WHEREmail

// February 2009

Dear Subscriber

This month learn how to beat the boredom of long stopovers, where the longest, highest recorded temperature was and how you can win a Nokia E71 Smartphone. Plus, find wine and food festivals, cultural exhibits, hot concerts and world class sporting events hitting up cities across the country.

WHAT'S HOT IN FEBRUARY:

Toronto

WinterCity Festival, the free, citywide showcase of culture, creativity and cuisine continues to February 12. The event includes weekend skating parties, concerts, and Winterlicious, a prix-fixe program offering affordable menus at 150 of the city's top restaurants. Opening February 10, The Color Purple at the Canon Theatre, is an emotionally touching musical set in rural Georgia during the 1930s, based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Edmonton

Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne performs music from his new record, Everything that Happens will Happen Today, made with fellow musical genius Brian Eno at the Jubilee Auditorium. To mark the contributions of the black community to Alberta's history, Tu Gallery hosts its second annual Black History Month exhibit, curated from a community-wide call to local black artists (or artists working with a Black History theme) — it runs until March 5.

Winnipeg

From February 13 to 22 sample hearty split pea soup, listen to French folk music and marvel at amazing snow sculptures during Western Canada's largest winter celebration, Festival du Voyageur. This 10-day event highlights the history of Canada's fur trade and gives a nod to the region's French-Canadian roots with costumed interpreters at Fort Gibraltar.

Canadian Rockies

The Banff Centre recently celebrated its 75th anniversary as a place where creativity can flourish. Experience this cultural icon by attending a performance. Highlights in February include Montreal Guitar Trio (February 8) plays multicultural rhythms; Montreal Danse: On the Ice of Labrador contemporary dance (February 14); and New York's Ailey II showcases energetic athletic dance pieces (February 28).

Ottawa

Winterlude, Ottawa's annual homage to the snowy season gives us a great reason to get outside this month. This year the festival celebrates the 225th year of the founding of New Brunswick, February 6 to 26. Also, pop legend Neil Sedaka plays the National Arts Centre to celebrate 50 years in the biz February 5, 6, and 7.

Vancouver

Leading up to the 2010 Winter Games, the second annual Cultural Olympiad features local, Canadian and international talent in dance, theatre, music and more. The celebration runs until March 21 and includes more than 400 events in Vancouver and Whistler. Pop superstar Sarah McLachlan headlines the One-Year Countdown Celebration concert February 12.

Calgary

From February 13 to 14, Canada Olympic Park (COP) hosts the world's top luge athletes for The Viessmann World Cup. Check out the action at COP's bobsleigh and luge track, which is the same one used during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Later in the month, Alberta Ballet brings back its original production The Fiddle and The Drum. The show is a collaboration between artistic director Jean Grand-Maitre and Canadian songstress Joni Mitchell, February 26 to 28.

Victoria

Sample some of the finest cuisine in the city during the annual Dine Around Victoria February 19 to March 8. Just for the event, chefs at numerous local restaurants have prepared special set price menus for $20, $30 and $40, all paired with suggestions for a VQA wine to complete the experience.

Whistler

Gay pride is strong in Whistler, and nowhere is that more evident than at WinterPride, February 1 to 8. Highlights of the 17th annual Gay Ski Week include a fashion show, comedy night, winemaker dinners and, of course, skiing.

Halifax

Running throughout the month, the Savour Food & Wine Festival celebrates all things gastronomical. The month's busy schedule includes cooking classes, wine tastings, prix-fixe specials at various restaurants. It all culminates in the Savour Food & Wine Show on February 26, when diners can sample creations from the province's best chefs.

The WHERE List:

ROMANTIC HOT SPOTS

This Valentine's season, Where editors across the country have put in votes for their city's most romantic restaurant. No matter what region of the country you're in, there are many choices for a Cupid-inspired tête-á-tête.

Halifax

For a romantic dinner in Halifax, escape the bustle of the downtown and head to the stylish Hydrostone neighbourhood. Tucked away on Young Street, Rogi Orazio offers an array of global flavours, with new creations daily. An artfully chosen wine list and stellar service complement the dining experience—this intimate dining room is the ideal place to while away a chilly winter's evening.

