this girl's guide to enjoying metro vancouver

Christmas on the Air

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 21:13:00 +0000

It's not too late! On until Jan 1st, check out my fave stage, Pacific Theatre, for "Christmas on the Air". Filled with great talent and music, this small troupe had me humming along and laughing at puns and slapstick. I love the way the theatre is set up, and invariably take a front row seat right on the stage. Yes, the stage is the floor sandwiched by risers on opposite sides. And there's nothing like being up close to the energy and singing.

Maybe with a budding career in broadcasting I'm partial to a story centered on putting on a old-time radio show, but I love the references to CBC and all kinds of Vancouver trivia of the 40s and 50s. Lots of chuckles whenever there's mentions of Kerrisdale, Victoria, or other places and people in BC.

Pacific Theatre, Hemlock and 12th

Bao Bei for dessert in a hip spot

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Sat, 22 May 2010 23:34:00 +0000

Chinatown is on the cusp of a revival (did you read the front page feature on The Van Sun?) and in the midst and new kid on the block is Bao Bei.

It's in the old location of Superior Tofu cafe, which I thought was a humungous space under-utilize. Now, there's architectural details and pretty things to look at, and lot

s of seating. Good party music but maybe not for a quiet night out.

J. and I had already been out for a light meal but after walking and transit'ing on a lovely warm spring evening, we wandered into the Chinatown Night Market. Bao Bei had a street stall and their menu on display. We agreed that dessert would hit the spot.

I chose a creamy lemony panna cotta. It was like the consistency of a thick yogurt, lightened with a good hit of lemon curd. The sesame brittle that came with it: I could have done without. It was too thick, therefore to hard to bite into and too sticky and not brittle enough. Without it, I still enjoyed the panna cotta.

Since I was not driving, I ordered a cocktail. It was a lime coke and rum with a shot of Ribena (but I could not taste it). I like tartness, but J. thought it was too tart from the lime.

J. ordered a deep fried banana with a scoop of gelato. They battered and deep fried those little baby bananas and so they were starchier than regular bananas.

Definately hit the sweet tooth a reasonable price point of around $6-7 each item.

If you like to hit the trendy spots, you've got to try Bao Bei and it's even better atmosphere if you pair your visit with a Chinatown Night Market night. Have all the treats and proteins and fun food-on-a-stick or styrofoam box and then pop in for dessert and drink.

Bao Bei, 163 Keefer Street, Vancouver, BC (604) 688-0876

Las Tortas on Cambie: yummy sandwiches

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Sat, 22 May 2010 23:10:00 +0000

Las Tortas takes a very simple idea of sandwiches and like that famous phrase, "kicks it up a notch". The sandwich is huge in size and the filling combinations are varied: there's something here for every taste: spicy, vegetarian, breakfast, deep fried, traditional turkey.

When J. and I walked into the small storefront, we immed

iately picked up the br

own paper bags on which is printed the menu. Write your name, customize your fixin's, add drink, soup, etc... and bring to the front counter.

What we got was very satisfying and a nice light meal. J.'s order was the combo of the day, a chicken schnitzel-like sandwich with house-made chips and drink (our choice being a cup of horchata, Mexican almond milk). And mine was a stuffed pulled pork sandwich and a bowl of tortilla soup. First time I've had it, and it was very good. Kinda like a warm gazpacho or salsa with pieces of tortilla thrown in like noodles, and a few crispy ones on top for texture. Yummy!

Some of the toppings included fresh cabbage. Something not seen in typical North American sandwiches but here it gave the sandwich a fresh and crunchy flavour.

It's a little pricey but you do get value for your dollar. Sandwiches hover in the $8 area. The combo is a good deal at just under $10.

It's been a while since I've had a torta from Duffin's Donuts, where I can get a torta around $5,

but I'd come back here for the quality.

Las Tortas, 3353 Cambie St (604) 569-1402

My first Matzo and Splitz burger

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 06:16:00 +0000

... a couple of firsts on the same day!

