Vancouver Rick Chung

REVIEW: IT ALL ENDS – 'THE HANGOVER PART III'

2013-05-23T14:52:00.002-07:00

The Hangover was an inventive comedy full of fun and natural chemistry between its cast with a breakout performance by Zach Galifanakis. The Hangover Part II was a dark, twisted, and dreadfully dull beat for beat reconstruction of the original. The Hangover Part III is often a lazy, tired retread of the same story yet is often laugh out loud funny and much more enjoyably crowd pleasing than it has any right to be.

Director Todd Phillips returns to the well again. He abandons the one night stand "hangover" formula of the previous two, instead mining material from part one. Most scenes are at least either fun, funny, or immaturely amusing. As a whole, it's rather cosmetic and flimsy, but despite that, it's a good time and provides many ridiculous laughs. An early scene where Bradley Cooper's Phil makes a reference to the transvestite debauchery in Bangkok of Part II is much funnier than anything in that actual film.

The boys are back as Galifanakis and Cooper are joined again by the affable Ed Helms and of course Justin Bartha's somehow manages to miss out on most the action for no real reason. Galifanakis' Alan is ascended to the main character with mixed results as we follow his story of (sort of) redemption after he spirals deep into his own vices after Bangkok. The film has a true villain as Ken Jeong's annoying Mr. Chow is placed front and centre this time around. It's all about Chow and Alan and their bizarre relationship as it yields mostly mixed results.

Part III borrows heavily from our reverence and nostalgia of part one with a slew of references and cameos by Heather Graham, Mike Epps (aka "Black Doug") and even "baby Carlos" (now a four-year-old played again by Grant Holmquist). This is mostly wise as laughs endure based on the good will of the original The Hangover. A healthy injection of Melissa McCarthy (a nod to her Alan like role from Bridesmaids) as Alan's equally off the wall amour allows for many chuckles.

The Hangover Part III is far from comedic high achievement or even the heights of the original, but it manages to close out nicely the dark adventures of Stu, Phil, and Alan. Phillips sticks too much to the original formula even without the usual narrative structure, but there's not much new to mine as the Wolfpack returns to Vegas after a detour to Tijuana. The sequel does remind us of why we loved The Hangover in the first place and despite the weak story, recreates the charm of the original as it further pushes the boundaries of acceptable humour.

More | GhostWorld.ca

VANCOUVER DAZE #119: J.CREW PARTY x PACIFIC CENTRE

2013-05-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Daze, Volume 119: J.Crew's women only store grand opening party inside Pacific Centre on May 21, 2013. Published in Vancouver Is Awesome.

Vancouver continues its invasion by American and global retail brands with this New York based fashion outlet's second location hitting the town.

After J.Crew's (unisex) Robson Street storefront opened last year, they've expanded with a women's only retail store in Pacific Centre as we celebrated their grand opening.

Tom Mora, head of women's design for J.Crew, was in town for the opening. He schooled me on the latest trends including lots of bright, vibrant, warm colours for spring/summer, contrasting designs, soft, loose fabrics, linens, and free flowing styles perfect for mix and matching.

Clashing styles was a big theme throughout as fashionistas and socialites packed the store to browse the new selections. J.Crew's latest store is open now to the public in the lower level of the downtown mall.

More | Modern Mix Vancouver

FROM BOURBON TO TAPAS x EAST OF MAIN CAFE x CHINATOWN

2013-05-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

New tapas menu tasting at East of Main Cafe in Chinatown on May 15, 2013.

Chinatown's hidden bar and eatery, East of Main Cafe, shared their new tapas menu, inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and Spanish living, from consulting chef Tina Fineza with some exotic yet inviting flavours.

I enjoyed a very refreshing and tasty Monsieur Palmer cocktail with bourbon, lemon, and black tea syrup, mixed by head bartender Daniel Johnston.

First, we sucked down a very basic yet still delicious raw spot prawn. Their take on Albacore tuna tataki (with baharat spiced, seared rare, kalamata olive, and fattoush salad, below) did not disappoint as well.

Other highlights were an amusing raw zucchini (below), a saucy Pacific red snapper, decadent eggplant moussaka, and flavourful lamb tagine, among many intriguing dishes.

It was also heartening to learn of the cafe's place in an emerging, new Chinatown, community ownership in support of the Project Limelight Society and youth performing arts program, as well as the roots in the local film industry.

