Inspired Ideas: Speaker Series By Lezah Williamson

Visit SwanktrendzWade Davis and Susan Aglukark

Inspired Ideas is the first installment of a series being hosted by the City of Surrey at the Bell Centre for the Performing Arts in 2008.

On April 9, Wade Davis, Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, will be speaking.

Wade is a native of BC and a graduate of Harvard University; he has a PhD in ethnobotany and holds degrees in anthropology and biology. Wade is also an accomplished author, having published over 140 scientific and popular papers on a variety of subjects, and was the host of Discovery Channel's Earth guide.

On April 30, you can hear Susan Aglukark, an award-winning Aboriginal singer-songwriter.

Tickets are available here.

images from susanaglukark.com

Feenie Loses Feenie's By: Lezah WIlliamson

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Turns out the Iron Chef's luck just sank lower than the bottom of the bay at Kits Beach.

Rob Feenie, who has been riding high on the crest of the culinary wave that's been sweeping Vancouver over the last ten years, has officially severed relations with his West Broadway restaurants Feenie's and Lumiere.

Lumiere, which won the prestigious Relais Gourmand award in 2000, and Feenie's, which won the Qualitie Awards in 2003, are both Rob Feenie's babies. He started Lumiere twelve years ago; Feenie's has been around for four. Plans were in the works for a chain of Feenie's restaurants to open, riding partly on the reputation of the restaurants themselves, and partly on the reputation of Feenie himself, winner of the 2005 Iron Chef TV challenge.

Unfortunately, as Feenie himself points out, he's a chef, not an accountant. He ended up losing control of the two restaurants two years ago following a $1.2 million upgrade to the kitchen. Turns out that when the dust settled, he was $350,000 in the red and on the verge of declaring bankruptcy; original partner Ken Lei needed to be paid off as well. So investment banker David Sidhoo and wife Manjy stepped in to save the day - or so it appeared...

Fast forward two years, and the Sidhoo's have hired 28 year old Canadian David McKay away from Gordon Ramsey's NYC restaurant to be Executive Chef at Feenie's and Lumiere; Rob Feenie, meanwhile, complains of his diminished role in the the marketing, operations and food selection of 'his' restaurant.

Consequently, as of the beginning of November, Feenie parted company with Feenie's (and Lumiere).

Now, to further complicate matters, the chef at Feenie's has just stepped down.

Sounds like a case of too many chefs spoiling the broth...

European Eats by Lezah Williamson

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French, Italian and Swiss Food, Canadian Style

Recently I've had a hankering for Continental European cuisine. Maybe it's because my all time favourite restaurant, the Spanish eatery La Masia, recently changed its format; or maybe it's because we're looking at our next big holiday taking place in Europe. Who knows? Whatever the case, here are a few good places to try:

Cafe de Paris Bistro Francais (751 Denman, 604-687-1418)

We dropped in on this unique little taste of France recently, sans reservation, I might add. We were lucky to arrive late one rainy Friday night, otherwise we likely wouldn't have found a table. I was expecting something else altogether, but what we got was authentic fine French cuisine. I had the steak and pomme frites, which was fantastic, with creme brulee for dessert - very delectable. Dave tried the steak tartare, to mixed reviews. Nothing wrong with steak tartare, unless you don't like raw meat, but in that case, I guess you shouldn't order steak tartare! Apparently the speciality of the house is liver - but again, that's a little outside of my palate's comfort zone. But the service (and server!) was authentically French, and decor French-like. We enjoyed the experience, which was a little pricey but hey - it's cheaper than a trip to France.

The Italian Cultural Centre (3075 Slocan)

is where I was on Wednesday night. They have a large banquet hall there (I was attending the Good Neighbour Awards night, hosted by the Association of Neighbourhood Houses). We had a buffet dinner, which was similar to many buffet dinners I've had in my time. The big news was the dessert: authentic Italian pastries, with coffee. I've been telling anyone who will listen ever since that those pastries were the absolute best I've ever had - and I usually dislike pastries! The coffee was fantastic, as well - not your usual perked-in-a-big-metal-container-at-a-banquet fare.

