay with breakfast at Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, followed by a whimsical 1-night stay at the Owl’s Perch Treehouse Treetop Escape, complementary fruit basket. Includes $200 in travel cash to enhance your magical island adventure.
Prize # 6 Quebec City Escape (worth over $3,000)
Fly east to the charm of Old Quebec with a 2-night stay in a Fairmont Gold city view room at the iconic Château Frontenac. Enjoy daily breakfast and evening canapés on the exclusive 14th floor. Includes a travel voucher to help you arrive in comfort. A European-inspired getaway without leaving Canada.
Prize # 7 Seaside Tofino (worth over $2,000)
Experience the rugged beauty of BC’s West Coast with a 2-night stay in an oceanfront log cabin at Crystal Cove Beach Resort. Travel with ease on roundtrip airfare for two with Pacific Coastal Airlines from Vancouver to Tofino. Breathe in the salty air, walk sandy beaches, and embrace the ultimate coastal escape.
Prize # 8 Escape to Vancouver Island (worth over $1,000)
Relax and rejuvenate with a 2-night stay at The Beach Club Resort in Parksville, then restore your senses with a Healing Caves spa treatment for two at Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa in Courtenay. Includes $300 in travel cash, making this the perfect restorative retreat on the Island.
Prize # 9 British Columbia Wineries experience (worth over $1,500)
Choose your ultimate winery adventure:
South Okanagan Valley – A 2-night stay at Burrowing Owl Guest House with a tour of Stoneboat Vineyards
or
Thompson Valley – A VIP tour at Monte Creek Winery with local food samples. Plus, a $200 JoieFarm Winery gift card, a $50 gift card to 40 Knots Winery, and a BC Wines of BC swag gift.
Prize # 10 Enjoy Vancouver
Downtown with visit to Capilano Suspension Bride (worth over $2300)
Discover Vancouver’s vibrant downtown with a 2-night stay at Sutton Place Hotel, a chef’s tasting menu at Boulevard, and a massage for two at Vida Spa. Explore nature with four tickets to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park including the Canyon Lights, and a $150 Cliff House Restaurant gift card. A perfect blend of city and nature.
Prize # 11 Culinary Journey at Mott32 and stay in town (worth over $1600)
Enjoy a culinary journey dinner for 4 hosted by wine Director Robert Stelmachuk enjoying a customized feast featuring MOTT32’s famous signature Apple Wood Roasted 42 Days Pekin Duck and two people stay at the Paradox Hotel in a King Guestroom with valet parking included.
Prize # 12 Revelstoke two night adventure (worth over $900)
Discover the mountain charm of Revelstoke with a 2-night stay at Best Western Plus Revelstoke. Includes a $112 dining certificate to the 112 Restaurant & Lounge. The perfect getaway for those who love small-town charm surrounded by big mountain scenery.
Prize # 13 Whistler escape (worth over $900)
Retreat to the alpine village with a 2-night stay in a Mountainview Loft Room at the Adara Hotel Whistler + one night at the Listel Hotel in a Deluxe Room! Enjoy sweeping balcony views, cozy modern design, and all the magic of Whistler at your doorstep.
Prize # 14 Vancouver Downtown Dine Out & Big Bus Tour (worth over $900)
Savour Vancouver with a 1-night stay in a King Suite at Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown, complete with breakfast and parking. Enjoy a $250 gift certificate to Banda Volpi for an unforgettable meal, then see the city from a new perspective with a Big Bus Capilano Tour.
To date they have awarded $1,281,081 worth of funds to to hospitality workers in need and hope to continue their good works. On top of hitting their goal, they are also looking to spread the awareness of their foundation to those who need it and not know they are eligible for the support.
All this we heard, first hand from
Alana, as we enjoyed some of the elevated happy hour offerings of Boulevard. The following is what we shared family style, with drinks a la carte and a scrumptious dessert buffet to end.
The tuna Tataki were substantial slices of albacore tuna sitting in a ponzu vinaigrette and topped generously with assorted seaweed. I liked the flavour, but found the seaweed carried a lot of the ponzu like a sponge. It was salty and overbearing as a result, however I couldn’t leave its enjoyable, slightly rubbery crunch behind.
The beef carpaccio was similarly heavily seasoned. Alone, I too found this salty and with too great of a punch to the palate. There was too much going on and each flavour vying for the spot light. The greens and crisp that topped the sheet was needed, but there was only so much, and it could only do so much. I did enjoy the fragrant crisps of shallots. Thin slices of beef in a soy lime vinaigrette with herb emulsion pickled shiitake, crispy shallot, rice paper lemongrass chicken wings thai chili, and caramel fish sauce.
And as a more neutral palate cleanser, we had a couple of baskets of their thicker stick potato fries with ketchup and a creamy truffle aioli for dipping.
The blvd cornbread served as a great transition between savoury and sweet. Little one bite corn bread nuggets, sweet with a crispy edge, served with a salted butter to contrast. These ate like chips, snack worthy and addictive.
For drinks the table picked its own poison between wine by the glass of some classic cocktails like their blood orange negroni and espresso martini from off their happy hour menu. I would enjoy the latter most as a mid day pick me up, then follow it up with a glass of nebbiolo to help cut into the dishes above, with some needed acidity.
Coincidentally it was also Alana’s birthday, so we celebrated with a couple of cocktails in her honour, as well as bite sized desserts in place of cake.
The restaurant’s bon bon experience is a collection of chocolates, cakes, marshmallows, and candies handsomely displayed on a wooden stage/shelf. It is the easiest way to pick what you want with your eyes, and chances are you will walk away selecting more than you originally had planned.
In short, this was a great way to get better acquainted with Boulevard, not only through its food, but as a benefactor of the BC Hospitality Foundation.
Visit the link below to support and purchase your tickets for a chance to win over $40,000 in prizes.
To learn more, visit www.bchospitalityfoundation.com
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K6
(604) 642-2900
boulevardvancouver.ca
