Food: a good ramen is hard to find

Sometimes some of the simplest things are the hardest to find

This is Pho me . Green Lemongrass on Kingsway
This one’s Pho me. Green Lemongrass on 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.
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!
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.

Photos: d. king

 

 

 

Travel/LifeStyle: Holiday Hotel CLASSICS

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. king
View from hotel room in Recife, Brazil.  Photo: d. king
Ipanema, Rio. Photo: d. king
Ipanema, 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
Copacabana Palace, Rio.  The pool is 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
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
Ritz-Carlton, Montreal – a landmark

Blame it on the COPACABANA PALACE in RIO for spoiling me for all other hotels:

Copacabana Balcony
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 Aires
Alvear Palace, Buenos Aires
Alvear Palace Dining, Buenos Aires
Alvear 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

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:hotel8

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
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.

Royal Livingston charm. Photo: d. king
Livingstone charm.  Photo: d. king

hotel10

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 Livingston property. Photo: d. king
Zebras on the Royal Livingstone property. Photo: d. king
Hanging out with a monkey on the R. L. grounds. Photo: d. king
One of many monkeys on Livingstone hotel grounds. Photo: d. king

SEA CLIFF HOTEL, Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

Sea Cliff Hotel, 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.
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.
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 20 Resorts 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!hotel16Super, 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
The Spa – every room has a VIEW

Alright,  there seems to be many more unforgettables than I recall. heart I have left my heart in so many of them

More to follow…

Happy Halloween

HALLOWEEN is the one time of the year where you can be whoever you want

20151027_150103My dog Jia Jia has been bugging me to go trick or treating as a cat so I pulled together a last minute costume using an oversize long sleeved t-shirt, cat ears and bowtie (because only cool cats wear bowties)  He’s expecting to get lots of treats since he’s a bit limited in the trick department.

cat1So it was only fitting that I become his sidekick and transform myself into….CattyWoman!

bad blurry selfie
hands free selfie

We might not win first prize in the best costume department but it’s fun to play dressup for the evening and the kiddies love it.  I don’t think I’ve ever been a cat before but Meeooww.

You can’t really tell in these frightfully grainy photos just how pretty my dolce & gabbana inspired fishnet lace & crystal mask is.  Take my word for it.

 

Will your bag of candy be half empty or half full?

Have a scary evening!
Pumpkin Patch                            Photos: d. king

Have a scary evening!  

But watch out for the weirdos



 

Feel-good Friday: Reflecting

A FRAME is a frame, but what you see inside can change depending on a persons viewpoint – d. king

Photo: d. king   Perceptions: at a distance I was sure the writing said
Perceptions: at a distance I was sure the writing said Bon Voyage. Photo: d. king
or allow ourselves to think
or allow ourselves to think

mirror3

That depends on how 'real' it was to begin with
That depends on how real it was to begin with.  Some people take a year to get over something, others take a week. Ahhh some people. C’est la vie!

Sometimes you’ve got to take a longer look to get the full picture

Have a lovely LOVERley weekend!  

beauty – the classics

Some PEOPLE, BRANDS and COLORS are classic and if they’re extra special some even turn out to be LEGENDS. What becomes a legend most – if not Sophia Loren?

October Issue of Bazaar
Two Italian Beauties.  An Ad in the October Issue of Harper’s Bazaar Magazine.                       Sophia is #1 and so is this lipstick.

The current trend with magazines is to showcase classic movie stars and current IT-girl celebrities to help promote certain luxury skincare and cosmetics lines – for a double dose of glamour.

It’s quite brilliant actually.

Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence is anything but the SHY type

While regular models are appealing, there’s something memorable about having a classic like Sophia Lauren (this is a woman) promote a classic lip color or having a younger modern movie actor like Jennifer Lawrence (who I think is great) to call attention to a luxury makeup brand.

It goes to prove that certain shades, brands and people transcend age and time – which defines classic. 

