Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Easy-Going Outfits for Going Out

Making life easier – one outfit at a time.

This is my first fashion collaboration with Suzy Walsh, a fellow fashion enthusiast and blogger, who has contributed her expertise to the fashion and beauty community for over a decade. She reached out to me when my site grabbed her attention when searching online for fashion inspiration. How nice. Since I haven’t been keeping up my fashion posts as regularly as before, I invited her to write something. Starting with:

What to Wear this Weekend and Beyond. Creative ways to incorporate style and comfort for casual outings.

Choosing the perfect going-out outfit can be both exciting and daunting. If you’re headed to dinner with friends, a night on the town, or a casual meet-up, the right outfit can set the tone for your evening. The key is finding a balance between style and comfort to look great and feel at ease.

Creativity lets your wardrobe work for various events without breaking the bank. From bold statement pieces to timeless classics, the possibilities are endless.

These 9 stylish and versatile outfits are perfect for any weekend occasion and any time you want to step out looking your best.

1. Little Black Dress (LBD)

A little black dress is a timeless piece that works for any outing. Choose one with modern accents, such as asymmetrical cuts, ruffles, or a backless design, for a more striking revival of the classic look. Add some metallic accents and bold heels for a very attractive ensemble.

Keep it in perfect condition for the next event by storing it on one of the luxury clothes hangers that keep the delicate fabrics protected along with the upscale sensibility of your wardrobe. Proper care doesn’t only make sure the dress lasts long but also gets ready for the next stylish outing.

This outfit is perfect for everything from casual parties to upscale events.

2. Denim-on-Denim Done Right

Denim-on-denim can be incredibly stylish when done correctly. Pair a light-wash oversized denim jacket with darker skinny jeans or a straight-leg fit for balance. Add a fitted top underneath for the perfect structure and style.

Accessorize with white sneakers for a casual vibe or ankle boots for something more elevated. A crossbody bag ties the look together. Consider a bold-colored belt or scarf to break up the denim tones and add contrast. Finish the outfit with minimal jewelry to keep the focus on the textures and layers.

For the evening, switch to heeled mules and a red lip for added glamour.

3. Satin Slip Dress

A satin slip dress exudes elegance and is very versatile. It’s chic with heels alone and an edgier look paired with a leather jacket. Minimal jewelry and a clutch would make the whole look very cohesive.

For a more relaxed evening out, drape on a lightweight scarf or cropped cardigan to add warmth to the look without compromising the style. The best part is that you can easily interchange it between casual nights out and formal gatherings, and it will never let you down.

Its lightweight fabric makes it a comfortable yet stylish option for long evenings out.

4. Crop Top and High-Waisted Trousers

This combination gives a rather flattering silhouette that is comfortable and chic. Take high-waisted trousers in neutral or bold colors and pair them up with a fitted crop top and a denim jacket. For a final touch, define the waist with a belt.

Add block heels and a simple necklace to round out this effortless chic. These appeal well to dinner with friends or at rooftop parties, balancing what’s casual and sophisticated. When the evening gets chilly, bring a light jacket or a blazer.

It’ll keep you warm enough without compromising the style.

5. Oversized Shirt with Cycling Shorts

This sporty combination is perfect for a casual yet trendy outing. Pair an oversized shirt with fitted cycling shorts for a balanced look. Opt for a sweater in bold colors or patterns to make a statement, and add chunky sneakers for comfort.

Polish the look with a crossbody bag and layered necklaces. Roll up the shirt sleeves for a relaxed look, and slide the baseball cap on for that little athleisure touch. It is so easy to throw on, comfortable yet fashionable, and it becomes the go-to outfit for laid-back days.

6. Light Gray Sweatshirt with Leather Pants

Pairing a crisp light gray sweatshirt with sleek leather pants creates a stylish blend of casual and edgy. Opt for a sweatshirt with subtle embellishments, like embroidery or textured fabric, to add depth and interest to the look. Tuck in the sweatshirt slightly for a polished yet relaxed vibe.

Complete the outfit with point-toe heels to balance the casual top with the boldness of the leather pants. Add a structured bag to elevate the ensemble, and incorporate layered gold necklaces or hoop earrings for a touch of sophistication.

