Vancouver food industry gives back in May

With the recent good weather here in Vancouver, people are anxious to enjoy the sun and get active in the city.

The timing is perfectbecause thereare some delicious local events coming up that will deliver some great food and drink, as well as give back to the community.

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On the Coast food columnistAnyaLevykhsharedtwo upcoming events that are sure to be highlights of the summer.

DishN'Dazzle

This event is the B.C. Hospitality Foundation's biggest event of the year and definitely on of their most popular.

More than a dozen top restaurants and chefs, from Whistler to the Fraser Valley, will be serving up bites including La Grotta del Formaggio and Homer St. Caf. There will be over 80 wines from 34 wineries as well as sixof the city's emerging bartenders competing in a signature cocktail competition.

Tickets are $75 and proceeds go towardhelping hospitality workers cover health bills they may not be able to afford not a baddeal for anight of unlimited feasting and drinking and all for a good cause.

When: May 7

Spot Prawn Festival

The annual festival is back at Fishermen's Wharf on Granville Island.

The festival is a wonderful family-friendly event, with the most popular part being the spot prawn boil, where local chefs serve you a dish of local B.C. spot prawns, fresh from Organic Ocean's boat, plus a selection of side dishes and bread.

There are also free samples of wine, beer and coffee, cooking demos from top local chefs, live music and a children's area that teaches kids about sustainable seafood.

You can alsobring cash and buy your own spot prawns to take home right off the Organic Oceans boat at the wharf.

Presented by the Chefs' Table Society of B.C., tickets are $17.50 each and proceeds will go towardsupporting sustainability as well as scholarships for young chefs.

When: May 17

To hear the full interview with Anya Levykh, listen to the audio labelled Dining Out for Charity