Yesterday evening, my friend I went to the North Shore for dinner. Originally, we wanted to go to Moustache Cafe in North Vancouver. However, there was a large party at the restaurant so we opted for another restaurant.
We decided to go to Saltaire in West Vancouver near Ambleside. There is a roof top patio above the main dining floor. We did not have a reservation for the patio, so we sat in a booth by the window. We had a partial view which was nice. The waiter took forever to come over because he could not see us. He was the only waitperson on the floor. There seemed to be only one chef preparing food. Service was extremely slow and the food was mediocre. My "wild" salmon entree was good, but the strawberry coulis was disappointing. It was suppose to come with a strawberry and papaya salsa, but it seemed to be drowning in a dessert coulis. My friend's free-run jerk chicken was disappointing. It was not roasted with a spice-rub, but marinated in dark sauce that looked like molasses or chutney.
The tapas of salmon lox, capers, and creme fraiche to start was good. I think we will go back and give the restaurant another shot. The salads looked good, as did the martini and slushie drink menu. I'll be sure to make a reservation for the patio.
Because the food and service took forever, we did not get to walk along the Ambleside seawall before the sun was setting as we hoped.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Le Soleil
The past weekend was the first real weekend of great weather to kick off summer.
The temperature reached 30 degrees on Sunday. I got a nice tan and evened-out my farmer's tan.
I washed my car (slight regret from my stiffness now). I did some chores. I picked up my niece mid-Saturday from the burbs. She has one more week of school and then she's off for the summer. I tried to find a summer camp or swimming lessons for a week for her to participate in, but finding child care until I get off work was impossible.
Late Saturday afternoon, my niece, my cousin, my mate, and I went to Stanley Park to swim in the pool at Second Beach. I had never actually been in the pool before, but I admired it from afar and imagined myself in the clear blue refreshing water. We walked down Davie Street and along the Seawall at English Bay to the pool.
We saw rock balancing along the seawall and the tide was out. A few painters were setup and selling paintings. There were plenty of people at the beach, walking, biking and roller blading along the pathway.
The pool itself was a reasonable $4.75 per adult. The pool was heated and only went to five feet deep. We played in the pool for a few hours and then we headed back up Davie Street for dinner. We decided to give Moxie's a shot, and surprisingly it was good. I had a haibut entree that was delish. I ignored the mountain of spring mix on the plate and enjoyed the scrumptous baked potato with cream cheese. No room for dessert!
We took a taxi cab back to Kitsilano. My niece had been counting every colour of taxi cabs that day. I think the totals stood at: 27 yellow, 2 green, 3 black, and 1 white.
By the time I got her changed into her pajamas, teeth brushed, and a story read, it was late. I was poopered and dreaded the early wake up call.
On Sunday, we awoke at about 7 am to the sounds of crows. Argh! Reminds me of camping and the ravens doing their thing first thing in the morning. By the time we got going to meet my mate for breakfast at Cafe Zen, it was about 9:30 am. Grabbed an early bird special of bacon, eggs & toast for under $5.
Then we packed up the car and headed to the Granville Island water park. My niece was in Science World mode until she saw all the water spraying out of the structures. The water park is the same one I went to as a child. There are fire hydrants, showers, and a giant water slide. She actually went down it by herself. Then reckoned that it was too cold and scary.
There were sevreal birthday parties around the park, including a Princess Parade of some kind. They played with a giant parachute (reminded me of elementary gym class), and did a gymnastics show with multiple flips and jumps.
One birthday mom was giving her guests a small bag of chips, a slice of watermelon and pop. Nice minimal hosting for a crap-load of presents. Another group had a potluck of platters of fruit, veggies and snacks, and grab bags with bubble wands for the kids. I watched a dog chase and pop the bubbles with his mouth.
By the time we left Granville Island at 12:30 pm, the place was a car park/zoo. Had a quick lunch and then drove my niece back to the burbs so my father could spend some time with her too. Five hours of driving around town in two days is a bit much. Driving in and out of Kitsilano is a nightmare because people drive in from the outter areas to go to the beach.
