ShoeMe Canada Contest

Comments 209 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Living in Vancouver, I think a girl needs at least four pairs of shoes in her arsenal. Boots for puddles, kitten heels or ballet flats for work, heels for nightlife, and flip flops for beach days. Shopping options are just as abundant as there are styles of wedges for summer, from famous shoe sales to the city’s best retail streets.

For those who like to shop online, there’s also ShoeMe who recently contacted me to do a giveaway and introduce Vancouver shoppers to their products and services.

ShoeMe Website Image
Image supplied by ShoeMe Canada

ShoeMe Canada is the first 100% Canadian shoe e-tailer, with free shipping as well as a 100-day return policy. Taxes are also included in all prices so what you see if what you pay.

Shop for shoes online from home or on the go and enjoy a wide range of style selections including Jessica Simpson, BCBGeneration, Keds, comfort brands like Ecco, Sperry Top-Sider, Palladium Boots, and more for men and women.

If you would like to try out this online, Canadian, shoe shopping experience, ShoeMe is offering up a credit of up to $200 for one Miss604 reader and they’ll also take care of the shipping. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment naming the style of shoe you would select from ShoeMe (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win up to $200 to spend at @ShoeMeCA from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/aPJmg

Follow ShoeMe on Facebook and Twitter for more shoe-related information. I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 10:00am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. The winner will receive credit to spend up to $200 with ShoeMe.

Update The winner is @CeciliaLu!

You Gotta Eat Here at the American Cheesesteak Co.

Comments 5 by John Biehler

Recently, I was invited down to check out Anthony Sedlak’s newest restaurant, The American Cheesesteak Co. (“ACC”) on Davie Street during the filming of Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here with John Catucci.

American Cheesesteak Co American Cheesesteak Co

Despite the title, it’s not a chain restaurant. Instead it’s a uniquely Vancouver spin on a Philadelphia tradition thanks in huge part to Anthony’s style.

Chef Anthony Sedlak
Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

American Cheesesteak Co
Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

Using locally-sourced and locally-made ingredients, Sedlak’s restaurant comes the closest to achieving a true Philly cheesesteak, while at the same time, being a completely different take on it. I should know as I’ve had them in Philadelphia and have compared every sandwhich I’ve come across with “philly” in the title to the first one I had 20 years ago from a hole in the wall place in Philly.

The ACC Fries were definitely my favorite:

American Cheesesteak Co
Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

They also have the best $5 milkshakes since Pulp Fiction. Even the salads are amazing:

American Cheesesteak Co
Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

It appears that the quality of the food at ACC hasn’t gone unnoticed as I mentioned, John Catucci and crew were there filming for an upcoming episode of You Gotta Eat Here.

John Catucci, host of You Gotta Eat Here!
Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

I asked John to talk about his visit to Vancouver:

I only got to spend a short time with Anthony and John but they had me in stitches the whole time…you’d think they were a comedy duo. I can’t wait to see the full episode when it airs later this year (broadcast details will be posted here when they are available).

Proper cheesesteak eating technique
Photo credit: John Biehler on Flickr

The American Cheesesteak Co. is located at 781 Davie Street in Vancouver and you can find it on Facebook and Twitter.

Mary Poppins Vancouver Pre-Sale Code

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Broadway Across Canada is bringing Mary Poppins, the live musical, to Vancouver this summer. The songs we remember from childhood, the impressive dance numbers, and a high level of energy is set to dazzle audiences of all ages.


The national cast of Mary Poppins. © Broadway Across Canada

Featuring the irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus brand-new breathtaking dance numbers and spectacular stage-craft, Mary Poppins is everything you could ever want in a hit Broadway show! So get swept up in the fun of this high-flying musical the New York Post gives 4 out of 4 stars and calls “a perfect piece of musical theater.”

Mary Poppins will be in Vancouver July 17, 2012 to July 22, 2012 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

The pre-sale for tickets will begin Friday, May 11, 2012 at 10:00am and run until Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 10:00pm. Pre-sales from this link will be valid during that time only. The code to use is: PERFECT.

Fraiche Wednesday Wine Series

Comments 108 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Fraîche Restaurant in West Vancouver presents a Wednesday Wine Series and their next event will feature a 5-course meal and the wines of the Okanagan’s own Okanagan Crush Pad.

Michael Bartier Trudel Photo Credit
Winemaker Michael Bartier Photo credit: Trudel Photo.

Fraîche recently won gold at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards and Chef Alvarez is known for using local ingredients with his West Coast inspired dishes. The evening plans to be just as informative as it will be delicious with Chef Alvarez showcasing warm weather cooking and grilling techniques for the guests.

Haywire’s Master Winemaker Michael Bartier will be on hand to discuss the wines pairings. Each course will be matched up with a wine from Haywire Winery and Bartier Scholefield Wineries, which are a part of Okanagan Crush Pad.

A few tickets are still available for $95 (tax and gratuity not included) and include the opportunity to win a case of Okanagan Crush Pad wines. Reservations can be made by calling (604) 925-7595.

The event will take place next Wednesday, May 16, 2012 starting at 6:30pm at Fraîche Restaurant, 2240 Chippendale Road, West Vancouver. It would be a great date night or belated treat for Mother’s Day.

I have a pair of tickets to give away to a reader as well, thanks to Fraîche, Haywire, and Okanagan Crush Pad. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment naming your favourite wine/food pairing (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win tickets to @FraicheWV’s @OKCrushPad Wine Wednesday dinner from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/aOlx4

You must be 19 years of age or older to enter to win. Please enjoy responsibly and plan a safe ride home. I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 15, 2012.

Update The winner is nance428!

Vancouver & Richmond Night Markets Opening for 2012

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Vancouver and Richmond Night Markets are re-opening for the season this month with shopping, entertainment, and the hottest street food around. With three night markets now in the area (including a new market in Richmond) I thought that an overview was in order.

P1140622
Photo credit: Pat Z – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool.

Richmond Night Market Richmond Night Market
Photo credit: Vancouver4Life.com & Vancouver4Life.com on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool.

Chinatown Night Market

Location: Keefer Street (between Main and Columbia), Vancouver
Opening: Opening May 18, 2012 until September 9, 2012
Dates/Times: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6:00pm to 11:00pm
Features: This is the original night market now going into its 17th year! Fashions, gifts, crafts, and snacks. Booths contain merchandise from a variety of vendors including electronics, clothing, music, and more. There are also street performances with dancing, singing, magic, along with games and prizes.
Website, Twitter, Facebook

Summer Night Market

Location: 12631 Vulcan Way (behind Home Depot on Sweden Way), Richmond
Opening: Opening May 11, 2012 until September 16, 2012
Dates/Times: Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00pm to 12:00am, Sundays and Holidays from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Features: The legendary summer night market in Richmond that saw over 28,000 visitors last year. Jewelry, art, home decor, bubble tea and waffle cakes to computers and electronics. Nightly performances are listed online including kung fu demonstrations, belly dancing, bands and other vocal performances.
Website, Twitter, Facebook

Richmond Night Market

Location: 8351 River Road (near the River Rock), Richmond
Opening: Opening May 18, 2012 until October 8, 2012
Dates/Times: Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00pm to 12:00am, Sundays and Holidays from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Features: It’s the newest night market but behind it is organizer Raymond Cheung who first started the original Richmond Night Market years ago. 18 acres, 250 booths, 80 vendors, family-friendly entertainment.
Website, Twitter, Facebook

The night markets are free to attend but bring your wallet to stock up on ingredients, merchandise, and sample what vendors will be cooking up.