Thursday, July 29, 2010

Film Comment - Noteworthy Movies of Late

I recently subscribed to Film Comment Magazine (though I have been a fan of the publication for years).  Film Comment has just the right mix of critical theory and craft of film making and the articles are wonderfully rich yet succinct.

Recently Film Comment featured a compilation of lists by different filmmakers of their favourite movies (the list was relegated to films made between 2000-2010).

This prompted me to look at some of the movies I have watched over the past year that I find noteworthy.  I don't want to do a "top ten" because invariably I'd omit things that are truly wonderful and I cannot bear to do that.  Instead here is a comprehensive list of films that made a distinct impression on me in recent months.


  1. The Runaways (indie)
  2. The White Ribbon (foreign/auteur)
  3. Precious based on the novel Push by Sapphire (indie)
  4. Let The Right One In (foreign/auteur)
  5. The Ghost Writer (Polanski)
  6. Antichrist (foreign/auteur)
  7. A Single Man (indie/foreign)
  8. A Serious Man (Coen Brothers)
  9. Invictus (Clint Eastwood)
  10. Young Victoria (indie/Britain)
  11. An Education (indie)
  12. Fantastic Mr. Fox (Wes Anderson)
  13. Lorna's Silence (Dardenne Brothers/foreign)
  14. Dead Snow (zombies!)
  15. Zombieland (zombies!)
  16. Bright Star (foreign/Jane Campion/auteur)
  17. The Bad Leiutenant, Port of Call New Orleans (Herzog)
  18. Gran Torino (Eastwood)
  19. Moon (Sci Fi, Duncan Bowie/auteur)

Friday, May 28, 2010

100 Demons - The Genius of Lynda Barry

http://home.earthlink.net/~copaceticcomicsco/100demons.html

  A few months ago I had the good fortune to hear a radio interview with artist/writer Lynda Barry.  I was intrigued  and low and behold Steve bought me a copy of one of her graphic novels when from the fabled "City Lights" bookstore in San Francisco (a book nerd's wet dream if there ever was one!)  Its tough to describe Barry's oeuvre and do it justice.  Matt Groening is a fan and this seems fitting given Barrie's drawing style is reminiscent of Groening's marvelous Life In Hell cartoons.  Barry's drawings are more detailed than Groening's and there is a daffy/delightful mix of images on every page.  Each story's opening page has nifty collage elements interspersed with the drawings - its a real treat for the eye.  Lynda Barry is also a novelist and the quality of her writing does not disappoint in the medium of the graphic novel.  There is such a potent mix of hilarity and sadness in this book - Barry must have a photographic memory of her childhood and she is so brave to recount many painful experiences, yet the universality of her observations makes this work life affirming rather than depressing.  This is one of the best books of any genre I have read in a long time and I strongly suggest that folks who are enthusiastic readers who normally eschew graphic novels give this a try.  This book is both poetic and profound and at times utterly hilarious.  I am going to seek out Barry's novels as well.  I am awed by the scope and range of her abilities.  Check this out if you can!

Friday, May 14, 2010

On Poetry and Other Readerly Musings

Lately I have taken to multi-tasking as a reader.  In the past I would only read one thing at a time. Now I find my bedside table cluttered with poetry compilations, film and journalism magazines, a  novel and usually a book of  essays tossed in for good measure (or does one refer to essays as creative non-fiction)?  I like soaking it all in and my only regret is not having more time to devote to the printed word.  I didn't even include graphic novels or chapbooks, my bookshelves are groaning with stuff I feel I cannot not live without.  In any event, I have been deriving pleasure from a myriad of sources/voices these days.

A friend gave me a book of poetry "Home of Sudden Service" by BC poet Elizabeth Bachinsky for my birthday.   There is a longing and restlessness articulated in Bachinsky's writing that makes me ache, but in a "hurts so good" kind of way!" The first section of the book, entitled  "Valley Girls", is brilliant. The poems are succinct, not a syllable is wasted.   The poet's version of adolescence so mirrors my own, (or maybe its just Bachinsky's genius that makes me feel that way).  I absolutely love these poems which have accessibility yet aren't lacking in technical prowess.  There's a marvelous cadence to the writing as well, which makes me want to revisit the poems over and over, like listening to a favorite song.

