Friday, January 29, 2010

Clara Hughes to carry Canada's flag at Olympic Opening Ceremonies.

The Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremonies should be amazing and there are a few people that are more excited with the news of Clara Hughes being chosen to carry the Canada flag.

RICHMOND, British Columbia -- Five-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes will carry Canada's flag at the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Olympics on Feb. 12.

The speedskater was introduced at a ceremony that also included the official announcement of Canada's full Olympic team for the Games.

Hughes is the only Canadian athlete to have won medals at both the Summer and Winter Games.

"This is without a doubt the greatest honor of my sporting life," Hughes said. "For 20 years I've had the privilege of representing Canada around the globe in the world of sports, first on my bike and then on my blades. The experiences have shaped me into who I am today.

"I've learned what it truly means to be Canadian and in turn I've been inspired to make a difference in the world, however small it's been," Hughes said.

Vancouver will be Hughes' fifth Olympics. She won two bronze medals at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games in cycling and competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

She qualified as a speedskater for the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City and won bronze in the 5,000 meters there before competing in Torino in 2006.

[Source]

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Live City Downtown Vancouver

More free programming during the Olympics. With the amount people spend to come here [and for me, the amount I can't afford to go to actual Olympic events] it's nice to see all this free stuff popping up.

Live City Downtown Vancouver will be at Georgia and Cambie Streets in the heart of downtown Vancouver. They will feature free concerts and live entertainment along with giant screens to keep up with all the Olympic Winter Game coverage.

Live City Downtown Vancouver is expected to be open 11am-12:30am throughout the Olympics Games and is all free with no tickets required.

Live performances from Jessie Farrell, Romy Mayes, Soulstream and more.

LiveCity Downtown is all about the spirit of Olympic
Winter Games competition. This is the place to mingle
with friends from across the country and around the
world. Watch daily sport competition live on the giant
screens, enjoy the best in local food and drink and
cheer our athletes on to gold.

It's "sister-site" is Live City Yaletown which will be open 11am - 11pm and is located at David Lam Park in Yaletown.

For more information Check out these pages

Live City Yaletown

More free programming during the Olympics. With the amount people spend to come here [and for me, the amount I can't afford to go to actual Olympic events] it's nice to see all this free stuff popping up.

Live City Yaletown will be at David Lam Park in trendy Yaletown. They will feature free concerts and live entertainment along with giant screens to keep up with all the Olympic Winter Game coverage.

LiveCity Yaletown is expected to be open 11am-11pm throughout the Olympics Games and is all free with no tickets required.

Live performances from Wilco, Default, Alexis on Fire, Keisha Chante, Marianas Trench, Deadmau5, Sam Roberts Band, Jully Black, Johnny Reid, Blue Rodeo, and SO many more.

LiveCity Yaletown offers Vancouver residents
and visitors the complete Olympic Winter Games
experience: the best in Vancouver and Canadian
live arts and entertainment as well as Olympic
sponsor pavilions, Vancouver House, refreshments
and sport highlights on giant screens. LiveCity
Yaletown is the place to be for free, fun, family
Games-time memories.

It's "sister-site" is Live City Down Town which will be open 11am - 12:30am and is located at Georgia & Cambie Streets.

For more information Check out these pages

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Canadian Composer Howard Shore Writes Music for Olympics and Twilight Eclipse.



Howard Shore, a Canadian Composer was recently announced as the composer for Twilight Saga Eclipse.

He has composed the scores for over 40 films, most notably the scores for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, for which he won three Academy Awards.

Besides this recent news exciting Twilight fans world-wide, he also wrote the theme music for Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

Thanks to Theresa for tweeting about this:

Our Lady Peace Free Concert and other Richmond Activities during Olympics



A chance to see Our Lady Peace for free during the Olympics?

Hell yea!

Besides being part of the amazing line - up of artists performing after nightly medal ceremonies, Our Lady Peace will be on stage February 18 at the Richmond O Zone.


