The Painful Diner

Hello You!

2010-01-05T18:48:00.001-05:00

Greetings. It has been some time since I last posted, and I've been thinking about starting this up again. I've got lots of painful stories and such, but not too many readers to speak of.

So if you are or were a regular visitor, would you be so kind as to leave me an anonymous comment letting me know? I don't keep any kind of tracker and am a curious creature.

With Painful Thanks,

Rachel

The Greedy Pig & Revel Room, While I'm At It

2009-01-10T19:36:00.005-05:00

So, I recently received as a present the 2009 Vancouver Magazine Eating and Drinking Guide... as if I needed one. The idea is to revive The List, and inject a little pizazz into the mix. After reading it cover to cover, I think they should hire me, if not to write reviews, then at least to EDIT out some of the lame places that ended up as recommendations.

The new tradition is Wednesday Drinks, where a new place is tried out each week. I started the inaugural event off with aplomb by negotiating a second drink destination after the first was disappointing.

The Greedy Pig, located in Gastown in a great brick space, had good drinks and service, and the menu looked interesting. But, the thing that got me was the bedraggled gathering of all male patrons, mostly alone and watching the big screen. Turn off.

So, we then visited Revel Room deeper in Gastown. According to the bartender, it has been open for 9 months or so. It is similarly in an older building, however, this one is decked out in Wallpaper worthy kitsch (such as a squadron of Stay Puft men over the bar). Drinks were $9, but I think watching the mixing counts as dinner theatre.

My theoretically already-full companion ordered potato Jo-Jo's, which are deep fried potato wedges (and got the thumbs up, despite the spectacular margin achieved on the equivalent of one potato). I failed to negotiate a third drink, but did exact a vague promise to return sometime.

Now For Some Pain

2009-01-10T19:11:00.003-05:00

Banana Leaf, Broadway location, dinner.

Mee Goreng... meeehhhh. The dud dish. Noodles were soggy and indistinct, topped unappetizingly with shredded lettuce. It would be better with something fried and crispy, like garlic instead.

Calamari. Yum, rings only, covered in spice mixture with good sauce.

Roti Canai. Delicious greasy pull-apart roti with curry dipping (smothering) sauce. I ate way more than I had a right to, and hoped no one would call me on it.

Sambal green beans. A perennial favourite, with lots of brine shrimp. Was only OK last night.

Chili shrimp. Great sauce, a little chewy.

Beef rendang. Something that is always ordered when we go here. I love it.

Service always seems to be an issue, and is inconsistent. Make demands for your rice to show up with the meal, not after. The Leaf trades off of reputation, but the place is past it's prime, and needs to step it up.

On the plus side, it is one of the only restaurants where we've found Efes by the bottle.

***

Then after much deliberation we selected Cedar Cottage pub for a pint. Oh my, what a crowd had gathered for the "big" hockey game. Lots of mullets and cheap shoes.

Consensus = why do we always end up here? Resolution = Must wait until the sun shines and come back only to lounge on the patio with too many drinks.

In Vancouver, A Year Or So Later

2008-07-24T13:53:00.003-04:00

Wow, over a year has passed since that lovely trip to Greece. After Naxos, we went to Santorini, where Deac proposed on the cliff walk between Thira and Oia- very beautiful with a view of the Caldera. Then to Crete, a beautiful country within a country. I loved the old crumbling cities along the Northwest coast.

We're now back in Vancouver, finalising the planning for our wedding which is only weeks away. I started my own business, and we have a siamese cat.

This has been a big year, so it's hard to cover everything. Ironically I now think back on living in Kingston, and dare I say, miss it a little?

Santorini!!!

2007-05-08T05:16:00.000-04:00

Off to four nights on Santorini now, staying at Heliotopos Hotel, bit of a splurge!

Mykonos-Paros-Naxos

2007-05-08T05:03:00.000-04:00

Two nights in Mykonos- still quiet here- old windmills on the hill, white sand beach "Paradise", giant pink pelicans that wander the tavernas looking for their regular fish meal. Alleys with tavernas and hotels, sitting in Little Venice watching the sun set.

Paros- the fishing village of Naoussa by scooter, octopus hanging on a line outside the bars, vineyards and wheat fields, ferry to Antiparos and the ancient cave, stalagmites and two hundred year old tourist graffiti, orange blossom trees.

Naxos- horseriding through the bamboo and galloping on the sandy beach, walking through the Venetian Kastro with old stone coats of arms, kittens and churches. Best chocolaterie ever, on the boardwalk. Steep stairs and run down villas. Prettiest island yet.

Athens

2007-05-02T02:09:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was May day, a major holiday where all workers disappear, so it was quiet and everything was closed (except for restaurants and bars). Everything including the Acropolis and all other sites!!! So disappointing- I had to look through the grates... So, we went for a walk around most of the city. It is fantastic in Athens- a very pretty city and a vacation spot in its own right.

The hill is visible from almost everywhere, and at night it is flooded with lights, as are all the temples and churches... (of which there are hundreds. In the middle of nowhere will be a centuries old Orthodox churche. We went into one, covered in dusty gilded icons and people were lighting long tapers... ) ...which makes it very scenic walking. We had a great meal in the Plaka (marketplace), with rembetica music in the vine covered square, and then to a 100 year old bar which was dark except for the floor to ceiling backlit coloured bottles of various liqueurs, of which I tried masticha, purple fleur d'amour and mint.

Last night we dined at a very old tavern with outdoor tables along a tiered stairwell, everything whitewashed except for the bright shutters and doors. We had giant white beans in tomato sauce, and beef baked/stewed in a clay pot which was a house specialty. There were several resident cats, which were obviously well fed by patrons and the tavern. Ordering the house red is great value- 8 Euros or so for a pitcher of very drinkable wine. We then walked into a nightlife district where tables were set up for each bar outdoors. Giant screens had been set up for the Liverpool vs Chelsea match... after Liverpool won, there was flurry of people, cars and motorbikes as everyone cleared out for the night.

The hotel I chose has turned out to be very nice (Hotel Hermes), a few minutes from the major sites and very chic! Deac is out now tracking down hydrofoil schedules for Mykonos (2 nights), where we leave for today. Ferries leave out of Piraeus, the ancient port, where there has been a lot of digging, and ruins should be interesting! We finish off Greece with 2 nights in Athens, so I will see the Acopolis and National Archeological Museum then!

Questions

2007-04-13T21:30:00.000-04:00

Vying for most commonly asked questions since I moved to Kingston:

1-How are you liking Kingston?
2-Where are you from? (upon hearing answer to #1)
3-(upon hearing #2) What brings you to Kingston..? ... it's not very often we get people moving East!... ha ha ha!

I've become so inured to these questions that I am almost like a zombie in my varying responses. I don't even listen to the minor differences in the conversation, I've become so accustomed to my rote answers:

1-It's very pretty/nice/takes some getting used to/it's so small, there are only three Starbucks here (depending on how honest/careful/frustrated/beyond caring I am)
2-Vancouver/Out "West"/the "Promised Land"/I'm from out West, Vancouver, otherwise known and confirmed by living here as the Promised Land (see above)
3-To be with my boyfriend/here for a change/exploring/(wish I had thought of being this vague from the start) for a relationship

I almost don't know what to do with myself knowing that there are only two weeks and two days left here. I caught myself thinking today, while driving home from work: will I ever come back again in my lifetime? I'm not sure. Will I miss this place? Perhaps in the way everyone misses places they are leaving and won't ever see again. I suppose that's my answer.

On the train with David Suzuki

2007-01-30T21:21:00.000-05:00

Recently I took a train into Toronto to finish the second exam of the Canadian Securities Course. It had been very cold, with lots of ice and snow. Because I still don't feel quite at ease driving in such conditions, I booked the rail trip. It only takes two and a half hours.

The train was packed, and I ended up having to ask a hippie-ish type girl to free up the seat she had been propping her (wool socked) feet up on. This was the first time I've taken a train, and I loved the feeling of how it slid to the left and right, quite fluidly, while accelerating. My notes spread out on the miniscule "courtesy tray", I attempted to do a final review but really just spaced out staring into the snowy trees and at quickly passing towns.

The concierge, if that is the correct term, was enroute from Montreal and spoke in brusque Quebecois English as he handed out the tea and coffee. As my ticket was taken, I overhead him say, "we ave a celibritee on da train. David Suzuki". It was only a year or so ago that I had my last encounter with Mr. Suzuki. Deac and I were at Vij's for dinner, waiting in the lounge for a table. I remember making fun of Deac's earnest excitement. Back in my formative years, of which I believe Grade 5 was one of the most formative, David visited my school for a presentation about some type of wildlife.

And then, because I was avoiding further study, I started to think about all the people that we likely encounter in our lives on a repeated basis without ever even knowing it. In a small town like Kingston, no matter that they call it a city here, one can begin to recognize people that have some distinguishing feature or with repeated acquaintance. I recognize the lady begging in front of the local coffee shop, the women behind the counter at the deli I visit for lunch each day, and some people in my yoga class. But I doubt I would recognize them if we passed each other in a train station in Vancouver or on the street in London, or even a market in Greece. All very circuitous, but my point is that this has happened, and will continue to happen because it is a strangely small world sometimes. Thank you David Suzuki for the thought.

And, yes, I passed the CSC that day.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry - In Vancouver

2006-12-18T18:22:00.000-05:00

I am heading home, gratefully and excitedly, from the 22nd to 26th. A short trip, but it will be full of family, friends, food, drink...just nice to be home for a while.

I'm writing Part 1 of the CSC this week, so that's what's keeping me busy till I leave. Deac and I went into Toronto for the weekend, to do some shopping and exploring.

We hit Greektown, a part of the city with fabulously garish decorations in blue and white light. "Merry Christmas" in Greek, perhaps? Myth, the restaurant we had dinner at, was decorated like an old ship, with timber beams and a stage for Greek rock bands, of course. It was fun to sit by the window and watch all the patrons, mostly Greek, in groups of families, friends, dates... all imbibing with abandon and smoking animatedly outside on the sidewalk. We also went to Amadeus, an upscale Austrian restaurant in the business area, which had fantastic pretzels to be dipped in hot mustard (and serving wenches in full garb).

Gingerbread Men in Currencyland

2006-12-06T22:37:00.000-05:00

It's clarifying when you change most things in your life: city, job, outlook. Quite a jolt when everything is new and old habits must be abandoned (no matter how much you love or hate them). Although, I do have a Starbucks on my way to work to buy tea every morning.

I've been at my new job for coming on a month now; there, I hear hotshot investment managers on road tours talk about currencyland, securitized debt, and inverted yield curves. I watch the price of gold, read three newspapers a morning and enough newswires in a day to cobble together a book. The hardest part of the new job is not feeling competent - there are necessarily some things that I won't be able to figure out on my own. I have to scale a learning curve, I will have to make mistakes (and have) and then ask for help to get things right. I do get a laugh about the realities behind the curtain, in terms of money management. It's very much a crystal ball situation, with the prognostications gussied up as facts.

It's been snowing here on a frighteningly frequent basis (although I'm told incessantly that it will soon get much, much colder and snowier). Every street has limestone churches and townhouses, fat squirrels, or historic building placards saying how "John A. MacDonald had tea here" (or more likely, something stronger) which is all very quaint and makes the weather easier to bear.

Here are my gingerbread man Christmas cards, lounging on the table after being glued down. It was less than a month ago that I made some haughty comments about people who frequented craft emporiums. Now look at the evidence. How the mighty have fallen.

Hungarian Dinner

2006-10-17T11:35:00.000-04:00

Last night I attempted a Hungarian dinner out of my Vancouver Cooks book. I made goulash, with stewed beef, green pepper, tomato, onion, paprika and caraway.

Also, lecso (leh-choh), which is apparently a mainstay of Hungarian cuisine that has a million variations, and is used for everything from breakfast (serve with fried eggs), to a side dish at dinner with rice or spaetzle. The ingredients for this stew included: bacon, smoked sausage, green pepper, waxy hot pepper, paprika, onion and tomato.

I received Vancouver Cooks as a present; it is comprised of top BC chefs' top recipes, so I attempt them only when I have lots of time. The majority of dishes tend to be showy and complicated, and have long cooking times or lists of steps! There are some gems though - Vij's lamb popsicles, Tojo's miso sablefish, and warm Belgian chocolate cake from Araxi.

