Let's all welcome the Year of the Horse! Of course, this means there are lot of festivals and Chinese New Year events happening around the city.

Friday, January 31, 2014 - Happy CNY!

Aberdeen Centre's Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair
Jan 24 - 31 during Mall hours (Except for Countdown Night Jan 30 till 12:30am)
Friday - 11am at Outdoor Courtyard
Friday - 12:15pm onwards Store-to-Store Lion Visits
Aberdeen Centre, Central Atrium, 4400 Hazelbridge Way
This popular fair has been an annual tradition since 1989, and is the only one in Richmond! Visit over 60 booths and stock up for the New Year with festive decorations, delicious treats, fresh flowers and more.

Celebrating Year of the Horse at International Village Mall
January 30, 2014 (Thurs)  5:00pm – 12:30am (midnight) 
January 31, 2014 (Fri)  11:00am – 10:00pm 
February 1, 2014 (Sat)  11:00am – 10:00pm
February 2, 2014 (Sun) (Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade)  10:00am – 8:00pm
International Village Mall, 88 Pender Street West, Vancouver, BC
Exhibition booths on Main Level showcasing Chinese New Year festive items, souvenirs and gift wares, everything from fashion accessories to traditional Chinese clothing, Festive Chinese New Year heritage Village on Upper Level, bringing forth the intangible colorful heritage of arts and crafts, cultural aspects of folk life , as well as the tangible culinary delights and snack of Chinese New Year     Multi-cultural live performances, variety shows and radio broadcast on stage, greeting you Happy Chinese New Year in the air     Lucky draws     Opening ceremony with Eye Dotting Ceremony and Lion Dance

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Chinese New Year Celebration at Oakridge Centre
10am - 11am - Stage Performances 
11am - 12:30pm Lucky Lion's Merchant Blessings
Stage performances: VIP Cotting ceremonies, 2014 Nobility Jong Apparatus Veritcal Pole Apparatus, Kung Fu demonstrations, surprise finale


Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival & Cultural Fair
Sat - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Sun - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Chinese Cultural Centre/ Dr. Sun Yat Sen's Courtyard, 50 East Pender Street
Lion and dragon dances, folk dancing and singing, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Chinese opera

Aberdeen Centre's Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair
Jan 24 - 31 during Mall hours (Except for Countdown Night Jan 30 till 12:30am)
Saturday - 1pm - 2pm Vancouver Academy of Dance 
Saturday - 2:30pm - 4:30pm Vancouver Cantonese Opera 
Sunday - 1pm - 2pm BC Chinese Music Association 
Sunday - 3pm - 4pm Colors of Dance Academy
Aberdeen Centre, Central Atrium, 4400 Hazelbridge Way
This popular fair has been an annual tradition since 1989, and is the only one in Richmond! Visit over 60 booths and stock up for the New Year with festive decorations, delicious treats, fresh flowers and more.

Celebrating Year of the Horse at International Village Mall
January 30, 2014 (Thurs)  5:00pm – 12:30am (midnight) 
January 31, 2014 (Fri)  11:00am – 10:00pm 
February 1, 2014 (Sat)  11:00am – 10:00pm
February 2, 2014 (Sun) (Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade)  10:00am – 8:00pm
International Village Mall, 88 Pender Street West, Vancouver, BC
Exhibition booths on Main Level showcasing Chinese New Year festive items, souvenirs and gift wares, everything from fashion accessories to traditional Chinese clothing, Festive Chinese New Year heritage Village on Upper Level, bringing forth the intangible colorful heritage of arts and crafts, cultural aspects of folk life , as well as the tangible culinary delights and snack of Chinese New Year     Multi-cultural live performances, variety shows and radio broadcast on stage, greeting you Happy Chinese New Year in the air     Lucky draws     Opening ceremony with Eye Dotting Ceremony and Lion Dance

