Rick Chung | Vancouver Culture

SIDECAR 2012: GRANVILLE ROOM x CLOUGH CLUB x MARKET x HOUSE GUEST

2012-02-12T00:22:00.000-08:00

Sidecar Trolley Tour 2012 pub crawl at Granville Room, Clough Club, Market by Jean-Georges, and House Guest on February 9, 2012.

more @ flickr | culturemonster.ca

Hitting up the Granville Room, level one of our drink social, living up to last year's wicked Cocktail Art Tour. The Absolut Elyx was the cocktail of choice here with each spot featuring its own signature, specially crafted drink.

Kristie Yung and I enjoying our Havana Club craft cocktail at Clough Club after discovering the crazy cool back room seeking cover from the crowded bar room.

Danica Jeffery and I posing at stop #2 of 4 in between being escorted to the different bars via classic trolley.

Upstairs at Market by Jean-Georges led by Jay Jones aka Barjonesing in the Shangri-La Hotel.

Dennis Pang and I all glazed smiles and goofy stares, having a good time chilling in the Market lounge.

Kristie and the rest of us enjoying the Beefeater 24 craft cocktail with a pungunt, strong flavour yet no painful aftertaste.

Returning to House Guest, the final stop, for my favourite cocktail of the night, the Absolut Elyx craft cocktail, a tasty beverage.

More good times from the boys Jordan and Tyson circa The Social Concierge, celebrating the start of the Tales of the Cocktail festivities in the city.

VANCOUVER DAZE #55: BC TREE FRUITS x APPLE MONTH x FOLLOW ME FOODIE

2012-02-09T00:58:00.000-08:00

Vancouver Daze, Volume 55: BC Tree Fruits' 52nd annual Apple Month celebration at V-Lounge at Earls Restaurant in Yaletown on February 8, 2012. Published in Vancouver Is Awesome.

more @ flickr | trendingit.ca

I had no idea February did double duty as not only Black History Month, but also, Apple Month. Interesting.

I hit up BC Tree Fruits' celebration of the 52nd annual Apple Month at V-Lounge in Yaletown. Mijune Pak of Follow Me Foodie fame presented her apple pie in-a-jar dish, a modified version of her Canadian pie featured on the Food Network's Recipes to Riches.

"Each February, Apple Month encourages Canadians to enjoy and celebrate the variety of delicious apples grown in our own backyard."

Earls Head Chef Martin Keyer created an apple inspired menu. We sampled the tasty creations including apple spiked beverages. It basically tasted like an Apple mojito.

I chomped on some delicious grilled chicken mini sandwiches with brie, apple slices on ciabatta bread.

Be sure to check out Mijune's apple pie in-a-jar public tasting at Salty Tongue Cafe on February 18 and enjoy the rest of Apple Month.

LUNCH x DINESTY CHINESE RESTAURANT x RICHMOND

2012-02-08T00:32:00.000-08:00

Lunch at Dinesty Chinese Restaurant in Richmond on February 5, 2012.

We returned to Dinesty for a good Chinese food lunch on Super Bowl Sunday before guzzling down beer and snacks for the big game.

Of course, we sampled their award-winning xiaolongbao soup dumplings, chosen #1 by both myself and the Chinese Restaurant Awards.

We ordered a bunch including eggplant, beef rolls, beef and gai lan, jellyfish, rice cakes, and more.

The Chinese donut wrapped in egg and batter was interesting and tasty fried goodness.

The thick noodles are always delicious especially with some of the eggplant dish's sauce. Yum.

The scallop and egg fried rice was particularly delectable as well as the copious amounts of beef and pork dishes.

Dinesty remains one of my favourite Chinese restaurants in Richmond for its quality food and relatively solid dining experience.

More | HungerPangs.ca

LATE NIGHT EATS: KOREAN STYLE FRIED x ZABU CHICKEN x ROBSON STREET

2012-02-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

Korean style fried wings at Zabu Chicken on Robson Street on January 31, 2012.

Randomly after stuffing ourselves with some ramen comfort food at Santouka, we hopped across the street for some Korean style fried chicken wings at Zabu.

I enjoyed our chicken feast with partners in crime Roger Lam, wife Sophia Cheng (above), and company.

