After catching the Kale workshop on Sunday, A and I walked to Caché Bistro to have brunch! I've been to twice prior to this, and always had wonderful food, but I've never been for brunch so I was looking forward to trying it out! Many thanks to the FoodGays for the gift certificate I used toward this meal! =D

The Caché Bistro patio was open and they only had one more table left by the time we arrived so we took it! This weather demands it! Looking over the menu, the Crab Cake Caché Benedict caught my eye. Their egg benedicts are served with country-style yam or potato hash and fresh seasonal fruit. Yum! A decided to have the same thing but with Yam hash instead of potato.

Crab Cake - Grilled portobello mushroom, spinach, house-made hollandaise $16

The crab cake was light and slightly spicy. I could have done with a bigger slice of portobello (hahah just because I love portobello mushroom) but I thought the benedict was awesome. The potato hash was not greasy at all. Delicious!
 



 

The fireworks are on starting this Saturday! Also catch Chef Chris Whittaker, of Forage at the second Farmers Market Kitchen in Kitsilano on Sunday. Then watch the Mascot Races at Hastings Racecourse. They are so fun to watch!

Friday, July 26, 2013 

Circle Craft Summer Market
Friday 9am - 9pm 
Saturday 9am - 9pm 
Sunday 9am - 5pm
Jack Poole Plaza
The Craft Council of British Columbia and Circle Craft are pleased to announce an outdoor summer market. Admission is FREE! What a great way to celebrate our shared 40th anniversary!!!!!   Circle Craft is Western Canada’s largest artisan show, the winter show is known across Canada.Combined with CCBC’s long list of talented artisans this will be the best place in Vancouver to admire true craftsmanship. 70+ BC Artisans will be bringing jewellery, pottery, wood, fashion, visual arts and more.

Saturday, July 27, 2013  

Circle Craft Summer Market
Friday 9am - 9pm 
Saturday 9am - 9pm 
Sunday 9am - 5pm
Jack Poole Plaza
The Craft Council of British Columbia and Circle Craft are pleased to announce an outdoor summer market. Admission is FREE! What a great way to celebrate our shared 40th anniversary!!!!!   Circle Craft is Western Canada’s largest artisan show, the winter show is known across Canada.Combined with CCBC’s long list of talented artisans this will be the best place in Vancouver to admire true craftsmanship. 70+ BC Artisans will be bringing jewellery, pottery, wood, fashion, visual arts and more.

Veg Fest Vancouver 
10am - 6pm
Granville Street, Downtown Vancouver from Dunsmuir to Smithe
 A day-long outdoor festival, happening for its third year. The festival will feature vegan food vendors, carnival games, tables for animal protection organizations, and local businesses. Admission is free. This year, the festival will take place on Granville Street between Dunsmuir and Smithe.

Annual Fiji Festival
10am - 7pm
Swangard Stadium (Corner of Kingsway & Boundary) Burnaby
Live a Day the Fijian Way! The festival features the following: Yagona Ceremony Delicious Food Kids Rides & Soccer Fashion Show Terukootu Dance Great Entertainment Traditional Dance Classical Dance Bhangra Dance Live Bands & More...Admission is free!

Caribbean Days Festival
Sat & Sun 10am - 7pm
Sat 10am - parade
Waterfront Park, North Vancouver
Each last week in July, the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC presents the Caribbean Days Festival. This event draws a crowd of exuberant fun-lovers to North Vancouver's Waterfront Park for a weekend of parading, dining, socializing (liming) and dancing in the sunshine.  This is a weekend of tropical rhythm, cuisine, carnival and culture as only the Caribbean can offer. Over the years, the Festival has grown into the largest Caribbean event on the local calendar -- and with tens of thousands of attendees, possibly the largest cultural event of its type in BC, period. The Parade begins at Lonsdale and 12th then heads down Lonsdale to Esplanade, then turns West to arrive at Waterfront Park and terminate at Forbes & Esplanade.

Picnic in the Park
12:00pm 
Brockton Oval, Stanley Park, Vancouver
Pack your basket, throw in a blanket and meet new friends at Picnic in the Park - the official launch of Vancouver Pride 2013!  Directly following the Pride Run & Walk, enjoy live performances by the Queer Bobbers, a tug-a-war and other family-friendly games, and a volleyball tournament courtesy of Out in Sports.  Of course, there will be plenty of food and a beergarden to enjoy. And at 4pm, meet our amazing Grand Marshalls at the Pride Media Showcase.  Famous for nostalgic summer-time games, Picnic in the Park promises to bring the whole family together - dogs too!