I have also been working my way through the yearly Giller prize shortlist anthology books (just read 2005's shortlist compilation). This has been a hit and miss experience.  A lot of the short listed stuff is the kind of poetry I find mystifying i.e. pieces that are  technically well crafted but emotionally empty, and, in my opinion, excessively cerebral.   I discovered Croatian poet Charles Simic through the Giller shortlist however, and for that I am eternally grateful! Simic's poem "Outside a Dirt Road Trailer" is perhaps my favorite poem.  Like "the other Charles" (Bukowski), Charles Simic's poetry are so unadorned as to seem artless but that is precisely why  he is so rhapsodically good.  Charles Simic manages to be both surrealist and deeply sensuous at the same time.  You'd think that'd be hard to pull off, but he manages it.  Some of his work is poignant and powerful, it isn't all irreverant but its all wonderful.

Below is a poem by Elizabeth Bachinsky I found at www.nthposition.com the best website for poetry on the planet...


The goddess of Anthropomorphism

We sleep with the curtains open. Tonight,
the forest is lit by a full-faced moon. Black water
winks past the riverbank through the trees.
We were from the city. And now we are from
the country too. In the spring, teenagers
will appear with their titanium fishing rods.
In the summer, they will ride rubber inner-
tubes downstream. Masses of young flesh
will chirp and yip on the whitewater where,
not ten months before, the whole place reeked
of death. Chip bags and beer bottles and cell-
phones in hand, parents will prop plastic chairs
in the shallows and eat take-out burgers
while their little ones paddle out to the pools.
But, now, the river is silent
in the way a river is a silent rush of rivergrass
and the fetid stream goes about its decomposition.
My husband's hands are slippery on my thighs.
He can't help it, he says We are two slick fish∑
and floodlights illuminate our gravel driveway.
We sit up, caught, momentarily, in our own
harsh light. One minute, two, and the flood clicks
off again. I can hear the refrigerator keeping
things cold in the kitchen, rooms away. What
is out there? What creature slouches through
the yard so late at night? Anthropomorphism,
I say, is a dangerous business.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Glo Europub Restaurant

Steve had come home one day and reported that he'd had a business lunch at Glo with very tasty results.  Given it was the one year anniversary of when we first me we decided to go to dinner to celebrate.  Glo has a funky modern design with surrounding ocean views (the patio would be killer in the summer time).  We had a stormy vantage point as it was a very wintry, blustery day!  We arrived hungry and in the mood for a celebratory cocktail.  I started with a classic gin martini which was ably prepared (though I was mystified when the waitress asked if I wanted it on the rocks?!  Who orders a classic martini on the rocks?  Someone enlighten me if you do..)

But I digress...  The appetizer menu had an interesting array of starters including beef carpaccio, and braised short ribs with cauliflower puree (as well as old tried and true "old chestnuts" such as calamari, chicken wings, and the ubiquitous tuna tataki - a tasty dish that seems to be cropping up on menus all over Victoria).  We opted to share the house made flat bread which is served drizzled with Asiago Cream.  While not being quite as good as the flat bread served up at Fifth Street Grill it was still quite delicious (especially with the decadent asiago cream)  For our mains, I ordered the Arctic char only to be informed by the waitress that it had been replaced with salmon.  FYI servers: it is good to inform customers what the restaurant has run out of BEFORE they order.  Its a minor quibble however as our server was otherwise pleasant and professional.  Steve decided on a classic burger.  Glo makes their burger with prime rib and you have the option of soup, salad or fries as an accompaniment.  He ordered his with the daily soup.  My fish arrived perfectly cooked and adorned with a slightly sweet and delicious crunchy roe.   The sides of roasted vegetables and a squash puree with goat cheese were delicious.  Steve's soup was delicious - A good hit of throat warming, sustaining curry made creamy with a dollop coconut milk.  I'd kill for the recipe for this soup which manages to be homey and exotic all at once.  Steve's burger really did taste of prime rib and was moist and juicy.  Sometimes all one needs is a good burger and Glo doesn't disappoint on this front.  The burger comes with mushrooms, bacon and cheddar and an onion marmalade/chipotle aioli.  The flavors merged very well indeedy. 
Inexplicably we still had room leftover for dessert.  I was craving a chocolate fix and ordered the chocolate pate with blackberry compote.  I reluctantly passed on the sticky toffee pudding (which you can glean from previous posts is a favorite of mine).  Steve ordered a trio of desserts (you get to pick your three faves!) including the sticky tofeee pudding, creme brulee, and flourless chocolate torte.