With Isabella Rosselini - she was the face of Lancome for 14 years
The Natural – with Isabella Rossellini this past April. She was the face of Lancome for 14 years.  We first met 26 years ago.  She still glows.

While on the subject, there’s a certain allure with not being too perfect as in having a slightly asymmetrical face or a nose that’s maybe considered a bit too big for your face or lips that are just….normal.  We shouldn’t strive to all look the same.  Beauty is built out of character, resolve and confidence.  I’ve always believed that. Women like Lauren Hutten, Isabella Rossellini and Barbra Streisand are not classic beauties in a conventional sense but they are true to themselves, strong, intelligent and extremely attractive. They’ve turned their little imperfections into their personal branding. And men love them! So more power to them.

Style ICON – Catherine Deneuve

The CLASSICS never fadedeneuve15

I’m on a classic kick…with everything. deneuve11966CorbisIn fact, my two best friends growing up in Montreal were compared to the likes of a young Rita Hayworth and Catherine Deneuve so I’ve always been aware of these timeless beauties.  I think there was more to them than just their loooks; like a strong character and an ease with style.  They embodied charm, appeal and a bit of mystery. 

deneuve5So for style; who is best to exemplify classic cool French girl chic better than Catherine Deneuve?  Even today at 72 (she just celebrated her birthday this month), she’s still glamming it up, as per her appearance on the red carpet at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, an event she has been attending since the 1960’s.  When she stepped out at the festival’s opening ceremony and the premiere of her new film,  Le Tête Haute, cinema goers and fans experienced a little Deneuve déjà vu.deneuve16

deneuve4resusa1968So looking back no words are needed because the photos speak for themselves.  Une belle du vie.
deneuve21968getty

2015 - getty images
2015 – getty images

deneuve 17

Just like a good perfume that never changes
Just like a good perfume that never changes

deneuve16

Besides there is no one who has been able to pull off le trench as well as Deneuve.  I try, I trydeneuve8

Do you have a favorite STYLE ICON?

Photos: google images

Food – a twist on the Classics

Classic dishes are like Madonna: They don’t go away, they just reinvent themselves.damn1

First we’re going to start with 3 basics that have been around forever and probably everyone has eaten at least once in their lifetime.  I’m talking Caesar Salad, the BLT and good ol’ Southern fried chicken.  Then we’re going to put a bit of a twist on them and turn each into a sandwich because there’s something to be said about a great sandwich.  Of course the BLT is already a sandwich…but it’s where the bacon is grilled that’s the ticket.

This is how it’s done

The Caesar Salad
Transformed into a genius sandwich on toasted brioche at Damn the Weather in Seattle.

Damn the Weather, Seattle
Damn the Weather, Seattle

According to Bon Appétit:

Not only does this place win the title of best bar name of 2015, it’s also home to some of the best bar food we ate all year. After being lured to this brick building in Pioneer Square by its outstanding cocktail program, we ended up ditching our dinner plans and hunkering down at the bar for a meal. Would you walk out on a duck chili dog? Didn’t think so. Sure, you can get a killer burger and fries. But you won’t want to miss daring dishes like a spaghetti-and-meatball burger, and salt-and-pepper chicken skins. Should you need more courage to ditch your comfort zone, consult the cocktail list, which is heavy on food-friendly aperitifs like Calvados and tonic or Zucca amaro and soda.

The BLT
damn6This time, the bacon’s grilled at The Polo Bar in NYC. This one is owned by fashion legend Ralph Lauren

Lauren’s third restaurant (after Ralph’s in Paris and RL in Chicago) includes all the ingredients that make his style so quintessentially American. Think equestrian vibes, country club-style leather accents and luxuriously-crafted interiors. It’s an ode to the preppy American, the Wild West (saddle leather & equestrian art) and the stylish sportif Lauren best represents in his collections. The staff is, of course, outfitted in Ralph Lauren.

