On Thursday, January 16th, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau hosted the "Taste Taiwan" Culinary Tour Show Premiere at Mosaic Bar and Grille in the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver. Hundreds of guests were invited to see to the event, which was the end of a huge campaign that started in October of last year.


Taste Taiwan started with the selection of three nominated chefs (one from Los Angeles, one from New York, and one from Vancouver), for an exclusive eight-day culinary trip in Taiwan in December 2013.

The result is a 30 minute TV show highlighting Taiwan cuisine featuring the chefs visiting local restaurants, fresh produce markets, night markets and culinary institutes in Taiwan.

The show will be airing on the Discovery Channel in February in the US. Canadians will be able to view the show on Youtube.

Chef Thomas Heinrich of Mosaic Bar and Grille was selected to participate in the tour to represent Vancouver.

Here is with Dennis Pang!

Hakka tea crusted line-caught lingcod

Chef Heinrich produced this special Taiwan-inspired dish to be included on the Mosaic's menu for the month of January to promote tourism in Taiwan. Looks super yummy!



 Event participants were invited to try night market style Taiwanese street food.

 Chicken,

sausages,


Taiwanese sausage in sticky rice with toppings (garlic and cucumbers).



 This guy was making peanut mochi.


 Soft and chewy and delicious!


Gyoza dumplings! My favourite!

In addition to the featured Taiwan-inspired dish, Chef Heinrich also made a whole dinner course. They looked so mouthwatering delicious, I was almost tempted to steal a taste. XD




 Taiwan seems to be a very interesting culinary-wise. And looking through the brochures and pamphlets the representatives handed to everyone as we left, it seems there are a lot of beautiful places to explore as well. It is definitely on my places-to-visit list! I'm also looking forward to watching the Taste Taiwan show when it airs!

New year, new venue! The West Coast Geeks vs Nerds hosted their first show of the year on January 7th, 2014 at the Vancouver FanClub. If you are early you can secure a table on the main level or you can sit upstairs, which gives you a good view of the entire floor. For those who haven't heard of this show, WC Geeks Versus Nerds is a funny themed debate show that pits well known pop culture icons against each other and celebrates the local geek, gamer, and comic book nerd subcultures. It is usually held on the first Tuesday of every month.


The 13th episode of the hilarious, geek/nerd comedy-debate show, featured Mr. Burns vs J. Jonah Jameson and Adama vs Picard.


The Duffman even left Springfield to attend the event!

The opening debate was Mr. Burns vs J. Jonah Jameson: who's the worst boss.

Team Geeks represented Mr. Burns while Team Nerds backed J. Jonah Jameson. The guy in the middle on Team Geeks does a great impersonation of Mr. Burns! I'm pretty sure 90% of their points were made in Simpson quotes. LOL It was amazing.

There was also an appearance from Spiderman but he burst into tears because J. Jonah Jameson ruined his dreams. lol

Not surprisingly Mr. Burns was the worst. Excellent.

The costume contest during the intermission! 

Duffman just kept going like that throughout the entire voting process.

Of course Duffman takes the prize! There was no competition!

 The main debate was Adama vs Picard: who's the greatest starship commander?

Both teams had amazing costumes. So in character!




This was the moment that made my day. Each team get a rebuttal token that can be used only once to counter something the other team has said. The token is usually something representative of the team's character or world. In this case, Team Adama received a frakking TOASTER!

 It was a four slot one too!

 And it doesn't work. LMAO

Picard is declared the best starship commander! (Was there any doubt?)

The next West Coast Geeks vs Nerds show will be held on February 4th at Vancouver FanClub.

The opener debate (determined by popular vote) is MARY POPPINS vs MS FRIZZLE: who is the most extraordinary educator? Then THE POWERPUFF GIRLS takes on THE SAILOR SCOUTS on the main debate to determine "who is the greatest female fighting force?" Don't miss it!

In the meantime, follow the WCGvN team on Twitter and Facebook. They are really active on both and periodically hold contests where you can win tickets to attend this super funny show that every geek and nerd should attend at least once!

On Saturday, December 7th, 2013, I attended an all day workshop to learn about creating Windows Phone apps. The workshop was held by Nokia and Microsoft at the downtown BCIT campus, to promote the DVLUP Windows developer awards program. Developers can sign up at DVLUP.com and be rewarded for creating apps that fulfill the requirements of the posted challenges.


Those that attended the workshop were given two weeks to submit or update an app, get it approved and published on the Windows Phone 8 Store in order to receive a Nokia Windows 8 Development Phone. Not a lot of time but thankfully, Microsoft came up with a easy way to create apps - even for those who don't know how to code!