Local News has been reporting on the Richmond O Zone:

The O Zone will be open weekdays 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends noon to 11 p.m. from Feb. 12 to 28 in Minoru Park, and stretch from the grounds of city hall into Minoru Park.

Admission to the O Zone and show is free.

I looked at Richmond O Zone website and it seems they have a lot to offer during the games besides free concerts.

There are daily activities for all-ages including a Games Dome for kids.

Once you receive your free athlete accreditation, the interactive experience puts you into heart of the 2010 Winter Games. Unleash your best slap shot, ski through the winter woods or take a hair-raising virtual ride in a bobsleigh. Great prizes too.

They will also have the Holland Heineken House, virtual living rooms, exhibits, great food, displays and fireworks.

Something I deffo plan to check out... at least for Our Lady Peace.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Richmond Olympic Oval


Vancouver Sun / The first competition at the Richmond oval: the Canadian Single Distance Championships in December.Photograph by: Ian Lindsay, Vancouver Sun

Richmond's Olympic Oval is quite an amazing venue.

The website boasts:
Located minutes from Vancouver International
Airport, the Oval is a breathtaking facility
along the banks of the Fraser River and
a hallmark of public accessibility, environmental
sustainability and worldclass sportsmanship.

Honored with several awards including the Institution of Structural
Engineers 2009 Award for Sports or Leisure Structures, the building
has spacious, modern interiors featuring wood floors, natural light
and a broad public art program incorporated into the Oval itself and
its immediate surroundings.

Large panes of glass along the exterior walls allow natural lighting and provide unique river views.

The unique design includes large paned glass allowing natural lighting and beautiful views of the Fraser River, a giant 2 hectare roof made of "salvaged British Columbia wood that was damaged by a pine-beetle infestation" and a rain collection system which is used for irrigation and the buildings utility systems (toilet flushing).

Perhaps it's most unique feature is the "Waste Heat Energy Recovery"

This energy, recovered from ice-making is reused for heating and cooling water, the building and the rink. It is comparable to the heat you feel beside your fridge or freezer... this extra energy is being used for other sources in the building making it a "green" or "environmentally friendly" energy source.

It is a complex design of tubes and pipes throughout the building that create a "sustainable legacy"

It is a state-of-the-art design and has already recieved numerous awards including:



  • The Institutional Design Award from BC Wood WORKS!/Canadian Wood Council.

  • The Innovation in Architecture Award of Excellence from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.


  • The Green Building Practices Award from the Globe Foundation and World Green Building Council.


  • The Sustainability Star from the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee.



  • Considered by many to be the shining star of the Olympic Venues, it will be open to the public April 1, 2010.

    Friday, January 22, 2010

    Olympic Concerts and Medal Presentations in Vancouver

    One of the best parts of having the Olympics in Canada, specificly Vancouver, is the amazing Canadian musicians who will be featured.

    Those who haven't been following, there are two Olympic sites, Vancouver BC and Whistler BC. Both will feature a number of Olympics events and have musical performances daily.

    Victory Ceremonies Daily Schedule:

    ■6:30 PM Provincial/territorial celebration live in BC Place
    Provincial/territorial celebration simulcast live in Whistler Medals Plaza
    ■7:00 PM Medals presentation in BC Place and Whistler Medals Plaza
    ■7:30 PM Live concert in BC Place and Whistler Medals Plaza

    Vancouver 2010 Website has a comprehensive guide to these performances which I will summarize for you here. Each evening begins with a provincial/territorial celebration, the awarding of the medals and a concert finale honouring the medallists. Vancouver presentations and concerts are held at BC Place, while Whistler's are at the Whistler Medals Plaza.