It would help to dress in RL
DRESS CODE: It would help to dress in RL

Fittingly, the new restaurant is located beside the Polo Ralph Lauren flagship store at Fifth Avenue and East 55th Street, where Lauren launched his own coffee shop, Ralph’s Coffee—serving up organic espressos and Americanos—last fall. But The Polo Bar serves much more than coffee. American fare such as locally-raised steaks and burgers (from his own cattle ranch in Colorado, whenever possible), fresh oysters, crab cakes, Alaskan black cod, corned beef sandwiches, Loch Duart wild salmon and BLT salads are among the choices offered on the menu. The designer’s favorite item on the menu is rumored to be the corned beef sandwich, toasted on rye bread with classic mustard and coleslaw. One thing is clear: the menu and the décor are drenched in tradition. Other options include the dover sole—one of the most delicate-tasting fish available—and the caviar and fingerling potatoes, another classic yet hard-to-find offering. Source: Harper’s Bazaar Magazine

Fried Chicken Sandwich – a la Chicken Milanese 

Photo: Crystal Coser
Photo: Crystal Coser

Apparently L.A. is having a current obsession with fried-chicken sandwiches.  Who knew? Those cravings can be satisfied at Alimento  where  chef  Zach Pollack  makes a killer Milanese version at the bar – a new addition to his Italian menu.

A review in Los Angeles Eater has this to say:  The richness of super crisp fried chicken and layer of prosciutto is perfectly balanced by the bite of pepperoncini and a pleasantly bitter puntarelle slaw.  damn4

But Pollack’s biggest contribution to modern thought might just be his tortellini, a soup-dumpling heist in which rich broth is tucked inside delicate pasta dough. These culinary feats (and others) all take place in a chic, fuss-free room—the kind of grown-up, date-night spot that any neighborhood would be lucky to have.

Oh right; date night….

Well looks like I’ll  start with the Caesar sandwich in Seattle and work my way down or is it up?  Doesn’t matter – I’ll work my way around it all.

Where would you start?

Damn the Weather: 116 1st Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104, United States      Phone:+1 206-946-1283

Alimento: 1710 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States             Phone:+1 323-928-2888

 The Polo Bar: 1 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022, United States

Rolling with Emilio PUCCI

I’m not so sure what to make of this…but would it be so wrong to hang a skateboard on my wall as an ART piece? I mean we hang masks, why not a skateboard?

Emilio Pucci Limited Edition Skateboards
Emilio Pucci Limited Edition Skateboards

I can ice skate and rollerblade, but I have never skated on a board and my dog barks at anyone who does.  But if I did (and was still in my 20’s or under), I would be attracted to this limited-edition Pucci skateboard collection.  pucci3

It wouldn’t be the first time a luxury brand has put its stamp on a recreational item (Chanel surfboards, Alexander Wang pool toys, Louis Vuitton golf bags, the list goes on). It is, however, the first time a brand tapped art students to reimagine its archives as something entirely new for the younger set. The resulting street decks are emblazoned with seven graphic takes on Pucci’s classic, color-happy prints. And while each one easily qualifies as an enjoy-from-afar art piece, they’re constructed from scratch-resistant Balkan beech wood and equipped with durable, trick-friendly wheels—in short, they’re meant for riding.

Instead of a traditional announcement, Pucci collaborated with NOWNESS on a short film to break the news.  HERE:

https://www.nowness.com/story/emilio-pucci-orangejuice-skateboard

maybe I'll stick to the ART scarves
maybe I’ll stick to the ART scarves which not only fame your neck but can also be framed on your wall.

skate

What MATTERS: Friends who have HEART

This photo was taken 3 days ago with my very dear friend Colleen.  

In a pet store with my dog Jia Jia & an adopted dog from Taiwan, Nina.
With my dog Jia Jia & Nina, an adopted dog from Taiwan at My Fluffy Friend’s pet store.

