The Kitsilano Showboat has begun its 79th season of free entertainment in Vancouver, running Monday, June 23rd until Saturday, August 16th. Since 1935 this summer staple has featured musical acts, plays, and dancers all near the pool at Kitsilano Beach.
Kitsilano Showboat Summer 2014
Events are every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:00pm. Performances confirmed already include Stave Falls Scottish Dancers, Peggy Peat School of Dance & Scandinavian Dancers of Vancouver, Artist Evelyn Roth, Harmonies to Go & D’Hercy Dance Company, and Kalaya Polynenian.
On Canada Day enjoy special programming beginning at 3:00pm with an all-ages Yogabuttons class and continuing through the evening with Max Tell, Polonez Polish Folk Dance and Bob Liley & the Sanctuary All Stars.
Find the Kitsilano Showboat at 2300 Cornwall (at Kitsilano Beach) in Vancouver, and online on Facebook and Twitter.
The Georgia Straight’s Best of Vancouver has launched for the 19th year, giving the people of Vancouver a voice and the chance to support their favourite businesses, organizations, services, and personalities. There are 277 questions on this year’s online ballot, within a comprehensive range of categories.
Vote Now in the Best of Vancouver
There are also a few new categories this year like Best Food Truck and Best Instagram Account (the latter needs to be re-grammed on Instagram). Last year’s winners included Best Music Festival (Vancouver Folk Music Festival), Local Hero (Trevor Linden), Best Local TV News Anchor (Chris Gailus, Global), Best Neighbourhood (Kitsilano), and Best Restaurant (Chambar Restaurant).
For a little incentive, when you cast your ballot (including 30 or more answers) you will be entered to win a trip for two to the world-famous Kāʻanapali Beach Resort in Maui, Hawaii.
Deadline to vote in the Best of Vancouver is Wednesday, July 16, 2014, 5:00pm. Follow the Georgia Straight on Twitter along with the tag #BestofVan for more information.
Surrey’s Central City area is growing every day, providing a balance of work, life, and activities within a solid downtown core. You have access to transit, shopping, education, recreation and now a skyline showcasing modern design even the largest urban centres would be proud to showcase. The upcoming WYND high-rise, within walking distance of Central City, will offer the most three bedroom homes in the area along with leading edge architecture and extra large, curving balconies.
WYND offers a fresh take on modern design with its curving 28-storey tower now under construction in the growing metropolis of Central City. The new high rise is offering the most three bedroom homes in the area and WYND also features balconies up to four times the size of the standard Metro Vancouver condo, increasing the living space but not the purchase price.
WYND’s highly efficient design including a sliding wall system that allows residents to transform their homes, giving homeowners the room and rooms they need. The sequel to Rize Alliance’s first Central City tower, Wave, WYND reflects the best of Wave, and responds to buyer’s feedback to increase the number efficient 2 bedroom plus den floor plans that allows two full bedrooms plus an extra room that’s ideal for an office or kid’s playroom.
With one bedrooms starting at $199,000, WYND will have 237 suites and nine ground-floor townhomes. Building amenities include a rooftop deck, landscaped courtyard with BBQ, fitness room, event and games room, children’s play area, workshop and craft room, bike maintenance room, car wash, urban garden plots and even a pet wash and grooming area.
Having been an apartment dweller for the last decade, I love the concept of extra large balconies, sweeping views (the views of the mountains from Surrey are fantastic), urban garden space, and even the pet wash area (well, if I had a pet). Not to mention this is also located very close to where I grew up so the area has a special place in my heart. I’m glad to see so much life breathed into this region.
WYND Living at Central City Giveaway
To promote WYND’s incredible design and spacious living options, I have a Central City prize package to give away (valued at over $300) that includes the following items that will all come in handy in this neighbourhood:
- $100 to Central City Shopping Centre
- $60 to Central City Brew Pub & Restaurant
- $50 to Target at Central City
- $50 to Best Buy at Central City
- And a book of Translink 3-Zone FareSaver tickets
Here is how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment naming what you would do with up to 333 square feet of balcony space (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 5:00pm on Sunday, June 29, 2014. Follow Rize on Twitter and Facebook for more information about WYND and their other developments in Metro Vancouver.
Update The winner is @sumireyan on Twitter!
The first Chefs Across the Water event of the year at Hastings House on Salt Spring Island took place Monday, June 16th with Chef Chris Stewart of Mission Hill Winery.
Chef Stewart arrived on the island from Kelowna to prepare a five course dinner to match wine selections which were decided upon before the menu, which is the opposite of the usual procedure for pairing dinners. In this case it worked splendidly as we began with crisp summer sips and ended the night with a bold Hastings House wine cellar gem, all complimented with Chef Stewart’s fresh and seasonal creations.
Chefs Across the Water with Executive Chef Chris Stewart of Mission Hill Winery
As Executive Winery Chef, Chef Stewart oversees Mission Hill‘s entire culinary program; including mentorship for the brigade at the Terrace Restaurant, hosting fine dining events, and designing the curriculum for Mission Hill’s culinary education program. He works hand in hand with local farmers and purveyors who grow organic produce and fruit specifically for the winery kitchens, all of which are complemented by herbs and vegetables from the winery’s organic varietal gardens.