The pate was tasty with the blackberry compote and vanilla gelato but Steve's picks were what really stood out for us.  The sticky toffee pudding (our server recommended it to us as her favorite) was lovely with a hint of saltiness to the caramel to offset the sugariness.  The creme brulee was tasty but the other standout was the flourless chocolate torte which came drizzled with the most delectable bing cherry caramel sauce.
Service was attentive and our food came at reasonable intervals without an interminable wait. 

I'd heartily recommend Glo to my friends for the view, service and the yummy food.  Excellent!

http://www.gloeuropub.com/

Monday, May 3, 2010

Moss Street Market

I have always been a lover of Farmer's Markets and I was delighted to see the tents go up for the Moss Street Market this Saturday. Handily, this little market is just down the street from our house. We couldn't resist doing a little tour around before getting on with our day. The market appears slightly larger this year, with more variety of food and crafts. We bought homemade lemon loaf from one seller and a dense chewy baguette from another. There was some interesting pottery in the offing and we couldn't resist snapping up a really snazzy vase decorated with a skull (the design was more irreverant than goth). We were tempted by many other items including homemade preserves, pickles and relishes/chutneys, tortiere and pork pies, artisan cheeses, jewelry and a really great clothing booth with fab hoodies, skirts and tops with irreverant silkscreened prints. There was also wildflower honey and some lovely soaps (one of which looked exactly like a lemon and smelled gloriously citrusy).

I'll be excited to return to the market again over the next few months and sample some more of the wares. We enjoyed the lemon loaf with a little lemon curd dolloped on top with a cup of tea the next morning.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Bard and Banker Pub


Steve and I visited the Bard and Banker Pub one Friday night before a poetry reading. The first sign that our experience was going to be less than stellar was the presence of a piano dude hammering away at athe ivories butchering Billy Joel cover tunes. I am mystified the owners would opt to provide the kind of entertainment no one really likes early in the evening when people want to talk, relax and decompress from their work day. If one MUST have the cheesy piano player (and I wonder why it is even necessary when 99% of the planet hates this sort of thing) it would be prudent do it later in the evening when people are either drunk enough to sing along or too drunk to care. Even though we were seated on the second floor of the pub the amplifier ensured we still had to shout at one another across our tiny table.
We concentrated on the menu - conversation was rendered moot by the din of the “music”. I opted for a cocktail instead of my usual dark beer. I tried a “Pimm’s cocktail since I’d had a delicious facsimile at Canoe pub and found the slightly gingery concoction addictive. Bard’s Pimm’s was disappointing, not enough sweetness to balance the palate. I would have been better off trying one of Bard’s ample beer selections. We decided on a cup of the tomato cod chowder to start. The chowder was delicious, creamy with ample chunks of fresh cod. For mains I chose the mushroom taglietelle and Steve opted for the curry. My pasta was ably cooked but at 20$ awfully pricey and could have been more flavorful and ample in portion. Only a few mushrooms dotted the plate. Steve’s curry came in a small ramekin. Steve’s curry was merely ordinary, bland and generic without distinctive assertive flavors. Given the portion size left room to spare in our bellies we opted for dessert. Bard does a wonderful Sticky Toffee Pudding with just the right hit of decadent sweetness without being overpowering. It’s served with a creamy caramel ice cream and a delicious gooey toffee sauce. I opted for the white chocolate and nut brownie. This dessert was a big bummer. Again, a teeny portion of dry, hard brownie with oh so trendy cranberries (which don’t really go with peanut butter). Service throughout was polite and personable but a wee bit slow towards the end.
I must profess that in spite of my enthusiastic food nerdiness I abhor pretention and I’d be happy to see the gastro pub trend abate and go back to old fashioned pub fare (i.e. comfort food in sustaining portions) at affordable prices. Many of the menu prices at Bard and Banker are in the fine dining range (18$ for fish and chips, many menu items are over $20) and cocktails for 8$. For this price range I expect only excellence and this just didn’t make the cut. The din of the dreadful music don’t make this an appealing spot for a beer and nachos, despite the beautiful renovations. The décor is lovely for certain. On a previous visit to B&B Steve and I each had a beef and chicken pot pie and they were delicious with a lovely puff pastry crust and refreshing side salad. On our last visit, the pot pies were no longer on the menu. For my part I am going to continue my search for a pub with delicious homemade food at prices that won’t break the bank. Reader suggestions welcome!

