Local Dining: Dock Lunch

Your Window to Home Cooking starts here…

Well actually it starts at home. However if you have an opportunity to have as good or better a meal in a restaurant that resembles your grandmother’s home, then look no further. The owner appropriately refers to it as “my apartment café” as the exact location was her home.

Our **charcuterie** **starter** included parma prosciutto and a whipped feta with olive oil. Photo: d. king

Noticed the heritage building with the inviting sign out front by accident during the summer when I was on Main Street. Unfortunately the restaurant was closed at the time. A few of the surrounding business owners who were sitting out front raved about the regular lunches that are served only by RSVP and then received at the takeout window. Elizabeth; the owner and chef, used to reside at what is now the restaurant, specializing in lunch and brunch menu. I called to make a reservation and was told they were opening for dinner (and would continue to on occasion for private parties) starting September 10th. Voilà! Went with my friend Janice on a lovely evening where we sat outside. The inside is very tiny with only a few tables that were already reserved. Lucky for us the weather cooperated. The food is local, sustainable, creative, comfort food. Of course I had to check it out.

Photo: d. king **Autumn Salad with crispy Kale and homemade Spaetzle with local mushrooms. Excellent! Wish I had a bigger appetite for the Rib-Eye and Steelhead.**

**Elizabeth; the owner.** This photo: Vancouver Sun

The cake was delicious.

Text 604 655 7050 to make a reservation!

Another review from none other than Bon Appetit:

https://www.bonappetit.com/city-guides/vancouver/venue/dock-lunch

DESTINATIONS

Feel-good Friday: Have Dog; Will Travel

Because travelling with dogs can sometimes be a pain for finding overnight accommodation.

La Quinta Inn & Suites – now owned by Wyndham are reliably dog friendly, clean, comfortable, cost-effective, all no-smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast (sometimes full depending where you stay) and friendly service.

OK let’s be honest, while The Four Seasons it is not; your dogs probably won’t notice the difference ~~well Layla might~~ and if you’re looking just to overnight on your way to let’s say Palm Springs when the border finally opens and you want a very comfortable bed and a no-charge fee for your pooches – this is the place. If you’re a member you can receive regular room upgrades to larger suites which is what I usually take advantage of. I’ve also stayed at Best Western Plus and the only difference is that they charge for your pets and have a bit more on the menu in the morning. I don’t know about you but none of these breakfasts at either place are my cup of tea. A coffee and yogurt to get me going is usually sufficient and a stop somewhere along the drive for something more substantial is the norm.

Here are a few properties that I can vouch for: La Quinta in Eugene, Oregon is completely revamped with indoor pool, gym and you’ll find the Willamette River right outside the door with a great green space for walking your furry friends. Or if you have time you can run or bike along the many miles of trails. It’s very pretty and peaceful here.

La Quinta in Redding, Ca, off the Cypress exit on I-5 in Shasta County. Located near the Sacramento River where you can explore National Recreation Areas within a five minute drive to Whiskeytown or the scenic world-renowned Sundial Bridge. They have a fitness center, outdoor pool and breakfast. Plus a little courtyard to walk pets and enjoy a coffee before taking off.

If you absolutely must overnight in Bakersfield, all I can tell you is to make sure you stay at the La Quinta at the North end of the city (not the South end ~~god help you~~).

For booking:

https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/en-ca/laquinta

Am I being too optimistic? Perhaps!

Have a great weekend anyway

beauty

Living Libations – Opulent eye cream

Another positive beauty product review because I only write about what I like.

All Seeing Opulent Eye Cream is my favourite eye cream to date. I’ve been using it for several months now on the advice of a knowing friend with beautiful skin. What’s a girl to do? I’m almost running out and I’ll make sure to re-order. Thought you’d like to know. You’re welcome!

WHAT IS IT?

Taken from their website…

All Seeing Opulent Eye Crème is a thick, rich, luxurious crème that effortlessly sinks into skin and is specially formulated to nourish the tender skin around the eyes. Dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles will enjoy an influx of moisture with this caring crème.