We’ve been friends for over 20 years and have gone on several adventures together; among them a swamp tour in the bayou where we got to hold a baby alligator, a birthday cruise where we met up with another friend and sailed from Miami to Cayman Islands and swam with countless Stingrays, a side trip from Jamaice to Havana where Colleen taught me how to light up a cigar (first & last time) and a nighttime pub crawl through the mossy tree lined streets of Savannah, Ga. while our guide related creepy scary story after story.  Colleen is an inspiration; she doesn’t take life for granted and she’s the first person to say “YES” to going somewhere and doing something fun.  She has no time for sweating the small stuff. Her family is amazing. The only time I don’t want to be around Colleen is when I’m feeling the slightest bit rundown. But there’s a reason for that.

Saturday at Pirate Joe's getting a bag of TJ goodies for the gala - silent auction table
Yesterday at Pirate Joe’s getting a bag full of TJ goodies for the silent auction table.

We first met 27 years ago, just before she left for London, England to undergo a heart & double lung transplant; a surgery that was not performed here in Canada at the time. She was celebrating her 27 year anniversary which was on October 22nd.  Colleen suffered a deadly disease called cystic fibrosis (commonly known as CF) and London was where her knighted surgeon, Sir Magi Yacoub (of Egyptian & English descent) was located. Along with her mother, Colleen waited there 2 months before receiving her transplant. Colleen always had a good heart but at that time the surgeon felt it better for the lungs to keep same heart attached so he gave her the heart and lungs as one unit. Colleen’s donor was British and Colleen’s good heart went to a Greek man who was so grateful he gave her a gold heart pendant and earrings as a thank you. Organ donors can give people a second chance at life. Colleen is one of only a few living heart donors. She has been back to visit both her surgeon and her heart recipient (he had two kids and lived 17 longer years) since.

Colleen is Canada’s longest surviving heart and double-lung recipient and many stories have been written about her.  At the time, she travelled to London with her best friend Brandy who also received a heart/double-lung transplant but her body rejected it and very sadly Brandy did not survive.  In a few more weeks from now Colleen will be celebrating her donor kidney replacement (from a different donor).  Some may think she’s taking advantage of too many celebrations but she has good reason to celebrate, don’t you think? 

 She posted on Facebook: it’s great to be alive and well.  I miss all my friends along the way that were not so fortunate, but have wonderful memories.  An auspicious and reflective day.

being a bit crazy at
Spooning at Tavola (on Robson) after a tiring long day.

And I have met many people since with this common, fatal genetic disease that affects mostly young adults and children. I met an incredibly strong natured young woman, a  beautiful red-haired actress Eva Markvoort  who tragically passed away after a long fight five years ago.   She chronicled her combat with CF via a daily blog which people from all over the world followed religiously, many whom had no connection to CF.

Eva
Eva Markvoort

It is because of  people like Eva and Colleen that I volunteer  every year by rounding up live and silent auction items for a fundraising event called “65 Roses” to help raise money towards  finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.  As it stands right now there is no cure.

CF is not as widely recognized as Cancer. While I know more people close to me who currently have cancer, or are in remission from it, or people who have died from having cancer, this along with the SPCA, is my charity of choice. We are starting to see some progress here.

So I thought I’d share with  you a little bit about CF and the fundraising event called 65 Roses – because I think it’s important to raise consciousness regarding this.

What is CF?

It is a multi-organ disease, primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. Ultimately, most CF deaths are due to lung disease.  Each week in Canada two children are diagnosed with CF and one person dies from this life-shortening disease. In 2010, half the Canadians who died of cystic fibrosis were under 26 years old.

About one in every 25 Canadians carries a defective version of the gene responsible for CF, and currently there are more than 4,000 Canadians living with the disease. Many people are not even aware that they have this gene.   Here’s the thing; both parents must carry the gene in order for their child to get CF, and each time they conceive they have a 1 in 4 chance of getting a child with CF.  Carriers may pass on the gene without passing on the disease.  For instance, Colleen has a brother and sister and neither have CF, nor do their children.  Although Colleen’s mother lost a baby son and a teenage daughter to this terrible disease .