Windows Phone App Studio - http://apps.windowsstore.com - is a free online tool to create Windows Phone apps in minutes! They have templates that anyone can use to generate their first app. All you need is to provide the content. You can even download the source code and tinker around with it to make it more to your liking. Haha, having been obsessed with the movie Frozen, I created a Frozen movie guide app after a tried making an app for this blog kinda failed. I'm sure if I dig through some of the code, I'd be able to fix the problems but for the challenge, I had to be quick and submit it immediately, since the approval process can take up to a week and if the app doesn't pass the approval process, I'll have to fix it and resubmit which will take another week - time that I may not have. 

Since this was an all day workshop, Nokia was nice enough to provide us breakfast, lunch, dinner AND snacks in between to fuel brain and our fingers. Developers love to snack, you know.




I learned a whole lot about Windows 8 development, the Windows App Store and how to monetize your app. Apparently, there is a large market for the Windows phone. It's not as popular here in North America but it is popular overseas or in South America. So there is a market for apps there; it is probably is easier to produce a money making app on the Windows app store than in the saturated iOS or Android store!

I'm pleased to report that my app did get approved but...I should update it because it is not very nice as it is now.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Xbox One Area
Dec 6, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 7, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 8, 10am-1pm, 2-5pm, 6-9pm
Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver Station, 1755 Cottrell Street Vancouver, BC
Drop in on one of our Area One parties to play Xbox One. Space is limited for Area One events, entry is on a first come first served basis. If the venue is full you may be asked to return at a later time or different day. Must be at least 18 years of age to enter unless accompanied by parent or guardian.

2013 Vancouver Tree Lighting Celebration
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver
Don’t miss the official launch of the 2013 holiday season with live music and sweet treats at the 2013 Vancouver Tree Lighting Celebration.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park - $11 max
Afternoon matinees Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun - 11:00am to 3:00pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 3:00pm to 10:00pm 
Wednesday - 11am to 10pm
Friday and Sunday- 11:00am to 11:00pm
During the holiday season, Stanley Park sparkles with two million twinkling lights, decorating the darkness that comes early at this time of year. Make the Bright Nights Train part of your holiday tradition Ride the train, watch animated displays, listen to holiday classics, sip warm cocoa, and feast on fresh popcorn or roasted nuts. Enjoy the sight of young eyes dazzled by the display of lights and the excitement of the holidays. Partial proceeds from the sale of Bright Nights tickets go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. Adult $11, Matinee $6. Entrance to the plaza is by donation (you don't need to purchase train tickets to see the lights). Donations will be accepted at the front gate. We suggest a $4 minimum donation. Thank you!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Xbox One Area
Dec 6, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 7, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 8, 10am-1pm, 2-5pm, 6-9pm
Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver Station, 1755 Cottrell Street Vancouver, BC
Drop in on one of our Area One parties to play Xbox One. Space is limited for Area One events, entry is on a first come first served basis. If the venue is full you may be asked to return at a later time or different day. Must be at least 18 years of age to enter unless accompanied by parent or guardian.
Kensington Community Centre Holiday Craft Fair
10am - 4pm
Kensington Community Centre, 5175 Dumfries Street, Vancouver
Join us at the Annual Kensington Holiday Craft Fair, Saturday December 7, 2012, from 10:00am-4:00pm. Public Admission to the event is free. Hand crafted items, doors prizes and food. 

Deck the Halls Craft Fair - $2
11 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun
3102 Main Street, Vancouver
More than 50 craft vendors offering unique hand-made items perfect for gift giving.

5th Annual Collingwood Artisans’ Village Market
11am - 5pm
Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce Street, Vancouver
Admission Free. Local artisans from the Renfrew-Collingwood area will be showcasing handmade crafts and special entertainment by the Windermere Vocal Ensemble, Van Tech music group, and Community Choir. The Red Sunset dance group will also grace the stage, and a lively puppet show will bring holiday cheer. Enjoy Chinese calligraphy, crochet and weaving by local artisan's demonstrations & paper craft-making. Raffle draw for a chance to win an original gingerbread house and food baskets prizes!

Portobello West: Holiday Market - $2
11am - 5pm Sat & Sun
Creekside Community Recreation Centre, 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
Vancouver’s Favourite Artisan/Craft Fair is back for its final show of 2013 this December 7th & 8th! Shop from a wide variety of  local goods ranging from Fashion, Jewelry, Accessories, Art, Sweets, Baby & Kids items, and more.Be one of the first 25 people each day to receive a FREE swag bag filled with goodies from our wonderful vendors and sponsors!

