Yesterday evening John and I were invited to dine at Morton’s, the premiere steakhouse experience in Vancouver (and around the world).

The staff was great and very knowledgeable as they explained pretty much everything on the main menu. We both ordered appetizers, our cut of meat, and a la carte sides. Our host, Brad, explained that their portions are pretty large but said we should be alright with the choices we made (and that we can always pack up leftover to take home). John enjoyed a pre-dinner Grey Goose vodka Mortini while I tried the Heavenly Pomegranate Mortini.

The Appetizers

I ordered the broiled sea scallops wrapped in bacon (that came recommended) and John had the colossal shrimp cocktail after which he commented, “I could do that about 10 more times.” It’s a good thing he didn’t since we had no idea what was in store for us upon the arrival of our entrees and sides.

The Main Course

Before dinner arrived, we got some wine pairing suggestions from Brad that worked out really well. John then had the New York Strip and I ordered the Filet Oskar (which is Filet Mignon with crab and asparagus). I chose broccoli as my side (which turned out to be two full heads of broccoli) and John had the grilled asparagus drizzled with a balsamic dressing. We also split the creamed spinach (for two). Needless to say we didn’t come close to finishing it all.

The Dessert

I also had a few people recommend that I try Morton’s Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake, which is made to order. It arrived at our table with a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting alongside the warm dessert topped with raspberries. We were also offered an after dinner drink so my Frangelico with its hazelnut essence was the perfect compliment to the fudge-filled lava cake.

The USDA prime-aged steak comes directly from Chicago and the Midwest so after the meal John, my good-hearted corn-fed American man, asked where exactly in the Midwest. They tracked down and confirmed Indiana and Kansas, but couldn’t name the third state. I was pretty impressed that they could name two of three, and John was satisfied with the answer (although he said there would have been bonus points if it came from Iowa).

Our experience at Morton’s was fantastic and we were well taken care of. The only down note was that due to the lighting, and me not knowing how to properly use my camera, my photos were all very dark and had an orange hue. I turned them into black & white to at least capture our meal in some way although I wish I could share the bright colours represented on our plates.

Morton’s is definitely something we wouldn’t be able to afford to do often but if you have the means (and love meat and seafood) I highly recommend this unique experience.

Over the last five years Bill Lin has been organizing The Amazing Hunt in various communities around the Lower Mainland. He operates private races for corporate or group teambuilding, as well as public races where any pair can sign up to compete. The idea is similar to the hit TV show The Amazing Race although it’s got a more personal and tailored twist to it.

My first Amazing Hunt was in 2007 and since that time Bill’s evolved the race and added features alongside the TV series — so it’s got everything from Yields and Merges to U-Turns. Bill also produces a video (now in HD) of the entire race so it really feels as though you’re on a reality series. They’re with you every step of the way and then you can watch the professionally produced footage shortly after your event.

The next race is July 11th and will be transit-only, meaning you’ll need to get your team from task to task while only using public transit. I believe you can still register your team for this event, and there’s also a SkyTrain-only race coming up September 5th.

Business Networking International’s Vancouver chapter, The Big Tsunami, is hosting their 5th annual fundraising event this Thursday at Hycroft Manor.

Photo credit: 96dpi on Flickr

Benefiting the CKNW Orphan’s Fund, the event will host a fashion show as well as wine tasting and pairings from premier event chefs. Tickets are $125 and available online.

Later this summer I’ll be involved in a mixology contest at George in Yaletown for Divine Cocktail Mixers. However to first find finalists to compete, Divine is launching their search June 13th and I’ve been given a few sample bottles to play with in the meantime.

To become a mixology competition finalist, shoot a video of yourself making a cocktail using Divine Mixers (such as Cosmopolitan, French Martini, Margarita, Mojito, Passion Fruit, and Pomegranate flavours). Submit the video by June 28th and the top ten finalists will then be chosen by July 3rd. The public will the be encouraged to rate their favourite videos and the top three contestants will then compete at the launch party celebration at George Ultra Lounge on July 21st (see more rules and info here).

To help contestants begin their entries, the first 50 people (any people) to line up at The Market Gourmet Foods (450 West 2nd Ave) on June 13th will receive two free bottles. If you can’t make it to The Market, you can pick up the mixer at any of the locations listed on their site, such as Whole Foods, Urban Fare, and Nesters Market.

I’m no stranger to mixology contests so this should be one entertaining event. As for my sample bottles, so far nothing’s ever come close to my husband’s family margarita recipe so I’ll have to mix up a few and be sure to report back.

Over the last few years I’ve been able to form great partnerships with the City of Surrey and I’m pleased to announce that Miss604.com is a sponsor of their 2009 Canada Day celebration.

Surrey holds the largest Canada Day event in the west and for this year they have another all-star lineup of performers, events, and day-long activities for the whole family. It’s a free event taking place July 1st at the Cloverdale Millennium Amphitheatre from 10:00am until 11:00pm with evening fireworks. Artists on tap this year include headliners 54-40 and Bif Naked.

John and I have remarked before that Surrey’s events are always safe, fun, organized and very well-executed — they’re pretty much our favourite major events to cover and I’m proud to be involved. I’ll have more information over the next few weeks along with coverage and a preview of the returning Fusion Festival, later in July.