The opening was last night and began with an elaborate Spring/Summer 2016 Fashion show at the Vancouver Club.
Then at the boutique across the street – more fashion, entertainment, bubbly, wine bar and delicious hors d’oeuvres to celebrate.
The eclectic International designs are breathtakingly exquisite. Cicino Boutique – 848 West Hastings, Vancouver.
Macaron Eiffel Towerwith my friend Lynn
The diversity of the designers run the gamut from Kenzo to Oscar de la Renta.
Photos: d. king
Exclusive VIP membership includes special event pre-season trunk shows with access to new fashions that are not yet available to the general public among other benefits.
“I don’t cry over spilt milk but a single scoop of fallen ice cream can ruin my whole day”
LOOK WHAT I MADE:
CoffeeIce CreamChocolate/Rocky Road
So what if it’s November? I might be craving a hot bowl of soup, but no matter what the weather is doing outside it doesn’t make sense to pass up a bowl of ice cream. I can do both hot & cold.
A friend told me about a really simple recipe to make coffee ice cream. It rang a bell – I think I may have even run across it somewhere like on Facebook but ignored it. In fact it seemed so ridiculously easy to make with only 3 ingredients and no machine involved that out of simple curiousity I immediately went to work on it. Couldn’t believe how good it turned out. I let another friend sample a spoonful. She’s really picky and doesn’t even like coffee ice cream but thought it was very good. So here it is:
3 Tbsp. of instant coffee (make sure it’s instant and not regular ground coffee)
½ can of sweetened condensed milk
2 ½ cups of whipping cream (but don’t whip it)
Using an electric mixer beat everything together until just mixed and pour it into a container and freeze. That’s it!
Note: I froze a few in individual ceramic serving bowls and the rest in a plastic yogurt container. Once frozen, the one in plastic took a few minutes to scoop out because it tends to freeze a little harder than store bought ice cream. It was delicious!
But I didn’t stop at coffee:
Easy Chocolate Ice Cream
Ingredients
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Stir together sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder and vanilla in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In the bowl of your mixer, Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form (do not over beat.)
Fold sweetened milk mixture into whipped cream. Pour into a 2 quart container, cover and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Notes
I made this original recipe my own by adding some semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows & toasted coconut flakes (but no nuts) – a less rockier road!
AS IF we need to add yet another beauty product to our makeup regime!
I know we’re perfect just as we are, but if we want to appear even more perfect (or at least model perfect like Brazilian beauty Gisele Bündchen) okay, maybe that’s not really a fair comparison. I’ll start again. If you want to know about one of the modelling world’s not-so best kept beauty secrets (cause the word has started to spread) you might want to try adding a rich natural highlighter to your skin.
RMS is a cult favourite with editors, actors, makeup artists and models:
Dabbing a little of this magical highlighter is the quickest way to illuminate your skin. The creamy formula is filled with light-reflecting minerals and blends to leave a subtle (key word) luminous sheen behind. I like to wear it on my lids, browbone and cheekbones. Take your beauty cues from fan Gisele and dab it on your collarbones and shoulders too for a sexy glow. Although I’m sure she got that idea from me. Anything she does must be worth a try right?
The pearlescent, pale-gold shade complements all skin tones and goes on ultra sheer – Best thing is that it’s made with certified organic ingredients – formulated with purifying Rosemary Extract and Vitamin E-rich virgin Coconut Oil. It’s not sticky, greasy or glittery.
According to many in the know this is a must have beauty product.
VANCOUVER is uping it’s retail game and may even come to surpass Toronto and Montreal as a premiere Canadian shopping destination. Whaaat??
Bow Tie by Douglas Coupland fills the 2-storey atrium at Simons, West Vancouver.
I thought this day would never come because when I first moved here from Montreal in the 80’s my first impression of the Vancouver fashion scene was..well… uggggh! I had never seen so much fleece before and vowed to never wear it but it wasn’t before too long that I too, was wearing fleece (but sparingly – it is comfy and warm to be exact). Excuse: the damp weather goes right through you here. Then I tried my best to embrace Gore-tex. I can tell you that no matter how hard you try to dress up a Gore-tex jacket (even with a cute scarf) you still end up looking like you’re going fishing. But it’s the only thing that will really keep you dry in pouring rain. That, and a good pair of Gore-tex boots – so at least you look like you’re going on a hike. Most people do hike in Vancouver so that’s okay. Still; coming from Montreal at that time it was quite a shocker.