Our fearless globetrotting and food leader, the man of mystery, Maurice Li (his photo above) ordered us two types of super fried Korean style chicken: the regular soy (above) and hot and spicy (very top).

The soy was mighty crispy and dripping in deep-fried goodness. It made for a very appealing snack.

I really dug the spiciness and flavour of the hot wings. It had a nice glazed flavour to it as well.

I washed down my fried wings with some Sapporo. The chicken was pretty delicious, all in all. And FYI, Zabu's open late until 2am every night if you're ever hankering for some fried goodness late at night.

More | HungerPangs.ca

SUPER BOWL XLVI: CANADA'S OFFICIAL PARTY x BUD LIGHT x COMMODORE

2012-02-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

Canada's Official Super Bowl XLVI Party presented by Bud Light Canada at the Commodore Ballroom on February 5, 2012.

more @ flickr | trendingit.ca

The Commodore Ballroom transformed into NFL American football central for the big game.

Seattle Seahawks cheerleaders dubbed the "Sea Gals" hitting the stage for intermission cheering.

My plus one, Mr. Dennis Pang posing with the lovely cheer squad in the Bud Light Super Suite.

The floor buzzing as the New York Giants defeat the New England Patriots in a thrilling, down to the wire match up.

NFL analyst and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen (older brother of Damon) with the gals, Vancity Buzz editor Karm Sumal, and company.

Fresh off their Rolling Stone cover, Saskatchewan rockers The Sheepdogs hitting the stage to close the Super Bowl Sunday celebration.

NEW MUSIC: JAMES AND BLACKBURN EXPLORE THE 'ISLAND UNIVERSE'

2012-02-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

In a world where underground bands are overly appreciated and music festivals have been appropriated as celebrity gatherings, it has become increasingly difficult to find a decent indie band that stands out from the crowd. Enter James and Blackburn, an alternative rock trio from Toronto, Ontario, who have accomplished just that with the release of their newest album, Island Universe.

Metaphor-ridden lyrics are executed through a balanced chemistry that is gradually revealed throughout the duration of the record. Every band member's individual talent is audible as each riff, beat and pitch contributes to a delightfully different sound that comes with every track.

"Dark Sparks" and "Good Company" fit into the category of classic indie rock with interesting instrumental solos. The verses and choruses are distinct enough to be engaging but not to the point of disruption. Ambient interlude tracks "Conductor" and "Merry-Go-Round" appropriately prepare the listener for a pleasant acoustic experience in the lo-fi, head-bobbing "Two Trees".

What will truly help James And Blackburn foster the distinct sound that this genre needs is the addictive nature of "Garden of Hours" consisting of tempos in constant flux against a background of arcade-reminiscent tones. This contrasts with closing track "Leaving", a fade out of one lyric swirling in repetition to the sleepy sounds of howling winds.

As an avid fan of indie music, it was refreshing to feast my ears on a record of so much internal eclecticism. The diversity between each track both held my attention and somehow made itself work.

Written by Christina Luo | TheNewMusic.ca

Photo | Ming Wu

VANCOUVER DAZE #54: THE SOCIAL FEED x DINE OUT x SAVE ON MEATS

2012-02-02T00:02:00.000-08:00

Vancouver Daze, Volume 54: The Social Feed long table communal dinner for Dine Out Vancouver 2012 at Save On Meats butcher shop in Gastown on January 27, 2012. Published in Vancouver Is Awesome.

more @ flickr | trendingit.ca

Apparently, due to my first article on The Social Feed's delicious dinner at Nelson the Seagull, Dine Out approached them to do a special pop up dinner at Save on Meats butcher next door to its diner.

The idea of the night was food served in a social fashion as the food was prepared. We dined on the special pop-up "Noise-to-Tail" menu.

I hoofed it solo to Hastings on the end of Gastown to the new Save On Meats for a special pop-up dinner served in the butcher shop after hours, sipping on one of my favourite beers, Phillips Brewing Blue Buck Ale.

My stranger dining mates and I munched on some fresh brioche bread loaf and head cheese with pickled winter veggies to break the ice.

For appetizers, we gobbled up some tasty pork shoulder sausage with boozy prunes and buttermilk whipped mashed potatoes.

Keeping with the different cuts of meat and part of the pig, we were served roasted pork belly, apple compote, sunchoke and spot prawn salade with bisque sauce.

