Westender - November 20, 2014

NOVEMBER 20-26 // 2014

Westender.com

EVERYTHING VANCOUVER

@WestenderVan

Who makes the cut?

THE CITY’S BEST RESTAURANTS, BARS, AND SHOPS COMPETE IN OUR ANNUAL READERS POLL NEWS // ISSUES • STYLE // DESIGN • EAT // DRINK • MUSIC // ARTS • FILM // TV • HEALTH // SEX

2 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

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November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 3

NEWS // ISSUES

@WESTENDERVAN

INSIDE THIS WEEK

You’re All Just Jealous of My Jetpack by Tom Gauld

40

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4 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

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RANT//RAVE email: rantrave@westender.com ALL RANTS ARE THE OPINION OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND DO NOT REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE WESTENDER. THE EDITOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT FOR CLARITY AND BREVITY, SO PLEASE KEEP IT SHORT AND (BITTER)SWEET.

STORE SHOWS NO RESPECT FOR VETERANS

I was incensed and then some when I heard a certain American clothing retailer was using a truly important day in all of our histories to promote a ‘holiday sale’.

As a guest in our very patriotic country they should have done their homework before flogging a sale to put more money in their coffers.

First off, Nov. 11 is not a holiday. It is a day that all of us should thank all of our veterans for ensuring that we have the freedoms that we do.

Those young men and women sacrificed more than anyone will ever understand.

Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for making me proud to be a Canadian, especially today.

I salute all of you.

–Penny E. Braidwood

‘ASS CLOWN’ TAGGERS NEED TO CLEAN UP THEIR ACT

After witnessing all the different taggers with as much intelligence as a slab of dried horse shit on a hot August

day in Stanley Park, for me it is getting a bit much.

I guess it is all perspective but I really feel people like “Mohinder”, “Bushgirl”, “John Cusack”, and “I love you” could maybe team up with the artists of the murals they destroy and learn something from them, because right now they just look pathetic. Someone convince me what they do is art, please! Process: Spray your tag, destroy the mural, repeat.

Is it possible to refuse sale of a can of spray paint if the person looks like an ass clown? I don’t know. The thing is there are people that put time energy and effort into making murals that make my neighborhood and the city more liveable, and then these people come along and destroy it and cause real headaches and costs for building owners, too.

Every tag I think is a cry for help or a hug. I don’t know which.

PS, on the note of public art – I wonder where big erect Satan ended up?

–Anonymous

BILL C-13 GOES TOO FAR

I am writing to express my concern over Bill C-13.

This Bill will enable authorities to monitor the private lives of innocent Canadians, without any real oversight.

It will give telecom providers legal immunity for handing over our private information to the government without a warrant and without any oversight.

That means people harmed wouldn’t even have the right to sue. Victims of these privacy breaches wouldn’t even be informed – that means the government could spy on anyone, at anytime, and we wouldn’t even know when we’ve been a victim.

I have nothing to hide, but at the same time, I have the right to keep my private conversations private. This is fundamental to a democracy.

I encourage Canadians to learn more about how we can work together to safeguard our privacy at OurPrivacy.ca –Cheryl Marion

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November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 5

NEWS // ISSUES

YOUR CITY

Mayor Gregor Robertson was re-elected Saturday night, however his Vision Vancouver party lost their majority on school board and park board. Dan Toulgoet photo

Robertson re-elected, but Vision suffers losses

YALETOWN’S FREE WINTER FESTIVAL SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22 12 NOON - 7PM Full details visit www.yaletowninfo.com

CANADA’S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN

HELPING FAMILIES PROSPER

Across Canada, families are working hard. That’s why Canada’s Economic Action Plan is proposing new measures to help make raising a family more affordable, such as: • Introducing the new Family Tax Cut

• Increasing the Child Care Expense Deduction

• Enhancing the Universal Child Care Benefit

• Doubling the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit

To find out how your family can benefit, visit Actionplan.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-CANADA.

Measures subject to parliamentary approval.

1 6 FD_3059_Finance_Fall_E_18.indd W November 20 – November 26, 2014

2014-11-19 10:15 AM

STAFF WRITER westender.com

In the closest race Gregor Robertson has run since he was first elected mayor in 2008, the Vision Vancouver leader thwarted a serious challenge Saturday from the NPA’s Kirk LaPointe to be handed a third term by voters.

Robertson won 83,529 votes to LaPointe’s 73,443 on a day that saw a 44 per cent voter turnout and forced the City of Vancouver to extend voting hours at four polls by up to 45 minutes.

“I’m so humbled and honoured to have been reelected as your mayor,” said Robertson from a stage at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, where about 500 Vision supporters celebrated a victory that included reelection of six councillors to secure the party’s majority on council.

It was the third time in six years that Robertson defeated an NPA challenger, leaving LaPointe to wonder like previous contenders Suzanne Anton in 2011 and Peter Ladner in 2008 what it will take for the NPA to regain power.

“I wish him well,” said LaPointe in his concession speech from a stage at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

“I consider it a real significant accomplishment to win three races in a row in this city.”

Voter turn-out was higher than expected with close to 44 per cent of eligible voters heading to the polls, up from 35 per cent in 2011. That number surpassed the City of Vancouver’s goal of 40 per cent, leading to line ups at some polling stations, while others ran low on ballots.

COUNCIL

There was uncertainty whether Vision would return a majority to the 11-member council. But enough voters decided Saturday that Vision councillors Raymond Louie, Heather Deal, Tim Stevenson, Andrea Reimer, Kerry Jang, and Geoff Meggs should get a third term on council. Vision Coun. Tony

Tang lost his seat.

Also returning to council are NPA councillors George Affleck and Elizabeth Ball, who will be joined by former NPA park board commissioner Melissa De Genova.

Green Party Coun. Adriane Carr, who narrowly won a council seat in the 2011 election, convincingly retained her seat by topping the council polls with 74,077 votes.

SCHOOL BOARD

While the news for Vision was good for its city hall contingent, the party lost its majority on the nine-member school board with only four seats.

Vision incumbents Ken Clement, Cherie Payne, and Rob Wynen each lost their seats, as did Ken Denike and Sophia Woo, who were kicked out of the NPA caucus in June over their opposition to the school board’s transgender policy.

As a result, there will be plenty of new faces around the board table with only four trustees having been re-elected.

New to the board will be Penny Noble, Stacy Robertson, and Christopher Richardson of the NPA, Joy Alexander of Vision, and Green trustee Janet Fraser.

Vision school board chair Patti Bacchus led trustees in voting with 73,551 votes, getting 5,000 more votes than the next trustee.

PARK BOARD

Vision suffered another defeat on the seven-member park board, where the party went from holding a majority with four seats, down to just one.

The NPA’s John Coupar was the only park board commissioner to win reelection, and will be joined

by NPA members Casey Crawford, Sarah KirbyYung, and Erin Shum, giving the party a majority on the board.

Catherine Evans was the lone Vision commissioner elected, who will be joined

by Stuart Mackinnon and Michael Wiebe of the Green Party.

-With files from the Vancouver Courier

Westender.com

NEWS // ISSUES

@WESTENDERVAN

YOUR CITY Parents take school board to court over LGBTQ policy CHERYL ROSSI crossi@vancourier.com

One of the first duties of the newly elected Vancouver School Board could be to deal with a lawsuit from parents over the board’s sexual orientation and gender identities policy passed in June.

Three Vancouver parents filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of BC Oct. 31 requesting the Vancouver School Board re-examine the revised policy. The lawsuit is reportedly supported by more than 175 affidavits from parents.

Monkey100 Studio at 593 East Georgia is one of 400 artists taking part in this year’s East Culture Crawl.

Culture Crawl an Eastside tradition KRISTYN ANTHONY westender.com

Deep in the thick of the industrial hub just off Commercial Drive lies a hidden well of talented artists who for one weekend each November let the city into their secret world. The Eastside Culture Crawl, the annually anticipated event arrives again this weekend, Nov 20-23.

Stretching across East Van from Victoria Drive west to Main, and from East 1st to Railway, this year’s crawl includes more than 400 artists in 78 different buildings.

As co-founder and executive director of the unique Vancouver event, Esther Rausenberg has a long history with the crawl. Part of a group of artists who banded together 18 years ago to create a one of a kind multi-disciplinary showcase, she says she never dreamed the event would into the annual institution it is today.

“It really speaks to the intimacy of the event,” she explains. “Often there is a distance between viewer and artist in a proper gallery. The crawl offers a rare opportunity for both to engage in a dialogue about the art making experience.”

Brad Turner, a first time participant will be at the Terminal City Glass Co-op in the Mergatroid building.

Westender.com

A graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design, Turner fell in love with glass blowing nearly a decade ago, honing his skills within the small but connected community.

“It’s nice to see glass is growing beyond its success in countries like the Netherlands, Italy, and the U.S.,” Turner says. “This is my first year at the crawl so I’m interested to meet the community here in Vancouver.”

His crew of glass, wood, and ceramic artists will open their studios and offer live demonstrations on site.

It’s all part of how Rausenberg and her team are committed to further expanding the program of the crawl. This year sees the return of Studio 101, a collaboration with local inner-city schools designed to engage children in art, bringing them to artist studios for various workshops.

Their long term vision is to bring art outside the walls, this year doing so with a projection titled “Moving Art” at Parker Street Studios.

“The artists really do want the feedback of the public and want to know how people are responding to their artwork,” she says.

“It’s ultimately a way to empower the artist, having them present their own work to potentially make a living.” W

Lawyer Masao Morinaga states parents Xiaofeng Huang,Yuen Cheng Li, and Shaohui Li want the board to reconsider washroom and information sharing clauses in the policy.

The policy uses the term trans with an asterisk and states: “The use of washrooms and change rooms by trans* students shall be assessed on a case-by-case basis” and “trans* students shall have access to the washroom and change room that corresponds to their gender identity.”

The board will work to

make single-stall, gender-neutral washrooms available.

Morinaga calls the use of the term “trans*” vague and problematic because gender nonconforming is included under the term trans* in the VSB policy.

“A lot of criticisms against the parents has been, oh, they’re just being fearful, fear mongering, what kind of a boy would pretend that he’s transgendered so that he can access these washrooms?” Morinaga said. “But it’s like how you wouldn’t want a man to access a woman’s washroom.

Ninety-nine per cent of men, or maybe a hundred, would just go in and come out, but it’s a matter of comfort.”

The parents in the lawsuit are also concerned the VSB policy states: “Students’ rights to discuss and express their gender identity and/or gender expression openly and to decide when, with whom, and how much private information to share will be respected.”

Parents want to be informed about what’s going on with their children as soon as possible, Morinaga said.

–Courtesy of Vancouver Couirer

PUSH, PULL OR DRAG YOUR OLD HEARING AIDS IN!

Trade-in your old hearing aids to receive up to $1500 OFF* your purchase of new hearing aids.

College of Speech and Hearing Professionals of BC Each hearing aid traded in earns up to $750 off of each new hearing aid purchased between October 9 and December 31, 2014 depending on age, style and brand of hearing aid traded-in.

Trade-in discount not available on the purchase of refurbished hearing aids. Refurbished hearing aid subject to availability, prices will vary depending on age, style and brand of refurbished hearing aids. Not to be combined with other offers. Some conditions apply. +If you find a lower advertised price on an in-stock new identical item from an Authorized Canadian dealer, now or within 14 days of your purchase, just show us the price and we will match it. See in-store for details.

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The Wiens Family

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 7

STYLE // DESIGN

WESTENDER.COM

FASHION

Poppy Finch: Not your grandma’s pearls

NIKI HOPE westender.com

Looking for ear cuffs, midirings, and necklaces with elegance and a bit of attitude?

A recently-launched Vancouver line, Poppy Finch, delivers the goods with jewelry that makes simplicity pop.

Founder Amanda He has already positioned herself in the Vancouver jewelry world with her made-to-order line, Rocaille – a costume collection known for bold statement pieces. With Poppy Finch, she has pared down to create a subtle collection made for everyday wear, but that doesn’t mean it won’t turn heads.

“Simplicity can actually sometimes make a bigger statement than piling it all up,” He says from her downtown Vancouver workshop.

The jewelry designer noticed there was a hole in the market for delicate pieces that spoke with a whisper, not a roar. So she gathered her creative team and started mapping out a new upscale collection using silver, gold, pearls, and diamonds, with a detailed and delicate ethos.

“For me, I think detail is everything, it doesn’t matter how small it is. The smaller, the better because it’s harder

to do, and I hope people appreciate it,” He says.

Signature Poppy Finch pieces include pearl ear cuffs made with either freshwater or Japanese akoya pearls. The pearl motif carries over into rings with two pearls on a single band.

“It’s almost like your grandmother’s pearl ring with another one on the side,” she laughs, describing the unique-yet-timeless piece. The line includes earrings with a trio of pearls set in a line. “I always love pearls, and think everyone should have a pair, [I thought] ‘Well, why don’t we add two?’”

Poppy Finch’s 14K gold and silver ear cuffs look

thoroughly modern, and even kinda tough, without trying too hard. For He, the motivation is a return to classic, timeless style, but she brings in modern sensibilities, like the stacking rings.

“It’s about proportions and balance, [you can take] something really simple, and you mix it together, and it’s a completely different look,” she says about combining her rings and ear cuff designs.

According to He, there are also limitless options for the midi-ring trend, which has seen rings moving up to the top of the finger.

Another of the designer’s Poppy Finch favourites is the delicate diamond slim cuff bracelet, which she describes as “just enough little bit of sparkle.”

“You can wear it everyday, wear it to work, wear it to the grocery store without feeling like ‘Oh, I’ve got my tennis bracelet on’,” she says. “I want it to be that kind of look.”

The line may be known for subtlety, but Poppy Finch has managed to attract the attention of local fashion bloggers and high-gloss mags since it launched in September. Poppy Finch is available online at PoppyFinch.com; prices range from $90 to $1,350. W

Photographer Jamie Mann in his Railtown studio. Rob Newell photo

My Digs: Jamie Mann Jennifer Scott A Good Chick to Know

@Jennifer_AGCTK As a designer, and notably nosey chick, I love touring homes. I enjoy seeing how people live and showcase their unique interests through dwelling spaces. My Digs offers all of us a chance to do the same – glimpse the way our fellow city-goers style up their spaces – and provides a straight line of inspiration.

This week we’re checking in to the ultra chic live/work pad of the fabulous fashion photographer, Jamie Mann.

When he’s not touring the world capturing stunning images, he spends his days in a hip loft in Railtown. I’m loving the way he’s been able to capture the tricky balance of a place to be inspired for creative projects, while also creating an inviting and polished place to call home.

First thing I changed: The wall colors! Since

CALL FOR ARTISTS

West End Artists are invited to submit their works for consideration in a juried show taking place December 11, 12, 13 at a temporary gallery on Robson Street.

The theme of the show is LIGHT, to suit the 3-day Lumière event hosted by WEBIA, Yaletown BIA and the Lumiere Festival Society.

12 artists will be selected to exhibit a single work of art or printed photograph (max size 36” wide x 48” high). Also seeking: Projection Artist & VJ for the 3 nights.

Other images will be selected for a collective slide show “Celebrating Life in the West End” at the same venue.

Submissions to info@WEArts.ca by midnight, CALL FOR

ARTISTS

Sunday, November 30, 2014. Artists will be notified within 7 days of this deadline.

West End Artists are invited to submit

their works for consideration in a juried show taking place December 11, 12, 13 at a temporary gallery on Robson Street.

8 W November 20 – November 26, 2014 The theme of the show is LIGHT, to suit the 3 day

Why

my home/studio is one large rectangle, I wanted to visually break the space up with different color tones. I introduced a cyan tone for the kitchen and sitting area, white for the studio space, and “Dior” grey for the gallery wall and front entrance.

Feature I brag about: The rooftop. Rain or shine, it is the one place I can always get away to.

That one conversation piece: The fact that I sleep in the closet (the walk-in closet that is). Everyone finds this quite interesting, as this is the most commonly asked question by first time visitors. The closet features a queen bed and is extremely cozy, especially in the winter months.

The story behind the art/ antiques/collectibles: The art collection that continuously rotates throughout my space has been in the works for the last couple of years. Jonah Samson, Jessica Bell, Zoe Pawlak, Jenny Shipper, The Dark, and other artists are some of

my favorite pieces – so far.

Downsides: The trains in the summer when the windows are open can be very loud at times.

Some days not at all, others at 3am… However, I am used to it by now. After living here for four years, I find it somewhat relaxing.

Compared to your last place: My last place was a basic two bedroom on 49th and Victoria, while I was studying photography at Langara College. The cool factor has been most certainly amplified with this space, as well as providing an opportunity to create a professional studio.

Favorite activity at home: Organizing the studio, clothing, and props for a shoot, while listening to some great music...as well as doing the actual photo-shoot itself. There is nothing better then working with a great team where we are all in our element creating beautiful images together. I love that my “digs” are the hub of all this. W

Crawl for Culture?

you can walk, bike, run or saunter into

Katami Designs studio and gallery

10 talented Vancouver artists – 1 stop!

138 East Broadway (@ main) (604)559-3872 katamidesigns.com

Katami Designs

Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

@WESTENDERVAN

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

BEST FINE DINING BEST DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT BEST CHEF BEST SOMMELIER BEST SERVICE BEST INTERIOR DESIGN BEST PRIVATE DINING ROOM BEST WINE LIST

Dream team keeps Hawksworth on top

ANYA LEVYKH westender.com

Every once in a while, there is a restaurant that makes a distinct and memorable impression on a city’s dining scene. That impression is based on multiple factors that all work together to create a “top” establishment.

More than the food and drinks, it’s the experience of the guest; their reaction to the setting, service and vibe, the feel of a place, that sets the tone. This year, that restaurant is Hawksworth.

Hawksworth swept our Best in the City Dining awards, winning for Best Chef, Best Sommelier, Best Service, Best Fine Dining, Best Downtown Restaurant, Best Interior Decor, Best Wine List, Best Private Dining Room, and taking second place for Best Bartender and third for Most Romantic.

Westender.com

It’s an impressive roster of wins for a fine-dining spot, especially in a city notorious for its love of casual dining. How to explain its popularity?

“When we set out to open Hawksworth Restaurant, we knew we wanted to show our city a modern approach to fine dining,” explains owner and executive chef David Hawksworth. “But we also wanted to be inclusive and offer a range of options. I believe we have successfully shown that the highest quality food and the best service don’t necessarily have to come with a starched white tablecloth and a stuffy atmosphere. Our rooms have a great energy and our menus are versatile, with a focus always on quality ingredients and fresh flavours.”

But, it’s more than about just one man.

“Our restaurant’s continued success is the culmina-

tion of our team’s dedication day after day; we are fortunate to have some very talented and passionate people working with us,” explains Hawksworth.

The star of the team is chef de cuisine Kristian Eligh, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, which comprises a whopping 42-member brigade that includes celebrated pastry chef Wayne Kozinko.

“The team makes it stand out. I’m very fortunate that I’ve managed to hold on to our core management team in the kitchen,” says Eligh.

“You can really push the limits of what’s possible when everyone learns each other’s ins and outs.”

Eligh, who previously was the opening chef de cuisine at Market, as well as Diva at the Met, credits Hawksworth with encouraging his evolving approach to food.

“As you mature as a chef, you learn to start removing things from the plate. Young chefs want to put a ton of work into every plate, show off their skill, but as you get older, the level of refinement and technique grows, but you also learn to de-clutter.

David has really pushed that over the years. It’s all about clean, simple, pure flavours.

I find it more of a challenge to make just three ingredients all sing together on a plate, rather than have seven out of 10 ingredients work together.”

The team philosophy rises again when speaking to wine director Bryant Mao. “We have seven sommeliers, including myself. Every night we have at least three on the floor, on weekends there’s at least four,” he says.

“I really appreciate the support I have from the whole team.”

Mao also credits Hawksworth for allowing his team to push boundaries.

“There’s a lot of freedom for us to play around, which means we can get people to try things outside of their comfort zone, according to their tastes. We can promote small, boutique producers from Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, France and, of course, BC. It’s a very strong list that works well with the food that [David and Kristian] produce.”

That solid representation extends to the cocktail and spirits program, led by head bartender Cooper Tardivel.

“We wanted first to represent every spirit category with quality cocktails, so not just heavy on gin and light on whiskey,” explains Tardivel.

Continued on next page

BEST BARTENDER

MOST ROMANTIC

PICTURED: David Hawksworth has assembled a dream team of industry pros to ensure his West Georgia restaurant remains Vancouver’s benchmark for fine dining. From left to right are pastry chef Wayne Kozinko, sommelier Bryant Mao, head bartender Cooper Tardivel, chef de cuise Kristian Eligh, and general manager Chad Clark.

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 9

EAT // DRINK

WESTENDER.COM

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

And the winners are...

We asked our readers to tell us their favourite places to eat and drink in Vancouver and they responded with enthusiasm. Let them be your guide to discovering new favourites while celebrating all the places you know and love.

