As one of the world’s premier dining destinations, it’s clear why we Victorians cherish our vibrant local food scene. It’s also safe to say we love a good party – and the comfort of a decadent sweet!
On the weekend of October 19, you can devour your love for local with two annual fundraising events, Art of the Cocktail and Chocolate: A Tasting Event. Both events will take place at the stunning Crystal Garden, supporting the Victoria Film Festival (VFF).
Art of the Cocktail
14 years running—at Art of the Cocktail, you can sip exquisite concoctions and try gourmet canapés from over 50 local and national vendors, stirring up the fun with a Rip-Roaring 1920s theme!
Think flamboyant dancers, billiards and reveling in passionate mixology stories told by the best in the business.
You can expect prominent establishments like Wind Cries Mary, Boom & Batten, Bray’s, Tofino Distillery, Victoria Distillers, and renowned national brands like Jura and Cloudhouse to be present.
Wind Cries Mary – also devoted to sourcing local – plans to serve up a riff on a French 75 cocktail—said to have the kick of a French 75mm field gun. Bar Manager, Dave Bulters, divulges that they plan to put a spin on the historical drink.
“We’re calling it the ‘Francis 75’. The namesake for our tipple is after Francis Rattenbury, an influential Victoria-based architect from the early 1900s, who designed the building where Wind Cries Mary resides. Like the drink that inspired it, the Francis 75 is delicate and elegant and has a surprising kick befitting the Roaring ‘20s. Unlike its predecessor, it is a delicious window into our beloved Pacific Northwest (PNW),” says Bulters.
Since the original drink had multiple spirits, The Wind Cries Mary crew will stay true to their partnered brands and offer the Art of the Cocktail guests a tasting option: Sheringham Raincoast Gin, Sheringham Whisky, or Lumette! Non-Alcoholic Gin. Their choice will be combined with a delicate mix of champagne acid, Sheringham Rosemary & Orange bitters, sparkling water and their PNW cordial with notes of sumac, sage, spruce, nettle, fig & honey.
As a bonus, Art of the Cocktail will be awarding the ‘Best Dressed’ guest with four tickets to the Victoria Film Festival Opening Gala, a gift basket and shoutouts on social media.
VIP tickets have already sold out, so snag a General Admission ticket while you can!
You can purchase them for $89 pre-tax on the VFF website.
- Where: Crystal Garden, 713 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, October 19th from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (starts at 5:30 p.m. for VIP ticket holders)
Chocolate: A Tasting Event
If a decadent Sunday afternoon is more your scene, you can wander the Crystal Garden at Chocolate: A Tasting Event and sample chocolate delights from over 30 local purveyors. With businesses as sweet as Martha’s Delectables, Pure Lovin’ Chocolate and Terrible Truffles. There will be delicacies available for purchase so you can treat yourself to local goodness.
You can also upskill your chocolatier knowledge and participate in some informative workshops like Sweetly Raw’s Chocolate Truffles in Three Flavours: chocolate, orange and peppermint truffles, all vegan, gluten-free and grain-free. There is also a chocolate-tasting tutorial from Julie’s Delights: Tasting Chocolate | A Sensory Experience.
Julie Briere, owner of Julie’s Delights, found her heart on Vancouver Island and has created roots here partnering with the community, other small businesses and local markets. “After dedicating a decade to perfecting my craft, I discovered my desire to impart my knowledge to fellow chocolate enthusiasts. I aim to educate them on the art of savouring exquisite chocolate and recognizing its diverse flavour profiles.” Says Briere on her inspiration for the upcoming workshop.
Tickets to Chocolate: A Tasting Event are selling fast. If you can’t snag one this year, there will be a third annual event next October.
- Where: Crystal Garden, 713 Douglas Street
- When: Sunday, October 20th (Session 1: 12-2:20 PM, Session 2: 2-5:30 PM)
All ticket proceeds will go a long way in supporting local businesses and independent film, as Victoria Film Festival will celebrate its 31st festival this February. You can sip, savour and celebrate ‘till your heart’s content—knowing it’s all for a good cause.