Located at the Italian Cultural Centre is Dario's Italian restaurant

which comes to me highly recommended by my brother and his foodie girlfriend. They've enjoyed a couple of great meals there, and apparently the restaurant has a fantastic wine selection.

William Tell (765 Beatty Street, 604-688-3504)

has a Swiss Speciality menu. Dave and I ate there last spring and were quite impressed. Again, pricey.

Pastis Bistro (2153 W. 4th, 604-731-5020)

is another little French bistro I've frequently within the last couple of years. Again, I had the steak and pomme frites and they were wonderful. Here I tried the molten lava cakes, which were truly delectable. This 15 table eatery is located along funky W. 4th, and is a little less pricey (but not much).

Lamb photo from William Tell’s Menu Image from beyondrobson.com

Pastis Image from WCities.com

A Fine Frenzy bring their magic to Canada with Tour Dates in august and October Also: Alison Sudol makes her acting debut Christine Albrecht

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Image by michaeljung.com

Alison Sudol of aFINE FRENZY makes her acting debut and performs on the season premiere of the hit TV series CSI: NY on September 26/07.

‘The melodies on this debut are breathless’ - Entertainment Weekly

‘Her music is haunting’ - actress Selma Blair / Interview Magazine

‘One Cell in the Sea’ is pretty and mysterious enough to draw plenty of admirers’- Paste Magazine

‘Fraught, haunted and beautiful’ - Harp Magazine

‘Her debut album could make her a big star’ - InStyle Magazine

Word of mouth is spreading quickly on One Cell in the Sea, the stunning debut from A Fine Frenzy which was released in Canada last week. A Fine Frenzy is fronted by 22-year-old singer/pianist Alison Sudol and while the songs are ethereal, the musical and lyrical vision is as thoughtful, brainy and delightful as Alison herself.

A Fine Frenzy are ending their tour with Rufus Wainwright in Canada with dates in London on August 29 and Montreal on August 31.

That same week A Fine Frenzy will be doing a private show and promotion in Toronto. Fans can also catch them live when they return to Canadian soil in October on tour with Brandi Carlile with dates in Toronto on October 9 and Vancouver on October 27.

A Fine Frenzy will also be appearing on television - first on September 10 performing on Last Call with Carson Daly and then on September 26 Alison makes her acting debut and performs on the season premiere of smash hit show CSI: NY!

A Fine Frenzy live are quite simply breathtaking and not to be missed.

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail By Bill Bryson

Contributed by Lezah Williamson

I recently read Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail' (1998), and was immediately struck by the desire to walk our own West Coast Trail. Of course, every time I read a book or article or travel guide that outlines one of these long trek-type journeys, I get the itch. The big difference is, Bryson tells his story with such self-effacing humour that even his pain is a joy to read about.

Bryson outlines his struggles finding someone to accompany him on his quest, and then further regales us with his struggles coping with his new-found trailmate. Along the way we learn a lot: about the history of the trail, the numbers and types of songbirds that used to inhabit the East Coast, the vagaries of the climate of each particular region he passes through, the death of many of the native trees, deaths and murders on the trail, and so on. It is a fun, fact-filled book that made me want to read more Bryson.

And read I can - I currently am part way through a copy of 'The Mother Tongue: English and How it Got that Way' (1990), but Bryson is even better known for the following works: 'Notes from a Big Country' (1998); 'Notes from a Small Island' (1995), and'A Short History of Nearly Everything' (2003).

I predict there will lots to read in my near future...

image from riannanworld.typepad.com/

Eric Clapton, Guitar Hero - Mar 27, 2007 @ GM Place

By: Terry Lowe

Eric Clapton is a living legend, and that is reason enough to go and see him, even if his work has been a bit lacklustre in recent years. Christine told me that the show was sold out (15,000 people, I was told later), but a ticket had been set aside for a SwankTrendz reviewer. I claimed that ticket and found my way inside with 10 minutes to spare.