Spent the evening barbecuing at Kitsilano Beach and watching the sun go down. A bunch of teenagers were having a water fight right in the middle of everyone's barbecue and picnic. Got kind of annoying after awhile.
I thought about how it would be interesting to sit and take pictures of people using the water fountain and tap all day. We saw dogs drinking out of the fountain (one small one even jumped up on top of it to drink out of it), people rinsing out empty pop cans, one lady brushing her teeth, people rinsing fruit and rinsing out containers and rinsing.
Made it home in time to see two episodes of the Family Guy.
Listening to: John Lennon - Watching the Wheels
The temperature reached 30 degrees on Sunday. I got a nice tan and evened-out my farmer's tan.
I washed my car (slight regret from my stiffness now). I did some chores. I picked up my niece mid-Saturday from the burbs. She has one more week of school and then she's off for the summer. I tried to find a summer camp or swimming lessons for a week for her to participate in, but finding child care until I get off work was impossible.
Late Saturday afternoon, my niece, my cousin, my mate, and I went to Stanley Park to swim in the pool at Second Beach. I had never actually been in the pool before, but I admired it from afar and imagined myself in the clear blue refreshing water. We walked down Davie Street and along the Seawall at English Bay to the pool.
We saw rock balancing along the seawall and the tide was out. A few painters were setup and selling paintings. There were plenty of people at the beach, walking, biking and roller blading along the pathway.
The pool itself was a reasonable $4.75 per adult. The pool was heated and only went to five feet deep. We played in the pool for a few hours and then we headed back up Davie Street for dinner. We decided to give Moxie's a shot, and surprisingly it was good. I had a haibut entree that was delish. I ignored the mountain of spring mix on the plate and enjoyed the scrumptous baked potato with cream cheese. No room for dessert!
We took a taxi cab back to Kitsilano. My niece had been counting every colour of taxi cabs that day. I think the totals stood at: 27 yellow, 2 green, 3 black, and 1 white.
By the time I got her changed into her pajamas, teeth brushed, and a story read, it was late. I was poopered and dreaded the early wake up call.
On Sunday, we awoke at about 7 am to the sounds of crows. Argh! Reminds me of camping and the ravens doing their thing first thing in the morning. By the time we got going to meet my mate for breakfast at Cafe Zen, it was about 9:30 am. Grabbed an early bird special of bacon, eggs & toast for under $5.
Then we packed up the car and headed to the Granville Island water park. My niece was in Science World mode until she saw all the water spraying out of the structures. The water park is the same one I went to as a child. There are fire hydrants, showers, and a giant water slide. She actually went down it by herself. Then reckoned that it was too cold and scary.
There were sevreal birthday parties around the park, including a Princess Parade of some kind. They played with a giant parachute (reminded me of elementary gym class), and did a gymnastics show with multiple flips and jumps.
One birthday mom was giving her guests a small bag of chips, a slice of watermelon and pop. Nice minimal hosting for a crap-load of presents. Another group had a potluck of platters of fruit, veggies and snacks, and grab bags with bubble wands for the kids. I watched a dog chase and pop the bubbles with his mouth.
By the time we left Granville Island at 12:30 pm, the place was a car park/zoo. Had a quick lunch and then drove my niece back to the burbs so my father could spend some time with her too. Five hours of driving around town in two days is a bit much. Driving in and out of Kitsilano is a nightmare because people drive in from the outter areas to go to the beach.
Spent the evening barbecuing at Kitsilano Beach and watching the sun go down. A bunch of teenagers were having a water fight right in the middle of everyone's barbecue and picnic. Got kind of annoying after awhile.
I thought about how it would be interesting to sit and take pictures of people using the water fountain and tap all day. We saw dogs drinking out of the fountain (one small one even jumped up on top of it to drink out of it), people rinsing out empty pop cans, one lady brushing her teeth, people rinsing fruit and rinsing out containers and rinsing.
Made it home in time to see two episodes of the Family Guy.
Listening to: John Lennon - Watching the Wheels
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Playland
I went to Playland yesterday with my mate, my cousins and her friend. Total blast because it was VIP: free entrance, rides, a midway game, and snacks.