    Friday February 12, 2010

    Vancouver
    • Opening Ceremonies at BC Place

    Saturday February 13, 2010

    Whistler
    • All American Rejects
    • Men's downhill skiing, ski jumping (individual normal hill) and women’s biathlon (7.5-kilometre sprint).
    Sunday February 14, 2010
    British Columbia Night

    Vancouver
    • Nelly Furtado
    • Short track speed skating (men’s 1,500 m), ladies’ freestyle skiing moguls and speed skating (men’s 5,000 m and ladies’ 3,000 m).
    Whistler
    • Estelle
    • Ladies’ alpine skiing (super combined), as well as men’s Nordic combined (individual normal hill) and biathlon (10-km sprint).
    Monday February 15, 2010
    Quebec Night

    Vancouver
    • TBA
    • Men's freestyle skiiing moguls.
    Whistler
    • Pierre Lapointe
    • Men’s luge and cross-country skiing (ladies’ 10-km free and men’s 15-km free).
    Tuesday February 16, 2010
    Nova Scotia Night

    Vancouver
    • Barenaked Ladies
    • Men’s and ladies’ snowboard cross, as well as men’s 500-metre speed skating.
    Whistler
    • Fiest
    • Men’s alpine skiing (super combined), women’s luge and biathlon (women’s 10-km pursuit and men’s 12.5-km pursuit).
    Wednesday February 17, 2010
    Alberta Night

    Vancouver
    • Paul Brandt
    • Ladies 500-metre speed skating
    Whistler
    • Our Lady Peace
    • Alpine skiing (ladies’ downhill) and cross-country skiing (men’s and ladies’ individual sprint classic).
    Thursday February 18, 2010
    Prince Edward Island Night

    Vancouver
    • Hedley
    • Short track speed skating (ladies’ 500 m), men’s snowboard halfpipe, as well as men’s and ladies’ 1,000-metre speed skating.
    Whistler
    • Deadmau5
    • Men’s luge doubles and biathlon (women’s 15-km individual and men’s 20-km individual).
    Friday February 19, 2010
    Northwest Territories Night

    Vancouver
    • Theory of a Deadman
    • Ladies Snowboard halfpipe
    Whistler
    • Hedley
    • Men’s alpine skiing (super-G) and ladies’ cross-country skiing (pursuit, 7.5 km classic and 7.5 km free).
    Saturday February 20, 2010
    Yukon Night

    Vancouver
    • Stereophonics
    • No medals presentations
    Whistler
    • Stars
    • Men’s and women’s skeleton, ladies’ alpine skiing (super-G) and men’s ski jumping (individual large hill).
    Sunday February 21, 2010
    Nunavut Night

    Vancouver
    • Trooper & Loverboy
    • Short track speed skating (ladies’ 1,500 m and men’s 1,000 m), men’s 1,500-metre speed skating and men’s freestyle skiing ski cross.
    Whistler
    • One Republic
    • Men’s cross-country skiing (pursuit, 15 km classic and 15 km free) alpine skiing (giant slalom) and two-man bobsleigh, as well as biathlon (men’s 15-km mass and women’s 12.5-km mass).
    Monday February 22, 2010

    Vancouver
    • TBA
    Whistler
    • TBA
    • Cross-country skiing (men’s and ladies’ team sprint free) and men’s ski jumping (team large hill).
    Tuesday February 23, 2010
    Saskatchewan Night

    Vancouver
    • Billy Talent
    • Ladies’ freestyle skiing ski cross and men’s 10,000-metre speed skating
    Whistler
    • The Fray
    • Nordic combined (men’s team relay) and women’s biathlon (4x6-km relay).
    Wednesday February 24, 2010
    Ontario Night

    Vancouver
    • INXS
    • Ladies’ 5,000-metre speed skating.
    Whistler
    • Jet
    • Ladies’ alpine skiing (giant slalom) and men’s cross-country skiing (4x10-km relay classic/free).
    Thursday February 25, 2010
    Manitoba Night

    Vancouver
    • Burton Cummings
    • Short track speed skating (ladies’ 3,000 m relay) and ladies’ freestyle skiing aerials.
    Whistler
    • The Roots
    • Women’s bobsleigh, Nordic combined (men’s individual large hill) and ladies’ cross-country skiing (4x5-km relay classic/free).
    Friday February 26, 2010
    Newfoundland & Labrador Night