I knew the show was to start at 8:30 PM, and was being presented by House Of Blues. The place was jammed with people, some of whom were young classic rock fans, but most middle-aged (with kids). I saw a brisk trade in $60 T-shirts at the concession stands. “Okay, it's going to one of those shows,” I thought: one that begins exactly on time – which I like – and ends exactly on time, and will probably be a tightly scripted crowd-pleaser.

I was right about that, but enjoyed it nevertheless. Good band, and a good seat, on the aisle 16 rows up from the front left corner of the stage. And very close to a big video projection screen, which came in handy for those close-up details.

Mr Clapton and the band appeared on stage at 8:35, picked up their guitars and launched into a succession of 1970s Derek and the Dominoes hits: “Tell The Truth”, “Key To The Highway”, and “Got To Get Better In a Little While.” EC appeared relaxed and casual, wearing a dark grey short-sleeved shirt, jeans, suede deck shoes, and a few days’ worth of grey stubble. He played his signature black Stratocaster throughout.

The band included a solid rhythm guitarist, a rocking bass / drum team, one organist and one electric pianist, and two lovely buxom backup singers who swayed in unison, and who were given chairs so they could rest during the “Shut up and play yer guitar” bits, of which there were many.

The sound quality was surprisingly good, given that the venue is a small stadium designed to host hockey games. I could hear everything clearly, and the mix was excellent.

When they launched into “Little Wing,” out came the cigarette lighters, held up aflame. Certainly not as many as there would have thirty years ago, but it certainly took me back. There was a lot of smoke in the air, and the noticeable smell of marijuana now and then.

That piece drew a semi-standing ovation; this crowd was clearly there to be pleased. “I Shot The Sheriff” drew another one, but what I noticed during EC’s extended improvised solo was that he still has it: his playing is astonishingly good, and very fluid. The camera operators gave us many close-up of the legendary Slowhand bending strings and dancing across the frets. He’s a magician with that guitar.

A refreshing sit-down acoustic set followed, with EC playing a solo six-string first, then joined by the remainder of the band, with the drummer playing a box that he was sitting on. This set included some songs unknown to me, although if the set list from last night's show in Seattle that I found on whereseric.com matches tonight’s (and so far, it has), those would be “Driftin” and “Outside Woman Blues” by blues legend Robert Johnson. Followed by “Nobody Loves You When You're Down and Out” and “Running On Faith,” during which the rhythm guitarist picked up his Strat, and the volume was turned up, and the stools cleared away.

A blazing version of “Motherless Children” followed, and to me, that was the highlight of the night. Inspired playing; and from there on it was just Greatest Hits to the end.

First, though, they had to play an extended blues-based piece, to showcase the solo abilities of the two keyboard players, the bass player, and, yes, the drummer. Playing blues-based rock, especially in stadiums, is risky. There's always the danger of slipping into formulaic or, worse, bombastic cliches. Clapton’s band was never bombastic, but there were formulaic here: all of your favourite “big rock stunts” delivered in one piece. My attention wandered. I noticed on the close-up video screen that EC's wristwatch was set an hour ahead. I admired the swaying backup singers.

The crowd ate it up, though, and wanted more. He could do no wrong, in their view. Proof of this came next: “Wonderful Tonight,” a song I've always found maudlin and tiresome. But out came the lighters again, almost as if on cue.

And then they played “Layla.”

And the crowd went nuts. They roared and stomped. I was curious to see if they’d play the extended version, with the duelling lead guitars. They did, but first had to wait for a standing ovation to settle down halfway through. And when they finally finished, the crowd gave them another ovation.

When the stage lights died thereafter, the crowd responded by making more noise than the band had all night. They wanted that encore, and of course, they got it. The time now was 10:10 PM, and I figured it was probably going to be “Cocaine,” and I was right again. They turned that into another Big Stadium Rock number (extended version), EC playing a white Strat this time. I figured that was probably it, so grabbed my coat and took off. Never could stand that song.

It’s a curious phenomenom, this adulation of 1970s music, often by people who weren't even born when it was originally released (and who thus cannot possibly appreciate its original context). Eric Clapton is known as a shy man, at times bewildered by and uncomfortable with the success his talent has brought him. Perhaps, then, he is content to deliver the seamless Greatest Hits package we saw there. The fans are certainly happy to get it.

