Dine Out Vancouver: Canada’s biggest restaurant festival returns

Vancouver foodies are rejoicing now that Dine Out Vancouver, the largest restaurant festival in the country, has returned.

Dine Out is a 17-day gastronomic celebration with over 200 participating restaurants around the city. Restaurants offer three course set menus at $18, $28, and $38 per person, giving the opportunity for Vancouverites to try out new joints at a fair price.

Christmas all over again

Tourism Vancouver’s spokesperson Amber Sessions said Dine Out was created as a solution to the decline in business after the holiday season. It’s the first of its kind in Canada, starting out with 57 participating restaurants back in 2003.

“It’s two weeks of Christmas all over again,” said Richard Baker, manager of Seasons in the Park restaurant.

“The same thing you pay for a three course meal, you’re paying for an entrée at most places,” Baker said. “It gives you a chance to enjoy a dining experience at any restaurant that is perhaps out of your reach on a regular basis.”

Fine dining on a student budget

Jason Zeng, founder of the Langara Foodie Club is thrilled about the opportunity for students to enjoy a fine dining experience on a student budget.

“It’s a good way to try out new dishes. You can have a better time with a bunch of friends,” said Zeng.

“Usually if you go out it will cost around $80 to $100. Now they have $38 for all of it. Although it is a smaller portion, it is great to try all of the dishes at once.”

Students can find more information on the Langara Foodie Club on Facebook. Organizers said reservations for Dine Out should be made at least a week ahead by phone. They can also be made at OpenTable.com or DineOutVancouver.com. The festival runs until Feb. 2.

Reported by Ali Crane

Find out some other Dine Out Options for students.