Postsecret

2006-10-15T22:59:00.000-04:00

Ha, ha, ha, ha. This card made me burst into peals of laughter.

The Remains of The Dinner Party

2006-10-15T11:40:00.000-04:00

Last night we hosted four of Deac's classmates for dinner (above are the remains which must now be dealt with). Not everyone agrees, but I think the bigger the mess the better the meal!

We got back from an overnight trip to Toronto mid- afternoon Saturday and started prepping... phyllo wrapped grape, sundried tomato and goat's cheese parcels, a lamb roulade stuffed with mushroom, spinach and sage, lots of pan-fried asparagus and polenta. For dessert we had "make your own sundaes" and our guests brought a lemon cream pie.

I really enjoyed the chance to talk to our visitors, who all come from India, and hear their opinions on everything from Kashmir, to the technology boom, to tourists riding elephants. I had to laugh at their description of Kingston as "creepy" due to all the wide open spaces and so few people (as compared to Mumbai and Bangalore).

In Toronto, we had the chance to see the Royal Ontario Museum's Deco Lalique exhibit, dine on Chinese food in the burbs of Oakville, and also see The Illusionist.

"Kingston" Update

2006-10-11T10:25:00.000-04:00

A picnic beside Lake Ontario in July... Enjoying the view in Cottage Country in August... Camping and hiking at Bon Echo Park in September... New York, New York for Lily's wedding... Fall leaves are everywhere...

Deac and I at an Ottawa ranch on Thanksgiving...

What I'm reading right now, and where the book is set...

Summer Vacation Starts......Now

2006-06-21T15:40:00.000-04:00

...or it will after a goodbye lunch at Il Giardino (which is, incidentally, one of my favourite restaurants). We have a spot in the courtyard booked and the weather is obliging. I'm going to drink a glass of chilled white wine, put on a happy face and pretend I'm at a bella villa somewhere in Tuscany.

Isn't summer vacation a fabulous concept?

You Tell Them, Gordon

2006-06-20T17:09:00.000-04:00

Mr. Ramsay has won libel damages against a newspaper which claimed that scenes and events from his show, "Kitchen Nightmares", were faked.

If you've seen the episode where he visits Bonaparte's, the place is so badly run that it's no stretch of the imagination to think they are putting us on! The kid running the kitchen (that's him on the far right, looking sullen and confused) lets food go to rot in the fridge and cannot even manage to make a simple meal at home for his family.

On a more positive note, for Father's Day we went to the Keg in Langley. Everything was going great until, gasp, my rare steak showed up well past medium. Not only did they replace it with a new plate within 10 minutes, the manager also came by to comp the dish and apologize. Impressive, indeed.

Stepping On Toes

2006-06-16T15:58:00.000-04:00

So it seems that I've stepped on someone's toes. Specifically, the pasty raw food type who somehow made it up on stage with Tony Bourdain.

Listen John, it's nothing personal. From the vantage point of the crowd you did indeed appear pasty, especially when Tony laid into non-meat-eaters in general... and by your own admission, you are a vegetarian.

Why need a writer resort to four letter words?

En and Feenie's

2006-06-15T13:21:00.000-04:00

Last Friday I was at Feenie's for lunch. We started with the lobster poutine, which was served with indecent amounts of béarnaise and melted brie. I could only manage a couple fries, but my co-diners devoured the thing exclaiming it was the "best poutine ever tasted", "best fries ever".... I did not agree but to each their own. It reminded me of the poutine I ordered recently at Chambar, which was definitely not good: loaded with whole peppercorns and too much tangy, crumbled blue cheese. I have to be a purist here: poutine is best with lots of gravy and stringy cheese curds.

A note on pre-dining cocktails, particularly the Caesar. Make it as you will, especially if you do it well - but please have a selection of garnishes for us "difficult people" (who like pickled green beans!). Besides celery, hopefully you have some olives or cornichons to offer?

Anyways, at Feenie's I also had goat cheese ravioli with curry sauce for a starter: fairly good. Then shepherd's pie with duck confit and truffled mash potatoes. Very rich food, which seemed to be the modus operandi at the restaurant. I was shocked at the serving sizes of the sorbet everyone else ordered (I stuck with tea), three giant scoops each.

Yesterday was lunch at En Japanese, a restaurant that has long been on The List. This was some of the best Japanese I've had in a long time. Sesame leaf wrapped seared tuna was the standout dish, but we also had a miso baked eggplant that was truly delicious.

Dream Project

2006-06-13T18:12:00.000-04:00

Who wouldn't want to buy a run down 300 year old villa in Italy, and fix it up completely including a kitchen that takes up the entire first floor? Not me.

The lucky chef doing this is keeping a blog at eGullet documenting the renovations. I must admit feeling tempted to undertake a similar project when scootering by the crumbling Ottoman beauties in Turkey!

Tony Bourdain at the Yale

2006-06-12T13:02:00.000-04:00

Last night I was at the Yale where Tony read excerpts from his new book and answered questions from the audience. Tony is an interesting creature; tall, skinny, with lots of nervous energy, and very quick-witted. What a life: fly around the world, eat lots of food, meet all the big players in the industry, write about and film it, get paid.... but he's the first to admit he's got it good.The food nerds were there in full force. Women went to the mike practically salivating. One discussed a club who's members call themselves the "Anthonettes", which put a pained, but trying-to-be-friendly expression on his face. Whomever at the CBC decided to put a pasty, raw-food dieting interviewer up there with Tony must have wanted to see sparks fly. Hedonist vs. Puny Vegetarian.

After hearing the lascivious descriptions of Vietnamese food, my sister and and I made an executive decision to partake of some ourselves, and we headed to Vina on Denman for some pork brochettes and roll dips.

My Two Cents

2006-06-09T14:27:00.000-04:00

Those in the know can now read my sage advice online. The picture of me is from Shelter in Tofino, contentedly perusing the menu and having the requisite pre-dinner Caesar.

Yay! I'm a Winner!

2006-06-07T19:44:00.000-04:00

I am seeing Tony Bourdain read from his new book, autograph paraphernalia, and answer his admiring followers' questions at the Yale this Sunday night. I won tickets through the CBC after writing a cheeky blurb on why I deserved to attend (why, indeed). Tony, can I buy you a rye and coke?

Dinner

2006-06-07T11:56:00.000-04:00

Dinner last night went well. It was a beautiful sunny evening, and so bright that the curtains had to be partly drawn.

My dad, fellow hedonist that he is, brought bottles of a lovely Marlborough (NZ) white, Drambuie and sherry.

The raspberries that I was so enamored of turned out to be well past bad. The damage was hidden under a layer of excellent, fresh looking specimen. Being resourceful, I decided to make a pear clafoutis instead, using some of the fruit I had purchased as decoration for my open house. I caramelized the pears with some butter (!), vanilla extract, sugar, and deglazed with a little Drambuie.

We then played some backgammon, which for me should be classified as a verbal bloodsport. I tend to get very direct and competitive... especially in cases of didacticism. Here is an alternate starting arrangement for the game (nicknamed "nackgammon"). You can also begin with all of your men in your opponent's home quadrant. I think if I try one of these new openings with my dad, I might just be able to knock him off his winning streak. I found an article on backgammon etiquette, which I have read and taken to heart.

What's for Dinner?

2006-06-06T11:52:00.000-04:00

Tonight my sister and dad are coming by for dinner. I haven't cooked at home in a while, and thought it would be nice to give my pots and pans (and wine glasses!) a workout before they are shipped out to Ontario.

It's mango season, so I am making a mango salsa with grilled chicken (usually I use a fish like salmon or sea bass, but my sister is finicky with any ocean goods). Chop up the mango, one jalapeno, two tomatoes, half a purple onion, some cilantro, and squeeze on one lime's juice. Voilà.

I also found some good looking raspberries, so will be attempting a raspberry clafoutis. This is a traditional French peasant-ish dessert that is a cross between a dense cake and custard. The berries are baked in with the mixture, so become nice and squishy. Top with powdered sugar and whipped cream.

A great thing about being the host is that you can choose to serve your favourite things, such as raspberries or mango salsa, to your "unsuspecting" guests.

Dystopias Always Have Bad Food

2006-06-05T16:29:00.000-04:00

As of this past weekend I have no cable at home, so I retreated to what is in truth both a simpler and better pleasure: reading. After finishing The Handmaid's Tale I sat on my couch looking out the window for almost an hour, then put the book on a shelf next to 1984 and Brave New World (the horror section of my bookcase).

I need to lay off the dystopian literature - I was really creeped out after reading this book, especially with the recent rash of arrests in Toronto. How unthinkable, but how possible? In the novel, women are barred from reading or writing, working, or handling currency! I felt irrationally compelled to keep a stash of money hidden in my home, just in case.

It seems to be a very slippery slope these days balancing civil liberties, national security and personal beliefs. I've misplaced the word for this, but recently encountered the term in my economics class... whereby a small group of people is able to overwhelm the majority simply because they are fervent in their beliefs and the majority is apathetic. Doesn't that seem to be that way in most situations of madness? It's always the fanatics, the vocal minority that are trying to push their beliefs on the (assumedly moderate) majority. I could relate this to many current and past events, but it might get me into trouble!

All I can say is living in a world like Gilead is my worst nightmare. It may sound frivolous, but I don't think I'd succeed in a society with Draconian sumptuary laws.

Exam Madness

2006-06-02T12:45:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I wrote my last exam to get a new industry designation. I won't find out my results for close to six weeks, but as far as I'm concerned it's "out of sight, out of mind".

It had been a while since I last had to take an exam. Entering the examination room, I forgot to follow my Exam Rules, and suffered as a result of my carelessness:

#1) Never sit next to anyone with a bad "vibe". I kid you not. Stay away from people who are still scrambling through their notes and nervously asking those around them for an explanation of Akerlof's Lemon Principle. (It must be said: try to sit next to someone like me. They have pre-opened their snack so as to minimize noise during the exam. Pencils, pens and a highlighter are likely in a neat row on the desk. They are sitting quietly.)

#2) If upon sitting down, you discover that your neighbor is a "loud-breather", feel no shame in getting up and choosing another seat. The rule also applies to anyone with a cough, or people who shuffle in their seat nervously and repeatedly.

#3) Bring a watch, so as to keep track of the time.

I broke rules 1, 2 and 3. There weren't many seats available, and I definitely did not take enough care in my selection. I was too busy trying to avoid another classmate whom I suspected would ask me out for a "coffee" if given the opportunity.

By the time I realized my chosen seatmate was one of the loudest breathers in existence, it was too late to move. She had introduced herself as an old work associate, "Rachel? It's me, ...", and I was locked in. Exam rooms are a minefield.

Time flew through the two hours, and I was so distracted by her that I had to use the full time allotted. If for some reason I do not pass this exam, I will feel no shame in blaming her. Hopefully that won't need to happen.

Champag-ne Please

2006-05-30T11:09:00.000-04:00

I must admit that the sale of my apartment was slightly anticlimactic - it was over within an hour. Someone liked it enough to give me a no subjects cash offer over the asking price.

I would hope that the market slows down over the next year in time for another purchase, but the word on the street is that won't happen anytime soon.

My sister and I went to Raincity Grill to celebrate with a couple Kir Royales and a selection of desserts: white chocolate custard, apricot meringue and goat's cheesecake with rhubarb compote. I don't think I even tasted them.

I am still in shock!

Impatient Much?

2006-05-29T16:19:00.000-04:00

A few details from the AP-Ipsos poll on attitudes about impatience:

OVERALL
Average time people can wait in line in a store or office before losing patience: 17 minutes.
Average time they can wait on the phone before losing patience: 9 minutes.

GENDER
Average time women were willing to wait in line before losing patience: 18 minutes.
Men: 15 minutes.

EDUCATION AND INCOME
College graduates and people with household incomes of
$75,000 a year or more said 15 minutes -- on average.
Those with some college and incomes of $50,000 to $75,000 said 19 minutes on average.

URBAN VS. SUBURBAN
City dwellers can wait an average of 15 minutes before getting cranky
Suburbanites get irritated after 18 minutes on average.