RCCS Lunar New Year Lion Dance Celebration 
2:00 pm
Richmond Centre, 6551 Number 3 Rd, Richmond, BC
The Lunar New Year is an important festival for the Chinese, and people return home on the eve of the Lunar New Year to attend large family gatherings. The Richmond Chinese Community Society (RCCS) is honoured to share this annual event with the whole community on Sunday, February 1st, 2014 at Richmond Centre. Events: Lion Dance Performances 

Sunday, February 2, 2014

41th Chinese New Year Parade
11:00am
Starts at Millenium Gate, 38 West Pender Route: Millennium Gate, West Pender St, East Pender St, Gore Ave, Keefer St, Ends at corner of Keefer St and Carrall St

The renowned Chinese New Year Parade will return in 2014 for the 41th time. This signature event of Vancouver's Chinatown will feature lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts performances and much more.
 

The Year of the Horse Temple Fair at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
10am - 4pm
Gongfu Tea Ceremony 10 am – 4:00 pm
Traditional Chinese Dance & Workshop 2 – 2:45 pm
Live Music Performances All Day
Traditional Chinese Games All Day
Children’s Corner All Day

Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden, 50 East Pender Street 
Suggested donation $5  To celebrate traditional Chinese New Year, the Garden presents a special “The Year of the Horse Temple Fair”, a “Hot and Noisy” (re-nao) public event based on the Spring Festival temple fair where people entertain, trade, greet, celebrate and pray for a prosperous new year.
Live Music Performances, Traditional Chinese Dance & Workshop 2 – 2:45 pm, Gongfu Tea Ceremony 10 am – 4:00 pm, Traditional Chinese Games All Day, Children’s Corner All Day

Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival & Cultural Fair
Sat - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Sun - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Chinese Cultural Centre/ Dr. Sun Yat Sen's Courtyard, 50 East Pender Street
Lion and dragon dances, folk dancing and singing, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Chinese opera


Aberdeen Centre's Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair 
Jan 24 - 31 during Mall hours (Except for Countdown Night Jan 30 till 12:30am)
Sunday - 1pm - 2pm BC Chinese Music Association 
Sunday - 3pm - 4pm Colors of Dance Academy 
Aberdeen Centre, Central Atrium, 4400 Hazelbridge Way
This popular fair has been an annual tradition since 1989, and is the only one in Richmond! Visit over 60 booths and stock up for the New Year with festive decorations, delicious treats, fresh flowers and more.

Celebrating Year of the Horse at International Village Mall
January 30, 2014 (Thurs)  5:00pm – 12:30am (midnight) 
January 31, 2014 (Fri)  11:00am – 10:00pm 
February 1, 2014 (Sat)  11:00am – 10:00pm
February 2, 2014 (Sun) (Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade)  10:00am – 8:00pm
International Village Mall, 88 Pender Street West, Vancouver, BC
Exhibition booths on Main Level showcasing Chinese New Year festive items, souvenirs and gift wares, everything from fashion accessories to traditional Chinese clothing, Festive Chinese New Year heritage Village on Upper Level, bringing forth the intangible colorful heritage of arts and crafts, cultural aspects of folk life , as well as the tangible culinary delights and snack of Chinese New Year     Multi-cultural live performances, variety shows and radio broadcast on stage, greeting you Happy Chinese New Year in the air     Lucky draws     Opening ceremony with Eye Dotting Ceremony and Lion Dance

RCCS TD Lunar New Year Celebration at Lansdowne Centre 
Opening ceremony will start at 12:30 noon
Lansdowne Centre, 5300 No 3 Rd, Richmond, BC 
In the spirit of the Lunar New Year, which brings about family reunions and charitable love, RCCS is honoured to share this annual event with the whole community. This year’s celebration will include a variety of multicultural performances ranging from the Lion Dance, Chinese Opera, Ballroom Dance, Magic, Hip Hop Dance, Folk Dance, Japanese Drumming, Kung Fu, and Taekwondo along with booths for Chinese calligraphies and craft sales. Community organizations will also host exhibition booths at the event. This year, RCCS will again donate all its fundraising proceeds to Richmond Food Bank. Events: Multicultural Performances, Craft Sale, Community exhibition booths 

Choosing a restaurant for the family that will satisfy everyone is always an ordeal during Dine Out. We always have to stick with seafood because that's what mum likes so anywhere with scallops or crab cakes are good, then the dessert has to be appealing for K and I as well. Dad doesn't really care as long as there's parking. After going through some choices, we ended up choosing Whet, located on Granville Island. Their $28 menu looked decent though they only had two dessert choices.