The main attraction was some ridiculously large portioned cuts of pork roast that was really thick and meaty. After our fill of white meat, I ate some salty sweet and decadent pieces of bacon chocolate.

The honey panna cotta dessert was very tasty and delicious. Its candied pork crackling accompaniment was really harsh and well, crackly. It was a meaty, epic five-course dinner at everyone's favourite neighbourhood butcher shop. The social communal dining experience was again one of a kind.

More | HungerPangs.ca

VANCOUVER DAZE: FEBRUARY/VALENTINE'S x EVENTS + SOCIAL CALENDAR

2012-02-01T00:02:00.000-08:00

Now until Febrary 2
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

Now until February 5
Dine Out Vancouver 2012

February 1
#YVRBeerTweetup @ Doolin's Irish Pub

Feburary 2
Arts Career Expo 2012 @ UBC

February 3
CBC The Toque Sessions: Yukon Blonde @ CBC Vancouver

February 5
Official NFL Super Bowl XLVI Party @ Commodore Ballroom

February 6
Five Hole For Food @ ING Direct Cafe

February 8
News1130 Tweetup @ Lift Bar & Grill

BCITMA Think/Share Vancouver: The Digital Shift @ Guilt and Company

CAC 9th Annual Dating Auction @ SFU Burnaby

February 9 to 12
City & Slope Winter Festival

February 10 to 11
Illuminate Yaletown 2012

February 10 to 14
Vinyl Vaudeville Dinner Cabaret @ Performance Works

February 10
CBC The Toque Sessions: Mother Mother @ CBC Vancouver

February 11
Heart and Soul'd Date Auction @ Fortune Sound Club

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada @ Richmond Olympic Oval

February 15
Kristie Yung x Sam Alviar Live @ Café Montmartre

February 16
MPI Forum: Social Media @ BCIT Burnaby

CVC Love Auctionally @ Pink Elephant Thai

February 17
CB2 Crate & Barrel Opening @ Robson Street

February 18 to 19
Family Science Days @ Vancouver Convention Centre

February 18
Sears Great Canadian Chill @ Second Beach, Stanley Park

Follow Me Foodie Apple Pie In-A-Jar @ Salty Tongue Cafe

February 21
Official Canucks Tweetup #4 @ Boston Pizza Grandview Highway

JCI Vancouver Launch Event @ ING Direct Cafe

February 22
Yelp's Night at the Museum @ Museum of Vancouver

February 23
CBC The Toque Sessions: Hey Ocean! @ CBC Vancouver

February 29
Pecha Kucha Night Vancouver Vol. 20: All-Stars @ Vogue Theatre

Source | Christina Luo

THE SOCIAL MEDIUM: 5 REASONS WHY SOCIAL NETWORKING IS AWESOME

2012-01-31T00:00:00.001-08:00

1) It's fun and interesting.

So much fun. The instant exchange of information and experiences online is now second nature. That instant satisfaction and opportunity to connect immediately is making our global community and world into a much smaller, connective one.

We can connect to friends, family, strangers, celebrities, and whoever instantaneously, sharing experiences and news with ease. Keeping track of others and connecting with your greater local community and network is a true marvel of the digital age. Keeping up with friends new and old gives you no excuse to lose touch.

2) It makes life easier.

Seriously, from finding new interests to crowd sourcing and information, social media gives you access to a huge swath of people and knowledge with an easy click or swipe. Keeping track or finding new opportunities, customers, clients, coworkers, friends, or whatever you want is easier than ever.

The construct of these social networks allows for casual interactions on an endless number of topics. Crowd sourcing anything you do or experiences for feedback makes your everyday decisions so much easier.

3) It makes life more random.

So random. Because of social media, we notice and experience more randomness (for the better). I've run into and reconnected with so many people from my past or related to other random folks because of social media. It truly makes your local community smaller.

You wouldn't believe finding out how random people in your life are interconnected. Throwaway ideas or events become fun adventures because you had the foresight to share it with others online. Social networking makes you braver and more adventurous sharing your digital life with the world. Because we can better connect, we figure out commonalities that inevitably lead to coincidences and random experiences.

4) Expanding your network.