I kind of like PNE a bit better because the other side of the park is open and the other activities and shows are available. However, free is always good. We had a fabulous time. I have not been to Playland in several years.
We rode on the Ferris Wheel, Enterprise (my favourite as an adult), Wave Swinger, and Pirate. My cousin and her friend also did Baywatch. The roller coast line up was far too long (them, not me).
Funny, how when we stopped for hotdogs and popcorn, and we ran into Becky, Brian, James and Erin. Nice randomness, I looked away and looked back, and Brian was standing right in front of me grinning. Token shoe shot.
I got my cotton candy fix (thanks Omid!). We tried to win a prize with better odds by playing a game together. That one where you roll the ball up and try to get your horse to move fast. Unfortately, I did not get to sit beside everyone else. That must have ruined our zen, because we did not win. Those Family Guy plush dolls were lookin' fine.
We ended the night stocking up on cotton candy (one for my niece--pink of course!) and a ride in the sunset sky on the Wave Swinger. We wanted the Music Express, but the line was too long. I wish it still went backwards. The Wave Swinger was my favourite as a kid. I also digged the Grand Prix as a youngin'.
How I yearn for the PNE... and minidonuts!
Listening to: AC/DC - Thunderstruck
I kind of like PNE a bit better because the other side of the park is open and the other activities and shows are available. However, free is always good. We had a fabulous time. I have not been to Playland in several years.
We rode on the Ferris Wheel, Enterprise (my favourite as an adult), Wave Swinger, and Pirate. My cousin and her friend also did Baywatch. The roller coast line up was far too long (them, not me).
Funny, how when we stopped for hotdogs and popcorn, and we ran into Becky, Brian, James and Erin. Nice randomness, I looked away and looked back, and Brian was standing right in front of me grinning. Token shoe shot.
I got my cotton candy fix (thanks Omid!). We tried to win a prize with better odds by playing a game together. That one where you roll the ball up and try to get your horse to move fast. Unfortately, I did not get to sit beside everyone else. That must have ruined our zen, because we did not win. Those Family Guy plush dolls were lookin' fine.
We ended the night stocking up on cotton candy (one for my niece--pink of course!) and a ride in the sunset sky on the Wave Swinger. We wanted the Music Express, but the line was too long. I wish it still went backwards. The Wave Swinger was my favourite as a kid. I also digged the Grand Prix as a youngin'.
How I yearn for the PNE... and minidonuts!
Listening to: AC/DC - Thunderstruck
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Bachelor Food - Strawberry Nutella
 | I have discovered a new, quick and easy bachelor food: strawberries and nutella. Like a crepe, but minus the crepe. I have been living on my own for 6 years now and I always try to minimize my time and unnecessary dirtying of dishes. So, I thought about microwaving cut up strawberries and nutella. |
Try it! If you like nutella, you will definitely like it.
Strawberries and Nutella
Cut up strawberries in half or thirds if larger. Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Put two tablespoons of nutella on strawberries. Microwave on High for 15 to 30 seconds. Stir, eat and enjoy!
Monday, June 19, 2006
It has been a nice, fun and relaxing weekend that has preluded a week of warm sunshine (finally!!). On Friday, I went to the Radiant Heat Fundraiser. It was a blast in a house in East Vancouver. DJs Geminatrix and Scottish mixed great music. Some of the RH fire performers showed off their hot stuff. Was there late, but I had to give my support.
Got up early Saturday because I had to be downtown at 9:30 am for a haircut and hightlights. I am going to a wedding on the long weekend and I wanted to look good for photos et al. Unfortunately, now I feel like a rock-surfer summer chick. The highlights are thick and bolder around my face (reddy-beige on top and caramel-blonde around my face). I am used to thinner, scattered hightlights. Change is good, but I think it is too much change. It may work out if I start an angst-rocker-chick band. However, I am dismayed and trying to make the best of it.
In the evening, I went to join Brian and his friends Team Body Massage Machine at the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay. They were great hosts and were setup just off the pool. I watched them play volleyball against a Burnaby High School team, who did a synchronized dance routine prior to play. Kudos to Team Pink who looked great.