Toronto

The candlelit atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine at upscale Yorkville nosh spot Trattoria Sotto Sotto sets hearts aflutter. Pair a classic dish, like the penne with smoked salmon and asparagus in a rosé sauce, with a glass of red from the extensive wine list for the perfect match.

Midtown Toronto's Scaramouche is the ideal setting for a romantic date—the breathtaking view of the city's skyline, dishes with a French flair, and unobtrusive service make it a favourite destination for couples. Top off dinner with a wonderful dessert, like the signature coconut cream pie, and your evening is set.

Vancouver

Tucked away downtown in a charming heritage mansion, Villa del Lupo is a romantic spot to indulge in Italian delicacies and award-winning wines. The most popular menu choice is braised lamb shank osso bucco.

Edmonton

Amid the soft lighting, brick floor, wooden beams and European ambiance of The Creperie, genial host Hans Kuhnel flaunts a menu with an enchanting French flair. Signature dishes include mouthwatering crepes in many varieties including the decadently yummy Croustille au Fromage (a basket of deep-fried cheese crepes).

Enjoy soft piano stylings as Old World meets New in both decor and in the Portuguese-influenced Mediterranean menu of Sabor, a new downtown eatery. Tuck into its signature seafood, as well as pasta, gnocchi, steak, veal, lamb tenderloin and chicken dishes—it also has an extensive wine list and exquisite desserts.

Ottawa

Located in the heart of the ByWard Market, Luxe Bistro, a bistro-style steak house provides a romantic ambiance, innovative menu and extensive wine list—all perfect ingredients for a dreamy dinner.

Winnipeg

Chef Alan Shepard and his lifelong partner Verna Judge have been wooing diners for 10 years with their restaurant's sensual menu and ornate setting. Dubbed the city's most romantic restaurant, Step 'N Out is the place to go for a milestone anniversary. A self-taught chef, Shepard prides himself on using the "best-of-the-best" ingredients and an á la minute cooking style.

Canadian Rockies

Enhance your romance with magical mountain vistas, luscious flavours, impeccable wine pairing and gracious service at Banff's Eden. As the only AAA/CAA 5-Diamond award-winning restaurant in Western Canada, Eden treats visitors to a "feast of the senses" during a French inspired multi-course dining experience.

Victoria

One of the most romantic spots in Victoria has to be the Inner Harbour. Enjoy the amazing view, accompanied by award-winning cuisine, at the Blue Crab Bar & Grill, one of the city's foremost spots for seafood. Take in the same scenery from high above the city at Vista 18, atop the Chateau Victoria Hotel. Enjoy a quiet drink against a backdrop of smooth jazz in the wine bar, or savour a fine dining experience in the restaurant—both have amazing sky views.

Calgary

Located in the middle of downtown's Prince's Island Park, River Café's elegant fishing lodge atmosphere is the perfect setting for a romantic evening. Its seasonal menu features products from small Alberta farms and ranches. For first date ideas, check out these unique restaurants.

Whistler

If you want to impress your date, order the ultimate dinner accessory: a $20,000 bottle of Domaine De La Romanee-Conti at Bearfoot Bistro. The West Coast menu also features several decadent desserts, ideal for sharing with your sweetheart.

TRAVEL SPECIALS

As a service to readers and our tourism partners, here's a selection of special travel deals. For more information or to book, please contact the providers directly.

Free Cirque du Soleil tickets from WestJet Vacations

Receive two tickets to Cirque du Soleil when you book your Las Vegas vacation with WestJet Vacations. Minimum three nights, valid at any MGM Mirage hotel between March 3 and June 1.

Discover Mexico with United Airlines for $179

Leave the winter blues behind with United Airlines, now flying between Canada and Mexico City for as little as $179. Prices for one-way tickets before tax, valid for travel before March 31.

A romantic getaway at the Delta Ottawa

Couples on their way to the Canadian capital can take advantage of Delta Ottawa's romance package, including one night's accommodation, a bottle of Champagne and a $25 food and beverage voucher. Offer expires December 31, subject to availability.

(All prices in Canadian dollars. WHERE accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or availability of these packages. Please contact package supplier directly.)