First, I admit it has been some time since my last post, but of course, I have not stopped eating ^_^ Meantime, I have consistently taken photos (with a new better camera!) of all the new things I've eaten.

How is it that I've waited this long to have a matzo ball? But must do it right, so my first was going to be from Solly's Bagelry. A large serving was a good bowl with two matzos and a very nice sweet-salty (balanced) chicken soup. At just about $6 it's not a bad deal for a good filling portion. I looove the bagel "chips" that were served on the side.
Also, if you're at Solly's, have a slice of the cinnamon-y and soft apple strudel. This isn't the stuff you find in the supermarket: crunchy and flaky. It's a soft pastry that's still got substance. You can have it with whip cream but we reserved from that seeing as this was pre-dinner appy ^_^

Splitz Grill is an import from Whistler. According to the signage, it proved popular and they decided to expand down mountain. And yes, it's popular. We sat down with our burgers and minutes later there was a 6 person line up to order. The unique sell about Splitz is the customization of your burger. A range of sauces and toppings, including unconventional ones like hummus, alfalfa sprouts, sliced cucumbers, hot sauce (I think house made).

I ordered a legendary Splitz burger (the regular one) and J. went for exotic bison. We both agreed the bison was the better tasting one. I found that the burger mix had too much spice. The bison burger mix had more balanced ratio of spice to meat. We also felt the beef burger was too fatty after having the leaner bison. You line up and wait along side the grill for your burger to be grilled and wrapped. We were both impressed with the taste and quality of the burgers and we're coming back to try new toppings and sauces ~_^

One thing I have to add is that I had really great fries too. J. liked the onion rings. But I really really liked the fries with the gravy. (Actually I started dipping my burger in the gravy too!)

Solly's Bagelry, 368 West 7th Ave, Vancouver (604) 675-9750
Splitz Grill, 4242 Main Street, Vancouver, BC (604) 875-9711

Olympic Adventures: A simple chair

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:05:00 +0000

I wish I had a photo for this: picture an adirondack chair. Made with real wood. Just the right slope for you to lean back into. A chair that transports you to a clear night on the shores, looking at a gorgeous sunset with a drink in hand. Now add to that the satisfaction that your chair was locally made and by an ethically responsible organization.

The Grape Box made all the adirondack-style chairs at the BC Hydro Power Smart Village. You can plop yourself into one of those comfortable and sturdy chairs and watch live Olympics coverage. The makers also work with an organization that trains and finds work for adults with intellectual disabilities, providing support and an opportunity to integrate into the regular workforce.

The Grape Box has its name from the range of wine crates they mainly produce.

The Grape Box

Olympic Adventures: Expo at Edgewater Casino

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:47:00 +0000

[to my new friends from Radio Skills Course: yes, it's a better story with characters!]

All the concessions at the Olympic venues look the same. Everyone can have Olympic wine, Olympic cola, the hamburger or the fish and chips. Sure, I'll give it up to the Surrey Celebration site for having the best variety: East Indian butter chicken, Jamaican patties, and even Native Canadian bannock. But it's still all pre-approved, cookie cutter meals.

A few days into the experience that is the Olympics, I wanted a break from Olympic mascots and merchandising. As if from another world, I heard the melody of a song that wasn't that insidious "I Believe", and hunting down the source, I found a live music stage at Plaza of Nations.

And there was still more: a HUGE food court, a retail marketplace, and a beautiful view of the Athlete's Village across the waters.

Behind one counter, I watched a family: mom, dad, and their 2 toddlers running the takoyaki stand. Local entrepreneur, Baby-ya, features her cutest imported baby clothes from Japan.
West Broadway's Maurya Indian Cuisine in the food court have top quality butter chicken.

Visit this off-Broadway version of the Olympics if you're a Pepsi fan (Coca Cola being the official and only soft drink approved by Vanoc). And how local is this: there are White Spot burgers and red Clam Chowder.

