btvancouver

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

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 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

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

On Wednesday, June 2nd, Delta employees will set up at three of the Lower Mainland’s busiest commuter stations during the morning rush to provide coffee and muffins to commuters in exchange for a donation to a local charity. 

Vancouver’s City Centre Station will go green for one of Vancouver ’s top outdoor wonders by raising money for the Stanley Park Ecology Society. The Metrotown station will be all about building homes for families in need to support Habitat for Humanity while Richmond ’s Brighouse Station focuses on meals for the Richmond Food Bank.

 To further support the green commute, employees at the Vancouver City Centre Station will also provide bananas for downtown cyclists to support BC Bike to Work Week.

The tour will support Delta’s goal of raising $1 million and donating 10,000 volunteer hours to local charities from coast to coast throughout 2010.

 When:              June 2nd from 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

 Where:               Vancouver City Centre Station-southwest corner of Georgia and Granville St . 

Where:            Metrotown Station- Central Blvd at Metrotown Mall on the sidewalk at the base of the station

 Where:       RichmondBrighouse Station-at station entrance on #3 Road across from Richmond Centre Mall.

Way to go Delta Hotels! Thanks for supporting community programs and volunteering your time!

Dawn

To raise money for local Food Bank charities, Tanya & Jeff Harrison of Veridamo Photography are looking for children in the Metro Vancouver area to photograph for the second edition of our fine art coffee table book. The 2009 edition was a fantastic success and we thank everyone who allowed us the opportunity to capture the unique stories of so many children.

To capture that unique story of your own child for this year’s edition is a $100 donation to one of two food bank programs that provide basic and nutritious food to babies and children.

For your donation you will receive a professional portrait session of your child at a location in and around Metro Vancouver. Each child photographed will have a stunning image published in the book, with copies available for purchase at the end of the year.

If you have more than one child, each additional child is only a $25 donation to the same food bank program.

To Participate, check out  Kids of Vancouver

Smile, Say Cheese, and help feed those in need!

Dawn

You might wonder why I am wearing a T-Shirt with a big Bulls-eye on my chest! No, it’s not a “look here” kind of thing – but it is meant to draw awareness to Breast Cancer. In fact, I am not alone…Kim Catrall is the ”Face”  this year for the  Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Campaign, raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

You can buy your T-Shirt ($12) now at select Joe Fresh Style location throughout the country and there is a little extra incentive: Joe Fresh is giving away a trip for two to the next Toronto Fashion Week as well as a $500 Joe Fresh Style shopping spree. All people have to do to enter is upload a photo of themselves here.

Fashion for a Cause!

Dawn

May 8 marks World Red Cross Day, which is celebrated internationally every year since 1948.  This has certainly been a crazy couple of years of  Natural Disasters where the Red Cross has been maxed out.

As a way of celebrating and promoting awareness of the Red Cross Disaster Management Program and its foundation of preparedness, response and recovery, the 3rd Annual Red Carpet Soiree is happening on Thursday, May 6 and will welcome more than 300 guests who will be treated to an impressive selection of finely-crafted canapés and seductive seafood from two of Vancouver’s top chefs, Executive Chef Frank Pabst and Raw Bar Chef Yoshihiro Tabo.

• Enjoy a selection of award-winning canapés from Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar and fine wine donated by Vincor.
• Get your very own personal style consultation from professional stylists, Operation Style.
• Bid on fabulous silent auction items generously donated by some of the trendiest hotels, local artists, and high-end retailers throughout British Columbia.
• Pose in our fun photo booth fundraiser.
• And much more!

To register, and for more information, go to their website

Be Generous,

Dawn