A good event with great community spirit with teams from all kinds of companies and organizations. Music, costumes, theme camps and crazy people... kind of reminds me of an event with hotter weather in a desert.
I was thinking about going back next year and offering to cook breakfast for Team Body Massage Machine. Do not think I can offer my running skills. Maybe power walking? The route is about 4 km. I ended up staying late at the event (for the second night in a row). Then I went to the airport to pick up my mate. He was returning from a week in New York.
Slept in Sunday and felt disoriented from waking up later than usual. No jet lag for me though. Watched Mean Girls on the movie channel. Such a well written, well directed film.
Met up with my mate and we walked over to get slurpees. Sat at the dog beach by Vanier Park across from the Maritime Museum and watched dogs run and swim with other dogs at the playground.
There were sailboats speckled all over the water. We could see Bowen Island and Stanley Park. We walked past the Vancouver Museum towards Cornwall Avenue for lunch.
We tried Juliet's Cafe on Cypress and Cornwall. It had moved to a larger location from across the street years ago. We finally decided to try it. It was dead inside with a few patrons in and out on the patio. We ordered sandwiches and a salad. The sandwiches took forever to arrive without our salad. The waitress was unenthused. Why work in food service if you do not care for it in any way? We had to go back and remind her of the salad. Food was decent, but I cannot say I would ever go back there.
Hung out and lazed around. Watched Mythbusters with the slingshot episode. They were testing the theory of Canadians trying to slingshot into the United States. (Shouldn't it be the other way around?)
Got takeout from Wrapzone up on 4th Avenue. Tasty and refreshing smoothies and wraps. Was perplexed that stores on 4th Avenue on a Sunday closed so early pre-summer. Watched two episodes of the Simpsons before heading home to sleep.
Listening to: Sheryl Crow - Soak Up the Sun
Got up early Saturday because I had to be downtown at 9:30 am for a haircut and hightlights. I am going to a wedding on the long weekend and I wanted to look good for photos et al. Unfortunately, now I feel like a rock-surfer summer chick. The highlights are thick and bolder around my face (reddy-beige on top and caramel-blonde around my face). I am used to thinner, scattered hightlights. Change is good, but I think it is too much change. It may work out if I start an angst-rocker-chick band. However, I am dismayed and trying to make the best of it.
In the evening, I went to join Brian and his friends Team Body Massage Machine at the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay. They were great hosts and were setup just off the pool. I watched them play volleyball against a Burnaby High School team, who did a synchronized dance routine prior to play. Kudos to Team Pink who looked great.
A good event with great community spirit with teams from all kinds of companies and organizations. Music, costumes, theme camps and crazy people... kind of reminds me of an event with hotter weather in a desert.
I was thinking about going back next year and offering to cook breakfast for Team Body Massage Machine. Do not think I can offer my running skills. Maybe power walking? The route is about 4 km. I ended up staying late at the event (for the second night in a row). Then I went to the airport to pick up my mate. He was returning from a week in New York.
Slept in Sunday and felt disoriented from waking up later than usual. No jet lag for me though. Watched Mean Girls on the movie channel. Such a well written, well directed film.
Met up with my mate and we walked over to get slurpees. Sat at the dog beach by Vanier Park across from the Maritime Museum and watched dogs run and swim with other dogs at the playground.
There were sailboats speckled all over the water. We could see Bowen Island and Stanley Park. We walked past the Vancouver Museum towards Cornwall Avenue for lunch.
We tried Juliet's Cafe on Cypress and Cornwall. It had moved to a larger location from across the street years ago. We finally decided to try it. It was dead inside with a few patrons in and out on the patio. We ordered sandwiches and a salad. The sandwiches took forever to arrive without our salad. The waitress was unenthused. Why work in food service if you do not care for it in any way? We had to go back and remind her of the salad. Food was decent, but I cannot say I would ever go back there.
Hung out and lazed around. Watched Mythbusters with the slingshot episode. They were testing the theory of Canadians trying to slingshot into the United States. (Shouldn't it be the other way around?)
