Vancouver's Annual Jazz Fest

This week we reach the middle of the 24th annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival, a ten day celebration of music, arts and community that attracts passionate fans from near and far.

Now the festivities move from Gastown, across Granville Island and into Yaletown, Vancouver’s hippest neighbourhood and the city’s centre of dining. Three indoor stages and a major outdoor presence at the north shore of False Creek provide a special musical experience and just steps away are some of the city’s best restaurants. Over 50 restaurants and bar’s can be found in Yaletown, all of them walking distance to the Roundhouse Community Centre and stages in David Lam Park and all of them accessible on foot, by Granville Island’s False Creek Ferry & Aqua Bus Ferry, public transportation, bicycle and of course car.

Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar – Brix is the only late night fine dining restaurant in Vancouver, with a full service late night menu offered from 10 pm to 1 am week days and 2 am Friday and Saturday night. Brix is open Monday to Saturday for dinner only, closing Sunday when they often host weddings and special events. Brix outdoor courtyard patio is the most beautiful patio in Vancouver and is also open late, unlike any other restaurants in Yaletown.

Hamilton Street Grill – Hamilton Street Grill is now open for Brunch both Saturday and Sunday. Chef/owner Neil Wyles is always on hand and offers personalised service in this “only casual restaurant for grownups” in Yaletown. Suitable for families, perfect for American style dining and a great bar for single’s dining. This weekend Neil extends his Cobblestone loading dock patio hours opening all afternoon just for thirsty Jazz festival goers. Open for lunch, brunch and dinner.

La Terrazza – A truly elegant restaurant, this room feels a bit more casual in the summer with the lounge serving wine by the glass and antipasto plates and a delightful “Under the Tuscan Sun” style patio accessed by a wall of open French doors. Two private rooms (55 and 25) are always full and busy while the dining room offers a more subdued and often romantic fine dining experience. Chef Gennaro Iorio uses the most expensive, high-end ingredients available from Canada and Italy, and while he doesn’t pass the high end costs on to his guests, the food is authentic, modern and exquisite. For truly authentic Italian food, this is Italian food at its finest.

This weekend, July 4th and July 5th starting at noon and going until 9pm, 38 concerts featuring local and international artists, music workshops and a children’s interactive arts and crafts centre will take place. Yaletown dining is the perfect accompaniment to the Jazz festival’s major free event on this the closing weekend of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. www.coastaljazz.ca