Finish the look with a sleek hairstyle, like a low bun or straightened locks, to enhance the outfit’s modern, refined appeal.

7. Floral Maxi Dress with Denim Jacket

A floral maxi dress is such an outfit that can flow smoothly from day to night. Carry a flowing maxi with natural beauty and style, pair it with sandals for casual outings, heels for evening events, a jacket, etc. Add a denim jacket for warmth and structure, especially on cooler nights.

Delicate jewelry can do the trick with dainty necklaces or bracelets for that touch of femininity. To finish the look, one can add a woven or leather handbag to complement the outfit’s color palette perfectly.

Add a light scarf or hat to set the season’s personal tone and charm.

8. Knitted Co-Ord Set

Knitted co-ord sets are perfect for a cozy yet fashionable outfit. Look for cropped sweaters paired with matching skirts or trousers for that stylish look. Neutral tones for the classic look and bold colors will make a statement.

Accessorize with ankle boots and a structured bag for a polished finish. This outfit is ideal for casual dinner plans or low-key gatherings with friends. Complete the look with natural makeup and soft waves for an effortlessly chic appearance.

With its comfort and style, this look is essential for transitional seasons.

9. Printed Blouse with Neutral Bottoms

Add personality to your outfit with a printed blouse, neutral trousers, or pencil skirt. Use bold patterns to make a bold statement and understated bottoms to create balance. Finish with pointed-toe flats or heels and a structured bag to complete the sophisticated look.

It will look great in the evening and daytime when supplemented with minimum accessories. Add a Blazer with a couple of layers of sophistication whenever needed. Experiment with subtle jewelry or bold lip color to elevate the look further, making it versatile for various settings.

A bit about Blazers:

Blazers don’t have to be restricted to the office. Take for instance, a short leather skirt and a fitted blouse under a tailored blazer, which can be sleek and playful. Satin or sequin textures will add a hint of glamour. Add knee-high boots or sleek heels to make the outfit suitable for dinner or drinks. Pair it with a fitted top or lace cami underneath, and carry a structured clutch to elevate the ensemble. This makes it versatile to balance sophistication and fun, It can be a go-to choice for various occasions.

Pair a jumpsuit with a blazer as an easy choice that eliminates the need for mixing and matching. Choose one with wide legs, dramatic sleeves, or a standout print for added flair. Opt for rich fabrics like velvet or satin to make the outfit feel even more luxurious. Simple heels and a clutch for an effortless touch of sophistication are necessary. For more drama, add statement earrings or a layered necklace on the neckline to tie the outfit together. This kind of outfit is perfect for parties or lively social events, guaranteeing you stand out wherever you go.

Wrapping Up!

These going-out outfits help you feel confident and stylish for any occasion. Adapt them to your style to keep it casual, or dress to impress. Each look offers a perfect blend of comfort and flair, ensuring you’re ready for anything. The right outfit can set the tone for unforgettable moments.

Author – Suzy Walsh is a renowned fashion expert and blogger who has contributed to several fashion websites and blogs as a guest author. With her vast knowledge and experience in the fashion industry, She has become an authority on fashion trends and sustainable fashion.

THINKAboutit

It’s about Time!

You know there’s just not enough hours in the day, but I thought it’s about time I wrote something about time. Because everyone has a relationship with time. And as with any relationship, it could be good or bad.

Time is a tool to structure our days, weeks, and lives. Calendars, planners, and digital apps help keep track of appointments, deadlines, and events. Unfortunately, humans don’t have a personal built-in time manager.

But it got me thinking as to “what it would be like it we didn’t have to think about time? Other than appointments, what exactly are we measuring? The time to sundown? The time until dinner? Bedtime? Our next favorite show on TV? Is time really on our side?

Does anybody ask anyone for the time anymore…

…because there’s simply no excuse not to know what time it is. We have laptops, smart phones, smart watches, hell; now there’s even *smart eye glasses.