-- Source: From a March 28-30 poll of 1,003 adults by Ipsos, an international polling firm. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points. Article.

Who are these incredibly patient people who would wait in a line for 17 minutes? I can take maybe five minutes of waiting (especially if incompetent service is the crux of the problem), but apparently I fall into a certain series of demographics that make me a "Type A Impatient".

A day I've been waiting for

2006-05-29T12:06:00.000-04:00

Epicurious is always good for browsing. It's run in conjunction with Gourmet and Bon Appetit magazines, and has the biggest database of recipes I've ever found online.

Mustard-roasted chicken with warm frisee salad, fingerlings and bacon, anyone? Orange soy baby back ribs? ...I'm already planning a series of celebration dinners for next weekend, and am finally ready to start opening those Burrowing Owl reds I've been saving for a year.

Offers are being accepted on my place after 5 tonight, and with that on my mind, there's no room for anything much else. I know for sure of one offer that is coming in, but hopefully there are more.

Maybe it's premature planning on my part, but even if things don't work out (knock on wood) tonight I can still think of lots to celebrate. My exam will be done, and my apartment will still be in ship shape. I think it'll be fantastic to just make a huge mess of my kitchen, have some good food, wine and fun.

Selling Houses

2006-05-26T13:43:00.000-04:00

This man is my hero. He hosts my favourite television program, "Selling Houses". He travels around the UK helping people who's homes have languished on the market, and in his posh Brit accent he tells people just how bad it is! Each half hour, he manages to turn some of the most awful homes you've ever seen into show suites.

I wish I had him around last night.

My first open house is this afternoon, and it really is as if I have released some sort of psychic force into the universe... one that prompts every client to call with special requests, problems or otherwise. Enough! All I want to be worrying about right now is how I am going to manage getting home at lunch with flowers and putting cookies in the oven while still making my 1:30. Madness!

I face pressure. You face pressure.

2006-05-25T12:26:00.000-04:00

OK, sometimes I wish I could do this. Mr. Angry is living the dream of public confrontation. "This is not resolved!" will become my favourite line for the foreseeable future.

1968 - France - HCB

2006-05-24T13:40:00.000-04:00

I think I could manage to scooter down this road without hitting anything...

Of Montreal

2006-05-23T11:58:00.000-04:00

I returned last night from a great weekend in Montreal with Deacon. Here I am outside the hotel, doing my best impression of Robocop. These glasses were perfect for Istanbul where avoiding eye contact was a priority... but since then several people have mentioned that it's tough to talk to someone when half their face is reflective.

Saturday night we went to Au Petit Extra, a busy bistro in the city's east end. It was just what I expected: lots of convivial groups of people drinking, smoking, and talking loudly. The service staff veered frenetically through the crowd waiting at the bar. We had a great foie gras starter; for a main I had chicken stuffed with chevre and sage, and Deac had confit, all washed down with a nice bottle of red. We walked down St. Catherine's on the way back to the hotel and had a couple drinks at a steakhouse. They made us order two plates of fries for the privilege.

The next day we wandered through the old town, and made our way to Schwartz's, est.1927. Even in the rain at 2 pm, there was a lineup on the sidewalk to get in. Once seated, we had our fries, pickle, plate of smoked meat and bread within minutes! It was the best deli meat I've ever tasted, so everything was eaten in a matter of minutes too. There was a specialty food shop nearby, and I could not believe the deals, especially on the cheese. Forme D'Ambert, Roquefort, Stilton, Cambozola - all at prices that put retailers in Vancouver to shame (BC is still such a land of puritans... apparently our maxim is "the less drinking and cheese eating the better").

Sunday we had dinner at L'Express, a nice little bistro with a reputation for being one of the top places for French food in the city. Of course, the best dish involved yet more liver of unsuspecting poultry: the mousse de foie de volailles with pistachio. After dinner we had a drink in a busier nightlife-oriented part of town which had lots of bright lights, and was dense with bars and pedestrians. I could imagine it would be great fun in the summer, because even though it was cold and rainy people were having a good time.

It was a quick trip; on Monday we really only had time to wander briefly. We picked up the Stills' new album, had some poutine, I admired some clothes in windows, we had some ice cream at a Ben and Jerry's shop, and then it was arrivederche. Montreal is definitely a place I would like to see more of. The Jazz Festival is fast approaching...

Work and W(h)ine

2006-05-17T12:06:00.000-04:00

Tonight I am heading to a wine tasting and presentation by Peter Legge, a well known public speaker and owner of a large Canadian publishing company.

I am feeling a bit tired after the last few days of preparing my home for sale. After getting home at 930 PM from an economics class the last thing I want to be doing is washing windows and floors!

It is very odd to be living as if a stranger could drop by at any time. There is no clutter whatsoever, which is fine, but disconcerting. It doesn't feel like I live there - all evidence of me has to be gone. The photographer comes this afternoon to take the phototour pictures, and hopefully the listing will be on MLS by the weekend (it is first listed on the "agents only" site, then moves onto MLS within a few days). The agent I chose to work with really spoke my language - efficiency - so I am hoping that things do move quickly and successfully.

I am heading to Montreal this weekend, which should be a nice distraction from real estate, work and studying. They have some great stuff there: foie gras, real poutine, strong beer, unpasteurized artisal cheeses. Plus, Quebec has a nice little service that you don't see too often: BYOB with no corkage fee. Shocking!

On the market!

2006-05-16T01:20:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness... I just signed the papers to list my place! Here are some pics of the view, finished kitchen and bedroom.

Security in the US

2006-05-11T17:14:00.000-04:00

Odd, but the Department of Homeland Security has seized the servers for one of my favourite sites: Pajiba (they specialize in rather caustic movie reviews).

Coincidentally, I was reading an article about how Bush has effectively dismantled the CIA via his appointment of incompetent Yes men, which has in turn led to a transfer of power and funding to the Pentagon.

To be honest, I haven't paid too much attention to the various security agencies within the States but after reading the article I became interested in their delineations: CIA vs. FBI vs. DHS vs. FEMA.... ETC.... Especially when they are shutting down perfectly amusing web content.

Raiding the Pantry

2006-05-10T12:04:00.000-04:00

One thing I learned yesterday is that storage facilities don't want anything to do with storing your spices, or dry food goods. I have amassed quite a collection of dry goods, and was dismayed to hear this news. Apparently, rats love to eat spices. So, several thoughts occurred to me:

I can give them away
I can put them where there are no rats
I can throw them away
I can use them!

Last night I made a dinner using as many of these items as I could: thai curry paste, peanut sauce mix, wild rice. It was reminiscent of the show where the chef has to use a basket of mystery items to create a culinary masterpiece.

What did I make? "Yum, turkey curry, my favourite"...

Food TV

2006-05-09T12:44:00.000-04:00

Do you ever notice that when you're really busy, the universe seems to conspire in helping you procrastinate?

Last night, the following television shows were on:

-a marathon of Jamie Oliver's School Dinners documentary
-Jamie Oliver in Italy
-a new episode of Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares

...the equivalent of a summer blockbuster for a food nerd. So, my guest and I sat watching TV, eating fajitas, and procrastinating (OK, on the latter it was just me).

The Kola in Coca-Cola

2006-05-08T14:31:00.000-04:00

Interesting article at BBCNews on the production of the kola nut in Western Africa. Retailing between 4 and 11 cents US, the kola nut is produced largely for export, as it is a key ingredient in several soft drinks. This has led to large swaths of land cleared for kola production.

It is also used in religious ceremonies or eaten as a restorative for such illnesses as fatigue (fancy that!) and stomach ache.

Weekend of "Work"

2006-05-08T11:31:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was spent in preparation for listing my apartment next week. On Saturday, I finished putting up all the trim, cabinet hardware, baseboards, crown molding... On Sunday, I had some help making the balcony a nice place to sit with planters full of flowers, and new patio furniture. I completed all noise-oriented tasks in the bathroom: trim around mirror and baseboards are now in place. At night for the next week, I aim to do some quiet things like painting, or organizing.

It's funny, because the closer I get to selling, the more I actually like living there. It is a real luxury in the kitchen to pull a handle and have a drawer open, or to look into my bedroom and think, "that's a really nice room".

No, I didn't spend all my time doing productive things. The lure of bad TV reared its head in the form of Sabrina Goes to Rome, starring Melissa Joan Hart. Sad though it is, I haven't laughed so hard in a while - at all two and a half hours of it. And for all the sci-fi nerds out there, I am pleased to report that Futurama may be in production for some new episodes.

On the food front, I've had some great meals over the past week. Chutney Villa, on Broadway at Main, for chicken curry with apple chutney, chez moi for some aubergine with yogurt (it took a while to find the full-fat style favoured in Turkey) and Pink Pearl for dim sum yesterday. It's been months since a visit to my favourite Sunday morning spot, and I became so excited by the different carts of food rolling by that I think my enthusiasm embarrassed my family. But I ask: what's a little embarrassment to securing a fresh serving of fried rice noodles or that last plate of shrimp dumplings?

NZ, Climate Change, and Eels

2006-05-05T14:45:00.000-04:00

Salon has an interesting article encompassing a brief history of New Zealand settlement, culture, Treaty of Waitangi (which one of my ancestors signed) and how climate change is affecting the traditional Maori food supply - eels in particular.
(Requires watching a brief ad if you do not have a premium membership to the site)

Foie Gras is Your Friend

2006-05-03T13:39:00.000-04:00

Chicago has banned the sale of foie. Whole Foods (which has a written policy not to sell it) is now pressuring suppliers to remove themselves from the production/processing of this delicacy. No foie in California after 2012. What madness is next?

It's not as if I sit down for a duck liver breakfast every morning, but as an indulgence what can beat a slab of foie with coarse salt and onion marmalade or cherry compote?

I don't want the government telling me what I can and cannot eat. Thankfully, I don't see similar legislation coming into Canada: Quebec is a major producer and would put up a major fuss.

Read NY Times for the crazy details.

PS: Whole Foods, you have lost my (occasional) business

Some More Momentum...

2006-05-03T13:15:00.000-04:00

for my favourite pet cause: art/antiquities that have found their way into the wrong home.

The Supreme Council of Antiquities for Egypt has given the St. Louis Art Museum a May 15, 2006, deadline to turn over the burial mask of Ka Nefer Nefer. Incredibly, they charge that the mask left Egypt illegally! The Americans are evaluating documents from the Council that seek to prove the mask was stolen.

Going after the small fry to test out the waters? It's only a matter of time before the British Museum starts sweating.

Free Therapy

2006-05-02T12:23:00.000-04:00

I am sure that everyone has activities in their lives that are tantamount to free therapy. For myself those things are visiting Ikea at nighttime when the store is relatively soothing and quiet, and also watching old episodes of Martha Stewart Living.

However, even free therapy can go awry: Ikea on a busy Sunday morning is probably a portal to the seventh circle of hell... and just try to make me watch Martha's talk show.

I bought some furniture this weekend, and assembled it last night. Don't you love Ikea and their language-free, pictographic instruction manuals? I truly enjoy assembling their products; it's like a physical Mensa puzzle. I felt a sense of rebellious independence assembling my bed solo, when their picture of two little men clearly indicated that I needed help.

You know things have gone right/are almost done when:

you can't feel your wrist for the number of screws that you have screwed in
you feel that victorious sensation of mastering the instructions, only to realize that you have mastered them in the wrong place, and must undo your work (screws included) to get it right
there are several miscellaneous and mysterious parts left over

If you're unlucky, you get the Ikea version of a Cracker Jack box: there is some tiny piece or part missing. This happened to me a lot when I was installing my kitchen (but not last night), and it makes me wonder, do I have bad luck or are a lot of their boxes missing parts?

My bed is finished and holding together. After all that free therapy last night, I slept very soundly.

Colbert

2006-05-01T14:27:00.000-04:00

I find it pretty shocking that this has happened. A political pundit has made possibly the most uncomfortable performance I've read about in years, at Saturday night's White House Correspondents Dinner, and the only place you can find it is online. It was decidedly ignored by the US press...

Why have they chosen to make it disappear? I found the transcript very interesting to read; it's like the most painful speech you ever had to make to a troubled acquaintance, but on a wholly different scale.