Shorefest
5:30pm - 9:30pm
Sunset Beach and English Bay
SHOREfest is now entering its 5th year as one of Vancouver’s largest, free community concert series. Preceding the fireworks, SHOREfest (presented by SHORE 104) will host free concerts on two music stages in English Bay and Sunset Beach.   Visitors to the beach will be able to watch some of the hottest names in Canadian music perform at Sunset Beach and in English Bay on fireworks days.

Red Bull Airshow
8:10pm
English Bay
At the 2011 Celebration of Light, crowds in English Bay were stunned when Red Bull Air Race Pilot Pete McLeod buzzed over the beach in his single seater aircraft.  A thrilling air show followed, with over 300,000 amazed upturned festival goers watching on. 2 years later Pete is back and better than ever in a brand new Eagle 540 Aircraft for 2 stunning shows above English Bay.

Celebration of Light - United Kingdom
10:00pm - 10:25pm
English Bay (and surround area)
The Celebration of Light is not only Vancouver's biggest event, but it's also the largest offshore fireworks competition in the world and attracts up to 400,000 spectators along English Bay each evening. Owned by the Not For Profit Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.  Another year of exciting countries vying for the title at the 23rd Annual Honda Celebration of Light features: July 27  United Kingdom - Pyro 2000  July 31 Canada - Calgary based Fireworks Spectaculars   August 3 Thailand - Thailand Fireworks 

Sunday, July 28, 2013  

Circle Craft Summer Market
Friday 9am - 9pm 
Saturday 9am - 9pm 
Sunday 9am - 5pm
Jack Poole Plaza
The Craft Council of British Columbia and Circle Craft are pleased to announce an outdoor summer market. Admission is FREE! What a great way to celebrate our shared 40th anniversary!!!!!   Circle Craft is Western Canada’s largest artisan show, the winter show is known across Canada.Combined with CCBC’s long list of talented artisans this will be the best place in Vancouver to admire true craftsmanship. 70+ BC Artisans will be bringing jewellery, pottery, wood, fashion, visual arts and more.

Caribbean Days Festival
Sat & Sun 10am - 7pm
Sat 10am - parade
Waterfront Park, North Vancouver
Each last week in July, the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC presents the Caribbean Days Festival. This event draws a crowd of exuberant fun-lovers to North Vancouver's Waterfront Park for a weekend of parading, dining, socializing (liming) and dancing in the sunshine.  This is a weekend of tropical rhythm, cuisine, carnival and culture as only the Caribbean can offer. Over the years, the Festival has grown into the largest Caribbean event on the local calendar -- and with tens of thousands of attendees, possibly the largest cultural event of its type in BC, period.

Farmers Market Kitchen
11am - Chris Whittaker
1am - Chashma Heinze
Kitsilano Farmers Market, 2690 Larch St at 10th Avenue, Vancouver
Join Chris Whittaker, Head Chef of Forage at 11am as he demonstrates a seasonal recipe featuring delicious local ingredients sourced right from the market. Then at join Chashma Heinze, Chef/Owner of Pate Pastiche for demo at 1pm.

Afro-Brazilian Carnaval
12pm - 8pm
Granville Street, Downtown Vancouver
Axé Capoeira will be hosting an Afro-Brazilian Carnaval on Sunday, July 28 on Granville Street. The event is expected to draw thousands of people for a full day of performances including traditional dance, music and Capoeira culminating in a huge Brazilian street party not to be missed!

Peruvian festival In Vancouver
12pm - 8pm
St Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Centre, 3150 Ash St, Vancouver
Entertainment for the whole family Food Vendors Crafts & Arts Live music & Dances. The Peruvian community will gather together to show their heritage, Traditional music and dance from the coast, jungle and mountains our well known cuisine, our talents and hospitality.