Nonetheless, I just went out to buy a wall clock. I know… a wall clock! How many people own one? I hemmed and hawed at first, but bought one anyway. Mostly because there was an empty space on my wall where a clock once hung and I kept staring at the empty spot. My new clock fills the space with huge, black legible numbers, instead of roman numerals. What surprised me was how many clocks the store had in stock. Regular clocks and watches seem antiquated now but I guess there’s still a market. Not many people wear watches solely for telling time nowadays. I wear a watch that I can barely read because little diamonds replace the hour markers. I wear it not to tell the time, but as a nice jewelry piece.

Have you ever taken, or had time to stop to wonder what it would be like it we didn’t have to think about time? We could wake up when we feel like it, and not to an alarm clock. No set work schedule or punching of clocks, and no way to monitor the timing of wonderful (normally 60 minute) massages. Wouldn’t that be nice? Or would it?

Everything we do revolves around time.

The typical person consults their clocks several dozens of times a day. We have a schedule and almost everything we do has to be done on time. Remember when, before streaming, we had to sit down in front of a television at a set time to watch our favourite program? Oops…think I just dated myself.

At an opera they give you a ten minute pre-show warning and if you’re not at your seat they close the doors. You just paid big money so you better sit down.

If you’re meeting someone, out of respect you cannot (or should not) keep others waiting. There’s a grace period of let’s say 15 ~~for me it’s 5~~ minutes before someone will start to get annoyed. God forbid you go over time with a lawyer or therapist.

Timing is important too. Everything major that’s happened in my life had been due to good or bad timing. I think that’s the case for everyone. But that’s a separate topic for another time. I would elaborate more on this but I don’t want to be late for a very important date.

How about you? Are there areas in your life where keeping an eye on the clock has been particularly important or challenging for you? Do you feel that you wasted your time reading this post?

Sidenote on *Smart Eyeglasses: most smart eyeglasses can tell the time, displaying it on their small heads-up display, allowing you to see the current time without needing to check your phone or watch; this feature is considered one of the basic functionalities of most smart glasses. I found this out when I asked someone for the time (yes I did) and he gave me the time without looking at any device. Then he took a photo of me with his glasses. He then showed me the pic on his phone. It’s so hard to keep up with technology.

DESTINATIONS

Villa Royale – Million Dollar Makeover

A 1940’s Hollywood hangout gets a facelift.

This is what you get when you mix old hollywood glamour along with ambience, eclectic art and art deco details, comfort, warmth, cuisine and style. THIS is indeed, a Destination.

I recently booked a friend here who had never been to Palm Springs before and I wanted to give him an exceptional “Palm Springs” experience. He liked it so much that he didn’t want to leave the property. I’m like “but don’t you want to see Palm Springs?” But I was okay with it because I also got to enjoy the space along with my dogs, as everthing is very dog-friendly here. I too, did not want to leave Villa Royale.

A hotel that you don’t want to leave? What a concept.

And then there’s Del Rey which is more than a restaurant. It’s a secluded hideaway that’s a comfortably elegant place to linger, that serves remarkable local cuisine. They have a paella night (Noche de Paella), a candlelit affair held on rotating Thursdays during the season. Not so much a dinner, as a culinary experience. You must make reservations. $70 per person (not including tax & gratuity) gets you an array of bites, salads, tapas and of course, paella. They also have a vegan version with oyster mushrooms, snap peas, artichokes & piquillo peppers. The original features chorizo, tender shrimp, mussels, clams and green beans.

Have a peek at a little tour that co-owner and lead designer, John Janulis, gave Palm Springs Life Magazine. This, in collaboration with Sparrow House team of Richard Crisman and Jeff Brock. Curser down to the video:

Royale Redux

Photos: d. king

DESTINATIONS

Exploring Encinitas

What is it about California surf towns that are so darn appealing?

Aside from the beautiful surf bods boards?

Might be the laid-back vibe that automatically makes you feel like you’re on a holiday. Obviously having the wide open ocean so close by has that effect. You certainly don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy it.

This was taken at Carlesbad beach – next door neighbor. Miles and miles of stretch beach.

After the food/wine show in San Diego, we headed to this enchanting town for a couple more nights.

Recently named among the 20 best surf towns in the world by National Geographic, Encinitas wears its surf history proudly. Located along six miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, Encinitas is an unspoiled reminder of the historic Highway 101 beach culture that thrived in the mid-1900s.