More | Interesting Things

VANCOUVER DAZE #118: DISARONNO x MIXING STAR x REFLECTIONS

2013-05-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Daze, Volume 118: Disaronno's The Mixing Star cocktail competition at Reflections lounge inside the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on May 14, 2013. Published in Vancouver Is Awesome.

This Italian liqueur's global cocktail competition hit the west coast for day of mixology recipe judging and tapings.

On this afternoon, contestants showcased their eclectic drink concoctions to a panel of local judges. Upstairs, Disaronno threw a social lounging endeavour with their own cocktails including a fairly refreshing Disaronno sour (above).

To dine, the secluded rooftop hotel eatery had some fine bites like the grilled Albacore tuna loin (with sundried tomatoes and Kalamata olive tapenade), a light yet moist, flavourful entrée.

For the more carnivorous, the AAA flat iron steak with Chimichurri sauce was a succulent, fine midday meat treat.

Contestants, beverage professionals, and hospitality staff rolled in, enjoying the lounge and specialty cocktails in an effort to promote Disaronno's diverse use as a mixer and fruity amaretto.

More | Pangcouver

REVIEW: THE WRATH OF 'STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS'

2013-05-15T01:19:00.000-07:00

Star Trek Into Darkness is certainly beautifully looking and provides a mostly, fun, amusing adventure. Unfortunately, the actual mechanics of the film as a whole provides an inconsistent, disapointing follow up to director J.J. Abrams' 2009 series re-imagining. Into Darkness is full of entertaining scenes and compelling acting, but the story, execution, and its overall contruction are hollow and severely underdeveloped.

The first film had an easy, fun feel to it as we're introduced to younger versions of our heroes, each with their own journey, and a basic plot moving forward. Chis Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Zoë Saldana still make very appealing versions of Kirk, Spock, and Uhura. However, Sulu (John Cho) and Chekhov (Anton Yelchin) are terribly underserved without little to do and none of their own motivations. Developed solidly the first time around, Karl Urban captures every note and steals his scenes but is used purely as comic relief and his friendship with Kirk is more or less abandoned.

The sequel has a wildly convoluted and messy plot where significant character relationships are shoehorned in or barely explained. It intentionally hides things to trick the viewer and fails. The film's villain played by Benedict Cumberbatch is introduced and established in a totally underwhelming, forgettable way. He relies heavily on our own perceptions of his villainy and takes away valuable time from the rest of the cast. We know he's an evil terrorist because so many character say so. His actual motivations, backstory, and role in the larger Star Trek mythology are not effectively portrayed in the actual film as we rely on clunky exposition.

Abrams and writer/producers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Damon Lindelof make interesting but lazy parallels to real life issues of the terrorism and war crimes with the Klingons used as temporary, throwaway placeholder villains in a weak 9/11 allegory. While not a fan and without any attachment to previous Star Trek incarnations, I still couldn't help feeling cheated by its maddening pace and varied tone. As I vaguely recognized the references and nods to the original series and other films, they felt like cheap retreads done with more money, special effects, and lens, flares while being far less genuine or effective.

I can't remember enjoying a film in the moment this much yet still managing to leave the theatre so hollow and thoroughly unsatisfied. Abrams shows his mastery of visuals and working with actors but abandons his roots as a dramatic storyteller and gift for crafting adventure through compelling mystery. This is why Star Trek Into Darkness feels so silly, almost completely disposable entertainment, and like an oddly violent mishmash of old Trek ideas. Despite big effects, flashy action, and intergalactic space travel, it feels small, even for popcorn fare, as it much of any substance.

More | GhostWorld.ca

FROM EGGS TO BRUNCH x HAWKSWORTH RESTAURANT x HOTEL GEORGIA

2013-05-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Early morning brunch tasting at Hawksworth Restaurant inside the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on May 10, 2013

To me, we're basically in full on brunch season. Fittingly, I joined some fellow food lovers for a very early Friday brunch (or breakfast, I suppose) to try Hawksworth's morning food selection.

I stuck with a brunch staple and had the Classic Eggs Benedict with caramelized ham and hollandaise sauce. It was quite delectable and much more rich and filling than it appeared. I enjoy trying standard dishes for comparison and this benny ranks high in my books.

The alternative was the Pacific Sablefish Benedict with glazed asparagus, tomato, and fine herb hollandaise sauce, a fancier seafood twist on the benny.

The Lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberries and maple syrup was a basic, filling affair. Their house chorizo hash (below) with sunny side up eggs, grilled fennel, and smoked tomato vinaigrette looked like a gooey, delicious mess.