Clam Chowder, House made, cream, potatoes, bacon, baby shrimp

I tried clam chowder for the appetizer, which came with some crackers. It was ok but too heavy on the pepper for my liking. My lips were burning!

Crab Cake Pan seared, lemon zest, herbs, lemon truffle aioli

Mum, of course, ordered the crab cakes. She said they were ok but didn't compare with the Shore Club's crab cakes, which she is convinced is the best in the world. (She was devastated when it closed down in Vancouver)

Beet Salad Red and golden beets, winter greens, candied almonds, goat cheese, cashews, maple balsamic reduction, crispy noodles

 My uncle ordered the beet salad.

Crab Stuffed Salmon Lemon truffle aioli, market fresh vegetables, smashed potatoes, maple balsamic

For the mains, we mostly were split between the crab-stuffed salmon and the sirloin steak. Only my aunt deviated and tried the Cioppinno. The salmon was delicious but it was hard to taste any of the crab. I can see it but it's just the salmon overpowers the crab. I would have liked to have eaten it separately. The waiter said that the stuff is basically the same stuff as the crab cakes.

Cioppino Mussels, fresh fish, prawns, chorizo, Pernod tomato broth, potatoes, baguette

Sirlion Steak, 7 oz ‘Certified Angus Beef’, green peppercorn demi glace, bacon, vegetables, smashed potatoes

Chocolate torte - flourless, dark chocolate, berry coulis, served with whipped cream, and strawberries

Strawberry Shortcake - fresh strawberries, caramel and ice cream

For dessert, I chose the strawberry shortcake. It was like a deconstructed version of the strawberry shortcake. It was pretty good!

Appetizer

Entree

Dessert

Chinese New Year is next week and there are already some celebrations starting already this weekend!

Friday, January 24, 2014

Gluten Free Expo - $12 online, $15 door
Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
PNE, Forum Building, 2901 E. Hastings St.
Canada’s largest gluten free event. Discover, Sample, and Save on hundred’s of Gluten Free Products while learning from leading experts.

Magic the Gathering Grand Prix Vancouver
Friday 12pm - 7pm - Registration/Trials
Sat - 7:30am - 8pm
Sun - 8am - 4pm
Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place
Grand Prix Vancouver is open to the public and all players are invited to come and participate. Grand Prix Vancouver is a two-day event featuring the Standard format. In addition to the main event, the Grand Prix Vancouver weekend offers one of the largest schedules of public events ever brought to a Grand Prix — including an opportunity to win a VIP trip to Seattle in 2015! Public Events and Last-Chance Grand Prix Trials will be held Friday, January 24 on-site starting at noon. 
Aberdeen Centre's Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair
Aberdeen Centre, Central Atrium, 4400 Hazelbridge Way 
Jan 24 - 31 during Mall hours (Except for Countdown Night Jan 30 till 12:30am)
This popular fair has been an annual tradition since 1989, and is the only one in Richmond! Visit over 60 booths and stock up for the New Year with festive decorations, delicious treats, fresh flowers and more.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Magic the Gathering Grand Prix Vancouver
Friday 12pm - 7pm - Registration/Trials
Sat - 7:30am - 8pm
Sun - 8am - 4pm
Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place
Grand Prix Vancouver is open to the public and all players are invited to come and participate. Grand Prix Vancouver is a two-day event featuring the Standard format. In addition to the main event, the Grand Prix Vancouver weekend offers one of the largest schedules of public events ever brought to a Grand Prix — including an opportunity to win a VIP trip to Seattle in 2015! Public Events and Last-Chance Grand Prix Trials will be held Friday, January 24 on-site starting at noon. 
Chinese New Year Celebration at West End
10:00am - 12:00pm
West End Community Centre Association, 870 Denman Street, Vancouver
Happy Chinese New Year! Fun, friends and celebration is what all New Year celebrations are all about. Come help us celebrate the year of the Horse! Join us for this free & fun family event full of good luck crafts, music, performances and more!

