A few weeks ago I met with the owners of several small and successful local businesses at their pop-up tents outside an industrially chic brewery on the East Side. At Container Brewery we celebrated summer with a dee-jay, pizza truck, craft beer and a sprinkling of interesting product – everything from coffee to art.
I never miss a sign from the Universe
Some companies I was already familiar with (like Saltspring Kitchen Co. – ok, almost local ) and some not (like Hello Sunday selling handcrafted vegan skincare products). All high quality. Then I turned a corner and came across DAUB.
If there’s one thing I mean another thing I need want, it’s a comfy pair of yoga pants with deep pockets. I’ve gone back to yoga at my gym and being able to move around with a pair that’s not too snug or loose and keeps its shape is key. Personally I don’t go for tie dye or loud coloured prints but I found a pair of solid print that felt like second skin. With pockets big enough to carry a cell phone. The fit and fabric is awesome.
Featuring a perfectly placed side pocket for all your essentials, the Pocket Legging keeps you hands-free on the go.
Manufactured right here in Vancouver, Daub is a print based activewear and every day lifestyle clothing brand. The company works in small production runs and in their signature limited edition prints, all made exclusively by Creative Director, Lexi Soukoreff. With their West Coast laid back style they also carry a decent selection of clean beauty & skin care, home, gifts and more. Think yoga mats and swimwear.
DAUB IS PROUDLY MADE IN CANADA.
– We work in limited editions to reduce our impact on the environment, producing only what we need for each season. – Our tie-dye pieces are created carefully and we exhaust our dye baths to ensure that we put little to no excess down the drain. – All our garments are manufactured in Vancouver, BC and all the hand-dyed items are created at our studio in East Vancouver. – Our retail store is located in the neighbourhood of South Granville at 3012 Granville Street at 14th Ave.
Jesse & Ashley are the co-founders of a unique company Views Balcony Inc.
ViewsBalcony Inc. is a local Vancouver small business that can help extend your home from the indoors to the outdoors.
What they’ve created is an enjoyable and decorative way to enhance and elevate a small outdoor space. Their unique design uses beautiful Acacia bartops which is one of the best naturally durable woods, perfect for outdoors. Also easy to install with adjustable steel brackets and they’re foldable.
A great idea. Perfect for morning coffee, working from home or happy hour.
Their booth at a local small business pop-up at Container Brewing. Photo: d. king
After creating their hero product, the balcony bar, they’ve expanded their products to include beautiful space conscious accessories to complement.
I’m here to spread the good news that Bonterra Wines which are all completely organic, carbon neutral & bio-dynamic from California, are now available right here in Vancouver, B.C.
Photo: d. king (taken in my downstairs couryard)
Meaning “good earth” this winery lives up to its name! At the recent California wine tasting held at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Vancouver, Bonterra had a booth which gave me an opportunity to sample more than just the few reds that I’d bought in the past when in California. The wines of course are readily available in California but now we can buy several of the ones they produce in specialty stores like Marquis, Everything Wine and Liberty here in Vancouver as well as some of the government liquor stores. I believe the chardonnay is only available at LCB but if interested please check beforehand to make sure they have stock.
A sales rep for the company was nice enough to send over two whites (a sauvignon blanc priced at $26.98 + tax, a chardonnay priced at $22.29 + tax and a rosé priced at $27.98 + tax) to sample – both dynamic in more ways than one. I was waiting for an opportunity on a sunny day to crack open these bottles to share with a few discerning wine loving friends. This happened just this past weekend…which brings me to this post and our combined review in the notes below.
Photo: Lisa King (taken on my upper deck) – Look at the beautiful colour in that bottle.
But first…let’s talk about the benefits of drinking organic vs regular non-organic wines. One thing I can tell you for sure is that you’re not likely to get a next day hangover headache because there are “very little to no sulphites” and other crap in the wine. Of course that’s related to not going too overboard with the drinking in the first place. I’m talking 3 bottles shared with friends where next day we all woke up feeling normal – by that I mean rested and not the least bit foggy…just in case you think our normal is waking up with a hangover which sometimes is the case.
Organic Life Practices – (paragraph below – taken from the website):
“We start by growing our fruit in certified-organic vineyards, so our grapes are verifiably grown without the use of harmful synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. A constellation of climate-smart farming practices further enhances our vineyards, bolsters soil health and vitality, and ultimately leads to pure and flavourful fruit. These practices include applying compost, planting cover crops, limiting tillage, and animal grazing for natural weed control and soil fertility enhancement. We conserve nearly 50% of our land in its natural state and cultivate spaces that enhance insect and wildlife throughout our vineyards. This is the essential starting point for fruit with purity you can taste.”
