Jessie Awards 2012: Nominations

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

The nominations are in for the 30th Annual Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards which will take place on Monday, June 25, 2012 at the Commodore Ballroom. More than 120 individuals nominated performers and theatre companies in 25 different categories who all represent outstanding theatre in Vancouver.

2011 Jessie Richardson Awards

Leading the pack of nominations is The Arts Club Theatre Company with 17 nominations, with 9 of those for The Penelopiad. Neworld Theatre (in association with Vancouver Moving Theatre) received 7 nominations for The Idiot, and in the ‘Small Theatre’ category, The Electric Company (in association with the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company) received 8 nominations for All the Way Home. For ‘Theatre for Young People’, Carousel Theatre has racked up 11 nominations for productions like The Wizard of Oz and Aesop’s Fables.

Here are a few more of the nominations: Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Brunch at Reflections in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Comments 286 by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Review — Our brunch was compliments of Reflections at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. I was not paid to write this post or provide a review for the contest portion. Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

The Rosewood Hotel Georgia‘s inner courtyard dining lounge, Reflections, offered its first brunch service this past weekend. Located on the 4th floor of the hotel, it’s perched between city towers and surrounded by a flowing stream. A rushing waterwall drowns out city sounds and smooth lounge music echoes from under the glass canopy.

Reflections: Rosewood Hotel Georgia Reflections: Rosewood Hotel Georgia

John and I were seated under cover on the patio, around a flickering open fire pit. Although we were outside, the rain was not a deterrent and only added to the ambiance. Pillows, blankets, and overhead heaters kept us warm as we sipped our coffees and looked over the new brunch menu [click for PDF].

Chef Ken Nakano offers up West Coast inspired brunch tapas (crab legs, smoked and candied salmon) along with amped up twists on classic brunch items. John, though tempted by the spicy chorizo eggs benedict, went for the beef short rib benedict ($17) and I decided on smoked salmon hash ($19).

Reflections: Rosewood Hotel Georgia Reflections: Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Our food was served on a warm tablet which I thought would turn into a mess when I cut into my eggs. However, the eggs were poached to perfection and everything stayed in place. The servings were generous and for the quality of the food and the atmosphere, the price points were very reasonable.

Reflections: Rosewood Hotel Georgia Reflections: Rosewood Hotel Georgia

John and I spent a good two hours snuggled up in our little cabana, sipping Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial, which is featured at Reflections. It was served over ice, as intended, to bring out the essence of the champagne. Sliced grapes and fresh mint leaves were added to our glasses and we had the option to add even more local fruit. The selection of berries didn’t get muddled the in glass, flavours popped, and the champagne stayed crisp. We would have stayed for another two hours if we didn’t have a movie to catch.

Reflections: Rosewood Hotel Georgia

The staff were very attentive, asking every guest if they were comfortable, warm enough, and if they were enjoying the first brunch service at Reflections. Sunday brunch is served from 10:00am to 3:00pm and Reflections is open Monday to Saturday from 12:00pm until late.

If you would like to experience this for yourself, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia has offered up an exclusive giveaway for one lucky Miss604 reader and their friends. The prize includes brunch for four (food only), and a glass each of Moet & Chandon’s Ice Imperial. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post naming who you would bring to brunch (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win brunch for 4 at @RWHotelGeorgia’s Reflections from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/b5biC

Follow the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on Facebook and Twitter for more information about the hotel and its dining options.

I will draw one winner at random from all entries next Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 10:00am. Must be 19 years of age or older to enter and win. The Rosewood Hotel Georgia is located on the corner of West Georgia and Howe in Downtown Vancouver. Prize includes brunch for 4 (food only) and 1 glass of Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial per guest. Reservation booking required, subject to availability. Please enjoy responsibly.

Update The winner is @bookminder!

The Urban Tea Merchant

Comments 3 by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Review — My tea service was compliments of Urban Tea Merchant. I was not paid to write this post, nor was coverage expected. Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

The Urban Tea Merchant is a take-out cafe, retail store, tea sampling salon, and tea room all in one. Located between Alberni and Georgia streets, this one-stop tea shop exclusively offers luxury TWG teas and tea-infused treats.

Urban Tea Merchant Urban Tea Merchant

Urban Tea Merchant

The Urban Tea Merchant is a family-owned business with all members being very active in every facet of providing tea to the masses in downtown Vancouver. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Cures for Kids Making Magic Show 2012

Comments 31 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Cures for Kids Making Magic ShowCures for Kids presents their 3rd annual Making Magic Show on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at the River Rock in partnership with Boston Pizza and the Boston Pizza Foundation.

The festivities start at 1:30pm as families and children of all ages enjoy carnival treats, an interactive learning centre, a dress-up photobooth, face painting, and the main event – the magic show which will begin at 3:00pm.

Internationally acclaimed artists, Trevor and Lorena Watters, will be accompanied by other talented performers as they dazzle with laughter, music, and illusions. The afternoon will be hosted by CTV’s Michael Kuss.

Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster for $15.00 (plus fees) and proceeds benefit Cures for Kids.

Last year, I interviewed Cures for Kids’ founder Perri Tutelman who started the organization and was named one of BC’s “Top 20 Under 20” in 2009:

Already a volunteer at Canuck Place, she wanted to do more. “I told myself can do more than being a physical help once a week for 4 hours,” Perri told me during our telephone chat last week. “I do it all because I love to do it – and my age isn’t an obstacle, it just pushes me further.”

Cures for Kids currently supports pediatric health research projects at UBC and the BC Children’s Hospital, with plans to go national in the future. With the support of traditional media and social networking (Twitter & Facebook), word is spreading quickly about this initiative. Perri’s goal is to finish up high school and continue her studies to become a doctor in pediatrics. “I want to be helping kids no matter what.”

Cures for Kids has offered up a 4-pack of tickets to the Making Magic Show for a Miss604 reader. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win 4 tickets to @CuresforKids #MakingMagic2012 from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/b3vIi

I will draw one winner next Monday, May 28, 2012 at 10:00am. Follow Cures for Kids on Twitter and Facebook for more information about the organization.

Update The winner is Cecil!

Fair in the Square 2012 at Victory Square Park

Comments 3 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The 6th annual Fair in the Square at Victory Square Park in downtown Vancouver will take place next Sunday, May 27, 2012. This day-long community celebration is free to attend and will have a BBQ lunch, music, community groups, and more.

Today in Vancouver: Just weird angles | Victory Square in Gastown
Photo credit: [travelfox] on Flickr

Hosted by Central City Foundation and Vancouver Community College there will be cupcakes, lemonade, watermelon, prize draws and contests all in celebration of the neighbourhood. Musical guests include The Bank Dogs, Bear Mountain, Moka Only, Christine Magee, taiko drummers, live DJ, and a kick-off performance by the Little Mountain Brass Band.

Stop by Victory Square at Cambie and Hastings between 11:00am and 2:00pm, Sunday, May 27, 2012 to take part.