New package at Metropolitan Vancouver gets visitors up and running

“Runner’s High” is perfect for casual joggers through to those participating in organized runs
www.metropolitan.com

March 23, 2011; Vancouver, B.C. - With year-round mild weather and some of the world’s most scenic jogging paths, Vancouver is a favourite destination for runners. In recognition of this, the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver has launched the new “Runner’s High” package to help visiting runners get out and explore the city, and support those in town to participate in one of Vancouver’s organized runs.

Located right in the centre of the city, Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver is close to many of the city’s most popular running routes, including the sea wall, Stanley Park trails and the parks along False Creek. Whether guests are just interested in a casual jog around the city, or are in Vancouver to take part in organized runs such as the Vancouver Sun Run, the BMO Vancouver Marathon and the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon, the new package gives runners the tools they need to make the most of their visit.

Guests will check in to a deluxe room, and receive a special runner’s welcome kit which includes local area running maps, the latest issue of Running magazine and a 10% discount card for the New Balance store on nearby Robson Street. Take a leisurely afternoon run before coming back to the hotel to enjoy the property’s well-appointed fitness centre complete with pool, sauna and cardio/weight room.

In the evening, guests will head down to dinner at the hotel’s renowned Diva at the Met restaurant for special carb-loading dinner, specially created by Chef Quang Dang. A combination of healthy, fresh flavours and energy-fueling carbohydrates, diners can start with dishes such as beetroot salad with shaved apples and tarragon yogurt dressing, before moving onto mains such as the slow poached sockeye salmon with English pea agnolotti, charred scallions and citrus vinaigrette. Then finish up with a light and healthy dessert, such as the house-made muesli bar with fresh squeezed orange “soda”, before settling in for a night of rest on Frette linens. On race day, enjoy a post-run soak in the hot tub to ease aching muscles, and a guaranteed late check-out.

The “Runner’s High” package includes
- Accommodations for two in a deluxe room
- Late check-out guaranteed
- Runner’s welcome kit in your guestroom
- Complimentary valet parking
- Three course CARB Dinner for two in Diva at the Met (excludes beverages, alcohol and taxes)

Priced from $215 (plus applicable taxes, based on double occupancy), the package is available on an ongoing basis throughout the year (blackout dates apply). For reservations, please visit the website at www.metropolitan.com/packages or call toll-free 1-800-667-2300.

Metropolitan Hotels operates four luxury properties: Metropolitan Toronto, the Soho Metropolitan, the Grande Rockies Resort and the Metropolitan Vancouver. With more than 920 rooms, Metropolitan Hotels is committed to providing luxury accommodation for business and leisure travellers seeking an independent choice. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Metropolitan strives to provide superior service with distinctive accommodations. Award-winning restaurants at Metropolitan Hotels include Hemispheres and Lai Wah Heen (Metropolitan Toronto), Senses (SoHo Metropolitan), Diva at the Met (Metropolitan Vancouver) and Lai Toh Heen (mid-town Toronto).

Anniversary celebrations continue at Diva with Div[a]ine Evolution menu

Dishes created by Diva’s former executive chefs for the March 10 gala will be available in the restaurant through to the end of April
www.divamet.com

March 11, 2011; Vancouver, B.C. – Hot on the heels of Diva at the Met’s sell-out “Div[a]ine Evolution” dinner, the restaurant is happy to announce that the exclusive menu created for the event will be available to Diva diners through to the end of April. In celebration of Diva’s 15th anniversary, the restaurant’s former executive chefs including opening chef Michael Noble, Scott Baechler, Chris Mills, Ray Henry, and Dino Renaerts joined forces with current executive chef Quang Dang to create a special seven-course menu for the dinner, with former executive pastry chef Thomas Haas responsible for the dessert course.

The seven dishes will appear on Diva’s dinner menu and will be available both as a set tasting menu priced at $95, as well as on an a la carte basis. In addition, all of the wines chosen to pair with the dishes for the gala dinner will also be available to accompany the tasting menu for an additional cost, as well as available by the glass.

Chef Quang Dang
shaved pemberton root vegetables
fine herb salad, sweet chili lime gel
JoieFarm, A Noble Blend, 2010, Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Chef Dino Renaerts
fennel bisque
smoked salmon, caviar, breaded quail egg
Blasted Church, Pinot Gris, 2010, Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Chef Ray Henry
bay of fundy lobster carpaccio
lobster & clam croquette, maple lemon gastrique
Meyer Family Vineyards, Tribute Series “Kenny McLean” Chardonnay, 2009, Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Chef Scott Baechler
truffle butter poached smoked black cod
celeriac puree, red onion marmalade
Foxtrot, Pinot Noir, 2006, Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Chef Chris Mills
cinnamon cured duck
roasted apple, goat brie & hazelnut dumpling sweet & spicy kabocha squash
Poplar Grove, Cabernet Franc, 2007, Okanagan, B.C.