Social media has taught me to obsessively and methodically keep track of my contact list or digital rolodex. I have a box full of business cards. I painfully go through them and add them to my contacts which is synced to my smartphone. I'm able to meet so many new people and connect or keep in contact with a significant number of them.

You never know when it will come in handy or you will need instant access to someone's expertise whom you may have met briefly somewhere. Connections and opportunities can be random and momentous. Seize it when it strikes.

5) Meeting people IRL.

This is the best reason. Meeting new, fun, and interesting people or friends of like minds, hobbies, interests, skills, and professions online and in real life is a god send. Personally, my life is so much richer and more fulfilling having met and made some of the most wonderful friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and coworkers online.

You can meet so many similar people to collaborate and connect to. It's so much easier to approach professionals and known people through online social networks casually to have an in when introducing yourself in person. It's made a connector of everyone in some way.

For more: RickTalks.com

Photo | Rachel A.K.

WHAT'S IN MY BAG? – PART TWO

2012-01-30T14:14:00.000-08:00

You may recall "What's in my bag" (part one) and "What I'm wearing". See below.

Above from left to right:

1) Blinded blue JanSport Right Pack Monochrome bag (from Know Show)

2) Brand new Fujifilm FinePix X10 digital camera

3) Portlandia Season 1 Blu-ray/DVD

4) 13" Apple MacBook aluminum G1 laptop computer

5) Vancouver Is Awesome bumper sticker

6) Apple iPhone 4 black

7) Honda Civic car keys with Batman keychain

8) Yelp Elite red digital watch

9) Granville Island Brewing bottle opener

10) iSkin earTones black/red earphones

11) Langara College orange notebook

12) The Adventures of Tintin: Volume 4 graphic novel (from Richmond Public Library)

13) TransLink FareSaver one-zone ticket booklet

14) UBC Alumni business card holder

15) Know Show media pass

What's in your bag?

More | Benjamin Bergh / Delicious Juice / Guns at Home / The Verge

DINNER x CHINESE FOOD x CONGEE NOODLE HOUSE x BROADWAY

2012-01-27T00:27:00.000-08:00

Chinese food for dinner at Congee Noodle House on East Broadway on January 20, 2012.

I love Chinese food. Growing up in a Vietnamese household, it was always a nice treat. It was like comfort food to me. I also love Chinese leftovers.

We hit up the aptly named Congee Noode House for some quick grub. It was standard yet oddly delightfully filling starting from the tasty, creamy soup with corn and egg.

Another favourite is always the honeymoon fried rice complete with yang and yang style sauce. I'm more of a red guy.

Beef and gai lan is a staple of the Chinese diet and it was pretty much what you get anywhere. Add to that some house special chow mein and we covered the basics pretty well.

CNH is a good place for solid Chinese food and a decent meal.

More | HungerPangs.ca

VANCOUVER DAZE #53: YELP REC ROOM x ELITE EVENT x THE BIMINI

2012-01-26T00:04:00.000-08:00

Vancouver Daze, Volume 53: Yelp Elites Party in the Rec Room at The Bimini Public House in Kitsilano on January 18, 2012. Photos by Aziz Dhamani. Published in Vancouver Is Awesome.

more @ flickr | trendingit.ca

After a full year and 52 straight weeks with V.I.A., we've decided to freshen things up. I'm now (dun-dun-duh) the lifestyle editor (insert Dr. Evil style air quotes here) and moving to must-see primetime on Thursdays.

I'll still be covering events and will always be social, but want to diversify reporting on other stuff too in an effort to evolve my coverage. Basically, I'll approach ideas and culture focusing on a more living and lifestyle point of view, hopefully. Anyhoo, on to the next adventure...

I renewed my Yelp Elite status and geared up to kick off the festivities in style with another sweet community party. For the uninformed, Yelp is a community social network with satellites in each city for the purpose of generating business user reviews. For these dedicated writers, referred to as "Elite", the CMs throw a swanky theme party each month to foster the community.

To celebrate the reopening and The Bimini on 4th Avenue, the drinks were flowing at the new incarnation of the pub now under Donnelly Group management after it burned down. We sipped on burdock floats (like spiked root beer floats), orange crush martinis, and sour lemonades.

The theme was a 1990s style rec room or basement festivities full of games and laidback, casual, flannel fun. They broke out the Wii for some healthy competition and activities in between drinks and appetizers. I chomped down on sliders, mini hot dogs, and to die for truffle poutine. Yum.

