Chef Rob Feenie, Executive Chef, Cactus Restaurants Ltd. The driving culinary force behind Cactus Restaurants Ltd., the award-winning collection of 26 casual fine dining restaurants in BC, Alberta and Saskatoon, Rob Feenie is also one of Canada’s most recognized and celebrated chefs. At Cactus Restaurants Ltd., Chef Feenie leads the culinary team, blending his … Read more
Wow! I’ve been living and loving the Island life for 10 years now. Yet, I’ve seen so little of our island. Sure I want to explore Vancouver Island, but I figured why wait? Why not get started in my own back yard; the Cowichan Valley? My first planned outing was to the Duncan Farmer’s Market. … Read more
Capilano University is offering a new Continuing Studies program in the new year, taught by yours truly. I think you will find it very informative and enjoyable. Hope to see you there. Introduction to Wine Judging NEW Ever wonder why some wines are better than others? Join us for an introduction to the process of … Read more
Ring in the New Year at OPUS Hotel’s award-winning restaurant The holidays are in full swing at Yaletown’s La Pentola. Seasonal menus, spirited cocktails and a warm inviting atmosphere make for a fun and festive holiday dining experience: ramping up to an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. La Pentola is open for lunch and dinner on Christmas … Read more
Escape Room puzzles and challenges arrive in downtown Vancouver SmartyPantz, Downtown Vancouver’s first Escape Room, is set to launch mid-January in the heart of Gastown. Occupying 3200 square feet across three Heritage buildings at 289 Abbott Street, SmartyPantz is raising the bar for the Escape Room experience with film-level room decor and start-to-finish interactive … Read more
Almond-Roasted Apple Brûlée Almond-Roasted Apples 2 large Granny Smith apples 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar 1/3 cup (40 g) sliced almonds, toasted 1 tsp (5 mL) finely chopped rosemary Custard 6 large egg yolks 2 Tbsp (30 g) granulated sugar 2 Tbsp (30 mL) apple juice 1 Tbsp (15 mL) Calvados … Read more
Five Favourite Features: BC Home + Garden Show announces shortlist of can’t-miss experts, events and exhibits Top exhibition of all things landscaping and home improvement to hit BC Place Stadium, February 18-22, 2015 Enhance your home, inside and out! The 42nd annual BC Home + Garden Show will up the home improvement ante from February … Read more
For years my Joie Farm favorites were Noble Blend and Rose. Now I’ve added Chardonnay and the beautiful red blend PTG. Short for Passe Tout Grains. This is a delicious blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay and is familiar if you were visiting Burgundy. Joie has a deft touch as evidenced by their popularity and … Read more
When you stand in front of the shelves at a wine shop does your eye automatically search out your favourite varietals? Merlot? Cab Sauv? Chardonnay? Or one of the Pinots—Noir or Gris? Or perhaps you prefer, as so many do, Bordeaux blends. It’s easy to fall into purchasing patterns, searching out the safe and certain … Read more
Celebrate Year of The Sheep with Haywire Lunar Wines Haywire Lunar New Year White 2013 features an artistically designed Chinese character of the “sheep”, crafted by Haywire Winery to welcome the Year of the Sheep in 2015 and to pair perfectly with Asian cuisine. Isabel Wu Photography With the dynamic Asian dining culture in Vancouver … Read more