Are you heading to the Okanagan soon? If so, pick up the October issue of Okanagan Life and check out their feature on the new Sandhill Winery and visitor centre in downtown Kelowna. ...And the stop by Sandhill, of course!

The October Okanangan Life is on newsstands now.

Local company Mahony & Sons opened the doors to their newest location in South False Creek earlier this week and Vancouverites have been flocking to the new restaurant to check out the detailed authentic Irish décor and sample delicious dishes and drinks on the stunning waterfront patio.

Prior to the opening Breakfast Television’s Dawn Chubai came down to Mahony & Sons to broadcast four cooking segments with Executive Chef Paul Nguyen and the Mahony brothers.  Viewers learned how to make Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos (a Mahony & Sons best-seller), Lily Belle’s Shrimp Salad, and Lee’s Lamb Dip, and Bar Manager Barry Quinn gave some useful tips on how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness.

Executive Chef Paul Nguyen prepares a shrimp salad at Mahony & Sons for BTV

The opening of Mahony & Sons Stamps Landing has proved of great interest to the local media and food bloggers with rave reviews appearing on the Georgia Straight website, Vancity Buzz, Modern Mix, and My VanCity (to name just a few), as well as on the websites of national food trade publications such as Canadian Restaurant News and Foodservice and Hospitality.

Follow @MahonyAndSons on Twitter for details on further coverage in the coming days and weeks.

File this one under: Really Great Gift Idea for the foodie / spirit connoisseur on your Christmas List. Vancouver's first micro-distillery, Long Table, has launched Peppermint Mist just in time for Christmas. Made with local, organic peppermint, this little tipple has Christmas in every drop. Imagine Peppermint Mist in hot chocolate, drizzled over vanilla ice cream, or served chilled as an accompaniment to a chocolatey Christmas dessert.

I, for one, can't wait to take this beauty along on my next wintery hiking trip. It will be heartily enjoyed along with some hot coffee on top of a snowy North Shore Mountain.

And in other news, Charles & Rita Tremewen, owners/distillers of Long Table, have just told us that next week they are launching Vancouver's first Aquavit. Aquavit is a traditional Scandinavian spirit made with herbs and spices. It's traditionally served around Christmastime, so it makes another great gift choice for a spirit-lover on your list.

- Simone

Pick up a copy of BCBusiness's August issue for the full story on Long Table Distillery. Or click here.

 Vancouver magazine and PINQ have great recommendations on what to do this weekend...visit Long Table Distillery, of course! Click on the image to watch Vancouver magazine's video:

              And read PINQ's take on Vancouver's only small batch distillery here:

People are excited to hear all about newly opened Long Table Distillery, the only place in Vancouver to get locally handmade spirits.  Thanks to Vancity Buzz for featuring LTD yesterday - check out the article here!