It was, as usual, more fun times at this Elite event with a great atmosphere and ambience. The new members injected some needed fresh blood and expectations are high as Vancouver has particularly vibrant Yelp community.

Spotted | Colene / Deborah So / Sophia Cheng / Vincci

LATE NIGHT EATS: OX TAIL RAMEN + YAKI UDON x SUIKA SNACKBAR

2012-01-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

Late night eats at Suika Snackbar and Japanese restaurant on January 19, 2012.

Mmm... I love going to Suika ever since the Yelp party there. Somehow, I only manage to eat there late at night.

The panfried asari yaki udon is so delicious with clams, seaweed, and just a little cream.

I really dig the tasty Tokyo ox tail ramen with its soup goodness. It's just filling and hits the stomach just right.

Everything's good there from their sushi, fried bits, seafood, and noodles. I should try to come during the daylight.

Also, the staff are very friendly and I love the decor. The balance of food, casual atmosphere, and bar setup make for an attractive dining experience.

More | HungerPangs.ca

INTERVIEW: CBC RADIO ONE x ON THE COAST x LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL

2012-01-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

CBC Radio One's On the Coast with Stephen Quinn lunar new year special and panel discussion at Aberdeen Centre on January 20, 2012. (9:52)

You can listen to my interview and panel discussion (above or download here) moderated by CBC Radio afternoon show host Stephen Quinn featuring anti-racism consultant Eric Wong, Vancouver Asian Film Festival founder Barbara Lee, and myself.

We discussed the cultural shifts in lunar new year traditions and how we celebrate our heritage. It was interesting hearing the different takes on customs and being reminded of the past.

Jasper Sloan Yip, who I saw perform live at CBC HQ the day before, was also there for a wrap around performance in between news and talk segments.

Photo | Janice Leung

CONCERT: JASPER SLOAN YIP x THE TOQUE SESSIONS x CBC VANCOUVER

2012-01-23T00:50:00.000-08:00

CBC Radio 2's The Toque Sessions with Jasper Sloan Yip performing live in Studio 700 at CBC Vancouver on January 19, 2012.

more @ flickr | thenewmusic.ca

I'm thrilled my beloved CBC has brought back The Toque Sessions that started back during the Olympics. I still cherish my red toque from the stellar Jill Barber performance.

I returned to the ceeb to see a musician I'd heard much about yet had never really listened to. My pal Kristie Yung invited me to see her high school classmate Jasper Sloan Yip perform a radio set live.

Yip performed a pretty solid, fluid set of personal, jazzy rock in between his awkwardly endearing tales of writing lyrics and their ties to his relationships.

It was a fun, easy listening, quick performance. I highly suggest checking out the rest of The Toque Sessions here to discover some more awesome local musical talent.

"Sometimes, girls need a little cream in their coffee."

REVIEW: GINA CARANO AND STEVEN SODERBERGH GO 'HAYWIRE'

2012-01-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

"You shouldn't think of her as a woman. No, that would be a mistake."

Director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Ocean's Eleven) is a master journeyman filmmaker, hopping from genre to genre with ease and a fluid, seamless style. Haywire is a quiet yet punishing international thriller. The film is built around female MMA titan Gina Carano playing a covert agenet and mercenary for hire who is double-crossed on her last job.

Carano holds the screen with a tough as nails meets endlessly sexy presence. The fights scenes are brutal and feel as real as possible down to the minimalist sound design. Straight up, Carano's Mallory Kane character is a bad ass vixen. Her acting is less than compelling but Soderbergh covers it well enough.

Kane works for a dubious private contractor played by Ewan McGregor. Soon after being betrayed, she goes on the run, kicking some serious ass along the way. I forgot how thrilling hand to hand combat and fighting could be. I felt reminded of the Bourne trilogy minus the complicated international politics. Haywire feels like cookie cutter espionage novel on sale at the airport bookstore, but executed in the best way.

Using straightforward and simple yet inventively amusing narrative flourishes, Soderbergh keeps the viewer guessing from scene to scene despite a stanard, staple betrayal mission plotline. Haywire is stripped down to the bone with only a dozen are so characters (all men besides Carano). Even members of Kane's mercenary team are entirely superfluous.