    Vancouver
    • Great Big Sea
    • Men’s freestyle skiing aerials and ladies’ snowboarding parallel giant slalom.
    Whistler
    • K'Naan
    • Ladies’ alpine skiing (slalom) and men’s biathlon (4x7.5-km relay)
    Saturday February 27, 2010

    Whistler

    • Usher
    • Men’s alpine skiing (slalom) and four-man bobsleigh, as well as ladies’ cross-country skiing (30-km mass start classic).
    Sunday February 28, 2010

    Vancouver
    • Closing Ceremonies at BC Place

    Wednesday, January 13, 2010

    Glowbal Lunch Special this January

    So Glowbal in Yaletown re-opened after some renovations and is no longer called Glowbal Grill & Satay but Glowbal Steaks & Satay.

    Fine.

    The good news is for the entire month of January their lunch menu is 50% off.

    Being massive Glowbal fans (especially of the satay items and Caprese Salad and Kobe meatball with Tomatoe Garlic Truffle Cream Sauce Spaghetti) a few of us headed down to enoy a lunch together.

    Natalie and her husband Jarod, Theresa, my husband and I arrived at about 1:30pm and enjoyed the afternoon. Two and a half hours later we paid and left. Here is how I feel about the "new" Glowbal.

    There's some good and some bad to this experience. Read on....

    It was their very first day open after reno's apparently, so things were a bit rocky but not bad. They were very busy for a midweek lunch.

    We ordered our favourite satay items and tried some of the new items.

  • Short Rib in truffle aioli
  • Wagyū Chuck in black sea salt
  • Ahi Tuna with panko crust and tobiko aioli
  • Coconut Chicken with a spicy tropical glaze
  • Hamachi Crudo pineapple ponzu

    As always it was served with a thai slaw, ginger white soya and hot chinese mustard.

    What was different about the satay, however, was that the slaw has changed and although it seemed to use fresher ingredients, it was very bland. The Ginger Chicken had been replaced, with a much tastier Coconut Chicken and a few new items were added.

    The server suggested we add Dungeness Crabcakes which we did and it was delicious.

    The server also suggested the Hamachi Crudo after we ordered the Ahi Tuna, however, it was not very tasty and a very small, jellied portion.

    The short ribs are by far my favourite on the satay, they literally melt in your mouth. My friend Amy convinced me to try them after several visits, and I am so glad as it's the most enjoyable item on the satay in my opinion.

    I also enjoyed the new Coconut chicken far better than the Ginger Chicken, and the Waygu was excellently cooked and anice sample of the steak.

    For Salads I got my normal Caprese Salad, however, I was disappointed with the changes they made to it.

    The new menu has Caprese with vine ripened tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella
    extra virgin olive oil, which was not nearly as flavourful or even appealing as the previous which came with balsalmic vinegar, basil, a large block of cheese, a toast along with the vine tomatoes.

    My problem with the new Caprese was that the cheese did not look appealing (it was like a blob of cream plopped and dripping all over my plate - visually and texturally unappealing) and the salad overall was simply lacking the flavour from the basil (though they had a bit on there along with some other greens that were tasteless and more hard stem than leaf) and most importantly, there was no balsalmic vinegar!

    To resolve this issue I simply ordered balsalmic vinegar on the side and asked the server about the cheese, to which I was told that this way was better, it was hand-turned.... hmmm....

    Personally, everything I loved about the Caprese is gone and I don't think I will order it again, sadly.

    On to the main course.

    Natalie and I both ordered the Spaghetti Kobe Meatballs spicy tomato basil sauce, garlic confit parmigiano reggiano. It was good, but I prefer the dinner menu with the truffle cream sauce. I could only get through half after the massive satay and salad we enjoyed, along with the martini's.

    Jarod ordered the Roasted Chicken Club. It seemed to use dark thigh meat, as well as too much watercress aioli causing the bread to be saturated in oil. He didn't even care to eat it as he was looking for something a bit healthier [ such as white meat, non-greasy sandwich ]

    To promote their new steaks they had all of them for 50% off in addition to all food items on the lunch menu.

