107787 Mon May 10 01:16:19 -0700 2004 4 24 Canada 0 582794 Going to Vancouver in a few weeks and trying to figure out if restaurants allow diners to bring their own wine and what typical corkage charges are. Anyone know? It's a big anniversary for us and we haven't been. Lumiere, West, Raincity? thx Mon May 10 01:16:19 -0700 2004 0 Jimbo 1 582801 In all my time eating out in Vancouver I have never seem people bring their own wine. That doesn't mean it isn't allowed but somehow I doubt it. I say call the restaurant of your choice and find out. As far as big anniversary dinners are concerned, if your budget isn't a restriction then I say go to Lumiere if you haven't been there before. The tasting menus are a treat and it will be a great evening. Other spots where we have been for anniversaries are West and Diva. I still remember the night in Diva where we got free dessert since the waitress sensed it was a special occasion. We never mentioned anything I guess we were doing too much gazing :-) Mon May 10 19:43:18 -0700 2004 582794 0 Chocoholic 2 582814 yup, it's illegal. however, most restaurants would oblige IF pre-arranged (you call & ask) for a nominal fee. one thing though, the caliber of places you want to visit have superb wine programs, and you should really let them do what they do best. many things on their lists would probably trump whatever you brought anyways... Tue May 11 16:42:04 -0700 2004 582801 0 thatguy2seatsdown 3 582815 thx for the info. i will try to call and see if they will oblige. i would probably purchase some wine or champagne as well. nothing personal, but i have seen the lists and there will be no 'trumping'. i'm sure they have some wonderful wines (for too much money) but they don't have wonderful wines that have special meaning to us--and they aren't charging me wholesale--and (my big beef with restaurant wine lists) they don't age their wine long enough. if you pay a %300 markup, you should get a wine that is ready to drink. Wed May 12 02:09:33 -0700 2004 582814 0 Jimbo 4 582820 Well there, Jimbo, You won't find much more than a 100% mark-up around town. Keep in mind that restaurants pay the same for wine as you do just walking into the store. And we have incredible value for food. Profit has to come from somewhere to keep the lights on, y'know. Also, yes it would be great to serve wines at their very best, but sitting on a few grand worth of inventory just isn't feasible for most. Again, we don't get any more deals on wine than the average consumer. You must have quite the cellar to beat most wine lists in town! Wed May 12 15:09:47 -0700 2004 582815 0 thatguy2seatsdown