In more mundane news, I have a bed being delivered tonight. Very exciting: the last piece of furniture I needed before I can show my place to prospective realtors. It was very satisfying yesterday to completely finish off one room - my living room - I had a satisfyingly cold beer and rare steak to celebrate.

Documentation of my recent trip to Turkey has started over here.

Putting together a bed by myself tonight should be fairly interesting.

One Year of Home Ownership

2006-04-28T17:01:00.000-04:00

Wow, it has been a whole year since I moved into my apartment and started renovations. It is amazing how quickly time has gone, although when I stop to recount everything that has happened since, it is almost overwhelming.

Out with a friend for drinks this week, we were talking about this very subject, and he said, "you've changed so much" with the implication that it was for the better. It's true that at this time of last year, I could have been termed unsettled, unsure, unnerved, or some other unword.

It's funny to think of the thoughts I was having, as I remember them now. I planned to be in and out of this condo in six months, and was unhappy with my decision to move out of my rented yuppie unit downtown into what I then considered only an East Van hovel with potential.

The first night was spent on my cramped couch, very displeased indeed as I gazed around at the putrid orange and yellow walls, 70's light fixtures and stacks of cardboard boxes.

And now? I'm happy with my decision, and I'm getting ready to move on to the next place. A lot of good things can happen in a year.

Home Sweet Vancouver

2006-04-25T11:59:00.000-04:00

After a harrowing journey across the planet, I am returned to my home in Vancouver. My planned nine hour stopover in Amsterdam was curtailed by some special documentation issues. So, I spent my time exploring Schipol Airport (which believe it or not, does not have a pay-to-enter lounge) and treated myself to a fancy lunch at the fancy airport restaurant. What sheer joy to have Indonesian food with German wine and Dame Blanche for dessert after the delicious but uniformly Turkish cuisine of the past month.

I must say that traveling under a special Emergency Canadian Passport due to the theft of my regular documents entailed some grief. Upon presentation of my papers, it became clear that I was an anomaly to the customs people of each country: nobody had seen a one page Canadian passport with glued-on picture before. I had to wait for special diplomatic services or for senior officers, etc... Adding insult to injury, I was forced to go through Immigrations upon reaching YVR. However, by that time I had wised up to waiting and just waived my passport in the air and asked to bypass the (oh so long and non-moving) line of non-Canadian citizens. How's that for good old Canadian charm?

Surprisingly, the weather here is warmer than Istanbul which is very pleasant. An even greater surprise was to step onto my balcony with its new and improved, unimpeded city view. The strata has taken down all the branches of a fronting tree, meaning my seasonal view is now a much more saleable full view. "There is also much more light coming into my home", she thought in dollar signs.

Last night, I laid out all my purchased goods, poured some duty-free port for my family and grumpily recounted some of my misadventures. It was great to see everyone even if I was a little sleep deprived and not being the best me I could be. I will have to make it up this week once I am truly back to myself.

Istanbul again

2006-04-22T06:24:00.000-04:00

well here ı am back ın ıstanbul agaın... and ı haven't posted much of anythıng! ı return monday afternoon to vancouver and wıll make ıt a project to do a photo journal of the trıp. ı have been havıng an excellent tıme, have pıcked up some turkısh, had several character buıldıng and slıghtly amusıng experıences... and just a lot of fun travellıng wıth deacon.

see you soon!

Istanbul to Pergamon

2006-04-05T07:54:00.000-04:00

I am ın Pergamon now, along the Aegean coastlıne. We just vısıted the ruıns on the acropolıs whıch was surprısıngly quıet. Had a pıcnıc lunch of bread, fresh cheese, sausage and baclava overlookıng the cıty, and green fıelds. The hıghlıght was beıng able to clamber over everythıng and seeıng the Atlar of Zeus. We walked down the hıll on an ancıent path scattered wıth ruıns and then through the old Greek part of town.

It ıs clear blue skıes and temps ın mıd-20's. Later today we are headıng to Ephesus, where the best Greco-Roman ruıns ın the world are located. From there to Bodrum, then two nıghts on the Greek ısland of Rhodes (!!!) and a three nıght cruıse ın a tradıtıonal Turkısh gulet along the Turquoıse coast.

Left Istanbul yesterday... flew ınto Bergama and a bus from Ismır to get here, but well worth ıt! The sıghts ın Istanbul were ıncredıble: our hotel was two blocks along cobblestones from the Aya Sofıa and Blue Mosque. Also saw the Basılıca Cıstern whıch was the most amazıng thıng there... Dozens of gıant pıllars ın the ancıent underground water storage system. The spıce markets and grand bazaar were fun too, so much to see, lots of colours and the salesmen callıng out to you ın every language to get your attentıon. Bought some saffron and we trıed some Turkısh delıght made wıth honey and walnuts and crıspy pastry fılled wıth honeyed pıstachıos. Delıcıous. They mostly guess we are Englısh or German, although someone thought I was Japanese! We stopped at a great restaurant where we were ınvıted to poınt at the dıshes we wanted: the plates arrıved, and arrıved. More than we wanted: bread, grılled meats of every varıety and rıce. It was delıcıous. We took a ferry across from the Euro sıde of the cıty to the Asıan and back, and enjoyed some tea whıle lookıng out over the Bosporous (they have tea everywhere!) for all of three dollars.

For dınner we headed to Taksım Square, whıch ıs packed wıth hundreds of restaurants and people and near the busy fısh market. It ıs ımpossıble to choose one place to dıne at when they all look so ıncredıble. Frıed fısh, pıckled vegetables, bread, humous… It ıs a busy pedestrıan boulevard wıth hangıng lıghts and lots of colour everywhere. It ıs surprısıngly free of tourısts, ıt was mostly Turks out for a fun nıght.

Last nıght we stopped for a late nıght meal of pıde (Turkısh pızza) whıch ıs long and thın and very crıspy, and a salad of tomato, cucumber, pıckled cabbage and lemon, and two beers (although they dıdn't serve alcohol the proprıetor ran across the street to buy a couple for us) whıch were served to us wrapped ın plaın paper. We drank as the sounds of the call to prayer went off. All for the low, low prıce of 9 lıra (7 cdn).

The breakfasts here are great: bread, yogurt, fruıt, egg, cheese, tea. Very cıvılısed. At the hotel thıs mornıng, there was a pıece of syrup preserved aprıcot whıch was one of the most delıcıous thıngs I've ever had. Sweet and melty and juıcy. The proprıetor called us over to the couch, hıdden under whıch were four very small kıttens. They must be only a few weeks old because there eyes were stıll closed.

Now that I am out of Istanbul, ıt ıs very much how I ımagıned Turkey would be. People do thıngs ın a slower' somewhat cırcuıtous manner - ıt ıs never a straıghtforward transactıon, whıch frustrated me at fırst. But as I readjust to thıs new pace I am havıng so much fun!

Departure

2006-03-31T13:19:00.000-05:00

I leave this afternoon for Turkey. By 6 am this morning I lay in bed willing myself back to sleep, but my body was just too full of nervous energy. Oh, the flying... why does there always have to be flying?

Travel: I like to think that I am a fairly good traveler in that I pack a reasonable amount, do lots of advance research, and am willing to let local customs prevail. Well, trying to get my "reasonable" amount of stuff into my "backpack" was slightly disheartening. It was reminiscent of that time I proudly announced that I am "low maintenance" and everyone at the table averted their eyes. And the research? Not so much, allowing of course for the fact that I have a degree in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. A novelty degree that is finally going to be put to practical use!

My best intentions to pick up a little Turkish have boiled down to the most rudimentary possible elements: yes, no, please, thank you. Perhaps those and a smile will be enough to get me by.

I am; however, ready and willing to let local customs prevail. It should be very, very interesting to be in a truly foreign world (I have even purchased several shirts that could be termed demure).

So, arrivederche everyone! Bon voyage me!

The Countdown

2006-03-27T13:00:00.000-05:00

The weekend passed very quickly again. Friday I went to Rescue spa on South Granville; Saturday I saw Ryan (the best colourist) at Suki's, then went shopping with David. We stopped at Moderne Burger and inhaled our meal, then on to Kits, downtown and Yaletown in pursuit of some elusive jeans (surprisingly, they weren't for me). Stopped into Yaletown brew pub for a couple drinks and a snack.

That night I was at Plush, and must admit that I won't be going there again; I have no desire to put myself through it! If the music was good, the night could have been redeemed, but it was not. I don't like being touched by strangers, so between the rude bouncers and the crowd I was ready to head for the hills.

Sunday I had an early appointment with my massage therapist, and then walked the seawall into Yaletown for brunch. Quite a nice weekend activity, but it won't be happening for a while. My lovely RMT is very pregnant, and by the time I return from Turkey she will be taking a mat leave. The remainder of the day was spent running errands in preparation for Friday's departure.

I will be in Amsterdam for the day on Saturday, and have been doing some research into what I want to see. Last October I visited all the major sights: Red Light district, museums, shopping... but I didn't have a chance to see the Anne Frank House, so I think I will be going there and then grabbing a fancy linner. I also didn't have a chance to sample any Jenever, so will find a nice gezellig bar to partake at.

Golden Plates

2006-03-23T16:58:00.000-05:00

Everyone has rituals in their day to day lives; personally, I enjoy having them. It's my way of putting milestones into the week. Each Thursday, I pick up the Georgia Straight at lunch, grab a tea and read in a leisurely fashion well beyond my prescribed 30 minute break.

This week's issue is the "Golden Plate Awards" wherein critics and readers pony up their two cents on favourite restaurants in various categories. Here is the full set of critics' lists. I am going to pick on them, because they should know better. Overall, I think the readers are better informed and frankly, savvier consumers.

I've eaten at about 85% of the restaurants listed, so that is my disclaimer on being entitled to criticize the critics. Let's start on what I disagreed about:

-Best West End/Downtown/Yaletown: #1) Blue Water
I actually started laughing when I read this. Although my experiences may be tainted by some painful dates here (want to hear my story of the worst Valentine's date... ever? Just ask), I can honestly say I have never had a great meal at this place. Top Table or no, the food is inferior. And no this isn't based on one or two visits: I have had undercooked salmon, poorly shucked oysters, overdone lamb, laughable eggs benny.... I could go on.

-Best East Side: #2) Habit
Are they joking? Decor aside, this place sucked... she commented articulately. Come on people, the East Side has the widest selection of restaurants in the entire city. You can do better than this (they did rank Aurora Bistro at #1, which appeases me slightly).

What did I (semi) agree with, you ask?

-Best Fresh-Food
Aside from the fact that this category made me wonder: is fresh food not standard everywhere? ...they did shortlist Raincity and Aurora, two of my favourite places. Raincity can't be beat for brunch on a sunny day: order a couple champagne cocktails and/or caesars, break into the warm bread and admire away at the view. Preferably on the patio with a light breeze, thank you very much.

-Best New
Nu hit the list at #2, a well deserved ranking. I admit to being a slightly fussy patron (I keep it all on the inside), but had a pitch perfect meal here in December. In fact, I can't wait to go back and do more damage there (to my figure and credit card respectively).

-Best West Side
Oh, it's the triad once again (no I don't mean policemen, firemen and paramedics): West, Lumiere and Tojo's. All great restaurants serving truly delicious stuff, and doing it with really great service. My personal fave of the three being Tojo's. Who wouldn't love that the most expensive Japanese in the city is being served out of a slightly run down office building (albeit with terrific view)?

-Best Asian
Go Tojo, congrats Mr. Vij. You know how I feel about these guys so let's move along. Quibbles: so many. I love Asian food... and how! Where are Guu, Hawker's, Mui Garden? Although perhaps it's best this way; I hate to wait in line.

Which brings me to the end of this post. I am now exhausted... and hungry.

Knowy Knowerson

2006-03-22T11:35:00.000-05:00

Last night was the first session of my "health economics and statistics in Canada" course. Gripping material indeed... almost enough to keep you going for three dark hours after a full day at work (bridging that gap is what coffee's for).

It's a small class, perhaps a dozen people, and taught by one of the best instructors I've encountered. Thankfully it's a fun group; lots of laughter, and all from different sectors of the same industry. This is the last course I need to complete before I get my new professional designation, which is motivating indeed!