Chef Michael Noble
horseradish braised tenderloin of beef
oxtail potato pavé, leffer’s farm carrot puree
Sandhill, Small Lots Two, Sandhill Estates Vineyard, 2007, Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Chef Thomas Haas
pink grapefruit sorbet with tapioca pearls, campari, passionfruit & mint
&
mille feuille of chocolate and local hazelnuts with warm chocolate truffle & decadent chocolates
Quails Gate, Fortified Vintage Foch, 2008, Okanagan Valley, B.C.

The Div[a]ine Evolution event was held on March 10, 2011, bringing back all of the restaurant’s former executive chefs for a dinner to celebrate Diva at the Met’s culinary journey, and the impact the restaurant has had on the city’s dining scene through mentoring a generation of young chefs. Proceeds from the event went to Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver.

Metropolitan Hotels operates four luxury properties: Metropolitan Toronto, the Soho Metropolitan, the Grande Rockies Resort and the Metropolitan Vancouver. With more than 920 rooms, Metropolitan Hotels is committed to providing luxury accommodation for business and leisure travellers seeking an independent choice. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Metropolitan strives to provide superior service with distinctive accommodations. Award-winning restaurants at Metropolitan Hotels include Hemispheres and Lai Wah Heen (Metropolitan Toronto), Senses (SoHo Metropolitan), Diva at the Met (Metropolitan Vancouver) and Lai Toh Heen (mid-town Toronto).

Div[a]ine Evolution event marks 15 years of Diva's culinary journey

March 10th dinner brings back former chefs for one night to celebrate the restaurant’s impact
on the city’s dining scene through innovation and mentorship
www.divamet.com

February 14, 2011; Vancouver, B.C. - On March 10, several noted Canadian chefs will return to Diva at the Met for one night: Div[a]ine Evolution. The extraordinary event will bring back all of the restaurant’s former executive chefs for a dinner that celebrates Diva’s culinary journey, and the impact the restaurant has had on the city’s dining scene through mentoring a generation of young chefs. Appropriately, proceeds from the event will go to Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver.

Opening chef Michael Noble, Scott Baechler, Chris Mills, Ray Henry, and Dino Renaerts will join forces with current executive chef Quang Dang to create a special seven-course menu for the dinner. Former Executive Pastry Chef Thomas Haas will be responsible for the dessert course, while former restaurant chef Andrew Springett will be responsible for canapés served during the reception prior to dinner. As a further nod to the restaurant’s past, Diva’s original restaurant manager, John Blakeley will be back on the floor welcoming guests as they arrive. Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be CTV’s Coleen Christie.

“Both Diva and Vancouver’s restaurant scene have grown a lot since we opened the restaurant in 1996,” says Metropolitan Hotels President, Henry Wu. “The Metropolitan Hotel has always been known for its strong apprenticeship and mentoring program, and through that, we’ve had the pleasure of working with many talented chefs who have now spread out into the city’s strong restaurant scene and across the country. With the Div[a]ine Evolution event, we want to celebrate both where Diva has come from, and where we’re going.”

Tickets for Div[a]ine Evolution are $280 per person plus taxes, including a pre-dinner reception, seven-course dinner, all wine pairings, entertainment and gratuities, with net proceeds of ticket sales going to Big Brothers of Great Vancouver. A silent auction benefiting the charity will also be held during the reception.

Tickets are available now by calling 604.602.7759. Guests attending the dinner who wish to stay overnight can book a room at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver at a special rate of $145, plus applicable taxes by calling 604.643.7261.

Metropolitan Hotels operates four luxury properties: Metropolitan Toronto, the Soho Metropolitan, the Grande Rockies Resort and the Metropolitan Vancouver. With more than 920 rooms, Metropolitan Hotels is committed to providing luxury accommodation for business and leisure travellers seeking an independent choice. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Metropolitan strives to provide superior service with distinctive accommodations. Award-winning restaurants at Metropolitan Hotels include Hemispheres and Lai Wah Heen (Metropolitan Toronto), Senses (SoHo Metropolitan), Diva at the Met (Metropolitan Vancouver) and Lai Toh Heen (mid-town Toronto).

Celebrate Valentine's weekend with decadent dining at Diva

Special romantic menu is available for four nights – combine it with an overnight stay at the Metropolitan Hotel for the ultimate in romance
www.divamet.com

January 19, 2011; Vancouver, B.C. – Why limit celebrating your love to just the one day? Diva at the Met will offer a Valentine’s Weekend menu available over four nights, Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14. Couples looking to truly indulge can upgrade their experience with the “Be Mine at the Met” package for a luxurious overnight stay at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver.

