And with Halloween over I suppose I should've posted this sooner.
My plans to Trick-or-Eat fell through. Some part of me suspected it would. I juggled just-missed-it buses and got to the registration point at UBC a little late, found a bored night watchman who'd said the group left awhile ago - I suspect earlier than the latest posted time for registration. With no one waiting, no one could assign me to my canvasing neighbourhood for charity food collection. I wasn't really surprised, I had limited contact with this organized group and on top of that Mercury was retrograde, so communication+transportation are problematic. *sigh*
Perhaps if I had left my friend's house hours earlier, arrived earlier and milled aimlessly around a campus I don't belong to I'd have been on time. But I didn't, so I wasn't. I don't regret having a nice afternoon just for a potentially nice/productive evening.
Perhaps it was just not meant to be.
Oddly enough I had found a U-pass on the ground at a bus stop only days before. I was sorry for the person who'd lost it, since they'd paid for it and likely needed it for class, but as it expired at month's end it would make my bus travel free, if only for a few days. The space that should've been filled with a name was blank. Coincidence? Or Providence?
Odd when I fluke into good fortune like that, sometimes I swear it's the only thing keeping me alive. I'm consciously aware and thankful for it, constantly. I wondered that day as I kept walking, despite the found bus pass, how time and place are so decisive in our lives. If I hadn't been walking that street on that day and looking down at that moment I would've never found it. What else do I miss looking around or up, while I habitually look down on sidewalks and roads (for found treasure/jewelry/money, as well as not to trip)? What if this was a sign that I should get on the next bus immediately, before a baby grand piano drops on me a few blocks up the road??
And a bus passed me, with corny advertising on the side depicting a lightbulb with angel wings, speaking of their 'afterlife'. Apparently they can be recycled now.
My costume for Halloween was an old standby for a few years now, black angel wings and cheap fuzzy halo. I'd already decided that was optimal for me since I already had it and it's simple and unencumbering for whatever-it-is I'm doing. So what am I doing for Halloween when plans fall through? Stop off at home to consult websites for spontaneous alternative plans, and grumble with a vodka cooler that sorta tasted like cough syrup, 'berry flavour' bleh, which followed me out the door - the cops aren't really going to pester an angel for drinking in public are they?! - as I hurried to the Skytrain station for a sort-of flashmob trainstuffing out to Richmond and back. Why not? I've never done it before and have nothing else to do than get crammed in with strangers in costumes - a few more angels - and I had a U-pass that expires at midnight.
It was hot like a metal concert, just goofy fun. I didn't much feel like the clubby beat or 'dancing' of the afterparty, so I just walked up and down Granville Street and checked out all the clubbers' costumes. Noted were the following; groups of prisoners (both the black+whited striped and orange jumpsuit variety), geishas, zombies of every kind, Bender+Calculon from Futurama, Marvin the Martian, Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man, Pillsbury Doughboy, and... a few more angels. The best group was the troupe of King Arthur and his knights from Monty Python's Holy Grail. The knave carrying the luggage even had speakers on his back playing the musical score, and was clopping coconut shells.
I was hungry but couldn't justify making even a simple dinner at midnight, so I got cheapy pizza on Granville Street. The first time I had cheapy pizza was with my brother when we were in Vancouver *unsupervised!*, I remember being suspicious about the sanitary conditions of the establishment. Ah, if only 32-year-old me could chat with 12-year-old me! Alone in a busy crowd of pizza-eaters quietly minding their own business, I noticed a large tv on the back wall, showing what I gather was an intellectual documentary from History channel. It was on mute and would've made a lot more sense with audio, otherwise it was just stills of famous artwork depicting... angels. They found me even in a seedy pizza joint!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Halloween triple treat
With Halloween fast approaching I suppose I should've posted this sooner.
I know that Halloween is primarily celebrated in North America, and similar-yet-different to the Mexican Day of the Dead, and sorta translated/echoed in various forms in different countries via media and global cultural exchange. So this is a post for the Vancouverites that are close enough to experience the following;
The Dunbar Haunted House - It started as a house in the Dunbar neighbourhood, an enthusiastic homeowner did his house up impressively and was quite a spectacle. It grew from there and only the name reflects it's history - this year it's in a warehouse in Marpole. They have a great collection of gruesome latex masks and mannequins grouped in themed displays - and between 7-midnight use real actors in costume to pop out at visitors, so I crept through carefully taking it all in, and predicting which is the 'real' one. The theme was Terror Through History, my personal creepy highlights were the Inquisition, the Plague, and the environmental/medical mutant nightmare of the suggested future. The lineup (it's popular, so get there early) is broken into groups of 3-4 to give you a friend or two to experience it with, but not enough to feel rushed like driven cattle. The only hiccup is when a group moves too slow or too fast and the surprise is ruined before the actors return to their hiding spots. Fantastic show, worth the $10 entry that goes to charity. Please note this is the last year for it, so see it while you can!