Mascot Races at Hastings Racecourse
1:50pm onwards
Hastings Racecourse, 2901 E Hastings St., Vancouver
The Grudgematch Continues as Vancouver's Best go head to head for the 2013 Mascot Race Title! Vancouver's Best Mascots go head to head for the 2013 Mascot Derby Title! Great Prizes will be available from all the sponsors on hand. Live DJ, Great Food & Beverage Specials, Learn 2 Wagering Ambassadors & Giant Jumbo Screen! Some photos from 3rd annual mascot races.

Beat Boot Camp 2013
2pm - 6pm
The Downtown Vancouver Public Library
The Beat 94.5 and New Music West present:  Beat Boot Camp 2013 – Sunday, July 28th  With PRIZE for BEST SONG  A program designed to bring knowledge, networking, and opportunities to Vancouver’s emerging music artists and industry professionals. Sessions To Include:      Live Feature Interview: Kesi Smyth of 604 Records (Carly Rae Jepsen, Marianas Trench, and many more...)      Live Feature Interview: Ryan & Ali from Mother Mother      Digital Opportunities: Justin Erdman, Managing Director Canada, Deezer      Doing Everything Yourself, and Doing It Right - Booking, Marketing, Touring, Songwriting, and everything else: Jessica Stuart      Music Marketing, Branding and Motivation: Brian Thompson Thorny Bleeder.com      Getting Your Music on the Radio: Music Director, The Beat 94.5FM      Best Song Contest!

Reoccurring:

River District Farmers Market
10:00am - 3:00pm every Saturday from May4 - Oct26
Kerr Street Plaza – on Kerr Street, one block South of SE Marine Drive, Vancouver
This one-of-a-kind farmers market is the only riverfront market in Vancouver. Come shop for fruits and veggies, prepared foods, and handmade products produced farmers and artisans. Enjoy the waterfront, playground and pier.


Shop for organic and conventional product, meat, cheese, seafood and plants as well as tasty baked goods, beautiful crafts while being entertained by local musicians. Hot coffee and hot food available on site each week.

Shangri-La Farmers Market
every other Sunday, 11am to 3pm from May 19 - Sept 22
Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver, 1128 W Georgia St Vancouver
Join us in the plaza between the Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver and Urban Fare for the Shangri-La Farmers Market. Sample fresh local produce and products every second Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Live cooking demos at 12 noon by Executive Chef Wayne Harris.

Food Cart Fest - $2
12pm - 5pm from June 23 - Sept 22
215 West 1st - between Olympic Village & Cambie Bridge
Food Cart Fest is a gathering of over 20 of Vancouver’s top Food Carts presented by Arrival and The Streetfood Vancouver Society. Join us every week this summer for food, fun, and sun complemented by community markets, live music and DJs, craft food vendors, kids activities, and more. Food Cart Fest launches on Sunday, June 23 and takes place every Sunday from 12pm-5pm until September 22. Admission is $2. Children 13 and under get in free. Max rate for families is $5. Vancity members get in free. Check out my visit here.

Chinatown Night Market
6pm - 11pm Fri, Sat, Sun May 17th to Sept 8
Keefer Street between Main & Columbia, Vancouver
This summer, the Chinatown Night Market is bringing a heady mix of time-honoured tradition and new school flavour to the festivities on Keefer Street. Live music, storytelling, and Mahjong; new vendors, more food, and some other stuff that wasn’t here last year like outdoor classic movie screenings and epic ping pong tournaments. See some photos from last year here.

Richmond Night Market - $2
Fri-Sat  7PM - 12AM 
Sun & Stat Holidays  6PM - 11PM 
Sat (Jul & Aug) 7PM - 1AM
8351 River Road, Richmond BC
Lots of food, live entertainment and vendors. $2 fee for regular admission (Subject to changes). FREE admission for children 10 & under and FREE admission for Seniors 60 & up. $10 and $20 Zoom Passes are available for purchase. Check out my photos from last year here.

International Summer Night Market
7pm - 12am Fri, Sat, Sun, May 10 - Sept 8
12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond BC
6th annual Summer Night Market in Richmond starting May 10, 2013! Lots of food, live entertainment and vendors. Check out my photos from this year here.

Last Sunday morning, Tricia Sedgwick, founder of The World In A Garden, held a free Eat More Kale workshop at Dirty Apron Cooking School. Apparently the Dirty Apron hosts free workshops periodically. Something to keep an eye out for! Tricia showed us how to prepare kale in three different but easy ways and also gave us some tips on how to grow kale.

