The Quirky Elephant will be Unveiled

Something quirky is happening. On June 17 at 1:00pm, stop by the Rotunda at Pacific Centre to find out what's in the crate. What is it? No one knows!

Cocktail Kitchen Series at The Refinery: Tickets for Two

The Refinery on Granville Street is no ordinary spot for food and drinks. The are carving a niche for themselves in a world overrun with cookie-cutter menus and ready-made drink mixes.

Boasting a cocktail menu made almost entirely from scratch—including house-made bitters, vermouths, grenadine, vegetable waters, juices, purees, preserves, naturally fermented sodas, and pickled accompaniments, with a strong lean towards local products, they certainly have something unique to offer.

The Refinery is home to the Cocktail Kitchen Series, developed by their own Lauren Mote and Raymond Staniscia.  It's a seven-month long competition between BC bartenders. Each Wednesday from March to September this year, patrons have the opportunity to try the cocktail creations of a different competing bartender, with food pairings. Themes change monthly, with June being “Whimsical English Tea Party vs. Beefeater Gin” and July being “Chuck-wagon Stampede vs. Buffalo Trace Bourbon.” 

Curious? Tickets are only $35 each, but Guttersnipe and The Refinery are giving you a chance to try the Cocktail Kitchen Series for free with two tickets up for grabs. Click here for more information on the contest, the draw is Friday this week.

The Bay Bets Vancouver Will Bring It Home!

Thousands of Commemorative Championship T-Shirts will be available to Fans in Downtown Vancouver’s Flagship Bay Store immediately following the win.

Like all of Canada, The Bay believes! Today, The Bay announced its downtown Vancouver flagship store will have thousands of commemorative T-shirts available for purchase in the event of an historic Vancouver win, as soon as the game is done. The Bay store at 674 Granville Street will remain open until 11:00 p.m. following a Vancouver victory to ensure fans planning on celebrating downtown can wear official championship gear with pride the minute the team wins.

Located in the heart of the Granville Street fan celebration zone, The Bay has caught the playoff fever affecting all of Vancouver and Canada. The store is receiving a shipment of commemorative T-shirts Monday morning, in preparation for an away-win tonight. By staying open until 11:00 p.m., fans won’t have to leave the party to get their hands on amazing commemorative gear that can be cherished for years to come. There will be two different shirts for just $20 or $25 each, and these hot items are sure to become collector’s items.

“As a uniquely Canadian retailer, The Bay is happy to cheer on Vancouver and celebrate hockey as our national pastime,” says Bonnie Brooks, President and CEO, The Bay.

Beat the Heat this Summer!

Weatherman says sunny days are just around the corner!

Enjoy the outdoor patio at our Granville location while you sip on a Creamy, Dreamy Frappini!

There is nothing better than a cool treat on a hot day!

Take 5 Café™ - 429 Granville Street 604.697.9090

Take 5 Café™ - Pacific Centre 604.697.9060

www.take5cafe.com

The Refinery - Ethical Deal

Ethical deal now has a deal for The Refinery on Granville Street. 50% off Tapas, Seasonal Entrees, Ocean Wise Seafood and More! ($30 value)

photo: vancouverisawesome

Vancouver Has Canucks Fever!

People smiling, people cheering—Granville Street after the Canucks game last night was a big bubble of happiness. If you weren’t there in person, check out this 360°view from Chris W.

Vancouverites have obviously developed a taste for impromptu public gaiety since the Olympics. As the Canucks crawl closer to the Stanley Cup finals, Granville Street has turned into the unofficial post-game meeting place for fans across the city. Cars honk, people sing, strangers hug strangers, and high-fives echo through the crowd. The air is thick with the excitement of thousands of people joined together in a moment of bliss. Inside Vancouver Blog captured a bit of last night’s magic in this video clip:

With the Canucks in a very happy place in the playoffs after last night, a patio seat on Granville sounds like the ideal place to take in the action on screen and on the street next game. Join me for a drink won’t you?