2. Chambar 568 Beatty 604-879-7119 Chambar.com T-3. L’Abattoir 217 Carrall 604-568-1701 Labattoir.ca

BEST RESTAURANT 1. Chambar 568 Beatty 604-879-7119 Chambar.com 2. Hawksworth 801 West Georgia 604-673-7000 HawksworthRestaurant.com 3. Fable 1944 West 4th 604-732-1322 FableKitchen.ca

BEST FINE DINING 1. Hawksworth 801 West Georgia 604-673-7000 HawksworthRestaurant.com

BEST BUDGET

BEST WORKING LUNCH

1. La Taqueria 2549 Cambie 604-558-2549 LaTaqueria.ca

1. Cactus Club Various locations CactusClubCafe.com

2. White Spot Various locations WhiteSpot.ca

T-3. Bishop’s 2183 West 4th 604-738-2025 BishopsOnline.com

T-3. Hawker’s Delight 4127 Main 604-709-8188 T-3. Bandidas Taqueria 2781 Commercial 604-568-8224 BandidasTaqueria.com

BEST MID-PRICE 1. Cactus Club Various locations CactusClubCafe.com 2. Fable 1944 West 4th 604-732-1322 FableKitchen.ca T-3. Earls Various locations Earls.ca T-3. Trattoria Italian Kitchen 1850 West 4th 604-732-1441 GlowbalGroup.com/Trattoria

2. Joey Restaurants Various locations JoeyRestaurants.com 3. Meat and Bread 370 Cambie 604-566-9003 MeatAndBread.ca

BEST DINER

BEST STUDENT EATS

1. The Templeton 1087 Granville 604-685-4612 TheTempleton.ca

1. Famous Warehouse 989 Granville 604-677-8080 TheFamousWarehouse.com

2. Lucy’s Eastside Diner 2708 Main 604-568-1550 LucysEastsideDiner.com

2. The Naam 2724 West 4th 604-738-7151 TheNaam.com

3. Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe 2095 West 4th Ave 604-732-6810 SophiesCosmicCafe.com

3. The Eatery 3431 West Broadway 604-738-5298 TheEatery.ca

Continued on page 12

Hawksworth’s chic design was a natural choice for this year’s Best Interior Décor. Jennifer Gauthier photo

Continued from page 9 “We also try to focus on having a good balance between user-friendly cocktails, as well as cocktails that are more a little intricate, forwardthinking, for the cocktail connoisseur; something for everyone.”

Tardivel also credits the teamwork involved in running a successful program.

“Of the original four bartenders that were hired, three are still with me. We’re so tightly bound that the program benefits tenfold, in that we never have to start completely over with new staff and training. We’re very fortunate that we’re all so in sync, that we can progress and grow a lot faster than other programs.

We’re proud that when guests sit at our bar, they trust us to

make them something they will enjoy.”

All those threads of cooperation and teamwork can be firmly traced back to general manager Chad Clark, who views Vancouver itself as one of the reasons for Hawksworth’s success.

“Vancouver is unique in that our restaurant industry is really part of the entertainment industry,” he says.

“People come out for more than just a good meal and a few drinks. It’s about the whole show, the experience.

There’s always a story behind each dish, each wine, and you need the right people to be able to tell those stories.You have to have the intuition to understand what your guests need. The reason we are able to successfully execute what we do is because it’s such a collaborative effort.”

Thank you

for voting Choices Markets best grocery store and best health food store.

100% BC Owned and Operated choicesmarket.com | Cambie 3493 Cambie St 604.875.0099 10 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

/ChoicesMarkets

@ChoicesMarkets

Kitsilano

Yaletown

Kerrisdale

2627 W.16th Ave 604.736.0009

1202 Richards St 604.633.2392

1888 W. 57th Ave 604.263.4600

Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

@WESTENDERVAN

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

After 10 years, future never brighter for Chambar ROBERT MANGELSDORF editor@westender.com

A lot can happen in a decade.

For Nico and Karri Schuermans, the past 10 years has seen the pair develop a string of successful restaurants and businesses, including Chambar, Café Medina, and the Dirty Apron Cooking School.

Somehow, throughout it all, they still found time to start a family.

The impact Chambar has had on the Vancouver dining scene over the past decade cannot be understated.

The restaurant perfected, if not pioneered, the highquality yet laid-back dining experience Vancouver has become known for. Former employees have gone on to open some of the city’s most exciting and innovative restaurants, including Wildebeest, L’Abbattoir, The Diamond, Bao Bei, and Calabash – a phenomenon Scout Magazine has referred to as the “Chambar Effect”.

So as the couple approached the 10th anniversary of Chambar first

opening its doors, the Schuermans decided to take stock of what they had built and where they were going.

“We have three kids now, so we can’t run three businesses,” says Nico.

The couple decided to refocus their energy. Instead of spreading themselves thin, they would devote themselves entirely to the restaurant that started it all – Chambar – and ensure it will continue for another decade.

“We had an addiction to start-ups,” says Karri. “But that was diluting what we were doing.”

The resulting changes have been dramatic. This year Chambar moved down the street into its new home at 568 Beatty. The new room features more space and seating spread over two floors, a patio, a lounge, and private dining rooms.

For Nico, one of the most exciting changes has been the enormous new kitchen he now commands.

“Our old kitchen was so small we could only fit five at a time,” he says. “So you had to be a rock star, or

you’d be in the way.”

Not only does the larger kitchen accommodate more staff, but it allows Nico and his crew to do things they were never able to before, like in-house charcuterie and butchering.

“There were so many things Nico couldn’t do before,” says Karri. “He has the ability to be a lot more spontaneous with the food now.”

The changes have certainly been well-received.

Chambar was named Vancouver’s Best Restaurant in this year’s Westender’s Best of the City: Dining readers poll. The accolades didn’t stop there, however.

Chambar also won for Most Romantic, and placed second for Best Interior Décor and Best Downtown Restaurant.

Despite all the changes, what has remained constant has been Nico and Karri’s philosophy: Amazing food and drink served in a decidedly unpretentious setting.

“We’re very grateful people in Vancouver like the concept,” says Karri. “We’d like to keep doing this for another 10 years.” W

Nico and Karri Schuermans continue to set the standard for Vancouver dining at Chambar, winner of Vancouver’s Best Restaurant and Most Romantic Restaurant. Rob Newell photo

“THANK YOU

VANCOUVER”

RESTAURANT & COCKTAIL BAR - 7 NIGHTS HAWKSWORTHRESTAURANT.COM

Westender.com

BEST CHEF BEST FINE DINING BEST SERVICE BEST RESTAURANT DOWNTOWN BEST PRIVATE DINING ROOM BEST INTERIOR DECOR BEST WINE LIST BEST SOMMELIER – BRYANT MAO

|

801 WEST GEORGIA ST

@HAWKSWORTHREST

|

RESERVATIONS 604.673.7000 /HAWKSWORTHRESTAURANT

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 11

EAT // DRINK

BEST OF THE CITY BEST PRIVATE DINING ROOM 1. Hawksworth 801 West Georgia 604-673-7000 HawksworthRestaurant.com 2. Seasons Queen Elizabeth Park (West 33rd at Cambie ) 604-874-8008 VancouverDine.com

T N A R U A ST REST

ior décor, r e t E in t B s e B GOLD R - Best fine dining, to take visitors.

,

. // SILVE Best place ic t n E a Z m N o O R R t B Bes ntown. // w o d t n a r u Best resta

Thank you!

568 BEATTY ST 604 879 7119 www.chambar.com @chambar_restaurant #CivilizedDebauchery

3. Blue Water Café & Raw Bar 1095 Hamilton 604-688-8078 BlueWaterCafe.net

2. Lift 333 Menchions Mews 604-689-5438 LiftBarAndGrill.com T-3. Cactus Club Various locations CactusClubCafe.com T-3. Top of Vancouver 555 West Hastings 604-669-2220 TopOfVancouver.com

BEST PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS

BEST SERVICE 1. Hawksworth 801 West Georgia 604-673-7000 HawksworthRestaurant.com 2. Coast 1054 Alberni 604-685-5010 GlowbalGroup.com/Coast 3. Cactus Club Various locations CactusClubCafe.com

1. The Stanley Park Tea House 7501 Stanley Park Drive 604-669-3281 VancouverDine.com 2. Cardero’s 1583 Coal Harbour Way 604-669-7666 VancouverDine.com 3. Chambar 568 Beatty 604-879-7119 Chambar.com

MOST ROMANTIC

BEST VIEW 1. Seasons Queen Elizabeth Park (West 33rd at Cambie ) 604-874-8008 VancouverDine.com

1. Chambar 568 Beatty 604-879-7119 Chambar.com

Continued on page 14

COME REDISCOVER NAT’S! n h e re e e b y l n Weʻve o e a rs f o r f o r 23 y k e s ! s lic e s a

We are humbled and grateful to be voted

COME FEEL GOOD INSIDE.

VANCOUVER’S BEST DONUTS Thank You

Try our Pizza, Pasta, Salads

534 West Pender 778-708-0996 cartems.com

& Footlongs Real Italians making Real Italian Pizza for over 20 years!

KITSILANO 2684 W. Broadway 604-737-0707 WEST END 1080 Denman St. 604-642-0777 WWW.NATSPIZZA.COM

Best Pizza

Pizza by the Slice • Dine In • Take Out • Local Delivery 12 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

@WESTENDERVAN

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

David Wolowidnyk: Advancing the art of the cocktail ANYA LEVYKH westender.com

Vancouver’s cocktail culture has evolved over the last decade or so from the reign of the Cosmo and its ilk to the more thoughtful and artisanal imaginings of today’s menus.

Bartenders have become more than just mixers of drinks.

They have evolved to become mixologists, even chemists.

They craft their own bitters, create syrups, infuse spirits, and barrel-age the end result.

And, like the best musicians, they take requests.

The city today hosts some extraordinary talents in this field, one of the most prominent being David Wolowidnyk, bar manager at West Restaurant, and this year’s Best Bartender in our Best of the City Dining awards.

Wolowidnyk is no stranger to winning awards. In 2012, he was named World’s Most Imaginative Bartender at Bombay Sapphire’s international competition, in addition to numerous other awards and honours over the years.

He has been responsible for

West’s David Wolowidnyk was named the World’s Most Imaginative Bartender in 2012.

Rob Newell some of the city’s most memorable cocktails, like West’s long-time favourite pumpkin pie, which is still on the fall menu today, almost 10 years later. “It’s evolved over the years, certainly,” says Wolowidnyk. “Part of what makes a great cocktail is knowing that you never perfect it and put it on the shelf, you can always experiment and present it with a new look and feel.”

Instead of crediting one specific source for his ideas, Wolowidnyk draws inspiration from his surroundings. “Everything I see, hear, taste, and touch is part of the constant downloading of information.

And, every once in a while, there’s a spark between what you experienced in the past and what you experience in

Thanks for voting us BEST BARTENDER the moment, and that can spark something else that contributes to a new idea.

“Travel is also a big part of that,” he continues, “and it’s not always just about the cocktail. The level of service you encounter is a big part of the experience, and I love that after almost three decades in hospitality, there are still moments that blow my mind. It’s really that overall amazing experience that you remember, rather than just the cocktail, and our team tries to give that to every guest at West.”

Wolowidnyk also delights in creating cocktails based on a few descriptive words from guests. “One of my regulars once asked me to create a cocktail that was ‘cynical,’” he laughs. “So, I had to think,

what would a cynical drink taste like? And, when time allows, I love to do that, to think if I was a cocktail, what would I be according to this definition?”

When asked about the latest trends on the cocktail scene and the rise in popularity of classic cocktails, Wolowidnyk replies, “Classic cocktails are precisely that because the formulas they were based on work. I don’t think this is a trend, so much as a better understanding of those formulas. An Old Fashioned, for instance, is about more than just the bourbon, it’s about the ‘accessories’ that highlight the spirit and those can be adjusted and played around with to create something new and exciting.”

BEST PIZZA

Once upon a time, there was the Neapolitan pizza... Visit BiBo Pizzeria con Cucina to taste the authentic flavours of Italy.

1835 West 4th • 604 568 6177 • thebibo.com

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

1590 COMMERCIAL DRIVE 604 258 0005 MerchantsOysterBar.ca

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BRONZE

BEST COCKTAILS IN VANCOUVER BRONZE

BEST GASTOWN RESTAURANT 162 Water Street, Gastown 604-568-7022 FACSIMILE: 604-568-7012 EMAIL: info@pourhousevancouver.com WEBSITE: pourhousevancouver.com

TELEPHONE:

Westender.com

BRUNCH

DINNER

VISIT

SATURDAY, SUNDAY 9:30AM - 2:30PM

TUESDAY - THURSDAY 5.30PM - 10.30PM

LUNCH

FRIDAY, SATURDAY 5.30PM - 11.0 0PM

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TUESDAY - FRIDAY 11.30AM - 2.30PM

SUNDAY 5.30PM - 9.30PM

FOLLOW US @ASKFORLUIGI ASKFORLUIGI.COM

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 13

EAT // DRINK

WESTENDER.COM

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING 2. Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar 1138 Homer 604-915-9463 BrixVancouver.com

T-3. The Foundation 2301 Main 604-708-0881

3. Hawksworth 801 West Georgia 604-673-7000 HawksworthRestaurant.com

T-3. Score on Davie 1262 Davie 604-632-1646 ScoreOnDavie.com

BEST WINE LIST 1. Hawksworth 801 West Georgia 604-673-7000 HawksworthRestaurant.com

BEST PATIO 1. Dockside 1253 Johnston 604-685-7070 DocksideVancouver.com 2. The Roof at Black & Blue 1032 Alberni 604-637-0777 GlowbalGroup.com/BlackBlue T-3. Joe Fortes 777 Thurlow 604-669-1940 JoeFortes.ca

2. Yew 791 West Georgia 604-692-4939 YewSeafood.com 3. Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar 1138 Homer 604-915-9463 BrixVancouver.com

BEST CHEF

T-3. Lift 333 Menchions Mews 604-689-5438 LiftBarAndGrill.com

BEST LATE-NIGHT

1. David Hawksworth, Hawksworth 801 West Georgia 604-673-7000 HawksworthRestaurant.com

1. The Naam 2724 West 4th 604-738-7151 TheNaam.com

T-2. Ned Bell, Yew 791 West Georgia 604-692-4939 YewSeafood.com

2. Espana 1118 Denman 604-558-4040 EspanaRestaurant.ca

T-2. Vikram Vij, Vij’s 1480 West 11th 604-736-6664 VijsRestaurant.ca

3. Trevor Bird, Fable 1944 West 4th 604-732-1322 FableKitchen.ca

BEST SOMMELIER 1. Bryant Mao, Hawksworth 801 West Georgia 604-673-7000 HawksworthRestaurant.com

Dockside Restaurant, overlooking the bustling waters off Granville Island, takes home Best Patio in the 2014 Best of the City: Dining awards. Supplied photo

2. Mike Bernardo, Vij’s 1480 West 11th 604-736-6664 VijsRestaurant.ca 3. Robert Stelmachuk, Cibo Trattoria 900 Seymour 604-602-9570 CiboTrattoria.ca

BEST BARTENDER 1. David Wolowidnyk, West 2881 Granville 604-738-8938 WestRestaurant.com T-2. Shaun Layton, L’Abattoir 217 Carrall 604-568-1701 Labattoir.ca T-2. Cooper Tardivel, Hawksworth 801 West Georgia HawksworthRestaurant.com 604-673-7000 3. Joey Donnelly, Granville Room 957 Granville 604-633-0056

DonellyGroup.ca/locations/ cocktail-taverns/GranvilleRoom

BEST INTERIOR DÉCOR 1. Hawksworth 801 West Georgia 604-673-7000 HawksworthRestaurant.com 2. Chambar 568 Beatty 604-879-7119 Chambar.com T-3. Coast 1054 Alberni 604-685-5010 GlowbalGroup.com/Coast T-3. Homer Café & Bar 898 Homer 604-428-4299 HomerStreetCafeBar.com

1. Yolk’s Yolks.ca

3. Peaceful Restaurant 532 West Broadway 604-879-9878 PeacefulRestaurant.com

T-2. Tacofino Tacofino.com

BEST FOOD & DRINK EVENT

T-2. Vij’s Railway Express VijsRailwayExpress.com

1. Vancouver Craft Beer Week VancouverCraftBeerWeek.com

BEST FOOD TRUCK

3. Mom’s Grilled Cheese MomsGrilledCheeseTruck.com

BEST TAKE-OUT 1. Thai Away Home 3315 Cambie 604-873-8424 ThaiAway.com 2. East Is East 3243 West Broadway 604-734-5881 EastIsEast.ca

T-2. Vancouver International Wine Festival VanWineFest.ca T-2. Eat Vancouver Eat-Vancouver.com 3. Dine Out Vancouver DineOutVancouver.com

Continued on page 16

Thank you for voting for us!

2781 Commercial Drive 604.568.8224 bandidastaqueria.com Sun-Thurs 9am-Midnight Fri & Sat 9am-1am Brunch Daily till 3pm

Via Tevere is the street in Naples where our family is rooted.

It is the birthplace of our passion for la Vera Pizza Napoletana – True Neapolitan Pizza 2013

Thank you for voting us the BEST PIZZA in Vancouver!

BEST...

• Vegan • Vegetarian • Late Night Dining • Student Eats (Silver)

THANK YOU!

1190 Victoria Drive viateverepizzeria.com Open daily from 5pm. Closed Monday.

14 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

2724 West 4th Avenue (@ Stephens Street) • 604-738-7151 • www.thenaam.com Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

BEST FOOD AND DRINK EVENT

VCBW mecca for beer lovers It shouldn’t take a genius to figure out why VCBW’s been voted the city’s Best Food and Drink Event. Just take a quick look at the three nouns that make up its name: “Vancouver”, “beer”, and “week”. Huh. That is, it’s a full week devoted to a delicious, alcoholic beverage located in a beautiful city that’s making some of the best, if not THE BEST, beer in the country.

The festival is superficially appealing enough that it could’ve won this category even it were haphazardly designed. But it ain’t. VCBW is expertly curated, with

a week’s worth of cultural and industry events that have managed to satisfy that great swath of beer drinkers, from devoted beer geeks to casual craft beer drinkers, and unite them all under the banner of BC’s craft beer revolution.

It’s helped that the main tasting event has historically been located in the Olympic Village, with views of the city and North Shore mountains and all that. The fact that this event is moving to the PNE fairgrounds in 2015 shouldn’t neuter VCBW’s appeal. With over a dozen new BC breweries

“1st Best Brunch”

open since last spring, and the festival’s growing reputation abroad, next year’s event will be the biggest – and, here’s hoping, the best – edition yet.

Anyone who can’t wait that long is in luck – VCBW is throwing its first satellite event on Dec. 5, in partnership with the Donnelly Group. A Very VCBW NonDenominational Beer Festival will feature 20 BC craft breweries, an ugly sweater contest, and live music at Studio East, from 6-11pm.

Tickets are $49 through TicketZone.com.

–Stephen Smysnuik

Thanks for voting us BEST FOOD STALL in Granville Island Market UNIQUELY WEST COAST DISTINTIVELY CASUAL URBAN DINING Find us in the Granville Island Public Market 604.327.7407 • oyamasausage.ca @OyamaSausage Oyama Sausage Co

Westender.com

BEST VIEW

333 MENCHIONS MEWS, VANCOUVER (604) 689 5438 | liftbarandgrill.com

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 15

EAT // DRINK

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

Thank You

for voting us Best Gluten Free Offering handcrafted Chocolates and Confections, in addition to classic Christmas cake and cookies, Lemonade Bakery is the perfect way to sweeten the season.

It’s always St. Patrick’s Day at Doolin’s, voted Vancouver’s favourite pub. Mijune Pak photo

Places to drink BEST PUB 1. Doolin’s Irish Pub 654 Nelson 604-605-4343 Doolins.ca T-2. St. Augustine’s 2360 Commercial Drive 604-569-1911 StAugustinesVancouver.com 3385 Cambie Street • 604.873.9993 • lemonadebakery.ca Open Tuesday through Sunday

T-2. The Lamplighter 92 Water DonellyGroup.com/TheLamplighter 3. Darby’s 2001 Macdonald 604-731-0617 DarbysPub.ca

SPORTS BAR 1. Score on Davie 1262 Davie 604-632-1646 ScoreOnDavie.com 2. The Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill 180 West Georgia 604-687-4275 SharkClubs.com 3. The Pint 455 Abbott 604-684-0258 ThePint.ca

BEST BAR/LOUNGE 1. The Keefer 135 Keefer 604-688-1961 TheKeeferBar.com 2. Granville Room 957 Granville 604-633-0056 DonellyGroup.ca/locations/ cocktail-taverns/GranvilleRoom 3. Alibi Room 157 Alexander 604-623-3383 Alibi.ca

LIVE MUSIC BAR

AN INDEPENDENT LY OWNED WNED BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER SINCE 19999 16 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

1. Commodore Ballroom 868 Granville 604-739-4550 CommodoreBallroom.com 2. FanClub 1050 Granville 604-689-7720 VancouverFanClub.com

3. The Railway Club 579 Dunsmuir 604-681-1625 TheRailwayClub.com

BEST DIVE BAR 1. The Cobalt 917 Main 604-685-2825 TheCobalt.ca 2. The Cambie 300 Cambie 604-688-9158 TheCambie.com

2. Alibi Room 157 Alexander 604-623-3383 Alibi.ca

T-3. Astoria 769 East Hastings 604-254-3636 TheAstoriaPub.com

T-3. Biercraft 1191 Commercial Dr. 604-254-2437 Biercraft.com/commercial

T-3. The Princeton Pub 1901 Powell 604-253-6645 ThePrincetonPub.ca

T-3. Tap & Barrel Various locations TapAndBarrel.com

BEST HAPPY HOUR 1. Hapa Izakaya Various locations HapaIzakaya.com 2. Glowbal Group Various locations GlowbalGroup.com 3. Donnelly Group Various locations DonnellyGroup.ca

BEST COCKTAILS 1. The Diamond 6 Powell 604-568-8272 Di6mond.com 2. The Keefer 135 Keefer 604-688-1961 TheKeeferBar.com T-3. The Pourhouse 162 Water 604-568-7022 PourhouseVancouver.com T-3. L’Abattoir 217 Carrall 604-568-1701 Labattoir.ca

CRAFT BEER SELECTION 1. Craft Beer Market 85 West 1st 604-709-2337 CraftBeerMarket.ca

BEST WHISKEY SELECTION 1. The Irish Heather 212 Carrall 604-688-9779 IrishHeather.com 2. Shebeen Wiskey House 212 Carrall 604-915-7338 Shebeen.ca 3. Fets Whisky Kitchen 1230 Commercial Dr. 604-255-7771 WhiskyKitchen.ca

BEST BC WINERY 1. Burrowing Owl 500 Burrowing Owl Place Oliver 250-498-0620 BurrowingOwlWine.ca 2. Joie 2825 Naramata Rd. Naramata 250-496-0073 JoieFarm.com 3. Mission Hill 1730 Mission Hill Rd. West Kelowna, 250-768-7611 MissionHillWinery.com

Continued on page 18 Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

Thank you, Vancouver & Best of the City Dining Awards

Styled after a Chinese apothecary, The Keefer Bar is a truly unique space that pays homage to its Chinatown location, while owner/ bartender Dani Tatarin serves up some of the most innovative cocktails in the city. No wonder readers named the Keefer Vancouver’s best bar, and placed it second in the Best Cocktail category.

