Datebook: Kyoto, Quebec City and Virginia Beach

By HILARY HOWARD
The New York Times
Published: Dec 14, 2008

KYOTO, JAPAN

A dozen temples and sacred shrines in Kyoto will be open to the public during the Kyoto Winter Special, Jan. 10 to March 18. Participating temples, which are normally closed to tourists, include Anrakujuin Temple from the Asuka Period (around 550 to 700); the Taikoan at Tofukuji Temple, founded in 1346 and the head temple of the Rinzai Tofukuji Buddhist sect; Myoshin-ji Temple Sanmon Three Gates, the largest Zen temple in Kyoto and the head temple of the Rinzai Myoshinji sect; and the To-ji Temple, which is the head temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect and a World Heritage site. It’s also home to a 360-year-old, five-story pagoda. For more information, visit www.jnto.go.jp.

QUEBEC CITY

Freezing temperatures never stop Québécois from eating, drinking and being merry. The Quebec Winter Carnival (www.carnaval.qc.ca) will be held Jan. 30 to Feb. 15 in the heart of the city. Events include a dogsled race, outdoor dance parties, canoe racing, a flapjack breakfast and nighttime parades on Feb. 7 and 14. An ice palace will be erected in front of the National Assembly, and the Plains of Abraham, the large plateau just outside the city’s walls, will have a children’s village, arctic spas, zip-lining, snow rafting, sleigh rides and an international snow sculpture event. An ice-skating rink at Youville Place will be used both for recreational use and performances. This year’s theme is Masquerade, so be prepared for meddling clowns, oversize masks popping up in the parades and masked balls. Admission for all 17 days is 10 Canadian dollars, $7.85 at 1.27 Canadian dollars to the U.S. dollar.

VIRGINIA BEACH

Pecan fried oysters, Chesapeake Bay crab cakes, fried petite grouper filets with roasted piquillo pepper mojo, and mushroom risotto with a smoky cherry tomato vinaigrette will be just a few of the dishes served during Virginia Beach’s annual Restaurant Week, Jan. 18 to 25. More than 40 restaurants, including Fire and Vine, Lynnhaven Fish House, Mahi Mah’s, Salacia and Zoe’s, will offer two-course prix-fixe lunches for $10.09 and three-course prix-fixe dinners starting at $20.09. For more information, visit www.vbfun.com.

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