Downtown Food Cart Series: La Brasserie Street

Over the next few weeks we have an exciting project on the go, a celebration of the explosion of food cart culture in Downtown Vancouver.  The Downtown Food Cart Series will focus in on a different food cart each week, taking a look at the scrumptious stuff they have to offer and the people behind them.  Today, we take a peek at La Brasserie Street:

La Brasserie Street

Meal:    Brass Sandwich, $7.00 with tax

Fans of La Brasserie’s Davie Street location are familiar with a menu filled with Franco-German comfort foods.  I always leave the intimate space of their restaurant yearning to taste more, but unable to squeeze one more bite of their fulfilling portions into my bursting stomach.  Seeing their little burgundy food cart on the corner of Granville and Georgia piqued my curiousity—how could they translate the La Brasserie restaurant experience onto a street corner?

The cart is named La Brasserie Street, and offers only one sandwich option plus, as their sign claims, "the best buttertarts in the world."  Repeatedly I’ve tried to get my hands on one of their sandwiches, only to find them sold out.  Finally this week, fate intervened to give me a tantalizing taste of the elusive Brass Sandwich.

It is certainly not the most attractive of sandwiches.  The colour scheme is monotone brown—brown bun, brown onions, brown gravy, brown chicken, and mustard to top.  Delving into that first bite, however, removed all doubts and concerns with aesthetics.  To summarize it in few words, it’s like a sandwich made from the Sunday dinner leftovers while they’re still fresh from the kitchen.  It’s a perfectly proportioned mess of flavours and textures: warm savory gravy, moist and tender beer-brined chicken meat, sweet crispy onions, and a floury buttermilk bun.  It’s exciting to see new food options on the streets of Vancouver, and La Brasserie Street is filling in a long neglected niche in the fast lunch food market.

After the pleasant though not entirely unexpected surprise of the Brass Sandwich, I’m tempted to run back there right now to get a taste of their buttertarts.

Would I recommend La Brasserie Street?  I’d rather not … it’s my little brown secret.

SAVE $2 ON ANY PRODUCT AT ZENNKAI SALON!!

It's Earth Month!! Recycle and SAVE on your Salon purchase! Bring in your empty beauty-related containers to Zennkai Salon on April 21st & 22nd and receive TWO MEGABUCK$ for each container you bring in. You can also redeem TWO MEGABUCK$ on each sticker item of $5 or more!!

Play the Nintendo 3DS on Granville

Nintendo has a cool booth set up by Sears on the Georgia side to promote the release of the Nintendo 3DS. You can try it out to see if you like it and just completely muddle the gamer stereotype by playing video games outside while you doing so. Win-win.

CelticFest & St. Patrick's Day!

Our favourite week of the year is here!

Please join us for a week of celebration with live music, entertainment, and plenty of good beers and great cheers! See you here on St. Patrick’s Day!

And we're counting down to the craic with giveaways!

· Monday March 14: 1 pair Whiskey Kiss tickets (March 16, Doolin's)

· Tuesday March 15: 1 pair Whiskey Kiss tickets (March 16, Doolin's)

· Wednesday March 16: Hump Day Double down! 1 pair Brewmasters PLUS 1 pair BIG St. Pat's Night Out featuring Spirit of the West and The Starbirds (March 19, Cellar & Vogue)

· Thursday March 17: HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! 2 pairs of BIG St. Pat's Night Out tickets featuring Spirit of the West and The Starbirds (March 19, Vogue)

How to enter:

Like us on Facebook, and post a comment on this post.

RT on Twitter: I'm counting down to the craic with @doolins! http://ow.ly/4bUcP #Contest

Each one counts as one entry, and you will be entered for all draws!

For more information on these and other CelticFest events, visit http://www.celticfestvancouver.com/schedule-tickets/2011/#wed_02

Doolin’s Irish Pub | 654 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC | 604.605.4343

www.doolins.ca | twitter @doolins | info@doolins.ca

Attention Gleeks!

Every wish you could break out in song and dance without being awkwardly stared at? Well here's your chance to shake your thang just like the cast of Glee! Tom Lee Music is offering a Glee Camp with ultra modern singing and dancing choirs. There are Teen Glee Camps (ages 14-19) and Adult Glee Camps (ages 20+) as well. Even if you can't sing you can still sign up and Gleek out since there's no experience necessary. Register soon though, the Spring Glee starts on April 7. You don't wanna miss out on this!