Curano annihilates the likes of Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum, and McGregor and holds her own on screen Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas, and Bill Paxton. The novelty of Curano's physicality and choreographed fighting never wavered with raw, visceral, punishing choreography.

Slid into cinemas during the new year doldrums and Hollywood dead zone after the jam-packed popcorn faire of the holidays, Haywire is a first class combat thriller. Soderbergh carefully crafts an old school action piece with artful European flair. Haywire is light but smart and sexy fun of the best kind.

VANCOUVER DAZE #52: KNOW?SHOW LIFESTYLE TRADE SHOW

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Vancouver Daze, Volume 52: Know Show clothing, product, and lifestyle trade show at Vancouver Convention Centre West on January 18, 2012. Published in Vancouver Is Awesome.

more @ flickr | culturemonster.ca

Once again, it was time to hop down to the convention centre for the city's biannual lifestyle trade show.

I hit up the Know Show again to check out all the spring fashion aimed at skate, surf, indie, and youth wear culture.

Top brands and exhibitors sold themselves to retailers with the best they had to offer in hip new gear and culture fashion.

My favourite spot was the trailer truck turned photo showcase with some stellar pics.

The hit was mister denim literally shotgunning a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. Pretty cool.

Today is the last day in the show so check it out if you're into hoodies, skinny jeans, and skater shoes or hit up the next one. Oh, and here's to 52 straight weeks of Vancouver Daze.

Photo | Jordan Kallman

MUSIC INTERVIEW: SHAW TV x THE EXPRESS x KRISTIE YUNG LIVE

2012-01-19T00:04:00.000-08:00

Reporter Tim Chung (no relation) interviews singer/songwriter Kristie Yung, guitarist Jonathan Wu, and me (my face looks fat) for Shaw TV's The Express hosted by Johanna Ward on January 11, 2012. (Hit the 5-minute mark below.)

more @ flickr | thenewmusic.ca

KristieYungLive.com

THE SOCIAL MEDIUM: 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GRADUATE

2012-01-18T00:28:00.000-08:00

Graduating college is one of the scariest feelings. The end of student life and the start of a professional one you may not be ready for can be daunting. You need to learn the rules of the game as you play it. Here are a few general tips to help you navigate your new lifestyle.

1) You may not actually be qualified to do anything.

Chances are you have little to no experience or qualifications to do anything. A lot of office jobs and entry-level gigs require at least 1-2 years on the job experience in an office or work environment. If you are lucky or prudent enough, you may have a college project, good references, or some cool practical work as your calling card.

You'll have to hit the pavement, dig, and find or create your own opportunities. Reading or doing research as well as networking is paramount in sublimating your knowledge base from school with working.

2) The competition out there is fierce.

There is seriously a ton of over achievers out there who either have it figured out or are just that damn talented. If you have the time to read this, chances are you aren't one of those people. It's okay but be aware, everything you want from your career other people want too.

Instead of blindly and unproductively trying to one up or protect yourself from others competing for jobs, opportunities, etc., learn from them. Peers and colleagues are there to help you, push you, and motivate you. You can learn a lot from those who have the same aspirations.

3) You have no idea what you're doing (and that's okay).

When you're in college (particularly university), you are sheltered. Saying you are studying at UBC, SFU, or wherever still has it's charm, because you have potential. Once you graduate, you need to start showing and paying off on this potential. Otherwise, you're nothing.

General degrees can be tricky. Have something, a special skill, you can show you do and do well. It's an opening. Find, ask, or research professionals with careers you would like to replicate and figure out how you can walk a similar path to success.

4) You're not really special.

I know it sounds harsh, but seriously, there are thousands of fresh new college graduates every semester/year. Most likely, nothing about you stands out. The most successful college graduates I know built on their momentum from school through internships, side projects, part-time work, networking, and other extensions of their studies.

Every desirable entry-level job opening from notable companies have hundreds of applicants from all walks of life. It certainly helps to set yourself apart. You can't just sit around waiting fo something to happen. Figure things out, make a plan, do something.

5) You will probably hate the job you think you want.

A lot of graduates I know still don't know what they want to do after four years and a degree. Some have envisioned and hyped up their chosen field of study or career choice. Once you get out there in the real world, it all changes. Actually doing something, a job, career, whatever every single day for the rest of your life in theory gives you a lot of perspective.