Got takeout from Wrapzone up on 4th Avenue. Tasty and refreshing smoothies and wraps. Was perplexed that stores on 4th Avenue on a Sunday closed so early pre-summer. Watched two episodes of the Simpsons before heading home to sleep.
Listening to: Sheryl Crow - Soak Up the Sun
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Cotton-Eyed Joe
Last Saturday, I went to a redneck-themed house party. Rusted parts and a toliet on the lawn, dogs running around, a fridge outside, lots of people in stonewash jeans, trucker hats, overalls and ripped Molson Candian t-shirts, and the DJ playing Pink Floyd's Wall covered by Luther Wright and The Wrongs.
The costumes were a hoot, and it was a lot of fun. Most of the trailer trash went over the the Asian Night Market before it closed. I stayed and chilled. Saw my friend M@ in a mullet. He looked so Fubar. He ripped it up later with Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama. Overall, it was a good party.
On Friday, some friends and I saw the The Da Vinci Code. Paul Bettany was great as a villian. I thought his character's self-inflicting S&M ways quite interesting. The film had good thriller twists and turns, and great special effects. I had not read the book, nor planned to really see the movie. The ending full of religious theories and was down-right laughable. But hey, it was a way to fill a Friday night.
The summer movie selection seems like a bust again this year, except for Pirates of the Caribbean 2.
Listening to: El Debarge - Who's Johnny
The costumes were a hoot, and it was a lot of fun. Most of the trailer trash went over the the Asian Night Market before it closed. I stayed and chilled. Saw my friend M@ in a mullet. He looked so Fubar. He ripped it up later with Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama. Overall, it was a good party.
On Friday, some friends and I saw the The Da Vinci Code. Paul Bettany was great as a villian. I thought his character's self-inflicting S&M ways quite interesting. The film had good thriller twists and turns, and great special effects. I had not read the book, nor planned to really see the movie. The ending full of religious theories and was down-right laughable. But hey, it was a way to fill a Friday night.
The summer movie selection seems like a bust again this year, except for Pirates of the Caribbean 2.
Listening to: El Debarge - Who's Johnny
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Fire Is As Fire Does
I woke up this morning at 7 am from another burner dream. It must have been triggered by watching a Radiant Heat fire performance practice. Their choreography was fantastic. It made me want to go to the burn this year. I was starting to rationalize going only for the weekend.
I have been previously for five years. I was yearning for a break. But the pull is strong--even more so than in 2003 when I went to Australia instead. I remember waking up the burn night on Saturday in the middle of the night. I sat upright instantly in a tent on the Oregon Coast and fainty said, "the Man is gone...".
Yesterday, I kept manically saying I should have gone to the burn this year instead of last year. More people I know are going this year, I could have volunteered at Camp Stimulation (a coffee camp on the 9 o'clock plaza), or Recycle Camp or Sanctuary. Moreover, I could have provided fire tech safety services for Radiant Heat's fire performance under the Man. What a honour and experience that would be.
I dreamt that I was on a tour group and we were passing through Black Rock City. The BMORG had setup a tourist information centre complete with sample costumes, theme camps, souveniers (I saw KGFY lunchboxes), and aisles for Virgins, and Health and Safety (condoms, lube), etc.
Once I walked down the long path to the entrance way (similar to the actual event entrance), I started crying. I cried the whole time touring the information centre. I saw BT and we hugged. He gave me some words of encouragement and support. He had this great smile on his face all the time. I saw Teresa and she was lying on a blanket with a friend. She got up to hug me too.
What I could not get over was the waterfall of waterworks. Was I grieving the end of my burner days? I am not quite sure. After I woke up (an hour earlier than I have to), I kind of just layed there and thought about ever aspect of the dream. I usually do not remember dreams, but burner dreams are so vivid and emotional.
When the clock radio finally turned on, the song playing was America's A Horse With No Name. I love this song and it reminds me of the desert.
o/~ I been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert your can remember your name
Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain
(la la la...) o/~
The song coming on was so eerie. Coincidence is sometimes like a jolt from the centre of the earth. It is random, but sometimes you want so deeply to believe that it is not.