Trick Or Eat - A great excuse for adults to get dressed up in costume and go door-to-door like a little kid again! You know you're an adult when you have all the money and freedom to eat as much candy as you want at anytime, and yet you just crave an honest salad or piece of fruit. You know you don't _need_ the candy, you need real food, so that's what we're collecting is donations for the Food Bank. I participated last year with a group that was well connected and organized and I had a fun time, things ran smoothly and we hung out at the organizer's house afterward. This year is a bit trickier as I don't have that same group and thus had difficulty getting connected to strangers, since they assume everyone is linked via facebook. As Halloween is not yet upon us to know how this will turn out, I will do my part and hope for the best. I'd recommend this is a great idea if you can organize a group
of friends you know well who have your contact information easily.
Parade of Lost Souls - Held at Britannia Community Center is where the hipsters and funky artists get together for art installations and performances. I attended only as an afterthought after other daytime plans, so perhaps I missed most of it with the parade at 7pm, but at 9pm they were still making music on found percussion surfaces (tin cans, washtubs, cow bells, anything you can hit with a stick). There were fire dancers, and the highlight for me was a Thriller dance on every few minutes - the Michael Jackson lead was spot-on. Come in costume, it's a family event, community pride.
I know that Halloween is primarily celebrated in North America, and similar-yet-different to the Mexican Day of the Dead, and sorta translated/echoed in various forms in different countries via media and global cultural exchange. So this is a post for the Vancouverites that are close enough to experience the following;
The Dunbar Haunted House - It started as a house in the Dunbar neighbourhood, an enthusiastic homeowner did his house up impressively and was quite a spectacle. It grew from there and only the name reflects it's history - this year it's in a warehouse in Marpole. They have a great collection of gruesome latex masks and mannequins grouped in themed displays - and between 7-midnight use real actors in costume to pop out at visitors, so I crept through carefully taking it all in, and predicting which is the 'real' one. The theme was Terror Through History, my personal creepy highlights were the Inquisition, the Plague, and the environmental/medical mutant nightmare of the suggested future. The lineup (it's popular, so get there early) is broken into groups of 3-4 to give you a friend or two to experience it with, but not enough to feel rushed like driven cattle. The only hiccup is when a group moves too slow or too fast and the surprise is ruined before the actors return to their hiding spots. Fantastic show, worth the $10 entry that goes to charity. Please note this is the last year for it, so see it while you can!
Trick Or Eat - A great excuse for adults to get dressed up in costume and go door-to-door like a little kid again! You know you're an adult when you have all the money and freedom to eat as much candy as you want at anytime, and yet you just crave an honest salad or piece of fruit. You know you don't _need_ the candy, you need real food, so that's what we're collecting is donations for the Food Bank. I participated last year with a group that was well connected and organized and I had a fun time, things ran smoothly and we hung out at the organizer's house afterward. This year is a bit trickier as I don't have that same group and thus had difficulty getting connected to strangers, since they assume everyone is linked via facebook. As Halloween is not yet upon us to know how this will turn out, I will do my part and hope for the best. I'd recommend this is a great idea if you can organize a group
of friends you know well who have your contact information easily.
Parade of Lost Souls - Held at Britannia Community Center is where the hipsters and funky artists get together for art installations and performances. I attended only as an afterthought after other daytime plans, so perhaps I missed most of it with the parade at 7pm, but at 9pm they were still making music on found percussion surfaces (tin cans, washtubs, cow bells, anything you can hit with a stick). There were fire dancers, and the highlight for me was a Thriller dance on every few minutes - the Michael Jackson lead was spot-on. Come in costume, it's a family event, community pride.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Thanksgiving in the Cariboo Chilcotin.
