Double Dog
Vancouverites have long bemoaned the fact that our street food is limited to hot dogs. Boring. That is, except for runaway hit Japadog, whose second location opened two weeks ago and is now dishing dogs to the hordes at the corner of Burrard and West Pender streets. Taste the newest wonder dog, the Okonomi, made with Kurobuta (Berkshire) pork.

French Fun
The Festival du Bois takes place this weekend (March 7 and 8) at Mackin Park in Coquitlam (1046 Brunette Avenue). The Francophone celebration offers tourtií¨re, poutine, and maple products ranging from maple-sugar pie to maple taffy on snow to Sunday-morning pancakes and syrup. If that doesn’t grab you, head across the street to Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Avenue). The arts centre and music school will stage an in-house French bistro on Saturday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., with French onion soup, boeuf Bourguignon, French wine, and more.

Phenomenal Women
If you’re looking to start or further a career in food, wine, or related fields and could use a cash infusion, check out the scholarships offered by Les Dames d’Escoffier. The Vancouver chapter of this organization that represents professional women in the hospitality and culinary scene offers assistance toward a variety of programs, from short continuing-education courses to long-term schooling. The deadline for applications is April 30.

Early Bird gets the Breakfast
Last year there was a lineup down the block, so the wise will reserve now for this year’s pre-parade Irish breakfast at Ceili’s Irish Pub and Restaurant (670 Smithe Street; 604-697-0990, ext. 21). It takes place from 9 a.m. ahead of the 11:30 a.m. St. Patrick’s Day Parade next Sunday (March 15). Local band Ballyhooley will kick up the spirit while the sausages fly at the buffet ($15 per person; no minors).

Irish Options
Vancouver’s punchiest St. Patrick’s Day celebration is the March 17 do at Gastown’s Irish Heather GastroPub. Want in? Book now at www.irishheather.com for any of three Guinness-soaked options—í  la carte lunch, three-course Heather dinner ($45, early and late seatings), and $35 two-courser (two seatings) in the Heather’s bar or Shebeen Whisk(e)y House. Full up? Try the Sunset Grill (2204 York Avenue) or Doolin’s Irish Pub (654 Nelson Street).

Plate Date
Eat out next Thursday (March 12), 2009’s Dining Out for Life date, at any of 200 participating restaurants, and 25 percent of food sales benefit A Loving Spoonful and Friends for Life, local charities supporting those living with AIDS. Down a Stella Artois and $1 from each sale goes to the fund, ditto when you buy a bottle of Sumac Ridge wine at participating restaurants or liquor stores during the month of March.

Italian Rules
A well-loved piece of Vancouver’s dining history, Iaci’s Casa Capri—a downtown hot spot from 1946 to 1983—is being revisited on March 18 at Papi’s Ristorante Italiano (12251 No. 1 Road, Richmond). Chef/proprietor Ken Iaci will honour his family—Coco, Benny, Toots, Frank, Eva, and Teenie—with “alla famiglia” favourites like House Spaghetti, Koko’s Pan-fried Chicken, Frank’s Cheesecake, and more. Seats are $89 including wine, tax, and tip. Book through Sip Wines (604-271-9463).

Lunch on the Move
The Lunchbox kiosk at Oakridge Centre is no more, but chef Ben Cí´té has renovated his 395 Railway Street location and revamped the menu. Sous vide (slowly vacuum-cooked) meats star at the café; look for Montreal cold-smoked meat sandwiches and smoked pork Monte Cristos.