Sustainable, bio-dynamic…all these words but what does it really mean?
Sustainable, from soil to sip.
Bonterra estate vineyards are all dual-certified organic and sustainable, with certifications coming from CCOF and California Certified Sustainable Winegrowers (CCSW), respectively. This dual certification is mirrored in the winery, which also carries CCSW certification. Both credentials involve third-party audits, with CCSW assessing over 100 winery practices relating to the natural environment, quality of grapes and wine, and social responsibility to employees and communities. This combination affirms their total commitment to doing what’s right in the vineyard, in the winery, among the communities, and for each of us to enjoy.
Looking for proof? Look to the label.
Their wines readily identify responsible practices with designations found on the packaging like “Made with Organic Grapes,” Organic CCOF Certified, and Demeter Certified Biodynamic®. These certifications mean that an outside governing board is certifying their practices and holding them accountable for purity and sustainable quality. So, when in search of something altogether better, be sure to seek out these indications on labels, to be sure you’re picking up a verifiably purer pour.
Tasting Notes:
Sauvignon Blanc 13%, organic wine. Aromas of grapefruit and kiwi and lush flavours of honeydew.
Rosé 13%, organic wine. Dry and crisp acidity with notes of red berries.
Chardonnay 13.5%, organic wine. Predominantly made of Chardonnay, complete with a few bunches of Muscat de Roussanne and Viognier, which bring its uniqueness. It’s smooth and creamy with ripe tropical fruit, buttery mouthfull matched with vibrant acidity. Balanced and tasty with a lingering smoky and nutty finish.
Photo: Lisa King
We were all in agreement that the cold Sauvignon was an elegant summer sipper while the Chardonnay was our favourite – to drink any time of the year. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the Rosé as much as I did (I always want to like them but it’s rare that I find a rosé I really enjoy). We all genuinely loved this one as it had just the right balance of crisp to dryness but not overly dry.
We all agreed that we’d purchase any of these wines. As a matter of fact we’re making phone calls right now.
If you try any of these let me know what you think?
I saw you parked outside the post office today. Photo: d. king
and my fellow Montrealer…we miss you, but we will continue to enjoy your poetic and inspirational music for a lifetime. That is the gift you gave us that will never die.
d. king
A few of my personal favourite lines by Leonard Cohen:the one below is more profound these days…If you read into it, it can speak to the major differences that have torn people apart in relation to the pandemic and politics. So silly. But let’s end this on a more positive note…
Going to the post office will be a much more pleasurable experience for us Canadians and for those on the receiving end of getting our letters, postcards and packages.
Leading up to Canada Day which is every July 1st, I thought it a good idea to showcase some exciting & inspiring local events and businesses.I began with a little write-up on Vancouver’s “Bard on the Beach” our first-rate Shakespearean theatre group which brings tourists and local community together by filling seats to capacity every afternoon/evening until the finish in September.
Yesterday I decided it was time to do another flying trip over Canada. In a matter of minutes not only did I experience the trip of a lifetime flying over the great rockies, Niagara Falls and more…but I also flew over the American Great Wild West. All without leaving my seat. Let me explain.
Gift Shop + Restaurant on Premises
Fly Over Canada is located at Canada Place – which is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront. We know it as a venue for world-class events, home port to the Vancouver-Alaska cruise lines, Vancouver Convention Centre East, Pan Pacific Hotel, FlyOver Canada, World Trade Centre and more.
Canada Place
FLY OVER CANADAis North America’s leading flying ride.
Last time I was here was at least six or seven years ago where I experienced “Fly Over China.” “Fly Over Canada” experience is always showing, however they add another country or area of interest which shows for only so long before they switch it up. If you’ve never been I urge you to go. A bit pricey but totally worth the trip. You’re strapped to a moving seat suspended, feet dangling, enveloped by a 20-metre spherical screen which gives you the feeling of actually being on the journey as they’ve captured thrilling, authentic footage of real locations so riders experience those locations as they truly are.
Using advanced technology to showcase awe-inspiring sights as you’ve never seen them before incorporating special effects — including wind, mist and scents.
I’ve flown and driven all over Canada as well as the American West like all the places shown on the ride…but I’ve never seen them like this before. Totally Thrilling!
No photos or video allowed.
ABOUT:
THE REAL WILD WEST
Monument Valley, Arizona
Experience the West at its wildest. Glide over vast prairies and towering peaks. Dip into valleys where untamed rivers rush, and buzz through electric urban spaces pulsing with energy. Limited Showing: April 21 – June 26
FLYOVER CANADA
Soar across Canada from coast to coast to coast. Sweep over Niagara Falls, vast prairies and massive mountain peaks to see Canada like never before.