Ceiling at SimonsSimonsSimons MaisonSimons Maison
But that was then. The scene is definitely changing and has changed significantly (for the better) since I moved here. Aside from all the independent little boutiques situated all over this city (with an emphasis on Main St. & in Gastown), we have recently acquired two brand new department stores with the upscale U.S. chain Nordstrom downtown and another called Simons in West Vancouver. Simons is a much smaller operation owned by a Quebec City family that has been around for more than 175 years. It is their second location outside of Quebec, after Edmonton. While Nordstrom is definitely the more swanky of the two, Simons (located at Park Royal South) can boast local artwork and some artful lighting. The showstopper is a piece by Douglas Coupland that hangs above the atrium in the shape of a bow tie. Both department stores have in store restaurants and a few fashion lines new to this city.
Cute Lumberjack Apron. SimonsKeep it warm Simons
My preference of the two is still Nordstrom but I liked the sculpture and some of the displays at Simons. Overall I have to admit that it felt a little like H&M meets Home Sense.
Now if Montreal’s Ogilvy department store ever comes to town – that will be my #1 shopping destination! But there is only one – which makes it more special and I don’t think it’s going anywhere.
Which department store in Vancouver
is your favourite?
In general I prefer shopping the independant retail stores over the larger chains.
Photos: d. king
Ogilvy Montreal – they do a really nice holiday windowOgilvy Montreal Sophistication
Sometimes some of the simplest things are the hardest to find
This one’s Pho me. Green Lemongrasson Kingsway. A side of lemongrass beef shortribs.
Now that the weather is significantly cooler I’m craving a hot bowl of soup but not just any soup. I love a good ramen and with all the Japanese restaurants we have here in Vancouver you’d think it would be so easy to find right? Not necessarily. Well there are a lot, but they’re not all amazing. Maybe it’s because I became spoiled from the time I lived in Tokyo many years ago with the abundance of good noodle pitstops all over the city. Places you just stop in and sometimes even stand at the counter to eat. I was a regular.
So I decided to make my own version which I’m always improving on. It’s quite delicious and depending on my mood I switch it up from Japanese to Chinese by just varying a few of the ingredients. And I’ve always got the ingredients on hand except for whatever vegetables I decide to use at the last minute. Anyway…
Ramen with 7 kinds of mushroom. Soooo good.
Last week I had to make a run to Richmond, B.C. (a very high percentage of Chinese people live in Richmond so therefore all the Chinese restaurants) so I decided to look for a noodle house. They’re a dime a dozen so eeny meenie miny mo – I found a great little spot! I stopped at Shang Noodle House at #3 Rd. & Saba. It was fast, fresh & fabulous! That, along with an appetizing side of dumplings in spicy sauce. YUM. Just don’t order the Edamame which was cold & came with a side of table salt (mind you, it’s not really a Japanese part of town). Stick with the soup & dumplings.
I was hungry and was torn between the Japanese Ramen with mushrooms, a Chinese wonton with beef noodle or the peanuty tan tan noodle. Final decision – I made the right choice. See below:
AND it was healthy!
Then I had to make a run out to Kingsway the next day (an area of Vancouver with many Vietnamese restaurants) and satisfied my craving for Pho. I asked them to switch the regular chicken that came with the noodle soup to grilled lemongrass chicken – no extra charge was a bonus.
I went back to a restaurant in a little shopping mall that I remember going to before, not only because they serve great PHO (and food in general) but because they have a special live fish with personality. Last time I was there I put my face up to the tank and the fish looked at me for a second…before spitting at me. I think he/she even remembered me this time. At least it appeared that way. That fish has been there for as long as the restaurant.
What is your favourite Asian noodle soup?
p.s. If you live in Vancouver have you been out to Famous Foods? (1595 Kingsway at King Edward). I re-discovered this privately owned grocery store that has some of the best selection of bulk and natural foods in town. I also bought organic grass fed beef shanks & oxtail to make soup with. For the most part the prices are pretty reasonable. I’ll be going back more often. They also have good bulk chocolate and some hard to find stuff. Check for in-store specials.Sometimes it’s okay to leave Kitsilano. But not for long.
TO TRAVEL WELL IS AN ART...part of which is knowing where to stay. Some places become life long memories.
