Some things we’re excited about and think you should be too

It’s a rainy August day and I’m so happy to have one.  Let’s hope this weather calms the flames flaring around our precious province and helps bring the gardens back to life. I want to crawl back to bed, but if I put one foot in front of the other today, I may end the day on a higher note. Anyone else exhausted from hearing about the insanity resulting mainly from the idiocy brought on by anti-vaxxesrs and anti-maskers? It’s a very scary world out there. Stay safe and try to be calm my friends! I’d say when in doubt have a glass of wine, but I had a few too many last night and would caution you not to repeat that behaviour.

BC Blueberry Picking

Once the rain stops, the fields will quickly dry, and those BC Blueberries will be all fresh from their showers! Head out to your local farm and pick some of that goodness. Links to growers can be found HERE and HERE. BC Blueberry famers are offering U-pick this summer with all required COVID-19 protocols in place.

Vancouver Foodster Tasting Plates August 21

Some great downtown Vancouver restaurants in Vancouver Foodster’s 12th Anniversary Tasting Tour on August 21, get your tickets HERE. Sample treats from Passione Gelato Artigianale, Firecrust Pizza, La Loteria Mexican Street Food and Scuie Italian Cafe.

Plenty Hard Kombucha

Plenty Hard Kombucha is a nice way to end a day, and it’s naturally brewed, with just 5% alcohol with organic tea, fruits and botanicals that are high in antioxidants preservative-free. Both flavours, Grapefruit Hibiscus and Mango, Pineapple, Coconut, are tasty, without the cloying sweetness I’ve experienced in many ready to drink cans. It’s quite like a tea with a splash of juice and a slight fizz and has only 1g carb, 1g sugar, and 99-calories.

Bard Present Done/Undone

We miss those summer nights under the big top in Vanier Park, but we’re going to grab our cultural fix on August 12th with Done/Undone by Kate Besworth.  This feature film was inspired by a complex modern question: how well do Shakespeare’s plays stand the test of time – and should some of them not be staged anymore?

The provocative and entertaining response, directed by Arthi Chandra, stars Charlie Gallant (Shakespeare in Love, 2019) and Harveen Sandhu (As You Like It, 2018). They bring multiple characters to life, including two battling scholars, a pair of actors in Hamlet, a theatre-going couple divided over Shakespeare’s appeal – and Shakespeare himself!

Done/Undone is a feature film, shot in multiple spaces at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. It premiers August 12 and then will be available on-demand, on a state-of-the-art digital platform, OVERTURE+ (run time: 76 minutes). Tickets $29 single/$39 household.

Find Your Flavor with Zinfandel

We love BC Wine Country and just returned from Kelowna where we checked out Black Swift, Crown and Thieves, and Cedar Creek, but with restrictions tightening, you may just want to do some armchair exploring. Since we are not able to travel to California’s legendary Zinfandel vineyards, how about having the Zin-makers come right to you! Zin-streaming has arrived! Taste along with Zinfandel winery owners, experts, entertaining hosts, or winemakers.

Whistler’s Alta + Audain Fine Dining Art Experience at the Audain Art Museum

Every Friday evening, until Sept 3rd, you can take a personal guided art tour experience followed by a with fine contemporary four course seasonally inspired dinner from the team at Alta Bistro on the roof of the Gallery. Prepaid reservation for parties of 1 to 12 just $99 a person. In addition to the contemporary cuisine and exceptional art experience, the Alta + Audain series includes the beautiful juxtaposition of the iconic form and luster of a vintage Airstream trailer, retrofitted with a complete kitchen, set against the rectilinear lines of the Museum’s award-winning postmodern design. This Friday evening offering will take place throughout the summer with limited capacity for each seating in consideration of physical distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols. Reservations must be booked in advance, with a contactless payment experience available including timed-seating, dining details and wine selection.  BOOK NOW!