The tents are up and the shows have begun. We can gather once more as a community with world class theatre in the park. Vancouver welcomes Bard’s 33rd season with three new productions.
I cannot tell you how sad it was walking by the Vanier Park location with my dog for two long summers of darkness. By that I mean no tents to be seen during the pandemic shut down period. But now the Bard is Back and stronger than ever!
Photo: d. king
I attended the opening night of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – an appropriate production to start off this beloved Shakespeare Festival as the story is all about love, magic and dreams. With that comes fairies, goblins, misunderstandings, confusion, egos, love gone wrong – and finally made right. Kind of like life itself but with a Shakespearian twist.
Elyza Samson, Carly Street, Polina Olshevska, Kate Besworth & Anna Wang-Albini in the magical fairy woods A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2022 Photo: Tim Matheson
Shakespeare’s comic masterpiece follows four young lovers and a troupe of stumbling actors through enchanted woods, on a journey of discovery to find out who they are, whom they love, and why it matters. Beginning in a world in disrepair, the story moves to the forest, where the natural and supernatural have merged and elves, goblins, and talking trees guide the way.
Heidi Damayo, Emily Dallas, Christopher Allen & Olivia Hutt play a quartet of magically manipulated lovers in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2022 Photo: Tim Matheson
If you like slapstick comedy with a Shakespearean silliness, you’ll love this production. The costumes and sets are outstanding.
Directed by veteran Bard director and actor Scott Bellis (director – The Two Gentlemen of Verona, 2017; Bottom – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2014). Onstage from June 8 – September 24.
Vancouver’s Shakespeare Festival “Bard on the Beach” is back with a 2022 lineup filled with laughter, suspense and excitement.
(A Midsummer Night’s Dream).
Why do people refer to Shakespeare as “the Bard?”
Since the word “bard” means poet, we’re essentially calling Shakespeare “the Poet” when we refer to him as “the Bard.” Since centuries upon centuries of poetry enthusiasts concur that he’s one of the greatest poets that has ever lived, it’s only fitting we call him “the Poet.” Thank you Google.
Our Bard Village is where festival goers from home and around the world can enjoy world-class plays, special events from light opera and VSO evenings to wine tastings with food & fireworks. Something that was certainly missed over the past two years. Luckily for me I can walk there in minutes.
I’m looking forward to attending the opening night of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Synopsis:
Shakespeare’s comic masterpiece follows four young lovers and a troupe of stumbling actors through enchanted woods, on a journey of discovery to find out who they are, whom they love, and why it matters. Beginning in a world in disrepair, the story moves to the forest, where the natural and supernatural have merged and elves, goblins, and talking trees guide the way. It’s time again to enter a place of love, laughter and magic!
“I adore this play – it’s full of joy, magic and love. This is my tenth (Dream) production and I can’t wait to see it onstage again!” – Christopher Gaze, Bard Artistic Director
Directed by veteran Bard director and actor Scott Bellis (director – The Two Gentlemen of Verona, 2017; Bottom – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2014). Onstage from June 8 – September 24.
Vancouver Symphony OrchestraFireworks and Barbeque Night
Have you been?
Upcoming Plays:
Harlem Duet: This Governor-General’s Award-winning drama explores the complicated relationship of a Black couple in three key periods in the American Black experience: 1860, before the US Emancipation Proclamation; 1928, during New York’s Harlem Renaissance; and in post-civil rights 1997. Each setting reframes the story of the woman, her deep love for her partner, and her sacrifices – and resilience – in the face of his betrayal. With connections to Othello, Harlem Duet explores important contemporary questions about race, privilege and relationships.
Romeo + Juliet: Shakespeare spins a tragic and timeless story of two young people who fall deeply in love, in spite of a bitter feud that divides their families. Their passion – and Juliet’s courage – never fail to move and inspire us. And today more than ever, the play’s “two households alike in dignity” are a powerful reminder that with love, even the world’s greatest wounds can be healed. This production, in a classical setting, casts new light on Juliet’s experience.
Is have some fun What I really wanna do is introduce you to exciting new recording artist Austin Jay and his debut single which is climbing up the Worldwide Hits 2022 charts!I met Austin Jay in Palm Springs just before covid hit and he immediately made an impression on me with his personable manner and good looks. I didn’t realize the scope of his talents until later. We were part of a group for an impromptu wine tasting at local hangout Bouschet where he was sitting with a woman whom I misidentified as his girlfriend. Turns out it was his mom. It’s not the first time I’ve put my foot in my mouth. But Oh well…she looks young so it was an understandable mistake and hopefully a compliment, and since then she’s become a friend. So getting back to Jay…
I’ve since become very impressed with his resume. Austin Jay writes music, has studied classical piano and voice, has done community theater, and can act. He’s on his way to being signed by a record label.