Had a great time with good company, but the most memorable part for me was the drive - to, from, and around the Fraser canyon and the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast (though we didn't hit the Coast part). Leaving the lush Pacific rainforest and exotic sakura trees in Vancouver, we find a different land in the interior canyons and plateau. The green gave way to bright candy yellow birches along lakes and ponds. The grasses were pale green, shocking yellow, tawny brown, dead-stick grey, and a silvery blonde that shone brilliantly in the direct sun, a contrast to the black cows grazing in the fields. This is ranch country.
A daytrip to Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park; we didn't see any animals but the land was beautiful, and we were lucky to have a perfect blue sky. Desert sagebrush and a few stubborn Douglas firs held the hillsides stable, more blonde grass covered the distant benches like velvet, and the slopes carved and fell into hoodoos and cliffs the ribbon road wove around.
A new scene around every hairpin turn, the soil itself a dull powder grey but sculpted into such forms as to make play of the strong desert light and shadow. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have to trek all the way to Alberta to see hoodoos (though I will - another trip for another time). The Chilcotin River was turquoise here, fringed with yellow birches, standing out like a shock against the grey.
This is but a sample of my photos shown here, I don't take photos as often as some folks do but felt like capturing the moment. 'Twas a nice moment. I'll revisit there someday, but know that one can never truly go back.
"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." - Heraclitus
We took the highway northeast to make good time, but chose the back roads to return home. Good thing we had a map and GPS, and a fella who's been there before...
Alkali Lake is a native reserve community, we didn't see anyone there, and even the horses and dogs were quiet. Peacefully quiet. It was so quiet it was _silent_, rare even for nature. One duck quacked. One crow cawed. The lake was mirror still and would've made a perfect picnic spot had it been further along our journey, but we still had a long way to go...
...of long looping stretches of gravel road, steep hill climbs and descents, golden velvet grassy benches (with the occasional tree), and barely any other cars around for miles. We had run out of cow pastures awhile ago, though there were still fences lining the road perhaps for open range grazing...? Not a cow to be seen. Just a vast expanse of dry hot land, populated with whatever organisms can eek out an existence here.
We meandered back to the Fraser canyon, the colors fading back into the muted grey and pale sage green, the river itself muddy brown. Looking back we could see the distance travelled over hours, was just over there on the horizon. We stopped on a little bridge that seemed to go nowhere other than the small community of Gang Ranch and its little airport.
Clearly I did neither, and instead we carried on down the road in search of a picnic spot for a late lunch, on through miles till it was decided that any patch of desert will do. Sandwiches, meat+cheese+crackers, trail mix and a fresh apple each. In the time it took to have lunch only one car passed. Again the silence. Thankfully no rattlesnakes.
We had spent most of the day weaving around this desert canyon travelling not very far or fast, so while we continued on the gravel backroads we dawdled less. We were losing daylight too. The land changed as we headed south - patches of young trees in formerly logged areas or under power lines, mixed forest, buildings, cows - and climbed in elevation where *gasp!* there was snow on the ground. Getting cold, time to put the top up on the convertible. Crept up a 14% grade logging road, all hairpin turns and blind corners, and thankfully no logging truck hurtling towards us in the opposite direction. Thankful for pavement finally in Pavilion. Reached the highway in Lillooet around the same time the fading daylight made photography not worthwhile, early sunset in a steep-walled canyon. Carried into more familiar mountainous land along Duffy Rd, the evergreen forest even darker in dusk. Lost the last light of day shining pink off the snowy peak just beyond Pemberton. Someday we'll take the trip up again in daylight, though I was thankful enough for the warm car to get us home safely.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Tasty treasures from Nova Scotia
Two weeks in Nova Scotia was a whirlwind of visiting people. These folks are so friendly you can't be in their neck of the woods without dropping by, or they'll get offended that you missed them. Crossed the width of the province several times, which is thankfully only an hour's drive and is unfathomable for a westerner like me! We try to explore a bit, beyond people's kitchens and living rooms, so featured here are some gems I found;
First off I'll commend the organization of the good folks in Freeport/Westport, NS. Two remote towns with a ferry between them, they're either really well-trained to the flux and disorientation of tourists, or are just naturally super-helpful! The goto spot for grub in Freeport, especially seafood chowder, is Lavena's Catch Café. I'll add my support to the voice of all the other positive reviews online! On the recommendation of locals in another town we just mentioned to our hostess that we needed to catch the last ferry to Westport, and she assured us we'd be fine - indeed our food was served timely, as well as a generous portion and delicious quality. The ambience is casual and family-friendly, with Trivial Pursuit available while you're waiting. Tender scallops and haddock, creamy chunky chowder, both paired nicely with the Jost Chablis. We saved room for peanut butter pie for dessert. At the end of our meal our hostess volunteered the café phone to call the hostel in Westport and confirm we're still taking a room there.