Light Up the Heights
12pm - 5pm, tree lighting at 4:45pm
Hastings Street between Boundary and Gammer, Burnaby
‘Tis the season for shopping and celebrating the re-launch of Light up the Heights in its brand-new format! With a focus on shopping locally for the holidays, the Heights Merchants Association invites community members and friends to celebrate with us at our sidewalk festival on Saturday, Dec. 7, for Light up the Heights. As carollers stroll along Hastings Street, the Man in the Red Suit will be visiting merchants with his helpers while Heights merchants offer holiday specials all day long. Tree Lightin Ceremony at Burnaby Firehall No.5 (Hastings & Caleton) at 4:45pm

Lonsdale Christmas Festival
4:30pm - 8:00pm
at the Shipyards at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver

Come Share in the Holiday Spirit Saturday Dec 7th, 2013 4:30pm - 8:00pm  The Lower Lonsdale Business Association in partnership with the City of North Vancouver invites you to celebrate their annual Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at The Shipyards located at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue from 4:30pm – 8:00pm. Stilt walkers, a gingerbread cookie character, a Christmas fairy and the inviting sounds of Christmas carolers will welcome you as you arrive on-site. Stage entertainment gets underway at 4:30pm with performances with a Christmas Elf Show; followed by the official lighting of the City of North Vancouver Christmas tree then the arrival of the Big Guy in the red suit around 5:30pm. Children are welcome to visit Santa at his workshop.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park - $11 max
Afternoon matinees Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun - 11:00am to 3:00pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 3:00pm to 10:00pm 
Wednesday - 11am to 10pm
Friday and Sunday- 11:00am to 11:00pm
During the holiday season, Stanley Park sparkles with two million twinkling lights, decorating the darkness that comes early at this time of year. Make the Bright Nights Train part of your holiday tradition Ride the train, watch animated displays, listen to holiday classics, sip warm cocoa, and feast on fresh popcorn or roasted nuts. Enjoy the sight of young eyes dazzled by the display of lights and the excitement of the holidays. Partial proceeds from the sale of Bright Nights tickets go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. Adult $11, Matinee $6. Entrance to the plaza is by donation (you don't need to purchase train tickets to see the lights). Donations will be accepted at the front gate. We suggest a $4 minimum donation. Thank you!

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Xbox One Area
Dec 6, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 7, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 8, 10am-1pm, 2-5pm, 6-9pm
Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver Station, 1755 Cottrell Street Vancouver, BC
Drop in on one of our Area One parties to play Xbox One. Space is limited for Area One events, entry is on a first come first served basis. If the venue is full you may be asked to return at a later time or different day. Must be at least 18 years of age to enter unless accompanied by parent or guardian.
Bright Nights at Stanley Park - $11 max
Afternoon matinees Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun - 11:00am to 3:00pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 3:00pm to 10:00pm 
Wednesday - 11am to 10pm
Friday and Sunday- 11:00am to 11:00pm
During the holiday season, Stanley Park sparkles with two million twinkling lights, decorating the darkness that comes early at this time of year. Make the Bright Nights Train part of your holiday tradition Ride the train, watch animated displays, listen to holiday classics, sip warm cocoa, and feast on fresh popcorn or roasted nuts. Enjoy the sight of young eyes dazzled by the display of lights and the excitement of the holidays. Partial proceeds from the sale of Bright Nights tickets go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. Adult $11, Matinee $6. Entrance to the plaza is by donation (you don't need to purchase train tickets to see the lights). Donations will be accepted at the front gate. We suggest a $4 minimum donation. Thank you!

Ongoing:

Christmas at Canada Place
Dec 1 - 31, 2013
Canada Place, 999 Canada Place Way
Come down to Canada Place from December 1 – 31, 2013 to experience the 26th annual Christmas at Canada Place. Along our outdoor promenade and throughout the city, Canada Place is bringing you and your family the best in Christmas cheer this holiday season.

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt
9:00am - 9:00pm Nov 28 - Dec 27th 
Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, hotel lobby
From November 28, 2013 - December 27, 2013, guests of the hotel can enjoy a walk through Gingerbread Lane, which features over 40 gingerbread houses that have been created by various partners.

Vancouver Christmas Market - $6
November 22 to December 24 11:00am - 9:00pm
Just outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street  Vancouver, BC
Opening day! The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for its fourth year from November 22 to December 24, 2013 on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza!  Enjoy our expanded offerings of delicious food items and find unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. We'll have seasonal music to set the mood and a great entertainment program of authentic folk groups.

Vancouver Festival of Trees
November 20, 2012 - January 2, 2013 
Four Seasons Hotel & Pacific Centre Mall  
For the past 27 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel and the corridors of Pacific Centre Mall into a vision of beautifully decorated trees with the goal of raising much-needed funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation.  The Festival continues to bring together a vast array of generous sponsors both business and individual from Vancouver in what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition and the unofficial beginning of Christmas in the Vancouver. Every year, local businesses, organizations and individuals, sponsor and decorate their trees in a wacky, creative, unique, and always beautiful fashion.