You are currently browsing the monthly archive for January 2007.
I went to the dentist this morning and, coincidentally, Rob went this afternoon.
However, I am ashamed to say I did not have the foresight he has proven to possess.
Behold: what I believe to be the only known occurance on the PLANET of self-portraits taken at the dentist’s. During the procedure.
Way to go Rob, thanks for giving me something to write about.
The Dine Out madness is now on in Vancouver. It’s a featured element of almost every conversation I have these days, but that’s ok – because I finally “get it”. Being new to Vancouver, I had no idea how to go about participating in this supposedly extraordinary wine and food event. Basically, during three weeks, about 150 restaurants throughout the city offer a three course meal for really cheap – you can choose a $15, $25 or $35 menu – as a sort of introduction to their place, I guess. Everyone gets really into it and I must say, the organizers had a stroke of genius when they decided it would take place at the end of January. It’s the post-Christmas blahs, it’s cold and grey outside, and you don’t really have anything better to do anyways. Dine Out is a nice excuse to get out with friends and try something new.
When I was looking to make a reservation to see what this thing was all about, every single person I spoke with had a different suggestion as to where we absolutely had to go, and, needless to say, I was completely overwhelmed. Good thing we have friends who know what they’re doing. Last night, Brian and Kelly invited us to join them at Sanafir… check out that website, it’s really beautiful. That was my first inkling that we were in for a treat, and this was confirmed when we showed up and saw a doorman at the door. What a nice touch.
The place’s decor made a big impression from the moment we walked in. The room, with its high ceilings and gauzy curtains, was bathed in a warm golden glow from low hanging, Moroccan-inspired chandeliers and these quaint pillar candles that were staggered on tiny shelves all over the walls. We had to wait for our table but there was a bar to linger around and all the staff was very very attentive. That was true for the duration of our visit, actually, and one of the things I really liked. Though we sat at a table on the main floor, I went upstairs to look around and that’s where I saw the low tables at which you sit on cushions, as well as semi-private loungey beds, softly lit and surrounded by curtains – I’m not sure if you have to request those specially, but it would be a great spot for an intimate little party.
(click to expand)
Our server was very charming, just the right combination of there-when-you-want-her, witty-repartees and discretion. She did a great job of explaining how the menu worked; basically there was a choice of salad or lentil soup as an appetizer, and then you chose either the seafood tapas selection or the meaty tapas, three for each, followed by one-dessert-fits-all. Of course we got some of everything to try it. Now, I’ve never been a huge fan of tapas – I find that I end up spending a fortune and going out for pizza afterwards because I’m still hungry – but this may just have changed my mind! My favorite was the sushi-roll which had a tasty crispy outside and a minty basil sauce, and the oxtail (sounds-weird-but-was-truly-scrumptious) dumpling thing. Every item had a unique, distinct taste and each was very prettily presented. The desert was a poached pear with a sweetened (and with poppy seeds? don’t quote me on that) mascarpone cheese.
Overall, it was a delightful experience – made better, of course, by the excellent company – and I will definitely have to plan aheaad and make a few reservations for Dine Out next year.
This morning we had brunch with the Finks to say farewell to Jaime. When she came for a visit last fall, little did we know we’d be lucky enough to get to keep her for a few months. Those Americans just don’t know a good thing when they see it, I tell ya! Oh well, their loss (and Mike’s… sorry dude) was our big gain. We had so much fun – and the Finks were together again!! [cue cheesy soap opera music] Sadly, she went back home to NY this morning, but not before one last giggly brunch. Actually, this might not be so bad – it gives us a brand new excuse to go to the Big Apple! We miss you already, J!
A few more photos at my flickr.
Last night Robbie and I went to the hockey game at GM Place. It was the Vancouver Canucks vs. the L.A. Kings. I don’t think I even registered who was playing until the second period though, I was too involved in my hot dog and beer. (Mmm! Maybe this hockey thing ain’t so bad after all!). I admit I was never a big fan of tv hockey. Heck, I was never even a ‘little’ fan of tv hockey. But it went by much faster in real life than on tv, I have to say. The best part was listening to the fans. You could tell what was going on in the game without even watching it, just by listening to them.
Our favorite was this guy who – wait, have you ever seen that animated Adam Sandler movie, Eight Crazy Nights? You know that little bald dude, Davey Stone, with the
high-pitched voice? Yeah, him. Well if I hadn’t turned around to confirm it, I would have SWORN that that guy was behind us at the game. He was our favorite. He kept yelling in his high, whiney, old-yet-juvenile voice, “Yeah! C’mon you guys! C’mon Canucks! Go Canucks! C’mon you guuuys, you can do it! Go Canucks! C’mon you guuuuys!” It was pretty hilarious. If you want to hear this very… ahem… unique voice, here’s a clip from the movie.
For the record, the game went into overtime which was really really exciting – the energy in the stadium was palpable – but then the Kings scored a minute into it. Talk about anti-climatic. The stadium let out a collective groan and everyone stood up and shuffled out, murmuring. Weird. And disappointing, even for me.
This one belongs in the “shaking your head in disbelief” file.
Approximately 200,000 lucky Dutch families recently received a special item in the mail as part of a direct mail campaign by Unilever. Unfortunately, said item was a knife.
Yep, you read that right.
The company had sent the letters, which included a small knife with a metal blade and plastic hilt, in the first half of January to promote the use of one of its brands of margarine. – Reuters
Is it just me or would you not love to meet the genius behind this brilliant promotion? On second thought, never mind the guy who thought of it (at least he was… um… original), but what about all the marketing flacks who thought it was a phenomenal idea? I can just hear them now:
Jurgen – Guys, guys! I know! Let’s send them knives in the mail! Then when they spread the competitor’s margarine, they will think of us and feel guilty!
Gerda – Omigosh, YA! Good idea Jurgen. But… instead of butter knives, let’s make them sharp knives because, you know, you use a butter knife a couple times a day but you use a sharp knife all the time. Even better brand placement!
Hans – Smokin! Let’s DO IT!
[...] Unilever said three children had needed to visit a doctor and around 50 parents had filed a complaint.
- Reuters
Tsk, tsk. BUT WAIT… Around the same time as these knives went out, this was released:
Mike the Knife’ set to join Unilever
Michael Treschow, the Swedish turnaround specialist known as “Mike the Knife”, looks set to join Unilever as its chairman to help to revive the £18 billion consumer goods company. – UK Times Online
Mere coincidence?? Hmmm…
What you said