Rob Newell photo

Once again

Best Burger

12 years running

On Facebook and Twitter?

So is Vera!

@verasburgers /vera.burger.shack

You Can’t Beat Vera’s Meat!

THANKS FOR VOTING US: GOLD Best Spanish Restaurant GOLD Best Tapas SILVER Best Late Night

Thank you, Vancouver

1118 DENMAN STREET | 604-558-4040 | ESPANARESTAURANT.CA OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 5PM-LATE. NO RESERVATIONS.

FIRST PLACE Best Restaurant in Gastown

FROM THE CREATORS OF ESPANA, TRY OUR NEW BRITISH GASTROPUB:

THIRD PLACE Best French Restaurant Best Cocktails Best Fine Dining Best Bartender (Shawn Layton)

L’ABATTOIR RESTAURANT New stylish private dining space ideal for private parties.

We are now serving dinner nightly and weekday lunch.

Beginning in December 6, 2014 we will be open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

1616 ALBERNI STREET | 604-336-5577 | FATBADGER.CA OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 5PM-11PM. RESERVATIONS FOR GROUPS 8+ ONLY. Westender.com

T. 604 568 1701

217 CARRALL ST., GASTOWN LABATTOIR

LABATTOIR.CA

LABATTOIR_VAN

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 17

EAT // DRINK

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING BEST CRAFT BEER BREWERY 1. Central City Brewing Company 11411 Bridgeview Dr. 604-588-2337 CentralCityBeer.com

THANK YOU VANCOUVER FOR VOTING US

2. Parallel 49 Brewing 1950 Triumph 604-558-2739 Parallel49Brewing.com

BEST THAI FOOD

3. Brassneck Brewery 2148 Main 604-259-7686 Brassneck.ca

T-2. Brassneck Brewery 2148 Main 604-259-7686 Brassneck.ca

BEST TASTING ROOM

T-2. Parallel 49 1950 Triumph 604-558-2739 Parallel49Brewing.com

1. Salt Tasting Room Blood Alley Square 604-633-1912 SaltTastingRoom.com

Come taste why we’re the best!

3. 33 Acres Brewery 15 West 8th 604-620-4589 33AcresBrewing.com

of the city

2013

Book your holiday party with us!

www.salathai.ca 102-888 BURRARD STREET 604.683.7999 OPEN: SUN-THURS 11:30AM-10PM, FRI-SAT 11:30PM-10:30PM

Your Original Natural Food Store

Thanks Vancouver for voting us Best Health Food Store!

Neighbourhood restaurants DOWNTOWN 1. Hawksworth 801 West Georgia 604-673-7000 HawksworthRestaurant.com

Best Cit y 15th ANNUAL

of the

2013

Blue Water Café & Raw Bar was voted top restaurant in Yaletown.

Submitted photo

2. Chambar 568 Beatty 604-879-7119 Chambar.com

Readers’ Choice 2012

YALETOWN

WEST END/ COAL HARBOUR

604-872-3019

Get This Week’s Flyer at www.famousfoods.ca Open 7 days a week 8am - 9pm

2. Leftbank 751 Denman 604-687-1418 LeftbankVancouver.com 3. Tavola 1829 Robson 604-606-4680 TavolaVancouver.com

3. Café Medina 780 Richards 604-879-3114 MedinaCafe.com

1595 Kingsway

T-1. Nook 781 Denman 604-568-4554 NookRestaurant.ca

T-1. Chewies 1055 West Hastings St 604-620-7634 Chewies.ca

1. Blue Water Café & Raw Bar 1095 Hamilton 604-688-8078 BlueWaterCafe.net 2. Provence 1177 Marinaside Crescent

604-681-4144 ProvenceVancouver.com 2. The Flying Pig 1168 Hamilton 604-568-1344 TheFlyingPigVan.com 3. Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca 1133 Hamilton 604-688-7466 Cioppinos.wordpress.com 3. Rodney’s Oyster House 1228 Hamilton 604-609-0080 ROHVan.com

Continued on page 20

Thank You Vancouver!

We are proud to be your BEST BEER & WINE STORE now SIX years running!

Bring in this ad for 10% off your purchase.

Valid until December 15, 2014. Not valid in conjunction with other promotions.

Open 11-11 EVERY DAY • 14th & Main • FREE PARKING AROUND BACK

www.brewerycreekliquorstore.com 604-872-3373 18 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

CRAFT Beer Market boasts 140 taps of draft beer. Jennifer Gauthier photo

Spoiled for choice at CRAFT Beer Market There wasn’t even a contest on this one. Not really. The two runners up, Alibi Room and Tap and Barrel, both have fantastic beer selections – and they’re preferable places to drink those beers, depending on the social situation.

But with 140 taps, the size and scope of CRAFT Beer Market’s tap selection frankly blows the competition out of the water. It was designed that way, and CRAFT – which opened its doors in the Olympic Village just over a year ago – has done a great job

curating its selection for all levels of beer drinkers, from every major beer region on the planet.

Above all, CRAFT has been integral in getting new and interesting local brews in front of customers who might never have had the opportunity, or wherewithal, to try them. It helps, as well, that local breweries make special cask beer especially for CRAFT, and they have a heck of a food menu, to boot.

CRAFT is opening five locations across China, starting in Shanghai next

BEST CRAFT BEER SELECTION year. This will create new opportunities for local brewers to reach global customers, and could very well make CRAFT the leading champion for BC craft beer in the world. We’ll have to see about that. For now?

Just enjoy the beers they have in store.

–Stephen Smysnuik

Locations throughout the Lower Mainland fatburgercanada.com Westender.com

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 19

EAT // DRINK

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

BOB LIKES THAI FOOD eat in – take out

Vancouver’s BEST home-style Thai Kitchen 3755 Main St. @ 22nd Ave. 604.568.8538

1521 W. Broadway @ Granville St. 604.558.3320

WWW.BOBLIKESTHAIFOOD.COM

To all our customers for voting and supporting us over the years,

Muchas Gra cias!

Bartender Shaun Layton mixes up his signature avocado gimlet cocktail at L’Abattoir. The restaurant was voted the Best Restaurant in Gastown, in addition to placing third for Best French and Best Fine Dining. Layton himself placed third in the Best Bartender category.

Rob Newell photo

MAIN / MOUNT PLEASANT 1. Burgoo 3096 Main 604-873-1441 Burgoo.ca

OVER 30 YEARS

And still serving you a great Mexican experience in the heart of Kits!

2013

Book your CHRISTMAS FIESTA today!

1999 West 4th at Maple 604-734-7117

GOLD WINNER

www.lasmargaritas.com

3. Graze Food & Drink 3980 Fraser 604-620-8822 GrazeRestaurant.ca

GASTOWN 1. L’Abbatoir 217 Carrall 604-568-1701 Labattoir.ca

COMMERCIAL

2. Guu 838 Thurlow 604-685-8817 Guu-Izakaya.com

T-1. Havana 1806 Commercial 604-255-0712 HavanaRestaurant.ca

T-3. The Pourhouse 162 Water 604-568-7022 PourhouseVancouver.com

T-1. Merchant’s Oyster Bar 1590 Commercial 604-258-0005 MerchantsOysterbar.ca

T-3. The Flying Pig 102 Water 604-559-7968 TheFlyingPigVan.com

2. Bandidas Taqueria 2781 Commercial 604-568-8224 BandidasTaqueria.com

EASTISDE

lasmargaritasvancouver

20 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

3. The Acorn Restaurant & Bar 3995 Main 604-566-9001 TheAcornRestaurant.ca

3. Frederico’s Supper Club 1728 Commercial 604-251-3473 FredericosSupperClub.com

@lasmargaritasbc

@lasmargaritasbc

2. Burdock & Co. 2702 Main 604-879-0077 BurdockAndCo.com

2. Ask For Luigi 305 Alexander 604-428-2544 AskForLuigi.com

1. Les Faux Bourgeois 663 East 15th 604-873-9733 LesFauxBourgeois.com

KITSILANO 1. Fable 1944 West 4th 604-732-1322 FableKitchen.ca 2. Trattoria Italian Kitchen 1850 West 4th 604-732-1441 GlowbalGroup.com/Trattoria T-3. Chewies 2201 West 1st 604-558-4448 Chewies.ca T-3. The Oakwood Canadian Bistro

2741 West 4th 604-558-1965 TheOakwood.ca

WESTSIDE 1. Bishop’s 2183 West 4th 604-738-2025 BishopsOnline.com T-2. La Buca 4025 Macdonald 604-730-6988 LaBuca.ca T-2. Buffala 5395 West Blvd.

604-267-7499 Bufala.ca 3. Baru Latino 2535 Alma 604-222-9171 BaruLatino.com

GRANVILLE ISLAND/ FALSE CREEK 1. The Sandbar 1535 Johnston 604-669-9030 VancouverDine.com/Sandbar 2. Edible Canada Granville Island Public Market 604-682-6681 EdibleCanada.com T-3. Bridges 1696 Duranleau 604-687-4400 BridgesRestaurant.com T-3. Dockside 1253 Johnston 604-685-7070 DocksideVancouver.com

Continued on page 22 Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

Always fresh, always funky...

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

ARIGATO

Ask For Luigi owner/ chef JeanChristophe Poirier presents his popular anchovies, eggs, and caviar dish.

Rob Newell photo

Me go chow chow long time

Thank you for voting us your favourite Best Student Easts 2 years in a row

2013

Miso Hungry

BEST ITALIAN

3431 West Broadway 604-738-5298 www.theeatery.ca

Want great Italian? Just Ask For Luigi When in Italy, and you’re looking for the best meatballs in the city, ask a local, any local, and the response is invariably the same: “My mama/grandma/uncle’s house! Just go around the corner and ask for Giorgio!”

Or Maria. Or Giuseppe.

Thus was Ask For Luigi born, this year’s Best of the City winner for Best Italian.

It’s a brilliant concept from chef/owner J.C. Poirier and his partners. Everything is made fresh daily, including the excellent pastas. There’s even a gluten-free option, also made in-house, as well as a

good selection of vegetarian dishes.

Starters, pastas, and desserts comprise the whole menu, but it’s a menu that still garners line-ups more than a year after opening.

Simple in presentation, but complex in execution, it’s full of lovely surprises, like the famous anchovy, egg, and caviar dish that has become a much-loved mainstay, or the bone marrow and escargot.

Ricotta ravioli with fried eggplant is so lush you’ll forgive it for being meatless.

And now brunch is also an option, with dishes like pork

belly with fried egg and salsa verde, frittatas with pancetta and potatoes, Monte Cristo sandwich with prosciutto and soft-boiled eggs, and waffles with apples, hazelnuts, and tiramisu cream.

Complementing the food is the excellent wine program.

By the glass offerings are plentiful, leaning towards whites which best match the food. Prefer something from the bottles list? Commit to two glasses, and it’s yours.

And, while Luigi is just a figment of the owner’s imagination, everyone here is a Luigi at heart. –Anya Levykh

= Thank You Vancouver!

Yolks would like to thank everyone who voted for us in the Westender’s Best of the City Dining poll.

We are honoured and humbled to be voted #1 Best Breakfast and #1 Food Truck in Vancouver.

We will continue to strive to be the best we can be for all our fans.

Yolks Restaurant & Commissary 1298 East Hastings at Clark

Yolks Street Meet Truck Burrard & West Pender (Bentall Centre 1)

Yolks Food Cart Beatty & Dunsmuir (Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain Station)

Please follow us on Twitter @YolksBreakfast and Facebook at Yolk’s Breakfast

•••••••••••••••••••••••••• www.yolks.ca ••••••••••••••••••••••••••

THANK YOU VANCOUVER

Afghan Horsemen Proud to be voted your favourite

GOLD Best Whisk(e)y selection –The Irish Heather SILVER Best Whisk(e)y Selection – The Shebeen Whisk(e)y House GOLD Best Tasting Room – Salt Tasting Room

Middle Eastern Restaurant 202-1833 Anderson St. 604.873.5923 afghanhorsemen.com

(2nd floor, before the entrance to Granville Island)

HOURS: Sun-Thur 5-10pm & Fri-Sat 5-11pm Find us on Facebook

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST AFRICAN CUISINE

2 FREE SOUPS

WHEN YOU PURCHASE 2 ENTREES

COUPON EXPIRES DEC. 20, 2014. SEE MANAGEMENT FOR DETAILS. 2149 COMMERCIAL DRIVE (BETWEEN E. 5TH AND E. 6TH AVE.) 604-216-1060 HARAMBES.COM

Westender.com

This authentic Irish Pub has garnered many accolades for its servie, food, alcohol & ambiance. Also home to the Shebeen Whisk(e)y House, with BC’s largest selection of whisk(e)y and bourbon.

Salt is a tasting room specializing in artisanal cheese, small-batch cured meats and a dynamic array of wines, beers and sherries.

210 Carrall Street 604-688-9779 www.irishheather.com @TheIrishHeather

45 Blood Alley 604-633-1912 www.salttastingroom.com @SaltTastingRoom

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 21

EAT // DRINK

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING La Taqueria was named Best Tacos and Best Budget Restaurant.

Thank you for voting us

Specialty items

BEST LIQUOR STORE

BEST BAGELS 1. Solly’s 368 West 7th 604-675-9770 SollysBagelry.com

BC Place Stadium

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W 1st Ave

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Manitoba St

Cambie St

LEGACYLIQUORSTORE.COM 1633 Manitoba St | 604.331.7900 LegacyLiquorStore LegacyLiquor LegacyLiquor

St

False Creek

3. Edible Flours 2280 West Broadway 604-734-8351 EdibleFlours.ca

3. Benny’s Bagels 2505 West Broadway 604-731-9730 BennysBagels.com

BEST BREAKFAST

BEST BAKERY T

T-1. Cobbs Bread Various locations CobsBread.com t

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2. Terra Breads Various locations TerraBreads.ca

2. Siegel’s Bagels 1883 Cornwall 604-737-8151 SiegelsBagels.com

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604-732-4222 BeaucoupBakery.com

T-1. Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe 2150 Fir

1. Yolk’s 1298 East Hastings 604-441-9655 Yolks.ca T-2. Paul’s Place Omelettery 2211 Granville 604-737-2857 PaulsOmelettery.com

T-2. Sophie’s Cosmic Café 2095 West 4th 604-732-6810 SophiesCosmicCafe.com T-3. Red Wagon 2296 East Hastings 604-568-4565 RedWagonCafe.com T-3. Jethro’s Fine Grub 3455 Fraser 604-620-5292 JethrosFineGrub.com

BEST BRUNCH 1. Café Medina 780 Richards 604-879-3114 MedinaCafe.com

Continued on page 24

W 2nd Ave

22 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING Longtime general manager Rolando Guardia, along with servers Kat and Alicia, prepare for another busy lunch at Las Margaritas on West 4th. The Kits staple has been in operation since 1981 and was named Best Mexican in Vancouver.

Rob Newell photo

Las Margaritas a Kits classic ROBERT MANGELSDORF editor@westender.com

In this young, ever-changing city, where the search of The Next Big Thing trumps any sense of nostalgia, Las Margaritas Restaurante Y Cantina is an anomaly.

The California-style Mexican restaurant has been a fixture at the corner of West 4th and Maple in Kitsilano since 1981. Whereas countless other restaurants along the popular shopping strip have come and gone, Las Margaritas remains, relatively unchanged, and still incredibly popular.

“I think consistency plays a big role in our long term success,” says owner Dan Rodriguez. “We want our customers to know that when they come back and order their favourite dish or drink that it’s as good as

the first time they had it.

The service, the attention to details, and the atmosphere has also contributed to our success over the years.”

Rodriguez bought Las Margaritas 20 years ago from the Salazar family who first opened the restaurant.

Staying true to his concept has ensured Las Margaritas has not only survived, but thrived, as is evidenced by the restaurant being voted Best Mexican in Vancouver in this year’s Best of the City: Dining readers poll.

“It is a honour that I do not take lightly,” says Rodriguez. “What has made me so proud is to see some of the same customers coming back after all these years with their kids, and those kids are returning with their children.

Even some of our staff have been with us since the begin-

ning and customers like that they can come in and see the same people year after year.”

While Vancouver has seen an explosion in the number of Mexican restaurant of late, Rodriguez says that has only helped his business.

“I love to see the growth of Mexican food here in Vancouver, the more options people have the better it is for all of us,” he says. “I have always stayed true to my style of Mexican cooking.

This is the food I grew up eating in my home and my grandparents house and on the streets of California.

This is California Mexican food and… we take pride in offering fresh, quality food at good value in a fun environment and hopefully these qualities will keep our customers coming back for years to come.” W

November 22 to December 24 Open daily 11am–9pm*. (*Closes at 6pm on Dec 24)

The Plaza @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre West Georgia St & Hamilton St Our Official Sponsors

EVERYONE SHOULD BELIEVE IN SOMETHING; WE BELIEVE IN

BEER!

Best Yaletown Restaurant Best Brunch

Thanks for voting for us!

THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN US!

654 NELSON STREET | DOOLINS.CA | Westender.com

DOOLINS

With over 50 wines by the glass including 17 wines on tap, we are thrilled to be your choice for weekend brunch on the waterfront!

1177 Marinaside Cr. 604.681.4144 www.provenceyaletown.ca November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 23

EAT // DRINK

WESTENDER.COM

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING T-2. Famoso Neopolitan Pizzeria 1380 Commercial 604-251-2292 Famoso.ca T-3. Nat’s New York Pizzeria 2684 West Broadway 604-737-0707 NatsPizza.com T-3. Rocky Mountain Flatbread 4186 Main 604-566-9779 RockyMountainBread.ca

BEST SUSHI 1. Tojo’s 1133 West Broadway 604-872-8050 Tojos.com 2. Shi Zen Ya 985 Hornby 604-568-0013 ShiZenYa.ca The Fish Counter on Main Street may have won Best Fish n’ Chips in Vancouver, but the rest of the selection looks pretty top-shelf as well. Anya Levykh photo T-2. Provence Various locations ProvenceVancouver.com T-2. Milestones Various locations MilestonesRestaurants.com T-3. Good Wolf Kitchen & Bar 1043 Mainland 604-428-1043 GoodWolfe.ca T-3. Slickity Jim’s 3475 Main 604-873-6760 SlickityJims.com

BEST BBQ 1. Memphis Blues Various locations MemphisBluesBBQ.com 2. Peckinpah 2 Water 604-681-5411 PeckinpahBBQ.com T-3. Hog Shack 160-3900 Bayview Richmond, BC 604-272-7264 HogShack.ca T-3. Re-Up BBQ 810 Quayside Drive New Westminster 604-553-3997 ReUpBBQ.com

BEST BURGERS T-1. Vera’s Burger Shack Various locations VerasBurgerShack.com T-1. Romer’s Burger Bar Various locations RomersBurgerBar.com T-2. Fatburger Various locations Fatburger.com T-2. White Spot Various locations WhiteSpot.ca 3. Splitz Grill 4242 Main 604-875-9711 SplitzGrill.com

BEST FISH N’ CHIPS 1. Fish Counter 3825 Main 604-876-3474 TheFishCounter.com 2. Go Fish 1505 West 1st 604-730-5040 T-3. Fish Shack 1026 Granville 604-678-1049 GlowbalGroup.ca/Fish-Shack

2. Noodlebox Various locations Noodlebox.net

3. Octopus Garden 1995 Cornwall 604-734-8971 OctopusGardenSada.com

BEST TACOS

T-3. Hons Wun-Tun House 1339 Robson 604-685-0871 Hons.ca

1. La Taqueria 2549 Cambie 604-558-2549 LaTaqueria.ca

T-3. Peaceful Restaurant 532 West Broadway 604-879-9878 PeacefulRestaurant.com

2. Tacofino 2327 East Hastings 604-253-8226 Tacofino.com

BEST PHO

3. Los Cuervos 603 Kingsway 604-558-1518 LosCuervos.ca

T-3. The Windjammer 937 Commercial 604-876-6446 WindjammerRestaurant.ca

1. Thai Son 2800 East 1st 604-255-6436 ThaiSon.ca

BEST CHICKEN WINGS

2. Pho Thai Hoa 1625 Kingsway 604-568-8884 PhoThaiHoa.com

1. Espana 1118 Denman 604-558-4040 EspanaRestaurant.ca

3. Pho Central 1161 Davie 604-669-8638 PhoCentral.ca

2. Hapa Izakaya Various locations HapaIzakaya.com

1. Wings 1162 Granville 604-682-3473 GreatWings.ca 2. Phnom Penh 244 East Georgia 604-682-5777 3. Earls Various locations Earls.ca

BEST STEAKS 1. The Keg Various locations KegSteakHouse.com 2. Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar 637 Hornby 604-683-7671 HysSteakhouse.com T-3. Black & Blue 1032 Alberni 604-637-0777 GlowbalGroup.com/BlackBlue T-3. Gotham 615 Seymour 604-605-8282 GothamSteakhouse.com

