btvancouver

Hi Everyone!

I’m baaaaaaaack…I had a great “staycation” for a week.  Well, I did get up to Kelowna to visit a friend for a couple days.  I golfed quite a bit last week but my drive does not seem to be improving.  I think I need the sage advice of one Mark Docherty.  My short game and putting are decent but every time I drive the ball it veers miles to the left!  If you have any advice please pass it along.

I also had the chance to meet the great Kevin Costner at the PNE last Saturday, he was a real treat and genuinely nice.  The PNE has an amazing list of performers this year for the 100th anniversary.  As soon as he got off the tour bus he gathered the band together for a sound check.  It was only a rehearsal but a crowd of over a hundred people were so gathered two hours before he was supposed to perform.  You could tell the band was digging the support and enthusiasm.

One more tidbit to pass along…We mentioned this on BT today but I am getting another tattoo next week on my upper left arm.  It’s an original painting of a magpie (my favourite bird) by famed bird artist John James Audubon.  Check out the picture below (it’s the bird on top)

Laters…

-Thor

Had the pleasure of spending the morning in Chinatown to promote the upcoming  Chinatown Festival this weekend and to celebrate Chinatown’s 125th Anniversary.  We made Steamed buns and ate a traditional Hong Kong breakfast…yummy! If you can, head to Chinatown this weekend – it’s a FREE family friendly event with food tastings, lion dancing, and kid-friendly activities!

One of my favourite Culinary Experts is Stephanie Yuen shared some of her favourite spots to go in Chinatown (below) and don’t forget to check out her Blog for more of her thoughts and restaurant picks , Beyond Chopsticks

awwww...the Panda doesn't have a name!

Had a great time the other morning in Yaletown as the Opus was preparing for their 8th Annual Street Party- Arabian Nights! They even gave us some Foodie Freebies, including a Bed and Breakfast valued at over $500 for 1 lucky BT Viewer!!

Enjoy the segments with  Chef Felix and Crystal Moon (cocktail recipe at bottom of post)…theme – Morocco!

 Hendrick’s Gin Feature Cocktail:

 Marrakesh Express


3 cardamom pods


1 1/2 oz Hendrick’s
Gin

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice


1/2 oz simple syrup


1 oz apple juice


First crush cardamom pods in base of mixing glass, then combine all ingredients and shake well. Serve up in a martini glass. Garnish with a cucumber wheel!

Until we eat again,

Dawn

So…we all know I love food, and I could casually call myself a “Foodie” but let’s face it, I am a babe in the woods compared to some of the “Foodies” out there. I am speaking about  the Bloggers, the Chefs, and the Sommolier’s in training who continue to educate and excite all off us when it comes to the Lower Mainlands top restaurants!

So at this time, I dedicate today’s blog to Richard Wolak, or Vanfoodster who recently celebrated his 1 Year Anniversary at  Canvas (and incorporated a cover charge that benefitted the Greater Vancouver Food Bank ).

Thor, Richard and I

Here is a montage of raw footage and well wishes taken at the party!

Until we eat again,

Dawn

Sara Davis Buechner

On Friday’s BT, I’m going to introduce you to Sara Davis Buechner. She’s an amazing pianist who’s performing at the Queer Arts Festival in Vancouver on Friday night. Sara is a master piano instructor at UBC, tours the world performing her music, and has had an incredible life full of ups and downs.

You can catch her performance of words and music at the Roundhouse Community Centre on Friday night at 7:30. Tickets are $15-25 at the door.

For more information — visit Sara’s website here.

K

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

Anything can happen when it comes to live television. And this morning was a shining example on Breakfast Television. We did our usual spot with the Vancouver SPCA. And showcased two dogs in need of a loving home. But, there was plenty of lovin’ going on — at the exact moment we decided to go on the air.

Have a look for yourself.
K
PS – OF COURSE, this happened during one of MY segments! Just my luck!

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

Talk about a trip down memory lane. The one thing that bonded my dad, big bro Zain and myself back in the day was some good ol’ wrestling! The likes of the Ultimate Warrior, Andre the Giant and the immortal Hulk Hogan were the icons that had us screaming at the TV during Saturday Night’s Main Event, all in an effort to help dictate the already orchestrated outcome.

This past Sunday, Team Hogan came to the Red Robinson Theatre and we managed to squeeze in some quality time before this epic photo opp that I’ll be sharing with my mini-Meghjis one day.

 Can you dig it Brother!!!!!!!    RM