Tom Lee Music
929 Granville Street
(604) 688-8929
www.gleecamp.ca

Mother Mother Back In Town!

Vancouver-based band Mother Mother is back in town for two shows on May 4 and May 5. The show on the 5^th at Commodore is sold out, but the May 4^th show at the Vogue Theatre (918 Granville Street) still has some tickets left. Get your tickets here.

Mother Mother is one of my favourite bands and they just played a sold-out show at the Canadian Music Fest in Toronto. You can check out the title single from their last album "O My Heart" below.

Their new album, "Eureka", released worldwide yesterday, and info is on the Mother Mother website. Tweet us and let us know what you think.

adidas ObyO x Jeremy Scott Release Today

The first drop of adidas Originals by Originals x Jeremy Scott collection at the adidas Originals store (848 Granville Street) released this morning at 10 am. It has just been a few hours, but they have limited quantity and high demand, so no holds today.



The Teddy Bear shoe from the collection is just epic, and they made a special note that there is an extremely limited quantities of this sneaker and sizes start at Men's US 6.5. Not everybody is going to love the design, but I like it for its sheer uniqueness. Maybe Lil Wayne is cut from the same cloth as he rocked the sneakers last New Year's Eve.

Michael Kors Open in Pacific Centre

"The most exciting thing to say now is, 'Oh, she really looks pretty ,' that's not such a dirty word anymore.”
-- Michael Kors

The new Michael Kors location in Pacific Centre will really make you look and feel pretty and be the envy of other fashionistas.The first Michael Kors store is situated in Oakridge Centre, a far trek from downtown's core. But after much anticipation, the new Pacific Centre location is finally open.



From business suits to Academy Awards ballgowns, Michael Kors knows how women want to look and feel. He has dressed numerous famous women ranging from Michelle Obama to Heidi Klum.

Get rid of those winter blues and stop into the Michael Kors in Pacific Centre for a fantastic spring line filled with fresh dresses and chic accessories.

Michael Kors
701 W. Georgia St.
(604) 630-2323

Win a Canucks Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet has a Canucks Cruze all set up and shiny today inside Pacific Centre, right by Take 5 Cafe. Until March 20th, you can enter to win a Chevrolet Cruze with the Canucks' colour and logo. You can enter online at the Canucks page here or at the booth in Pacific Centre today.


Once entered, they will draw two Finalists and they will receive two tickets each to attend the home game on April 7th against the Wild and a chance to win the Cruze during the Grand Prize Event Shoot-Out Event. The Finalist who can shoot the most pucks into an empty net from the centre red line will win the Cruze and some gas perks. So if you have some shooting skills, check out the car at Pacific Centre and enter! Rules and regulation can be found at the Canucks page and make sure you have a valid driver's license and insurance.

The Place for a Night Out - Yew Restaurant and Bar

Perched on the treetop level in Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, Yew restaurant + bar is a chic, fine dining place for gathering with a few friends or a night out. Their specialties include a wine list of over 300 wines and fresh seafood. For the meat-lovers, their bone-in strip steak with garlic & herb butter, or roasted venison with brown butter & sage jus are must-tries.

Currently they are offering several promotions including Wine Down Sundays (bottles of wine are 50% off), Foxy Fridays (wear pink on Fridays after 2:30pm to receive an appetizer on the house, or enjoy a selection of pink colored drinks for $9), and March promotion Fresh From Yew (special menu featuring shellfish and icewine).

Yew will be getting even sweeter with Chef Bruno Feldeisen joining their pastry team. Feldeisen specializes in French cooking techniques after apprenticing in one of France’s most renowned chocolate shops, Les Palets d’Or, at the age of16. He then joined the Four Seasons Hotel in New York under the guidance of Executive Chef Susan Weaver for three years. Now as pastry chef for Four Season Vancouver, Feldeisen is excited to return back to the company where he has always felt a true sense of belonging. “I am so fortunate to arrive into such an established restaurant as YEW and I look forward to bringing even more fun into the Pastry department!” comments Feldeisen.