    If you are going for the discounted lunch this month I suggest trying the Wagyū which is $15 an ounce (minimum 6 oz.) but at 50% off, it's a fantastic deal.

    Wagyū, if you do not know, is like the Australian version of Kobe beef.

    Wikipedia explains:

    The meat from wagyū cattle is known worldwide for its marbling characteristics, increased eating quality through a naturally enhanced flavor, tenderness and juiciness, and thus a high market value.

    My husband got the 24 oz. Porterhouse Steak, medium, while Theresa had the Tenderloin Steak, medium rare, both served with whipped buttermilk potatoes, undercooked green beans and your choice of other side dishes À la carte.

    À la carte items ranged from Poutine (which we had, besides being a tad cold and not allowing the cheese to melt it was good), Polenta with blue cheese and crispy speck, Sweet Potato with butter poached lobster tail, Asparagus in bearnaise, Baked Potato loaded with lobster fondue, bacon and gruyère and many more.

    There was also the Wild Mushroom Risotto which we decided to try.

    Let me advise you to not try this side dish unlesss you love oily mushroom flavour. It was over loaded with the smell and taste of mushrooms, very oily and we didn't get past one bite of the large bowl they brought.

    Next time I will try the Baked Potato... the lady beside us had it and it looked delicious with the lobster fondue, bacon and gruyère cheese.

    Despite some flaws with the side dishes, the steaks themselves were done well.

    Glowbal steaks boast:

    All steaks are hand selected naturally aged for maximum tenderness and flavor. Steaks are broiled at 1700 degrees and finished with café de paris butter
    .

    No Joke.

    These guys are taking their steaks seriously.

    So seriously they changed their name to include "steaks."

    If that wasn't enough, you should see the display they have, and chefs ready to chat about any steak cut, and history.

    Overall, Glowbal made some changes that I am disappointed with. I am used to my favourite items being removed from a resturant menu, but it is always sad.

    The Caprese is not horrible, but definately not as good as it was. The chicken club, undercooked green beans, cold poutine and questionable Hamachi were disappointing.

    The service was not as pretentious as I have seen it, and they were obviously very eager for feedback on this first lunch after renovations.

    I like that they are exploring and expanding, I enjoyed the new Coconut Chicken on the Satay as well as the addition of steaks, particularily the Wagyū.

    The two and a half hours for lunch was a bit long, even with the satay then salads then main course. Minimum Parking outside is 2 hours so I got a ticket. [ and I do not think they offer valet during the day ]

    Overall, I enjoyed myself, but will make adjustments to my order next time now that I have tried a few of the changed and new items.
  • Monday, January 11, 2010

    Vancouver Prepares for Olympics


    Photo by The Canadian Press

    CTV Reports:
    VANCOUVER - Vancouver is putting on its Sunday best with just a month to go before the Winter Olympics.

    Banners and signs are sporting the official colours of the Games, downtown buildings are wrapping themselves up with Olympic spirit and even bed-bug-sniffing dogs are getting in on the action as the city puts on its best face to welcome the world.

    Up until a few months ago, the most visible indication that Vancouver was about to host one of the biggest events in the world appeared to be the ever-present construction that has irritated residents and clogged up traffic.


    It's true - The Olympics are coming soon and the construction had better wrap up. All my favourite resturants and bars and nightclubs will be packed with tourists and it will be an amazing time to meet people from around the world.... if you can find your way and don't mind the buzzing atmosphere.

    CTV continues:
    The regional health authority rescheduled annual inspections to take a look at every one of the 7,000 restaurant and food vendors in the city during the past six months. Several dozen restaurants were forced to close, most for a day or two, to fix violations that ranged from pest infestations to a lack of hot water.

    I have mixed feelings about heading downtown during the Olympics. Part of me thinks, "it will be way too busy and I should just avoid it all together" while the other part of me, which is far more dominant, screams, "go!!! experience this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity and take it all in!"

    I will likely listen to the second voice... it's louder and usually far more entertaining than the first.