The city’s eclectic downtown has long drawn surfers and hippies with its unique and dynamic blend of San Diego’s top surf shops, coffee houses and record stores, not to mention the beaches in Encinitas are coveted by locals as hidden gems.

Some of the eclectic shops along the Southcoast Hwy – main drag.

Loads of great dining options too. The vegan Thai restaurant “Plumeria” had wonderful dishes to choose from.

Found the best wine store called “MERITAGE Wine Market” with exceptional & unique bottles.

Encinitas is alternately known as the “Flower Capital of the World,” because of its extensive collection of unique nurseries and gardens, most extensive of which is the San Diego Botanic Garden, and the world’s leading grower of the Christmas flower, the poinsettia. From Downtown Encinitas restaurants along the Historic Highway 101 to Beachside Encinitas Hotels, this coastal town makes for a perfect relaxing vacation and getaway.

A few photos from San Diego’s “Seaport Village” that I wanted to share:

A little more touristy but nice to walk around nonetheless.

Photos: d. king

Food + Drink

The San Diego Food + Wine Festival

What can be better than sampling and sipping from more than 300 amazing purveyors of all things decadent (and decanted) alongside the San Diego Bay? Not much, I tell you. A Grand afternoon it was!

The San Diego Food + Wine Festival is one of the largest food and wine festivals in the United States. It features over 800 wines, beers, and spirits from around the world. Plus, you cannot beat the setting. Of all the wine festivals I’ve been to (and there are plenty) this is the fairest of them all. They’re celebrating their 20th Anniversary! Some photos from the event:

I loved this **Ultimate** (*that’s the name)* Rosé wine from Temecula. I started with that.

One of the best things about the day was that I was able to take Layla & Adele with me.

With my friend Stephen and my two beasties.

The festival was held over three days from the 8^th – 10^th of November.

The first day was the James Beard Foundation Opening Night featuring a Grand Decant. I didn’t get there in time to go to that, but it was described as a star-studded tasting experience featuring luxury wines and spirits & favorite award-winning chefs. OK; next year put me on the list!

I went to the Grand Tasting at the Port of San Diego the following day. This is apparently the event that started it all. It was absolutely amazing. Superb examples of food and wine and the samples were generous. Our friend Stephen Cipes (who owns the award-winning Summerhill/Pyramid Winery in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada) had a booth there. I think his was the only Canadian winery if I’m not mistaken, and we’re psyched that his wines are finally making it into California. More of that to come later. I might have some exciting news of how I can become involved with them.

These are **award-winning** wines. They have a very special way of cellaring these wines. https://www.summerhill.bc.ca/

The last day was held at the Liberty Station Ingram Plaza. It was the “Grand Fiesta”- a vibrant celebration of the rich cross-border culinary and cultural influence of Latin America on Southern California.

Peek-a-Boo to the opera house from one of the vendors.

I highly recommend this festival for a destination outing if you love Food, Wine, Sunshine, Sea and gorgeous Surroundings.

Photos: d. king

FUN

Postcard from Palm Springs

Greetings from this little mid-century modern oasis.

**Vintage Market** Vendor. Photo: d. king

We arrived here two days before Halloween and it’s been busy and fun ever since. I will post separately about some of the special places I’ve visited in the past 10 days. But first; off to the San Diego Food and Wine Festival. In the meantime; some photos.

My first time attending the yearly **Witches** (with a few Warlocks) **luncheon** – a FUNraiser for **Safehouse of the Desert**. Held at the Mission Hills Golf & Country Club. **Safehouse** offers emergency shelter, counseling, and supportive services to runaway, homeless, or teens in need. Photo: Alejandra “Lulu” Garcia.

Our friend Candy organized the event. L-R Mini, Tammy, Kathy, Debbie, Candy, Dan, Antoinette.

We pre-ordered one of 3 delicious choices. Photo: Alejandra “Lulu” Garcia.

**The Spa at Séc-he** is a very special place. Photo: d. king

**Canopy 54.** A blast of Studio 54 disco dancing at **Canopy Wine Lounge** during Pride.

Surf Palm Springs! **The Palm Springs Surf Club** founded by 3 pro-surfers. Photo: d. king

Another Vintage Market Vendor. Photo: d. king

Gone wine tasting. Be back soon.