To start, we each had to introduce ourselves, describe our background, reason for taking the course, and then to finish: name our favourite food. There were several "chocolate" mentions, Blizzard cake from DQ, Cheerios, red wine... not exactly inspirational. What did I say? "Hi, I'm Rachel, I'm a food nerd".

Butter (The First Day of Spring)

2006-03-20T11:38:00.000-05:00

I haven't been doing very much dining out lately (relatively speaking). There has been a lot of salad, grilled fish, salad, roasted vegetables, salad, etc. at home.

This brings to mind the time someone asked me, "Do you not eat salads?" I have no idea where they came up with this idea, as I am more than clear about the only foods I will not eat. They are:

-butter in its solid form
-banana

There was a moment in Amsterdam last year, in Schipol Airport, on a stopover from London, where I attempted to eat a buttered sandwich. Let me explain a couple things: I was tired, I was jetlagged, and I was starving.

There was a lovely cafe in the airport with glass cases full of the most beautiful looking sandwiches and pastries. It was early in the morning, but I decided that I would have a Serrano ham sandwich (yes, oily, not readily available in Canada Serrano ham, yum!) and a piece of chocolate torte.

I made my tray-laden way through the smoky tables and found a standing room only spot along the bar. Excitedly I took a bite of bread, and I wish I could have seen the disgusted look upon my face upon discovering: butter! Ruined! But I was hungry, and trying to reason with myself, "It can't be all that bad, people love butter, you love butter, just have another bite you odd girl". I tried and failed: that beautiful sandwich was left uneaten on my tray. The chocolate torte; however, was extremely delicious, and likely contained a certain ingredient we all know and love.

This story just goes to show there are many cultural differences in the world, and sometimes it is the small things that let you know you are not at home. I can't wait to find out what crazy culinary things the Turks are up to. I promise to try everything, unless it contains banana.

David Gray Thinks I'm Hot

2006-03-18T11:35:00.000-05:00

Ha ha ha. Let's just say there was some Significant Eye Contact established. Have I told you the one about when I met Tony Bourdain? Of course I have, probably twice. This new story now trumps that one and everyone will be forced to hear it... in person... with jazz hands... twice.

Covers ruled the night. Aqualung did a great job opening, ending with a long, fun version of Queen's "Somebody to Love". Mr. David has had me sold, sold, sold for a long time, and it was great to see him play live. Yes, here he is above, wearing a suit. His voice sounds uncannily like his records, but even richer and crisper in person. He played for over two hours, and I heard almost everything I was hoping for, plus some fantastic covers: the Cure (Friday I'm in Love), Tim Buckley (Song to the Siren), and the Chieftans (Long Black Veil). I think my sister and I did the front row proud by belting out all the words!

Interestingly, despite Tim and David's very different voices and styles, "Song to the Siren" was the best thing played last night. Here are Mr. (father of Jeff) Buckley's lyrics:

Long afloat on shipless oceans
I did all my best to smile
'Til your singing eyes and fingers
Drew me loving to your isle
And you sang
Sail to me
Sail to me
Let me enfold you
Here I am
Here I am
Waiting to hold you

Did I dream you dreamed about me?
Were you hare when I was fox?
Now my foolish boat is leaning
Broken lovelorn on your rocks,
For you sing, "Touch me not, touch me not, come back tomorrow:
O my heart, O my heart shies from the sorrow"

I am puzzled as the newborn child
I am troubled at the tide:
Should I stand amid the breakers?
Should I lie with Death my bride?
Hear me sing, "Swim to me, Swim to me, Let me enfold you:
Here I am, Here I am, Waiting to hold you

Panacea - Placebo?

2006-03-16T17:40:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it - yet another friend has decided to uproot themselves out of Vancouver! Is this coincidence or some sort of eerie cosmic prescience?

I have been feeling a little blah lately, so turned to some friends for advice. Their resounding response? Go to the spa. You know what they say about birds of a feather, so this shouldn't be too shocking.

So go to the spa I will! With characteristic zeal, I now have six appointments over the next two weeks at various locations... Suki's, Rescue, Skoah, etc... and I've actually convinced myself that this isn't self-indulgence, it's necessary in order to prepare for going away for a month (sometimes I wonder what would be possible if I applied my considerable energy to more fruitful causes). Money may not buy happiness, but it most certainly aids in distraction.

What does this have to do with food? Nothing really, but neither does most of what I write about on here anyways. Besides, what with going to the gym and spa, I really don't have the time or inclination to eat.

Tomorrow night I am heading right down to the front row of the Orpheum to see Mr. David Gray sing his sensitive British heart out (see picture left). Aqualung is opening, so everyone in the audience should depart feeling very in touch with their emotions. After the show, please stand back, because there is going to be a serious dance-off.

Fave Pics

2006-03-14T00:06:00.000-05:00

I was going through some photos and thought I would post my favourites taken since I bought my camera five months ago...

Monday, Monday, Monday

2006-03-13T11:31:00.000-05:00

Oh, where did my weekend go?

Thursday night I headed down to the Caprice to see a burlesque show; it was fun... lots of colour, very nice clothes. Plus I got to haughtily walk past the line and enter as a VIP. Leaving the club, I was shocked to see the snow coming down so heavily that Granville was a ghost town.

Friday I saw Bill Clinton speak at a really wonderful event. He addressed US-Canadian relations, international humanitarian crises, and framed environmental problems as future economic issues. Another speaker I greatly enjoyed talked about using irreverence and humour to deal with stress. As everyone knows, I feel free to laugh heartily at myself (well, occasionally), so it was right up my alley.

Saturday was gorgeous - full blue skies, so headed to the Tomato Cafe for brunch with David. I had a caesar (middling, too spicy, no green beans) and poached eggs and ham. He was smart and had the benny. We made an executive decision to do some retail therapy, and I was the victor. He walked away emptyhanded at day's end.

That night went for dinner on 4th at a Greek place (Simpatico?) that has been there for 37 odd years. We started with saganaki, homous, and marinated artichokes, and then souvlaki. I had lamb, my co-diners opted for chicken (and mine was better). Not bad, but a little overpriced for what you got. I was very excited to see a Greek beer on the menu, "Marathon", but they didn't have it in stock, which was stupid.

Sunday I went for a massage, and then decided to walk the seawall into Yaletown, had lunch at Urban Fare, grabbed a tea, and then back. It was the most beautiful day this year. Lots of puppies, families, sail boats, dragon boats. Very pretty. Then more shopping, a movie, dinner, reading (now onto Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell), bed. So tired and it is Monday yet again.

A Fog Has Settled In

2006-03-08T17:48:00.000-05:00

I took this photo in the Gulf Islands several years ago. The cabin had a wrap-around veranda overlooking the lake; it was winter, very chilly, and a thick mist had settled on the water.

Today the view from my office feels rather dreary. It has been alternately raining and snowing, and with all the glass it is very bright and cold. A fog is coating the top of Vancouver's skyline. I can't help but stare, transfixed, as the raindrops slide down my windows.

For tonight, I will choose someplace new off my List, somewhere fancy that I can dress up and enjoy a nice glass of red. Somewhere to make me forget it is raining outside, and remember the joy a good meal can bring.

Macaroni Grill

2006-03-07T12:51:00.000-05:00

Last night was dinner at Macaroni Grill, housed in one of the most beautiful mansions in the city. It was built in 1900 by a sugar magnate with a name you might recognize: B.T. Rogers. The house was named "The Gabriola" for the quarry on Gabriola Island which provided the sandstone cladding, and has been a restaurant in one form or another for the past thirty years.

I had chicken with portobello mushrooms and spinach orzo, and my co-diners opted for richer fare. The dreaded Chicken Scallopini, with its cream, cheese, bacon and pasta made an appearance, as did some fantastic looking chocolate brownie concoction served in a martini glass.

The tables are covered with paper, and you are provided with a selection of crayons. Our table looked like a work of art. It was covered with: pro/con lists, references to Jethro Tull, eerily accurate diagrams of a puffer fish (pre- and mid- puff), and the correct spelling of flutist (ha ha, we are both technically correct, which is the best kind of correct).

A Crushing Defeat

2006-03-06T12:02:00.000-05:00

Reigning Oscar pool champion loses by one point, and is treated to a slow motion victory dance and cheer by the new winner (my very gracious sister). I thought I had this one, as did every one else, so was very surprised to see that I had in fact lost!

Due to extenuating circumstances (see Wine Festival below), I was in no state to cater, let alone attempt Monsieur Puck's recipes, so ordered in from Ken's Chinese on Main. We had: lettuce wraps, lemon chicken, pork fried rice, chicken chow mein, and beef with spinach. Well, the others had some and got to take it home with them too.

At this week's bartending class we covered martinis (gibson, manhattan, rob roy) and several popular cocktails (black russian, paralyzer). I am not a big martini fan, but it is sure a lot of fun to pretend to make them!

Saturday night was the Wine Festival, and wow was there ever wine. We stuck around the Champagne producers - Pol Roger, Mumm..... and that is that, but also tried some fabulous Gewurts and Rieslings from the Alsace region. Went for a great dinner at Guu with Garlic (yum, snow crab) before the festivities commenced, and finished off the night at the Moose. Just like old times, David pulled a runner, and I didn't even notice. So gracious all around. The bottle above represents the size of my hangover the next day (as you can see, it is overwhelming the page).

I have been gifted with a ticket to Friday's event at GM Place featuring Bill Clinton, Lance Armstrong and several other very interesting speakers. Thanks Dad, I am looking forward to it!

Oso Negro

2006-03-03T15:32:00.000-05:00

My sister Lisa and her boyfriend Josh stopped into my office today, newly returned from a month in Mexico.

I was forced to endure their golden tans, and "What day of the week is it, Friday? Really?" laid back attitudes. Can they not see my pain? So I promptly booked a 4 o'clock at the spa today.

Lisa brought me back a bottle of Oso Negro vodka, which ties in well with the homework I have been doing for bartending class. I might do some more research tonight.

Sunday is our annual Oscar Pool: as per tradition, I am in charge of creating the ballots, playing treasurer and also adjudicating the winner. The pressure, the stress of it all!

Research and more research must be done to ensure I maintain my winning streak. On top of these exhaustive duties, I will be hosting the party at my place. I'm thinking a theme dinner, and perhaps some martinis (that Vermouth has been in my cupboard for 8 untouched months)! Wolfgang would be so proud.

Rangoli

2006-03-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

Last night was dinner at Rangoli, Vikram Vij's "casual" restaurant, located next to Vij's, his "fancy" restaurant.

I love this place: it is my "Sunday shopping along S. Granville, go to Suki's to get my hair done, then do lunch with a nice glass of white" spot. Although admittedly, it has been a while since I had such a blatantly hedonistic jaunt.

We were ambitious diners: La Frenz Semillon (love this winery), starters of cauliflower pakoras with green chutney and spinach daal, roast jackfruit, zucchini and eggplant, then for mains... lamb and pork curries.

I should also mention that I think Mr. Vij is one of the best hosts in the city; I can't remember a meal at either of his restaurants where he did not come by to greet our party, help with the menu, or discuss the dishes we were partaking of. As a plus, he wears very colourful muumuu-esque robes.

Must admit that I was in full low blood sugar meltdown mode, and could not focus on anything until I had my first sip of wine. Garcon, menus please!

So Busy

2006-02-28T12:22:00.000-05:00

This past week is a blur: moving into new offices has taken more time and energy that you would imagine. To combat the stress, I have been hitting the gym every day, and signed up for a couple of new classes.

This past weekend, I learned how to pour shots very quickly. It was much harder than I expected! Got to Churrolicious for Spanish hot chocolate (so good: rich but not cloying) and fresh deep-fried and sugar coated churros.

I also checked out a Greek supermarket in Kits that has a great deli. It smelled like olives, and was decorated with knock-off red figure amphorae. I ate my souvlaki sandwich while watching Greek TV with some old women. I could actually understand the odd word on the show playing. klshruhowehgturowh very rwoiyhoeirhgoeh hello rshoierhgtoh want sfgfgh. You get the idea.

Went to the Elysian Room for linner on Sunday. The counter boy was around 12, with a very pert and sure manner. He also gave the best counter service I have received in a long while! So my congratulations to him for being so excellent at such a young age.