Hotel Georgia's upscale eatery headed by Chef David Hawksworth offered a good mix of breakfast options and I was satisfied with the brunch in addition to some delightful pastries from the adjacent Bel Cafe.

More | Interesting Things

FROM BUTTER TO BEEF x PHNOM PENH RESTAURANT x CHINATOWN

2013-05-13T00:17:00.000-07:00

Cambodian/Vietnamese dinner feast at Phnom Penh restaurant in Chinatown on May 8, 2013.

As a native Vietnamese food lover, I am usually rather unenthusiastic and unimpressed with local Vietnamese restaurants. I had previously claimed to have never dined at what is probably our most famous and lauded Vietnamese (and Cambodian) dining establishment, Phnom Penh (because of its location and long line ups). However, upon sitting down to this family dinner, I was informed that was untrue and we use to frequent the original location next door when I was a baby. Apparently, the last time we were there was on my second birthday, some twenty-five years ago.

I love my ice and shake drinks and tried their mango and durian moo shakes. They were smooth and had a great iced cold texture and fresh, fruity flavour. The mango was actually too fresh tasting and had a tangy sourness to it. I really enjoyed the durian flavour and was like a fine puree of the misunderstood fruit.

Of course their deep fried chicken wings (above) were fried deliciousness in all its salty, MSG glory. I found the wings very comparable at their sister restaurant, Angkor. I love Vietnamese rice dishes. They are my staple and the filet beef luc lac on rice with egg (below) did not disappoint.

Their other famous dish is the marinated butter beef (below) and it was chewy and good. I personally think raw beef dishes in general are overrated, but Phnom Penh's was still satisfying. The only disappointment were the clams, very flat and bland tasting. I guess you should stick to their staples and lay off the seafood.

I can see why Phnom Penh is so popular and always packed. They make a handful of simple comfort food dishes, melding Cambodian and Vietnamese cuisines extremely well, with an overall crowd pleasing factor.

More | Interesting Things

VANCOUVER DAZE #117: TÊTE-À-TÊTE x TABLEAU BAR BISTRO

2013-05-09T02:31:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Daze, Volume 117: Tête-à-Tête cocktail party at Tableau Bar Bistro in Coal Harbour on May 7, 2013. Published in Vancouver Is Awesome.

Coal Harbour's tucked away seafood eatery and bar inside the Loden Hotel celebrated the oncoming summer festivities with a seafood and ice inspired cocktail party.

As you can see, I was all smiles (along with Georgia Straight editorial assistant Michelle da Silva), enjoying some tropical themed cocktails. Tableau had some nice touches including a fresh oyster bar made of solid ice.

Vancouver's famous B.C. spot prawn season starts this Saturday at False Creek's Fisherman's Wharf for the seventh annual Spot Prawn Festival. We got a head start with some nicely poached and delicious local spot prawns.

Nothing beats fresh seafood inside or outdoors on a warm summer's day as Tableau provided a dazzling and delicious selection of bites.

More | Interesting Things

FROM THE WEEKEND: GLOBAL NEWS: BC 1 x TOP STORY

2013-05-07T00:43:00.000-07:00

Global News: BC 1 channel's Top Story (third) segment hosted by Ted Field with guest Laura Ballance (from PNE Playland) and myself talking weekend events on May 3, 2013. Jump to the 17:25 mark below.

More | Interesting Things

FOODOGRAPHY.CA: EATING ON THE GO IN VANCOUVER

2013-05-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Foodography.ca: Eating on the go in and around Metro Vancouver from 2012 to 2013.

Urban Thai Bistro: We had the green curry with beef and eggplant and Pad Thai with chicken and tofu. Both lunch specials were satisfying and filling and solid options.

Chung’s Fish & Chips: (left) The historical Chung family (no relation) in Delta going back fifty years, known for its fresh fish and Christmas trees, have kept the tradition alive. This fish and chips eatery serves a mean deep fried filet of cod, salmon, or halibut. Western Lake Chinese Seafood Restaurant: (right) This is easily one of the top Chinese seafood restaurants in Vancouver and they didn’t disappoint with their meaty king crab legs served nicely with a tasty, flavourful garlic garnish.