FUN

Beaumont Studios: Keep Calm + Murray On

NOT YOUR TYPICAL NIGHT OUT

Especially when your night is full of burlesque, paranormal chaos, booze and moments filled with Bill Murray classics.

My friend Charna and I went to the preview opening night of “KEEP CALM AND MURRAY ON” and got immersed in the chaotic craziness of this multi-talented group of people at Vancouver’s Beaumont Studios.We didn’t know exactly what to expect but I had a bit of an idea because last year I went to “Shine” – a Steven King themed burlesque and cocktail bonanza at the studios. This was different as they’ve since expanded their studio space to include a larger outdoor tented area with stage and seating. The stage is set at the same level as the chairs so try to get a seat closer to the stage if you go. It was a bit of a wait as they’re still sorting things out, but a weird, wacky and allover wonderful evening. The artists do everything from designing sets and costumes, to performing magic tricks, acrobatics, burlesque, singing, dancing and bartending. You’ll never know what’s around the corner or what to expect next as you go from room to room. Always a scary surprise.

Bill raises a glass as we descend the staircase. Bill + Booze go together like Bees +Honey.

The only negative thing is that they need to work on streamlining the flow a bit more with less of a wait in between performances. Otherwise, it was excellent. Mind you, this was the preview.

Why Bill Murray? Why not? He’s an eccentric character who has become somewhat of a cult figure. He’s had some good lines in a diverse bunch of films like “Groundhog Day”, “Ghostbusters” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Makes for a good pre-Halloween production. But for me, it is kind of like groundhog day, since I’ve seen him in person recently in Toronto at tiff and screened two of his not yet released movies. Murray on…
Beaumont Studios is a multi-talented artistic community where you get to appreciate the creativity in a unique environment. One of their mandates is to bring together artists, artisans, designers and small business owners as a united community to participate in public and private artistic events and opportunities. And to advance the public’s knowledge and interest in the Vancouver art scene through participation in events and artistic exhibitions.

Photos: d. king

From their website (link below for tickets)

Starting October 17^th, infused with only the charisma Bill Murray can bring, The Beaumont Studios presents KEEP CALM AND MURRAY ON. An immersive experience with all of the greatest Bill Murray moments. A mash-up of the classics. It’s spooky, ridiculous, clever and chilling. Guaranteed to keep you laughing and cringing all night long.

Get submerged in multiple stages of Bill Murray inspired antics. We’re talking live performances ranging from the sexy to silly. Imagine vaudevillian Ghostbusters, WWF burlesque sass, opera, horror and just enough supernatural vibes to keep you wondering what the hell is next.

Cocktails? We’ve got you covered. Tickets include two signature drinks to take the edge off the craziness. Trust us. You will need one. Probably two.

Tickets $75. October 17^th – 31^st

https://www.thebeaumontstudios.com/

From “Shine” last year:

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2023/10/20/chills-clowns-cocktails/

^{The Beaumont Studios –}^{326 West 5th Ave.}

Food + Drink

Wine Wednesday: Wines of Australia

There’s a lot more to Australian wine than Penfolds, Wolfblass and Lindeman’s…

I recently went to an Australian wine tasting trade and media event in Vancouver. The wines I mentioned above are some of the oldest and most familiar wines from Australia that are sold in Canada. They’re readily available in almost all wine and liquor stores. It was so nice to see an abundance and sample ~~an abundance~~ some very nice, less familiar brands at “The Kent” – a new venue downtown for art exhibits and wine tastings. The catering, provided by The Kent, was excellent too. It was the first trade event that Wine Australia hosted since 2019.

They presented selections from wineries big and small, showcasing the diversity and quality that Australian wine has to offer.

Australia Boasts Some of the Oldest Vines Globally. One of the primary reasons Australia has some of the best wines is that most of their vineyeards are in suitable locations, with the right climate. Some vineyards have grown their grapes and have made wine in their specific regions for generations.

The most popular wine growing region is the Barossa Velley, which prides itself on producing some of the world’s best wines as well as superb gourmet food. Scenic McLaren Vale is the birthplace of wine in South Australia. Drive just 45 minutes south of Adelaide to taste the region’s innovative drops at its many world-renowned wineries such as d’Arenberg.