Smoken Bones Cookshack



Homer’s ode to the pig from “The Simpsons”
“Homer: Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute. Lisa, honey, are you saying you're never going to eat any animal again? What about bacon?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Ham?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Pork chops?
Lisa: Dad! Those all come from the same animal!
Homer: [Chuckles] Yeah, right Lisa. A wonderful, magical animal”
After a harrowing day at the office I headed to Langford with a few fellow frazzled coworkers to Smoken Bones Cook shack. The restaurant employs traditional methods of smoking meat, using wood chips from Island alder and organic fruit trees. They also source their beef, chicken and produce from Island and B.C. farmers. I was sorely in need of some comfort food and word of mouth had me salivating at the prospect of an omnivorous comfort feast. We were seated in a cozy booth in a candlelit corner. The menu had many tempting items on offer, hushpuppies (crispy corn fritters), homemade cornbread, gumbo and even fried dill pickles. Reluctantly I bypassed the appies for the main event. My friends opted for the pork chop and pulled pork. I decided on the Smoken pork ribs, Smoken Bones’ signature dish. The larger entrees come with a choice of two sides. Choices range from braised collard greens, cornbread, oven roasted garlic potatoes, butter fried cabbage and candied carrots. I decided on candied carrots and homemade macaroni and cheese.

Our food arrived and we were uniformly rhapsodic. My friend declared her pork chop tender and flavorful (they brine the meat to ensure it is moist) and she had a generous portion of the roasted baby potatoes on her plate. The pulled pork has just the right smoky vinegar tang – my friend opted for the local side which turned out to be pickled beets and she declared them excellent. My ribs were cooked to perfection with a good smoky slathering of delicious bbq sauce. The meat fell off the bone and the bones piled up on my plate ala Fred Flintstone. The accompanying sides were delicious, whole caramelized roasted carrots and the macaroni and cheese was creamy and cheesy and delicious. Regrettably we were too stuffed to try dessert. I took a piece of Mississippi Mud Cake home for the boys. Smoken Bone’s bread pudding, served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream is purportedly delicious. I was sorely tempted by their homemade truffles. It is too bad there isn’t a location closer to town but after this wonderful repast I’ll be making the trek back for sure!

Dutch Bakery and Coffee House

I finally got around to visiting the venerable “Dutch Coffee Shop” when Steve and I were in dire need of a vanilla slice (there is something insanely comforting about the oozy eggy custard sandwiched between gossamer pastry layers.). We opted to have lunch special that included a sandwich, potato salad or soup and choice of pastry with tea or coffee (for a paltry 8.50!). The décor of the Dutch coffee shop clearly hasn’t changed since it opened in the 50’s and I love taking a stool at the long counter and watching the busy beehive activity of the servers, some of whom have probably worked at Dutch for decades. Unlike many establishments that try to replicate 50’s kitsch, this lunch spot is the real deal. For fans of authentic 50’s diners this place is worth a visit to propel you back in time.
The food at Dutch Coffee Shop isn’t so much to write home about (with the exception of those famous vanilla slices). Sandwiches are simple, satisfying but not fancy. The soup is tasty with homemade veal meatballs. This would be a great spot to have a grilled cheese sandwich, bowl of soup and hot tea with a tempting tart or slice. Or pop in for a couple of their homemade chocolates.

JJ Wonton Noodle House





Sometimes I discover a restaurant I am fond of and, inexplicably, forget to go again. A couple of weeks ago I was craving Won Ton soup and I remembered the strong reputation of J&J Wonton Noodle House (and my own fond memories of their tasty cashew chicken). We decided on a belated visit. We opted for the ubiquitous Wor Wonton soup to start followed by the somewhat unadventurous but always tasty sweet and sour pork and an order of curried Singapore noodle.

The Wonton soup was the highlight for us with a tureen golden flavorful broth chock full of scallops, prawns, two kinds of won ton (2!!) the the freshest al dente cooked vegetables I have ever had in a soup ever. It was marvelous. The dumplings tasted so fresh and light. I loved the sweet and sour pork which again was adorned with perfectly cooked vegetables. Steve likes the sauce a bit stronger and syrupy but I rather liked the light texture. For once the sweet and sour sauce seemed homemade and not overwhelmed by cornstarch and food coloring. The curried shanghai noodle was mildly disappointing but perhaps this simply isn't my dish of choice. The curry flavor tasted generic and the vermicelli noodles were a little too soft. But given the superb yumminess of our other fare, I am more than willing to try other dishes at JJ! Service was prompt and pleasant.

