The Tuscan-inspired restaurant on Hornby St. with its signature garden courtyard will make way for a condominium development.

“It was a very bittersweet decision to make, as Il Giardino is one of my proudest career achievements,” he said in a statement. “The staff and loyal guests at Il Giardino are like family to me but I’m happy we are leaving on a high note and that diners will get a chance to experience Il Giardino once or twice more before we close and say one last good-bye. I’m deeply grateful for the loyalty and longstanding support of my gracious staff and chefs.”

Over the years, 65 year-old Menghi has operated 10 Italian restaurants both in Vancouver and in the U.S. They include La Cantina, Al Porto, Settebello, Il Palazzo and a franchise called Umbertino’s. He will continue to run his two Whistler restaurants, Il Caminetto and Trattoria di Umberto as well as Villa Delia, a cooking school and guest villa near Pisa, Italy.

The festivities start at 10:30am with two and a half hours of family entertainment at the Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square where there will be a live stage, gingerbread man decorating, a Write A Letter to Santa station, and face painting.

Following the parade, Pictures with Santa will be held from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Robson Square Ice Rink.

The Social Media Awards 2013 is a night of expert speakers, network mingling, and award-giving that aims to celebrate the city’s flourishing social media space.

“Vancouver has one of the most vibrant tech, startup, and social media communities in the world,” explains the Social Media Network, who created the awards. “We strive to recognize excellence in social media by post-secondary students and industry professionals in British Columbia.”

Speakers include Gillian Shaw from the Vancouver Sun and Amy Judd from Global TV. Judges include Karm Sumal from Vancity Buzz and Dave Olson from HootSuite.

The event will be on March 28, 2013 at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. While tickets don’t go on sale until January 7, nominations end soon, so nominate someone now.

Candytown is the only free, outdoor Christmas festival in downtown Vancouver and there’s something for everyone.

Families can get excited about Santa, live reindeer at Santa’s barn, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Hockey fans have a chance to meet Trevor Linden on the free Scotiabank Ice Rink at Bill Curtis Square.

And since this event is being organized by the business improvement association, they’ll be shopping. The All I Want for Christmas Street Market will line Mainland between Helmcken and Nelson.

Friday, November 23: 3pm – 9pm

The rumours are true.

Former MLA Lorne Mayencourt has confirmed speculation he’ll compete against former mayor Sam Sullivan for the B.C. Liberal nomination in Vancouver-False Creek.

“I’m really excited to have made the decision,” Mayencourt said at Yaletown restaurant La Terrazza on Wednesday. He’s “quite linked” to the riding that includes about one third of the former Vancouver-Burrard riding, which he represented from 2001 to 2008.

And he’s “not too worried” about going up against Sullivan in what’s sure to be a close race between two highly recognized politicians.

Image: Metro’s Emily Jackson

Hub mixes spacious booth seating with a bar stuffed full of flatscreen televisions displaying sports events at all times of day. Fortunately, only when there is an important game happening is the volume turned on, allowing regular diners to enjoy their meals to quiet music instead.

“Comfort reigns at Hub Restaurant and Lounge, where a stylish, relaxed room welcomes Yaletown locals and visitors alike,” the company says. “The original exposed wood beams and brick wall joined with plush booths and warm lighting set the stage for any occasion. Hub’s casually chic room buzzes with energy—a perfect fit 7 days a week, before, during and after the game.”

Hub is at 1165 Mainland Street. It opens as early as 10am and closes as late as 1am.

Local Insider’s Tip: They sell a take-out burger combo for $9.