Tried an Argentinean place for lunch yesterday. Apparently those crazy Argentinean's eat a lot of beef and fries. Not for me, but there are many other places for me to try in this new neighborhood.

Bought a Turkish CD and phrasebook, although it is with some trepidation that I am learning - I don't want to get it confused with the Greek. But that feeling is countered with my competitive drive to be as proficient as my traveling companion.

I am working my way through a few new books: one is a memoir of a woman who moved to Athens for a year, and the other is Orhan Pamuk's memoir of growing up in Istanbul. Can you sense a theme? It's them, not me.

My New Office

2006-02-24T21:44:00.000-05:00

Things have been better, things have been worse. Not exactly work madness, but enough to keep me up at night.

Moved into my new office today... I will have a lovely view on days when I work late into the night. We had meetings today with: security expert, office organizer, telephone trainer, satellite radio guy and on it goes. So tired. So tired.

I decided last night it had been way too long since I cooked at home (averaging once per month), so went grocery shopping. What a joy - I can get whatever I want, with the perks that it is healthy and also really cheap! What a yuppie to exclaim about the cost effectiveness of actually preparing my own food. I made meals for a week: lamb stew, capsicum peppers stuffed with wild rice and turkey, slow roasted cherry tomatoes, and also bought every type of salad component you can imagine. Madness indeed!

Lawnmowers in London and Strange Dreams

2006-02-23T14:34:00.000-05:00

Last night saw a movie and had an excellent saag with paneer at Indian Oven. A British romantic comedy, oh yes.

Had strange dreams prompted by many things: m&m's, staying up late to watch the pilot episode of Lost, finishing The Island of Lost Maps, and hearing about all the hijinks of my international friends. To have a lawnmower in London! Strange and vivid dreams with recognizable people and conversations, some in Greek.

Today I am so sleepy, but have been issued an edict to finish packing my office within the next two hours. Oh, my!

Strangers at the Four Seasons

2006-02-22T13:48:00.000-05:00

Last night was a client's fancy dress party (actually, I wore a grey suit like always) at the Four Seasons. There was much champag-ne and mingling amongst strangers.

At dinner, I was seated next to a Russian woman named Tatiana. She was likely ten years older than me and had four masters degrees, most recently an MBA. I enjoyed talking to her for several reasons:

•I was able to use my "smattering" of Russian
•She had a lovely accent, and possessed the same pleasing bluntness of all Moscovians I have ever met
•She was jealous of me, as was I of her

She asked if I had a family, and it took a moment for me to realize she was implying a husband and children. I told her "no", and she said she had finished her MBA with a five year old. I was smart to do these things without dependents, she said. Also, that life abroad is such that "the gates are very wide", and "how will you come back to such a narrow life, when you are already successful here and now?". Does that translate away from a wine induced flush, at a table of eight, in a large hotel ballroom? Perhaps not.

So, she gave me her business card in the hopes that I may hear of an opening in one of her many professions. It was unsettling, and exciting: talking with her made me think of all the interesting strangers in the world, and all the interesting things they may just say.

How Soon is Now

2006-02-20T13:38:00.000-05:00

Nothing needs to be said of Pear Tree, except: it was excellent, and for dessert I had a classic vanilla crème brûlée. Shared a bottle of Blue Mountain Gamay Noir.

Saturday, had my nails done, then to Wreck Beach to watch the sun set. It was terribly cold, but very pretty. In my years at UBC, I never made it down those stairs once. Perhaps this summer I will brave the hippies and get some sun there.

That night went to Pho Thai Son on E. Broadway and had rare beef, brisket and tendon pho. I ended up with my companion's version with tripe, and didn't notice until he had already eaten the lion's share of my tendon. Then to Gastown for drinking and dancing at the Blarney Stone. Which was fun, although it reminded me of wilder days in my youth, which made me feel old.

Sunday, perused the market at Granville Island for breakfast goods (sausage, onions, cheese, eggs, croissants). Had dinner at Hapa Izakaya, which has never let me down. Love the ebi mayo, rice in stone bowl, and bacon wrapped enoki, and the cheers from the kitchen. Plus they do a decent caesar. Sapporo beer. Then because you are never too full for dessert: chocolate ice cream at Mario's on Quebec St. So good, although I was unable to finish my portion.

On alcohol related fronts: tickets have been secured for the upcoming Vancouver Wine Fest (this year's theme is Wines of France), and I have registered in a bartending course starting next week. I just know I will dominate at making caesars.

The Pear Tree

2006-02-17T21:01:00.000-05:00

Tonight I am heading into North Burnaby for a late (9 PM) dinner. Scott Jaeger, chef/co-owner, is representing Canada in the 2007 Bocuse d'Or.

I am an incorrigible pre-dinner menu browser: will I start with the lobster "cappuccino", then have beef tenderloin with stilton polenta? To finish: it will have to be a surprise, because the dessert menu is not posted.

Last night Deacon and I checked out Rime on Commercial. After spending some time searching Istanbul hotels, I thought trying some Turkish food may be a fine idea. This place wasn't bad, but it sets up the meals I will be having in Turkey wonderfully (aka: I am sure they will knock my socks off). Had some pickled vegetables, and then lamb stewed in molasses.

I can imagine waking up in Istanbul, heading to the roof terrace (with sweeping view of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia...) to start the day with some fresh cheese, yogurt with honey, bread.... Then walking to the Cemberlitas Hamam for a bath.

Yes, I have been reading too many travel websites.

Look Out, Helen of Troy

2006-02-15T13:50:00.000-05:00

N.V.N.

There is a sacred, secret line in loving
which attraction and even passion cannot cross,—
even if lips draw near in awful silence
and love tears at the heart.

Friendship is weak and useless here,
and years of happiness, exalted and full of fire,
because the soul is free and does not know
the slow luxuries of sensual life.

Those who try to come near it are insane
and those who reach it are shaken by grief,
So now you know exactly why
my heart beats no faster under your hand.

Anna Akhmatova

I read this poem yesterday and liked it very much. Above is Modigliani's portrait of the poet, a Russian woman who had a rather tragic existence. Her idea that the soul is impervious to trappings of the material world and corporeal indulgences is strange, in that many guide their lives in search of these very things. Strange, but it does ring true.

Tickets are booked and paid in full for Turkey. It feels very surreal to be moving about in my life, heartened with the knowledge that I can simply make a decision and change what is to come. This should be a fundamental piece of knowledge, but not for me. It seems to take great effort combined with some crucible to impel me into action. But all that nonsense aside, I am just so excited. I will be in Istanbul, I will be in Ephesus, I will be in Goreme. I will be where Cleopatra, Alexander, and Helen have been. For three whole weeks I will be free, and that knowledge is very freeing.

Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T12:14:00.000-05:00

In honour of today's holiday, here is a shot by Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of my favourite photographers. Perhaps he is my favourite.

Last night Hawker's Delight was open, so we went in for dinner. As usual, I had Bee Hoon (spicy noodles with pork, fish cake and greens), and Deacon had Nasi Goreng. Tonight there is a cooking class at Cookshop led by a chef from Canada's Culinary Olympic team (oh my!), and I am hoping to get a reso at Pear Tree on Friday, so it is yet another week of dining, dining, dining...

For history buffs and romantics: the origins of St. Valentine's Day and details of great romances through the ages.

I am going to buy the backpack tomorrow!

"My Gilded Nest"

2006-02-13T16:02:00.000-05:00

Thanks Sar for your words of wisdom... This is a quote that you can definitely call your own. Food for thought, indeed. You are the best!

PS: Found this and thought you would enjoy.

Does That Backpack Come With A Wine Holder?

2006-02-13T13:25:00.000-05:00

Yet another weekend passed in a blur of dining, drinking, movies, etc... Friday night we went to Malones in Kits and watched the hockey game (ostensibly, although I couldn't even tell you who played. The Flames?).

Saturday, got reprimanded by Leon for letting so much time go by between getting my nails done. He and my mother are right though: why should I be trying to save money at the expense of my nails? What have they ever been but useful to me!

Saturday night was Deacon's office function at Seasons in Queen E Park. Very nice view, very nice people.

Fulfilled my caesar and benny craving at Pastis for Sunday brunch. Yes, I agree that it is a hell of a deal to get benny for $12 in such a great restaurant - wicker chairs, fireplace, waitrons with French accents. Plus they serve a fairly decent caesar. Just pretend you aren't surrounded by English speakers, and voilà - you are in gay Paris (yes, I actually do this).

Sunday night went to Legendary Noodle for dinner: beef brisket and noodle soup, cold seaweed, garlic peashoots, pork and leek panfried dumplings and spring onion cake. I cannot tell you how many times I have been really excited to take someone to Hawker's Delight, and as I race to the dark window realize that it is inexplicably closed. As happened last night. Mui Garden and Legendary are getting alot of overflow business.

Put a pack on hold in Coast Mountain Sports, pending management approval of my vacation. I got truly excited by one bag that had a wine holder on the back... My first thought was, "finally, a backpack designed for someone like me"! Alas, it was not to be. It was probably just a pocket for homemade granola squares or gaiters or something in that milieu... but I will know today if this gorgeous backpack is to be mine, so cross your fingers for me!

I Have All the Mod Cons

2006-02-10T12:52:00.000-05:00

Modern Conveniences. Don't you just love the Brits and their wacky slang? I know I do. BBC has a fun translator with Cockney rhyming too.

So I was going to write a nice post about how this morning I watched ice crystals form on my windshield (in Vancouver! Like a science experiment!).... but then a woman backed into my car in the office parkade. I, being a master of the obvious, got out and said, "you just backed into my car". Luckily, my license plate bore the brunt of her incompetence.

Last night Deacon made an excellent pizza with sausage, mushroom and red pepper. It made me think of mixing dough on the granite counters in my last apartment. Mental note: future dream kitchen to include stone countertops. My realtor emailed this morning to say another place in my building has been listed, and the prices just keep rising. So stone countertops are a possibility in my next property... and while I'm at it: stainless appliances, gas range, darkroom, insuite laundry. All the mod cons. Sigh, this list could go on for a while.

When I woke up this morning, it took me a while to process what day it was. Then it hit me... Friday! That must be why I feel so disjointed. I am looking forward to sleeping in, work function madness, and maybe Phnom Penh in sketchytown for dinner. It's on the List! Perhaps a Sunday brunch is also in order; it's been a while since I went out for a caesar and eggs benny.

Toshi - Main/16th

2006-02-09T11:51:00.000-05:00

I was introduced to this tiny Japanese restaurant by my trainer two years ago. It is usually packed, and the food has always been delicious.

Last night we ordered: spicy beef (thinly sliced and fried with mushrooms), spider roll, house roll (avocado, shrimp tempura and cucumber), miso roasted eggplant, tuna/salmon sashimi, and seafood gyoza (my only 'meh' response was for this - wasn't too hot for the scallop filling as it didn't hold together well), Sapporo beer.

In spite of the loooong wait (which included a brief stopover at 5 Point for a drink), I walked out of Toshi happy as a clam.

Infuriating

2006-02-08T15:44:00.000-05:00

A French grocery chain voluntarily removes Danish food items from their stores in Muslim countries. Pictures circulate the internet, in turn causing a boycott of Carrefour within Europe.

I don't think conveniently pandering to an audience is going to fix the underlying problems. It doesn't work in politics, and it obviously doesn't work in the global marketplace. IMHO the beginnings of a solution will come about when both sides stand up for their beliefs with conviction and mutual respect. What's going on now is simply madness!

Tinseltown

2006-02-08T12:35:00.000-05:00

Resurrected an old tradition last night: indian takeout and a movie at everyone's favourite deserted mall, Tinseltown. What was on the menu? Lamb curry ("yes, I know it's $0.75 extra"), zucchini sabji, and because the owner knows me and I'm special, a gratis small rice pudding. This place has the best curry in the city, and more people watching than you can handle. I spotted an Awkward Painful Couple in the midst of a heated exchange.

Having just googled Awkward Painful Couple and come up emptyhanded, I am going to have to segue into a description. First, look around and there will always be at least one APC nearby. They are likely: not talking; looking at the table, out the window, or studiously at their menus. If there is conversation, it will be stilted and is typically focused on utilitarian concerns, ie: "what are you having?", "what time do we have to get to ____ by?". If you are lucky, there may be bickering, or more painful but still entertaining, fighting (yes, this is an example of schadenfreude).