BEST NOODLES 1. Legendary Noodle House 1074 Denman 604-669-8551 LegendaryNoodle.ca

24 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

BEST RAMEN T-1. Kintaro Ramen 788 Denman 604-682-7568 RamenRamenRamen.net T-1. Jinya Ramen Bar 270 Robson 604-568-9711 Jinya-RamenBar.com 2. Santouka Ramen 1690 Robson 604-681-8121 Santouka.co.jp/en/ 3. Motomachi Shokudo 740 Denman 604-609-0310

BEST PIZZA 1. Via Tevere 1190 Victoria 604-336-1803 ViaTeverePizzeria.com T-2. The Bibo 1835 West 4th 604-568-6177 TheBibo.com

BEST TAPAS

3. 1010 Tapas 1010 Beach 604-689-7800 TenTenYapas.com

BEST SEAFOOD 1. Bluewater Café & raw Bar 1095 Hamilton 604-688-8078 BlueWaterCafe.net 2. Coast 1054 Alberni 604-685-5010 GlowbalGroup.com/Coast 3. C Restaurant Now closed

BEST VEGAN 1. The Naam 2724 West 4th 604-738-7151 TheNaam.com 2. The Acorn Restaurant & Bar 3995 Main 604-566-9001 TheAcornRestaurant.ca

3. Graze Food & Drink 3980 Fraser 604-620-8822 GrazeRestaurant.ca

BEST VEGETARIAN 1. The Naam 2724 West 4th 604-738-7151 TheNaam.com

T-3. Caffé Artigiano Various locations CaffeArtigiano.com T-3. Matchstick Coffee Roasters 213 East Georgia MatchstickCoffee.com 604-336-0213

BEST GLUTEN-FREE

2. The Acorn Restaurant & Bar 3995 Main 604-566-9001 TheAcornRestaurant.ca

1.Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery 3385 Cambie 604-873-9993 LemonadeBakery.ca

3. Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant 1509 West 12th 604-733-2231 HeirloomRestaurant.ca

2. Panne Rizo Gluten Free Bakery 1939 Cornwall 604-736-0885 PanneRizo.com

BEST DESSERT

T-3. Gluten Free Epicurean 633 East 15th 604-876-4114 GlutenFreeEpicurean.ca

1. Sweet Revenge 4160 Main 604-879-7933 Sweet-Revenge.com T-2. Panne Rizo Gluten Free Bakery 1939 Cornwall 604-736-0885 PanneRizo.com

T-3. The Wallflower 2420 Main 604-568-7554 TheWallflowerModernDiner. com

ICE CREAM/GELATO

T-2. Thierry 1059 Alberni 604-608-6870 ThierryChocolates.com

1. Bella Gelateria 101 West Cordova 604-569-1010 BellaGelateria.com

3. True Confections 3701 West Broadway 604-222-8489 TrueConfections.ca

2. Mario’s Gelati 88 East 1st 604-879-9411 MariosGelati.com

BEST DONUTS

T-3. La Casa Gelato 1033 Venables 604-251-3211 LaCasaGelato.com

1. Cartem’s Donuterie 534 West Pender 604-708-0996 Cartems.com 2. Lucky’s Doughnuts 2902 Main 604-872-4901 LuckysDoughnuts.com 3. Lee’s Donuts of Granville Island 1689 Johnston 604-685-4021 GranvilleIsland.com

BEST CHOCOLATIER 1. Thomas Haas 2539 West Broadway 604-736-1848 ThomasHaas.com T-2. Thierry 1059 Alberni 604-608-6870 ThierryChocolates.com T-2. Purdy’s 700 West Georgia 604-683-3467 Purdys.com 3. Chocolate Arts 1620 West 3rd 604-739-0475 ChocolateArts.com

BEST COFFEE 1. Starbucks Various locations Starbucks.ca 2. JJ Bean Various locations JJBeanCoffee.com

T-3. Earnest Ice Cream 3992 Fraser 604-428-0697 EarnestIceCream.com

MILKSHAKE/SMOOTHIE 1. White Spot Various locations WhiteSpot.ca 2. Body Energy Club 746 Davie 604-697-0466 BodyEnergy.com 3. Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionary 4090 Hastings Burnaby, BC 604-500-4548 GlenburnSoda.com

BEST TEA 1. David’s Tea Various locations DavidsTea.com 2. The Urban Tea Merchant 1070 West Georgia 604-692-0071 UrbanTea.com 3. Artisan Tea 3578 Fraser 604-563-8999 ArtisanTeaBar.com

Continued on page 28

Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

@WESTENDERVAN

DINING OUT

Won’t you take me to CandyTown?

STAFF WRITER westender.com

Vancouver’s sweetest winter festival returns this weekend as Yaletown is be transformed into CandyTown for the third year in a row. Billing itself as Downtown Vancouver’s only free outdoor Christmas celebration, CandyTown features a seasonal candy theme to deliver a fun, memorable day for kids of all ages-from families with young children to groups of adults who want to get in on the holiday spirit.

The event, which is hosted and produced by the Yaletown Business Improvement Association, drew close to 15,000 revelers last year, and organizer are expecting a healthy turnout again this year.

“We’re happy to see downtown Vancouver’s only free Christmas festival return in its third year with even more winter-themed fun for all ages,” says Annette O’Shea, executive director of the Yaletown BIA, which is organizing the event. “It’s a great

place to have some fun, and support the many charities that need help at Christmas.

Where else can you enjoy a CandyTown cocktail and a free horse-drawn carriage ride?”

Little ones will delight in visiting Santa and the Ice Queen at the North Pole (from noon to 7pm at Bill Curtis Square), taking a horse-drawn carriage ride along Pacific, Hamilton, and Davie streets. There will also be crafts, face painting, and balloon twisting at the Starlight Children’s Foundation tent. You can pose for a photo op with Santa and other seasonal characters, craft unique candy necklaces and jewelry, and enjoy holiday music courtesy of roaming musicians, street buskers and music tents.

Ice sculptures will be created live at Bill Curtis Square, and the Grey Cup Festival will also pay a visit to hand out candy, mini footballs, and other treats.

And because it just wouldn’t be a Christmas celebration without festive trees, guests can pick out a

tree to take home from the Yaletown Rotary Club lot.

A popular attraction last year, the All I Want for Christmas Gift Market, will again be brimming with tempting treats and gorgeous gifts. Food vendors include Damien’s Belgian Waffles, Half Baked Cookie Co., Mancakes Bakery, Maples’ Sugar Shack, and many more. The market is the perfect place to get a head start on holiday shopping, thanks to Vancouver Candle Company, Standout Boutique, Elana Lauren Designs jewelry, and 3H Craftworks.

Lindt will also have a piñata to launch their seasonal Lindor chocolate line.

CandyTown attendees are also invited to donate to the BC Children’s Hospital and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

The event takes place this Saturday, Nov. 22 from noon to 7pm on Mainland Street in Yaletown. This outdoor Christmas festival is free, and open to the public. Visit the YBIA website for a full schedule of activities at YaletownInfo.com. W

CandyTown returns to Yaletown this Saturday from noon to 7pm. Submitted photo

VANCOUVER / NORTH SHORE / BURNABY / RICH RICHMOND / DELTA / SURREY / WHITE ROCK / NEW WEST MINSTER / COQUITLAM / MAPLE RIDGE / LANGLEY / VANCOUVER NORTH SHORE / BURNABY / RICHMOND DELTA / SURREY / WHITE ROCK / NEW WESTMIN STER / COQUITLAM / MAPLE RIDGE / LANGLEY / VAN COUVER / NORTH SHORE / BURNABY / RICHMOND / DELTA / SURREY / WHITE ROCK / NEW WESTMINSTER COQUITLAM / MAPLE RIDGE / LANGLEY / VANCOU VER NORTH SHORE / BURNABY / RICHMOND / DELTA SURREY / WHITE ROCK / NEW WESTMINSTER / CO QUITLAM / MAPLE RIDGE / LANGLEY

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Westender.com

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 25

ARTS // CULTURE

WESTENDER.COM

WHAT’S ON Th/20

Fr/21

Sa/22

Su/23

Mo/24

MUSIC

MUSIC

MUSIC

MUSIC

MUSIC

PEAK PERFORMANCE PROJECT 2014 FINALE The Peak presents The Tourist Company, Derrival, and Good for Grapes as they crown the winner of this year’s project. 8pm at Commodore Ballroom. Tickets $15 at Ticketmaster.ca.

FIVE ALARM FUNK Eleven-piece rhythm machine play dance music with a jazz finesse. 9pm at The Imperial. Tickets $20 at TicketWeb.ca.

BARNEY BENTALL & THE GRAND CARIBOO OPRY Bentall hosts this annual fundraiser for the Potluck Café Society; a one of a kind classic variety show with a heartfelt set of roots, folk and country. 6:30pm at Vogue Theatre. Tickets at Tickets.NorthernTickets.com.

NEW RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE Legendary rockers bring their special brand of music, sweet country harmonies, and pulsing rock rhythms. 8pm at Vancouver FanClub. Tickets $25 at TicketZone.com

ALEX CLARE British singer-songwriter appears in support of his sophomore album Three Hearts with special guest Taylor Berrett.

9pm at Venue (moved from The Commodore). Tickets $25 at Red Cat or Ticketmaster.ca.

TRENTEMØLLER Copenhagen musician performs his heartwrenching melodic moments and exceptional production, fused with his trademark indie-electronic sound. 8pm at Venue. Tickets $25 at Red Cat, Beatstreet, Zulu and TicketMob.com

BASTILLE British indie-pop quartet led by singer-songwriter Dan Smith appear in support of VS. (Other People’s Heartache, Pt. III).

7:30pm at PNE Forum. Tickets $45 at LiveNation.com.

BLOCKHEAD Hip-hop DJ and producer from New York City appears with guests Elaquent and Muneshine. 9pm at Fortune Sound Club. Tickets $20 at red Cat, Zulu, Beatstreet or at BPLive.ca.

COMEDY ARI SHAFFIR The host of Comedy Central’s new digital storytelling show This Is Not Happening and podcast The Skeptic Tank.

8pm at The Comedy Mix. Tickets at TheComedyMix.com.

THEATRE/DANCE LATE COMPANY One year after a tragedy, two couples sit down to dinner. Far from offering closure, the dinner reveals layers of parental, sexual, and political hypocrisy.

8pm at Vancouver East Cultural Centre. Tickets at Tickets.TheCultch.com. Runs until Nov. 30.

FACTS Arthur Milner’s gripping play revolving around a joint Israeli/Palestinian police investigation over a killing in the West Bank. 8pm at Jericho Arts Centre. Tickets at FS7.Formsite. com or 604-244-8007 ext. 2. Runs until Nov. 30.

ART EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL The 18th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl is East Van’s four-day visual arts, design, and crafts festival involving thousands of people visiting various artist studios in the area bounded by Main and Victoria north of East 1st. Runs until Nov. 23.

EVENTS FESTIVAL MOSAIC An interactive evening of sight, sound, and taste to celebrate cultural diversity. The fifth annual fundraising event for MOSAIC allows guests to enjoy global cuisine and performances. 7-10:30pm at Roundhouse Community Centre.

Tickets at MosaicBC.com

ENCHOR Fifty-five-voice choir presents Call the World to Sing a work by Vancouver composer Rupert Lang along with classical choral, folk, and vocal humour.

7:30pm at Ryerson United Church.

Admission by donation.

KENNY ‘BLUES BOSS’ WAYNE Veteran boogie master steps out with this showcase for his boogieblues piano skills, honed in New Orleans and San Fran. 7pm at Vancouver FanClub. Tickets $12 at TicketZone.com.

NO SINNER Vancouver female blues rock four-piece playing in support of their upcoming EP with guests La Chinga and Spoon River.

8pm at Rickshaw Theatre. Tickets $15 at Red Cat, Highlife, LiveNation.com or Ticketmaster.ca.

COMEDY ARI SHAFFIR The host of Comedy Central’s new digital storytelling show This Is Not Happening and podcast The Skeptic Tank. 8pm at The Comedy Mix. Tickets at TheComedyMix.com.

ART EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL The 18th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl is East Van’s four-day visual arts, design, and crafts festival involving thousands of people visiting various artist studios.

Runs until Nov. 23.

EVENTS HOPSCOTCH FESTIVAL The annual celebration of scotch, whisky, spirits and premium and craft beer showcasing more than 120 vendors with over 380 products to sip, taste, and sample. 6-10:30pm at PNE Forum. Tickets at TicketLeader.ca. Runs until Nov. 23.

IL MERCATO ITALIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET The Italian Cultural Centre presents the last Italian Night Market of 2014 – the Christmas Market. A unique indoor market featuring Italian food, artisans, organic produce, crafts, and Santa Claus. 3-7pm. Free.

FOND OF TIGERS Juno awardwinning seven-piece post-rock instrumental band from Vancouver 8pm at Biltmore Cabaret. Tickets $12 at Red Cat, Zulu, Highlife or TicketWeb.ca.

MUDHONEY Legendary Seattle grunge masters take the stage 8pm at Rickshaw Theatre. Tickets $20 at Zulu, Red Cat, Neptoon, Highlife or RickshawTheatre.com.

OBN IIIS Wild and unpredictable live, Austin garage rockers appear in support of latest release Third Time to Harm with special guests Pampers. 8pm at Electric Owl. Tickets $10 at red Cat, Neptoon, Zulu and TicketWeb.ca.

COMEDY ARI SHAFFIR The host of Comedy Central’s new digital storytelling show This Is Not Happening and podcast The Skeptic Tank. 8pm at The Comedy Mix. Tickets at TheComedyMix.com.

LEE CAMP Writer, actor, activist, stand-up comedian and host of the weekly comedy news show Redacted Tonight with Lee Camp.

7 & 9:30pm at Yuk Yuk’s. Tickets at YukYuks.com

THEATRE/DANCE AVENUE Q Part felt, part flesh, watch what happens when a recent college graduate arrives in the Big Apple looking for love, work and a purpose in life. 2 & 8pm at Granville Island Stage.

Tickets at ArtsClub.com. Runs until Jan. 3.

LONG FORM BURLESQUE Celebrating its third anniversary, six of Vancouver’s most celebrated Burlesque performers return to the Rio Stage to perform a full 10-minute act each. 8pm at Rio Theatre. Tickets $15 at RioTheatreTickets.com or $20 at the door.

Avenue Q, Nov. 22

EVENTS ART FOR LIFE GALA & AUCTION The 21st annual benefit for the Vancouver Friends For Life Society, a not-for-profit organization that enhances the wellness of individuals living with serious illnesses, by providing complementary and alternative health and support services. 8-11pm at Roundhouse Community Centre.

Tickets at EventBrite.ca.

JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL A jam-packed week of innovative literary events inclusive to readers from all cultures and religions.

Meet-the-author opportunities, readings and panel discussions, a foodie event, writing and selfpublishing workshops, and film screenings. Runs until Nov. 27 at the Jewish Community Centre of Vancouver.

MOUSTACHE MILER 5K FUN RUN Bring your best dressed moustache and join your Mo’ Bros and Mo’ Sistas for this fun 5km through Stanley Park raising awareness and donations for Movember. 10:30am at Brockton Pavilion. For more info visit MoustacheMiler.ca.

RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Get a jump on Christmas at this craft market with authentic Russian food and live Russian entertainment. 11am-5pm at the Russian Community Centre.

Admission is $2.

CANDYTOWN AT YALETOWN Downtown’s only free winter festival transforms Mainland Street into a winter wonderland where lights and candy canes adorn lamp poles and costumes characters parade through the street. 12pm-7pm. Free.

“If you go to one musical...make it Avenue Q ”

HAR MAR SUPERSTAR Singersongwriter (aka Sean Tillman) tours in support of Bye Bye 17 with guests The Pizza Underground. 8pm at Rickshaw Theatre.

Tickets $17.50 at Red Cat, Highlife, Zulu and Neptoon Records.

COMEDY THE SUNDAY SERVICE Come laugh with the funniest kids in town, award-winning troupe of comedians perform a two hour side splitting performance that is equally quick-witted, absurd and hilarious. 9pm at Fox Cabaret.

Tickets $10 at the door.

THEATRE/DANCE SAINT JOAN George Bernard Shaw’s classic play explores the legend of Joan of Arc and her remarkable rise and fall. 2pm at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.

Tickets at ArtsClub.com. Closing performance.

LOON The Wonderheads return in their signature full-face-mask style with a love story that steps into the terribly lonely life of one man and asks can he truly love the moon?

8pm at Vancouver East Cultural Centre. Tickets at Tickets.TheCultch.com. Closing performance.

HE IS LEGEND American rockers from North Carolina appear in support of their latest release Heavy Fruit with guests Maylene and the Sons of Disaster and Wounds. 8pm at Biltmore Cabaret. Tickets $18 at Tickets.

NorthernTickets.com.

COMEDY THE LAUGH GALLERY WITH GRAHAM CLARK Legendary weekly stand up show of East Vancouver’s biggest and brightest comics. 9pm at Havana Theatre. Tickets $5 at Eventbrite.ca.

THEATRE/DANCE MOUTH Studio 58 presents the Risky Nights production in the In-Yer-Face style where if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Meant to shock and unsettle, this is not a show for the faint of heart.

8:15pm at SU032 Langara College.

Admission by donation.

EVENTS VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET Kick off the holiday season with Vancouver’s annual festive market with delicious treats, kids activities and live music. 11am-9pm at Queen Elizabeth Plaza. Runs until Dec. 24.

EVENTS VANCOUVER ALTERNATIVE FASHION WEEK This three-day event boasts 50 jury selected artists, musicians, performers and designers, in a celebration and promotion of unbridled creativity.

VALT encompasses wearable art, music, drawing, painting, mixedmedia works, sculpture, film and photography. Maritime Labour Centre. Tickets at Valt.ca

—Kelsey Klassen, WE Vancouver

Bastille, Nov. 24

EVERY FROM SHOW $29! all-inclusive

NOW PLAYING!

ARTSCLUB.COM 604.687.1644 photos by emily cooper

playing at

26 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

GROUPS SAVE MORE! MUSIC AND LYRICS BY ROBERT LOPEZ AND JEFF MARX. BOOK BY JEFF WHITTY

Westender.com

ARTS // CULTURE

WHAT’S ON

Benefiting

Presented by

Tu/25

We/26

Th/27

MUSIC

MUSIC

MUSIC

SHINDIG NIGHT #6 CiTR’s weekly battle of the bands featuring Alea Rae, POLES, Scotty P and The Virgins. 9pm at The Hindenburg. $6 at the door only.

CELESTIAL SHORE Brooklyn indie rockers appear with special guests Cult Babies and Spring.

8pm at Biltmore Cabaret. Tickets $8 at TicketWeb.ca.

MOON BOOTS Chicago DJ-producer (aka Pete Dougherty) displays his R&B- and disco-tinged house beats with Henry Krinkle and guests. 9pm at Electric Owl. Tickets $15 at TicketWeb.ca

LILY FROST Toronto bilingual singer-songwriter on a mini tour to support her new EP Motherless Child. 8pm at The Emerald. Tickets $10 at TheEmeraldReservations@gmail.com or 604-559-8477.

COLD SPECKS London-based singer-songwriter tours in support of Neuroplasticity. 8pm at The Imperial. Tickets $17.50 at Tickets.NorthernTickets.com SMALLPOOLS LA-based fourpiece indie-pop band take the stage with special guest Magic Man. 9pm at Venue. Tickets $16.50 at Red Cat or LiveNation. com.

THEATRE/DANCE THE DECADENT ECCENTRIC Luciterra and Chris Murdoch join forces for the four-year anniversary of their monthly dynamic full-length fusion belly and circus dance show.

9-10:30pm at Guilt & Co. Tickets $10 at the door.

LATE COMPANY One year after a tragedy, two couples sit down to dinner. Far from the closure they seek, the dinner strips bare their good intentions to reveal layers of parental, sexual, and political hypocrisy.

8pm at Vancouver East Cultural Centre. Tickets at Tickets.TheCultch.com. Runs until Nov. 30.

ART PIGA PICHA! Originally conceived and presented in Nairobi in 2009, this North American premiere of the exhibition features a photographic portrayal of societal transformation in Kenya from the 1910’s to the present. Opening night at the Museum of Anthropology. Runs until April 4.

IF WE ARE MACHINES Indie, classic psych-rock band bring their multi-layered, progressive sound to the stage with Things Change and Bryan & The Toques.

8pm at Biltmore Cabaret. Tickets $7 at the door only.

Celestial Shore, Nov. 26 VOICES IN COLOUR Top Line Vocal Collective, a 40-member community-based vocal ensemble performs pop, R&B, gospel and reggae songs in a choral and multimedia experience. 7pm at Goldcorp Centre for the Arts. Tickets at Topline@StudioCloud30. com or at 604-696-1830.

JOHN NOLAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE Live weekly jazz show with the best dance floor in town for swing, latin and jazz. 7-10pm at Fairview Pub. Tickets $3 at the door.

COMEDY

THE CRITICAL HIT SHOW A live Dungeons & Dragons experience as some of Vancouver’s best improvise in this role-playing comedy adventure quest for glory. 8pm at The Rio Theatre. Tickets $6 at RioTheatreTickets.ca or $9 at the door.

MARK FORWARD Canadian Comedy award winner and Mr. D funnyman from Oakville, Ontario, shortlisted for the Phil Hartman Award. 8:30pm at Comedy Mix. Tickets at TheComedyMix.com.

EVENTS LIVE AT THE COMMODORE BOOK LAUNCH Grant Lawrence hosts this book launch party for author Aaron Chapman’s history of the famous club. Performances by The Jazzmanian Devils, and other special guests. Tickets at LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.ca.