What is 65 ROSES?

The annual 65 Roses Gala is Cystic Fibrosis Canada Vancouver Chapter’s signature event, and I am excited to announce that this year marks the 15th ‘Crystal’ Anniversary of the gala.  This amazing event, Presented by B2Gold Corp, is set to take place on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, and to honor this milestone anniversary we have some special surprises and exciting performances lined up which I’m sure everyone will love! Tax receipts will be issued for the charitable portion of each ticket.

Crystal Anniversary.....still some tickets available.
2015 Crystal Anniversary…..still some tickets available.  For tickets: 604.436.1158 or visit http://www.65RosesGala.com

Last year’s Gala was a great success! Over 300 guests gathered to enjoy an evening of fine dining, superb wines, delicious food, and danced the night away. Thanks to guests, sponsors, and donors, we collectively raised more than $400,000 for cystic fibrosis research and care, making this our most successful event to date.  There are still some tickets available.

About the RESEARCH

In 2015/2016, Cystic Fibrosis Canada will invest more than $7.7 million in innovative research and clinical care. Researchers are attacking cystic fibrosis on many fronts.  We know that this research is making a difference in the lives of those with cystic fibrosis because the median age for life expectancy of Canadians living with CF is now 50.9 years, the highest in the world! This research and care is largely funded by our fundraising efforts and events such as this one, and we cannot raise the money that we do without the help of our generous sponsors.

How can you HELP make a difference?

If you are interested in supporting CF by donating an item for auction or purchasing gala tickets,  please contact the Cystic Fibrosis Canada Western Region office at 604.436.1158  Not only will you receive a tax receipt for doing so, but it will make you feel good and *way more attractive too.

There have been great strides towards finding a cure for cystic fibrosis, but we know we can do more, and with your help we can fund critical research and care to help make CF stand for CURE FOUND. 

I’m delighted to do whatever I can to help support CF and it makes me feel good to do something for such a worthwhile cause.  Plus I’m looking forward to another FUN evening.  Because let’s face it, there always has to be some FUN involved. 

*FUN FACT: According to my friend Yanive, DONATING MAKES YOU 65 TIMES MORE ATTRACTIVE TO THE OPPOSITE SEX and adds 125% more goodness to your SOUL.

A MESSAGE from EVA:

Documentary about Eva on CBC’s The Passionate Eye

http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/The+Passionate+Eye/ID/1333883430/

Dance at every opportunity

Health MATTERS – go NAKED

 I like to make my smoothies NAKED
20151021_112437Have you tried this juice? As far as juices go it’s pretty complete.  They label it a juice smoothie so you can drink it as is but if you have a Vitamix and add a few extras it’s perfect! It has a high percentage of fruit mixed with all the power greens including garlic & ginger for good measure. 140 calories per 8 fl. oz. so it’s not without calories.   Also has plenty of vitamins but no fibre – although you can add fibre to it. It has naturally occurring sugars (from the fruit) but that’s what gives you the energy boost. It’s perfect right after a run, workout or for a pick-me-up.  I love trying out new healthy smoothie recipes that are simple to make. Here, half the work is already done for you in one bottle.

My own concoction for a quick ‘n delicious Energy Smoothie for two:

NAKED (Green Machine)

ORANGE JUICE

FROZEN MANGO CHUNKS

1 BANANA

SCOOP OF* PROTEIN POWDER

SCOOP OF *FIBRE

FILTERED WATER (adjust to desired consistency)

MONKEYS (optional)

Start with 1 cup each of the juices,  add 1 cup of mango and go from there. *I use Brad King’s Ultimate Vegan FibreLean and Ultimate Vegan Protein Powder.  I also added a couple scoops of Vitamin C with L-Lysine (Medi-C Plus) for additional anti-sickness protection

20151019_19041320151019_190441What do you think?  

Not bad right?