Take Five Cafe: (left) This local coffee franchise has taken a left turn with its newest cafe. The spot offers a full, all day service including a robust lunch and dinner menu with beer and wine service. I found the sandwiches filling and refreshing. Stir Coffee House: (right) This brand new hipster style cafe in the heart of small town Ladner in Delta serves Parallel 49 Roasters coffee. It’s a charming corner coffee shop that serves a light, flavourful cafe mocha.

The Fish Shack: (left) We just made it in time for their everyday buck-a-shuck oyster happy hour. The fresh ones from Chef’s Creek, Gigamoto, and Gorge Inlet were quite delicious and tasty going down. After, we snacked on some crispy fries and onion rings. Pearl Castle Café: (right) Our drinks (mint chocolate bubble tea, mango, and fresh strawberry slush) hit the spot. As well, the deep fried chicken nuggets made for a decent, quick snack. Richmond’s flagship Pearl Castle location proved a solid choice for bubble tea refreshment.

Whet Kitchen Bar Patio: (left) Whet’s food was appetizing and well prepared enough. However, everything lacked a certain flair or flavour on its own, especially the appetizers. It was altogether an unremarkable meal despite enjoying the duck confit and fish tacos. Jinya Ramen: (right) This ramen shop on the Eastern side of Robson proved worthy enough. Their soup’s consistency and flavourful noodles warmed the stomach and the menu offered some good variety. I found their gyōza dumplings fairly tasty and more than an admirable compliment to the ramen.

Pinkberry: (left) I enjoyed the mango flavour but am kind over Pinkberry. It’s a good, tasty, and high quality dessert but expensive for what you get. It’s also so much cheaper without toppings too. Cherry Fruit Juice & Icy Bar: (right) The strawberry and mango filled icy was satisfying enough with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. However, the mango wasn’t fresh and tasted bland. The syrups and condensed milk added a nice texture and taste to the chilled dessert bowl.

Grain Tasting Bar: (left) This is not your average hotel bar with a focus on stylish decor, local craft beer, and Ocean Wise seafood. Grain offers an interesting selection of charcuterie, mixed cocktails, and a lounging atmosphere in the heart of Vancouver’s financial district. Carousel Bakery: (right) Breakfast on a bun bacon sandwich with two slices of lean peameal-style bacon, a fried egg, and cheese, served on a bun.

More | Interesting Things

REVIEW: THE INVINCIBLE 'IRON MAN 3'

2013-05-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Shane Black really should write every Hollywood action movie. The famed 1980/90s writer (Lethal Weapon) turned director (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, also starring Robert Downey, Jr.) takes over the Iron Man reigns from co-star/producer Jon Favreau in Iron Man Three (spelled that way in the end credits) and brings it to bold, interesting new heights.

This is easily the least Marvel comic book or usual Iron Man like film of them all. Iron Man himself is actually barely in the film. His many suits and the suit maker Tony Stark, however, are in it quite a bit. Black's trademarks are everywhere with the banter, dialogue, Christmas setting, voiceover, and buddy cop feel. He and Marvel kind of reinvent everything that came before, remixing the superhero genre nicely.

Black and co-writer Drew Pearce have stripped down Tony Stark to his bare essentials, literally and figuratively. There is no S.H.I.E.L.D., random and distracting cameos from Samuel L. Jackson and company, or any of the Avengers. Apparently, they strictly stick to more global issues. Tony must deal with some domestic terrorist threats and on his own.

There's much more of a 1980's style detective, buddy action feel disguised as a superhero film with some fun theatrics. The cast is fairly small, populated with five star talent. Sidekicks Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle get more to do as they play into Stark's journey for redemption. Unlike Iron Man 2, this is not a placeholder or a expositional bridge to a team up sequel. The film stands on its own and wraps up the Iron Man saga nicely but not definitively.

Downey tones down and sheds most of his usual schtick for a tempered, grittier performance. The one liners and jokes are still there but wrapped in some heavy anxiety and PTSD after the events of The Avengers. He faces off against some strange yet amusing villains in Guy Pearce's Aldrich Killian (a nerd turned slick talking rival) and Ben Kingsley's the Mandarin (the mysterious Oriental inspired terrorist ring leader). The biggest achilles heal of the Iron Man franchise has been its weak villains and number three mostly rectifies this in inventive ways. Unfortunately, Rebecca Hall is criminally underused as a throwaway ex-lover scientist used to confusingly move the plot along.