If you're so inclined, and of age, you can even squeeze in some poker in the casino, or check out the pin trading indoors.

How to get here: head West along seawall past the Sochi House and provincial pavillions on the old Expo '86 grounds.

All the concessions at the pavilions look the same. Everyone can have Olympic wine, Olympic cola, and the hamburger or fish and chips. Sure, I'll give Surrey Celebration site for having the best variety: butter chicken, Jamaican patties, and even bannock. All served from behind sterile and corporate counters. Where's the character?

If you have guests from out of town, if you miss our summer night market scene, if you want variety and would like to see a real outdoor marketplace (without the Olympic mascots and merchandising), check out the outdoor plaza just outside of Edgewater Casino (aka Plaza of Nations). There's a stage with live music, a huge (!) food vendor area, a good size vendor area, and a beautiful view of the Athlete's Village.

What I like best of this expo, and kudos to the organizers, is that here are a lot of vendors who get no facetime at Vanoc's venues because they're not official sponsors. There are a lot of great companies and products that aren't official. Small businesses, local stuff, mom and pop booths (I saw mom, dad, and their 2 toddlers running the takoyaki stand).

I was even impressed that Maurya Indian Cuisine (once on FoodTV's Opening Soon, and one of the "white table-cloth" restaurants I've been wanting to check out) had a booth in the food court. Very very good butter chicken and rice. I've read that a good butter chicken has tomatoes in the sauce and this is the first time I could taste the tomatoes (well, given all the other butter chicken I eat is from the mall food court vendors...).

This food court is where you can go if you're a Pepsi fan (did I mention that this site is not an official Olympics site - yahoo!) and you can have --- wait for it --- White Spot burgers!!! Even their (red) Clam Chowder.

If you're so inclined, and of age, you can even squeeze in some poker in the casino, or check out the pin trading indoors.

How to get here: head West along seawall past the Sochi House and provincial pavillions on the old Expo '86 grounds.

Noted by michelle at 11:47 AM ShareThis

Olympic Adventures: Olympic tram line

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:09:00 +0000

The Olympic Line is a free tram-ride from the Cambie/Olympic Village stop on the Canada Line and goes to the entrance to Granville Island. The train is so classic in appearance, it looks like it came out of a Euro guidebook. But when you step in, it's competely modern. What I have to compare it to is the vintage train that runs along the same tracks during the nice summer weather. It's quiet and comfortable.

Whether this idea will fly in car-centric Vancouver is another thing. Have something on ground level that drivers will have to stop and wait for? Heavens! (But I, ever the optimist, will carry on hoping.)

Check this train out as it's a convenient way to get to family-friendly events at Swiss House and Place de la Francophonie that are located on the Island for the whole of the Olympics.

Olympic Adventures: shopping at the Bay

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

So you want to pick up some Olympic memorabilia? Or that Canada shirt to show your true patriot love pride? Oh no! The lines at the Olympic Store is massive at the Downtown HBC.

No worries. Head up to the 5th floor, where there is also uniforms from China, Russia, USA, Italy and others. And some select items from the Canada Team line downstairs. Toss a few toques, mitts, and a hockey jersey in your basket and you'll be out before your transit transfer is up!

HBC (The Bay), 674 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1Z6, Canada

Olympic Adventures: House of Switzerland

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:34:00 +0000

Found myself with an afternoon that wasn't booked with work. J. and I hopped on a #50 Waterfront bus from downtown and (due to Cambie Bridge closure) found ourselves at Granville Island only 10 minutes later!

We made a bee-line for the Bridges Restaurant using the pathway following the West boundary of the Island. It's facing the marina and fish docks. Very quiet today, with only two days to kickoff. I guess the drizzly but consistent rain kept locals and visitors indoors where it's dry.

