VANCOUVER — Chef Rob Feenie shares recipes for meals that parallel the popular casual-dining sector in his fourth book, Rob Feenie’s Casual Classics: Everyday Recipes For Family And Friends, which he recently discussed in a Canadian Press (CP) story.

Feenie’s book notes the growth in the casual-dining market. “Casual dining is an evolution and is part of the whole dining scene that’s going on in Canada,” the chef told CP.

VANCOUVER — Vancouver’s Coal Harbour waterfront area is now home to chef Gordon Martin and chef Abdel Elatouabi’s new tapas restaurant, Sol Sun Belt Cookery.

The new restaurant marks the first joint venture for the restaurateurs and friends. Their menu draws inspiration from their travels with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine from Spain, France, Turkey and Morocco.

WINNIPEG — Age rules at Toad in the Hole’s new whisky bar in Winnipeg, where patrons 24 and under aren’t invited.

“There are lot of people that used to come here that quite frankly don't go out anymore, because there are a lot of men and women in their 30s and 40s that don't want to hang out with a bunch of 18-year-old kids,” owner Michael Monk told The Winnipeg Free Press of the age requirement.

VICTORIA, B.C. — Gingerbread season is coming a little early this year as Victoria, B.C.’s Inn at Laurel Point announces plans to open Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase to bakers across Canada.

“For years, Inn at Laurel Point, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Victoria, has highlighted the talents of Victoria’s professional and amateur chefs while, at the same time, rais[ing] awareness for the incredible work carried out by this local charity,” said Ian Powell, managing director of Inn at Laurel Point. “By extending the reach and increasing the exposure of this event, we hope to put Victoria on the culinary map and generate even more funds for this important cause.”

Set to run from Nov. 24 to Jan. 1, the event will see professional and amateur bakers battle, while building gingerbread creations made from edible ingredients. A panel of judges will present the first-, second- and third-place People’s Choice Awards in January.