CAMP FANCY A fundraiser to benefit Fircom, an island sanctuary on Gambier. Evening includes live entertainment, live and silent auction and a canoe bar. 7-10:30pm at Heritage Hall. Tickets at Eventbrite.ca.

NEXT WEEK Westender.com

SATUR DAY 22 NOVEMBER 8 –11 P M ROUNDHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Tickets: artforlife.net

Friend in Deed Award Dinner Presenting Sponsor

Official Print Sponsors

Renaissance Sponsors

THEATRE/DANCE

EVENTS PECHA KUCHA Originating in Tokyo, this event for young designers, musicians, and artists to share their work is an evening of inspiration, images and community. 6:30pm at Vogue Theatre.

Tickets at VogueTheatre.com.

BCAR

CASH

*

NOVEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 16

WIN $1,000 CASH AT 8PM AND 9PM EVERY TUESDAY! GRAND PRIZE CAR DRAW DECEMBER 16 | 9PM DOUBLE BALLOT

IN ASSOCIATION WITH:

MONDAYS!

*Car awarded may not be exactly as shown. **Double ballots earned on Monday will be available the next day.

Management reserves the right to cancel, amend or change promotions at any time without notice.

HOLIDAY

GUIDE

L I F E

A TWISTED CHRISTMAS CAROL Using Dickens’ holiday classic and some audience suggestions, a group of talented, nutty and inspired actors will improvise to create a new comedy every night. 8pm at the Revue Stage on Granville Island. Tickets at ArtsClub.com. Runs until Dec. 27.

our

TO

F O R

ART YOU CAN FEEL

DON’T MISS

A Z

A R T

PETER KREJCAR Award-winning Alberta pianist presents a recital of classical and modern music with a program including works of Chopin, Liszt, and McIntyre.

Admission by donation.

THEATRE/DANCE

CHRISTMAS QUEEN The Vancouver TheatreSports League presents an improvised story about a villain who is out to ruin Christmas for the townsfolk. 7:30pm at The Improv Centre. Tickets at Tickets.vtsl.com.

Runs until Dec. 21.

21ST ANNUAL GAL A & ART AUCTION

Wanna Yuk?

Amateur Night Wed at 8:00 Top Talent showcase Thur at 8:00 and

Headliner Shows Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 and 9:30 Vancouver’s best stand up comedy, every Wed. thru Sat. Check us out at:

yukyuks.com 2837 Cambie (at 12th) 604-696-9857

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27 FROM 4PM TO 7PM 750 Pacific Boulevard S., Vancouver Across from BC Place | edgewatercasino.ca

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER WONDERFUL YEAR!

Edgewater Casino, Vancouver @CasinoEdgewater

17th Annual

GOLD WINNER Readers’ Choice

2014

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 27

EAT // DRINK

We are your Seafood Experts at the Granville Island Public Market.

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

Longliner Seafoods Ltd. 604.681.9016

seafoodcitygi.com 604.688.1818

Fifth-generation charcuterie craftsman John van der Lieck and his Oyama Sausage Company take down top food stall at Granville Island Market.

Supplied photo

Thank you for voting for us

Best shops

Gold for best place to take visitors

Gold for best view Silver for best private dining room

BEST GROCERY STORE

FARMER’S MARKET

BEST DELI

1. Whole Foods Various locations WholeFoodsMarket.com

1. East Van EatLocal.org

1. Harvest Deli 2963 West Broadway 604-739-3354

2. Choices Various locations ChoicesMarket.com Silver for best place to take visitors

Join us for our 3-course dinner menu Gold for best restaurant on Granville Island/False Creek

Available Monday-Thursday $35 per person at the Teahouse!

vancouverdine.com NUBATOWN NUBAT A OWN AT

THANKS FOR VOTING FOR US VANCOUVER!

WWW.NUBA.CA

3. Urban Fare Various locations UrbanFare.com

BEST PRODUCE 1. Kin’s Farm Market Various locations KinsFarmMarket.com 2. Donald’s Market 2342 East Hastings 604-254-3014 DonaldsMarket.com 3. Santa Barbara 1322 Commercial 604-253-1941

HEALTH FOOD STORE 1. Whole Foods Various locations WholeFoodsMarket.com 2. Choices Various locations ChoicesMarket.com 3. Famous Foods 1595 Kingsway 604-872-3019 FamousFoods.ca

BEST LIQUOR STORE

Best Middle Eastern Cuisine EasternCuisine in Vancouver.

YALETOWN 1206 SEYMOUR MT. PLEASANT 146 E.3RD GASTOWN 207-B W.HASTINGS KITSILANO 3116 W.BROADWAY W

28 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

2. Kitsilano EatLocal.org 3. West End EatLocal.org

BEST FOOD STALL AT GRANVILLE ISLAND PUBLIC MARKET

3. Dunn’s Famous 827 Seymour 604-682-8938 DunnsFamousBC.com

1. Oyama Sausage

BEST FISH MARKET

2. Stock Market

1. The Daily Catch 1418 Commecial 604-253-3474 DailyCatch.org

T-3. Duso’s Italian Foods T-3. Terra Breads

BEST BUTCHER 1. Big Lou’s Butcher Shop 269 Powell 604-566-9229 BigLousButcherShop.com 2. Windsor Meat Co. 4110 Main 604-872-5635 WindsorMeats.com T-3. Rio Friendly Meats 2477 East Hastings 604-253-0345 T-3. Harkness & Co. Butchers 666 East Broadway 604-558-3807 VancouverButcher.com

BEST CHEESE SHOP

1. Legacy Liquor Store 1633 Manitoba 604-331-7900 LegacyLiquorStore.com

1. Les Amis du Fromage 843 East Hastings 604-253-4218 BuyCheese.com

2. Liberty Wine Merchants 1622 Commercial 604-633-1922 LibertyWineMerchants.com

2. Benton Brothers Fine Cheese 2104 West 41st 604-261-5813 BentonsCheese.com

3. Brewery Creek 3045 Main 604-872-3373 BreweryCreekLiquorStore.com

2. Kaplan’s Deli & Catering 5775 Oak 604-263-2625

3. La Grotta del Formaggio 1791 Commercial 604-255-3911 lgdf.ca

2. Granville Island Market 1661 Duranleau, Granville Island T-3. The Fish Counter 3825 Main 604-876-3474 TheFishCounter.com T-3. The Lobster Man 1807 Mast Tower Rd. 604-687-4531 LobsterMan.ca

BEST KITCHEN/ COOKING STORE 1. Ming Wo 23 East Pender 604-683-7268 MingWo.com 2. Gourmet Warehouse 1340 East Hastings 604-253-3022 GourmetWarehouse.ca 3. Cookworks 1548 West Broadway 604-731-1148 Cookworks.ca

Continued on page 30 Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

@WESTENDERVAN

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

thank you FOR VOTING COBS BREAD - BRINDER BAINS Franchisee and West End Resident

The fricassée champignon is a crowd favourite at Medina at 780 Richards. Rob Newell photo

Medina: Some lines are worth the wait Despite some North American writers declaring brunch to be dead (apparently, it’s a classist expression of opulence by narcissistic urban swanksters…yeah, mull over that for a while), Vancouver’s brunch scene is definitely on the rise.

This is thanks in large part to places like Medina, winner of this year’s Best of the City award for Best Brunch. No surprise here, as the consistent line-ups at the larger and brighter new space tell their own story.

Well, that and the happy vibe consisting of enthusiastic eating and animated chatter that seems to be the soundtrack. Maybe it’s due to the fact that the joint is named after the owner’s wife. It sounds like a great love song, ‘cause everything here is singing.

Owner Robbie Kane (along with chef Jonathan Chovancek) has recreated brunch as something far more interesting than your standard benny or baconand-eggs combo. With Middle Eastern influences, and the use of local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients,

BEST BRUNCH these are dishes worthy of a pasha. From something as simple and satisfying as the peameal bacon and egg sandwich with caramelized lemon aioli to the decadent braised short rib fricassée (or the sherry-roasted mushroom version), this is a menu that will satiate both soul and stomach.

The Belgian liège waffles are still things of beauty, especially paired with the chocolate-lavender sauce.

Not to miss: The mascarpone with black pepper honey. This is an inspired pairing, especially when matched with wood stone blistered flatbread.

Come once, come often.

It’s worth the wait.

–Anya Levykh

VISIT YOUR LOCAL BAKERY AT

COBS DAVIE STREET 1160 Davie Street

DavieSt_PressAd_WestEnder.indd 1

Westender.com

14-11-13 3:44 PM

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 29

EAT // DRINK

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING

Best Restaurant East Side

International cuisine

Best French Restaurant

BEST AFRICAN

Thank you BEST SINGAPOREAN/ MALAYSIAN

Westender readers for your support and your votes.

20

%

dinner OFF menu

Valid Sunday-Thursday. Expires December 4, 2014.

1. Simba’s Grill Ltd. 825 Denman 604-974-0649 Simba.com 2. Harambe 2149 Commercial 604-216-1060 Harambes.com 3. Axum 1279 East Hastings 604-253-2986 AxumRestaurant.ca

BEST CARIBBEAN 1. The Reef 4172 Main 604-874-5375 TheReefRestaurant.com 2. Calabash Bistro 428 Carrall 604-568-5882 CalabashbBstro.com 3. Riddim and Spice 1945 Commercial 604-215-9252 RiddimNSpice.com

BEST CHINESE 1. Sun Sui Wah 3888 Main 604-872-8822 T-2. Kirin Various locations KirinRestaurants.com T-2. Bao Bei 163 Keefer 604-688-0876 Bao-Bei.ca 3. Hons Wun-Tun House 1339 Robson 604-685-0871 Hons.ca

BEST FRENCH 1. Le Crocodile 100-909 Burrard 604-669-4298 LeCrocodileRestaurant.com 2. Les Faux Bourgeois 663 East 15th 604-873-9733 LesFauxBourgeois.com 3. L’Abbatoir 217 Carrall 604-568-1701 Labattoir.ca

BEST GREEK SURA Korean Cuisine

SURA Korean BBQ

(604) 687-7872 1518 Robson Street Downtown Vancouver www.SuraKoreanCuisine.com

(604) 370-5540 4151 Hazelbridge Way Aberdeen Centre, Richmond www.Sura-KoreanBBQ.com

30 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

2014

1. Stepho’s 1124 Davie 604-683-2555 T-2. Olympia 998 Denman 604-688-8333 OlympiaPizza.com

T-2. Taki’s Taverna 1106 Davie 604-682-1336 TakisTaverna.com

T-2. Royal Seoul House 1215 West Broadway 604-739-9001 RoyalSeoulHouse.com

T-3. Kerkis Taverna 3605 West 4th 604-731-2712 KerkisTaverna.ca

T-3. Cho Sun BBQ Korean Restaurant 3486 Kingsway 604-434-1222 ChoSunKoreanBBQVancouver. com

T-3. Simpatico 2222 West 4th 604-733-6824 SimpaticoRestaurant.ca

BEST INDIAN 1. Vij’s 1480 West 11th 604-736-6664 VijsRestaurant.ca 2. Akbar 1905 West Broadway 604-736-8180 Akbarsown.com T-3. Sula Indian Restaurant 1128 Commercial 604-215-1130 SulaIndianRestaurant.com T-3. House of Dosas 1391 Kingsway 604-875-1283

BEST ITALIAN T-1. Ask For Luigi 305 Alexander 604-428-2544 AskForLuigi.com T-1. Italian Kitchen 1037 Alberni 604-687-2858 GlowbalGroup.com/ ItalianKitchen 2. Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca 1133 Hamilton 604-688-7466 Cioppinos.wordpress.com 3. Lupo 869 Hamilton 604-569-2535 LupoRestaurant.ca

BEST JAPANESE 1. Tojo’s Restaurant 1133 West Broadway 604-872-8050 Tojos.com T-2. Hapa Izakaya Various locations HapaIzakaya.com T-2. Miku Waterfront Canada Place 604-568-3900 MikuRestaurant.com 3. Kingyo Izakaya 871 Denman 604-608-1677 Kingyo-Izakaya.ca

T-3. Kyo Korean BBQ & Sushi House 2993 Granville 604-739-8868 KyoBBQ.com

BEST MEXICAN 1. Las Margaritas 1999 West 4th Ave 604-734-7117 LasMargaritas.com 2. La Taqueria 2549 Cambie 604-558-2549 LaTaqueria.ca 3. La Mezcaleria 1622 Commercial 604-559-8226 LaMezcaleria.ca

MIDDLE EASTERN 1. Nuba Various locations Nuba.ca 2. Afghan Horseman 1833 Anderson 604-873-5923 AfghanHorseman.com 3. East Is East 4433 Main 604-565-4401 EastIsEast.ca

BEST SPANISH 1. Espana 1118 Denman 604-558-4040 EspanaRestaurant.ca T-2. The Sardine Can 26 Powell 604-568-1350 TheSardineCan.ca T-2. Baru Latino 2535 Alma 604-222-9171 BaruLatino.com 3. Pepita’s 2015 Burrard 604-732-8884 PepitasOnBurrard.com

SINGAPOREAN/MALAY 1. Banana Leaf Various locations BananaLeaf-Vancouver.com

BEST KOREAN

2. Tropika 2975 Cambie 604-879-6002

1. Sura Korean Royal Cuisine Restaurant 1518 Robson 604-687-7872 SukaKoreanCuisine.com

3. Kaya Malay Bistro 1063 West Broadway 604-730-9963 KayaMalay.com

T-2. Ma Dang Goul 847 Denman 604-688-3585

Continued on page 32 Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

BEST OF THE CITY

Yolk’s owner/chef Steve Ewing and manager Mim Arfa.

Rob Newell photo

Yolk’s brings brekkie to the people Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.

You, the reader, have made this very clear by voting Yolk’s as Best Food Truck and Best Breakfast in our Best of the City awards. It could be because of the… well, you know…yolks. These free-range monsters have the bright orange centres associated with sunflowers and happy chickens. And they taste like eggs should – poached, runny, creamy, and gooey. In fact, they do go gooey (but not too much) over your double-smoked bacon benny.

Owner/chef Steve Ewing is a strong proponent of breakfast – it’s his favourite meal of the day – so it makes sense he puts so much effort into it. Not only are the eggs freerange, but the bacon is local and the hollandaise isn’t some quickie version, but the real deal, just one fast whisking away from le Cordon Bleu. Even the Dijon is made in-house (or rather, in-truck). And let’s not forget the hashbrowns. Oh, the truffle-lemon hashbrowns.

Truffle oil has its opponents and vilifiers, but when it’s used to make something this good, conceding defeat is the only proper thing to do.

Burger Guest Stars is back.

BEST FOOD TRUCK BEST BREAKFAST More hearty potato chunks than hash, these are served up with every breakfast, and are the coup de grace of the meal.

Gluten-phobes, rest easy, as organic, gluten-free buns await. Starting at $7.50 for your mobile benny, it’s a great bargain that also ensures you conquer all food groups at one meal (bacon, eggs, cheese, and truffle).

And if you’d rather eat your breakfast sitting down, Yolk’s brick-and-mortar location at the corner of Clark and East Hastings has an expanded menu including classics like organic fried chicken and waffles with white gravy and fat stacks of delicious pancakes with your choice of fruit topping. Make sure to get there early to avoid the line! –Anya Levykh

For with friends, With great a freshtimes new line-up! we hit the spot.

From our delicious new Steakhouse Supreme SMOKEY BBQ BIGGER BURGER At White Spot, our lounges and patios are theMAUIperfect place to get together with friends.

Bigger Burger, BANH-MI Harvest Turkey Poutine Burger, VEGGIE BURGER SALMON BURGER You’ll only find a greatCrispy selection of drinks and cocktails, you’ll also enjoy the great to ournot tempura battered Almond Chicken SANTA FE BIGGER BURGER appies entrées that have Burger.and Thisdelicious new line-up of burgers putsmade fresh,White Spot a favourite spot for over local ingredients right where they should be…

80 years now.

Our Executive Chef, Chuck Currie, invites youbuns! to enjoyBurger our new Guest lineup of Burger GuestBest Burger between our specially baked Best Milkshake Stars. An all-star cast of fantastic burgers, taking inspiration from the Southwest all the Stars. On now for a limited time!

TANDOORI CHICKEN BURGER

way to Vietnam. It’s a flavourful performance you won’t want to miss. Only here for a limited time. Enjoy!

whitespot.ca whitespot.ca

and famous burgers

whitepot.ca

✁

$5 OFF

INSERT OFFER INSERT OFFER Insert offer details.

Insert offer details.

MINIMUM $30 PURCHASE

STORE NAME& DRAKE GEORGIA STORE NAME NAME & HOMER STORE NAME GRANVILLE & CARDERO STORE DUNSMUIR CAMBIE & 13TH Store Address Store West Address Store 718 Drake Street NAME1616 Georgia Street Store 405Address Dunsmuir Street STORE 2850Address Cambie Street STORE STORE NAME NAME Phone number Phone number Phone number Phone number 604-605-0045 604-681-8034 604-899-6072 604-873-1252

Store Address Phone number

Store Address Phone number

Store Address Phonediscount number $5.

BROADWAY & LARCH OAKRIDGE CENTRE 2518 WestSTORE BroadwayNAME 41st & Cambie 604-731-2434 604-261-2820

Valid from now until INSERT DATE. Valid for dine-in only. Minimum purchase of XX. Maximum discount XX. Not to befrom combined with any other promotional Nofor cash value. only.

Limit one couponpurchase per visit. Valid only atMaximum XXX. Valid now until December 4, 2014.offer.

Valid dine-in Minimum of $30.

Not to be combined with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Limit one coupon per visit. Valid only at restaurants listed.

Store Address Phone number

Valid from now until INSERT DATE. Valid for dine-in only. Minimum purchase of $XX. Maximum discount XX. Not to be combined with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Limit one coupon per visit. Valid only at XXX.

®

3 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! house of ideas

®

Job info: LSM ad CYAN Project: Burger Guest Stars MAGENTA Client: White Spot YELLOW Job info: LSM ad - address only Trim size: 5.6875” x 7.142” BLACK Colours: CMYK Project: Social Gathering Proof #: 1 Client: White Spot Date: September 12, 2011 Sign-off: Yes Trim size: 5.6875” x 7.142”

Colours: CMYK Prinsen: allison@meehanlewis.com | 604-733-1514 532 West Broadway (atAllison Cambie) Proof #: 1 604.879.9878 house of ideas Date: November 9, 2011 Sign-off: Yes 43 East 5th Avenue (at Quebec) Allison Prinsen: allison@meehanlewis.com 604.559.9511

2394 West 4th Avenue (at Balsam) 604.559.9533 © Copyright for the wording contents: Peaceful Restaurant Franchise Group

ORDER ONLINE: www.peacefulrestaurant.com Westender.com

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

| 604-733-1514

Thanks for voting us BEST NOODLES! FREE DELIVERY HOTLINE: 604-559-9511

November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 31

EAT // DRINK

WESTENDER.COM

BEST OF THE CITY: DINING 604-558-3320 BobLikesThaiFood.com

BEST THAI T-1. Maenam 1938 West 4th 604-730-5579 Maenam.ca

T-3. SalaThai 102-888 Burrard 604-683-7999 SalaThai.com

T-1. Thai House Various locations ThaiHouse.com

BEST VIETNAMESE

2. Sawasdee Thai Restaurant 4250 Main 604-876-4030 SawasdeeThaiRestaurant.com T-3. Bob Likes Thai 1521 West Broadway

1. Pho Thai Hoa 1625 Kingsway 604-568-8884 PhoThaiHoa.com 2. Phnom Penh 244 East Georgia 604-682-5777

T-3. Au Petit Café 4851 Main 604-873-3328 AuPetitCafe.com

2. Joe Fortes 777 Thurlow 604-669-1940 JoeFortes.ca

T-3. Pho Tan Vietnamese Restaurant 4598 Main 604-873-3345

3. The Boathouse Various locations BoathouseRestaurants.ca

BEST WEST COAST

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED!

1. Coast 1054 Alberni 604-685-5010 GlowbalGroup.com/Coast

Maenam ties for gold for Best Thai Food.

Supplied photo

Tell us what you think of the results on Twitter and Facebook @WestenderVan. W

AKBAR’S OWN

Big ups, Vancouver!

INDIAN CUISINE

THANK YOU

Cuisine of India • Since 1992

Thank you Vancouver. xoxo

for your votes and support

✁

ENJOY ONE COMPLIMENTARY DINNER ENTREE

BEST PIZZA

rockymountainflatbread.ca Kits: 604 730 0321 Main St: 604 566 9779

when a second DINNER ENTREE of equal or greater value is purchased. Maximum discount $20.

Dine in only. Coupon expires on Dec. 31, 2014.

Takeout, Delivery and Catering Available | Open daily 11:30-10:00 1905 West Broadway | 604.736.8180 | akbarsown.com

THANKS for voting us

BEST CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT in Vancouver Inspired & authentic since '99 The Reef Runner Food Truck is rollin’ on the streets!

thereefrestaurant.com

MAIN ST 4172 Main St 604-874-JERK COMMERCIAL DR 1018 Commercial Dr 604-568-JERK

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR LOYALT Y

w w w.cac tusclubcafe.com

32 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

Westender.com

EAT // DRINK

@WESTENDERVAN

DINING OUT Anya Levykh Fresh Sheet

Left: Tomatosaffron seafood, Kaisen tomato with mussels, clams, prawns, scallops, and chicken char siu.

Right: Head chef Michael Acero oversees his staff during a busy lunch rush.