For those of you who get a yen for wonton I daresay this is the tastiest you'll enjoy in Victoria. I'd also encourage ordering any veggie dish here as their freshness and perfectly cooked texture are wonderful. I'll definitely be going back. J&J also offers take out!! And I want to sample other items from their varied and appealing menu.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Pizzeria Prima Strada



Pizzeria Prima Strada
Steve and I had a hankering for pizza one Sunday and headed down to the village to Pizzaria Prima Strada. The place was already humming at 5:30 pm with a line up out the door. I figured this was an omen of good things to come. The courteous hostess took our cell number and offered to call us when our table was ready. We were able to take a quick trek around the picturesque neighborhood in the interim. Later we returned to the cozy ambience of dark wood and candle light. We opted to share a fennel salad with orange, red onion and mint to start. The licorice crispness of the fennel was a lovely contrast to the sweetness of orange and fresh dill. The red onion was a little sharp but not enough to ruin this delectably refreshing dish. Next we decided to try the funghi pizza with porcini cream, roasted mushrooms, roasted onions,
fresh thyme, mozzarella and pecorino. This was simply one of the best pizzas I have ever eaten. The crust is thin and tender and the roasted mushrooms, thyme and pecorino made the topping delectably creamy without being overpowering. Prima Strada takes care in sourcing fresh local ingredients and it shows in the results. We passed on the gelato but I’ll be trying it on a subsequent visit. Service was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. After one dinner I can see why this pizzeria is so popular. It’s utterly addictive and the best thing you’ll get outside of Italy!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Halloween

On Saturday I attended my first ever zombie walk with the boys. Steve donned his Caeser costume with all 23 knives embedded and I opted for the rather unimaginative but not too labour intensive Wonder-Woman. I was amazed at the number of zombies, easily close to 1000 and the march commenced promptly at 2 in a very orderly manner. There were some very creative costumes, particularly a gaggle of "zombie golfers" one who had a golf ball embedded in his cheek the other a gal skewered through with a golf club. The weather was extraordinarily warm and clear. A beautiful fall day! After enjoying this event we headed home to greet the trick or treaters. We got a lot of kids, many of whom were a little long in the tooth for candy wrangling but never mind. Some great costumes particularly a gal with an absolutely incredible big bad Wolf which she had MADE! I LOVE homemade costumes!! Some friends popped over and we toddled down to the local community bonfire which was so beautiful with the full moon overhead. Steve and I are finding our allegiance is shifting from James Bay to Fairfield. Fairfield seems to have a genuine pleasing sense of community. Even our neighbors popped by with their little girl (about 2 trick or treat bag in tow) and introduced themselves. Very sweet!

We capped everything off with a movie. The boys opted for "Thirty Days of Night" which is a superbly atmospheric almost unbearably intense vampire thriller. A rare, smart script - beautiful visuals! This is one of those movies that came and went and nobody saw it which is a crying shame when you think of the success of horror movies such as the Saw franchise which are sadistic and actually awful. Then a work of art like this appears and nobody hears of it. Too bad, its got everything horror fans want and everything movie lovers like at the same time. A non-hokey script, terrifying suspense, an involving story etc.

Sunday the boys were saddled with terrible headcolds. Steve and I still managed to go to Goldstream Park to see the Salmon spawning. This spectacle never fails to awe me and I love the smell of those gorgeous huge cedar trees. We popped home and I made an Asiany easy dinner, pork tenderloin in hoisin sauce, steamed basmati rice and broccoli with sesame oil, ginger and chile.

In a nutshell it was a swell weekend. I continued to read David Gilmour's book. Its really moving and elucidates the bond between father and son without overdoing the sentiment. I used to think Gilmour was a bit of an asshole but I have revised my view. He writes with such tenderness and humanity. I look forward to devouring many more books this winter, and of course, more movies too!

Foo

Last night Steve and I were celebrating our 6 month anniversary. Since we are both saddled with your garden variety flu bug we opted for take out from a new joint called Foo which, in principle appears to be mimicking the perenially successful Noodle Box. Some folks want comforting blandness when they are under the weather, I am a gal who craves chili and heat!

We tried three dishes to share opting first for chicken soup with soy and ginger. I wanted this to try and placate my virus. We opted to share the Indonesian Fried Rice (with pulled pork and pineapple) and an intriguing starter dish referred to as Vietnamese caramel chicken. Excitedly we took the ample bag of nosh home with us. Everything is priced reasonably - our three dishes combined came to 23 bucks.

