Tucked away in the Shangri-La hotel in downtown Vancouver, Market by Jean-Georges has been on my “to do” list for a while. Although I admit, I did stop in for lunch a while back with Michelle Ng from Foodie Tour but I have always meant to return. I had that chance recently when I met up with Keira-Anne for a holiday lunch.
Keira told me that she wanted to go some place “nice” for lunch and Market was the first place to come to mind. A lone white Christmas tree welcomed us in the reception before we were shown to our cozy booth. A curtain of gold pearls behind our heads matched the ascending bubbles in the two glasses of sparkling wine placed before us.
The menu was split into share-plates or starters, pizzas, and entrees with a section reserved for a $35 prix-fixe lunch. We ordered a la carte after some recommendations from our host.
Tuna tartare, avocado, spicy radish, ginger dressing ($16)
A nice light start to the meal with creamy avocado and a bit of a crunchy kick from the radishes.
Black truffle with fontina cheese pizza ($19)
The pizza was delicious and the truffles were not over-powering (as truffle oil on a pizza or pasta might tend to be).
Nut and seed crusted snapper, sweet and sour broth ($28)
Very soft and light, even with the crust on top of the fillet. The broth was smooth and buttery.
Soy glazed short ribs, apple-jalapeno puree, rosemary crumbs ($29)
They had us a “rosemary crumbs”. Keira enjoyed this main and the rosemary crumbs were just as tasty as they looked. She also noted that the portion was very filling.
The prices were above what one might spend in terms of an everyday lunch, better suited for special occasion or holiday affair — a chance to splurge. After all, this is Market by Jean-Georges Vongrichten, one of New York’s most celebrated chefs, cook-book authors, and restauranteurs. Next time we’ll stop by for a drink as well, hopefully crafted by Vancouver’s Jay Jones himself, lead bartender at Shangri-La and the founding director of the Canadian Professional Bartenders Association.
In March 2012, the Vancouver Opera will present Gioachino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, which is praised as the greatest comic opera of all time. While I admit my first blush with this tale was via Bugs Bunny’s Rabbit of Seville, I am looking forward to seeing how our local company will bring this production to life.
Conducted by Robert Tweten and directed by Dennis Garnhum, Vancouver Opera’s The Barber of Seville will be set on a movie backlot in Seville in the 1940s. Rosina (Sandra Piques Eddy) is the starlet, Bartolo (Thomas Hammons) is the studio owner (and Rosina’s slimy agent), Almaviva (Rene Barbera) is a star-struck nobleman, and Figaro is the studio hairstylist with a flair for finagling and tomfoolery.
The Vancouver Opera has graciously offered up a pair of tickets to this show so I’ll run a quick contest this week so that the winner can potentially give the gift of opera to a friend or loved one this season. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at 11:00am on Thursday, December 22, 2011. The winner will receive a pair of tickets to The Barber of Seville on March 20, 2012 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Tickets for the remainder of the Vancouver Opera’s 2011-2012 season, which includes The Barber of Seville and Aida, are currently on sale. If you haven’t yet experienced the opera, I highly encourage you to do so. Ever since my first “Blogger Night at the Opera” (with Eugene Onegin in 2008) my appreciation has grown. The talent, voices, emotion, orchestra, and stunning sets that the Vancouver Opera manages to produce will blow you away.
Update The winner is Vicki!
Breakfast with Santa keeps getting bigger each year, which is great because this two-day sold-out event raises funds for the Strathcona Community Centre’s Food Security for Children Program.
This is our third year as media partner (John comes with me to take photos) and every time we come to cover the breakfast, it’s being held in a larger room at the convention centre. Children are playing and dancing along with the performers on stage, several breakfast stations are setup, and the line-up to see Santa moves swiftly as there’s so much more to see and do.
There was a photobooth this year along with a Nintendo display that had Mario out in the crowd and a craft corner from yoyomama. Children’s entertainers Bobs and LoLo took the stage after The Showstoppers and (what we call) a kiddie moshpit ensued.
Breakfast with Santa at Canada Place is held on a Saturday and Sunday morning in December each year and usually sells out weeks in advance. Put a note on your calendar for next year as it’s become a tradition for many families. They get a breakfast and a morning out with Santa while the Strathcona Community Centre’s program benefits from the proceeds.