Onto the ferry next, the operators were patient and welcoming, no worries.
And the hostel owner waited up for us and our arrival after the office closed, no problem, we'll trust you settle the bill in the morning. It turned out we had the whole space to ourselves after the holiday long weekend, and though we just needed a bed to crash and sleep overnight the hostel looks like a comfy place to stay awhile; two showers (one toilet), and a communal lounge and kitchen facilities. An unobstructed view on a clear day, and a great view of the fog when we were there that makes me want to snuggle into the couch with a cuppa tea and just be warm and quiet with the cold outside.
Back on the topic of seafood, I made it my mission to have seafood everyday there! Nova Scotia's pride is scallops and lobsters, and I enjoyed several meals of baked scallops, lobster rolls, and chowder. I think my favorite scallops were at the Seaside Shanty in Chester Basin; just a small appy but done in a fabulous tarragon sauce that needed to be sopped up with bread so as not to waste it after the scallops were devoured. I am reminded that I should have/use tarragon more often, because whenever I do I love it.
The pursuit of seafood wasn't limited to fine dining; I got a McLobster from McDonalds which I still consider regional cuisine! I had clams+chips from several places including a food truck. I had salmon+capers+onions+cream cheese in wraps and bagels for breakfast and lunch, great portable food for exploring and road trips. A friend's kids caught some bass in the Mersey river (okay, technically not SEAfood? but I gutted them myself and we grilled it up on the barbecue just fine). I had lobster+shrimp sushi (debatably Nova Scotians refer to both shrimp and prawns as simply 'shrimp').
Hit the Blue Olive Greek Taverna for kalamari. For the longest time I didn't like Greek food as I'm not particularly a fan of olives or feta cheese, which seems to be found in every dish, and yet I like this. The Greek salad was perfect for me; refreshingly not drowned in oily dressing, the feta crumbled like snow on top. Two olives perched atop like bird's eggs, thus easily flicked across the table at my date *pfshewm!* [insert childish projectile-firing noise here]. The tzatziki dip was fantastic and had a spicy zing that held its own - nothing worse than a wimpy dip. It carried itself well with the strong pine-resin retsina wine, which is a fun try for an adventurous palate. My compliments to the chef, and I will make a point to visit whenever I'm there.
I'd be amiss if I didn't highlight a winery here, no? Try Annapolis Highland Vineyards near Bear River, gotta get off the main highway but well worth the detour. Not only is the product fine, but the staff are friendly and informative of their wine and business, and the area in general - props to Brendan who steered us to the aforementioned Lavena's Catch Café. A thorough tasting of their menu leaves me liking both reds and whites, some varietals I've never heard of, blends are thoughtful and we got three bottles.
A great meal I was glad to be in time for this year was the Heritage Blueberry Festival at the Parkdale/Maplewood Community Museum. This is just the sort of one-offs I love to stumble into on my travels. A small yet popular event, as well as admission into the museum that showcases the town's history we browse through the local crafts and swap meet, and enjoy a huge and delicious meal of regional specialties: Lunenburg sausage, sauerkraut (can you tell the German roots here?), pudding (as in, European blood sausage, not the butterscotch/chocolate dessert we know in North America), soloman gundy (pickled herring), smeltz potato and hodge podge (mashed potatos deluxe), sauerkraut salad (sweeter, and my favorite on my plate), sweet pickles and pickled beets. Homemade bread. Coffee+tea. Dessert was either (or both!) blueberry pie or blueberry grunt, a sort of steamed dumpling, using low-bush blueberries that are tiny but flavourful.