Pearce's baddie develops this regenerating super soldier like formula that is very poorly explained. Soldiers essentially become weird lava monsters who can regenerate limbs and never die. In fact, the big end battle resembles Terminator 2's climax on steroids. Killian motivations stem from a weird supply and demand war monger attitude that never proves very substantive or fleshed out. It plays more like cookie cutter political thriller in its plot while shedding some of Marvel's usual comic book conventions.

Iron Man 3 mostly succeeds on the strong filmmaking chops of director Shane Black as he indulges his own style well and integrates it nicely into the greater Marvel universe as it veers wildly from the source material and comic book cannon. Black commits to affirming the superhero action comedy schtick. Not all the jokes, gags, and non-sequitors are winners and some of the action in the third act gets muddled, but the film on the whole is otherwise solidly constructed in its momentum. However, it still makes little logical sense but is undeniably fun.

More | GhostWorld.ca / Movie Mezzanine

VANCOUVER DAZE #116: FASHION MEETS FOOD x BEAUCOUP BAKERY

2013-05-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Daze, Volume 116: Beaucoup Bakery & Café's spring dessert collection launch on April 29, 2013. Published in Vancouver Is Awesome. Also at Interesting Things.

Vancouver's newest Parisian style French inspired bakery on the edge of Fairview Slopes and Kitsilano celebrated the spring season with a new line of specially crafted and constructed baked goods, pastries, and desserts... Fresh berry tart (above) with summer berries, candied orange peel, tart shell, and a frangipane base with orange cream.

To launch her spring collection of goodies, owner Jackie Ellis carefully paired each pastry concoction with a spring fashion trend. Each of the six items had a unique, rich, and sometimes decadent taste and flavour.

Chocolate passion fruit bar with hazelnut apricot, black glaze, and a crispy hazelnut base.

Vanilla mille feuille with crème chantilly, vanilla cream, and puff pastry caramelize.

Raspberry pistachio macaron frais with edible flowers, silver leaf, fresh raspberries, filled with Sicilian pistachio cream.

Black sesame religieuse with nougatine, fundant with sesame, and choux filled with black sesame cream.

Cassis blackberry lemon cake with candied violets, silver leaf, blackberry, glaze, cake in cassis syrup, and violet cream.

Bon appetit!

More | FoodMonster.ca / CityFood Magazine / CTV News

VANCOUVER DAZE: MAY DAYS 2013 x EVENTS CALENDAR

2013-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

May 2 to 4
International Burlesque Festival @ Vogue Theatre

May 2
Pre-Election Panel @ Rocky Mountain Flatbread

May 3 to 12
DOXA Documentary Film Festival

May 4
Free Comic Book Day

BMO Vancouver Marathon

The New Pornographers: Red Bull Tour Bus @ Georgia & Cambie

NJDOB RichCity Idol Alumni Showcase @ The Portside Pub

May 4 to October 26 (every Saturday)
River District Farmers Market

May 9
Modern Mix Vancouver @ Suki's Salon

Women in Science @ H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

May 11 to 12
Great Canadian Craft Proudly's Spring Fling! @ Vancouver Convention Centre

May 11 to October 19 (every Saturday)
Trout Lake Farmers Market @ John Hendry Park

May 11
Spot Prawn Festival @ False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf

Roaring Twenties Gatsby Dinner @ Vancouver Urban Winery

Hawker's Market @ East Van Studios

Eastside Flea @ The Wise Hall

May 12 to October 20 (every Sunday)
Kitsilano Farmers Market @ Kitsilano Community Centre

May 15
Women and Whiskey @ The Portside Pub

Art Battle 54 @ Vancouver FanClub

May 17 to September 8
Vancouver Chinatown Night Market

May 17
Cold War Kids @ Vogue Theatre

May 18
Yo La Tengo @ Commodore Ballroom

May 19
Fleetwood Mac @ Rogers Arena

May 23
This Reach Entrepreneur Event @ Earl’s V-Lounge

May 24 to 26
EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival @ BC Place

May 24
The xx @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Vancouver International Tequila Expo @ Hyatt Regency Hotel

May 30
BCHF Dish n' Dazzle @ Pan Pacific Hotel

May 1 to June 8
Vancouver Craft Beer Week

Source | Inside Vancouver / Scout Magazine

FROM THE WEEKEND: CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE x TORONTO, ON

2013-04-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

A weekend in the City of Toronto, Ontario from April 18 to 21, 2013.

more @ flickr | culturemonster.ca

Me posing with hockey's holy grail the Stanley Cup at the Hockey Hall of Fame (very top) after strolling the mean streets of TO.

