LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil | “A Waking Dream of Mexico” / October 31, 2019 by Jenn Chan

Photo credit : Matt Beard / Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi / 2016 Cirque du Soleil — Photo credit : Matt Beard / Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi / 2016 *Cirque du Soleil*

When I heard that Cirque du Soleil is coming back to Vancouver for another show this year, I was excited! I always love their show and have made it a point to go see them when they came to Vancouver (since I don’t head off to Vegas often). I’ve always been impressed with the choreography, performance and set designs. Not to mention all the performers’ stamina!! After watching any cirque show, I always tell myself I need to start going to the gym (and somehow never happens …)

A few of my friends had seen the show already this year (their first show was October 3, 2019) and have raved about Luzia! I had to see it for myself, and WOW was it a great show! Every cirque show has its own theme, and LUZIA’s theme is “A Waking Dream of Mexico”. To quote their site, “LUZIA takes you to an imaginary Mexico, like in a waking dream, where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul. With a surrealistic series of grand visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, LUZIA cleverly brings to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico taken from both tradition and modernity.” They did not disappoint.

LUZIA is a whimsical show with many comical moments. I found myself amazed by the show (of course) but also how seamlessly they were able to transform the stage from act to act - a lot of times without me realizing until the set has already completely changed! The very first set had a large treadmill taking over the whole stage and miraculously, somehow, it was gone! Magic! I found myself trying to keep an eye on the “background set staff” to see if I can spot them changing the sets for the rest of the show, but there were always so much going on to distract you that I could almost never spot them changing up major set pieces.

LUZIA is a very well put together show and you can see just how much preparation it took to put on the performance. There are so many elements and moving parts in the show that I feel like I will find something new in the show every time I rewatch the show! The most notable difference to me, from all the other Cirque shows i had seen in the past, is the water element. I have always wanted to go to Vegas to watch “O” but it has never happened so I was happy to see LUZIA incorporating water into their show. It just added an extra WOW factor to the show, that you don’t often see in other traveling shows. Unfortunately, I think we did not get to watch the “jungle man act” (last photo in this post), but it looks like it would’ve been amazing.

If you haven’t seen LUZIA by Cirque Du Soleil yet, I highly recommend you go check it out! They will be in Vancouver until December 29, 2019. HINT HINT: Christmas is coming and a pair of tickets will make a great gift! ;)

Now… it’s time for me to hit the gym….. (maybe).

EVENT | Little Black Dress Gala at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver / November 2, 2017 by Jenn Chan

The Little Black Dress Gala is held annually to support the Help Change My City Alliance. Their focus is providing mentorships to troubled and underprivileged youth within Vancouver. Additionally, HCMC and LBD Gala award bursaries to those seeking higher education and help youth find employment. Some scholarship recipients and beneficiaries of the Gala were in attendance. Stories of community involvement were told by five incredibly talented and intelligent young women. LBDGala used this as an engaging opportunity to bridge the gap between charitable event and the cause it supports.

The Gala is held on the beautiful conference level of the Vancouver Fairmont Hotel. It seems that no detail was spared, you ascend the grand staircase and are greeted by an artist live painting a canvas for silent auction, there is a photo wall for some professional and IG pics to be snapped. We opted to grab a glass of wine from the lounge and explore the silent auction items before the fashion show started. There were some more unique items up for bid, such as a hand-crafted leather purse, unique jewelry and various gift bags. There was a wide variety of art up for grabs by local artists, it really made me wish I had more wall space (and a better understanding of good art), but honestly, they we’re pretty and I was happy to appreciate them at the Gala before settling into the fashion show.

Fashion shows with alternating designers are kind of like a grab bag (which I love), you’re going to like some things, you’re going to love others, and there’s the potential that you’ll get something that confuses you (but you’ll likely end up wanting in 6 months, because along with art, I also don’t really understand fashion or fashion trends). Most importantly there is something there for everyone. For the most part the designs hung out heavily in the love/like arena, combined with the killer music and personality of the models it was a lot of fun and a great way to start the night, bubbly in hand. I have to comment on the variety of women and body types showcased at the event. It was true to the causes mission to empower real women and a refreshing take on beauty. A++ for model selection and the message it sends to young women.

The fashion show ends and we ventured through the grand hall taking a chance for a few more photo ops. We made sure to stop at the paper flower wall where everyone was helping each other get the perfect group or selfie shot. After photos it was time for drinks and dancing. Selection of beverages were fair and nice to see BC wineries such as Mission Hill on the docket. Unlike some gala’s I’ve been to this one was straight up fun!!! Whoever hired the DJ deserves a solid pat on the back. There is nothing better than a night out with friends where solid throwbacks come on. By the end of the night we were tired, a little tipsy and ready to get home to our beds but we we’re dragged back to dance song after song. I can’t remember the last time I got home after 1 am and on Saturday morning I was unlocking my front door at 3:30 am. A very, very good sign.