You've spent four years training to do something and realize while you found it interesting (or not), it might not be for you. Don't tie yourself to one path. Traditional college and university studies are not necessarily career oriented (aside from professional programs). College is for you to get a higher learning and knowledge network. Most will of us will need further training either on the job, volunteering, through internships, or more school (business, trade, or skills).

For more: RickTalks.com

'9 TO 5' IN 2012: LOOKING FOR A NEW GIG – A CALL TO ACTION

2012-01-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

I only do this because it works so well (every time). Last you heard when I was looking for work, I had just wrapped up my work at Langara College...

After an interesting and fruitful foray into online provincial political consulting, I was blessed with some financial freedom and time to focus on my own projects, new opportunities, consulting, continued freelance work as well as guest speaking and generally doing my own thing.

Refreshed and reloaded, I'm again looking for more permanent work or a "9 to 5" gig. Ideally, I'd like to join a team and manage their social media networking, and online properties, overseeing their digital presence and content, working on strategies and brand management. I want to keep the career momentum I have going and carefully choose my next move.

Again, I'm asking you, my readers for help finding my next gig. Please send me any opportunities you think I'd be suitable for in the following fields:

Broadcasting / News / Writing / Editing / Social Media
Digital Production / Communications / Community Management

You can find my full CV online here and in PDF form as well as my radio work, video production, and bio (like a cover letter). I'm looking for full-time work but have an open mind. It's all about the right situation and environment.

Thanks you, kindly.

rick [at] vancouverisawesome.com

Photo | Jeremy Lim

REVIEW: 'PORTLANDIA' SEASON 2 ON IFC – WE CAN PICKLE THAT!

2012-01-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

Season one of Portlandia (read here) stands as a hilariously inventive sketch comedy take on culture with an absurdist, hipster Portland twist. Saturday Night Live player and comedian Fred Armisen continues his strange yet delightful collaboration with Sleater-Kinney and Wild Flag rocker Carrie Brownstein.

So far, season 2 further embarks on Portlandia's brand of off the wall, insightful, intelligent humour. I love the sketches shot on location, outdoors with beaming rays of sunlight. It's a refreshing change from studio sets and multiple walls/cameras. There's a heft of production value with choreographed bits and even a Portland parade dedicated to obscure allergies.

Two episodes in and Portlandia continues its strong string of out there comedy sketches based on the loosest of ideas or premises. The show hinges on Armisen and Brownstein's likability and subtle charms. Extending comedic premises far beyond their natural premises is usually a disaster, but here, the way Portlandia lets humour flow from ideas rather than one-liners is refreshing.

Andy Samberg plays a ridiculous bartender, or mixologist rather, in a sketch that escalates to obscene levels including a detour to sunny California. Oddly, the snooty bartender bit extends to three separate segments with enough individual beats to propel an amusing premise above its material.

The much ballyhooed Battlestar Galactica sketch lives up to expectations (this coming from a non-fan of the series) complete with cameos from the cast. It blatantly comments on current television watching and binging digital culture. The structure of scenes throughout an episode lets sketches breathe and reach slow burn punchlines.

Portlandia works best as whole episodes with sketches that weave and are carefully placed to pace out the comedic beats, but stand whole on their own. What I enjoy and remark most from the show is its sense of fun and good natured mockery. The humour is inclusive as the well edited and executed scenes let the comedy breathe.

More | CultureMonster.ca

VANCOUVER DAZE #51: CHINESE RESTAURANT AWARDS x RIVER ROCK CASINO

2012-01-12T22:23:00.000-08:00

Vancouver Daze, Volume 51: Chinese Restaurant Awards at the River Rock Casino Resort on January 11, 2012. Published in Vancouver Is Awesome.

I hit up the River Rock Theatre to witness the annual Chinese Restaurant Awards. It was an interesting afternoon mix of celebrating Chinese food and culture.

Some master chefs were hard at work on various dishes including the geoduck dishes quickly and efficiently in Chinese fashion. I love seeing them in their tall chef hats.

I ate up the award-winning durian pastry buns before the awards were handed out. We had some eating and mingling time before they kicked off the ridiculously thorough list of winners.