View from hotel room in Recife, Brazil. Photo: d. kingIpanema, Rio. Photo: d. king
I have my reservations when booking places to stay for somewhere I’ve never been. There’s always research involved as to the whereabouts, cleanliness of the place and of course, the price. All in all I’ve had pretty good luck and have managed to stay in some very special hotels, Inns, and even B+B’s. In fact some of them I’d even consider going back and staying as a holiday in itself, kind of like a staycation away from home. I never thought about that before because usually they’re just comfortable places to sleep while enjoying the rest of the vacation scenery, restaurants, museums, etc. There was one time I stayed in just a decent hotel in South beach, Miami and booked there for a second time because I liked the location and the price was under $300 per night (yeah, high priced South beach). But to my horror the second time around was not so pleasant because they were in the process of making upgrades and the place was in shambles. Luckily for me I was able to get my money back and find a great cosy little art deco boutique hotel only a few blocks away and closer to the beach for only a bit more money. You must do your homework and sometimes crying helps…but don’t count on it! But it has worked twice for me so….
This leads me to one question:
Is a hotel just a place to sleep and store your belongings, or a special retreat?
Copacabana Palace, Rio. The poolis phenomenal even though the beach is right across the street.
Thinking back on all of the places I’ve been, I thought it would be a good idea to let you in on some of the more special hotels I’ve been fortunate enough to stay in along the way. Some are classics and some are lesser known but equally extraordinary discoveries. Should you plan to be in any of these locations, dreams are made of this:
In no particular order (because just like ordering a special from Wilensky’s in Montreal, some things don’t change over time):
Maison Boulud, Ritz
Speaking of MONTREAL, the RITZ-CARLTON is the place. I’ve always loved it and remember having many brunches here by the garden pond watching the swans swim by. This is the romantic hotel where Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton married, I was a bridesmaid at my best friend’s wedding and the rooms come equipped with Hermès soaps and lotions. This Ritz is a more intimate little Montreal gem.
Ritz-Carlton, Montreal – a landmark
Blame it on the COPACABANA PALACE in RIO for spoiling me for all other hotels:
Copacabana Balcony
Fit for a KING. You don’t have to be a connoisseur of hotels to know that it’s hard to top this one. Two words: Rolling Stones. Yeah, Mick and the gang have stayed here too. I think this place was partly responsible for his final breakup with Jerry Hall but I had nothing to do with that and don’t quote me. I wanted to live here. The Copacabana beach view, the staff, the pool, the food (particularly the brunch by the pool except I thought they said $17; not $70). Outstanding! Rio itself though, just be wary. Don’t park anywhere you’re not supposed to for more than 15 seconds otherwise a cop might wave a gun in your face and try to extort thousands of dollars from you….just because they can. I worked it down to $50 without one tear and a phone call to the concierge at the hotel.
Alvear Palace, Buenos AiresAlvear Palace Dining, Buenos Aires
ALVEAR PALACE, BUENOS AIRES – this 5 star luxury hotel is located in the heart of upscale La Recoleta and combines European elegance with cutting edge technology. Even if you don’t stay there make a reservation for high tea and it will make your visit to the Empress in Victoria seem like.. just toast. Plus there is live music (harp anyone?) while you enjoy.
Nile Hilton, Cairo
NILE HILTON, CAIRO – sits right in the heart of the city and offers all the refinement of an old world Hilton hotel but on the banks of the river Nile. Our balcony was facing a panoramic view of the Nile and our suite and the rooms in general are huge and elegantly decorated. This one is a popular meeting place for business travelers, tourists and locals alike. It’s right next to the Egyptian Museum and close to the Khan el-Khalili market and Old Cairo. It’s also only eight miles from the pyramids. The on-site restaurants serve Lebanese, Egyptian, Italian and international cuisine in fantastic locations like a romantic terrace on the Nile and a rooftop deck overlooking the bustling city. Leisure options include a gym, sauna and swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, a disco and a casino. I lived here for almost one month while on business. I got to know the staff quite well, the business centre and the tea room on the roof with time to see all of the Museum across the street. Okay, maybe I wasn’t really working much. Word of advice: don’t wear shorts even if it’s hot out which it will likely be.