There’s something for everyone on the North Shore mountains as they continue to get dusted with powder this season. As an alternative to skiing or boarding, snowshoeing is gaining in popularity and is often paired with other wintery activities. Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain, and Cypress each have snowshoe packages:
Mount Seymour Snowshoe
Mount Seymour offers three snowshoe packages: for beginners, athletes, and nature-lovers. From well-marked trails, loops, hills, and scenic lakes, you can make your way on a leisurely walk or snowshoe for fitness. Maps are provided at the Snowshoe Adventure Centre and guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more.
Full day trail pass: $9 (adult, youth, senior, student), $5 (child 6-12), $26 (family of four)
Full day trail pass with rentals: $27 (adult), $24.50 (youth, senior, student), $20.50 (child 6-12), $47 (family of four)
Mount Seymour – Photo credit:
mountainhiker on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool
Grouse Mountain Snowshoe
Grouse Mountain’s Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park is just a short distance from the Peak Chalet. The mountain hosts snowshoe clinics, beginners drop-in lessons and tours, snowshoe fondue tours, ladies-only clinics, and the snowshoe grind for fitness.
Trail access is included in your general skyride admission. Rentals are $20 for the day or $15 for two hours. Helmets are included in child, tot, or senior snowshoe rental.
Cypress Snowshoe
Cypress has packaged its snowshoe tours with breathtaking sights and delicious dining options. The Hollyburn Meadows Tour is 2 hours ($38), the Chocolate Fondue Tour is 3 hours ($50), and the Cheese & Chocolate Fondue Tour is 4 hours long ($80). They also have special offers for group bookings of 20 or more. Prices include snowshoe rentals and headlamps (for night tours).
Check out each individual listing for more information from the mountains if you’re interested in a tour, fondue, snow-covered meadow stroll, or quality time with family and friends.
Update If you’d like to snowshoe for a cause, sign up for the Take a Hike Foundation Moonlight Snowshoe. Collect pledges/donations for Take a Hike Foundation, which supports at-risk youth in our community, and have a great time in the snow.
Tourism Surrey is once again encouraging one and all to explore holiday festivities and activities around the City of Surrey this season. They’re hosting a photo contest where you can upload any of your photos from the following events for your chance to win a new iPad2.
Potters Christmas Store
19158 48 Avenue
Your Christmas shopping isn’t complete without a visit to Potters Christmas Store! Discover your holiday treasures at the largest Christmas store in Western Canada.
Historic Stewart Farm
13723 Crescent Road
Transport yourself to the Victorian Era, and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas! Stop by during Heritage Christmas Weekends, the Christmas Open House, or for a night of carol singing.
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival
Central City Plaza
Surrey will shine brightly this holiday season! On December 3, this family event includes the annual tree lighting ceremony, fun winter activities, and headliner entertainment including a performance by Canadian recording artist Fefe Dobson!
Christmas Train
Bear Creek Park – 13750 88 Avenue
The Christmas Train at Bear Creek Park is a truly magical experience. See Santa and his reindeer up close on this enchanted holiday train ride!
The Lagerstrom’s Christmas Light Show
15466 91A Avenue
The countdown is on for Surrey’s ultimate Christmas light display! On December 3 at 6:30pm sharp, the Lagerstroms will switch the lights on, but the house will be illuminated until December 31.
Surrey’s Santa Parade of Lights
Cloverdale Town Centre
Santa Claus is coming…to Cloverdale! On December 4 at 5:00pm, he will be joined by lighted floats, marching bands, antique vehicles, horses and lighted trucks. Parade goers are encouraged to bring a toy or a non-perishable food item to support Surrey charities.
Surrey Eagles Teddy Bear Toss
South Surrey Arena
On December 18, hockey fans are invited to bring a small stuffed animal to throw onto the ice when the Eagles score their first goal. Take your photo with Winger, the energetic Eagles mascot.
Armstrong Creek Farm
4457 190 Street
Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh Christmas trees? Surrey’s very own Christmas tree farm offers everything from potted and u-cut trees to pre-cut trees and hand-made wreaths.
Central City Big Rigs for Kids
Holland Park
If you love trucks and fantastic lighting displays, then Big Rigs for Kids Lighted Truck Convoy will not disappoint! On December 4, the party starts at 6:30pm in the park and features face painting, food and live entertainment.
Tourism Surrey Visitor Centre
730 176 Street
Stop by the Surrey Visitor Centre in December and we’ll serve up some holiday cheer – along with hot apple cider. Don’t miss your chance to meet Dudley the Moose himself.
If you made it to any of these past events (like the tree lighting festival or the parade) or plan on heading out this week, be sure to submit your photos for your chance to win. You can upload images from as many locations as you like and each image give you an entry into the contest.