First off I'll commend the organization of the good folks in Freeport/Westport, NS. Two remote towns with a ferry between them, they're either really well-trained to the flux and disorientation of tourists, or are just naturally super-helpful! The goto spot for grub in Freeport, especially seafood chowder, is Lavena's Catch Café. I'll add my support to the voice of all the other positive reviews online! On the recommendation of locals in another town we just mentioned to our hostess that we needed to catch the last ferry to Westport, and she assured us we'd be fine - indeed our food was served timely, as well as a generous portion and delicious quality. The ambience is casual and family-friendly, with Trivial Pursuit available while you're waiting. Tender scallops and haddock, creamy chunky chowder, both paired nicely with the Jost Chablis. We saved room for peanut butter pie for dessert. At the end of our meal our hostess volunteered the café phone to call the hostel in Westport and confirm we're still taking a room there.
Onto the ferry next, the operators were patient and welcoming, no worries.
And the hostel owner waited up for us and our arrival after the office closed, no problem, we'll trust you settle the bill in the morning. It turned out we had the whole space to ourselves after the holiday long weekend, and though we just needed a bed to crash and sleep overnight the hostel looks like a comfy place to stay awhile; two showers (one toilet), and a communal lounge and kitchen facilities. An unobstructed view on a clear day, and a great view of the fog when we were there that makes me want to snuggle into the couch with a cuppa tea and just be warm and quiet with the cold outside.
Back on the topic of seafood, I made it my mission to have seafood everyday there! Nova Scotia's pride is scallops and lobsters, and I enjoyed several meals of baked scallops, lobster rolls, and chowder. I think my favorite scallops were at the Seaside Shanty in Chester Basin; just a small appy but done in a fabulous tarragon sauce that needed to be sopped up with bread so as not to waste it after the scallops were devoured. I am reminded that I should have/use tarragon more often, because whenever I do I love it.
The pursuit of seafood wasn't limited to fine dining; I got a McLobster from McDonalds which I still consider regional cuisine! I had clams+chips from several places including a food truck. I had salmon+capers+onions+cream cheese in wraps and bagels for breakfast and lunch, great portable food for exploring and road trips. A friend's kids caught some bass in the Mersey river (okay, technically not SEAfood? but I gutted them myself and we grilled it up on the barbecue just fine). I had lobster+shrimp sushi (debatably Nova Scotians refer to both shrimp and prawns as simply 'shrimp').
Hit the Blue Olive Greek Taverna for kalamari. For the longest time I didn't like Greek food as I'm not particularly a fan of olives or feta cheese, which seems to be found in every dish, and yet I like this. The Greek salad was perfect for me; refreshingly not drowned in oily dressing, the feta crumbled like snow on top. Two olives perched atop like bird's eggs, thus easily flicked across the table at my date *pfshewm!* [insert childish projectile-firing noise here]. The tzatziki dip was fantastic and had a spicy zing that held its own - nothing worse than a wimpy dip. It carried itself well with the strong pine-resin retsina wine, which is a fun try for an adventurous palate. My compliments to the chef, and I will make a point to visit whenever I'm there.
I'd be amiss if I didn't highlight a winery here, no? Try Annapolis Highland Vineyards near Bear River, gotta get off the main highway but well worth the detour. Not only is the product fine, but the staff are friendly and informative of their wine and business, and the area in general - props to Brendan who steered us to the aforementioned Lavena's Catch Café. A thorough tasting of their menu leaves me liking both reds and whites, some varietals I've never heard of, blends are thoughtful and we got three bottles.
A great meal I was glad to be in time for this year was the Heritage Blueberry Festival at the Parkdale/Maplewood Community Museum. This is just the sort of one-offs I love to stumble into on my travels. A small yet popular event, as well as admission into the museum that showcases the town's history we browse through the local crafts and swap meet, and enjoy a huge and delicious meal of regional specialties: Lunenburg sausage, sauerkraut (can you tell the German roots here?), pudding (as in, European blood sausage, not the butterscotch/chocolate dessert we know in North America), soloman gundy (pickled herring), smeltz potato and hodge podge (mashed potatos deluxe), sauerkraut salad (sweeter, and my favorite on my plate), sweet pickles and pickled beets. Homemade bread. Coffee+tea. Dessert was either (or both!) blueberry pie or blueberry grunt, a sort of steamed dumpling, using low-bush blueberries that are tiny but flavourful.
Wildlife charities need your support!
Recently I had the opportunity to visit two wildlife charities on opposite ends of the country. Both participated in Jamieson Vitamin's Call for the Wild campaign to distribute $100,000 to wildlife charities across Canada, thus both held their open house to drum up support for their cause. While the voting for the contest is now closed, it's important to acknowledge their amazing efforts year round.