Anyways, Brokeback Mountain. I had already declined an invitation to see this movie, but was worn down by the countless good reviews. Also, Oscar Pool 2006© approaches and I am determined to remain the champion.

Ang Lee directs, and cinematography is by Rodrigo Prieto... and this is where I lapse into movietalk. My favourite large screen adaptation of Jane Austen, ever, is Lee's Sense and Sensibility (small screen taker is of course BBC's Pride and Prejudice), and who didn't like Crouching Tiger? Prieto was on board for Amores Perros, a fantastic and gripping Mexican film. Both Lee and Prieto have Oscar noms this year.

This was a beautiful movie. Not in the sense of, "what a beautiful story", but just visually pretty to watch. Lots of rolling hills and dusty towns... Courtesy of Alberta, standing in for Wyoming, and making me think of Montana (how's that for a sentence?).

I think Lee will win Best Director. I don't believe Jake or Michelle will be taking anything home; Heath, I am not so sure about you (I have a notoriously rough time picking Best Actor: damn you Denzel Washington! Training Day?).

For now all I can confirm is that, yes, Brokeback Mountain made me cry.

Enough With The Didactic Backgammon!

2006-02-07T15:28:00.000-05:00

There is nothing worse than losing, whilst being a poor loser, and having your opponent calmly instructing you on the finer points of the game as they kick your ass. I hereby declare that I am sick of losing (!) and will be spending some time here and here. Players, consider yourselves warned.

...Last night I had a post-birthday dinner. We had spring salad with chevre, grapes and heart of palm, smoked salmon/asparagus fettuccini, and mango sorbet. We polished off a bottle of Wolf Blass Cab Sauv, and a half bottle of Yalumba Viognier. I grossly underestimated my guests' ability to eat, and thought I would have two days of leftovers, but was actually left with none (making clean up a breeze).

On a return trip from this morning's meeting, I finally started learning the really important Greek words: wine ("gracie"), beer ("beera"), restaurant ("estiatorio"). By the time I get to Greece I will be unstoppable!

Veni, Vidi, Vici...

2006-02-06T13:27:00.000-05:00

Woke up on my birthday at Ship's Point, a very pretty B&B in Fanny Bay. Had some lovely oysters, watched a sea lion wave at me (I think he winked, too), and witnessed electricity-dampening winds that made the rain dance. Played backgammon and chess by the fire; my crushing defeats were eased by a glass of Baileys.

I was thrilled to have eggs benny for breakfast (excellent hollandaise), along with warm berry crisp, pan fried oysters, scones with jam, and some asparagi.

We tried our hand at shucking some local oysters, and I walked away from this adventure with great respect for shuckers everywhere... and determined to buy a very fine shucking knife.

Saturday, we drove into Tofino. Stopped to get some gumboots which came in very handy walking around Long Beach, and climbing the mountains at hand.

Went to Shelter for dinner and had stout steamed mussels, blue cheese and beet salad, and Cowichan Valley duck breast with yet more asparagi and celeriac puree. Chevre cheesecake with Okanagan cherries and framboise wine to finish.

We were heading back to the ferries at noon on Sunday, when we stopped at Cox Bay. The winds had been high and had driven sea foam all over the beach. It looked like someone's washing machine had exploded on the shore. A last minute executive decision was made to try surfing while the ocean was relatively calm. We rented some gear and drove to Chesterman Beach.

I ended up further from shore than expected, although the experience of sitting on my board as the ocean swelled was entirely pleasant. It was coming into shore to my worried companion that caused the pain... I was tossed about by a succession of waves and managed to take in a week's sodium. But, the feeling of taking off the wetsuit, warming up over a hot chocolate and driving home was perfectly fine with me.

Consider the Oyster

2006-02-02T17:53:00.000-05:00

An oyster lives a dreadful but exciting life.

Indeed, his chance to live at all is slim, and if he should survive the arrows of his own outrageous fortune and in the two weeks of his youth find a clean smooth place to fix on, the years afterwards are full of stress, passion and danger (MFK Fisher).

This weekend I am visiting Fanny Bay, home of the eponymous oyster, and Tofino. I will very happily be consuming dangerous amounts of shellfish, demanding their full latin names, and making servers cry from East to West coast of Vancouver Island (just joking about the crying part).

Marmara, Memphis, Mersey River

2006-02-01T12:39:00.000-05:00

...All lovely sounding places that I want to see one day. Above is a map of countries I have visited. You can make your own here, but please don't flaunt the redness of your map over mine.

Eating Dulls the Pain

2006-01-31T11:57:00.001-05:00

Was at the Broadway location last night for dinner with David. His suggestion, which I was amenable to as it knocked another restaurant off my List. And how! It was very good... although I still think Hawker's Delight is more authentic and better value for $$$.

Ordered: satay (chicken, beef and lamb), nasi goreng, green beans with sambal, beef rendang, and coconut rice. Tiger beer.

We set into the food, and whatever bird/bloke madness was affecting us. I like to think it was mostly bird-madness, and will be cured very shortly. Then off to the Whip for a nightcap. This place has been the scene of much dining pain; they always have the most awkward/indifferent/odd service staff... which is one of the top reasons I visit regularly.

Our chatter died down as we sat staring at the new television screen in a stupor. I am not pleased they have put a TV over the bar... it dulled my motivation for conversation (I will allow that it did provide fodder for commentary).

All in all, a very pleasant evening.

Oh, no!

2006-01-30T15:46:00.000-05:00

From Salon.com:

Funny women a turnoff for most men

We all know men are intimidated by smart women. Now there's proof that they're threatened by funny women, too. A study published this week in the scientific journal Evolution and Human Behavior claims that while men might appreciate witty women, they don't want long-term relationships with them.

Why? Because "men see being funny as a male thing," Rod Martin, author of study, told the Independent.

The study, based on interviews with hundreds of men and women in their 20s, found that one-half of the men did not want a partner with a sense of humor.

"The idea that men are more interested in having an audience rather than sharing banter doesn't really surprise me," British comedian Meera Syal told the Independent. "Women see men with a sense of humor as dangerous and sexy, while men see it as threatening. Basically, what it comes down to is that humor is a mark of intelligence."

Not surprisingly, the study found that men were willing to put aside their prejudice against clever women for hookups and short-term flings. So funny ladies, if you're looking for more than a one-night stand, just keep your mouth shut and laugh at whatever he says.

I think this means I need to stop bragging about being the funniest person my mother knows!

Madness In A Good Way

2006-01-30T14:48:00.000-05:00

Hit Moderne Burger for burgers and fries (and a delicious chocolate shake) on Saturday afternoon. This was my first visit back since the fire, and the place looks great. The owner here is a nice guy, and the only vendor I have ever heard say, "we take cash or cheque, but you can always eat and come back to pay later". What was that, trust?

And then... it was another weekend in Whistler, sigh. Life can be so trying. Drove up in time for dinner Saturday night. A Beautiful to end the night (the fumes nearly knocked me out, and I don't think either of us made much of a dent in our glasses).

Lots of rain in Vancity means record snow on the mountains....

Sunday was one of the best days of boarding I have ever had! Lots of fun. There was so much snow and relatively few people on the hill. I was "peer pressured" into some sort of drop off, and later we got lost in a treed gulley in Creekside and had to hike out (onto "the longest run in North America"... it just didn't end).

It was a little scary, very tiring, and I was pretty frustrated with my immobility at several points, but all ended well: we managed to find civilization and have a couple of pints to prove it.

Shortly after we departed Whistler the roads were closed down due to the heavy snow. It took about four and a half hours to get back home. But that includes a stop at Boston Pizza.

They were having a promo where you could buy a paper heart and write your message to be displayed. This one gave me an overwhelming sense of pathos, and gratitude for all the good things in my life. But, if I were tempted to write a message onto a paper heart to be displayed in the Squamish Boston Pizza, what would it say.....?

Monday morning and here I am at the office very stiff and sore, but it feels good because I earned it.

Dine Out: Feenie's

2006-01-27T12:48:00.000-05:00

Last night was dinner at Feenie's for Dine Out Vancouver. We were sitting along the banquette as seen on the right side of this photo.

Started with a cocktail: Dubonnet Fizz (Dubonnet, cherry brandy, club soda, orange and lemon juice). If I can offer one critique it would be that my fancy cocktail came in the same type of glass as my water, and had absolutely no garnish. Give a girl a maraschino cherry, or at least a slice of citrus fruit, please!

Had steamed mussels with tomato and fennel, trout in brown butter/caper raisin sauce with cauliflower puree (fish had nice, crispy skin), and to finish a generous trio of sorbets (mango, blood orange and pineapple). Had a glass of Blue Mountain Pinot Gris.

Rob has placed a framed and signed menu from Daniel Boulud on the wall in the women's washroom... étrange, non? I suppose when you best an Iron Chef you have a certain amount of creative license in these matters.

Later on I saw the video for Deacon's skydiving jump, and felt vertiginous just watching. He is a far braver soul than I. After dinner, he had the audacity to beat me twice at backgammon even though he had never played before... I must say that I was not pleased to lose.

I could tell you he won because he rolled ten sets of doubles (at one point he rolled three sets in a row, for which the odds are: 216 to 1), but that would be stealing his thunder. Finally, a worthy opponent (or should I say, an opponent worthy of me)!

Cellar Doors and Trap Streets

2006-01-26T14:21:00.000-05:00

Right now I am reading approximately 20 books (yes, hyperbole); the two I am most focused on finishing are Letter Perfect and Island of Lost Maps.

The history of the alphabet is admittedly rather slow going, and packed densely with the history of writing, culture and language. One of my favourite tidbits is: "cellar door".

For me, this phrase conjures up an image of a dark room, perhaps dusty or damp, and some cluttered bottles - but the author acknowledges it, as many writers have done before, as one of the most beautiful combinations of sound in the English language. It makes me want to say it out loud.

.......A brief history of cartography, world exploration, espionage, modern collecting and a very peculiar criminal: I am engrossed in The Island of Lost Maps.

Before reading this, I had never heard of a "trap street": mapmakers, to prevent plagiarism, will include somewhere in their work a false street. Maybe it is a tiny cul-de-sac, or an avenue leading nowhere. The thief will not be able to justify the inclusion of a fictitious detail.

I like the whole concept of a trap street - not just in cartography, but art or language as well. Perhaps everyone enjoys the idea of a hidden secret!

And just so this remains at least tenuously related to food, here is one of my best-loved books: MFK Fisher's The Art of Eating. Known primarily as a "food writer", she had a wonderful and rather tragic life which was chronicled in her many stories. Her work shouldn't be categorized so dismissively: I have yet to find a writer who can so accurately and distantly capture the nuances of relationships, or paint a character so clearly and cruelly.

Hart House

2006-01-25T18:03:00.000-05:00

Burnaby, overlooking Deer Lake... it is drizzling and rather gloomy outside. Recently, the interior has been repainted in sandy beige and white trim; there is elaborate new wainscoting and coffered ceiling in white. The entry has a huge open fireplace; it is like stepping into an old country mansion.

Started with mushroom bisque with Fanny Bay oysters (will be there soon to try onsite!), then had seared tuna served with yellow wax beans. Wine was Blue Mountain Pinot Gris (I stayed across the way from this winery in the summer - it is a very beautiful property, and very exclusive). Dessert with these particular clients is always "buffet style", in which they are tempted to select several and then each guest takes to their plate what looks most tempting: lemon tart, classic crème brûlée and chocolate mousse cake today.

I feel rather sleepy now.

Indecision Is The New Pink

2006-01-24T12:57:00.000-05:00

As if I didn't have enough to worry about, it seems that even German Romantics are on my case. But only when you go looking for their advice:

Then indecision brings its own delays,
And days are lost lamenting o'er lost days...

Thanks, Goethe (sometimes I think you are a bit of a downer).

Advice is an interesting thing. I received some last night from a good friend. Although it was entirely logical, prudent and diplomatic, I simply could never subscribe to it. When a situation is upon you, then you are already in action and to react as if preemptively is useless. I don't have that luxury.