But if you take a trip to the other side of the world, you may hear boxes of wine called by their local nickname: goon sacks. This illustrious term may come from the Queensland Aboriginal word gun, meaning water, which later morphed into goom, an English term for water or booze. If you’re going to drink boxed wine, Australia makes some of the best drinkable selections.

I believe Wines of Australia achieved their desired result of igniting a deeper interest, understanding and appreciation for Australian wine. Aussies know how to enjoy life.

Sidenote: I’m starting to think that my “Food & Drink” category should be changed to “Wine & some Appies.” Right?

Photos; d. king

Film Reviews

VIFF: Emilia Pérez

Blood, Ballads, Dance Numbers, Drug Lords, Surgery…

Plenty of surgery…

This movie was chosen as the closing film at VIFF. It’s a strong message about how everyone deserves to live an authentic life no matter what the circumstances or the cost. And if money is no object, there could still be a price to pay!

I’d like to start off by saying that I have no personal connection to this movie – none! I have no intention of harming any cartel members. Okay; having said that…this movie is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. I think that anything I write here will not do it proper justice. It needs to be seen to be believed. It’s a work of art; really! With this movie I had no idea what to expect, and I was in awe of the actors’ ability to pull off such a complicated and interesting story with such believability and style.

If you love musicals, gun violence, reality TV and court dramas, you’ll probably love this movie. It covers all genres and interests. It does have a lot going on; but somehow it manages to all come together. It’s an incredible accomplishment from director Jacques Audiard (A Prophet; Rust and Bone) to make something like this work.

The cast of Zoe Saldana (Rita, a Mexico City defence attorney), Selena Gomez (Jessi – drug lord’s wife) and Karla Sofía Gascón (leader of a criminal organization before becoming Emilia Pérez) is outstanding. Gascón especially is absolutely mesmerising to behold as a cartel leader before transitioning to become a woman striving for actualization and redemption. This is Oscar-worthy material.

The Spanish actress was the first transgender woman to win an award for this film which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last May.

I had to give a little more away than planned so readers can understand what they’re in for. However; there’s still so much left out that believe me, you’ll still be surprised to find out where the direction takes you.

In an interview with Variety Magazine Gascón said that she felt that it was “absolutely obvious” that she had to play both roles. “I do not see which actor would not have had this desire to follow their character in all its evolution,” she said, adding that “very few actors and actresses” get roles like the one she got in “Emilia Pérez.” “I haven’t seen many roles like it, not even with Javier Bardem or Marlon Brando’s careers.” Gascón admitted, however, that she dived into the role so deeply that she struggled to come out of it once filming wrapped.

I can only imagine. She did an impressive job of portraying two amazing characters. Zoe Saldana was excellent. I wasn’t really familiar with her work, but she’s amazing.

I would recommend this movie for anyone wanting a departure from the norm with something unexpected and exciting. And very well executed (to be taken two ways).

This movie is scheduled to be released to multiple theaters on November 1^st.

The festival is now over, however you can enjoy movies that are part of VIFF playing all year round.

Here:

https://viff.org/#year-round-series

Food + Drink

THE CHEF AND THE DARUMA

Thoughtfulness, Timing, Tradition, Taste…Tojo’s…

This was part of the Vancouver International Film Festival 2024

Words that represent Vancouver’s Japanese-Canadian Celebrity Chef Hidekazu Tojo.

I loved everything about this world premiere documentary except telling a friend of mine that I’d meet her next door to the theatre for Italian, when I was actually craving sushi. Especially after watching Tojo prepare his mouth-watering dishes on screen. Tojo is more than a sushi chef. He’s an Artist. He started out working at restaurants in his home town of Kagoshima, Japan before becoming a chef at various restaurants in Vancouver, until opening his eponymous “Tojo’s” in October, 1988. There, he was able to have control over putting his signature spin on everything. After 18 years at the same location, in 2007 Tojo moved his restaurant to a new custom-designed setting a few blocks east of its original location. The place has been packed since day one.