I read that there would be Swiss specialty dishes featured alongside Bridges own menu. I hoped for some chocolate, but that wasn't in the cards (psst! last Saturday of Feb will be Lindor Day!). It's a short menu but demonstrative. We were there mid-afternoon so ate a little lighter, ordering two appetizers. J. ordered the charcuterie plate; it came with pickles, onions, bread, cheese: much like an Italian antipasto. I read the charcuterie were meats specially brought in from Switzerland, and was looking forward to it. J. and I were not disappointed. It was a pleasant sampling.

I had a Swiss sausage and cheese salad. Light and tangily dressed. The salad was not the most elegant looking, and would answer to the name "chopped." I was interested in knowing how different Swiss sausage would taste. It was tasteful, yet curiously, as if true to Swiss type, neither here nor there: colour and taste reminded me of a european wiener, and the build (mix) reminded me of a farmers' sausage. I was unfairly hungry, being so late, but I did really like the salad.

We also tried Rivella Red and Green varieties. It's a drink, amber in colour, and made with milk serum (forgive us, we could only read the labels in French). Tasty and not too sweet, having much less sugar than in a conventional can of pop.

The restaurant has added touches to make it feel like a chalet, and while there is no display, the food and the atmosphere would be something to check out. Like some other country houses, Swiss House will celebrate with home country medal Olympians.

Bridges (House of Switzerland) 1696 Duranleau Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S4, Canada
(604) 687-7351

Mistral: a lovely French lunch

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:49:00 +0000

Ooh la la. Mistral is a gem of a find and their lunch menus are great for enjoyable lunch hour (or two!). Owners have carved a niche for their eatery, a good business decision when your next-door competitors were Rob Feenie and currently Daniel Boulud.

J. and I were in fact heading to Moderne Burger, but walked by Mistral and was enticed to stop. There is an a-la-carte menu and four differently-priced fixed menus. Ranging from 21 to 24, and each having two choices for appetizer and main, there's a menu to suit whatever your craving or desire for French food.

I was sold on the sardines on the $22 menu, and I was not disappointed when on my table arrived the sardine and potato salad app. The portion size was generous, and I would have mistaken it for a lunch entree. The potato salad was home-styled, but not over dressed or soft (from sitting too long). It tasted fresh, and paired very well with the fresh sardine fillets. These aren't your tin can variety sardines. These were wonderful fish which made me wonder why I don't buy these in the market more often.

The main was a very flavourful bourride, saffron and seafood. Perhaps because of the cream, it almost did me in: I just about put my fork down in a gesture of defeat! It was likely that I had chosen another dish with a good portion of potatoes, leading to overload. But check out that prawn! And all the fish and shellfish were cooked just to done. Still sweetly salty with their own juices. It was certainly decadent to choose this for lunch, but I couldn't resist the name: something French, and with a double-r! I've been a sucker for well-named dishes.

For J.'s dishes, he started with a oh-so-French onion tart (I know, the irony of anyone who knows how much J. and I refuse to eat onions haha) and had a fish steak over ratatouille for main. Again, just like with my dishes, I was impressed with the portions provided.

For dessert, we were allowed to choose outside of our prix-fixe and from any of the five offered. J. chose creme brulee, very rich and satisfying. And I chose belgian waffle with house-made ice creams. I must say that it was the best coffee ice cream I had ever had anywhere! It took some time for the dish to arrive, but based on the noises emanating from the kitchen, the whirr of a blender, etc... they made the waffle from scratch.

Mistral is a lovely place to luxurate for a lunch, gallic style, or to treat yourself to a tasteful French dinner, without hype or flash.

Mistral Bistro, 2582 West Broadway, Vancouver 604-733-0046 (open Tu-Sat lunch and dinner, closed Sunday and Monday)

Enjoy last of summer from the Boathouse Bar

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:39:00 +0000

Psst! Have you heard the great 'appy hour specials at the Boathouse locations? Drop in the bar for a drink and have with it some great appies like sliders in salmon, beef, and halibut, or the beef satays, or the quesadilla. Appies start at a wallet-friendly 2.79. And the ringer? Oysters are a buck a shuck! It's perfect for the summer, to enjoy the last warm days with drink and snack in hand, and of course, good company.