Chef David Robertson of the Dirty Apron introduced Tricia Sedgwick to us. It was a full house and he had to bring in additional chairs! Who knew kale would be so popular?



The first snack Tricia shared with us was Kale chips made in a dehydrator instead of an oven. I've made kale chips using an oven and it almost always got burnt. Only a couple of times was I actually successful. She uses nutritional yeast which gives it a cheesy taste without having to use cheese! The type of kale used was curly kale. If you don't have a dehydrator (which Tricia recommends everyone getting because it's so convenient), you can always bake the kale in the oven at 300 degrees C.



Next she made a smoothie from baby kale with lemon juice, bananas, apple juice and fresh ginger. Not bad! It had a sort of kick to it. Not something I'd probably drink every day but once in a while, yeah.


The last recipe Tricia shared with us was a quinoa salad with kale and dried apricots.

Quinoa, kale, garlic, dried apricots, cherry and grape tomatoes, red onion, hazelnuts. Mmmm.

Wow. It tasted amazing! I don't particularly enjoy quinoa anymore (ate too much of it in the past) but this recipe has revived my interest in it!

I learned so much in this hour workshop! Here are some facts:

• Did you know that kale has the most nutritional value per calorie than any vegetable? And that the nutrition decreases from the time it is picked? So it is super important to eat local kale!
• Did you know what a kale plant can live 5+ years? You just need to keep picking the leaves and not let it go to seed!
• You can have kale almost year round! If you plant kale in February, you'll have a June harvest. Plant in July and you get a fall/winter harvest.
• Kale tastes even better after a bought of frost! The "kiss of frost" reduces the sulfur content in the leaves that could make it a little bitter.
• Kale buds (the flower just before it blooms and seeds) are also very high in nutrients and also high in protein for a vegetable. 
  
• Too much acidic foods can be bad for you so it is important to eat more alkaline foods. Lemon juice is special because though it is acidic, it gets processed in your body as an alkaline!

Book of Kale

Tricia recommended that those who are interested in kale and other kale recipes to read the Book of Kale. She also holds other workshops! Check out the schedule on the World In a Garden website.


I loved everything I learned from this workshop! My own little crop of kale is coming out nicely. Rainbow Lacinato Kale that I planted in the beginning of July (or was it June? I forget).

Red Russian Kale and Curly Kale that I planted back in May. I should have found a better spot for these ones. I realize now that they are in the shade! Still we plucked some of their leaves already though we had to supplement them with kale we bought. I want to grow more!

War Horse will be premiering in Vancouver September 24-29, 2013 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. It is the winner of five 2011 Tony Awards including Best Play! War Horse is the powerful story of the relationship between a boy and his horse and how they affect the people around them during a time of war.

Earlier this year, I attended the preview of Broadway Across Canada's 2013/14 Season and War Horse was the musical I was really excited about! Joey, the main character, was amazing to watch and I can't wait to see him in action in the musical later this fall. You can watch this clip of Joey, the life-sized puppet here:



Can't wait! Tickets for War Horse are on sale now and are available by calling 1-855-985-5000 or online. Performances run, September 24 to 29 from Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8pm with Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 2pm matinees. Tickets start at $35.00 plus applicable service fees. 

Visit Broadway Across Canada for more information.
 

Last Saturday evening, Public Dreams held the 25th Illuminares Lantern Festival at Trout Lake. It was somewhat bitter sweet since it was most likely the last one ever due to funding problems. I've been to other Public Dreams lantern festivals but never at Trout Lake so M and I decided to go see for the last time.


Crowds of people everywhere the eye can see. And lots of dogs too! There was this one dog with dreadlocks! I sorry to say I don't have a picture of it. It was so cute!



There were these solar system lanterns hanging about since the theme of this year's festival is "25 Light Years"!


 Trout lake is beautiful at sunset! People were swimming in the lake!




 Sword fighting!


 There were even concession stands!


The lantern procession started at this arch. It was like a pied piper sort of thing. Music started playing and people with (and without) lanterns followed.








 These owls are so cool! Thought they were ghosts from further away.

























At the end of the lantern procession, there was a big fire show! 

Hahah it was funny watching this "alien" walk around.

Saturn!

It was very nice to see all the lanterns and light displays at Trout Lake. It's sad that is the last one. People seem to love participating in their events and it always draws large crowds!