First: Rosé & Garlic Brined Cherries
Paired with: Mission Hill 2013 Five Vineyards Rosé
Second: Caramelized Baby Scallop Salad
Paired with: Mission Hill 2012 Reserve Riesling
A plump scallop with fresh peas to add a crisp and creamy element were perfectly paired with the Reserve Riesling, adding aromatic depth to the dish.
Third: Baked Halibut & Roasted Carrot
Paired with: Mission Hill 20132 Martin’s Lane Viognier
I am always a fan of halibut and this portion was baked to perfection, it was succulent as it slipped apart, ready to pair its buttery notes with glossy roasted carrots.
Fourth: Sloping Hills Pork Loin & Truffled Lentil
Paired with: Mission Hill 2012 Reserve Pinot Noir
A versatile pork loin can be led in various directions and with this dish it was gently dipped into a pool of rich, earthy flavours with the truffled lentil.
Dessert: Chocolate Savarin & Blackberry Gel
Paired with: Mission Hill Oculus 2007, which our dinner companion from Mark Anthony Brands told us was one of the very best Canadian wines ever produced.
The dessert looked deconstructed but the cake, cream, and chocolate made a single statement. I didn’t get as much of the blackberry gel on my palette but I was too preoccupied with the chocolate and the wine pairing to notice at the time. The Oculus could have been enjoyed on its own, with its opening being its own special occasion, but it was a very classy and luxurious way to cap off the evening.
Following the meal Chef Stewart came out to greet guests and he told us a bit more about his suppliers, including Wise Earth Farm in Kelowna. Generally on Salt Spring Island the answer to “where did you get this ingredient” is usually “just out back in our garden” but it was nice to see Chef Stewart not only use island produce but also introduce us to his favourites around his home base.
It’s always a treat to get away to Salt Spring Island, if even for a quick 24-hour period. The last time I soaked up a Ganges Harbour sunrise was last December at Hastings House. In the winter I took delight in piling wood on the fire in our room as we looked out at twisting arbutus trees pointing the way to the harbour. Now that it’s summer, morning walks on the dew-soaked lawn and photographing fuzzy honeybees loading themselves up in the multicoloured garden blossoms were keys to unwinding.
The next Chefs Across the Water 5-course dinner will be on Monday, September 15, 2014 with Chef Angun An of Maenam Restaurant in Vancouver at Hastings House. You can get to Salt Spring Island via BC Ferries or by taking a quick 35 minute float plane ride. Be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible (call 1-800-661-9255) and plan your dinner getaway to Salt Spring Island.
Surrey Canada Day, one of Western Canada’s largest Canada Day celebrations, returns to Cloverdale to the newly and honourably re-named Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre for a full day of family fun on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. There, on the corner of 176th Street and 64th Avenue, you can enjoy entertainment and activities from 10:00am until 10:30pm, with a fireworks show to cap off the day.
5 Reasons to Attend Surrey Canada Day 2014
Surrey Canada Day is free to attend, you can bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket, camp out with the family all day. To get to the Amphitheatre grounds you can walk, bike, take transit, or drive (parking is free). Once you’re on site, here are a few of my favourite things that you should experience:
1. Music
Chevron Main Stage Lineup
11:00am to 11:25am Matt Henry
11:30am to 12:00pm Norma McKnight
12:15pm to 1:00pm Will Stroet
1:05pm to 1:25pm Vancity Bhangra
1:30pm Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band
1:30pm to 2:00pm Opening Ceremonies with Mayor & Council
2:00pm to 2:10pm DRS Bboy Crew
2:30pm to 3:00pm Halfway To Hollywood
3:30pm to 4:10pm Ray Gibson
4:30pm to 5:10pm Country Divas
5:30pm to 6:10pm Barracuda Heart Tribute Band
6:10pm/7:10pm/8:15pm/10:15pm DJ Flip-Out
6:30pm to 7:10pm Kyprios
7:30pm to 8:30pm Daniel Wesley
9:00pm to 10:15pm Matthew Good
2. Community
Local organizations, non-profits, businesses, and community partners will have tents setup with activities, giveaways, and information. Not only can you get to know your neighbours, you can engage with these exhibitors and learn more about your community while you’re out and about having fun. You can also enter to win a Honda Civic from Surrey Honda!
3. FREE Cupcakes
Arrive in time for the official kick-off with Mayor and Council at 1:30pm as it’s tradition to follow this up with a massive cupcake giveaway.
4. Kettle Corn and Smoothies
Burgers, wraps, cotton candy, kettle corn, smoothies, and much more is served up throughout the day. You can bring cash but there are ATMs on site and some food trucks may accept debit. Whether you enjoy grilled meats, a sugary treat, or a full serving of vegetables, there will be something for you at Surrey Canada Day.
5. Fireworks
The free Fireworks Spectacular will follow the mainstage concerts at 10:15pm.
Miss604 is a proud sponsor of Surrey Canada Day
More information about the Canada Day Expo, Shooting Stars Amusement Rides & Bouncy World, Seniors’ Strawberry Tea, and more can be found online and follow Surrey Events on Twitter and Facebook for details leading up to Canada day.