The Boathouse has 6 locations: Vancouver (English Bay), West Van (Horseshoe Bay), Richmond, New West, Port Moody and White Rock.

Check out Altar Boyz, and Songs For a New World

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:04:00 +0000

There's no shortage of talent and opportunity to see said talent in Vancouver. Song and dance is something that we have here in good supply. So here are two that I've been to see recently and I'm telling you: go watch 'em!

Altar Boyz is playing at the Arts Club in Granville Island, and is an off-broadway show that's been playing in lots of places since 2004. It takes pot shots at boy bands and Christian music. Since altar boys are traditionally found in Catholic churches, of which I am a member of, I found lots to chuckle at about these boys. The ensemble cast has lots of energy and the show is like watching a pop music concert, but it's all about G.O.D. Lots of fun and worth seeing.

"Songs For a New World" is at Pacific Theatre, a small venue that you've likely driven past many times but didn't know was there, in the basement of that church on Hemlock and 12th. Last year, I saw "The World Goes 'Round" by the Not Another Musical Co-op (and I'm not alone in enjoying it: they earned a Jessie nomination for the ensemble!). This time, Songs for a New World is a song cycle, but you won't find these songs in other off-broadway plays. They were written and arranged to fit a common theme. Nonetheless, the songs are catchy, polished Broadway quality. Songs that stay with you long after you've left the theatre.

The talent is fantastic! I'm still a fan of Alison MacDonald: she does a wickedly great Mrs. Claus. And Jennifer Neumann has wonderful vocal range and is such a treat to listen to. The men are new to the Co-op's show this year: Daren Herbert has style and rich voice that I loved in The Steam Train, where he also demo'd his b-balling skills. Jonathan Winsby comes off from a run of Les Miz at Arts Club; he is "stage presence" personified for me.

So check out Songs For a New World and Altar Boyz before the 29th rolls around and you'll regret missing out!

West End Farmers Market: yummy food!

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:19:00 +0000

My dad loves cherries and had to make the visit to the West End farmers market when he got the email blast from his fav cherry provider, Jobsthof Orchards (their market schedule).

While there I snapped a pic of me eating lovely swiss cheese, ham, mushrooms and egg crepe, from "Et Voila!". Extra cheesy and what a good breakfast! And the batter was made with buckwheat. Don't usually find that around town. So tasty!

Lots of vegs and fruits, it would have been a treat to pick up beets and zuccini for a dinner. Potatoes too! And some local fresh sausage or fish would have been just the ticket!

I loved best that the market stalls were set in front of a beautiful row of character homes in Mole Hill. I could have sworn that I was transported to a village in France!

West End Farmers Market, at Nelson Park, 1100 Comox St., at Thurlow
and I'll have to visit Et Voila at their location in Harbour Centre downtown!

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:08:00 +0000

This weekend is Vancouver Folk Festival weekend! Three days of folksy music, outdoors, on the beach. And weather should be nice! Does life get better than this? Enjoy nature and music. I want to check out Saturday night: Steven Page (formerly of BNL) and The Proclaimers ("I will walk 500 miles...") are two of the five main stage acts. There's tons to see as the party starts at 10am and there are 7 smaller stages to check out. All of it for the price of one ticket!

The Folk Fest is one of the first I've heard of in Vancouver that organize a plate service, to reduce waste. Yay for the environment!

And one last thing: for the first time they've got a beer garden. Party responsibly! ^_^

Vancouver Folk Music Festival
at Jericho Beach, July 17-19

My first Japadog

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:50:00 +0000

After all I've heard and seen about Japadog stands, I finally got to try one today. And when we get there, J. and I face several boards full of different sausage and topping combinations. Which one do I pick? The one with the quote from Vancouver Magazine: "101 things you have to taste before you die".

It was a fantastic Japanese pork sausage (kurobuta) topped with terimayo: teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, seaweed slivers, and something else. Kurobuta has a "bite" similar to a european wiener casing. The kind that crunches when you bite. And it's an incredibly juicy dog. I love the scent of seaweed before I bite, and the mix of salty sweet and fatty in each bite of the dog.