WHAT’S IN IT?

All Seeing Opulent Eye Crème is made by whipping herb-infused Jojoba, Tamanu, Shea, Borage, and Avocado oils with refreshing Rosewater and Aloe Vera. We then infuse this mixture with an entire palette of nourishing essences to soothe and infuse the delicate skin around the eyes. Dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles will enjoy an influx of moisture with this caring crème, which is perfect to wear under make-up (and may also be graced upon the entire face).

Featuring…

Cape Chamomile – Eriocephalus punctulatus

Cape Chamomile has a high content of rare ester and azulene compounds that impart a teal blue hue to soothe all manner of skin imbalances. This rejuvenating essence balances sebum and softens the appearance of scars, and spots.

Blue Tansy – Tanacetum annuum

The beautiful, blue-hued color of our All Seeing Eye Crème is thanks to an infusion of Blue Tansy oil. The high azulene content of this oil makes it prime and sublime for skincare. Blue Tansy has a deliciously sweet herbaceous aroma and enhances relaxation while soothing the appearance red, dry, or cracking skin.

Website:

https://ca.livinglibations.com/products/all-seeing-eye-creme

LINEUP:

STYLE

Fall Fashion

Fall is the perfect time to freshen up your wardrobe.

I hate saying goodbye to Summer however it’s time to begin to embrace the Fall, and what better way to start than with your clothing. Let’s face it – Fall fashion is the best!

Whether you’re headed back to the office or to the classroom, Fall is the time to put away the shorts and little summer dresses sigh and pull out your cozy sweaters and jackets. Let’s take a look at a few Fall fashion trends – courtesy Harper’s Bazaar Magazine (my favourite for fashion).

Finding Patterns

The future is bright, bold, and primed for attracting attention. Here to herald this message are fashion designers. From Thebe Magugu to Simone Rocha to Nicolas Ghesquière at Louis Vuitton, many presented collections with wild, wonderful prints. Magugu, for example, referenced mysticism in the pattern of a sleek suit; Ghesquière brought the Louvre’s paintings to life; and Rocha went for Baroque with romantic florals. Come fall, we are going to break free from gray and neutral tones, and bring some vibrancy into our lives.

Pictured from top to bottom: Duro Olowu, Colville, Christian Dior, La DoubleJ, Arthur Arbesser, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Prada, Moschino, Simone Rocha, Stella Jean, Thebe Magugu, and Victoria Beckham.

Back to Black

LBDs are perennial; they’ll never go out of style no matter how many times we can say black is back. They haven’t left and never will. But what does change is the proportion. Some seasons have the ubiquitous style long and covered in appliqués; others have it prim and unadorned. For fall 2021, the trend de jour is short and super fitted. It’s all about the sultry mini. From tuxedo dresses at Fashion East to babydoll silhouettes at Christian Dior, the rule of thumb is to show legs for days, darling.

Pictured from top to bottom: JW Anderson, Schiaparelli, Fashion East, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Carolina Herrera, Giambattista Valli, Versace, Tom Ford and Eftychia.

The Suit Coat

The trusted suit has gotten a revamp. Traditionally, the style is composed of a blazer-and-trouser combo; blazer and skirts have also become commonplace. For fall 2021, designers introduced something new into the fold: coats. Instead of fitted jackets, Givenchy, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler, and more showcased palazzo, paper-bag-waist, flared, or cropped trousers all with elongated toppers. It’s a look that is meant to be worn and fully appreciated outdoors.

Pictured from top to bottom: A Potts, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Zimmerman, Jason Wu, Hermes, Marine Serre, The Row, Proenza Schouler, Balmain, Givenchy, and Chanel.

For the Top Fashion Trends for FAll 2021 go to:

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-week/g35931057/fall-2021-fashion-trends/

DESTINATIONS

Ambleside Ambling

Last Lazy Days of Summer

Sometimes being a tourist in your own city can be very rewarding. Of course it helps if you live in a beautiful city to begin with.

