Chock-a-block party
It wouldn’t hurt to bring an empty stomach to the fifth annual Davie Day this Saturday (September 6). Pedestrians—who’ll rule the street between Burrard and Broughton from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.—can munch on festival food like mini doughnuts, corn on the cob, and fish and chips from Mr. Pickwick’s. Pubs like the Fountainhead and the Majestic will be extending their patios onto the road, and Moxie’s will be barbecuing burgers alfresco. For more info, see www.davieday.com

Take one for the team
The Beijing Olympics may be over, but the International Culinary Olympics are just heating up. B.C. is sending a team of top chefs to compete in the global cooking competition taking place in October in Germany. Support their efforts and preview their talents at the A Taste of Culinary Team B.C. dinner this Tuesday (September 9) at the Sutton Place Hotel (845 Burrard Street). Get tickets ($95) from www.ticketweb.com

Stiff drinks
Many who missed having regular Rigor Mortis and Smoking Gun martinis are happily ensconced in the “new” Crime Lab. Kim Cole, a CL original, has resurrected the restaurant in Coal Harbour (100–550 Denman Street), where yachts rather than cars can be seen from the killer patio. Painted a familiar deep purple, it’s twice the size of the original and as spirited as ever.

Valley highs
Saddle up for the first annual Wine & Culinary Extravaganza at Langley’s High Point Equestrian Estates, this Saturday (September 6) from 2 to 5 p.m., and celebrate the Fraser Valley’s dozen wineries. Fresh-from-the-farm bites courtesy of Bacchus Bistro, Vista D’oro Farms, Coza!, and more are included in the $50 ticket available at www.fvwa.ca Proceeds benefit Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities.

Get down to Chinatown
Summer’s winding down, and that means the end of street dumplings and noodles at the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market. If you haven’t checked it out yet, this Friday to Sunday (September 5 to 7) is your last chance. Don’t worry, though: the Asian eating bonanza that is the Summer Night Market in Richmond (12631 Vulcan Way) continues every Friday to Sunday until October 5.

Cold victory
Mission Hill Family Estate was honoured at the International Wine Challenge in London, England, this week. The winery’s 2006 Reserve Riesling Icewine won the trophy for the world’s top icewine in competition with wines from five countries.

Sunday supper
Skip lunch—sound advice for those who can scoop the remaining tickets for Passions, the fifth annual wining and grazing benefit for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, set for next Sunday (September 14) at the Dr. Peter Centre (1110 Comox Street). Restaurants stepping up to the plate include Boneta, Elixir, Le Gavroche, Tojo’s, Crave, Fraîche, C, and the Observatory. Tickets are $200 at www.drpetercentre.ca or 604-331-3452.

Bubblicious
Sign on for House Wine’s tasty tribute to bubbles on Wednesday (September 10) at O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar (1300 Robson Street) and you’ll have a chance to sip 10 of ’em, from the lightly zippy Italian Moscato d’Asti right up to fine champagne. Learn what edibles go with each, and witness the cork being ceremoniously lopped off with a sabre. Tickets are $35 at www.housewine.ca