Looking up at the CN Tower next to the shores of Lake Ontario and Rogers Centre (aka SkyDome) highlighting Toronto's skyline.

Outside the famed St. Lawrence Market (think Granville Island marketplace sans the island part).

The thing that probably most stood out was the sheer number of Maple Leafs fans and jerseys everywhere as the home team was on the cusp of making the playoffs for the first time in recent memory. It felt so bizarre with a visual feeling of being outnumbered. Aside from that, I was surprised by how much affection I had for the city. It's so big compared to Vancouver and feels like a weird bizarro of our city.

More | Interesting Things / Carousel Bakery

REVIEW: FATHERS, SONS, AND 'THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES'

2013-04-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

"If you ride like lighting, you're going to crash like thunder."

The Place Beyond the Pines is a sprawling story about the legacy of sins by fathers and the consequences on their sons. It's full of deep, layered themes and characters with an unconventional narrative and bold story choices. However, due to its ambition, it's sometimes messy and overlong while remaining imminently watchable in its brooding earnestness with fine performances.

Director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine) has crafted a family story spanning decades wrapped in a crime thriller and police procedural. There are unusual twists and turns based on character developments and intriguing familial dynamics. The way the film shifts focus and protagonists would be far more jarring and disruptive in the hands of a less skilled filmmaker. Cianfrance plays with our expectations and manages interesting, nuanced performances well as he takes plenty of risks on screen.

Despite a problematic third act set years later with shifting protagonists, the film offers so much universal truth and mostly pulls off its intentions. We follow three separate stories, spanning over fifteen years. Ryan Gosling plays a motorcycle driver who turns to bank robbing when he finds out he's fathered a child and desperately wants to support his new family and make up for his own father's sins. Next, we follow Bradley Cooper, a father and cop turned politician who gets entangled into police corruption after a violent incident. The third act follows Gosling and Cooper's sons as teenagers dealing with the consequences of their father's actions.

The film proves to be a worthy, notable follow up and sophomore effort from Cianfrance who clearly shows his limitless visual and storytelling talent in addition to his ability to get fine performances from actors. Its themes and ideas are so audacious, but don't quite hit a rome run. Nonetheless, The Place Beyond the Pines proves to be an admirable, gripping family drama about fatherhood.

More | GhostWorld.ca

VANCOUVER DAZE #115: THE ROOF AT BLACK + BLUE x GLOWBAL

2013-04-25T00:23:00.002-07:00

Vancouver Daze, Volume 115: The Roof at Black + Blue launch party from The Glowbal Collection on April 24, 2013. Published in Vancouver Is Awesome.

more @ flickr | trendingit.ca

♫ The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire.
The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire. We don't need no water.
Let the motherf*cker burn. Burn motherf*cker, burn.

Summer patio season is almost upon us and I can feel it in the air. Glowbal's premiere steakhouse Black + Blue has been fastly constructing its outdoor rooftop patio and they celebrated its opening with a big party. (Me posing with foodie Grace Cheung, very top.)

The rooftop lounge is quite nice with an airy breeze and enjoyably quaint third story view of Alberni street and the financial district downtown. As for the shindig, Glowbal went all out. (Editor Crystal Kwon from Vancity Buzz enjoying some ice chilled Absolut vodka straight from the source.)

Glowbal's newest rooftop locale has a nice feel to it on a warm spring day with a mint julip in hand, knobbling on some medium rare, fine cut steak. It's sure to be a busy summer destination.

More | Interesting Things / 604 Foodtography / Pangcouver
Lyrics | Cornell Haynes, Jr., Dani Stevenson, Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo

REVIEW: 'SPRING BREAKERS' AND THE AMERICAN DREAM

2013-04-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Filmmaker Harmony Korine has crafted a darkly comic yet cotton candy, MTV style commentary on popular culture with Spring Breakers. It both adheres to a loose, art film and montage-like structure while maintaining an exuberant, party attitude and hyperrealistic, music video feel. It's an aggressively violent, disturbing film told through the lens of four bored, lost, entitled college girls.

Said girls, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine breaking away from their wholesome Disney princess personas, explore their own version of the American dream with a reckless journey to St. Petersburg, Florida to escape their menial lives. To achieve this, they act out a violent series of crimes. Gomez is the only one given a character arc or a distinguishable personality as Faith, a good Christian girl trying to find herself.

