btvancouver

Now I like bacon just like many Canadians….but this new release from J&D Foods in Seattle ”might” be a little too out there…

From the makers of Baconnaise, Bacon Salt, Bacon Flavoured Popcorn and Bacon Flavoured Jones Soda (all of which I have tried on Breakfast Television…here’s the VIDEO of a chat we did on BT)…something for those of you who just need that something “extra”.

Bacon or sex? why choose?

Not sure who their market might be…likely a novelty item that will end up at some pranksters gift exchange. Hey I don’t judge.

If you crave bacon or….something else in the morning – you can  check out their website for more details

Good Morning (good morning!),

Dawn

Hey Guys,

Check out what I thought of this week’s new releases – ‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark’ and ‘Our Idiot Brother’.

Enjoy…

-Thor

With just one week to go until the federal election, do you know who you’re voting for?
All this week on BT — we’re taking a closer look at some key ridings in Metro Vancouver.
First up — Vancouver South.
Check out my story that ran during BT this morning.
K

Alright all you cross-border shoppers.  You can all chill out and relax…the days of sitting in long lines at the border are about to come to an end, because Target is coming to Canada! 

This morning, the company announced a $1.8 billion deal, to purchase 220 Zellers locations from the Hudson’s Bay Company.  If all things go according to plan, the first Target stores should be up and running in Canada by 2013.

This is a massive business deal.  And while there are a lot of people happy with news Target is coming to Canada, it also raises some concerns.  A big box American chain, is taking over a well known Canadian company.  But what many people don’t know, is Zellers (which is owned by HBC) is already owned by an American organization.  That’s because the Hudson’s Bay Company was purchased by a U.S. group a few years ago — called NRDC Equity Partners (it owns a department chain called Lord & Taylor).

What do you think?  Are you happy or upset about Target’s move into Canada? 

K

Here’s the trailer for Mel Gibson’s long-awaited, long-shelved dark comedy “The Beaver“.  It also stars Jodie Foster (who directed!).

This is a risky premise for a movie (guy talking to a beaver puppet) but could get Mel on the road to a comeback, or it could be a colossal failure.  “The Beaver” opens in theatres in March.

What do you think?

-Thor

KFC has launched their Double Down in Canada. Yippee?

Let me describe:

This one-of-a-kind sandwich features two thick and juicy boneless white meat chicken fillets (Original Recipe® ), two pieces of bacon, two melted slices of Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheese and Colonel’s Sauce.

YUMMY?

At 540 calories – not only did I have to decide if I wanted to consume the calories, the fat and the sodium, but I also had to think about what it would take to burn it off. The final question to be answered, was it worth it…. watch the video below for the verdict!

Until we Eat Again,

Dawn

Having worked in the restaurant industry for many years, I like to think I am a pretty good customer.

I typically tip 20% and I am patient and understanding when it comes to mistakes or slow service, but I think we all have a point where you question whether or not a tip should be paid.

It could be the fear of someone recognizing me and then spreading a rumor that I am cheap, so I tip every time, even if the service is poor. If it  is really bad…I just don’t go back.

I decided to blog about the subject of service and tipping because for possibly the first time ever, we  had such extraordinarily bad service. I mean it was awful. Now, we did tip, but it was less than we normally would have. We were also sure to grab a the General Manager’s contact information so that we could address the events of the evening. I will say though, that we really didn’t feel good about tipping at all. It was really deciding on which action made us feel the least uncomfortable.

I like to think most restaruant experiences are good ones so, to ensure you’re on par with proper tipping etiquette, I found this website  for your reference.

Feel free to share your stories here…as a customer, but I am sure  lot  servers have some peeves to share as well!

Until we Eat Again,

Dawn

“I hear you…I see you” is the go to phrase given to Craig T Nelson’s character Zeek Braverman by a marriage therapist in Parenthood as a way to save his marriage with with wife  Camille (played by Bonnie Bedelia).

Not to stereotype, but this is a common concern that many women have regarding the men in their lives. Dr. John Gray would say it’s because we are wired differently – and according to his new book that we just need to leave them alone for a bit each day so that they can eventually focus on us. In other words – don’t bug them and in return they will listen more..huh?

Riaz and I had a little “communication” this morning…Riaz, do you hear me? do you see me?

All good Riaz- just bugging ya – key to a great relationship (in marriage and in TV) is a sense of humour!

Dawn

I love donuts.  And my favourite place to get them in Vancouver, is at Lee’s Donuts on Granville Island.  I got to spend the morning down there with the team, learning the tricks of the trade when it comes to making donuts.  They make them all by hand.  They make them fresh.  They serve them warm.  They’re incredible.  They literally melt in your mouth.

Here are some photos of my morning at Granville Island.  And here’s a look back at my weather hits from Wednesday morning.

K

Of everything that happened today in the wide world of news, there are two stories that stand out in my mind far more than any others.

First up, the angry flight attendant from JetBlue — who went on a rampage after a passenger stood up to get her luggage before the plane came to a complete stop at JFK Airport in New York City.  After confronting her, he grabbed the intercom and yelled several swear words into it before taking a beer from the beverage cart, and jumping off the plane using an emergency chute.

How many of us who have worked in the service industry have wanted to do something like this before!?  Dealing with customers can be a VERY frustrating and stressful job and clearly this employee just couldn’t take it anymore!

My other favourite story of the day comes from a McDonald’s restaurant in Ohio.  Where a woman came through the Drive Thru and was very upset the store didn’t have any Chicken McNuggets at six o’clock in the morning.  She then goes on a rampage and starts punching the server — and even the manager, before pounding on the glass window and eventually smashing it with a bottle.  You can watch the entire security video here.

I worked at McDonald’s for five years during my high school and college days.  And while I never dealt with anything this extreme — I certainly have some stories about customers “losing their cool” over a burger and fries.

I have nothing but respect for people who work in the service industry.  It is NOT an easy job dealing with customers every single day.

Control your tempers, people!  There are many more important things in life to worry about!

K