Gluten Free Expo - $12 online, $15 door
Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
PNE, Forum Building, 2901 E. Hastings St.
Canada’s largest gluten free event. Discover, Sample, and Save on hundred’s of Gluten Free Products while learning from leading experts.

Chinese New Year Celebration at Brentwood
1pm - 4pm
4567 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby, BC
1pm - 4pm Mini Chinese Arts & Crafts Centre at the Children's Play Area - Watch a Chinese Dough Maker, Grasshopper Maker and Balloon Artisan
1:30pm - 2:45pm Lucky Lion Dance Performances at Centre Court
3pm - 4pm Blessing of the Merchants

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Magic the Gathering Grand Prix Vancouver
Friday 12pm - 7pm - Registration/Trials
Sat - 7:30am - 8pm
Sun - 8am - 4pm
Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place
Grand Prix Vancouver is open to the public and all players are invited to come and participate. Grand Prix Vancouver is a two-day event featuring the Standard format. In addition to the main event, the Grand Prix Vancouver weekend offers one of the largest schedules of public events ever brought to a Grand Prix — including an opportunity to win a VIP trip to Seattle in 2015! Public Events and Last-Chance Grand Prix Trials will be held Friday, January 24 on-site starting at noon. 

Gluten Free Expo - $12 online, $15 door
Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
PNE, Forum Building, 2901 E. Hastings St.
Canada’s largest gluten free event. Discover, Sample, and Save on hundred’s of Gluten Free Products while learning from leading experts.

West End Flea Market - $1
10:00am - 3:00pm
King George Secondary Gymnasium, 1755 Barclay St, VancouverFunds raised from all flea markets go to the WECC Youth Programs and the King George Secondary School Grad Committee. Flea markets are held in the King George Secondary School gymnasium.
 

On Tuesday, the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver launched their new art exhibition space in the hotel's lower lobby. Ghost Salmon by Paul Burke, with support by Anna Gustafson, of Salt Spring Island's Blue Horse Gallery, can be viewed now until the summer.

I thought it was a wonderful display and makes a greater impact than the Japanese garden that was there before. The people at the Four Seasons Hotel pride themselves with supporting sustainability and this display supports that theme.


Ghost Salmon represents the power but also the fragility of these animals. Pacific Salmon are so important in the coastal ecosystem; they play an essential role in the transporting of essential nutrients to our provincial forests that cannot be replaced. These beautiful animals endangered when their habitats, especially their spawning streams are destroyed. Keeping our rivers clean is of paramount importance!

Anna Gustafson and Paul Burke, of Salt Spring Island's Blue Horse Gallery, are highly passionate about sustainability and their artwork are inspired by nature, making them an obvious choice for a feature display at the Four Seasons.
 

The beautiful sculptures were carved from Western Red Cedar.


These two can be found outside and can be seen as you walk by the hotel. They sure are eye catching!

If you head upstairs you can see the minature salmon school at the YEW restaurant, also carved by Paul Burke.

I love how the sculptures cast the shadows up on the ceiling. It's like the fish are swimming above your head! I have to give a mention to P. Jay, the Director of Engineering at Four Seasons because he was responsible for the lighting! He told me the lights were all new, just came out on the market. It took him and his team two days to prepare the space and install lighting, river rocks and plants where the Ghost Salmon now call home.


For those interested in these pieces of art, each salmon is for sale individually. Please visit https://anna-gustafson-osa1.squarespace.com/four-seasons-qr (the QR code from the photo) for more information.

If you are around the area, be sure to stop by and check the exhibit out! They will only be the until the summer!

Dine Out Vancouver is back again! This year, K and I started with Chambar on the first day of Dine Out. I've heard great things about this restaurant and was excited to eat there finally. We arrived on time for our reservation and didn't have to wait very long before being led to our table. We were told that because it's so busy, we would have to give up the table in 1.5 hours, which was fine with us.