Rob Newell photos

@FoodGirlFriday SCENE // HEARD A new resto has come to Main Street…Nomad seems to be offering up tricked out comfort staples like mushroom arancini with bacon sabayon, Kennebec fries with bone marrow aioli, braised lamb cheeks with ricotta gnocchi, and sturgeon risotto. Most plates are under $20. Stay tuned. Facebook.com/NomadRestaurantYVR Joe Fortes has announced that their rooftop patio will be open until Dec. 14. The patio is completely enclosed and heated, so it will be operational regardless of weather.

JoeFortes.ca Chef Karl Gregg of Big Lou’s Butcher Shop has taken over the executive chef position at Frankie’s Italian Kitchen in the Georgian Court Hotel, and has launched new menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. FrankiesItalianKitchen.ca Hippie Foods have launched a new organic, GMO-free, gluten-free, raw, vegan snack. Hippie Garden Chips are made from crisped slices of organic vegetables. Blends include Roots Medley, Crunchy Coleslaw, and Snacking Stir Fry. Available at Whole Foods, Choices, and other natural foods retailers. HippieFoods.com

Join with us in celebrating our

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Anniversary

Gyoza Bar spices up ramen scene Anya Levykh Nosh

@FoodGirlFriday GYOZA BAR

622 West Pender 604-336-5563 GyozaBar.ca Open daily 11:30am to 10pm If the success of Miku and Minami are anything to go by, restaurateur Seigo Nakamura has a more-thansolid grasp on Vancouverites’ appetite for high-end sushi and modern Japanese cuisine.

With the opening of Gyoza Bar on the edges of the financial district, Nakamura looks to have scored another winner.

It’s a surprising spot for a “fancy” ramen joint. The neighbourhood is awash with cheap noodle spots, sushi drive-bys, and little Korean places that offer deep-fried pork cutlets – all perfect for

the large, international student population that flows in and out of the many schools in the area. There are signs of change, however. Cartems is just across the traffic light, and Cinara is a few blocks down.

The interior is from Sarah Gillespie of Live by Design and it’s a good-looking space.

Polished concrete floors and the requisite heritage bricks walls are livened up with maple and pine-beetle wood.

An open kitchen means every guest is loudly greeted at the door by the entire staff in traditional Japanese style. You can even watch them make the fresh ramen noodles through a little window if you need to stretch.

Executive chef Kazuya Matsuoka, along with chef de cuisine Michael Acero, has put out a menu that is big on flavour. Tomato-based broth is becoming popular in Japan, and Matsuoka’s version is a doozy – a tomato-saffron seafood broth that hints at

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bouillabaisse while still not overpowering the noodles (which are excellent). At $17, it’s a bit pricey, but it’s studded with mussels, clams, prawns, and scallops, as well as char siu chicken, and the size of the bowl makes it excellent for sharing. Smaller sizes are available if you’re dining solo or just want your own bowl.

Pork tonkotsu ($13.50) features a shoyu (soy) base, along with slow-cooked egg and large slices of char siu.

The chicken ($13.50) has its choice of shio (salt) or miso base. It’s a smart set-up, and helps ramen neophytes by taking the guesswork out of which base pairs best with which protein.

As the name might suggest, the fried dumplings also get a lot of love here. Cooked using an ancient Japanese technique called “teppan,” these gyoza end up perfectly crispy on the outside while incredibly juicy on the inside,

thanks to the use of the traditional – and very hot – imono cast-iron pans.

The classic pork ($8 for 7 pieces), sourced from the Fraser Valley and sided with two soy dipping sauces, exude so much juice they feel like a fried xiao long bao. Miso short rib gyoza ($12.50) with jalapeno-soy glaze are eyerollingly good. There are also several small and large plates for those looking to expand the meal. Spanish mackerel slices are served with a mild wasabi chimichurri and toast.

They’re delicious, but at $11 for two slices, it’s a bit precious for a starter. Wild salmon ceviche ($15) is a more generous portion of perfectly cured fish, lightly laced with Thai chilis. Nothing is overly spicy here, which is in keeping with the culture, but the pleasant heat helps cut the richness of the excellent broths.

Don’t forget to try out some of the cocktails. There

are some fantastic vines, hops, and peats on the list (and sake, natch), all available by the glass, but cocktails like the Pender Collins ($9) – a solid shake of Tanqueray gin, Sauvignon Blanc from Seven Terraces, elderflower syrup, and a splash of soda and lemon – are a great start to the evening. Price points here are excellent, with most options not crossing the $10 mark.

If you can snag one, the ricotta crep e with yuzu-fig jam and yogurt sorbet is a perfect finish ($8). They tend to sell out, so order early.

Find Anya Levykh on Twitter @foodgirlfriday and Facebook. com/FoodGirlFriday. FoodGirlFriday.com W Food: ★★★★★ Service: ★★★★★ Ambiance: ★★★★★ Value: ★★★★★ Overall: ★★★★★

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November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 33

EAT // DRINK

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WINE

BC’s top drops Michaela Morris By the Bottle @MichaelaWine

I feel like the BC wine industry and I are growing up together. Both of us are exploring everything possible but, ideally, we’re honing in on our strengths. For BC, I consider these strengths to be Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, but that doesn’t mean I won’t consider anything else.

I love tasty surprises, and here are five BC wines that have recently turned my head.

their latest Renaissance release really grabbed my attention. Grassiness and grapefruit meets guava on the nose with lime and pear on palate. Enjoy with a mild yellow Thai fish curry. If there were more examples of BC Sauvignon Blanc like this, I’d be all over it.

2012 Le Vieux Pin Ava • Okanagan Valley, VQA • $35-38 winery direct and private wine stores Late-ripening Viognier, Rousanne, and Marsanne grapes aren’t the easiest in BC’s short growing season, but the sun-soaked South Okanagan is doing them justice – at least at Le Vieux 2013 Stag’s Hollow Pin. Renaissance Sauvignon The winemaking team Blanc • Okanagan Valley, truly allows the wine to exVQA • $25 winery direct press the vintage, adjusting I’m often disappointed by the percentages of grapes BC Sauvignon Blanc. Too and oak treatment in acmany lack concentration cordance with what Mother and balance. Dwight Sick, Nature gives them. winemaker at Stag’s Hollow Always curvaceous CKING QA CHECKand puts this down to overcropfloral, some☑years Ava is☑ bleed size ncouver ping. isn’t the case at slightly more corseted and ☑ spell check ☑ colors nt: WestThis Ender ☑ codes ☑ expiration Stag’s Hollow though, anders/west-ender/ p://about.spud.com/special-off modest while other years ☑ separations ☑ ca vs. com estender CHECKED BY: ALP v 3 - Dec 31 2014

she’s a voluptuous blonde bombshell. 2012 is definitely the latter with rich peach, apricot, and honeysuckle notes. Drink with pork roast.

2013 Orofino Celentano Vineyard Gamay • Similkameen Valley • $26-31 private wine stores only The grapes for this are grown on granite soil, which Gamay simply adores. I call it summertime in a glass. Crunchy and bright with red cherry, raspberry, and floral aromas, it’s oh so chuggable.

Serve with a slight chill for maximum refreshment.

Here’s to more Gamay in BC, planted on appropriate sites, of course.

2013 Samanatha Cerequiera Vineyard Syrah • Okanagan Valley • $24.90 winery direct and private wine stores Okay, I am defaulting to Syrah here but this project deserves mention. It’s the ☑ border fourth year that Okanagan ☑ resolution ☑ offer Crush Pad works with BCs ☑ info in spreadsheet DATE: 11/04/14

Sommelier of the Year to craft a limited-edition wine, with proceeds going to the BC Hospitality Foundation.

This year, winner Samantha Rahn chose to spotlight Syrah, and I say, ‘Bravo!’

Pure, pretty Okanagan fruit with cherry blossoms and pepper, it is such a pleasure to drink.

Week 32011 Culmina Hypothesis •

Okanagan Valley, VQA • $4858 winery direct and private wine stores Pioneer Donald Triggs came out of retirement with the goal of locating the best site in the Okanagan to ripen Bordeaux reds, and the result is Culmina. Flagship wine Hypothesis blends Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

These late-ripening grapes

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EAT // DRINK

BEER

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Thurs. Dec 4th, Christ Church Cathedral, Burrard/Georgia, 7.30pm Sat. Dec 13th, Shaughnessy Hts United Church, Granville/33rd, 7.30pm with Magee Secondary Chamber Choir

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Brassneck’s Mr. Personality is always a hit at holiday parties. Lucas Finlay photo

My five favourite local brews, if I had to pick Stephen Smysnuik The Growler @StephenSmys

Faithful readers of this here beer column – all seven of you (hi, Mom) – will have noticed I’ve never actually written about beer. I write about people involved with beer, and issues surrounding the industry, but the actual liquid itself I’ve avoided discussing.

There are a few reasons for this: 1) There’s plenty of beer writing and criticism already happening in BC, and I don’t feel I can add anything of value to the conversation because 2) as I’ve written before, I’m a novice in the craft beer world and don’t think I can confidently write about or critique beer with the authority necessary to make it sound like I know what I’m talking about.

Really, though, 3) the nuances of the industry itself are a lot more interesting to me than the nuances of the actual beer. Since life’s too short to criticize anything with regularity, so I’ve decided to just enjoy the good stuff and leave it up to the other writers to inform readers on what’s “hot” and what’s “not”.

Alas, the time has come when I must finally write about the actual beer. My editor told me to, and though I moaned over it, past experience has taught me what every grown man must learn eventually: Suck it up and do what the Boss Man commands.

Westender.com

Because it’s Westender’s annual Best of the City: Dining issue, I’ve been asked to list my five favourite local beers.

However, this list is by no means meant to denote Westender’s official list of Vancouver’s “best” beer, nor is it my opinion that these beers are actually “the best”. As Mijune Pak writes this week, there is no “best” – there is only personal preference.

So here, in no particular order, are my personal favourite beers right now, brewed in Metro Vancouver, with little care given to what you might actually think about any of it.* Brassneck’s Mr. Personality Easily my favourite beer at what’s proooooobably my favourite brewery in the Lower Mainland right now. Mr. Personality’s not for all tastes, and might turn off some folks who are just getting acquainted with this whole craft beer thing, but I’d be lying** if I said I didn’t pray to the patron saint of beer nightly that he make Brassneck make this beer more widely available outside its Main Street brewery.

Dageraad Amber This brewery is the best thing to come out of Burnaby since Michael J. Fox, and every beer is worth a try (or several). The amber, though, is probably the most crushable and maybe the most flavourful of them all.

I’d wager it’s also the best bet of BC-brewed beer to persuade people who claim to hate beer that, hey, some

beer’s actually pretty good after all.

Main Street Sessional IPA This might not be the greatest beer in the province – though it did win first place in its category at the BC Beer Awards last month – but it’s my favourite beer brewed at my favourite local watering hole right now, so I drink more of this than probably anything else. It’s smooth and sessionable and just the right amount of hops. Good stuff.

Four Winds Pale Ale It’s a dependable and creative pale ale that has the right amount of balance between the malt and the hops. Plus its sold in four-packs (rather than six) which means I can call it a night earlier and not hate myself too much on Thursday morning (you know how Wednesdays can be…).

Parallel 49 Gypsy Tears An instant classic and a staple of BC craft beers. Right up there with Blue Buck as an introductory craft beer for people hoping to wean themselves off Kokanee and the like. Sure, it’s almost as popular as the sun and is on tap practically everywhere (including Rogers Arena!). That makes it even more awesome.

I’m gonna drink some right now (and so should you). *OK, I sorta care a little.

Feel free to email your thoughts and feelings about this list to beer@westender.com, or find me on Twitter @stephensmys.

Psychoanalyze me, even. Let’s talk this through. **Editor’s note: He’s lying.

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November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 35

LIFESTYLES //

EAT // DRINK

REAL ESTATE OPENS

DINING OUT

Downtown Yaletown

Kitsilano

1403-1050 Smithe St, 1 bdrm + den, $445,000, 38 Sat/Sun 2-4 811 Helmcken, 1 bdrm + den, $335,000, 37 Sat/Sun 2-4

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Why “the best” kinda sucks 38

Mijune Pak Follow Me Foodie

@FollowMeFoodie

Thinking of selling your home?

Call any of the agents in the Westender Real Estate section and your home could appear here.

West End Community Centre

HOLIDAY

Ugh. People say it all the time. “This is the best” burger I’ve ever had”, “Where’s the best place for pizza?”, and “What’s the best restaurant in Vancouver?”.

This issue even features Best of the City: Dining.

I’ve ranted before about why the words “the best” are not the best to use, but I think a friendly reminder is in order.

Food is like art. It’s subjective and based on personal taste. You know what you like and like what you like.

That’s it. Sure, I could argue why you shouldn’t like it, or where you might be able to find it better, but in the end, you taste what you taste and enjoy what you enjoy. Period.

“The best” is also relative, dependent on what someone has tried, and contextual.

For example authentic and traditional Shanghainese food in Shanghai tends

to be salty and oily. For North American tastes it is usually considered too salty and too oily, but historically the abundant use of oil in Shanghai was a sign of wealth – using it and eating it.

In Vancouver, the Shanghainese food may not be as authentic, perhaps with less oil and salt, but it is catered to the tastes of the clientele.

One is not necessarily better than the other, but indicators of what “the best” means varies and doesn’t necessarily hold true to food.

Is “the best” being judged based on authenticity, taste, technicality, creativity, value, etc? The criteria is not always consistent or defined.

Often, these “best of” lists perpetuate “the best” as being the most popular, but “best” and “popular” are not synonymous. There is a pressure of agreeing to what the majority will support or accept, which tends to result in what is currently trending or mainstream.

“Best of” lists are necessary evils. They highlight and help us remember which

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Ideal location for young families, students and retirees in Kitsilano. Transit, shops, restaurants right at your front door. Close to Elementary, Secondary schools, UBC , parks & beach with a 95 Walk Score!

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Find Mijune hosting the Rustichella d’Abruzzo Primograno Pasta Party fundraiser for Chef Tina Fineza on Nov. 23. Also follow her culinary adventures in Jerusalem, Israel Nov. 16-23 #FMFinIsrael.

Find out more about Mijune at FollowMeFoodie.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @followmefoodie.

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restaurants and chefs doing well, but they are not necessarily credible resources and are often based on opinion.

They are not adding to the discourse, but merely summarizing it…unless arguing who should have won counts as “discourse.”

Of course, I’m guilty of using these words, but I’ve really tried to drop it especially when it comes to food.

So instead of “the best”, what are some alternatives we can use? “Must try” and “favourite” might not be as good for SEO, which – let’s be honest – is also why these lists exist (how many times have you looked up “best restaurant in X”?).

But they do make more sense. W

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New Listing 416 2929 West 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC Year Built 1999 Floor Plan 916 sq ft Offered at $518,000 Property Taxes $1,758 (2014) Maintenance Fee $369.55

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REAL ESTATE //

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Stanley Park Heritage Suite 1879 Barclay #201 Top Floor Lots of light from this large SW corner of Ralston Court. West of Denman with gleaming hardwood floors, housesized rooms. $284,900.

Penthouse #2 1855 Nelson Glorious West of Denman three deck patio suite with 20’ cathedral ceilings, a gigantic loft, 18’ x 16’ patio, skylights & 1219 sq. ft. Pet friendly strata. $669,900.

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BEST PRICED Two Bedroom 1720 Barclay #102 High end renovations & complete redesign to every detail. New kitchen, floors & windows. High quality concrete building with no issues. $324,900.

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New Listing 1816 Haro #302 Gorgeous West of Denman newly renovated designer 1 bdrm + large balcony. Prime conc. strata building. $329,900.

New Listing 1855 Nelson #301 OPEN: SAT. 2:00 - 3:00 West of Denman contemporary pet friendly 1 + den + two patios steps to Stanley Park. Den can easily be the 2nd bedroom. Hardwood floors, w/b fireplace + two balconies. Unique plan; almost no common walls. Pet friendly strata. 866 sf. $444,000.

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Check out the website for community information: www.westendneighbours.ca West End Neighbours

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November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 37

REAL ESTATE //

WESTENDER.COM

DEXTER ASSOCIATES REALTY 604-689-8226 604-263-1144 Kevin Skipworth Managing Broker

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Live at the Commodore

The following is an excerpt from Aaron Chapman’s book Live at the Commodore:The Story of Vancouver’s Historic Commodore Ballroom (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2014). All rights reserved.

It’s Saturday night on Granville Street. While Granville stretches nearly six miles (10 km) down the middle of Vancouver, it’s the five-block strip between Drake and Robson Street that encompasses the city’s nightclub district. Granville Street is looking better now than it used to; gone is much of the rough and tumble atmosphere, and the daytime drunks and other down-and-outers, common sights as recently as the 1990s, have died off. Many of the old stores, family businesses, and woebegone pawn shops, once seemingly permanent fixtures of the downtown south end of the street, have also disappeared, along with some of the theatres and nightclubs that made this section of Granville the city’s entertainment strip for more than eighty years.

Things seem to shift at the 800 block, and the nocturnal hum of Granville changes too.

Young crowds still head south to the bars, but a different atmosphere takes over, and it’s not just because of the greyhaired audience leaving the Orpheum Theatre after a Vancouver Symphony Orchestra concert, the one occasion these days when a mix of ages is seen on Granville.

A little farther north, a lineup is moving its way into a building, and the mood of this crowd suggests that a night of drinking is not the sole reason they’re here. With tickets in hand, they’re lined up to see a show at the Commodore.

There are no police out front— none seem required—and the doormen don’t stand with arms folded like goons.

The Commodore Ballroom is regularly voted the best live-music room in Vancouver in local entertainment weekly readers’ polls, and it frequently garners mention in national music trade papers as one of the best concert venues in Canada.

In 2011, Billboard magazine ranked the venue one of the top ten most influential in North America, along with such legendary concert halls as the Fillmore in San Francisco and the Bowery Ballroom in New York. Of all the clubs that made that list, the Commodore is the oldest. Tonight, patrons walk up the venue’s broad and elegant staircase, which thousands of people have climbed since the club opened more than eighty years ago.

The best concerts are not necessarily witnessed in enormous stadiums. On any given evening, the greatest show in the world might be happening at the corner dive where the band plays to a handful of people. But the Commodore has seen more legendary concerts than most places, and it could even be argued that the room itself has added to the quality of these performances.

That’s one of the reasons that the Commodore has endeared itself to the city’s music fans, to the staff who’ve worked there over the decades, and to musicians from around the world who’ve played there.

Once inside the doors, the crowd winds up the carpeted staircase to a space that has witnessed the history of entertainment itself in Vancouver, and to a renowned dance floor that has seen everything from the Fox Trot and Jitterbug to slam-dancing and moshing.

The history of the room is the history of how Vancouver has entertained itself, almost from its beginning.

••• It might be said that the Reifel family, then one of the city’s wealthiest, made money the old-fashioned way—by selling alcohol during the US Prohibition and then investing cannily in real estate. George Reifel started Vested Estates Ltd., a real estate and insurance company with an office at 1200 Homer Street. In early 1929, Vested Estates was still in its infancy, but with the brewery business showing great profits, George and his wife Alma could spend their nights in luxury at the city’s finer

40 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

establishments.

According to legend, it was Alma who felt that the Spanish Grill and Crystal Ballroom were getting too crowded and that the city needed another ballroom. Luckily, he had the wealth to make these grandiose dreams a reality.

George Reifel selected Vancouver architect Henry Herbert Gillingham to design the ballroom. Reifel and Gillingham envisioned a whole complex, with a basement bowling alley and billiards area, ground-floor retail space, and a new ballroom cabaret on the second floor.

The ballroom stage was built as a mid-sized orchestra shell with a spotlight controlled from the stage. In the back were three rooms that could be used for banquets or private gatherings of up to 100 people.

The jewel in the Commodore’s crown lay under the patrons’ feet. Gillingham had designed the dance floor to be 40 by 80 feet, in the style of an English ballroom and the dance palaces of the era.

But the Commodore’s dance floor was also “sprung.” That is, it was engineered to absorb shocks and it bounced slightly, even more so when there was a full house dancing on it – an advantage over the ordinary floor at the Crystal Ballroom.

In later years, the opening date of the Commodore would be inaccurately given as 1929, but the correct date was Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1930.

••• It’s safe to say that if someone like Drew Burns, with the energy and vision to navigate the Commodore into a new era, hadn’t come along, the club might have closed, been converted to a different business, or suffered demolition, as was the fate of many of the city’s now lost or forgotten ballrooms such as the Trianon, the White Rose, and the Pender.

The first rock ’n’ roll show at the Commodore was in July 1971. Billed as “Mitch Ryder and Detroit,” it had a strippeddown version of Ryder’s blueeyed-soul show band, the Detroit Wheels, who had backed

his early hits “Devil in a Blue Dress” and “Sock It to Me” and featured a horn section and young female back-up singers. For the opening act, Burns booked Crosstown Bus, a local band he knew from the Fifth Day Club. The crowd in attendance that night was a far cry from the ladies in long satin dresses and mink stoles and the Brylcreemed men in tuxedos who had patronized the Commodore for the previous forty years.

“The place was absolutely packed, and there were all these hippies sitting on the floor,” recalls Crosstown Bus lead singer and guitarist Jeff Boyne.

••• On July 30, 1977, Vancouver experienced its first punk rock show. Local band the Furies headlined at the Japanese Hall on Alexander Street with an opening set by the all-female punk band from Victoria, BC, the Dishrags.

One week later, at the Commodore on Granville Street, a bigger audience was on hand. It was a night that, in retrospect, seemed to herald a changing of the guard. That evening, four New Yorkers staying at the Castle Hotel grabbed their leather jackets and left the hotel to walk one block to meet the 600 punk rock fans and curiosity seekers who awaited them at the Ballroom. It was the Vancouver debut of the Ramones.