For large gatherings or small parties, Yew has a beautiful glass-enclosed wine room with sky-lit dining for up to 10 guests, or a semi-private dining section, accommodating up to 45 seated guests or 65 people for a standup reception.

What's On: This Week at The Roxy

Every night of the week, bands are pumping live music through the Roxy's veins. From Saturday to Monday, Joe's Garage keeps your motor running with pure rock and roll. Tuesday is the Roxy's newest house band, The Bulge. Troys 'R Us shakes up Wednesday to Friday, dispensing high-energy top 40 tunes to give you a boost. Open until 3am, 7 days a week. Below is a listing of events happening this week:

Thursday, March 10 - Live Music Showcase featuring Radio Nation w/ Brave by Numbers, Troys 'R Us

Friday, March 11 - Troys 'R Us

Saturday, March 12 - Student Tour St. Patrick's Day Club Crawl, Joe's Garage

Sunday, March 13 - Sing to Fight Cancer Fundraiser, Joe's Garage

Monday, March 14 - Joe's Garage

Tuesday, March 15 - Live Music Showcase featuring A Frosty Comet w/ Stiff Legs, The Bulge

Wednesday, March 16 - Troys 'R Us

The Ultimate Snow Industry Night at The Cellar

The 2010-2011 snow season is not over yet, come celebrate Mountain Madness Mondays, Vancouver’s official Snow Industry Night, at The Cellar. Every Monday, dance to classic hip hop, party rock and dance favorites spun by resident ELdjLOCO and weekly Guest DJs. Also, enjoy drink specials all night! There will be tons of prizes and giveaways including ride passes, drink tabs, JD VIP cards, and lots more. Plus, win free swag courtesy of Vivo Headwear, SnowBus, Ogio, Bataleon Snowboards, and Pow Gloves. All snow industry guests (snow industry, retail, and UBC & SFU snowboard and ski club members) get in FREE! Just bring in your staff/membership ID or pay stub.

70% off at Bedo on Granville.

Bedo sale. Up to 70% off your favorite European style fashions.

Relive Centre Ice!

This Saturday (February 12th) from 12 to 9pm, Granville Street will be reliving the Olympic spirit once again. Granville Street, from Dunsmuir to Smithe, will be closed to traffic to all sorts of family friendly activities that will celebrate the best moments of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

To help you plan out your day of celebration, here are some of the things happening on Granville:

Street hockey along Granville Street was one of those quintessentially Canadian Olympic moments and it will be happening again on Saturday. Organized by Five Hole for Food, there will be VIP games, starting with the Mayor at noon, and some local celebrities and teams after that, including Vancouver indie artist Dan Mangan. There will also be a space for just pick-up hockey games. You can register at the Five Hole for Food website, or just bring your sticks and your Red and Whites.



Highlights of the Olympic Games and the party atmosphere will be playing in the CTV tent and then projected onto the Sears' building when it gets darker. And all along Granville Street, there will be buskers performing, just like last year.

CTV will also be doing a live 6 pm newscast and QMFM radio station will be broadcasting live from the event from 12 pm to 5 pm.




The Royal Canadian Mint will back out in force again, setting up on Granville Street and exchanging for collectible quarters. They’ll also letting people take pictures with the Olympic medals at their new boutique on Granville but space is limited and you have to register. Go to their website for registration details, but for now, the exhibit times for February 12th are from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm. They’re opened today and Sunday as well, so make sure you check them out.



Lunar Fest is also being held on the 12th at the Vancouver Art Gallery. They have a bunch of free activities going on, especially for the young ones, including a lantern-making workshop running from 3 to 6 pm. Then at 6:30 pm, they will have a procession through Granville Street, ending with a fire performance! I know right! Pretty cool.



McDonalds on Granville have invited Olympic figure skater Patrick Chan to sign autographs at their restaurant! It’s at 891 Granville Street, near Smithe 2 pm – 3 pm. The first 100 people to sign the Go Canada! Banner, to send wishes to our Canadian athletes in 2012, will receive an autographed card from Patrick Chan.

