EAT! Vancouver Food and Cooking Festival starts on Sunday

The 13th annual EAT! Vancouver Food & Cooking Festival is back, runningfrom Sunday, April 26 through Sunday, May 3, and this year, organizers say, will beits biggest ever.

Three days of events at BC Place will include cooking demonstrations and plenty of food to sample. Restaurants around town will also be holding top chef dinners and workshops on everything from "the love of bacon" to terrine making.

Meanwhile, a hospitality symposium will also see chefs, restaurant owners and food producers from across Canadadebate sustainable seafood, the beef industry and what kind of fish and meat will be on menus in future.

• Vancouver restaurants: 6 new cheap recommendations
• Vancouver fine dining experiencing a renaissance

On the Coast food columnistAnyaLevykhshared a few of the highlights and offered up some suggestions of whatyou should check out during the festival.

Pastry Tasting and Panel Discussion

Renownedpastry chefs includingThomas Haas,ChristopheBonzonand Adam Chandler discuss the art and science of sweets and share their experiences from the kitchen.

If you've got a sweet tooth, this event is for you, as atasting of each chef's signature pastry will be included. Space is limited to 40 seats, so act fast!

When: April 29
Where: Pinnacle HarbourfrontHotel,1133 W Hastings St, Vancouver

Canadian Artisan Food Pavilion

As you are sampling your way through the festival at BC Place, why not try some offeringsfrom a selection of local artisan producers?

The pavilion promises nominal tasting fees in hopesvisitors will discover locally-sourced products canbe an "affordable luxury."

When: May 1-3
Where: BC Place, Vancouver

Speed Rack Canada National Finals

A competition designed by female bartenders, for female bartenders.

This is an inaugural event here in Canada, featuring the country's top femalemixologists, with all proceeds supporting the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation BC/Yukon chapter.

A ticket gets you admission to the festival, entrance to the event and complimentary cocktails!

When: May 2
Where: BC Place, Vancouver

To hear the full interview with On the Coast food columnist Anya Levykh, listen to the audio labelled EAT!Vancouver