For the Vancouver audience, this exposure to a live punk rock band was a benchmark and catalyst for the local music scene. In attendance that evening were a considerable number of music fans and local rockers who would quickly cut their hair, ditch any clothes that had hippie overtones, and buy themselves leather jackets – and subsequently go on to form the first wave of Vancouver punk rock bands.

Starting in the late 1970s and through the 1980s, thanks to the shows that Perryscope concerts presented, the jazz and R&B artists that Drew Burns booked, and the acts that emerging concert promot-

ers like Peter McCulloch’s Timbre Concerts began to stage at the Commodore, the Ballroom experienced a revival.

This era also marked the close of the pioneering days of the concert industry, attracting corporate interest and sponsorship as never before. Those who had staked a claim in its early days enjoyed the great expansion of the business over the next decade.

Groups like the Stranglers, Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, Joe Jackson, the Pretenders, the New Order, XTC, the Buzzcocks, 999, John Cale, the Cure, King Crimson, the Go-Go’s, Graham Parker, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Rick Danko, and Paul Butterfield all performed at the Commodore.

And it wasn’t just the rock ’n’ roll bands – soul bands like Sam & Dave, blues bands Taj Mahal or Downchild, Cajun musicians like Clifton Chenier, and reggae stars like Peter Tosh also came to play the Ballroom as part of the burgeoning world music scene.

Allen Moy was just 21 years old when he went to the 1978 Patti Smith show and “walked away from it thinking, I can do this.” Moy would go on to start his own punk rock band as vocalist with Popular Front.

Perryscope, always supportive of local bands, booked them for a March 1981 Cheap Thrills concert at the Commodore where they were to open for a relatively unknown Irish band on one of its earliest North American tours.

That band was U2.

••• After decades of wear and tear, the Commodore’s stage was beginning to bounce as much as its dance floor.

After soaking up more than 60 years of music, cocktails, and dancing feet, the legendary Commodore Ballroom floor was removed on Jan. 3, 1996.

After more than three weeks of being closed, Britpop band Blur reopened the Commodore, headlining a sold-out show, with local group Pluto opening. The new floor didn’t have the same bounce as the old one, though some said it

PICTURED

Far left: Joe Strummer and Mick Jones of The Clash live on stage at the Commodore Ballroom. Dee Lippingwell photo. Far right: Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain nose dives into the Commodore stage. Charles Peterson photo. would take a few years to get “worked in,” as the old floor’s spring was the result of decades of use. But this would seem trivial compared to what faced the Commodore next.

While Burns’ company Commodore Cabaret Ltd. owned the liquor license, the business, and an estimated $200,000 of fixtures and decorations, the Commodore building itself was owned by an Ontario-based company called Pensionfund Realty Ltd. and administered by the equity firm Morguard, which had purchased the building directly from the Reifel family in 1974.

Burns hoped to sell the business as well as the liquor license simultaneously to a new buyer at the figure he reasoned it was worth. While the business and fixtures were certainly valuable, it was the Commodore’s “grandfathered” liquor license, a combined liquor and food license that the provincial liquor control board no longer issued, that was of particular value.

When Burns’ lease, last renewed in 1986, ended on Dec. 31, 1995, he agreed to a fourmonth extension while he continued to seek a buyer. But a protracted legal battle ensued, with Burns claiming that Morguard tried to go around him to get a new owner with their own liquor license. With the case still before the courts, the Commodore Ballroom closed its doors on July 12, 1996, and Drew Burns returned the keys he’d first picked up in 1969.

In 1999, Vancouver manager Bruce Allen and his business partner Roger Gibson acquired the ballroom’s liquor license and, partnered with Universal Concerts, made a successful bid to purchase the Commodore.

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So Allen and Gibson owned the license, and House of Blues was primed to run the business. House of Blues put $4 million into the renovations. The dance floor that Burns installed in 1996 remained, but the rest of the Commodore’s interior was gutted to redesign the room.

In the opening weeks, however, some Ballroom regulars bristled at the renovations.

“I know it needed fixing up,” says Jim Byrnes. “But the ghosts that hung around were part of the fun, and to me, a few too many of the cobwebs were swept away.”

In the weeks after it reopened, the Commodore welcomed back both a host of favourite bands who considered it a second home and Canadian bands new to the venue, and before the year was over, 54-40, Big Sugar, Colin James, Wide Mouth Mason, Nomeansno, Doug and the Slugs, Platinum Blonde, and Spirit of the West performed there. It was at a Spirit of the West show that the groundfloor stores were once again all too aware of their upstairs neighbour. During the closure, some of the retail stores had closed over the small vents above their front doorways.

These vents had been designed to release the air pressure generated by the dance floor upstairs. So when 1,000 pairs of Doc Martens pogoed on the Commodore’s floor, the windows and doors of the

stores below it nearly blew open because the air pressure wasn’t able to “exhale” through the now-covered vents.

The Commodore was back.

••• In 2011, partly to showcase the history of the room and also to pay tribute to Drew Burns, Commodore general manager Gord Knights instigated a project to document all the shows that have occurred at the Commodore on its website. The author of this book participated in the year-long project, and the website features the exact dates, band by band, night by night, of all the acts that have performed there since the early 1970s when Burns began his era at the Commodore. Through it all, Knights has remained acutely aware of Burns’ significance to the room, citing “his years of mentorship and keen business sense, and his personal love for the Commodore. Today,” says Knights, “we operate the Ballroom with the same focus. We consider ourselves curators of a very valuable and fragile resource in our cultural community. Drew was our founder. We try to keep things current and make sure that there will be a future at the Commodore – we want our kids and their kids to be able to see shows there and experience what we’ve experienced, that tangible joy people get from experiencing music so closely. When people get that, it changes their lives, and it certainly changed mine.”

Burns was immortalized in the BC Entertainment Hall of

Fame Star Walk on Granville Street. Of his own legacy at the Commodore, Burns spoke of it with a mixture of modesty and pride, saying, “There are new people there now, and they are adding to the history of the Commodore. They’ll be legends, eventually.”

Sadly, Drew Burns passed away this past September, aged 81.

••• Down on Granville Street, on a late-summer evening, it’s another busy night on the strip, and the sidewalks are crowded.

Some people stop to notice the names set into the sidewalks; while these enshrine the city’s entertainment legends, in the alleyway behind the Commodore, plenty of music legends have sneaked through the backstage doors over the decades. For all of Vancouver’s lauded natural beauty, this alleyway, where the band’s buses pull up, is sometimes the only spot in the city that performers see as they come and go.

In front of the club on Granville Street, as the crowds

file past the building, Gord Knights has come down to take in the scene. It’s been a good night, and he chats for a few moments with the doormen who await the thousand people about to file out of the building when the show ends.

A couple walking down the street stop for a moment and get the attention of one of the Ballroom’s doormen. They ask him the question that passersby on Granville Street have put to Commodore doormen since the 1930s.

“Who’s playing tonight?” W

BOOK LAUNCH

Aaron Chapman launches his book Live at the Commodore, an illustrated history of Vancouver’s venerable Commodore Ballroom, on Nov. 26 at the legendary club itself. The evening will be hosted by BC Book Prize winning author and broadcaster Grant Lawrence, and will include plenty of entertainment.

Free admission with ticket from Ticketmaster.ca.

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New comp unearths native sounds “This is the most historic time in aboriginal music history” –Inuit drummer Willie Thrasher.

LOUISE BURNS music@westender.com

It is the 1960s. A young Inuit rock band by the name of The Cordells are playing a hall in the Northwest Territories. All covers.

They are good – really good.

When they finish their set and finally sit down, an old white man approaches them and tells them something that will change the life of drummer Willie Thrasher forever.

“Why don’t you write Inuit music?,” the old man says. “Why don’t you write about your culture? About hunting, trapping, your language, your ancestors, your medicine people, the polar bear, the caribou, the eagles, the seals, the northern lights, the legends from the past that have been passed on to you.”

Thrasher listened.

“That was the first time in my life when I knew who I really was,” he says.

The Cordells broke up shortly after, but Thrasher went on to become a prolific solo artist, and is one of many artists to be featured on Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966 - 1985, the latest collaboration between Light In The Attic Records and Vancouver DJ Kevin “Sipreano” Howes.

With the release of this compilation, the public will finally have access to songs once lost in the dusts of time and small town thrift stores.

I reached Thrasher by phone at his home in Nanaimo: “[We were]

caught in the peace movement, rock ‘n’ roll, and the aboriginal music scene,” he says. “It was one of the most precious times of our lives. We had long hair, we were wild, we were young, and we did everything we could to pass a message.

“Kevin Howes brought all that back with love, understanding, and now its time for the world to hear it again.”

Howes is a renowned Vancouver-based musicologist, DJ, and musical curator whose relationship with Light In The Attic – a Seattle based label largely known for their excellent reissues catalogue – has lasted for well over a decade.

“I love Gordon Lightfoot, and I love Leonard Cohen, but for every artist like that, there’s a dozen who never got their chance to shine who are equally valid and important,” says Howes of the compilation.

“I’ve made it one of my life’s passions to research this content and to share it instead of just hoarding it in some weird recordcollector capacity.”

When I speak with Kevin on a crisp East Vancouver day, his warmth, love, and respect for the music is apparent.

“I view all the music on this as very spiritual – even the stuff that’s more folk, rock, and country,” he says. “[After] you talk to the artist and hear their beliefs and their values… it comes from a very deep place.”

Howes spent 15 years of his life sourcing out the music featured on this compilation, driving across

REVIEWS // VARIOUS ARTISTS Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966 1985 (Light In The Attic) For nearly 15 years, musicologist/DJ/curator Kevin “Sipreano” Howes has been collecting, listening, and organizing the 34 tracks found on Native North America (Vol. 1), a compilation of Aboriginal music from Canada, the Northern U.S., and Alaska. The songs, ranging from peace-era protest folk to rock ‘n’ roll to traditional, were recorded between 1966-1985 by the likes of legendary Metis

songwriter/filmmaker/activist Willie Dunn, Cree artist Morley Loon, Inuk singer songwriter Willie Thrasher, and many more. This collection of songs give a longoverdue sliver of light into a music movement that has been criminally left in the shadows for far too long.

Arawak Amerindian/ Portuguese-Guyanese David

42 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

the country to record swaps, private libraries, personal collections, and the CBC archives.

“I’d find a record by Sugluk [an Inuit rock band from Salluit], listen to it, and just be floored. I can’t believe music like that was being made in Canada in those days.” says Howes, “You look online, you look in books, and you can’t find a damn thing about Sugluk. Who are these people that made this music? So I put my Sherlock Holmes hat on and started trying to find the artist and reaching out to them.”

In addition to Sugluk’s classic rock, You will hear echoes of protest-folk (Willie Dunn’s “I Pity The Country), rock ‘n’ roll (“Siwash Rock” by Gordon Dick contains more swagger than Mick Jagger’s hips), traditional Aboriginal music and poetry (“Silver River” by Shingoose, featuring the poetry of Duke Redbird), and lyrical content ranging from reserve life, to love, to traditional storytelling.

“Sometimes when people from back home would tell me a legend story, the only way I could remember was to write a song about it.” says Thrasher. “I only had Grade 6, because I was raised in a residential school and I wasn’t that well-educated, because I wasn’t suppose to be educated. Music, drumming, singing, and dancing kept me going all these years.

And to this day I’m still going strong with music, I still travel, and I admire very much what Kevin did.

This is the most historic

Campbell’s “Sky Man and the Moon”, paints your mind’s eye with visions of ancient aurora borealis in true oral storytelling tradition, while Willie Dunn’s “Peruvian Dream” features the hypnotic combination of Jerry Saddleback’s chanting over big powwow drums.

Willie Thrasher’s “Spirit Child” recalls his experience in the residential school system, mourning the loss of cultural identity with psychedelic and alt-country nuances. Included with the music is a beautifully constructed booklet, filled with bios and lyrics of each artist featured. Spiritual, historical, and cultural significance aside, these are simply really

Inuit songwriter Willie Thrasher is one of the many aboriginal artists featured on Light in the Attic Records’ ative North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966 - 1985, compiled by Vancouver DJ Kevin “Sipreano” Howes. Submitted photo time in aboriginal music history.”

This couldn’t be a more true; with the rise of Tanya Tagaq, a Tribe Called Red, and many more, it has been an incredible year for Aboriginal music in Canada. And this is just the start. Willie Thrasher is currently recording a new album which he will release sometime next year, and Howes is already working

on Volume 2 and beyond.

“My Canada is made up of all the people that helped to shape this country in a positive way,” says Howes. “The people who create an incredible culture, like these artists.

That’s who we should be celebrating. “[These artists] should be celebrated for the cultural heroes that they are.” W

great songs that are finally having their time in the sun, or rather, giving us the light they’ve had all long.

–Louise Burns Rating: ★★★★★

REC CENTRE,

Monster of the Week (Independent) Rec Centre is the hookheavy project of multiinstrumentalist/writer/ all-around polymath Alex Hudson, who in his liner notes gives props to both Enya and the X-Files as major influences while making an album that sounds like neither of those things.

Refreshingly, Monster of

the Week features bass guitar as a dominant instrument.

Opener “Like I Care” is an assault of fuzzed out bottom end and shouldershrugging power pop. The blissed out lone-wolf anthem “Initials” proclaims he’ll “Make my friends believe I’m seeing other people”.

A release party for Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966-1985 takes place Dec. 11 at The Lido (518 East Broadway) at 9pm. Featuring a live performance from Willie Thrasher and Linda Saddleback, listening session and a 16mm screening of Willie Dunn’s 1968 short film The Ballad of Crowfoot (NFB). Free event, so space is limited.

Recorded and performed with frequent collaborator Jay Arner, there are flavours of shimmering C86 pop, soundtrack synth, and big bass rock. This is hook n’ harmony, shimmering indie pop at its finest, with a coolhanded approach to lyrical self-awareness, shouting out what you’ve been thinking all along: “I finally figured out, I don’t wanna be famous / I guess it’s just as well, I was never in danger” (“Celebrity Deaths”).

Chock-full of Gen-Y anthems, Monster of the Week celebrates a life you’ve chosen, not imitated.

–Louise Burns Rating: ★★★★★

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Being Rukiya Bernard The busy actress on motherhood, self-doubt, and the trip that changed her career Sabrina Furminger Reel People @Sabrinarmf

After a couple of false starts, when I finally connect with Rukiya Bernard one Sunday afternoon in November, the beautiful chaos of her life is audible through the phone.

Her 11-month-old – the source of a steady stream of high-pitched squeals throughout our conversation – is playing with pots and pans at her feet. Her four-and-a-half-year-old is watching The Lion King nearby. And Bernard isn’t missing a beat, tending to them both while answering my questions.

That’s what 2014 has been for Bernard: A non-stop juggling act. The Vancouver actress has logged some impressive gigs in 2014, including a guest arc on BBC America’s super-spooky Intruders, and appearances on Witches of East End, The Returned, and the upcom-

ing television movie Sorority Murder.

And somewhere between her personal and on-screen obligations, she’s also found time to rehearse for the stage with Good People, a humourfilled drama from Pulitzer Prize winner David LindsayAbaire, on now until Nov. 29 at Studio 1398.

It truly is an actor’s life for Bernard, but it’s a path she would have given up altogether were it not for a life-changing road trip during the seventh month of her first pregnancy.

Bernard was raised in Toronto by immigrant parents, from Jamaica and Kenya, who’d come to Canada for a better life. “Acting is not really considered the better life,” she laughs. “I think they were hoping for a doctor or lawyer.”

But Bernard, who’d always had a dramatic flare, was determined to explore her passion. She sailed through the theatre arts program at Ryerson University and landed an agent upon graduation.

Her first paid role was in a Movie of the Week called

Our America, directed by Spike Lee’s famed cinematographer, Ernest Dickerson, and starring Josh Charles, Mykelti Williamson, and Vanessa Williams.

“It was a fantastic experience,” says Bernard. “I was like, ‘Wow, I just graduated, and here I am playing with these incredible people.’”

Romance brought her to Vancouver, and when the relationship fizzled, she stayed for the work: In Eureka, Sanctuary, The L Word, The Stagers, and dozens of other comedic and dramatic roles in TV series, shorts, and feature films.

Being a working actor in this city can be a tough slog. Sometimes the phone doesn’t ring, or when it does, it’s for roles that are less than palatable.

Such trying times took their toll on Bernard’s spirit.

“There’ve been a couple instances where I didn’t work for a really long period and what I was booking were roles that I had no interest in playing, and because I am my product, it affects me,” she says. “It’s not like I can

put the product on the shelf and say, ‘Okay, that’s it for that thing.’ It’s me. That’s what I’m selling.”

So when her good friend Ali Liebert (star of Bomb Girls and Afterparty) asked the pregnant Bernard to accompany her on the long drive down to LA for pilot season, she was in the right headspace to take a hard look at who she was and what she wanted from her career and her life.

“I’ll never forget the drive down. We talked a lot and she really believed in me, especially at that time when I didn’t really believe in myself,” says Bernard. “We talked so much and I told her about how I felt really vulnerable and she had so many suggestions. I think she’s the reason I’m still acting right now, because of that conversation, because of that drive.”

Now she’s busier than ever, with an attitude that rolls with whatever punches the industry throws her way.

“I think there’s a certain level of self-acceptance that I now understand and have

Rukiya Bernard David Naman Photo implemented into my life,” she adds.

Motherhood has changed things, too. Bernard doesn’t have time to sweat the small stuff (“Kids keep you very busy, so I don’t have a lot of time to indulge my neuroses”), and she’s cognizant of the role she plays in her children’s lives.

“My daughter, I know, I’m her number one role model right now, so I need to be the thing that I’d like to see in her,” she says.

In Good People, Rukiya

plays the current wife of the protagonist’s ex-boyfriend.

“It’s a riot of a play,” raves Bernard. “It’s one of those plays where the tone of it is very real life, and through that real life we find the comedy.”

“With stage, you’ve got to set it all, and then you’ve got to do it, and there’s no doovers,” adds Bernard. “It’s do or die.” W Good People runs until Nov. 29 at Studio 1398. For tickets and show times, visit BrownPaperTickets.com

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November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 43

ARTS // CULTURE

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MOVIE REVIEWS DUMB AND DUMBER TO

Starring Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels Directed by Bobby & Peter Farrelly It’s been 20 years and comedy has changed a lot; which is why a sequel to the Farrelly Brothers’ hit Dumb and Dumber feels both unnecessary and strangely comforting, like a nourishing ‘90s blanket.

The most impressive thing about the veteran Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprising their respectively ridiculous roles is their steadfast commitment to the characters – particularly Carrey who steps effortlessly back into the head space of Lloyd Christ-

mas. Daniels, on the other hand, struggles at times as he overdoes things a tad, but it says a lot about an actor who can go from The Newsroom’s acerbic and witty Will McAvoy to the bumbling Harry Dunne.

Dumb and Dumber To doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to plot structure; the dorky duo embark on another road trip to track down Harry’s long-lost daughter who was given up for adoption. Granted, many of the gags are downright silly, if not offensive, to a more conservative crowd. But, the movie, unlike so many of today’s self-referential meta-comedies like 22 Jump Street plays it straight with the Three Stooges-

type slapstick jokes and somehow manages to feel like an authentic love letter to fans of the original.

The rest of the cast seem to be enjoying themselves with former Daily Show correspondent Rob Riggle providing dual comic relief as twin brothers, and Rachel Melvin displaying some expert timing as Harry’s potential daughter.

It’s no high-brow affair but this sequel is downright dumb enough to get a passing grade. –Thor Diakow

BIG HERO 6

Starring Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams Disney’s latest animated

YOUR COUCH HAS NEVER BEEN SO LONELY...

feature boasts all the trademark charms audiences have come to expect from the studio and that’s part of the problem. Big Hero 6 envisions a not-too-distant future San Francisco that has seemingly merged with Tokyo in aesthetic and follows a brilliant young prodigy named Hiro (Potter) and a lovable inflatable robot, who dispenses medical aid and resembles a less contoured Michelin Man, called Baymax (voiced by 30 Rock alum Scott Adsit).

The details as to how Hiro teams up with his robo-buddy would spoil some rather poignant plot points but what follows feels overly familiar; the two must take down a criminal mastermind threatening

the city and team up with a band of high-tech geeks destined for hero status. This is also where the plot’s derivative roots begin to show as the movie seems to exist more as the product of focus group analysts ticking boxes instead of a truly original idea.

That being said, Big Hero 6 certainly hits some high notes. Adsit, who is an experienced voice actor, is stellar as Baymax and a gag that likens the robot’s mannerisms while his batteries are low to being stumbling drunk is hilarious.

One thing’s for sure, Big Hero 6 has a lot of infectious verve. The film is also beautifully rendered, full of well-staged action and contains plenty of emotional resonance.

The problem is, we’ve been down this road before and once the closing credits begin to roll it all feels suspiciously like a blatant franchise-starter.

–Thor Diakow

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones Directed by James Marsh Much like how physicists strive to determine a simple, eloquent equation explaining every aspect of the universe, Hollywood seems hell-bent on uncovering a single biopic formula that can be applied to any influential figure.

Following in the footsteps of last year’s Mandela: The Long Walk Home, The Theory of Everything reduces an incredibly complex life – in this case, Stephen Hawking’s – into two hours of

standard inspirational storytelling, with a soaring score suggesting poignancy that never manifests.

That said, this commences in promising fashion with young Stephen (Eddie Redmayne) crossing paths with his eventual wife Jane (Felicity Jones) at a Cambridge party in 1963.

As they awkwardly discover that they have nothing in common, and verbally spar over their differing beliefs, we’re almost as smitten with them as they are with each other. Alas, there’s a Wikipedia entry to dramatize. Consequently, they’re relegated to playing reasonable facsimiles of real life figures and completing a circuit of critical events that the film is obligated to touch on.

No stranger to Oscar bait, Les Misérables alum Redmayne demonstrates impressive physical commitment; retaining Hawking’s wry air even as his motor capabilities degrade.