Phew, there are a ton of activities for tomorrow on Granville. There will also be Flash Mobs popping up all along the street and The Bay is having an awesome Olympic Experience event (see our other post), and to get you from one awesome activity to another, Joe Fresh Style will be offering complimentary pedicab taxi service from Georgia and Granville to their store at 540 Granville between 12 pm to 5 pm. Look for their branded pedicabs and when you get to Joe Fresh, they will be handing out free rain ponchos.




Hope everyone has fun this weekend on Granville Street and hope this helped you guide your Olympic Anniversary day. Let us know what you did during the 12th on Twitter (@shopgranville) and on Facebook.

Cirque D’Etrange Fashion Show at Republic

Tonight the BCIT Marketing Association (BCITMA) are hosting a Circus-themed fashion show with up and coming local designers at Republic Nightclub (958 Granville Street).

The Cirque D’Etrange Fashion Show will have seven designers, twenty-two models, and MAC’s creative team create a creepy atmosphere at Republic tonight, in the best way possible. Last year, the event attracted hundreds of people, including industry professionals, and BCITMA expects 350 people to come to the circus this year.

Doors open at 8, show runs from 9:30 to 10:30 and tickets are $10. For more information, contact Nicola Poskitt at nposkitt@gmail.com. Come out, support the students from BCIT, a good cause, and enjoy the unique atmosphere

Amazing "Keep The Spirit" Event at The Bay

The Bay is organizing something really cool for the Olympic Anniversary on February 12th. For $39.99 you can buy a piece of that great, wooden Olympic Podium. With that piece of the Podium, not only will you support our athletes, but you can enter the exclusive Olympic Experience organized by The Bay.

Exclusive is a term that is thrown around a lot, but The Bay has acquired some amazing Olympic items and organized a genuinely exclusive experience. With the purchase of the Olympic Podium, you can put on the jersey that Sidney Crosby wore when he scored the gold-medal winning goal. That in itself would be an amazing experience, but also at The Bay, you can view the entire Team Canada’s game-worn white jerseys, take a picture with the net that Crosby scored on, and stand on the podium that Alexandre Biodeau received his gold medal, the first Canadian to do so on home soil.

It’s only 40 bucks for an amazing experience, plus it’s going back to our athletes. The Bay Vancouver Downtown is at 674 Granville St, Vancouver, right on West Georgia. Let us know how the whole experience was for you by tweeting us @shopgranville.

adidas x Star Wars Limited Gear!

We just got word that adidas Sports Heritage Store at 848 Granville street just received their shipment of the AT AT Pilot Eldorado from the adidas x Star Wars 2011 collection. These are in high demand and they only have a limited number of them. The adidas x Star Wars collaboration has been great so far and although I'm a fan of the Chewbacca one myself, the AT AT Pilot Eldorado looks pretty sick.

Adidas store also just received a restock of adidas x Star Wars apparel that were sold out. If there was something you wanted but couldn't get before, now is the time. They say more items are coming soon, but for the current restock they won't be granting any holds due to high demand. So if you want some adidas x Star Wars gear, get down there soon, and we'll keep you updated if we hear anything else.

And because it was just so awesome, we had to add this video to the post:

Gorgeous evening looking south on Granville

It's times like these that I love being from Vancouver

Yummy Bags at the Celebrate Coach Party

Fashionistas, hold on to your bags! I have just come back from the Celebrate Coach Party in the Bay downtown and do I have news for you. Beside the herds of people mobbing the vases of freebie candy, the new boutique is filled with style and warmth. Their beautifully crafted bags and trendy designs are perfect for Vancouverites of all shapes and sizes.

After a glass of champagne and when the candy disappeared, the atmosphere changed from rowdy freebie-goers to serious shopping. This was when I could really appreciate the new Poppy collection of Coach handbags. The celebration offered 25% off all the regular priced bags and great sales on their clearance items. The Coach Handbag Boutique is definitely worth a visit!

I'm sad I didn't get to purchase a new bag but I did get to leave with some free swag of my own, a great pencil set and a little something for my sweet tooth. Though, I will be back for even sweeter bags.