James Franco steals the picture with an inspired performance of a ridiculous drug dealer who spouts off these wildly hysterical yet oddly deep monologues about American life. Everything he says is so earnestly disturbing and inspiring in a white trash kind of way. Franco takes a strange take on the charismatic leader character, committing fully.

While the camera lingers on all the sex, nudity, debauchery, Korine doesn't shy from the harsh sides of this lifestyle. Parts of the film are dirty and uncomfortable, wrapped in this glossy, pink, super sweet veneer. Korine even manages to make Britney Spears' music reverent and meaningul. He fetishizes the debauchery of spring break with slow motion shots of naked teens dancing and prancing. It's told beautifully while expressing all the depraved, loathsome material he presents.

Spring Breakers has been consistently compared to a "fever dream" and easy to see why. It's a strange, superficial film that both glorifies and comments on a culture of excess. There's both mainstream appeal in its conception but is mostly an off putting, dark tale about bored, lost souls losing their way. All this is a result of boredom. We need the sex, drugs, alcohol, and depravity to escape from the prison of everyday life. Everything is a distraction from making us feel and seeing what life really is.

More | GhostWorld.ca / NPR

EUROTRIP 2013: 1 DAY IN MUNICH x BMW WELT x BAVARIA

2013-04-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

Eurotrip 2013: Walking around Munich and touring BMW Headquarters in Bavaria, Germany on April 16, 2013.

more @ flickr | culturemonster.ca

Our first stop off our overnight train from Berlin was the massive BMW HQ, celebrating the Bavarian motor company with its BMW Welt complex in Munich.

After gazing the new models, we hit up the neighbouring BMW Museum, taking in all its automotive history including the evolution of the 3-Series coupes.

Outside the BMW complex, the surrounding areas overlooked the Olympiapark sports stadiums (built for the 1972 Summer Olympics).

The car museum was full of vibrant, visual displays and automotive art pieces including a floating art piece featuring every BMW model's rear decal.

Strolling around downtown, Munich gave us a feel for its walking nature with its shopping district and public spaces. (Karlstor or "Karl's Gate" in Altstadt, above.)

Despite our brief stay, Munich proved to be an an adventurous city full of history and bold architecture. It felt more upscale and touristy than Berlin and not a bad way to end the trip.

More | Interesting Things

EUROTRIP 2013: ACHTUNG BABY x FROM BERLIN WITH LOVE

2013-04-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

"The greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine." – David Bowie

Eurotrip 2013: Walking the streets of Berlin, Germany from April 12 to 15, 2013.

more @ flickr | culturemonster.ca

Berlin was our last big stop in Europe and my personal highlight. I love this picture I sort of accidentally snapped while riding the S-bahn and how it perfectly sums up travelling with my mates, May and Dennis Pang, for three straight weeks all over western Europe.

Berlin is a city for walking with sprawling urban areas like the Alexanderplatz public square and the Fernsehturm tower in the background.

On particularly sunny days, you can find German students and random hipsters laying out on grassy knolls. I felt as if walking anywhere there would be random public spaces filled with historic buildings and interesting architecture.

Prenzlauer Berg in East Berlin was a more bohemian, hipster youth oriented neighbourhood (where we stayed) as its recently gone through gentrification and many changes.

Berlin Central Station (aka Berlin Hauptbahnhof) looks stoic late at night. Berlin is full of so much rich history and culture. I love how new and old the city is and all the public spaces and art fixtures. Twenty years after reunification and the city's forty-five year long separation gives Berlin a unique, charming character to marvel at.

More | Interesting Things / Nostalgiemarkt

EUROTRIP 2013: AUGUSTINER x GERMAN BEER HALL x BERLIN

2013-04-18T21:18:00.001-07:00

Eurotrip 2013: Dinner at Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt beer hall in Berlin, Germany on April 13, 2013. Also at Interesting Things.

There are some meals that nearly kill you. This was one of those. In search for some authentic German dining, we went to one of Augustiner's many locations for a meal of pork, sausage, and potatoes at this German beer hall.

The place was massive with Germans and tourists enjoying litre beers and copious amounts of meat. We split a bunch of dishes.

The famous Crispy pork knuckle with Bavarian cabbage was ridiculous and full of moist, tender filling. Our Berlin style potato soup with marjoram and Weiner sausages was also quite hearty.

On a slightly lighter note, the Augustiner sausages with mashed potatoes was a nice compliment, stuffed with rich meaty flavour.

Not satisfied, these six Nuremberg sausages with white cabbage were also hearty and filling to the core.