Show the apple of your eye just how much they mean to you over a decadent four-course dinner created by Chef Dang – just $70 per person (exclusive of taxes and gratuities). The menu showcases the clean, contemporary Cascadian cuisine that Diva is known for, while offering a decadent experience for the senses. Options on the menu include herb crusted albacore tuna with Israeli cous cous and roasted red peppers, crispy skin sablefish with citrus and fennel salad, cinnamon smoked duck breast with lapin cherry sauce, and red wine crusted AAA beef tenderloin with Yukon gold potato fondant and celeriac. For the full menu, please click here.

A la carte dining will also be available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, with Monday night only offering the set menu. To create the ultimate in romance, the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver is offering a package the “Be Mine at the Met” package, including:

• One night’s accommodation with an upgrade to a Luxury room
• A bottle of sparkling wine in your room
• Early check-in and late check-out
• Complimentary valet parking

Starting at $175 (excluding applicable taxes), the package is based on double occupancy and is available February 11 through 14. The “Be Mine at the Met” package is also available with the addition of Valentine’s dinner for two at Diva for $299. For reservations, please visit the website at www.metropolitan.com/packages or call toll-free 1-800-667-2300.

Metropolitan Hotels operates four luxury properties: Metropolitan Toronto, the Soho Metropolitan, the Grande Rockies Resort and the Metropolitan Vancouver. With more than 920 rooms, Metropolitan Hotels is committed to providing luxury accommodation for business and leisure travellers seeking an independent choice. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Metropolitan strives to provide superior service with distinctive accommodations. Award-winning restaurants at Metropolitan Hotels include Hemispheres and Lai Wah Heen (Metropolitan Toronto), Senses (SoHo Metropolitan), Diva at the Met (Metropolitan Vancouver) and Lai Toh Heen (mid-town Toronto).

Diva's cast of star chefs all return for 15th anniversary gala event

All previous executive chefs return to restaurant to create a course for the March 10th charity dinner
www.divamet.com

January 10, 2011; Vancouver, B.C. – Former Diva at the Met executive chefs will return for one night only this March, contributing a course each to a special gala dinner celebrating the restaurant’s 15th anniversary. Opening chef Michael Noble, Scott Baechler, Chris Mills, Ray Henry, and Dino Renaerts will join forces with current executive chef Quang Dang to create a special seven-course menu for the event of March 10th, benefitting Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver.

When Diva at the Met opened in 1996, it shook up not only Vancouver’s hotel dining scene, but also the city’s restaurant scene in general. A high-end, contemporary room focusing on the region’s bounty of ingredients, Diva put its stamp on cutting edge dining in a city already known for innovation. Over the years, Diva at the Met has been home to a who’s who of Canadian cooking talent, informally functioning as an incubator for a whole generation of chefs.

“When we opened Diva at the Met 15 years ago, there was really nothing like it in Vancouver,” says Metropolitan Hotels President, Henry Wu. “We’re proud to say that the restaurant continues to celebrate the phenomenal ingredients and influences of the Cascadian region while forging ahead with innovative cuisine in a refined environment. With all of our executive chefs joining us, this event is the perfect way to celebrate both Diva’s roots and where we’re heading.”

Tickets for the Diva at the Met 15th Anniversary Gala are $280 per person (plus taxes), including a pre-dinner reception, seven-course dinner, all wine pairings, entertainment and gratuities, with partial proceeds of ticket sales going to Big Brothers of Great Vancouver. A silent auction benefiting the charity will also be held during the reception.

Tickets are available now by calling 604.602.7759.

Metropolitan Hotels operates four luxury properties: Metropolitan Toronto, the Soho Metropolitan, the Grande Rockies Resort and the Metropolitan Vancouver. With more than 920 rooms, Metropolitan Hotels is committed to providing luxury accommodation for business and leisure travellers seeking an independent choice. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Metropolitan strives to provide superior service with distinctive accommodations. Award-winning restaurants at Metropolitan Hotels include Hemispheres and Lai Wah Heen (Metropolitan Toronto), Senses (SoHo Metropolitan), Diva at the Met (Metropolitan Vancouver) and Lai Toh Heen (mid-town Toronto).

Diva offers three Cascadian courses for just $38

Make a night of it during Dine Out Vancouver and combine dinner with an overnight stay at the Metropolitan for an evening of outstanding value
www.divamet.com

January 6, 2011; Vancouver, B.C. – From January 24 to February 6, Vancouver diners can enjoy a three-course dinner at Diva at the Met for just $38! The special menu, created by Chef Quang Dang for the Dine Out Vancouver promotion, includes the indulgent and sophisticated Cascadian cuisine expected at Diva, with options such as Crispy Fraser Valley Pork Belly, a Duo of Yarrow Meadows Duck, and Pan Roasted Fraser River Sockeye Salmon. BC VQA wine pairings will be available with each menu choice for an additional cost.