**Ambleside Beach with Lions Gate Bridge** in background. Photo: d. king

Remember; people travel or used to from all over the world just to be exactly in a place that we tend to take for granted.

On Sunday I was on my way to Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver but remembered along the drive that there is a Farmers’ Market in Ambleside Park, at the foot of 13th Street.

It’s on every Sunday from 10am to 3pm, May through October. Since it was a gorgeous day we stopped there first. I love this market. They have such a wide assortment of organic foods and a nice varied selection of B.C. crafts including jewelry, clothing, wrought iron, garden sculptures, soaps, pottery and much, much more.

Faces of the Farmers Market

Photo: d. king Keeping up good spirits is very important especially right now.

Stock at the Market

Ambleside Ambience

I must say the market and the whole Ambleside area in general is very dog friendly. I ended up playing ball with Layla off-leash in a sprawling huge park area across from the beach and we hung out on a blanket for quite some time. That was after having lunch at The Boat Shed. And before we listened to live music on the beach and then walked all along the boardwalk.

**Chilliwack Corn** is the best. Photo: d. king

**Fresh Poke Bowl** for lunch. Photo: d. king

The Boat Shed at Ambleside Beach. Local fresh cuisine for everyone.

Pavel, our waiter was excellent. He recommended an awesome homemade Mexican cilantro hot sauce to compliment my meal. I took it home.

The Boat Shed. Photo: d. king

**Lions Gate Bridge** from the park we played at. Photo: d. king

Oh; we never did make it to the Lighthouse.

Boat Shed Website:

https://www.theboatshedgroup.com/

Have a wonderful weekend

inspiration

Setting up for September

And Just Like That….

Summer fell into September

THINKAboutit

The RULES of LIFE

A little lightness going into the weekend…

Jeanne retained sharp mental faculties. When she was asked on her 120th birthday what kind of future she expected to have. Her reply, “A very short one.”

The image is a piece of art by L. Lichtenfells

Here are the Rules of Life from Jeanne Louise Calment:

“I’m in love with wine.”

“All babies are beautiful.”

“I think I will die of laughter.”

“I’ve got only one wrinkle, and I’m sitting on it.”

“I never wear mascara; I laugh until I cry often.”

“If you can’t change something, don’t worry about it.”

“Always keep your smile. That’s how I explain my long life.”

“I see badly, I hear badly, and I feel bad, but everything’s fine.”

“I have a huge desire to live and a big appetite, especially for sweets.”

“I have legs of iron, but to tell you the truth, they’re starting to rust and buckle a bit.”

“I took pleasure when I could. I acted clearly and morally and without regret. I’m very lucky.”

“Being young is a state of mind, it doesn’t depend on one’s body. I’m actually still a young girl, it’s just that I haven’t looked so good for the past 70 years.”

At the end of one interview, the journalist said, “Madame, I hope we will meet again sometime next year.” To which Jeanne replied, “Why not? You’re not that old; you’ll still be here!”

Have a wonderful weekend. See you back here in September (or maybe before).

Food + Drink

Alimentaria Mexicana

Alimentaria Mexicana, located at Granville Island, is second to none for Mexican food and cocktails here in Vancouver.

In actuality it is second to none for what I’ve tasted ~~and tested~~ anywhere outside Oaxaco; known as the gastronomic capital of Mexico. That’s saying a lot. I went there with my friend Rosa who is from Mexico City and she said the same thing. You’ll need to make a reservation as this place is becoming very popular and gets filled up quickly, Now I know why. Vegetarian options available.

The cantina offers exceptional quality, locally and internationally sourced artisanal products and provisions. And a few other extras…

Coming soon!

FABRICA

The first dedicated tortilleria in Canada. Handcraft artisanal tortillas comprising non-GMO native corn that is ethically sourced and traceable to families from an array of First Nations communities in Oaxaca.

MERCADO

The mercado will offer a curated selection of Mexican and Canadian specialty provisions as well as handmade textiles, pottery, tortilla presses and more.