I was offered advice this past Sunday as well... or was it a discussion? What would I like to have achieved by the time I am 30? Only four years from now - this is no time to delay - it was a panoptic list.

Yes... speaking of lists: this week will knock Feenie's off of my Restaurant List. Looking forward to trying their Dine Out menu [chocolate bread pudding seems to be enjoying somewhat of a renaissance {à la Sweet Revenge on 22Jan06}].

Also, will be making return visits to Hart House tomorrow (can pretend that I am a prairie maven like Nellie Olsen) and Jang Mo Jib on Friday.

Time Flies When...You're Having Fun?

2006-01-23T12:51:00.000-05:00

Friday's jaunt into Richmond turned out to be eye-opening. Why do I never go there?

T&T, Yaohan Centre, Rice World, oh my.

Shanghai Wind was a delicious hole in the wall; I sat facing into the kitchen, and Deacon had a view of the dining area. People craned their necks to see if the lone gwai lo was with his Chinese girlfriend.

We had the famous xiao long bao, pork dumplings filled with a rich broth. I neglected to let my fellow diner in on the secret of sucking out the juice before biting-in, so he managed to create an oil slick on plate and table. I snickered smugly and ate mine correctly.

Saturday was a pig roast, and like most of the other guests, I decided to bring dessert. Amy's Cake Shop on E. Broadway has long interested me, so it was the perfect place to pop into on my way to the party. I always wondered if they were doing any real business in there, and yes they are!

I bought the best egg custard tarts - ever - and some slices of tiramisu, cheesecake.... The only painful element is that they are one of those "cash only" establishments. Don't you hate it when you can't use plastic?

Brought the last bottle of La Frenz from my Okanagan summer wine trek to the party. Thank you to my July-self for buying half a case; it was a greatly enjoyed investment.

Sunday, dinner at Mui Garden with dad and sister. The best spicy green beans in town; everyone agrees that they have the perfect combination of crunch, spice and tenderness. Also had: beef satay (served with pieces of pineapple and cucumber), chicken chow mein, and a spicy eggplant hot pot, which was my favourite dish. Oh, how the MSG goes straight to my head!

After all this dining and running around, I found that my apartment is not quite shaping up as my idealized timeline had forecasted. This week will definitely be used to get some of those little details nailed down.

PS: it still seems that I am doing a lot of dining out... does letting other people pick up the cheque count as "budgeting" or am I turning into a dinner whore?

PPS: it would be best if you took the opportunity to vote today.

The List

2006-01-20T16:13:00.000-05:00

I would not classify myself as an avid list-maker, although there is one that I keep and regularly refer to: The Restaurant List.

Every time I hear of a local place I would like to patronize, I add the name and any special details (a certain dish to try, complicated directions). Après dining, it gets highlighted with notes for future visits.

As a rough estimate I probably ate at over 300 restaurants last year, but there are a few that I have been "saving"... kind of like not reading that last novel by your favourite, departed writer.

After some intense deliberation the top saves are: Phnom Penh, Pear Tree, Ukranian Church for perogy night, Shanghai Wind, Bishops, Pointe at Wickanninish, and I wouldn't pass up a table at French Laundry if it wanted me... or El Bulli for that matter. But that is another set of adventures completely.

Tonight I am making a trip into Richmond, heart of darkness, to dine at Shanghai Wind. Very much looking forward to trying the xiao long bao there... and if I happen to lose my way, I can always just pop into Ikea for meatballs.

On a completely unrelated matter, you may have guessed that this is indeed the transporter room from the Enterprise (under Captain Picard) - "Jean Luc!". No, I have not gone mad, but it inexplicably came up in a google search for a picture to accompany this blog.......... Does this person have a life? Hey, do any fans remember the episode where Wesley has to fight the erotic game headsets...? Maybe it is just me then.

Just so this post doesn't "devolve" any further, I note that I had lunch with a colleague today at Copper Chimney. This is in the old Oritalia spot within the Hotel Le Soleil. Absolutely beautiful room, middling food, and never busy enough.

Wild and crazy times

2006-01-19T10:45:00.000-05:00

So, what did I do on Wednesday night?

Well, this picture pretty much sums it up.... Had a massage, picked up my Turkey guidebook and Conversational Greek CDs, some take-out, and stopped to get the last tile backsplash pieces cut.

A word on that. I tend to favour Home Depot; my people, such as cheeky-comment-guy, and taciturn-paint-man, are always nice to visit. However, Home Depot recently discontinued their tile-cutting services (they were already unreliable at best). So, out of necessity I made my first visit to Rona last week, and discovered their "Cutting Centre". Bring your lumber, rebar, tile, what have you, and they will cut it.

I must say: Home Depot staff you have been supplanted in my affections by Wicky, tile-cutter extraordinaire. This boy is so cute, and he even wrapped up my cut tiles in a to-go package. Plus, he smiled the entire time, saying, "Got to wrap up these little guys so they don't get lost"!

I am now finished the kitchen backsplash (thanks Wicky), and have cruised through Lesson 1 in Greek. Not too shabby for a weeknight, n'est-ce pas? Or, should I say, "Δεν βρέθηκαν λέξεις"?

Would you sleep with this man?

2006-01-18T14:33:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows how I feel about Stephen Harper. However, I did grasp that my sentiment was not strongly enough founded upon fact - and was rather an intuitive dislike.

So I spent some time at Conservative ground zero. Based on the rhetoric displayed, I have pulled several points that I would respect and agree with (all quoted directly from website copy, italics my own):

• A belief that a responsible government must be fiscally prudent and should be limited to those responsibilities which cannot be discharged reasonably by the individual or others (from Party Founding Principles).

• Ending the wasteful long-gun registry and using the savings to hire more front-line police officers.

• Protecting women and children from sex offenders through a mandatory DNA data bank.

• Strengthening border port and airport security, consolidating security services under a new National Security Commissioner, and quickly deporting non-citizen criminals.

• Our seniors: We will protect their hard-won gains by increasing the pension income-tax deduction to $2500, and ensuring better service for seniors.

• Giving more power and teeth to independent watchdogs such as the Auditor General and Ethics Commissioner, protecting whistleblowers from reprisal, and strengthening access to information laws to give citizens the right to know.

• Appointing an independent Director of Public Prosecutions to protect criminal prosecution from political interference.

What I don't like about the Conservatives is a little more ephemeral.... While their explicity stated platform and I get along just fine, I have a problem with the issues that aren't being put into writing on their website.

My personal philosophy is "low intervention". Why? Because I believe that given the chance, individuals will act in their own best interest as they see fit... Professionals will act on the basis of respect for their individual codes of conduct, and sacrosanct relationship with their client. I was raised on the mantra: to each their own.

I see the role of government in its most utilitarian sense: administration. An administrator has no place in a private citizen's marriage, doctor's office or bedroom...

Economic policies aside, I worry that Stephen and his confreres disagree with me.

Politick and Patisserie

2006-01-17T18:34:00.000-05:00

Last night went to a lecture at SFU Harbour Centre: Living the Global City: Citizenship, Culture and Well-being... I found the event a little too inclusive of the audience, and would have preferred the speakers to address topics as they saw fit. However, it was interesting to hear developers discuss various projects around the city.

There was one spectator who had obviously logged some serious time at public forum meetings. As he stood waiting at the microphone to ask his "question", I couldn't help but observe his scuffed shoes, mismatched sweater and shirt, and loose pant pocket button. No wedding ring. But he didn't so much ask a question as weave a circuitous stream of semi-coherent babble, mostly pertaining to the rights of "the people" (he must of felt obliged to speak on their behalf because I didn't see any other "people" there).

His legs started shaking when he talked. He had. A very. Jarring. Way of speaking. Too intimate and breathy, and those pauses! The panel of guests struggled to maintain their composure by folding their arms and looking away.

Then off to Sweet Revenge on Main for some dessert. I have never thought of dining establishments in terms of gender, but I suppose that a mock-Edwardian patisserie deserves some consideration. I had the pear bread pudding and peppermint tea (complete with floral cup and saucer).

And then... a rousing game of Scrabble. I used to think I was the most competitive person I knew. But then, I also doubted "Brigs" was a proper word.

Friday, Alone in the Office

2006-01-13T11:57:00.000-05:00

I arrived late to work today to find the lights out, Globe waiting at the door, and no one here. Although it does not greatly concern me, you can probably guess that productivity is definitely lacking in this office. Oh, well... I'm keeping busy learning Greek (www.kypros.org/greek).

As far as I'm concerned, the faster the weekend arrives the better. I have plans. Plans which include retiling my bathroom floor, putting hardware on the kitchen cabs, and making lots of renovation-oriented noises during strata approved hours.

Whistler keeps getting massive amounts of snow, and I am housebound this weekend due to a spazz-tastic fall I took there last Saturday. So, although I am supposed to be on a "budget" I am going to have some tried and true fun like Il Giardino, or Skoah instead. Maybe.

Life's Like That

2006-01-12T16:56:00.000-05:00

It is very difficult to figure out what I want from life. There are many things which I would enjoy doing, look forward to doing, but there is no one thing sounding an alarm and demanding my attention.

Which creates a decision making problem for me.

What kind of life do I want to have?

(Edited for content 14jan06)

Ostensibly this is a food blog, so I will say that at this morning's meeting I had a lovely muffin and fresh orange juice.

Dario's La Piazza

2006-01-11T17:23:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when you have spent four hours in transit to see a prospective client, all you want to do is eat pasta. This place is at the Italian Cultural Centre on Slocan, which also offers classes on language and cooking.

I had manicotti filled with ground veal and spinach. Very tasty after a long car ride (I hope I get that business!). Aside from that, I noted that I had worked at Marcello's with our server, and that he still employed the, "what a beautiful woman you are dining with, sir" line. It works every time.

By My Super-Talented Sister

2006-01-10T16:55:00.000-05:00

I feel a dance-off coming on!

http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

2006-01-10T15:21:00.000-05:00

This man's secret made me sad....

Remembering a Meal

2006-01-09T12:30:00.000-05:00

When I reminisce about a meal, most often it is of the shared company, the setting, the feelings I felt, rather than the food itself. Sometimes, it is of sitting very quietly at a table for one, and having an overwhelming awareness of everything going on around you.

Right now, life seems to be setting me a table for one. And with that observation, I am going into the vault for some happier memories:

Sitting in Il Giardino for the first time while Jeff described panna cotta, unaware that he was altering my ability to perceive food as a great pleasure. This was in my student days when food was something utilitarian, a necessity valued by cost and definitely not gratification. I remember how nervous I felt about how expensive the meal was, the multiple servers, white tablecloths, being able to hold up my end of the conversation.

Shelter in Tofino with my sister, October 2005. Tired from surfing, full of excitement for tomorrow, fresh out of the sauna. Ensconced in a corner table near the fire, it was dark and warm. We were both so infatuated, and life was all sorts of possibilities.

Hapa Izakaya, July 2004. Sitting in a group in one of those (now gone) sunken tables, ordering swarms of food, beer and sake. Laughing until my mouth hurt and being very aware of how contented I was.

Across the street from the British Museum, in a cafe with an English breakfast set out before me. I think my hands were shaking, because I spilt sugar all over the table. Deliberately pouring a second cup of tea, when all I wanted was to run out. Looking through the window and thinking how lucky I was. Why had I delayed so long? The jealousy I felt for all Londoners who lived in London was alarming.

Tojo's with J in May of 2004. We had called a truce long enough to have one of the best meals of my life. I remember very colourful sushi rolls, and many courses, the twilight view over False Creek. Thinking, "what if", and then, "silly girl, it's if only".

Looking out over Tofino harbour from the veranda of Tough City sushi with David. Laughing at ourselves and everyone else as we ordered too much beer and food. Watching float planes come down, and the ocean with small islands everywhere you looked, the sun setting, and then stars. Not caring what anybody thought, and being very smugly satisfied with myself.

Being reckless and vain with Lily at The Moose. Any bar we were at, really. Jack and cokes with limes, my red lipstick, her skirts and flats, and all the nonsense and fun that we stirred up.

I hope that I am not one of those "living in the past" people, who forget about all the future ahead... I suppose it is fine to be wistful for memories once in a while.