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Had an amazing dining experience last night on the School Of Fish Floating Restaurant – simply amazing. 

Imagine being only one of 720 people to ever enjoy dining on a six course meal, wine pairings included,  in a restaurant that only seats 12 people  in False Creek that floats on plastic bottles!  All the materials to build the restaurant and food has donated so all money raised will go towards creating a course for student chefs on the importance of using sustainable seafood throughout their careers.  The School of Fish Foundation is the brainchild of Shannon Ronalds and wholeheartedly supported and endorsed by Chef Robert Clark, a pioneer himself in the education of the public when it comes to the sustainability of the food we eat and buy. 

I will admit, this dinner is pricey at about $225 per person (it’s a communal table for 12, so you can book for 1, 2, 3…any amount – up to 12 people), but when you have an opportunity to experience something  that only a few can…it is priceless. It’s only open until the end of September (so the opportunity is limited) and if you make your reso before the end of July (to dine anytime until end of September) there is a reduced rate.

If you can afford it…it is an experience not to be missed- it truly was magical and memorable - but even if you are cash strapped, it’s still worthwhile learning about how the Floating  Restaurant will benefit all of us as a consumer no matter what restaurant we choose to patronize not only here, but hopefully around the world. (BTW – Shannon is in talks with London to have the restaurant at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games ) . For a behind the scenes video of how this all came together, here it is .

You can learn about the Floating Restaurant , the menu (which is different all the time depending on what is in season, available and of course sustainable) by clicking  here  or  reservations can be made through SOFF web site www.schooloffishfoundation.org or by calling Shannon at 778-997-6977.

 Have a great day!

Dawn

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people say, “It’s so hard to meet a guy/ girl in Vancouver!”

I admit it has been a few years since I needed to “meet” someone – worst part is  that pressure to ” find someone” and yet, sure feels great when you do…unfortunately the timing if often off when it comes to desire and availability. I mean, where do people meet these days? Online seems to be a big one, although I myself am still a little old fashioned. Face to face time is best.

Earlier this week I had the chance to check out the The Dirty Apron Cooking School at 540 Beatty Street as they were just getting ready to launch their monthly  ”Singles in the City” Cooking Series. Seems to me like a no brainer…think speed dating (10 dates in one night), but with a spatula!

on BT with Dirty Apron Owner David Robertson

Let’s face it, both love and cooking involve chemistry, and what a great way to see how people are under pressure, following directions, and doing the dishes!  Could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship (or at least a beautiful meal!)

If you missed it, here\’s the clip !

Enjoy,

Dawn

Who doesn’t likea a nice glass of wine with their steak? Well how about your “Steak” having a glass or 2?

Sounds like a pretty good way to ease into the afterlife – get the cow drunk before it ”meats” its inevitable demise. Apparently there is an added benefit of improving the heart health in cattle – I won’t say anything about how this doesn’t necessarily seem like a benefit to the cow given the ultimate outcome.

 The idea behind this is to give the meat better texture, aroma and flavour – but will it be worth it at a 15% higher price?

I think the consumer is prepared to pay for good food and quality and while some budgets will only allow for one of you to imbibe (you or your dinner) – I think there will be a market for this and I look forward to trying it for myself sometime next year when  Kelowna’s Janice Ravndahk of Sezmu Meats hopes to bring her product to select butchers in Vancouver. 

Click here for the complete article from the Vancouver Sun.

Sunshine and Smiles,

Dawn

As many of you know, I embarked on a month of wellness with a challenge to do 30 classes of Yoga and Pilates in 35 Days.  Exhale Studio in Yaletown  decided to add a little extra motivation by adding a donation component that would help the BC Cancer Foundation.

I finished my 30th class on Saturday, July 24. My experience was better than I could have hoped for – I thought I would share a few thoughts about the instructors and how they brought out the best in me.

Rachel (owner) – Without this challenge and the charity tie in, I wouldn’t have done it, and I do believe a part of my life has been improved because of the opportunity.

 Rick - He helped me do the best I could do (being about as flexible as a piece of wood) and honour what my body was capable of (OK, what this means is he didn’t laugh at me).  He also is a musician and the other day he played guitar what we were in Savasana (corpse pose). Check him out at his website

Kate – did a class that focused on shoulders that makes me feel really strong lowering down from plank pose (Chaturanga Dandasana). Her attention to form with her Smart Yoga has changed the way I walk. I have never had good posture but her classes make me conscious of it and I am trying.

Alex- Best of both Pilates and Yoga with her fusion class. She just has this energy about her. She does know how to kick it in to high gear and my abs are thankful.

Jolene- LOVE her. She has an air of acceptance of all that surrounds her and it is contageous. My favourite poses that she has taught me are “waterfall” and “tree” and my favourite phrase from her is ” close your eyes- there’s nothing to see”

What did I learn? Being more flexible doesn’t make you a better person, but committing time to yourself and honouring and being grateful for all that you CAN do, does.

Namaste,

Dawn

I met Michael Schratter a few years ago. I attend social and Charity events on behalf of the station and see Michael, (a Social Columnist for 24Hours) hard at work connecting his readers with the whose who of Vancouver, where they were and what they were doing. Even though he is busy most nights of the week – that is only his part time gig. Many of his readers may not know he is School Teacher. What almost all of us didn’t know is that  he suffers from Mental Illness. I found out only a week ago.