Soon we’ll be able to pop by the cute ‘El Caminero’ take-out window and grab a bite to take and enjoy in the park, on the beach or in our own backyards.

Taken from Website:

Behind every chile, kernel of corn and native grain sourced from Mexico are stories with thousands of years of heritage, genetics and biodiversity attached to them.

https://alimentariamexicana.com/

Location: 1596 Johnston St. (across from the main market entrance – Granville Island).

For reservations: (236.521.8440)

Only Churros for dessert but with dulce de leche it’s enough to complete the evening.

Photos: d. king

STYLE

Vintage Fundraising Fashion

SHOP LOCAL. SHOP VINTAGE.

Everyone I know has been busy cleaning out their closets lately. Not necessarily to make way for more clothes/shoes/accessories although but because we women have become to realize that we don’t need so much stuff.

Ethical and sustainable fashion is a growing movement worldwide. Fashion blogs are talking about affordable fashion and more conscious style minimalism. Here in Vancouver we have a gently used boutique that fundraises for the Vancouver Hospice Society. The Vancouver Hospice is where my late husband spent his remaining days four years ago. Believe me when I say that this topic is not at the top of my list of things to talk about, however it was the most caring place to be for end of life care. They have an amazing staff and a support system that continues after your loved one has passed.

Vancouver Hospice Society (VHS) was incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization in 2003 by a group of dedicated individuals who recognized the need for a society that could advocate for people and families facing end-of-life issues.

A few years later, volunteers Dell Whelan and Jenny Shaw spearheaded the concept of a charity shop as a fundraising arm of VHS. The first HOB (Hospice Opportunity Boutique) opened its doors in 2006 selling quality gently used women’s clothing. HOB Too followed later, selling vintage treasures, housewares and furniture.

**Vancouver Hospice** – located in the residential neighbourhood of Shaughnessy.

Both stores rely solely on items donated from the community.

They are volunteer operated by two separate committees with over 140 volunteers in total. All funds raised go directly to VHS’s 8 bed hospice home on Granville Street.

If you’re in Vancouver check them out:

VISIT: The HOB Thrift Boutique

2236 West 41st Ave

Food + Drink

The Red Accordian

THIS PLACE is considered one of Vancouver’s Best Kept Secrets. And like most secrets you want to keep it all to yourself…

but sometimes you can’t help but share the news. Like right now. So get in the mood because if you’re…

feeling nostalgic? Or; feel like leaving the comfort of your home to go to the comfort of a place that feels like an extension of your home? Only one with amazing cocktails and menu? Is this beginning to sound like an ad? Its not!

It’s the Red Accordian. It’s my new comfort zone. It’s here in Vancouver’s downtown West End. I’m happy to endorse it.

I love so many things about this place. For starters I like the sign that points the direction as you walk around trying to locate it. I love the homey (not homely) building. I was last there when it was a French restaurant called “Le Gavroche” many years ago.

The ambiance now is a warm combination of part bordello, part your grandparents furniture, part old movie set. There’s a friendly bartender (co-owner Jaime took care of us) and lots of nooks & crannies to sit yourself down. Not only that; but an outdoor deck, a downstairs patio and a lounge. Good service, good food (our bread that came with the best hummus ever was actually fried dough – I would live on this, although I know better). I’m not kidding when I say it was that good.

They have a wine list however the cocktail list was too intriguing not to try. I had Grandma’s Garden Gin & Tonic Copa with odd society wallflower (light pink) gin, fever tree aromatic tonic and flower petals. My friend ordered long table cucumber gin, fentiman’s tonic, cucumber ribbon and pea tendrils. See what I’m talking about?

As for the name of the place…it’s named after the accordion that used to belong to the mother of the Serbian wife of the other co-owner who’s name is Cale. I feel nostalgic because the only instrument my dad played was an accordion. He once came home with a red accordion for me when I was very young (I know; I know…like what was he thinking?) so to indulge him I took a few lessons and could actually play a few tunes. Until I got tired of it.

But I won’t get tired of this Red Accordian – it’s a tough place to leave.