From June 1 to 7 this year, restaurants and bars across the globe will participate in Negroni Week, an international campaign that celebrates one of the world’s great cocktails in an effort to raise money for local charities.
Created in 2013 by Imbibe magazine and Campari, the concept is simple: restaurants and bars around the world create a variation on the classic Negroni, and donate a portion of the proceeds from each one sold to a charity of their choice. For patrons, it’s truly a win-win: they get to enjoy delicious limited time-only-concoctions and give back to a number of great causes. Last year, over 1,200 establishments participated worldwide raising over $120,000 for local charities, and that number is expected to be shattered this year.
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So what is a Negroni, you ask? Developed some time around 1919 in Florence, Italy, this simple yet distinctively complex cocktail is comprised of just three ingredients: gin, sweet vermouth and Campari.
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar will be celebrating Negroni Week beginning June 1, with carnival-inspired food and drink offerings that are sure to transport you back to the sun-drenched, care-free days of your childhood. Indeed, Negroni Week at Boulevard will truly be all about the kids, as partial proceeds from each item will be donated to Fawkes Academy, a grassroots organization that provides specialized education for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities in B.C.
Throughout the week, I’ll be offering my special “Negroni Spectrum” which features a trio of colourful Negroni ‘snow cones’ — a staple at any carnival, but with a playful twist. The kitchen team will also be getting in on the fun by serving up several whimsical, festival-inspired items from June 1-7.
So why not give back to the community and gather some friends for a Negroni Week bar crawl? Below is a full list of Vancouver establishments participating this year (check here for the most up-to-date list). Don’t forget to share your experience on social media using the hashtag #NegroniWeek. Happy imbibing!
Arriva Ristorante
1537 Commercial Dr.
Charity: BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
845 Burrard St.
Charity: Group ABA Children’s Society Fawkes Academy
Clough Club
212 Abbott St.
Charity: Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House
Cuchillo
261 Powell St.
Charity: The Dugout
Distillery Bar + Kitchen
1131 Mainland St.
Charity: BC Hospitality Foundation
Federico’s Supper Club
1728 Commercial Dr.
Charity: Reign Foundation
Grain Tasting Bar
655 Burrard St.
Charity: Special Olympics British Columbia Society
Granville Room
957 Granville St.
Charity: Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House
La Pentola
350 Davie St.
Charity: BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
Nicli Antica Pizzeria
62 E. Cordova St.
Charity: St. James Music Academy
The Blackbird Public House & Oyster Bar
905 Dunsmuir St.
Charity: Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House
The Diamond
6 Powell St.
Charity: A Better Life Foundation
The Keefer Bar
135 Keefer St.
Charity: Downtown Eastside Women’s Center
The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim
1038 Canada Pl.
Charity: Make A Wish Foundation
The Oakwood Bistro
2741 West 4th Ave.
Charity: BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
The Union Restaurant
219 Union St.
Charity: Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre
Tuc Craft Kitchen
60 West Cordova St.
Charity: MealShare
UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar
900 Seymour St.
Charity: Partners for Mental Health