For dessert, we had to go with a German apple strudel, proving to be a delightful treat. It was a ridiculously filling, full meal with all the extra German fillings.

Their beers were also quite refreshing, particularly the weissbeer (or wheat beer and hefeweizen) blends. In all, Augustiner provided a great, raucous German dining experience.

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EUROTRIP 2013: WILLKOMMEN IN BERLIN x THE WALL

2013-04-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

"Ich bin ein Berliner." – JFK

Eurotrip 2013: Sightseeing and exploring the City of Berlin, Germany from April 12 to 15, 2013.

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♫ Been away so long I hardly knew the place.

Gee, it's good to be back home. (at Bradenburger Gate)

Leave it till tomorrow to unpack my case. (at the Reichstag building)

Honey, disconnect the phone. (at Checkpoint Charlie)

I'm back in the U.S.S.R. (at Friedrichstraße)

You don't know how lucky you are, boy. (mit May and Dennis Pang)

To be back in the USSR.

More | Interesting Things / Lyrics | Lennon–McCartney

EUROTRIP 2013: PONT ALEXANDRE III x PARIS, FRANCE

2013-04-16T01:15:00.000-07:00

Eurotrip 2013: Sightseeing and walking along the Pont Alexandre III in Paris, France on April 10, 2013.

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Crowd of annoyed tourists at the Musée du Louvre, closed due to striking workers protesting against aggressive pick pockets.

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile and a Pegassus adorned atop a column on Avenue du Marechal Gallieni.

Gazing at the Les Invalides complex of buildings housing museums and monuments, mostly devoted to France's military.

Crossing Pont Alexandre III bridge built in the 19th century.

An attacking Néréide statue by André Paul Arthur Massoulle adorning the south side of the bridge.

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EUROTRIP 2013: VIEW FROM THE TOP x EIFFEL TOWER x PARIS

2013-04-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Eurotrip 2013: Sightseeing and going to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on April 8, 2013.

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I wasn't really expecting to find the Eiffel Tower as stunning and remarkable as it really was, especially all lit up at night. We b-lined it to the tower and went up to the very top floor for a gorgeous night view of the city.

♫ Alouette je te plumerai. Je te plumerai la tête.

Je te plumerai la tête. Et la tête, et la tête.

Alouette, gentille alouette. Alouette, je te plumerai.

C'est magnifique.

More | Interesting Things / Pangcouver

EUROTRIP 2013: LA BELLE PARIS x MUSÉE NATIONAL D'ART MODERNE

2013-04-11T14:58:00.001-07:00

Eurotrip 2013: Touring the Musée National d'Art Moderne at Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, France on April 8, 2013.

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Arrive in Paris. Walk around. Go see modern art. So much art. Too much art.

♫ Alouette, gentille alouette. Alouette, je te plumerai.

Je te plumerai la tête. Et la tête. Alouette, alouette.

Alouette, gentille alouette. Alouette, je te plumerai.

La belle Paris.

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EUROTRIP 2013: 2 DAYS IN NICE, FRANCE x BONG LAI x €12 PHỞ

2013-04-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Eurotrip 2013: Photo walk and dinner at Bong Lai Vietnamese restaurant in Nice, France from April 6 to 7, 2013. Also at Interesting Things.

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The South of France lived up to its beautiful, relaxing, and charming European getaway reputation. A God of Apollo statue and fountain centred in the town square greets visitors from all around the world.

Craving for Asian cuisine and curious about French-Vietnamese dining, we visited the well regarded Vietnamese eatery Bong Lai. Our expensive €12 bowl of phở was decent (with good soup but dry noodles) and satisfied our cravings. Their bún thịt nướng (barbecue pork with vermicelli noodles, very top) was decent and they had some solid, meaty spring rolls.

I showed off and spoke/ordered speaking Vietnamese and chatted with the owner. She specially made for us a couple cups of cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) and gave us complimentary mango tapioca pudding for dessert. It was an expensive yet satisfying, fairly authentic meal.

Walking down one of the many alleys and side streets in the Vieux-Nice (aka "Old Nice") neighbourhood of town and the Marche aux Fleurs showed the city was full all kinds of hidden restaurants and shops. Nice proved to be unsurprisingly "nice" and a much busier, more heavily populated spot than first thought with an idyllic, clear blue, sandy coastline beach. Just keep livin'.

More | FoodMonster.ca / La Pizza Cresci / Pangcouver