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Center is quietly tucked away among the shipping yards of Coal Harbour in Vancouver. I've noticed that some organizations here that deal with rescued animals typically prefer to keep a low profile, lest the vocal anti-captivity protesters both harass the volunteer staff and stress the recovering animals, thus the rescue center itself is a working facility that does not entertain visitors - save for its invitation-only open house. Most of the patients there are orphaned harbour seal pups, whose stay average two months till they are nursed up to weight and display an ability to catch their own fish. Feeding was quite a noisy trial as seal pups don't take an artificial teat and are fed a deliciously viscous paste of formula and fish oil pumped through a tube and syringe, and it takes two volunteers to administer this. This year was a 'quieter' year, as they had only 45 down from the approx 150 that came through their doors last year. After meeting each pup, we decided to sponsor a little lady named Sunflower (this year they were named after astronomical bodies) who was very chatty and decidedly the most engaging. If you've never heard a seal bark, they sound a bit like E.T. and I could've sworn she was trying to mimic our 'hello'... The staff were helpful in answering questions, and we finished with complimentary ice cream with sprinkles!
Far from low profile is Hope For Wildlife in Seaforth, Nova Scotia - indeed they have their own tv show shown in several channels and countries, as well as allow tours upon email request including group presentations and birthday parties. This open house was like a community block party, with other guests bringing their animals to showcase and educate the masses - this year we saw the police K9 unit, a woman with her pet pygmy goats, a 'pirate' and her parrot, and a zoo worker with an alligator. Do not pet the alligator. Saw the resident mascots Oliver the one-eyed owl and Maxwell the three-legged skunk. Hope for Wildlife has fantastic facilities that keep growing, including a space for deer (closed to public, as the young imprint too easily), a flight cage for raptors, a nursery, and a new marine pool holding two seals as of August - as well as the gazebo hosting music acts, the learning center and gift shop for humans. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt; it was pointed out to me that when worn with an open zip-up sweater the breast logo reads "HO FOR WILD", which was a laugh but I'd gladly advertise on my body. We bought our $3 hamburgers for lunch to support the cause and enjoyed the free cotton candy and Timbits+coffee, browsed the bake sale goodies, silent auction goods and animal-themed artwork on display. I could spend hours there just reading every sign, well done!
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Center is quietly tucked away among the shipping yards of Coal Harbour in Vancouver. I've noticed that some organizations here that deal with rescued animals typically prefer to keep a low profile, lest the vocal anti-captivity protesters both harass the volunteer staff and stress the recovering animals, thus the rescue center itself is a working facility that does not entertain visitors - save for its invitation-only open house. Most of the patients there are orphaned harbour seal pups, whose stay average two months till they are nursed up to weight and display an ability to catch their own fish. Feeding was quite a noisy trial as seal pups don't take an artificial teat and are fed a deliciously viscous paste of formula and fish oil pumped through a tube and syringe, and it takes two volunteers to administer this. This year was a 'quieter' year, as they had only 45 down from the approx 150 that came through their doors last year. After meeting each pup, we decided to sponsor a little lady named Sunflower (this year they were named after astronomical bodies) who was very chatty and decidedly the most engaging. If you've never heard a seal bark, they sound a bit like E.T. and I could've sworn she was trying to mimic our 'hello'... The staff were helpful in answering questions, and we finished with complimentary ice cream with sprinkles!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Pit For Your Supper
A great initiative from the folks at Heather Hospitality; Pit For Your Supper. Volunteers get a free beer and meal in exchange for their time pitting and coring fruit for numerous coulis, sauces, jellies and even beers served/sold in the Heather Hospitality businesses in Vancouver's historic Gastown.
I had just heard about this last year and luckily found a spot for the last one of the season. I found a seat in the middle of a table so long that I couldn't even holler to the folks at each end. We were issued a cutting board and paring knife, and shared buckets full of fruit and yet-empty of cores. I marvelled that they would issue knives to strangers without signing a waiver and trusted we don't stab ourselves or each other. The theme for this session was apples, and we appled and appled until we reached the end of our apples - then the staff brought out pears to round out our hour (or was it two?) of labour. I had a great conversation with the couple seated next to me, and was spurred to work faster by the fella two seats down who was racing through the apples in front of him. I would've lost all track of time had the staff not cleared our table. Our beer was the Fat Tug IPA and our dinner was pork loin with an apricot coulis (probably the previous volunteers' project), potato salad and coleslaw.