    But downtown Vancouver is only one part of our city.

    I hope that tourists step outside of the downtown core to experience more of Vancouver and the surrounding area.


    Photo from Image Bank/Getty Images

    Many "Guide to Vancouver" websites have suggestions for tourists visiting our city:

    Escaping downtown will be especially important starting Feb. 13, when the Vancouver National Organizing Committee (Vanoc) will start running two "LiveCity" sites, one right downtown, the other a few blocks away, in Yaletown. Featuring live music and food, "interactive sponsor pavilions" and giant television screens, these sites promise to be bustling, popular and commercial—in other words, places some people might want to avoid.

    There will be areas that will be too crowded to venture into unless you are prepared to wait, and wait and wait....

    As a local, I have a ton of recommendations for tourists which I will be featuring in upcoming weeks. Resturants, Bars, Tourist Sites, Beaches, Mountains, Events..... not just from my own experiences but from many of my friends who live in the downtown core.

    Stay Tuned

    Thursday, January 7, 2010

    ABCs of Martini's

    I thought I'd do an ABC list of martini's I enjoy...


    of course some letters will be more difficult and some letters will have too many faves to choose from, but I shall do my best... my theme for this list is "Fruity Martini's"


    Enjoy!


    A -
    Apple Martini - citron vodka, sour apple, triple sec

    B -
    Berrytini - raspberry vodka, sour raspberry, cranberry juice

    C -
    Crantini - cranberry vodka, cranberry juice

    D -
    Disco Daze - raspberry vodka, blue curaco, lemonade

    E -
    El Nino - vodka, peach schnapps, blue curaco, pinepple juice, OJ

    F -
    Florida Twist - Orange vodka, citron vodka

    G -
    Gypsy Dancer - vodka, melon liqueur, lime cordial

    H -
    Honeydew Martini - vodka, midori melon, triple sec

    I -
    In the Sack - cream sherry, OJ, apricot nectar, lemon juice

    J -
    J&J Martini - vodka, Triple Sec, OJ

    K -
    Kurrantini - currant vodka, chambord, cranberry juice

    L -
    Lime Light Martini - vodka, triple sec, grapefruit juice

    M -
    Mango Madness - vodka (or mango rum), melon liqueur, mango juice

    N -
    Nancy Boy - vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, grenadine

    O -
    Orange Crush - orange vodka, orange liqueur, OJ

    P -
    Pineapple Rush - vodka, ginseng juice, pineapple juice

    Q -
    Quarterdeck Martini - berry vodka, grapefruit juice, maraschino liqueur

    R -
    Razztini - raspberry vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice

    S -
    Silk Panty - vodka, peach shcnapps, cranberry juice

    T -
    Tropical Martini - alize red, cocnut rum

    U -
    Ultraviolet - vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, pineapple juice

    V -
    Voo Doo Doll - vodka, raspberry liqueur, cranberry juice

    W -
    Watermelontini - vodka, sour watermelon triplesec

    X -
    Xiantha - gin, cherry brandy, yellow chartreuse

    Y -
    Yellow Snowman - lemon vodka, lemon rum, peppermint schnapps, baileys

    Z -
    Ztini - vodka, bailey's, raspberry liqueur, strawberry schnapps, cream



    **Most of these names/ingredients are from Liza Schafhauser's "Martini Collection" I recommend playing with amounts to create a flavour you enjoy most. Usually less juices and more booze works best ;)

    Tuesday, January 5, 2010

    Kiwi-Tini Recipe

    I found this recipe for kiwi-tini.

    Ingredients:
    •3 oz vodka or citrus vodka
    •1/2 skinned kiwi
    •1/2 tsp sugar syrup
    •kiwi slice for garnish

    Preparation:
    1.Muddle the skinned kiwi with sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker.
    2.Add ice and vodka.
    3.Shake well.
    4.Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
    5.Garnish with a slice of kiwi.

    This sounds about right. The Keg kiwi-tini had muddled kiwi in the bottom, they also did NOT strain the ice which was annoying. I plan to try this recipe out this week and will report back.