There were far too many awards, restaurants, and signatures to mentions, but it reminded me of the stunning amount of fine Chinese cuisine and food our city offers. I enjoyed the diner's choice picks including Dinesty winning for best xiaolongbao (just like I did).

As always, I love my dining adventures in our ever growing culinary community. Check out all the winners here.

Photo | Maurice Li (1, 2)

DINE OUT FOOD TOUR: BLACK + BLUE x SOCIETY x GLOWBAL GRILL x SANAFIR

2012-01-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

The Glowbal Collection's Dine Out Vancouver 2012 media preview food tour at Black + Blue, Society Dining Lounge, Glowbal Grill, and Sanafir Restaurant on January 11, 2012.

more @ flickr | hungerpangs.ca

I had the amazing luxury and opportunity to tour and preview Glowbal Group's selection of restaurants previewing their upcoming Dine Out menu.

Things got off to a very rocky start when a waitress spilled a tray of champagne in my lamp. I survived and everyone was really nice and apologetic, but I smelled like champagne (particularly my crotch area) the entire night (not the worst thing in a world).

We downed cocktails and nibbled on the bacon 'n eggs appetizer with thick cut smoked bacon, fried duck egg, spicy maple syrup, and wild arugala. It was damn tasty. The sampler size made me want more, but it was a long night of wining and dining ahead of us.

A quick ride to Yaletown and we hit up Society to try their $18 set menu. The sweet potato and pulled pork croquette was hot and scrumptious. I wasn't thrilled with the spinach salad.

I gobbled up the delicious veal piccata with thyme roasted polenta, roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic white wine reduction. The prawn linguini in lobster bisque sauce was delightful. I think eighteen bucks is a sweet deal.

The main meal offering at the trademark Glowbal Grill for their $36 set meal. We started off with grilled beef tataki and prawn cocktail.

I enjoyed the entrée of beef tenderloin and seared Alaskan black cod. I was filled with meaty goodness all around. It was a very filling, delicious night across four of Glowbal's downtown dining establishments.

The finale, desserts at Sanafir were insane. The milk, dark, and white chocolate truffles were incredibly rich, decadent, and fine. The pistachio macaroons and donuts were might tasty as well going down with our special dessert wine.

If this is an accurate sampling of their Dine Out menu, I'd recommend checking it out. See the full Glowbal menus here.

More | Vancity Buzz

DINNER PARTY x TAVOLA RESTAURANT x ROBSON STREET x WEST END

2012-01-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

Dinner party at Tavola Restaurant on Robson Street in the West End on January 7, 2012.

I got down to the West End for a dinner party at Tavola off Denman Street. I had never been and had no expectations.

The sampling of appetizers (salad, bread) were fine, but I found their selection of pastas delightfully scrumptious.

Everything was fresh and very flavourful with a variety of pastas and sauces. They were all great.

My favourite pick was the thick noodles with tomatoes (above). I loved the thick consistency and tangy taste.

The beef and chicken offerings were also quite delicious. I was very impressed with Tavola's food and service. It was definitely a fine upscale dining experience.

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BURGERS + BAR FOOD x ENSEMBLE TAP RESTAURANT

2012-01-09T00:11:00.000-08:00

Dinner and bar food at Ensemble Tap restaurant and bar on Smithe Street on January 6, 2012.

On a random Thursday, Annabelle, Dennis, and I hopped downtown to finally try Chef Dale MacKay's Ensemble bar spinoff. Surprised, it was entirely different than the upscale offerings at the main Ensemble location with French cuisine a block away.

Ensemble Tap features a pretty standard selection of bar food (of which I'm a fan) with sports playing all around. A quick Twitter poll recommended we try the Thai chicken wings. I can confirm they were pretty tasty and delicious.

I was a little annoyed because I asked for the Tap burger sans mushrooms, but they gave me without onions instead and with mushrooms. I dislike mushrooms and do like onions. The fries were really good and crisp with special sauce. The burger was solid but nothing spectacular. I was more intrigued by Dennis' chicken burger which looked huge and crispy on ciabatta bread. He didn't seem impressed.

The whole meal was okay, just satisfactory. I may come back but am undecided. I was impressed and happy about the beer selection particularly on tap. Too bad only a few are available in pitchers. All in all, things were not bad, but not all that memorable either.

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