Listening To: America - "A Horse With No Name"
I have been previously for five years. I was yearning for a break. But the pull is strong--even more so than in 2003 when I went to Australia instead. I remember waking up the burn night on Saturday in the middle of the night. I sat upright instantly in a tent on the Oregon Coast and fainty said, "the Man is gone...".
Yesterday, I kept manically saying I should have gone to the burn this year instead of last year. More people I know are going this year, I could have volunteered at Camp Stimulation (a coffee camp on the 9 o'clock plaza), or Recycle Camp or Sanctuary. Moreover, I could have provided fire tech safety services for Radiant Heat's fire performance under the Man. What a honour and experience that would be.
I dreamt that I was on a tour group and we were passing through Black Rock City. The BMORG had setup a tourist information centre complete with sample costumes, theme camps, souveniers (I saw KGFY lunchboxes), and aisles for Virgins, and Health and Safety (condoms, lube), etc.
Once I walked down the long path to the entrance way (similar to the actual event entrance), I started crying. I cried the whole time touring the information centre. I saw BT and we hugged. He gave me some words of encouragement and support. He had this great smile on his face all the time. I saw Teresa and she was lying on a blanket with a friend. She got up to hug me too.
What I could not get over was the waterfall of waterworks. Was I grieving the end of my burner days? I am not quite sure. After I woke up (an hour earlier than I have to), I kind of just layed there and thought about ever aspect of the dream. I usually do not remember dreams, but burner dreams are so vivid and emotional.
When the clock radio finally turned on, the song playing was America's A Horse With No Name. I love this song and it reminds me of the desert.
o/~ I been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert your can remember your name
Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain
(la la la...) o/~
The song coming on was so eerie. Coincidence is sometimes like a jolt from the centre of the earth. It is random, but sometimes you want so deeply to believe that it is not.
Listening To: America - "A Horse With No Name"
Sunday, June 04, 2006
This past week has been busy, I worked hard and I got a lot done. Last weekend, I went to the Asian Night Market in Richmond with some friends. Interesting smells, sounds and lots of knock offs. It is located off the Knight Street Bridge behind the Home Depot. We walked over instead of dealing with the circus of parking and bumper-to-bumper cars. Tasty potstickers, skewers, and bargain deals.
This weekend, we checked out the Mount Pleasant Family Festival by the local Business Improvement Association at Guelph Park. Not much there after 2 pm. It was fun to just walk around and enjoy the sunshine.
Stopped off at the Harmony House so a friend could purchase a custom-made and unique hulla-hoop. The house had such a calming and groovy vibe. A cat walked out, Maya, who was Choco-cat's doubleganger--chocolate-point siamese, but female. She was much more friendler too. I adored the blue powder room.
We walked up Main Street and I checked out Smoking Lily and Life of Riley.
Always a new frou-frou restaurant or boutique opening up on Main Street. Lots of new condos and renovations everywhere. Still a fair amount of heritage houses around.
Recently, renovated by reSource Rethinking Building Inc. is Five, a row of homes built in 1912 that have been renovated to conform to green standards to reduce ecological footprints. If only I had $500k sitting in the bank doing nothing!
Listening to: Sheryl Crow - Every Day Is A Winding Road
This weekend, we checked out the Mount Pleasant Family Festival by the local Business Improvement Association at Guelph Park. Not much there after 2 pm. It was fun to just walk around and enjoy the sunshine.
Stopped off at the Harmony House so a friend could purchase a custom-made and unique hulla-hoop. The house had such a calming and groovy vibe. A cat walked out, Maya, who was Choco-cat's doubleganger--chocolate-point siamese, but female. She was much more friendler too. I adored the blue powder room.
We walked up Main Street and I checked out Smoking Lily and Life of Riley.
Always a new frou-frou restaurant or boutique opening up on Main Street. Lots of new condos and renovations everywhere. Still a fair amount of heritage houses around.
Recently, renovated by reSource Rethinking Building Inc. is Five, a row of homes built in 1912 that have been renovated to conform to green standards to reduce ecological footprints. If only I had $500k sitting in the bank doing nothing!
Listening to: Sheryl Crow - Every Day Is A Winding Road
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