They've also got "turky" and bratwurst dogs. And what I'm looking forward to my next visit when I'll get the dog topped with okra! Yum!

Japadog, on Twitter as @JapaDog
Two locations on Burrard St.: at Smithe and at Pender
And new location at Coal Harbour Community Centre

New Main St. Station Farmer's Market

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Finally! A farmers' market for the mid-week groceries run! Starting this past week, on every Wednesday until the fall, there is a string of farmers' market booths along the park opposite the bus depot on Terminal St. Oh joy! Now I can stop by on my way home (it runs from 3pm to 7pm) and pick up breads, cheeses, vegs, fresh herbs and even meats!

List of Farmers' Markets around Vancouver from Eatlocal.org
New Station Street Market, eatlocal.org

Jazz Festival kicks off: check out CBC Studio One free jazz

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:26:00 +0000

Free is such a common word -- free shipping, free gift with purchase, free hot dog -- but I sit up and take notice when it's for something of quality. And CBC Studio One series has got quality in spades. From now until and including July 1st, there will be a different jazz musician every night. Shows are a comfortable 45 mins and there are two to choose from: 5pm or 6pm.

I went to Mimosa last night and they were fantastic! Spicy latin rhythms, fun ska, and at times, bright silly lyrics (I love the song about the bumblebee!). Lead vocalist Rebecca has a wonderful voice. Mimosa also performs in english, french, and spanish! How Canadian! And when they sing a song made for Halloween, you can't help but feel like moving your feet.

There's still time to check out the rest of the series. Line up outside the CBC building (775 Cambie, between Robson and Georgia) starting at 4:00pm.

CBC Studio One Jazz Series, part of Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Mimosa

A Vancouver icon: Hamburger Mary's

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:17:00 +0000

I don't have pictures of Hamburger Mary's but maybe that's for the better: you have got to experience this place with your own eyes. They have great '50s diner decor, lots of neon and lots of memorabilia hanging on the walls.

Yes, here you can experience the hamburger in any incarnation. They have four or five different patties you can choose from, including organic beef, bison and wild game combination. Food here will hit the comfort spot and stick to the ribs. I had the truly big Winnipeg perogies, only because I wanted to know if I could eat the full pound that it claimed to be (I couldn't finish!).

Hamburger Mary's Diner, 1202 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC (604)687-1293

A really big burger: Costco

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:10:00 +0000

As with all things from Costco, this burger is also club-sized. It's a full half pound (weight before cooking) of meat. They put a nice slice of chedder, some lettuce and tomato. Fries and a drink round out the meal. For just under 6, it is very good bang for the buck.

Available at Costco on Expo Boulevard (map)

Noodles and Dumplings: Wang's Shanghai Cuisine

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:54:00 +0000

The food court at Crystal Mall is just so well hidden. In fact the quality and variety of food is so great, I'm not surprised that almost every table is filled at lunch hour, even on the weekend. I hit Wang's and must order a basket of Xiaolongbao. For under two toonies, you get five lovely little pockets of meaty and soupy goodness. And perfect for the summer are Wang's cold noodles: a delicious peanut and sesame sauce over a huge bed of cucumber, soy beans, cooked ham and rice noodles. Keep looking if you can't find Wang's: it's on the far, dead-end side of the food court, the last stall on the east wall.

Wang's Shanghai Cuisine, Suite 2110, Crystal Mall, 4500 Kingsway, 604-909-6688

Opera in the City

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:26:00 +0000

Want to enjoy high art, but in a small dollar setting? Here's some tips for those who, like me, are watching where the spending money goes.