Overall, I was glad to see him, and the band more often than not kept my interest. But that was due more to EC’s amazing playing than anything else; it would be wonderful to see him in a more relaxed setting, where he could bend our ears like he bends those strings.

Delayed Appreciation Or.... How I came to admire Opus Hotel, years after all others By Christine Albrecht

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Visit Opus Hotel

I was watching a locally produced television show at some ungodly hour in the morning (cursing my insomnia) when I happened upon a Vancouver gem. After the commentator's opening introduction (detailing a hotel designed with mock personalities in mind) I immediately sat up and thought, what rock have I been living under? Why did I not know about this hotel, when it clearly has had the world’s attention?

The hotel I am referring to is the pet friendly, 96 roomed, Opus Hotel at 322 Davie Street, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

While watching the show (I can’t, for the life of me, remember its name) I was intrigued and impressed with the style concept of the hotel. The architect/designers (owner John deC. Evans, general manager Daniel Craig and former general manager David Curell) decided upon a ‘themed’ hotel where guests could adopt one of five personas while selecting the persona’s ‘lifestyle-inspired’ room.

For example, if you are an extremely chic, well-read, solidly ‘coupled’ pair, then Bob and Carol’s room would be a wonderful getaway/ 2nd honeymoon for you. Perhaps you are a magazine editor, impeccably, yet funkily attired and in town for a concert? Well, welcome to Opus Hotel, Susan. Feeling a bit exhibitionistic, sexual and playful? Well, Billy - here’s the room for you. Then again, you may be feeling like the urban, metrosexual, extremely fit, Mike - in town for a physician’s convention. There appears to be a lifestyle suite for everyone’s fantasy alter ego. By far, the favourite ‘personality’ room is the luxurious penthouse, Dede. Regularly scooped by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba, Dede offers the ultimate in decadent pampering.

Each of Opus’ rooms stray from the typical bed and bathroom hotel format by having decorative touches/ props to match the themed life-style. Small flourishes such as Bob Marley cds, a 42” wide-screened tv, Japanese Shoji screens, to intimacy kits make the Opus Hotel an ‘experience’ rather than an accommodation.

Upon booking your room, you will receive an email detailing which events are occurring in Vancouver that your room’s ‘personality’ would be inclined to attend. This painstaking attention to detail has created a Vancouver buzz amongst the world’s top hotels, and various media continue promoting Opus, thus prolonging the ‘buzz’. (Check out the impressive list of magazines that Opus Hotel has been featured in.)

The ‘experience’ of staying at Opus Hotel is so memorable that it has been included in Oscar presenters’ goodie bags for the last few years.

Way to go, Vancouver. Opus Hotel make all creative Canadians proud.

Voted 'Best of the Best' One of the World's Top 100 Hotels- Condé Nast Traveler 2005 Magazine

Voted one of the Best 500 Hotels in the World- Travel and Leisure Magazine 2006

One of Vancouver's coolest hangouts.- Wallpaper* Magazine

images from www.opushotel.com

Opus Hotel - 322 Davie Street Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 5Z6

Tel 604 642 6787 Fax 604 642 6780 Toll Free 1 866 642 6787 Email: info@opushotel.com

Vancouver, Then and Now - by Lezah

I just found a fascinating site about Vancouver. It is produced by the City Of Vancouver's Planning Department, and involves a number of photographs in the 'that was then/ this is now' style. Looking at all the changes that have occurred in my city just in the span of my own lifetime is rather awe-inspiring.

One section was produced as a series of photos that were taken as part of a study by the City's Planning Department back in 1978; the photos them morph forward to 2003. The changes are amazing, especially in the skyline itself (although, the increase in size of the pleasure craft in the False Creek West from Charleson Park is pretty remarkable, too).

There are other views you can look at too: building and street scenes. One notable is the 1929 Marine Building - when it was first constructed, it was the tallest building in the British Empire. Now it is literally dwarfed by the buildings around it, and in the skyline shots, it isn't even visible.

Certainly worth a look:

Link: http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/fade/fade.htm