Passions Gala 2015 raises the culinary bar while fundraising for Dr. Peter Centre

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      Vancouver's most stylish foodies and philanthropists converged at the Roundhouse Community Centre on September 14 to indulge in one of the city's most delicious compassionate events: the 12th annual Scotiabank Passions fundraiser.

      This year, the benefit for Dr. Peter Centre raised over $140,000. Since the event launched (which began as a charity cooking class in 2002), it has raised a cumulative $1.24 million for the centre which provides HIV care for people with health and social disparities.

      Over 300 guests attended (I attended as a media guest), with the opportunity to sample small plates and drinks from 26 restaurants.

      Returning restaurants included chefs from Beaucoup Bakery, Bella Gelateria, Boulevard, Chambar, Cibo, CinCin, Coast, Forage, Hawksworth, Joe Fortes, Minami, The Observatory, Provence, Savoury Chef, Tojo’s, Urban Fare, and West. New chefs participating this year included Beach Bay Café, Chez Christophe, Nextjen, Notch8, RawBar, Secret Location, Torafuku, and VCC. A sparkling reception was hosted by Chef Lisa Ahier from Tofino's SoBo Restaurant.

      Diageo World Class Canada’s 2015 Canadian Bartender of the Year Lauren Mote and West Restaurant's Sabrine Dhaliwal both served cocktails while beer from R&B Brewing Co. and wine from New Zealand Winegrowers was also available.

      This year's attractive offerings had several recurring themes. Seafood was particularly prominent, with an emphasis on tuna and salmon, and quite a significant number of selections were Japanese influenced.

      Click on the above photos to see a gallery of what the restaurants had on offer.

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