Steve and I agreed that the soup and Indonesian Fried Rice were adequately prepared but uninspiring. The soup was a tad heavy on the soy and VERY salty. However the caramel chicken was rhapsodically wonderful. Sweet, spicy morsels of fork tender chicken with crunchy bok choy and some very flavorful fried rice. For this dish alone I would go back to Foo, the crunchy soft texture of the chicken and salty sweet flavor was sublime. This reminded me of why I am so crazy for Vietnamese fare, its that sublime combination of freshness and amazing textures. You never feel all gross and grease laden after eating it.

I am eager to go back to Foo to try their other dishes. Their pakoras (as reported by another blogger) are purportedly delicious. Foo has other Indian fare on the menu such as butter chicken and paneer dumplings. The dishes range all over the globe but the menu is not overladen with choices. Staff are courteous and seem enthusiastic. There are daily specials in addition to the regular fare (which includes pot stickers, red thai curry and short rib chow mein to name a few).

I think Foo will be a welcome addition for those of us who want a quick bite before the movies or take out that is creatively prepared and isn't overly greasy or heavy. The caramel chicken dish alone is reason to visit this spot again! I look forward to another visit soon to try the other mouth watering options!

Friday, October 30, 2009

The Film Club

The Film Club
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
I have begun reading David Gilmour's memoir "The Film Club". Gilmour, a CBC journalist and movie critic sets out to home school his son via his love of world cinema.

I am only two essays into this marvelous book which, at its core, is really a about father son relationships (and the tribulations of growing up and becoming self actualized). Gilmour makes the unorthodox choice of allowing his son to drop out of high school on the condition he watch three movies a week of his father's choosing. As discussions ensue between father and son after each lovingly chosen movie the bond between them deepens.

Can't wait to finish this book and resume my own movie nights with cherished friends.

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/gilmour.html

I love discussing everything about the movies, not just the aesthetic beauty of what is on screen but why some movies still captivate after decades of repeated viewing. I cannot

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Canoe pub

Last weekend after some serious retail therapy I needed to give my tootsies a rest and slake my thirst. Decided to head down to one of my fave watering holes, Canoe Pub.

I ordered a Pimm's cocktail, which is a deviation from my usual preferred brew. I was in the mood for something lighter. This unusual concoction of ginger beer, 7 up, orange, lemon and cucumber was refreshing and delicious - this is going to be my summer bevvy of choice, heavy addiction factor for you ginger lovers out there!

I was torn between ordering the Thai Beef salad or the Salmon confit salad and after much deliberation chose the latter. What I got was a gorgeous filet of olive oil poached bc salmon with oven dried tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves, potatoes, pancetta, tapenade and the whole thing was dressed with the most heavenly lemon vinagrette. The whole thing was healthy, visually appealing and wholeheartedly delicious. The portion size was moderate (though the salmon fillet was a very generous size). If you are really starving I'd suggest an appy also. I ended the meal with the Canoe brownie which had an appealing texture but wasn't quite as densely chocolatey as I prefer. Then again, I am very fussy about my brownie! It has to be fudgy, NOT cakey and it has to taste of dark chocolate. However the rasberry coulis drizzled over top of it was very yummy. Canoe also brews a delicious cup of java. My suggestion would be if you have lunch at Canoe and are still craving dessert after to head to Sweet Memories on Government and have one of their legendary ice cream cones.

Canoe pub is bright and airy with high ceilings and a fantastic outdoor patio. Prices are a little higher than the usual pub fare. My salad was 17 dollars but Canoe endeavors to source most of their ingredients from up island and this always wins brownie points with me! I think its worth the extra bucks. Service is always personable and friendly. Its a favorite hang out with me! Give it a try, their nachos and burgers are great and the mediterranean vegetable pizza is another fave.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Pink Bicycle

I recently tried the new burger joint in Victoria called Pink Bicycle with a tasty outcome! The space is airy and funky with hardwood floors and modern décor. On first visit I tried the classic beef burger with the addition of caramelized onions and garlic mushrooms. The patty was moist and flavorful and not over-seasoned. Buns are provided by bon Bon’s bakery right next door and they are a good accompaniment to the burger. The homemade onion rings are delightful – the batter yields a satisfying crunch. Service is attentive and polite. Pink Bicycle sources the majority of its ingredients from the bounty of Vancouver Island with yummy results. On my second visit I tried the lamb burger which came with a generous delicious topping of outstanding blue cheese – I failed to detect the apricot chutney that was supposed to be on there but enjoyed the burger nonetheless. Again the patty was of ample size, moist and seasoned enough to bring out the flavor but not too much to overpower the meat. A refreshing salad of local greens accompanied my burger off-setting any heaviness. I washed it all down with a lovely Vancouver Island Pilsner ale.