His song “All I Wanna Do” is taking off on Spotify. After 3 1/2 weeks, it has over 30,000 streams! There are 17,000 monthly listeners and thousands of followers with almost the same numbers as the top recording artists Lizzo and Justin Bieber’s monthly stats. Austin has also debuted on the public playlist Top 50 in the UK, was featured in Crowns – the industry Music Magazine (see below).
Speaking on ‘All I Wanna Do’, Austin Jay says:
“This is the song that got me through the pandemic, the reason why I kept on pushing and continued with my music. I believe in it with my whole soul. I want this to be my introduction to the world stage.”
What makes an Artist tick?Saying things with color and shapes that you cannot say any other way because there are no words. Only feelings.
Everything Comes Next…
Bijal Patel showcases a personal journey of loss and trauma through mixed media art where she begins to work blindfolded, responding to music in black ink channeled by inner emotions. It results in a complex and hauntingly beautiful display of inner reflection, that once blindfold is removed she then turns empty spaces into color and line work. An extraordinary play on shadow and light.
I popped into a pop-up art gallery on Dunbar called “Visual Space”so say hello to my friend Bi (Bee) who graduated from Emily Carr and take in her impressive work and that of four other artists: Kier Enemark, Ann Robson, N Byrtus and Mark Yeomanthat. They all make up a group called “Collective Chemistry.” I love that name.
Raven series by Kier Enemark
Landscape series by Ann Robson
If you’d like to inquire about these pieces and more (not shown here) please contact: collectivechemistry1@gmail.com)
Wine lovers unite. The International Wine Festival is back!
Outside JOEY (Bentall One) at launch party.
Enjoy an amazing selection of world class wines from May 16-22, 2022 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues around the city. See link below for tickets and more info.
Photo: John Moe
Feeling worldly? Not only will you be able to sample wines from all over the world, you can buy your favourite wines at the onsite BC Liquor Store and bottle check them throughout the tasting session. Then pick them up when you’re ready to leave or have your purchases sent to your nearest store. How very convenient of them.
Of course remember never to wine and drive. The festival is providing a free Compass ticket on the way out to take local transport or have someone pick you up. Because let’s face it, even if you taste and spit you’re probably going to be sipping enough to affect you. I’m a bit of a lightweight when it comes to drinking wine and tend to get lightheaded very easily. But I enjoy a lovely glass of wine and a bottle (or two) with friends on occasion so at an event like this you can sample several varietals you might otherwise never get to try.
our greeter upon entryShe was pouring this really nice bubbly
The festival kicked off with a VanWineFest media launch party at JOEY on Burrard. I met some very nice people.
With Christine Blanchette.
Christine is the Host + Producer of “The Closing Act” (conducting in-depth interviews with musicians, songwriters, producers and CEOS in the industry) on Arts + Entertainment Channel and “Run with It” (a monthly show on running, fitness and nutrition interviewing experts and celebrities who work out or follow a healthy lifestyle) on Healthy Living Network. We have a few things in common being that she’s half Irish, is from Quebec and she’s also a runner. But I’m not in the same running league because she runs Marathons including the elite Boston Marathon. I’ve run 3 half Marathons and said that’s enough. I admire anyone who runs full marathons as it’s hard on your body and well; a longer run than I have the stamina for. But getting back to our mutual friend JOEY…
Not only was there a selection of delicious participating festival wines, also yummy globally-inspired snacks from executive chef Matthew Stowe. The sliders (both meat + vegetarian) were excellent, along with surprisingly delicious sushi (I say that because I never expected them to serve sushi) and the tastiest dips like hummus and even guacamole – something for everyone.JOEYrestaurants are a premium casual family-owned chain created by Jeff Fuller and looking to expand throughout North America. I cannot believe that this was my first time here even though they’ve been around for quite some time. I was impressed by the quality of food and the extensive cocktail list looks tempting – for another time.
2022 countdown presented by VIWF Executive Director Harry Hertscheg (L), Bard on the Beach Artistic Director Christopher Gaze (R) and Group Sommelier Jason Yamasaki (middle).
It’s exciting that events like this are opening up again. It’s also a bit overwhelming because there’s all of a sudden so much going on other than wine tasting…indining, music, art shows, theatre…
After a long hiatus it’s enjoyable to be able to get out there even if we have to ease ourselves into the social scene. Although I must admit as much as I like going to these social events I’m also pretty comfortable being a homebody. How about you?
taken at Vancouver Convention Centre – International Wine Festival
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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