McWatters and Time March On — to Penticton
Harry McWatters is like the venerable Energizer Bunny... Every time you think he might be done, he keeps on going. And it’s usually well ahead of the curve.
Il Giardino to Re-Open: Umberto Menghi’s Iconic Room to Rise Again
Il Giardino, Umberto’s much lamented restaurant, which he closed last spring to make way for redevelopment, may well resurface just up the street. It appears that once Umberto realised just how much Il Giardino really meant to people he wasted little time in seeking out a new home for his flagship, long running room. I’ve [...]
Vancouver’s Loss is Saskatoon’s Gain: Dale MacKay Opens Ayden Kitchen & Bar
Ayden Kitchen & Bar boasts a talented team led by Dale MacKay This hard-hitting, exposé of a blog is mainly about Vancouver and BC’s scene but occasionally addresses topics “beyond”—in this case Saskatoon. But there’s still a very definite Vancouver connection. One of Canada’s brightest culinary stars, Chef Dale MacKay officially pulled the [...]
R.I.P. Peter Lehmann, “Baron of Barossa,” 1930-2013
Margaret and Peter Lehmann, around the time of their 2011 Vancouver visit When the French (and others) talk about “terroir” they’re generally referring to geography, soil type, grapes—but also the human element. Wine, after all—above all—is very much about people. It’s a fact of which we’re constantly reminded, especially when a legend in [...]
Chef Hamid Salimian bids farewell to Diva at the Met
Chaf Hamid Salimian: on the move TP photo It's been only a matter of weeks since we were raving about Chef Hamid Salimian and his remarkable Persian inspired tasting menu at Diva at the Met. But Chef Hamid is on the move. June 4th, 2013, will be his last day at Diva before he leaves [...]
Umberto Menghi to Close Celebrated Il Giardino After 37 Years
A cosy corner and bastion of good taste for Vancouver's movers and shakers. Image supplied. UPDATED, April 2: If you couldn't get into Il Giardino before it closes (and even if you could), here's a great way to say 'Thank You' to Umberto for all he's done for Vancouver over the years. BC's Les [...]
Changing it Up: Less Words. More Images. But Not Always …
QWERTY-O-DODO - TP Photo I’m thinking of trying something different for this blog: making it more visually driven. I know some people appreciate the “longer read” which I still occasionally manage. However, judging by the stats, nowadays more people are drawn to imagery than to text. I’m also just as inclined to snap [...]
Don and Elaine Triggs Pull the Wraps Off Culmina Family Estate Winery
Elaine, Sara and Don Triggs (and Barry the Corgi) on their recently sculpted and now planted high Okanagan bench, (image supplied) UPDATED: (From the release, Feb 13, 2013... More good news today (that we had heard was awaiting confirmation)... Pascal Madevon joins CULMINA FAMILY ESTATE WINERY as Vineyard Manager & Winemaker Pascal Madevon, [...]
R.I.P. Diane Loomer
Diane Loomer, CM Like many Vancouverites, I was truly saddened when I awoke this morning to the news that Diane Loomer passed away last night. As visionary choral director and composer Loomer touched a lot of people in her remarkable career, unquestionably highlighted by her founding of Chor Leoni and co-founding of Elektra, [...]
Monk’s Hands Habit to Mahony’s at Stamps Landing
Look for a summer 2013 opening ... UPDATED, After extensive renovations, Mahony and Sons at Stamps Landing is now open ... details Vancouver landmark Monk McQueens has been taken over by Mahony & Sons, who will turn the long running restaurant and oyster bar on False Creek’s south shore into their third location. [...]