The LBDGala supports local youth, and under privileged members of the community through philanthropic and innovative methods. They put on a great event for those just getting into the world of Galas, it’s entertaining, fun, and welcoming.

For more information on next years event check out their website http://littleblackdressgala.ca/

Words: Amanda Scott
Photos: Jenn Chan

EVENT | Eat Drink SF 2017 / September 17, 2017 by Jenn Chan

I once walked into a warehouse that had 2 foot wide shelves that ran the length of the place, must have been 500 feet. There was a shelf on the ground and one every 2 feet for the height of the space, probably 30 feet. You walk between the rows of tightly packed shelves and there are an uncountable hundreds engulfing the large warehouse on a rural property very close to the Lynden Border Crossing that deposits you from beautiful, supernatural Aldergrove, BC to Lynden, WA.

Each shelf was, upon closer inspection, a small conveyer belt and each conveyor belt had 2 or 3 inches of cow manure that had been sprinkle with some mushroom cultures and the fungus was in various states of growth throughout the structure. I am 18 or 19, going to college, and delivering pizza for a local BC chain called Panago. There is no one in this grotesque place that knows anything about the pepperoni I'm trying to slang them. I circle around back and ask the gentleman in the Bobcat scooping a huge pile of shit onto a conveyor system who might have ordered food. "Check the warehouse!" I still shudder...

The piers and sheds of Lower Fort Mason, originally built to house military supplies and dock military vessels, harkened back to that mushroom phobia-inducing night as I stepped out of my Über in front of the Festival Pavilion at 2 Marina Blvd. Relief washed over my face as I spotted glass doors, big, bright windows, foliage and colourful decorations beckoning to Eat Drink SF! A small line of happy guests, anticipating decadence, were chatting exuberantly with each other and the super friendly staff. Big thanks to Emiliy Rudisill from Magnum PR for being such a gracious host!

Through the doors a huge table of wine glasses is stacked majestically. Each is destined to sample the many, many wines, beers and spirits on offer throughout the gigantic space. Ports, wines, scotches, craft beer, teas, juices, smoothies, floats, milkshakes, lions, tigers and bears. Oh my! Sushi, sliders, tacos, sashimi, steak, caviar, foie gras and enough fruits and veggies to stock ten grocery stores. Around 35 restaurants participate per event and over 160 contributed to Eat Drink SF 2017's festivities! Add in the 70+ beverages on offer and the night was as amazing in its variety as it was in quality!

I have to rate Eat Drink SF a perfect 10/10! An incredible venue, world class cuisine, fun and friendly service staff, hugely varied products and views of San Francisco Bay across to the Golden Gate Bridge. For a foodie from Vancouver the latter might have been enough to raise a subpar food festival into the 7-8/10 range, but the folks at Eat Drink SF have a surefire winner on their hands! I will definitely, 1,000%, be back!

Words: Scott Allan
Photos: Jenn Chan

Eternal Summer Iced Tea Party @ The Urban Tea Merchant / June 11, 2016 by Jenn Chan

I was so excited to be invited to The Urban Tea Merchant's "Eternal Summer Iced Tea Party"! I arrived and was welcomed by these beautifully fun & colourful Iced Teas! They're unveiling their line of TWG Iced Teas, and we got to try 3 of them - Pink Flamingo, Eternal Summer, and Cocktail Hour. They all smelled delicious, and were very tasty iced cold - perfect for a hot summer day!

Next, we were treated to their new tea set, available all summer, the "Summer Westcoast Tea Set"! Here's everything that is offered on the menu for $45 per person:

TWG Tea from their extensive tea list

SAVOURIES:
Miso Maple Sablefish, “Place Vendome Tea” Black Radish
Lime and Chili BC Halibut, Alaska King Crab, “Matcha” Drawn Butter
Sea Scallops Crudo, Fresh Goji Berries, Coconut White Balsamic Splash “Passion Fruit Tea”
Uni Chawanmushi (Dashi Soup Custard), Trout Caviar, Pickled Shemiji Mushrooms

SWEETS:
Passion-Framboise Tart, “Valentine’s Breakfast Tea” Raspberry Coulis
TWG Tea Macaron
“Tokyo-Singapore Tea” Ricotta Cheesecake
White And Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberry
Mélange of Fresh Fruit

My absolutely favourite was their very unique Uni Chawanmushi! The Uni custard was so smooth, paired perfectly with the flavour & texture of the Trout Caviar. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! Thank you Chef Cliff for this amazing creation!

Of course, they included their iconic Sablefish. I was told that this item is, by far, the most popular on all their tea sets since offering a food menu, and they wouldn't dream of taking it off their menu!