This year the venue changed and we were divided up into smaller tables. Personally I preferred the long table, but here had more space to move around and fetch our own fruit from the stack of boxes in the center of the room. I'm sure it made it easier on the staff. Our theme was peaches, which were easier or harder to pit depending on the ripeness of each - the firm ones chipped apart in shards almost, and the soft ones just smunched in my hands. Good thing they weren't focused on presentation, the fruit's getting pureed anyway. I think we finished all the fruit they'd provided in just over an hour, and patiently anticipated dinner. Our beer was the Blood Alley Bitter and my dinner was beef brisket (everyone else got pork tenderloin? I suppose they just ran out in the kitchen, no worries, it was fantastic) with roasted red pepper coulis and red wine au jus, and a slice each of zucchini, bell pepper, and golden beet.
I think this is a creative initiative that benefits both owners and guests. The restaurants get publicity through word of mouth, and our labour cost is essentially the cost of ingredients used in our meals, which is likely whatever tail-end remnants they want to finish up in the kitchen and beers they want to rotate on tap. Guests get to a free beer+artfully crafted meal, and the opportunity to work together with strangers at a common task which is a great way to meet new people and spark conversation. As this explodes in popularity it's getting more difficult to grab a seat on the guest list.
I had just heard about this last year and luckily found a spot for the last one of the season. I found a seat in the middle of a table so long that I couldn't even holler to the folks at each end. We were issued a cutting board and paring knife, and shared buckets full of fruit and yet-empty of cores. I marvelled that they would issue knives to strangers without signing a waiver and trusted we don't stab ourselves or each other. The theme for this session was apples, and we appled and appled until we reached the end of our apples - then the staff brought out pears to round out our hour (or was it two?) of labour. I had a great conversation with the couple seated next to me, and was spurred to work faster by the fella two seats down who was racing through the apples in front of him. I would've lost all track of time had the staff not cleared our table. Our beer was the Fat Tug IPA and our dinner was pork loin with an apricot coulis (probably the previous volunteers' project), potato salad and coleslaw.
This year the venue changed and we were divided up into smaller tables. Personally I preferred the long table, but here had more space to move around and fetch our own fruit from the stack of boxes in the center of the room. I'm sure it made it easier on the staff. Our theme was peaches, which were easier or harder to pit depending on the ripeness of each - the firm ones chipped apart in shards almost, and the soft ones just smunched in my hands. Good thing they weren't focused on presentation, the fruit's getting pureed anyway. I think we finished all the fruit they'd provided in just over an hour, and patiently anticipated dinner. Our beer was the Blood Alley Bitter and my dinner was beef brisket (everyone else got pork tenderloin? I suppose they just ran out in the kitchen, no worries, it was fantastic) with roasted red pepper coulis and red wine au jus, and a slice each of zucchini, bell pepper, and golden beet.
I think this is a creative initiative that benefits both owners and guests. The restaurants get publicity through word of mouth, and our labour cost is essentially the cost of ingredients used in our meals, which is likely whatever tail-end remnants they want to finish up in the kitchen and beers they want to rotate on tap. Guests get to a free beer+artfully crafted meal, and the opportunity to work together with strangers at a common task which is a great way to meet new people and spark conversation. As this explodes in popularity it's getting more difficult to grab a seat on the guest list.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Gibsons is growing up
I sailed away to Gibsons for a holiday weekend, having not been there for several months and finally affording the time for a more thorough exploration of the town. It's really almost two towns, the newer big chain stores and businesses on the hill that arguably keep the town running for residents, and the older Gibson's Landing down the hill on the waterfront that draw in the tourists with artsie boutique shops and a variety of restaurants. The houses there are a hodgepodge collection of ages and styles that suggest that neighbours aren't as caught up in the trappings of measurable curb appeal as us city rats. One of my favorite properties has a fence made of wonky driftwood logs and planks, another is a jungle of bamboo peppered with mosaic installations.
Passing development proposal signs and a garage sale, I discover that these properties have been bought out and sections of this waterfront are going to be a several-storey convention center and condos. Some residents lament the loss of the area's charm, which frankly I thought was drawing the tourists and thus bolstering the economy, but the new multi-use buildings will make it a 'destination' to bring in investors and other supporting businesses. Apparently the town "needs the money". Pity the cost of progress.