Pink Bicycle will definitely be a regular part of my dining out repertoire because, dog gone it, sometimes a girl just craves a good burger! There are tempting veggie burger choices for those that don’t do meat. There are also some amazing salads like the poached pear spinach salad. For dessert is the epinonymous pink lemonade cheesecake. I am not a cheesecake person but my friend declared it delicious.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Quentin Tarantino's Girlfriend

Last night I was chatting with a friend on the phone and we were discussing Quentin Tarantino's girlfriend. We weren't sure if he currently has one. Mira Sorvino doesn't seem right. He needs someone quirkie Someone who will get his whole rapid fire speech patter liberally punctuated with "you knows" and "all rights". Someone who understands he's like a manic golden retriever or a vaguely annoying yet endearing older brother. Anyhow, I don't know if he has a girlfriend or not. Amanda Plummer might be good. A girlie version of Crispin Glover might work.. Does one exist?. A Judy Holliday type would be perfect if there was a modern incarnation. I'll ruminate on this some more. I am sure its important in the grande scheme of things...

Watched a documentary on public TV about the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. All that remarkable human endeavor. Why is there such a dirth of beauty in modern architecture? I would have loved to have been a Victorian lady in a big hat, riding a ferry to New York and seeing the bridge light up for the first time on the water. Wouldn't that have been marvelous!

I like the word "hippocampus". Like a noggin full of cute baby hippos or a bunch of hippos lounging on a university campus smoking weed and talking about Nabokov.
Ok, thats it for now.

N

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

World Leaders I Have Loved

Y'know, I was thinking of Boutros-Boutros Ghali today because his name is just so much fun to say over and over again. Seriously, you should try it! For example, I wonder if Boutros-Boutros Ghali likes oatmeal? I wonder if Boutros-Boutros Ghali likes to shake his money maker? If G. Gordon Liddy married Boutros-Boutros Ghali, then divorced him to marry Kenny G., wouldn't he'd be G. Ghali G? What about in the throes of passion? It'd be a mouthful wouldn't it?

That's all for now.
N

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Review Lady Marmalade Restaurant

Hiya! Heads up for you Victoria folks that I have found an, addictive brunch/lunch destination nestled downtown on Johnson Street. Its the perfect place to stop for sustenance before hitting the thrift shops.
The joint is called "Lady Marmalade". My friends have been recommending it for awhile and I finally managed to toddle down there on a sleepy Saturday morning. Lady Marmalade has funky decor, friendly service and mouthwatering menu items such as rasberry chocolate french toast, savory spinach cheese waffles and benny with avacado, brie and bacon. Loads of vegetarian options too for those that don't do meat.
My benny (with avacado, brie and bacon) had lovely silken lemony hollandaise and the eggs had the beautiful rich yellow yolks that only come from well fed free range chickens. I had some chipotle hot sauce to dunk my pan fries into (which were very tasty) and they give you a gloriously crisp palate cleansing green salad to cap things off. Tasty coffee. They also have a tempting array of sandwiches. Definitely going back, this is going to be a regular haunt!

Below is the link to the restaurant website:
http://www.ladymarmalade.ca/

Review Little Thai Place

Lately I have been eating out a bit more often and had the luck to be introduced to another addictive restaurant "The Little Thai Place". I chose a dish that consisted of fresh mounds of bean thread noodles with sprouts, cilantro, meat and shredded veggies - I am not sure I can discern the other flavor components in this dish (which was called "boraan" something, its a new dish they offer, the waitress assured me it would be tasty and she was right!). This was sustaining and, I think probably quite wholesome. My friend(s) had a beef salad, the ubiquitous crunchy spring rolls and a lovely yellow curry. Everything was tastefully/lovingly presented and at around 10-14$ an entree, very reasonable (portions were generous). They do take out and delivery too! The great thing about Thai food is it feels like you are eating something really decadent but its actually light, healthy and sustaining. I had nearly forgotten the addictive flavors and plan on cooking these types of dishes more often at home. Recommended!