    I Dream of Mexico...

    Every Spring Break I go to Mexico. Sunny Days, Sandy Beaches, Beautiful Sunsets, All-inclusive resorts, Amazing Food - - - oh - - - and one helluva party!!!!

    Spring Break is a few months away still, but I have a friend going to Cancun for her 30th birthday end of this month and it has be craving to be in Mexico too... sadly, I can't miss work to go... but here is a way to bring Mexico to me... and to you if you'd like to try these awesome drinks.... I shall do a post on Mexican Food eventually, but for now, let's focus on the booze!



  • 3 parts Vodka

  • 1 part Lime Juice

  • 3 parts Corono

    Rim martini glass with salt. Mix all but Corono with ice in shaker. Serve in prepared martini glass. Top with Corona and garnish with a lime wedge.

    Also try this:

    Mexican Greyhound

  • 3 parts Vodka

  • 1 part Grapefruit Juice

    Mix all with ice in shaker. Serve in chilled martini glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.



    Mexican Water Martini

  • 1 part Tequila

  • 1 part Lime Juice

    Rim martini glass with salt. Mix with ice in shaker. Serve in prepared martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

    Mexiquita

  • 1 part Tequila

  • 1 part Melon Liqueur

  • 1 splash Lime Juice

  • 1 splash Soda Water

    Mix all but Soda Water with ice in shaker. Serve in chilled martini glass. Top with soda water, garnish with lime wedge.


    And not a martini but a shooter that messed us up in Mexico... It goes by many names but is all similar... Tequila Popper, Tequila Boom Boom, Tequilazo....

    Here's how to make it and how to take it.

  • 1 oz tequila

  • 1 oz ginger ale or lemon-lime soda

    I like to add a drop of colouring or flavouring for fun.

    Follow these steps carefully.

    1.Pour the ingredients into a shot glass.
    2.Cover the glass with a napkin and your hand.
    3.Slam the glass on the bar counter.
    4.Drink while it's still fizzing.

    Some fun alternatives we did in Mexico included:

  • Bartender would give us fizzing shot then shake our head side to side, round & round.





  • Bartenders would make us get on bar to drink then tip us upside down.

  • Bartenders would lift us up after shot and flip us over.




  • Mexican Martini is easy...

    Sunday, January 3, 2010

    Family Dinner Out - The Keg

    Last night we went to The Keg for dinner.

    I ordered what I always order, the Creole Chicken. I am hooked on that item since forever.

    My husband got the Prime Rib and added on Tiger Shrimp and my kiddo got the BBQ Chicken.

    I didn't even take photos of the food I was so hungry we dug right in - however - I did take some pre dinner photos.

    I had a kiwi-tini which was absolutely amazing. I am going to develop/research/find a good kiwi-tini recipe to post soon.

    We also had some delicious appetizers including the spinach, artichoke and crab dip as well as the Flatbread.

    Here are my pre-dinner shots of my martini and you can see the appies in behind also:


    Delicious <3

    Photo Fun with Martini's

    I am trying to come up with a cool photo of me and a martini to use for this blog.

    I am changing the pink background and creating something with more blue's and green's.

    A good friend of mine is designing something special to link all my blogs but in the meantime I need to come up with a good martini photo. Here are a few I took tonight, what do you think?



    *The photos were done using the colour focus feature on the camera. I only cropped one of them, no other photoshopping was done, but could deffo be done to alter, enhance, improve the photos... or others I have... thoughts?

    My New Year's Eve

    To ring in 2010 I was running a 500 person Club Crawl in Vancouver.

    We had two great groups, each went to 4 nightclubs in downtown Vancouver and were shuttled around on party buses.

    The best part about this event is that one ticket gets you into 4 parties and includes drink specials at each location, party favours including beads, blowers, tiaras, hats and horns, as well as a great night with hundreds of partiers. We even give away a trip to Mexico!


    I had a blast, the event went off without a hitch and a few of my friends were there to enjoy the ride with me.


    Happy 2010!