So get while the getting's good before it's ruined! Their landmark restaurant Molly's Reach wouldn't dare be jeopardized as it's world famous from the long-running Canadian TV series The Beachcombers. They serve an eggs benny made of crab cakes, so I try to catch that whenever I'm over that way. Also on my list is Smitty's Oyster House; this particular weekend they were fully booked up for a private function. Reservations suggested. A meal of oysters+chardonnay is seldom cheap anywhere (unless you have a DIY source for fresh shellfish and home brew perhaps? If so, give me a call...!), so this is a personal indulgence that is part of the 'destination' of Gibsons. Disappointed yet determined for oysters, a 360-degree spin from class and sophistication found what what the Brits affectionately refer to as a "chippy" - Codfathers. Tiny hole in the wall that piqued my interest during a stroll that afternoon, I ordered their Sin Burger that was today's special; salmon served in a bannock, served with candied salmon cornbread fritters with maple syrup. Most of the components of this meal were deep-fried. Got breaded oysters too, huzzah! I'd pair with beer rather than wine, but they had no liquor licence and I had pop instead, fine, there is a simple pleasure of sugar and fizz on a hot sunny summer evening. I had already had ice cream that afternoon at Mike's Place, and was impressed with the three counters of gelato to choose from. I chose the 7th Heaven that had everything good in it including cheesecake chunks, pistachios, dark chocolate, and ginger. Excellent!
The icing on the cake, so to speak, was the free outdoor music offered that weekend and indeed most of the summer. I caught it first on Saturday evening as the CDs I was listening to were drowned out by the siren call of a bluesy harmonica wafting across the harbour. A concert already in progress is motivation enough to pile dirty dinner dishes in the sink for later and run to catch the show! I caught just the last two songs, and enjoyed both the quality of the music and the vibe of the audience so chill and supportive. Sunday afternoon showcased a violin and keyboard/accordion duo at the tiny farmer's market. They lent a distinctive French flavour that would suit a chocolate croissant.
Passing development proposal signs and a garage sale, I discover that these properties have been bought out and sections of this waterfront are going to be a several-storey convention center and condos. Some residents lament the loss of the area's charm, which frankly I thought was drawing the tourists and thus bolstering the economy, but the new multi-use buildings will make it a 'destination' to bring in investors and other supporting businesses. Apparently the town "needs the money". Pity the cost of progress.
So get while the getting's good before it's ruined! Their landmark restaurant Molly's Reach wouldn't dare be jeopardized as it's world famous from the long-running Canadian TV series The Beachcombers. They serve an eggs benny made of crab cakes, so I try to catch that whenever I'm over that way. Also on my list is Smitty's Oyster House; this particular weekend they were fully booked up for a private function. Reservations suggested. A meal of oysters+chardonnay is seldom cheap anywhere (unless you have a DIY source for fresh shellfish and home brew perhaps? If so, give me a call...!), so this is a personal indulgence that is part of the 'destination' of Gibsons. Disappointed yet determined for oysters, a 360-degree spin from class and sophistication found what what the Brits affectionately refer to as a "chippy" - Codfathers. Tiny hole in the wall that piqued my interest during a stroll that afternoon, I ordered their Sin Burger that was today's special; salmon served in a bannock, served with candied salmon cornbread fritters with maple syrup. Most of the components of this meal were deep-fried. Got breaded oysters too, huzzah! I'd pair with beer rather than wine, but they had no liquor licence and I had pop instead, fine, there is a simple pleasure of sugar and fizz on a hot sunny summer evening. I had already had ice cream that afternoon at Mike's Place, and was impressed with the three counters of gelato to choose from. I chose the 7th Heaven that had everything good in it including cheesecake chunks, pistachios, dark chocolate, and ginger. Excellent!
The icing on the cake, so to speak, was the free outdoor music offered that weekend and indeed most of the summer. I caught it first on Saturday evening as the CDs I was listening to were drowned out by the siren call of a bluesy harmonica wafting across the harbour. A concert already in progress is motivation enough to pile dirty dinner dishes in the sink for later and run to catch the show! I caught just the last two songs, and enjoyed both the quality of the music and the vibe of the audience so chill and supportive. Sunday afternoon showcased a violin and keyboard/accordion duo at the tiny farmer's market. They lent a distinctive French flavour that would suit a chocolate croissant.
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