“For Diva at the Met, the Dine Out Vancouver promotion gives us the opportunity to introduce new restaurant guests to our signature cuisine at a great price-point,” says Chef Quang Dang. “For those already familiar with Diva, we invite them to come and treat themselves without the need for a special occasion.”

Dine Out Vancouver reservations are now open and can be made either online through www.divamet.com, or by calling the restaurant at 604.602.7788.

First Course Gala Apple & Endive Salad whipped salt spring island goat cheese, pecan vinaigrette Desert Hills, Gewurztraminer, Okanagan, B.C. ~ or ~ Creamy Mushroom Soup sourdough crouton, chanterelle relish Cedar Creek “M”, Okanagan, B.C. ~ or ~ Crispy Fraser Valley Pork Belly warm beet salad, gribiche dressing Muse, Pinot Noir, Vancouver Island, B.C.

Main Course Yukon Gold Potato & Leek Cannelloni slow roasted turnips, sherry brown butter reduction Nk'Mip, Chardonnay, Okanagan, B.C. ~ or ~ Pan Roasted Fraser River Sockeye Salmon olive oil poached potato press, peas, cucumbers, manila clam essence Tantalus, Riesling, Okanagan, B.C. ~ or ~ Duo of Yarrow Meadows Duck creamy mustard spaetzle, braised red cabbage, okanagan lapin cherry jus Young & Wyse Merlot, Okanagan, B.C.

Dessert Passion Fruit Mousse Cake pineapple and citrus salad Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Ice Wine, Okanagan, B.C. ~ or ~ Dark Chocolate Sponge Cake anjou pear butter, caramel Chantilly Sumac Ridge Pipe, Okanagan, B.C.

To encourage diners to make a night of it, during Dine Out Vancouver, the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver is offering a stay in one of their Luxury rooms at a rate of just $138 per night. The rate is based on double occupancy and is available January 24 – February 6. For reservations, please visit Tourism Vancouver’s website here.

Metropolitan Hotels operates four luxury properties: Metropolitan Toronto, the Soho Metropolitan, the Grande Rockies Resort and the Metropolitan Vancouver. With more than 920 rooms, Metropolitan Hotels is committed to providing luxury accommodation for business and leisure travellers seeking an independent choice. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Metropolitan strives to provide superior service with distinctive accommodations. Award-winning restaurants at Metropolitan Hotels include Hemispheres and Lai Wah Heen (Metropolitan Toronto), Senses (SoHo Metropolitan), Diva at the Met (Metropolitan Vancouver) and Lai Toh Heen (mid-town Toronto).

Metropolitan Hotels offer choices for Christmas and New Year

Diverse entertaining options are available at some of Canada’s best restaurants including Vancouver’s Diva at the Met
www.metropolitan.com/xmas2010.htm

December 8, 2010; Vancouver, B.C. – This winter, the renowned chefs of Metropolitan Hotels want guests to entertain stress-free by leaving the shopping, cooking and cleaning to them. That’s why each Metropolitan restaurant has offered holiday dining options that play to each chef and restaurant’s strengths and unique style.

“The holidays is the season for celebration and spending time with family and friends,” says Caroline Neish, corporate director of food and beverage for Metropolitan Hotels. “By offering a variety of spectacular and yet value-driven choices for our customers, we hope that everyone can focus on enjoying his or her holidays with what is most important.”

Diva at the Met’s Chef Quang Dang has created menus for each special day of the season, with sumptuous dishes ranging from a more traditional butter-poached turkey breast, through to true Cascadian options such as Vancouver Island scallops with a duck “pho” broth. As is now tradition, Lai Wah Heen’s lineup includes its sumptuous New Year’s Day buffet that combines traditional Chinese classics like Peking Duck and abalone with international favourites such as Roast Prime Rib and sushi. Hemispheres Restaurant is already running its Christmas around the World Luncheon menu. Lai Toh Heen is planning a reprise of its successful Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners. Senses Restaurant will feature the luscious libation of Champagne to anchor its offerings. And Habitat Restaurant, the newest Metropolitan restaurant, also plans to be the focus of celebrations in Canmore with special dinners and its Twelve Days of Christmas festivities.

The entire range of Christmas and New Year’s special events can be found at www.metropolitan.com/xmas2010.htm.

Metropolitan Hotels operates four luxury properties: Metropolitan Toronto, the Soho Metropolitan, the Grande Rockies Resort and the Metropolitan Vancouver. With more than 920 rooms, Metropolitan Hotels is committed to providing luxury accommodation for business and leisure travellers seeking an independent choice. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Metropolitan strives to provide superior service with distinctive accommodations. Award-winning restaurants at Metropolitan Hotels include Hemispheres and Lai Wah Heen (Metropolitan Toronto), Senses (SoHo Metropolitan), Diva at the Met (Metropolitan Vancouver) and Lai Toh Heen (mid-town Toronto).