Opera students will invariable stage a huge production as a final project or end of the year goal. UBC School of Music has a wonderful opera program. This past Spring, I was pleasantly surprise by the calibre and talent that appeared on stage in a production of Verdi's Falstaff, based on characters from some of Shakespeare's plays. Tickets then were only around $25, when the professional shows will start at $50 to 90 a ticket. Feel good about supporting students as they embark on their careers. Bonus: save your program and you can proudly say in 5 to 10 years time, "I remember seeing so-and-so before becoming famous!"

UBC Opera

Going up on the talent scale to amateur, I absolutely recommend checking out Opera Pro Cantanti (Opera for the Singers). Their mandate is to be together sing and perform opera, it's that simple. So J. and I went to their year end gala, a marathon 4 hours of opera! There were ample breaks, and even so, at $20 per person it's certain great value for your dollar. There are some performers who make the evening a real treat. Pro Cantanti is fantastic for anyone who wants to try or experience opera for the first time, but the thought of going to a black-tie grand theatre gives you hives. Pro Cantanti performs in the Welsh Hall off Main St. and holds at most 100 seats. Check out their extensive schedule for Summer all the way to Spring 2010: lots of variety, big name composers; Italian and English-language productions. I recommend keeping an eye out for when Lucia di Lammermoor comes up in their repertory cycle (a different opera every couple of weeks). Highlight: they want to bring operas to everyone, so money should not be an obstacle: they have a pay-what-you-can policy.

Opera Pro Cantanti

Twitter from your Rogers phone

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Sat, 09 May 2009 03:38:00 +0000

Sometimes when I go out, I say to myself, "Oh, I would love to put that up on twitter, right now on my phone." And think longingly of the US cell phone providers who have that set up. Well, joy! Rogers Wireless has now got a deal with Twitter to allow SMS updates to your twitter account and updates to your phone via SMS! I can tweet from my phone! And it's all a part of my package SMS plan, so no extra charges, and I can get some real mileage out of my SMS plan. Extra joy!

Media release

Lea Salonga in concert in September 2009

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:55:00 +0000

Giddy when I saw the ad in the Van Sun today: September 18th Lea Salonga will be in concert in Metro Vancouver at River Rock.
Ok, is it just a me thing? This girl made it big on Broadway, forever making the part of Eponine hers in Les Miz (youtube). And she was the singing voice of Mulan in the Disney film.

Tickets at Ticketmaster

Cambie Street party

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:38:00 +0000

So Cambie Street: did you ever think the construction was going to end? On Saturday, Canada Line and Best Buy host an "opening" party. They're calling it the "Cambie All Access". Dancers, music, and entertainment for all ages. Including 54-40 at 3:30pm. So it's this Saturday, Apr 28, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Best Buy's site

Burgoo is OK but needs tweaking

noreply@blogger.com (michelle) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:04:00 +0000

At Main and 15th there used to be a Subway. Now you can't tell since Burgoo opened a second location, what with the gorgeous warm cabin decor they've picked for the place.

Try the strawberry lemonade. Try it on the lovely patio. What a pose to strike to welcome the well-appreciated sunny Vancouver weather we've been having. A white sangria is good too.

I've been here for lunch twice. First time with A. when she and I shared a salad from the fresh sheet (see right, Sprung salad: mix greens, nuts, pear, and a little too much blue cheese), and a mac and cheese (I read somewhere that it was highly recommended and found for myself that the grilled cheese mix topping was really great but the noodles inside was merely OK and served at just warmed temperature).

But we both agreed whole heartedly that that biscuits are the best! Fantastic! So on my next visit I ordered the namesake dish, a meat stew which is served with the biscuits (see left). And on this visit with J., he had only the seafood chowder (see right). He was impressed with the portion and presentation, but again the temperature: it wasn't piping hot from the kitchen. Now it's my growing concern, and I'm not sure I would go back.

However, I should temper that with my observation at dinner hour. I went with acquaintances, but I had only a drink. Half of those with me had the tangine, which I recall had some steam wafting from the dish. So maybe the tangine is served piping hot.

Despite how the name sounds, you're not going to find burgers here.

Burgoo, 3096 Main St., Vancouver 604-873-1441