WHEREmail

// March 2008

Dear Subscriber

This month find out where you can get some of the best tapas dishes across the country and what hot event tickets you won't want to miss. We also give you the lowdown on the legal processes for destination weddings, and tell you how you can win great prizes like an iPod Touch or dinner for two.

WHAT'S HOT IN MARCH:

Toronto

Rock the laughs with award-winning comedian, actor and talk-show host Chris Rock on March 13 and 14. From March 20 to 24, find original wares crafted by over 450 artisans and designers at the One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale annual shopping extravaganza—or rev your engines at the AMA Supercross GP series March 29.

Ottawa

Opera Lyra presents La Traviata, a lavish tale of tragic opera heroine Violetta Valery, it plays March 15, 17, 19, and 22. Film aficionados will be sure to enjoy the IMAX Film Fest with eight different films shown on the big screen over the entire month of March.

Canadian Rockies

The Banff Centre is celebrating 75 years of inspiring creativity through their Banff Winter Arts Festival with classical concerts, contemporary art exhibits and mountain culture events. Highlights include Montreal Guitar Trio (March 15); Ballet Jorgen: Anastasia (March 29); and Los Lobos & James Hunter (March 30).

Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria's Art in Bloom is a week-long extravaganza featuring floral exhibits based on pieces from the gallery's collection, gardening workshops, how-to seminars and a lecture series featuring internationally renowned speakers. It's on March 9 to 15.

Vancouver

This month's 5th annual Edgewater Casino CelticFest Vancouver 2008 March 12 to 16 has much more than green beer on offer. Think music, dance, a parade, a street market and activities for kids.

Calgary

Theatre Calgary puts on the stage adaptation of Disney's Beauty and the Beast March 11 to April 20. Expect to see all of the magical qualities you fell in love with from the 1991 movie about a cursed prince who befriends the beautiful village girl, Belle.

Edmonton

British tenor Paul Potts is poised to wow audiences at the Winspear Centre on March 19, then Love According to John—a local musical passion play—celebrates its 37th Easter at the Jubilee Auditorium, March 20 to 22.

Halifax

It's a great time for basketball fans to visit Halifax, as the Metro Centre hosts the AUS Final 6 Men's Basketball Championship. The region's top men's university basketball teams compete to crown a regional champion, who will go on to represent Atlantic Canada at the nationals.

The WHERE List:

WHERE TO GO FOR TAPAS

Tapas, appetizer-like share plates stemming from Spanish culture, are a wonderful way to sample many different dishes with friends. Our editors have rounded up some of the best places to find these delectable dishes in cities across the country.

Calgary

At Ten Scene Cuisine find many small plates to choose from, including coconut mussels, chicken satay and a spicy avocado & lobster martini—they even have "Tapas Tuesdays" where you can get two plates for $10.

Canadian Rockies

In Jasper, La Fiesta offers tasty Spanish fusion tapas as part of their regular menu, or after 10 pm enjoy two tapas and a jug of Sangria for $30. In Canmore, Tapas Restaurant specializes in Spanish/Portuguese small plates and offers group tasting menus for over 5 guests.

Vancouver

With its vaulted ceiling and opulent booths, Sanafir is a stylish spot for tapas that combine flavours from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Far East and Northern Africa. Check out the unique draped harem-style bed tables tucked away upstairs.

Edmonton

Petite but perfect places for tapas, complete with great wine lists, can be found at the centrally located Tzin or southside Passo Tempo.

Victoria

For tapas in Victoria, it has to be The Tapa Bar. Tucked into historic Trounce Alley, in the heart of downtown, this has long been a favourite for its rich and delicious Latin flavours. Don't miss the roasted garlic soup and caesar salad!

Ottawa

To sample some of the most authentic tapas in town, head to Mambo Nuevo Latino. From the calamares sofrito to the samba meatballs, you'll be glad these dishes are meant for sharing, 77 Clarance St, 613-562-2500.

Halifax

Chic and stylish, Halifax's Mosaic Social Dining Lounge on Argyle Street, has won acclaim for its artful small-plate creations, featuring flavours from around the world. Don't miss the "Trio of Burgers."

Toronto

If small dishes for sharing is the order of the day, Kultura has a cool vibe, is central, and serves the new take on tapas—think trendy nibblies like Mediterranean chicken samosas and jerk chicken risotto.

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.

Via Rail winter seat sale

Save 50 per cent when you buy Silver & Blue or Comfort seats on the western-bound train Canadian, or Comfort seats on the eastern-bound Chaleur or Ocean trains.

Free spa credit the Delta Kananaskis

Ladies 13 and up receive an $85 spa credit at the Summit Spa and Fitness Centre when they stay for one night in a loft or family suite. Offer available until Dec 31, 2008.

Fly to Europe with Air Canada and earn up to double Aeroplan Miles

Non-stop flights between Canada and London or Paris can earn double Aeroplan miles (executive first) or 50 per cent bonus miles (economy class). Offer available until April 30, 2008.

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