Gambas et chorizo Olive oil poached prawns, grilled chorizo, escabeche vegetables, avocado & Peruvian peppers.

K and I both chose the Gamba shrimp for our appetizers. It was delicious but a bit sour - must have been all the pickled vegatables and dill.

Canard aux marrons Spice rubbed duck breast, wild berry compote, chestnut hummus, Brussels sprouts & pistachios.

We couldn't decided between the duck and the mussels so we order one of each and shared them. They were amazing! The duck was so tender and succulent. I almost didn't want to give the other piece to K. Hahah.

Moules frites 'Vin Blanc'

The mussels are a must! Very delicious. The only thing was that I wish I had some bread to soak up rest the white wine sauce. I tried with the fries but they don't soak up liquid very well.

Meli melo de fruits Coconut raspberry pannacotta, green apple sorbet, macerated pomegranate & Asian pear.

For dessert, I tried the pannacotta with the green apple sorbet. The pannacotta was ok. I really liked the sorbet with the Asian pears.

Chocolat brule Chocolate espresso torte, apricot puree, pecan brittle, caramelized apple, lemon ice-cream.

 K had the chocolate espresso torte. I had a bite. It was yummy.


I would come back again! The food was delicious and their service is amazing! My glass of water wasn't even empty when they refill it again. I didn't have to ask!

Chambar is actually closing in May to move to a new location in the summer - 566 Beatty Street.

Appetizer

Entree

Dessert

Special Notes

Also, for the first time ever, Flashdance - the Musical will be playing in Vancouver and Wicked is coming back to Vancouver by popular demand! I've watched Wicked in London years ago and it was an amazing show. The songs are so catchy and the song Defying Gravity is so powerful. I have the soundtrack but it doesn't compare to watching it live. Be sure to catch it in May later this year!

For more information about the shows and how to purchase tickets or season passes to guarantee your tickets for all three shows, please visit www.BroadwayAcrossCanada.ca.

WICKED | May 28 – June 29, 2014   
FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL| November 11 – 16, 2014  
THE BOOK OF MORMON| April 7 – 12, 2015  
Coming to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver



Press Release:

On Thursday, January 16th, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau hosted the "Taste Taiwan" Culinary Tour Show Premiere at Mosaic Bar and Grille in the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver. Hundreds of guests were invited to see to the event, which was the end of a huge campaign that started in October of last year.


Taste Taiwan started with the selection of three nominated chefs (one from Los Angeles, one from New York, and one from Vancouver), for an exclusive eight-day culinary trip in Taiwan in December 2013.

The result is a 30 minute TV show highlighting Taiwan cuisine featuring the chefs visiting local restaurants, fresh produce markets, night markets and culinary institutes in Taiwan.

The show will be airing on the Discovery Channel in February in the US. Canadians will be able to view the show on Youtube.

Chef Thomas Heinrich of Mosaic Bar and Grille was selected to participate in the tour to represent Vancouver.

Here is with Dennis Pang!

Hakka tea crusted line-caught lingcod

Chef Heinrich produced this special Taiwan-inspired dish to be included on the Mosaic's menu for the month of January to promote tourism in Taiwan. Looks super yummy!



 Event participants were invited to try night market style Taiwanese street food.

 Chicken,

sausages,


Taiwanese sausage in sticky rice with toppings (garlic and cucumbers).



 This guy was making peanut mochi.


 Soft and chewy and delicious!


Gyoza dumplings! My favourite!

In addition to the featured Taiwan-inspired dish, Chef Heinrich also made a whole dinner course. They looked so mouthwatering delicious, I was almost tempted to steal a taste. XD




 Taiwan seems to be a very interesting culinary-wise. And looking through the brochures and pamphlets the representatives handed to everyone as we left, it seems there are a lot of beautiful places to explore as well. It is definitely on my places-to-visit list! I'm also looking forward to watching the Taste Taiwan show when it airs!