This is a special episode where Don Shafer from The Conversation Lab interviews Nathan Fong about his passion for food and philanthropy.

Think you know kimchi? Think again. Vancouver’s Salty Cabbage makes kimchi for the conscious eater and happy palate. Plus, Di Beppe is holding their second annual Polenta Festival, Chickpea on Main is rocking plant-based Israeli cuisine, and new restaurants in New York and Victoria, B.C. have a local connection.

Vancouver International Wine Fest is about to launch. Find out what you need to know to attend and enjoy the many pours from around the globe. Also, The Pourhouse in Gastown has launched a new Prohibition era-inspired cocktail program, bringing back the Roaring 20s for the current 20s.

In this episode of Fong on Food, Nathan and co-host Anya chat with Carmen Ruiz from Sunpeaks and Julie Van Rosendaal author of the Dirty Food Cookbook.

Nathan celebrates Valentines Day with Thierry Busset from Thierry Patisserie and Chris Langridge, General Manager from Hy's Vancouver.

In this episode of Fong on Food, Nathan celebrates women in the hospitality industry. He chats to Melissa Craig, Executive Chef from Bearfoot Bistro, Lori Kataoka, Sake Somali from Yuwa, Lisa Skelton former owner from Wallflower, Shelome Bouvette from Chicha, and Amber Bruce from The Keefer Bar.

Sophika Kostyniuk of Ocean Wise tells us about the upcoming Chowder Chowdown at Vancouver Aquarium. Warren Barr and Lily Verny-Downey of Pluvia in Ucluelet drop in for a visit, and Sarah Common of Hives For Humanity talks bees and honey production in East Vancouver.

Christine Yee of House of Yee brings us her gluten-free CNY dumplings. Lee Man from Chinese Restaurant Awards and food journalist Stephanie Yuen discuss dining and symbolism for CNY Year of the Rat.

The Great Big Taste for Dine Out Vancouver is in support of BC Hospitality Foundation's community programs. Hear more about what you'll be eating and drinking, and who's involved, from Executive Director Dana Lee Harris. Shaun Layton of Como Taperia will be discussing their No.2 spot on Enroute's Best of Canada list. Ange Chew of Tourism Vernon dishes on fun winter festivals.

The Feast of the Epiphany started January 7, as does Orthodox New Year for Russian and Ukrainian families. Celebrations run until the end of the month, meaning lots of King's Cake! Elena Krasnova of Mon Paris Patisserie brings her Galette de Roi for us to try. Dine Out Vancouver starts January 16, with some 318 restaurants between White Rock and Whistler taking part. Lucas Pavan of Tourism Vancouver gives us the deets.