Secrets of Norte
We’re pleased as punch to report that much missed Philip Mitchell of gone-but-so-not-forgotten Café Norte is back in our sights and will be teaching a few secret-no-more Norte Mexican favourites at Tools and Techniques (250–16th Street, West Vancouver). Maximum Mexican Comfort Foods is on April 21 and Mexican Fiesta Flavours on May 12. Book early at www.thestoreforcooks.com/.

Post-protest refuelling
Johann Sebastian Bach and Johannes Brahms lovers will rally Friday (April 11) at 9 a.m. at CBC headquarters (775 Cambie Street) to protest cuts in classical-music programming and infrastructure. (For more info on the cuts, see “Axing of CBC Orchestra ignites protest” in the April 3-10 Georgia Straight). Afterwards, appetites raised to fortissimo will have several lunch picks locally: Yaggers (433 West Pender Street); Bistro Cassis (420 West Pender Street); J J’s and the café at Vancouver Community College (250 West Pender Street); and a slew of small Asian spots on Robson Street across from the library.

Sip and see serenity
Refresh the appetite and the soul with a Japanese repast at SAWA Tea Lounge & Gallery. Try the salmon salad donburi or matcha ice cream, and select from over three-dozen tea choices. The experience will be heightened by calming art works such as SAWA’s current show, Naoko Takenouchi’s Celestial Navigation, which is on till month’s end at 1538 West 2nd Avenue (www.sawatea.com/).

Spring forward to summer
Gastown transplant Transylvania Flavour, nicely settled into its new Kits ‘hood (2120 West Broadway), is seeking input on which of its $12 Lite Fare Specials, available to month’s end, make it on to their summer menu. Sample bites like spinach and feta-topped polenta rounds, pistachio-crusted lamb chop, linguine and roasted pork loin, and vegetarian lasagna; the most-ordered items win.

Blogging B.C.
Running a B.C.–only gourmet store does give you the inside dope. The staff at Edible BC (Granville Island Public Market) share info with fellow foodies through their biweekly newsletter, which has now evolved into a blog. Check out Amuse Bouche at www.edible-britishcolumbia.com/blog/.

Tragic delights
Dishes served aboard the ill-fated RMS TitanicSail the Titanic are part of a retro evening of fashion, food, and friends on Friday (April 11) at Edie Hats (Net Loft, Granville Island). A vintage-fashion show precedes hors d’oeuvres from Culinary Capers, inspired by a first-class dinner aboard. Nibble garlic-rosemary lamb chop “lollipops” and beef tenderloin on miniature Yorkshire puds as you swan around in “formal, period-inspired clothing” (the suggested dress code). For tickets, $45, call 604-683-4280.

Many hands make farm work
See yourself as an apiarist? UBC Farm needs seasonal volunteers to help with everything from honeybees to school visits and the Saturday market. If you’re keen, details are at www.landfood.ubc.ca/ubcfarm/volunteer.php.

Pride of the podium
Three big cheers to the current crop of inductees to the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame, who were celebrated at the April 7 gala. This year’s roster includes front men John Blakeley of Pastis, and Raincity Grill’s Brent Hayman; chefs Bernie Casavant from the Sonora Room, and David Hawksworth of Hawksworth Restaurant (opening 2009); and restaurateurs Vikram Vij, Michel Jacob, and Sinclair Philip. James Barber was honoured, posthumously, with the lifetime achievement award.