OUT & ABOUT in AFRICA:
SAROVA STANLEY, NAIROBI– fit for a QUEEN. In the early 1900s when the Sarova Stanley opened its iconic doors, Queen Victoria presided over the largest empire in history, Conrad penned Lord Jim, Picasso painted Le Mouline de la Galette, and American R.A. Fessenden transmitted human speech over radio waves. The first luxury hotel in Nairobi, it has launched itself into Kenyan history. The gracious host of prominent world leaders, renowned authors, and international celebrities – a beacon of luxury and unrivalled hospitality. And they had a famous Thorn Tree where people including Hemingway used to leave notes for each other. We saw it.It was there for over 30 years but sadly It has been replaced by a small sapling and there are bulletin boards surrounding it. This sits smack in the middle of the Thorn Tree restaurant. The mystique is no longer.
Dine ‘n Dive – Sarova Stanley, Nairobi
The verdant location for numerous films over the years, the Sarova Stanley welcomed classic Hollywood luminaries such as Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner, Clark Gable, and Gregory Peck, and offered them a quiet repose under the shade of the acacia trees that frequent the outdoor gardens. A lavish oasis in the undisturbed Kenyan desert, the hotel entertained royal guests, including the resplendent ball for their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Gloucester in 1928, and a regal luncheon banquet for Prince Philip and, then, Princess Elizabeth during their world tour in 1952, shortly after which Princess Elizabeth succeeded to the throne to become queen.
ROYAL LIVINGSTONE HOTEL, VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA – a dream vacation.
Livingstone charm. Photo: d. king
Overlooking the spectacular Victoria falls, is where 5-star luxury meets nature’s majesty. Easily accessible from Johannesburg, South Africa, The Royal Livingstone feels like it is a million miles from ordinary. Offering guests a once in a lifetime experience right on the banks of the Zambezi River overlooking the thundering Victoria Falls with lots of zebra and monkeys on the property. Renowned for its colonial-inspired décor, The Royal Livingstone owes its existence to its named in honour of the explorer David Livingstone. Who’s that knocking at the back door? Oh, a monkey – how cute! Word of advice: do not feed the monkeys candy.
Zebras on the Royal Livingstone property. Photo: d. kingOne of many monkeys on Livingstone hotel grounds. Photo: d. king
SEA CLIFF HOTEL, Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA
Sea Cliff Hotel, Tanzania
A privately owned hotel with unmatched personal service, immaculate grounds, great staff, excellent food, pampering atmosphere close to amenities and you can watch them roasting coffee beans in the little shopping mall right next door. The aroma is amazing.
A little closer to home:
INN AT THE OPERA, San Francisco
Inn at the Opera, S.F.
Located just steps away from the city’s civic centre, Opera House, Symphony hall and a great little trendy neighbourhood called “Hayes Valley”. A place for foodies and performing arts lovers. But I booked this on a whim when I had to find a place when I was running the Nike Women’s half marathon in San Francisco. I made sure to stay here for the second run. Rooms are small but comfortable and the boutique hotel has a luxurious French-style and antique European ambiance. It was built more than half a century ago to house visiting opera stars. The illustrious opera house is just outside your door, and the diverse charms of the city are all within your reach. It took us about a 20 minute walk from here to Union Square where the start of the run takes place (not to mention all fabulous shopping you can ever imagine). Can you imagine?
The Algonquin Resort St. ANDREWS BY THE SEA, New Brunswick
St. Andrews by the Sea, N.B.
This hotel for the second year in a row has made Condé Nast Traveler’s list of Top 20Resorts in Canada: Readers’ Choice Awards 2015! It’s a beautifully located resort complete with golf course. The town is lovely and very quaint. We stayed in a room on the 4th floor where Joan Collins previously stayed in. When we went out for dinner the radiator in the room exploded. I can’t remember the room number but found this out:
According to the website “Haunted North America”, Room 473 is haunted by a jilted bride who died in the room in the early 1900s. Hmmmm
WICKANINNISH INN. TOFINO – stormy weather!Super, Natural British Columbia – like the ads say, this is it! Experience total relaxation too. Enjoy island nature at its wildest during storm watching weather while enjoying the comfort of this world class Tofino hotel with ocean views, cd player & library in each room, Pacific Northwest Cuisine (in the restaurant with piped-in live ocean sounds) and Ancient Cedars Spa (used to be Aveda) services in a smoke-free natural environment.
The Spa – every room has a VIEW
Alright, there seems to be many more unforgettables than I recall. I have left my heart in so many of them
The opening was last night and began with an elaborate Spring/Summer 2016 Fashion show at the Vancouver Club. 
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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