Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Reading history books are not on top of my reading list. But it seems that I am quite drawn to historical fiction. When I was in grade 9, I found out about the American civil war not from Mr. Wong (Social studies teacher), but from Scarlet, Rhett, Ashley and Prissy of Gone with the Wind.

And now, 25 years later, Sarah's key moves me. (yes, I'm late for the party.) It's a story of a girl in war time Paris and of a woman also in Paris in the present. It's about the French's (not just the Nazis) part in the round up of the Jews -- the Vel d'Hiv Round up and of a journalist's life transforming experience in discovering her story.


Like many successful novels, there is a movie apparently. I'll have to check it out.

Keith Urban at Rogers

Those who know me may have found it surprising that I have gone to see Keith Urban -- I know nothing at all about country music. What I do know, however, is when someone performs with heart. And he has a lot of heart -- this is evident on Monday.

He has guitar skillage, and he is charming, and he is a hottie! All these oozes out of his pores. The audience ( a lot of girls in their cowboy hats) looooooved this man, and it's easy to see why.

There are various stages throughout the coliseum and it seems everyone has had the opportunity to touch him. At one point, he pulled 3 audience to sing on stage and he even gave a guitar he just finished playing with (he changed guitars like Nicole Kidman changed outfits) to some lucky girl.

As if the audience didn't love him enough, on his encore, he comes out wearing Canuck jersey #33. Well, of course the crowd gets even crazier.

T'was a good introduction to the world of country music.

(Did I mention that he has a totally hot bod!)

Bonus: Russel Crowe was a surprise performer!!

Canucks -- Club Seats

Yes, my heart is still broken and mending from the heartbreak of eluding the cup, and the chaos of  the riot, and of Rypien, and of Dimitra, but I can never ever say no to our see our boys. But, unfortunately, our usual boys are not playing tonight. Nonetheless, it was a perfect night to get back into the spirit.

The pain is dulled especially that I have club seats. I may have mentioned about this this magical place before on FB, but instead of words, I thought I'd just post some pics of this happy place.I was too intimidated to take photos of the serving staff while they are going around with their trays of panko prawns and chicken skewers with peanut sauce and other delectable treats.

scallops in yummy sauce (not sure what it is)

aahh the little things, drinking from a glass at a game

ravioli

pickled yellow beets

I don't think I've ever said, to myself, "I've had enough oysters." I think I ate over half a dozen kusshis.

beet salad

fish

yumm... freshest sashimi and sushi

These steaks are like buttah! They were topped with crab meat and served with some baby squash or asparagus.

drizzled with tabasco like I like em

Outside the Box - Art in Fibre and Textiles

I went to the opening of this fibre art and textile exhibit in White Rock and was quite impressed. And no, it's not doilies, and toilet paper holders or tea cozies. They were actually beautiful and original pieces done by artist. My favourite one was the first prize winner of the exhibition, it reminded me a bit of a Canadiana painting done by one of the Group of Seven.

The Outside the Box - Art in Fibre and Textiles exhibition is there until October 21st.

Theatre Terrific

I have been doing some volunteer work with this theatre group for a little over 2 years now and  have finally made it to one of their performances. It is Theatre Terrific's final performance of "A Truck Full of Chickens," which played at the Fringe Festival earlier this month. This inspiring theatre's motto is : "brings together artists who would normally never work together. Our diverse ensembles include professional and emerging artists with or without developmental, physical, or mental health issues, gender or language challenges." 


Check them out next time they have a show, it is usually at the Japanese United Church.

West Side Story

I have gone to a screening of the West Side Story last night at the Vancity Theatre and yes, "I feel pretty, oh so pretty," one of its more famous songs, is on a loop in my head. Aside from being an adaptation from Romeo and Juliet and having something to do with rival gangs, I don't really know much about it at all. This 1961 film which starred Natalie Wood, is based on the very successful Broadway musical.

I must admit that because this movie is not from my era, it takes a bit of time to get used to. I mean, seriously -- gang members in an arabesque and prancing around doesn't look very authentic gang warfare to me. After a while, though, I got used to the idea of a pretty boy gang member, and have appreciated its timeliness as well as many famous songs. I feel that this movie is one of those "must see" for its historical significance, besides, there are a lot of modern day spoof/reference of this movie that you just won't understand without seeing the movie.

"The film has been deemed "culturally significant" by the United States Library of Congress and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1997. The film holds the distinction of being the musical film with the most Academy Award wins (10 wins), including Best Picture (three other films also won 11 Oscars each, but they are not musicals).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Side_Story_(film)

The reason that there is a screening for this is because of the upcoming adaptation by the Vancouver Opera  It starts on October 22. Can't wait! I'll let you guys know how it is.

"C" Restaurant

I've always wanted to go this restaurant ever since I saw a feature of its award winning chef, Robert Clark on TV. He's one of our local superstar chefs. So, when "C" was the deal of the day at Groupon, I was all over it (otherwise, I may have to forgo eating for a week to afford it). The deal was for a tasting menu - brunch. This means that you don't order, you get what you get.

As is typical of a fancy-shmancy place, it started with an amuse-bouche (for non-foodies, this means an itty-bitty appy) of corn bread on aioli. It was followed with granola with Greek yogurt, with fresh fruits sprinkled with mint, then a salad of frisee and arugula with smoked trout and grapefruit and the main course was eggs benedict with some paprika potatoes. Dessert is an in house made chocolate cherry ice cream on a cone.

It is a good meal, however, I'm pretty sure, I can get a similar meal like it for a lot less. I think I would have to go back though for dinner in order to get its true essence of what they are famously known for. 

C is in the north side of False Creek. 

2-1600 Howe Street Vancouver, BC

A Beautiful Fall Day in the city (at Wreck Beach)

Ok, this may irritate some people, but I actually am happy that it's fall. I love walks amidst the crunchy leaves and the crisp fresh air (hhmm, sounds like a eHarmony ad). We are lucky that we don't need to go far to see nature and beauty, in fact, you can go to the same place and see something new and discover something different each time.

Even though, we have cancelled our kayaking plans because of the questionable weather, it is a perfect Saturday that started with a cappuccino and a pear tart at Faubourg in Kerrisdale. We then have decided to go for a walk at Wreck Beach -- those stairs are damn good exercise after all and a lot less crowded than the Grind . Most people wouldn't dream of venturing to this "clothing optional" haven, but if you are curious to see what it's like, but are intimidated to go, off-season is a good time to see it. It's not like other beaches, it's more like a community.

If you happen to have an abundance of energy, you can climb up this "dune," and maybe carve out in sand your declaration of love for someone.