The stigma around mental illness is such that you don’t want to share if you suffer from it (or have family who does- as I do). Terms like Bi-Polar and Manic make people uncomfortable and even fearful. Michael wants us rid us of those misconceptions that is literally killing our youth. I mean look at him- he is a successful, social, functioning member of society!

Beginning in August, Michael is going to circumnavigate the Planet on his Bike. 40,000km, 6 Continents and 30 countries. He’s taking a year off work and covering his own expenses so that every penny can go to the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division.

“It’s not just a bike – It’s the gears of change to help stop the stigma”

For more information on Michael and his adventure, to read his blog as he travels, to share your own stories of mental illness and to donate, please click  here.

Safe travels Michael – we all wish you the best,

Dawn

Might seem a little early to be telling you about a BC Lions Game happening in August – but you’ll want to get on this one quickly- a great well to help the Make a Wish Foundation and cheer on our BC Lions!

Wishes can come true with your help!

Dawn

Rewind  2 weeks,  I didn’t really care about soccer. Did the World Cup awaken the interest – yes! 

Having to report on it for Breakfast Television meant I had to do a little homework each night (maybe I can cover sports now on Sportsnet -kidding) but the real hype of World Cup for me was the fact that I got to watch it most mornings with our BT Viewers!

In case you missed  it, enjoy reminiscing about our coverage of World Cup the Breakfast Television way!

It all started with a visit to the Forum with Mexico and Uruguay! I even ran into a couple of superheros

Next, I went to Caffe Abbruzzo on Commercial Drive with Italy vs Slovakia, so many Italian fans- and the best tiramisu I have EVER had!

What?!?! did you say something? Yes, I do believe I suffered a bit of hearing loss at the Libra Room on Commercial as the Brazilians took on Portugal- WILD!

Slovakian fans were a bit more subdued in the game against the Netherlands – but Danube Restaurant in Burnaby treated us to some Slovakian Chow!

And how can we forget the Japan vs Paraguay game at Cafe Barcelona on Granville! Down to a shootout!

So yes, I really enjoyed covering World Cup the BT way, but it was not the sport that I enjoyed so much, as showing the enthusiasm of our  BT Fans!

Please check out my FACEBOOK PAGE for more photos of all of you in the ON LOCATION Album!

GOOOOAAAALLLLL!

Dawn

Great Story  in the Province the other day about a lady who LOVES the vuvuzela so much, she’s selling them on Commercial Drive on weekends- and she’s donating $1 from each sale going to BC Children\’s Hospital.

Lynn Jan - the Vuvuzela Lady!

Lynn  is selling them for $10 each and if you can’t make it to Commercial Drive – you can order them by email at vuvuzelalady@yahoo.com

Enjoy the Buzz of World Cup!!

Dawn

Olympic ceremonies choreographer wants you for a 1,000-troupe flash mob dance for Canada Day

 Marlise McCormick, the Associate Director of Choreography for the Vancouver Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies, is putting out the call today for British Columbians to sign up and perform a 1000-troupe flash mob dance for the Canada Day ceremonies in Langley. The “Keep the Pride Alive” dance, inspired by the spirit and national pride of the 2010 Winter Games, will be set to an original song by award-winning songwriters Bob Buckley and Brian Gibson.

The  flash mob dance is an open invitation to all energetic British Columbians (15 years and up). No dance experience or skill is necessary.

 “We want to reignite the passion and euphoric national pride we all felt during the Olympics,” said Martini. “We want to keep the pride alive with a spectacular performance of 1,000 British Columbians moving to an original song we commissioned celebrating Canada’s birthday.”

Songwriters Bob Buckley and Brian Gibson composed the new song “Keep the Pride Alive” and in French, “Une Fierté à Conserver,” which will be performed, along with the dance routine, three times during the Langley Canada Day Celebrations at McLeod Park, Canada’s largest two day celebration.

 Rehearsals start Wednesday, June 23^rd or Friday, June 25^th.

 All registered dancers are entered to win a trip for two anywhere Aeroplan Rewards flies.

British Columbians can sign up  here for the flash mob dance !

Good Luck!

Dawn

I’m fundraising in support of the BC Cancer Foundation. Join me in supporting a wonderful cause. Please donate to support breakthrough research and compassionate care through the BC Cancer Foundation.

 BC Cancer Foundation is provides screening, prevention and early detection programs, diagnosis and treatment services, supportive care, rehabilitation, palliative care, research and education thoughout British Columbia.

 The goal – a vision…a world free from cancer. Providing cancer care and research for all of B.C.

 At Exhale Studio ( http://www.exhalestudio.com ), I am aiming to do 30 Classes in 35 Days “Exhale Challenge” to a better self! To feel better physically, mentally and emotionally by joining the “Exhale Challenge”, a commitment to myself to attend 30 yoga, pilates & dance classes in 35 days. This is a great way to strengthen the body, unburden the mind, and begin a daily commitment to myself.

 I decided to add extra motivation, intention and purpose to the “Exhale Challenge” as an opportunity to raise money for the BC Cancer Foundation.

 I would love your support to help me accomplish my goal of completing the challenge, and helping raise money for the BC Cancer Foundation.

 If you wish to make a secure online donation to BC Cancer Foundation, please click here

Whatever you can give will be appreciated, and everything helps. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

 Please know that you are making a difference in the lives of people touched by cancer.

 If you wish to join the free with membership “exhale challenge” to a better self and help raise money at the same time for cancer research, simply check out http://www.exhalestudio.com or email info@exhalestudio.com for more information.

Sun Salutations and Smiles,

Dawn