The more troubling decline to witness is actually that of director James Marsh (Man on Wire). After demonstrating tremendous invention with his documentary work, he appears at a loss as to how to put his stamp on this material, settling for applying an anonymous gloss instead. In the impersonal process, he becomes the latest director to squander a phenomenal performance from Jones.

She conveys Jane’s struggles with the demands of her marriage with a remarkable grace that increasingly eludes the film as it resorts to clumsily snatching at our heartstrings.

– Curtis Woloschuk

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Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones star in James Marsh’s The Theory of Everything, which chronicles the life of physicist Stephen Hawking.

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LIFESTYLES //

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HEALTH

Living the Tight Life Natalie Langston Fitness on the Run @LangstonNatalie At the end of a busy work day, working out may feel like the last thing you want to do.

You’d rather put your feet up and binge on take-out and Netflix. Why? Because it’s convenient.

Well, the definition of convenient could change with the crew from The Tight Life knocking at your door.

With personal trainer Keighty Gallagher (Tight Club), nutritionist Carley Mendes (Keep it Real Food), and chef Christina

Culver (Culver City Salads) by your side, it is easy to get a workout in, and nourish your body afterwards with nutrientdense food.

With Tight Club, Gallagher teaches mat-based classes, incorporating full-body movements and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) through body weight, strength, and plyometric training. The HIIT Mat workout can be done easily at home on a rainy day, or even at the office.

This workout is time-efficient, convenient to maintain, and simple to assimilate into any lifestyle. All you need is a good pair of running shoes, comfortable clothes, and a stopwatch. Gallagher suggests using the timer app called Sec-

onds Pro, which beeps when you need to stop and rest or start again.

These fast, short bursts of exercises have varying work-torest ratios. The most popular routine is the Tabata method, where you work twice as long as you rest. The Tabata sets are all about balancing the body, boosting your metabolism, strengthening your muscles, and stabilizing your joints.

To start, first get your heart rate up with plyometrics such as burpees, rocket jumps, jumping jacks, high knees on the spot, or skipping. Then, add some upper-body exercises like pushups and shoulder presses. For presses you could use dumbbells, sand bells, or even your baby! Throw in

some lower body movements like squats or lunges, and then a core exercise like a plank or a sit-up and you’ve got yourself a complete Tabata set.

If you want to intensify your workout, you can add in a skipping rope and some light to medium hand weights. It can take as little as four minutes to complete, as demonstrated with this sample circuit for you to do at home: Choosing from the exercises above, do a high-intensity, upper body, lower body, and core exercise each for 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, then repeat.

If you can, use a mirror to keep your form. Build your workouts up slowly, as this is key to a sustainable change.

And when you’re ready to kick your fitness in to high gear, the three-week Tight Life challenge will get you on top of your fitness and nutrition game. TheTightLife.com W

Help your liver and you’ll help yourself Patty Javier Gomez Whole Nourishment

@WholeNourishBC The holiday season is upon us! The time of year when we indulge in more treats than usual and drink probably way more than we should, putting a big burden on our poor old livers.

The liver is in charge of more than 500 functions and is known as the powerhouse of the body, making it one of our biggest multitaskers.

Some of its jobs includedetoxifying, storing iron and vitamins, producing bile needed to digest fats, breaking down hormones, and it even plays a role in our metabolism and digestion.

Many of our illnesses are due to an overburdened liver but most of the time we don’t even realize that our liver is not functioning at full capacity.

This is why it is so important to take care of your liver,

DON’T MISS

especially this time of year, because you know you are gonna have way too many cocktails at your staff Christmas party.

Including liver-loving foods in your diet will help your liver perform its best to filter out all that holiday booze.

Here are some ways to help your liver so it can help you!

• Decrease intake of fried, processed foods.

• Minimize your intake of alcohol. The liver postpones every other function when metabolizing alcohol.

• Increase your fibre intake.

Foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits, and veggies.

• Make sure to drink enough water.

• Stress is a big liver aggravator. Exercising regularly, yoga, and meditation are good ways to relieve stress.

• Lemon water. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass water and drink daily as your first drink of the day to cleanse the liver and help with digestion.

• Milk thistle and dandelion helps regenerate the liver.

GUIDE

NEXT WEEK Westender.com

• Beets: Detoxify and purify the liver.

• Leafy greens: Chlorophyll in leafy greens increases the production of bile and absorb environmental toxins.

• Bitter greens: High cleansing properties.

• Carrots: Help stimulate and improve overall liver function.

• Garlic: Helps active enzymes in the liver that push out toxins.

• Onions: Contains a cancer fighting compound, especially the yellow ones.

• Fennel: Protects the liver from harmful chemicals.

• Seaweeds: Not only is

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November 20 – November 26, 2014 W 45

LIFESTYLES //

Out after dark OUT AFTER DARK is a weekly feature highlighting social and cultural events around Vancouver.

Got an upcoming event? Email us at OutAfterDark@Westender.com.

1 VANCOUVER URBAN WINERY cofounder STEVE THORP with sommeliers DAVID STANSFIELD and LISA COOK at SUNDAY SCHOOL

1

wine seminar. Supplied photo 2 GM KIERAN BALDWIN and marketing manager KIMBERLY D. FRAATZ at the opening of THE BELMONT BAR Nov. 6. Supplied photo 3 HOUSE WINE founders MICHAELA MORRIS and MICHELLE BOUFFARD at their CORNUCOPIA wine seminars in Whistler Nov. 8.

Gail Nugent photo

2

SHAELYN 3

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DRIVE

2015 Jaguar XF Despite some difficult years for Jaguar recently, they now have a line-up of highly attractive cars with powerful, efficient engines and great designs.

The Jaguar XF is the brand’s best seller and competes with other midsize luxury sedans such as the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The XF doesn’t see many changes for 2015, but Jaguar added some standard features to spice up the lineup. The 2015 model is available in seven different flavours ranging from the mild-mannered XF 2.0T to the high-performance XFR-S.

DESIGN

The Jaguar XF is possibly the best looking executive sedan. It features an aggressive stance with sleek and aerodynamic bodywork.

Those looking to stand out further from the crowd can consider several appearance packages. Available styling features include a black grille with black surround, 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, red brake calipers, a front bumper aero splitter and rear spoiler.

Inside, the 2015 Jaguar XF offers a superb level of comfort and a cabin that feels special. Customers can create their ideal environment with a wide selection of available colour themes and veneers.

PERFORMANCE

The Jaguar XF’s engine line-up ranges from small and efficient to large and powerful.

The middle option offers a nice blend of both.

The base engine in the XF 2.0T is a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder.

Power is rated at 240 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. Powering the XF 3.0 AWD models is a 3.0-litre supercharged V6.

Output is increased to 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

Moving up to the performance models, the XFR and XFR-S, motivation is provided by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8. The motor in the XFR puts out 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the XFR-S bumps output to 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque.

Regardless of which powerplant is under the hood, it will be mated to a ZF eightspeed QuickShift automatic transmission. There is no pure manual option but there are paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel for some manual control.

PLEASE READ THE FINE PRINT: Offers valid until December 1, 2014. See toyota.ca for complete details on all cash back offers. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between Toyota prices, rates and/or other information contained on toyotabc.ca and that contained on toyota.ca, the latter shall prevail. Errors and omissions excepted. 2015 RAV4 FWD LE Automatic ZFREVT-A MSRP is $25,820 and includes $1,815 freight and pre-delivery inspection, tire levy and air conditioning charge. *Finance example: 0.99% finance for 36 months, upon credit approval, available on 2015 RAV4 FWD LE Automatic ZFREVT-A. Applicable taxes are extra. **Lease example: 2015 RAV4 FWD LE Automatic ZFREVT-A with a vehicle price of $25,820 includes $1,815 freight/PDI leased at 0.99% over 40 months with $1,495 down payment equals 80 semi-monthly payments of $135 with a total lease obligation of $12,288. Lease 40 mos. based on 60,000 km, excess km charge is $.10. 2014 Tundra Double Cab SR 4.6L SR5 Plus 4x4 Automatic UM5F1T-C MSRP is $40,640 and includes $1,815 freight and pre-delivery inspection, tire levy and air conditioning charge. †Finance example: 0.9% finance for 72 months, upon credit approval, available on 2014 Tundra Double Cab SR5 4.6L SR5 Plus 4x4 Automatic UM5F1T-C. Applicable taxes are extra. ††Up to $7500 Non-Stackable Cash Back available on select 2014 Tundra models. Non-stackable cash back on 2014 Tundra Double Cab SR5 4.6L SR5 Plus 4x4 Automatic UM5F1T-C is $5500. 2014 Prius C KDTA3-A MSRP is $22,185 and includes $1,745 freight and pre-delivery inspection, tire levy and air conditioning charge. ‡Finance example: 0.9% finance for 72 months, upon credit approval, available on 2014. Applicable taxes are extra. ‡‡Lease example: 2014 Prius C KDTA3-A with a vehicle price of $22,185 includes $1,745 freight/PDI leased at 0.9% over 40 months with $1,875 down payment equals 80 semi-monthly payments of $118 with a total lease obligation of $11,306. Lease 40 mos. based on 60,000 km, excess km charge is $.07. ¥NOTE: Limited availability on 2014 models and suffixes, see dealer for details. Applicable taxes are extra. Down payment, first semi-monthly payment and security deposit plus GST and PST on first payment and full down payment are due at lease inception. A security deposit is not required on approval of credit.

Non-stackable Cash Back offers may not be combined with Toyota Financial Services (TFS) lease or finance rates. If you would like to lease or finance at standard TFS rates (not the above special rates), then you may be December 1, 2014. Cash incentives include taxes and are applied after taxes have been charged on the full amount of the negotiated price. See toyota.ca for complete details on all cash back offers. ¥¥“The Freedom 40 Lease delivers a lower monthly payment by extending standard terms by four months without a rate increase and without a corresponding reduction in Lease-end Value”. As an example, standard term of 36 months can be stretched to 40 months. Freedom 40 Lease offer is valid until January 2, 2015. ¥¥¥Semi-monthly lease offer available through Toyota Financial Services on approved credit to qualified retail customers on most 24, 28, 36, 40, 48, 52, 60 and 64 month leases of new and demonstrator Toyota vehicles.

First semi-monthly payment due at lease inception and next monthly payment due approximately 15 days later and semi-monthly thereafter throughout the term. Toyota Financial Services will waive the final payment. Semi-monthly lease offer can be combined with most other offers excluding the First Payment Free and Encore offers. First Payment Free offer is valid for eligible TFS Lease Renewal customers only. Toyota semi-monthly lease program based on 24 payments per year, on a 40-month lease, equals 80 payments, with the final 80th payment waived by Toyota Financial Services. Not open to employees of Toyota Canada, Toyota Financial Services or TMMC/TMMC Vehicle Purchase Plan. Some conditions apply. See your Toyota dealer for complete details. Visit your Toyota BC Dealer or www.toyotabc.ca for more details. Some conditions apply; offers are time limited and may change without notice. Dealer may lease/sell for less.

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headlights, rear parking aid and a sunroof.

Fuel efficiency numbers (L/100km) for the 2.0-litre I4 are 12.3 city, 8.2 highway and 10.5 combined. The 3.0-litre V6 returns 13.9 city, 8.8 highway and 11.6 combined.

ENVIRONMENT

The cabin of the Jaguar XF is airy and luxurious. It has all the leather upholstery and wood trim expected from a British luxury vehicle.

Anything but old and stuffy, the XF has many modern features including a rotary gear selector that rises from the central console and air vents that swivel into position. This makes driving the Jaguar feel like a special occasion every single time and provides some feeling of exclusivity.

Standard on the XF is a seven-inch touchscreen which commands all infotainment options. The top-of-the-line Meridian surround sound will please audiophiles.

Regardless of which audio system is fitted, the quiet engines and superb sound insulation blocks out all outside noise. This makes the Jaguar XF an excellent long distance cruiser.

FEATURES

Ranging in price from $53,500 to $104,500, the Jaguar XF spans a wide spectrum.

Standard equipment includes heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic

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Unfortunately, the more fuel efficient diesel engine is not coming to North America.

Past reliability woes could

If you want to stand out from the crowd of executive sedans, the 2015 Jaguar will do that and make you feel somewhat exclusive. W

The Jaguar XF offers a nice blend of traditional luxury with contemporary features.

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48WE_Subaru_1114_Final.indd W November 20 –1November 26, 2014

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2014-11-18 12:36 PM

LIFESTYLES //

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SEX

Free Will Astrology

By Rob Brezsny of you other Virgos will finally wrap up tasks you have been working on for a long time.

Someone on Reddit.com posed the question, “What have you always been curious to try?” In reply, many people said they wanted to experiment with exotic varieties of sex and drugs they had never treated themselves to before. Other favorites: Eating chocolate-covered bacon; piloting a plane; shoplifting; doing a stand-up comedy routine; hang-gliding and deep-sea diving; exploring the Darknet and the Deep Web; spontaneously taking a trip to a foreign country; turning away from modern society and joining a Buddhist monastery. What would your answer be, Aries?

The coming weeks will be an excellent time to explore what you have always been curious to try. The risks will be lower than usual, and the results more likely to be interesting.

Contrary to popular opinion, crime fiction author Arthur Conan Doyle never once had his character Sherlock Holmes utter the statement, “Elementary, my dear Watson.” For that matter, Humphrey Bogart never actually said “Play it again, Sam” in the film Casablanca. Star Trek’s Captain Kirk never used the exact phrase “Beam me up, Scotty.” Furthermore, I, Rob Brezsny, have never before issued the following prophecy: “Deep sexy darkness and deep sexy brilliance are conspiring to bring you Tauruses intriguing pleasures that will educate the naive part of your soul” – until now, that is. At this juncture in the ever-twisting plot of your life story, I am most definitely saying just that.

Here are some thoughts from Gemini author Fernando Pessoa: “The feelings that hurt most, the emotions that sting most, are those that are absurd – the longing for impossible things; nostalgia for what never was; the desire for what could have been; regret over not being someone else.” Can you relate, Gemini?

Have you felt those feelings? Here’s the good news: In the coming weeks, you will be more free of them than you have been in a long time. What will instead predominate for you are yearnings for very possible things and contentment with what’s actually available to you. (Pessoa’s words are from The Book of Disquiet, translated by Alfred Mac Adam.)

The most important thing you can do in the coming weeks is learn how to take care of yourself better.

What? You say you’re too busy for that? You have too many appointments and obligations? I disagree. In my astrological opinion, there’s one task that must trump all others, and that is get smarter about how you eat, sleep, exercise, relax, heal yourself, and connect with people. I can assure you that there’s a lot you don’t know about what you really need and the best ways to get what you really need. But you are ripe to become wiser in this subtle, demanding, and glorious art.

Naturalist Greg Munson says that many dragonflies are great acrobats. They are the “Cirque du Soleil” performers of the animal kingdom. Not only do they eat in mid-air, they also have sex. While flying, two dragonflies will hook up and bend into a roughly circular formation to accommodate the idiosyncrasies of their reproductive organs, thereby forming a “mating pinwheel.” I don’t expect you to achieve quite that level of virtuosity in your own amorous escapades, Leo. But if you’re adventurous, you could very well enjoy experiences that resemble having sex while flying.

Born under the sign of Virgo, Yuriy Norshteyn is a Russian animator who has won numerous awards.

His Tale of Tales was once voted the greatest animated film of all time. But he hasn’t finished any new films for quite a while. In fact, he has been working on the same project since 1981, indulging his perfectionism to the max. In 33 years, he has only finished 25 minutes’ worth of The Overcoat, based on a story by Nikolai Gogol. But I predict that he will complete this labor of love in the next eight months – just as many

“Every saint has a bee in his halo,” said philosopher Elbert Hubbard. Similarly, some Libras have a passiveaggressive streak hidden beneath their harmonyseeking, peace-loving persona. Are you one of them?

If so, I invite you to express your darker feelings more forthrightly. You don’t have to be mean and insensitive. In fact, it’s best if you use tact and diplomacy.

Just make sure you reveal the fact that there is indeed a bee in your halo. I bet you will ultimately be pleased with the consequences you stir up through your acts of courageous honesty.

Many people use the terms “cement” and “concrete” interchangeably, but they are not the same. Cement is powdery stuff that’s composed of limestone, gypsum, clay with alumino-silicate, and other ingredients. It’s just one of the raw materials that is used to make concrete – usually no more than 15 per cent of the total mass. The rest consists of sand, crushed stone, and water. Let’s regard this as a good metaphor for you to keep in mind, Scorpio. If you want to create a durable thing that can last as long as concrete, make sure you don’t get preoccupied with the “cement” at the expense of the other 85 per cent of the stuff you will need.

“Whatever returns from oblivion returns to find a voice,” writes Louise Glück in her poem, “The Wild Iris.”

I think that will be a key theme for you in the coming weeks. There’s a part of you that is returning from oblivion – making its way home from the abyss – and it will be hungry to express itself when it arrives back here in your regularly scheduled life. This dazed part of you may not yet know what exactly it wants to say.

But it is fertile with the unruly wisdom it has gathered while wandering. Sooner rather than later, it will discover a way to articulate its raw truths.

“There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness,” said American humourist Josh Billings. I propose that we make that your motto in the coming weeks. It’s an excellent time to liberate yourself from memories that still cause you pain – to garner major healing from past anguish and upheaval. And one of the best ways to do that will be to let go of as much blame and rage and hatred as you possibly can. Forgiveness can be your magic spell.

Wedding hell Sex with Mish Way

@MyszkaWay I like to think I am a progressive person when it comes to sex, love, and relationships. I like to think I am into breaking the rules, playing with structures, and venturing beyond vanilla. Then why the hell do I find myself planning what is turning into a real wedding?

In theory, the whole concept of marriage goes against pretty much everything I believe. On the other hand, a big, fun party full of booze, food, and friends – that is my religion.

I’m conflicted. I currently have an engagement ring on my finger, which began as a symbol to let the world know that you, the woman, are taken and about to be the property of a man, so others better back off. And you should be grateful because god forbid you remain “single”, a spinster! (Suggested reading: Jessica Valenti’s He’s a Stud And She’s A Slut.)

The whole idea of a father giving his daughter away to another man is a product of time when women were considered little more than objects up for barter and trade. As though a woman could not possibly make it through life without the guidance of a man.

Then, there’s the last name issue, which in today’s world has thankfully become less and less common. If both partners love their names, why change them? Children possibly play a part in this decision too, which

name would the child take?

My aunt’s last name is Bielski.

She lived in England married to a “Smith”. When they had two boys the children took the Bielski name. Her husband wanted their children to be able to carry on her family name as she had four sisters and one brother. He did not care about Smith.

If it were up to me, we would have gone down to the courthouse, gotten hitched, and that would be that. I’m more excited ab out the idea of committing to be with this person I love and starting our world together without kicking off the whole adventure with an expensive spectacle.

However, once you announce you are getting married the questions and pressure from family and friends kicks in: They want a wedding, god damn it. It’s more about them than you. I love going to weddings as a guest, but the idea of having my own is a weird mix of excitement and stress.

If you look at marriage as an institution, it can seem archaic and ugly. But it’s really just a commitment to beginning a life with the person you love most. A wedding is simply a (often ridiculously expensive) celebration of that love. That’s a beautiful thing. I am going to do our wedding our own way, despite any pressure or expectations. I grew up with an understanding that the most important thing in life is your relationships to other people: friends, family, and lovers.

I’m marrying my fiancé because I love him. He’s my

best friend. That’s why anyone should marry. Man, woman, gay, straight, trans:You should marry for love.

I’ve tried to break down “love” by reading neurological case studies of the brain in love. Researchers such as Helen Fisher have been able to analyze the data so that we understand which parts of the membrane react and deconstruct it all down to science. If anything can take the poetry out of love, it’s science; however, Fisher can’t take the romance out of it, even in her public lectures. What does everyone person in this world want? Love.

It comes in all forms. I’m not saying marriage is a sign of success or completeness as a human; I’m just saying we all want love in our lives in some way, and we find it in a variety of satisfying ways.

So, I’m going to try to not let the pressure of a wedding ruin what I deem to be an appropriate celebration for finding the man I want to be with forever. I’m going to satisfy my family and friends, and give them the party they want. But, most importantly, I am going to make sure my fiancé is happy. He’s kind of the whole reason this thing is happening after all. W

EMAIL MISH Send Mish your own sex questions and queries at sex@westender.com.

Denmark has been a pioneer in developing the technology to supply its energy needs with wind power. By 2020, it expects to generate half of its electricity from wind turbines. Recently the Danish climate minister also announced his nation’s intention to phase out the use of coal as an energy source within ten years. I would love to see you apply this kind of enlightened long-term thinking to your own personal destiny, Aquarius. Now would be an excellent time to brainstorm about the life you want to be living in 2020 and 2025. It’s also a perfect moment to outline a master plan for the next ten years, and commit to it.

Piscean actor Sir Michael Caine has had an illustrious career. He has won two Oscars and been nominated for the award six times in five different decades. But for his appearance in Jaws: The Revenge, he was nominated for the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor. He confessed that his work in that film was not his best, and yet he was happy with how much money he made doing it. “I have never seen the film,” he said, “but by all accounts it was terrible. However, I have seen the house that it built, and it is terrific.” In accordance with the astrological omens, Pisces, you have permission to engage in a comparable trade-off during the coming months. W

Nov. 20: Joe Biden (71) Nov. 21: Carly Rae Jepsen (28) Nov. 22: Scarlett Johansson (29) Nov. 23: Harpo Marx (126) Nov. 24: Katherine Heigl (35) Nov. 25: Ben Stein (69) Nov. 26: Rita Ora (23)

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50 W November 20 – November 26, 2014

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