Picasso Exhibit at SAM

The Seattle Art Museum exhibit is worth seeing. Although, Picasso is not a favorite of mine, I enjoyed this visit. It has a good variety of samples from his many periods - blue, rose, cubist, etc. The well made audio tour is included with the $18 entrance fee.


Seattle Art Museum Downtown
1300 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101-2003
206.654.3100

Picasso Exhibition on view at SAM October 8, 2010–January 17, 2011.

Nu

This place is on the north side of False Creek. It's a lovely location. Big bonus is FREE PARKING!

The view is the main attraction, being by the water. Decor is a little dated I realize it's going for a 70s chic, or is that more 60s, but it could use some revamping.. The bathroom definetely need sprucing up.

Food is good. No, actually, I would say it's very good! I don't think I will be able to have salad nicoise ever again without longing for Nu's (it's better than the ones I've had in Nice). It's made with albacore tuna that is perfectly cooked. The lamb shank was nice and tender (and generous portion) and flavourful. It was served with some orzo, some beets, and some kale (yes, even the kale was very good too).

One complaint I have is the lack of HD tv on their lounge! Yes, I know, it's lame to be concerned about tv when dining out, but it was game night! They didn't even have it on (the game) when we arrived, but they were quite accomodating in changing the channel, except, that they have limited channels - no sportsnet.

I'd give this place between  4.25 - 4.5 stars.

Nu
1661 Granville Street | Vancouver, B.C. | V6Z 1N3 | 604-646-4668

39 Steps

This Hitchcock adaptation is funny; I definitely recommend it There is a cast of 4, 3 of whom are constantly changing roles or literally changing hats. It is quite inventive with the scene transitions. The main character, Martin Happer's performance reminded me a bit of Cary Grant in another Hitchcock movie, North by Northwest.

THE 39 STEPS

Adapted by Patrick Barlow From the novel by John Buchan From the movie of Alfred Hitchcock

Now playing until Nov 21, 2010   |  Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage

Coming Up

Restaurant:

Nu by the water in False Creek

Theatre:

39 Steps at the Stanley on Granville

After the show cocktails and dessert:

The Marquis in South Granville

Architetural Interest: Woodward's SFU Atrium

If you are in this area, check this out. It's in the atrium. It reminds me a bit of the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Construction is interesting - a lot of steel to hold it up (the top is suspended). Don't jump, though, it shakes a bit when you do.


It is by Gregory Henriquez, the architect responsible for many outstanding Vancouver projects.

SFU Woodward’s

149 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada

Restaurant: McLean's

This place is in the heart of gastown in the Le Magasin building, a few steps from the steam clock. Despite being owned by our former Canuck goalie, Kirk McLean, it is not a "hockey themed" place.

The ambience is nice. It has an interesting contrast of sophisticated chic with some subtle edge (thick beams of raw lumber). I liked the ceiling of what looks like cast plaster. It has three areas -- bar dowstairs, lounge and the dining area. There are fresh flowers on the tables (altough, the roses look like they were on their last breath).


We ordered a plate of charcuterie (sopressata, capicola, genoa, bocconcini, pecorino and variety of marinated olives). This was a nice variety, it had a good range from the mild to a bit of a bite. I wish that they didn't bring in the bread before they served us the charcuterie because we ended up eating it all by the time the order came. We followed it with mussels in white wine with a side of fries with some tarragon aioli. The wine flavour was quite pronounced, it was nice. I would have prefered if maybe they use a bouquet garni that they can pull out before serving, and sparingly sprinkle with the herbs for garnish. I don't really like biting into too much rosemary, it's way too pungent. If you don't like garlic, don't have this dish because there were plenty of huge cloves.


For dessert, we had the classic crème brûlée. It was a little too much on the brûlée side, it was, therefore, a bit bitter. It was a garnished with some raspberries and coulis.

The service was good. It wasn't very busy (Tuesday night), so the bartender was attending to our order. He was quite attentive, coming back every so often to check if we needed anything.


I would like to go back there again and try something else.



I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

McLean's

200-332 Water StreetGastown, Vancouver, BC

604.669.1112 

http://www.mcleansrestaurant.ca/index.html