Good food is always memorable. Great food is unforgettable. I was once treated to an extraordinary birthday dinner sitting at the counter at Tojo’s with Tojo preparing all the dishes himself; carte blanche. The dinner included sake too. That’s when I realized that there’s sushi and then there’s sushi. There’s also many other dishes that are delicious that don’t include raw or cooked fish. Tojo does it “His Way.” It’s not so much a restaurant as it’s an experience. His food is elegant, modern and fresh –using local ingredients. He’s a weekly regular at the Farmers Markets.

Tojo’s has earned admiration along with a cult following over the years. The restaurant has become a foodie destination. Photos with celebrities like Harrison Ford, Robin Williams, Martha Stewart, Anthony Bourdain and countless others who’ve enjoyed his creations line the walls. but none with me..so far

He’s credited with inventing the California Roll when one of Tojo’s regular customers mentioned that his wife didn’t like to each raw fish. Always aiming to please, Tojo tried to Westernize the roll by adding the non-traditional ingredient of avocado and turning the roll inside-out to hide the nori (seaweed). Not only did he succeed in creating a new popular roll, it’s become a mainstay pretty much everywhere since then. He’s a true pioneer.

However, this documentary doesn’t only focus on food. It also talks about Tojo’s life and legacy, his upbringing, Japanese culture in general and an interesting and unsettling look at Canadian-Japanese history.

I always like to personalize my blog posts (if I can). In this case, I lived in Japan for six months in my mid 20’s and that’s where I reluctantly tried sushi for the very first time. There were very few restaurants in Vancouver that served sushi then. I embraced the culture and the food immediately. Aside from sushi, I also loved the noodle houses. I took a sushi making class and was super excited to share my talent for making it for my parents when visiting them in Montreal. They never ate raw fish before, so I started out with making California Rolls (including the more challenging inside out rolls) using semi-cooked tuna (baby steps) and my trusty sushi roller and the sharpest knife in the drawer. They appeared to be very impressed with the presentation but I don’t think they enjoyed the taste. It’s taken a while for Westerners to get accustomed to eating raw fish. Now there’s so many Japanese restaurants in Vancouver, but not all are created equal.

Where does the Daruma come it, and what does it represent? There are references throughout this documentary about those little round dolls you’ve seen before with the missing eyes. They sometimes topple over but get right back up. There’s a message here. The Daruma is seen as a symbol of good luck, happiness and endurance. People traditionally buy these lucky dolls at the start of the year, make a wish as they color in the doll’s left eye, and then work towards their goal. Once the goal is achieved, they fill in the other eye. The Daruma is modeled after the famed Buddhist monk Daruma, who founded the Zen sect 1,500 years ago. The doll has also become commercialized by many Buddhist temples as a setting of new goals. It’s really a symbol of gratitude. Tojo always has a Daruma to show his appreciation for setting and accomplishing goals . I think I’m going to get one too. My first goal will be to get the doll and my second goal will be to start setting new goals. So that should mean that I can color in both eyes right away. So easy!

**World Premiere** at Fifth Avenue Cinemas

Taken from the VIFF Website:

For 36 years, Tojo’s has been a mainstay in the Vancouver food scene, beloved by critics, foodies, and a plethora of celebrities. A pioneer of Japanese cuisine in the West, chef Hidekazu Tojo helped bring sushi to the mainstream and is known as the inventor of the California Roll. Still working in his seventies, chef Tojo is inspired to look back on his life and ponder the legacy he will leave behind. He recalls his early years as a Japanese immigrant, coming to Canada at the age of 21, and his ambition to create a singular culinary path. We also accompany the chef on a return trip to Japan, where he connects with locals and explores new food trends.

Shot in Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and Japan, The Chef & the Daruma is a mouth-watering film tracing a journey of immigration, identity, and reinvention. Mads K. Baekkevold, in his first feature documentary, creates a loving tribute to a man who has devoted his life to sharing food.

You can still find Tojo at the counter. Here’s a link to a Limited-time special Fall menu at Tojo’s restaurant:

https://tojos.com/daruma

Join VIFF News

Get the latest updates on our Festival, year-round programming and more – and get $5 off two VIFF Centre year-round film tickets. Sign up here:

https://viff.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3344b76c6b5bdf78e58637067&id=2f28b8d64f

Sushi Photos taken from Tojo’s Restaurant Website