Uni Chawanmushi (Dashi Soup Custard) with Trout Caviar & Pickled Shemji Mushrooms

Sea Scallops Crudo with Fresh Goji Berries & Coconut White Balsamic Splash — Sea Scallops Crudo with Fresh Goji Berries & Coconut White Balsamic Splash

Lime and Chili BC Halibut & Alaska King Crab, with “Matcha” Drawn Butter — Lime and Chili BC Halibut & Alaska King Crab, with “Matcha” Drawn Butter

Miso Maple Sablefish, with “Place Vendome Tea” Black Radish

Sweets: Passion-Framboise Tart, TWG Tea Macaron, Ricotta Cheesecake, White & Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberry & Mélange of Fresh Fruit

We were lucky enough to try 2 of their desserts, created by Pastry Chef Tom, who is new to the Urban Tea Merchant family. This is their Raspberry Tart Au Passion Ganache - look how pretty it looks! Every bite was very light & flavourful - perfect for the summer!

Raspberry Tart Au Passion Ganache - Fresh Raspberries, Passion Fruit Au White Chocolate Ganache & “Valentine Breakfast Tea” Coulis

Lastly, we tried the Jivara Chocolate Mousse, infused with French Earl Grey, and is gluten free! Most people who know me, knows that I'm not a huge dessert fan, but this mousse was so light and airy that I had to gobble up the whole thing! Each bite melted in my mouth, and the caramel added a very interesting crunch in my mouth!

Jivara Chocolate Mousse - “French Earl Grey” Classic Decadent Chocolate Cremeux Cake - Gluten Free — Jivara Chocolate Mousse - “French Earl Grey” Classic Decadent Chocolate Cremeux Cake - Gluten Free

I highly recommend heading in to The Urban Tea Merchant to pick up some Iced Teas, fill up your pitchers, and enjoy some refreshing glasses of Iced Teas this summer!

Words & Photos: Jenn Chan

Veuve Clicquot Yelloweek Brunch at Roof Garten / May 2, 2016 by Jenn Chan

Roof Garten is here for a good time, but it certainly won't be a long time. Slated to exist only in the summer of 2016 the restaurant / lounge is a bright, sunny, lavish space with a rumbling DJ booth and shimmering wait staff. Having been lucky enough to be the first customer through the doors on their first day I feel a kinship with this place which, no doubt, will last all summer '16.

The giant windows look out onto the corner of Granville and Smithe Streets, across from the Cinema Public House, and the entrance is just south on Smithe. I might suggest wearing sunscreen if you attend one of their signature Veuve Clicquot Champagne brunches as the roof is glass, the walls are glass and they enjoy unobstructed sunlight in the afternoon; an absolutely amazing atmosphere!

When you exit the elevator you will be amazed by the detail and level of finishings that have gone up in this "pop-up patio". I don't know know about you, but when I go to pop-up snowboard or shoe sale they often have a handwritten sign on the back of a piece of loose leaf they've staples to the wall and not professional signage costing, I'm sure, in the thousands.

The main focal point is a 30 foot long wooden table that rivals the giant Redwood Sequoia slab at the Long Table Distillery for which they're named. It sits alongside a DJ booth with enough equipment for a damn Kiss concert; you won't see any student alt/rock bands centre stage at Roof Garten!

Along with the Veuve Clicquot Champagne, which is divine by the way, we partook in some pretty incredible Caesars, the highballs were generous and well crafted and the beers came out icy cold and tasted like their draft beer equipment is tip top.

The food was also fantastic! I had, being brunch, a Crab Eggs Benedict and we also ordered a Breakfast Poutine. The crab was very nice, the eggs cooked to perfection in both dishes and they both paired well with our "shake off the rust from Saturday night" Caesars.

The managing partner at Roof Garten, Jens Marquardt, was on hand welcoming the many well-heeled patrons. Bottles of Clicquot, Dom and Ace of Spades were on constant parade to their final homes accompanied by large sparklers which celebrated the art of inebriation in a most fitting way! Go for the view, go for the food, go for the drinks or go for the crowd, but go; just go!

Words: Scott Allan
Photos: Jenn Chan

Ringing in the New Year / January 4, 2016 by Jenn Chan

My site is finally LIVE! (whoohoo)

What a way to start the New Year - by watching the first ever fireworks display in Vancouver in 10 years. I had a great opportunity to capture this on the Fairmont Waterfront Gold Lounge Patio.

The festivities started at 6pm with food trucks, booths set up for games & activities, performances, and bands playing on stage. There was a New Years countdown at 9pm for the kids, which ran for 3 minutes.

Followed by, of course, a midnight Countdown into 2016! Due to crowd control, they had to move the barge West.

Happy New Year everyone - Wishing you an amazing 2016!