Dine Out Vancouver – Granville Street Menus

Hello food lovers, it’s that time of the year again where we treat ourselves to fancy food we’ve never tasted before! There’s no better time than now to take advantage of Dine Out Vancouver, presented by Tourism Vancouver (https://exchange.downtownvancouver.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.php). Now in its 9th year, this city-wide event features food of all cuisine types, as well as BC’s best wines. Three-course set menus are offered at $18, $28 and $38 price points. This promotion won’t last long, you have only 6 days left to capitalize on these awesome deals.

Granville street, more renown for its wide array of unique shops and lively nightlife, is also the home of some hidden-gem restaurants participating in the January 24 – February 6 event (see menu links):

Aqua Riva Restaurant & Bar (200 Granville) http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.details.php?id=3016

Ceili's Irish Pub (670 Smithe)
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.details.php?id=6850

Culinaria (The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Vancouver) (609 Granville)
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.details.php?id=3016

Doolin’s Irish Pub (654 Nelson)
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.details.php?id=2862

Edge Social Grill & Lounge (1100 Granville) http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.details.php?id=11414

Sanafir Restaurant and Lounge (1026 Granville) http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.details.php?id=8497

SIP Resto-Lounge (1117 Granville)
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.details.php?id=8410

The Refinery (1115 Granville)
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.details.php?id=11067

Get your reservations in now as most popular eateries are filling up fast (if not already fully booked). Bon appetite!

The Bay Vancouver Downtown and COACH Invites You

The Bay Vancouver Downtown invites you to celebrate our COACH Boutique.  Join us at 674 Granville Street on Thursday, Feb 3^rd from 5:00 to 8:00 and enjoy Champagne, Dylan’s Candy and swag.

Shoe Sale!

If you’re looking for shoes on sale, Payless Shoe Source (894 Granville) has a Buy one get half off everything sale and Shoe Warehouse (734 Granville) has up to 50% off. Also, Aldo is having a sale, check the blog post on Aldo Shoes for more information.

When you need a break from shoe shopping, but want to keep the theme of feet going, visit Subway at their 1255 Granville Street for their Footlong Special: Buy 2 regular footlong, get 1 free.

Celebrate Year of the Rabbit at the Mint on Granville

The Year of the Tiger is coming to an end. A hard-earned year with twists and turns and most importantly, well-earned payoffs. But now, quickly approaching comes the Year of the Rabbit. Known for its carefree personality and good taste, the rabbit has one of the most fortunate characteristics of the twelve animal signs. With that in mind, what does the Rabbit New Year have in store for you?

My advice, start the Rabbit New Year with some GOLD! The Royal Canadian Mint located at 752 Granville street is having an event for the upcoming new year. Come celebrate a new year of good fortune by holding an actual gold bar, striking a "rabbit" medallion, as well as many other things to see and do. In Chinese culture, gold is a very lucky color symbolizing wealth and happiness. And now, who doesn't want a year of wealth and happiness? I sure do! These good luck charms are sure to get you some good prospects in the upcoming Rabbit New Year!



NOTE: Come early, there will be free prizes for the first 88 visitors.

Event hours:

Thursday, February, 3, 2011: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Friday, February 4, 2011: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday, February 5, 2011: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, February 6, 2011: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location: 752 Granville Street (between Georgia and Robson)

Link to event: Royal Canadian Mint Lunar New Year Celebration

For The Music Lovers

If you are looking for guitars, sheet music, accessories, or other music-related equipment, Tom Lee Music at 929 Granville has an Inventory Clearance sale going on right now until January 30th. For example, the Larrivee OM03 Acoustic is on sale for $899 until January 30th, a savings of $226.

The Yamaha FX310A is a great beginner’s guitar and it is on sale too. Read the review at http://ow.ly/3M6RU and then try it out in-store, they have a great space for that.

Also, check Tom Lee’s website for their Sounds Like Savings sale, which offers up to $500 instant rebate on eligible wind instruments until January 31st.

Aldo Shoes Sale!

Aldo Shoes are having some great sales at both locations on Granville Street. At 972 Granville St., Aldo Liquidation has a Fantastic Finds Sale with an extra 50% off. While the Aldo Shoes at 810 Granville St. has their Dance to the Sale offer, with up to 70% off.

Violinist Kyoko Takezawa Performs Barber at VSO

Kyoko Takezawa was emotional, passionate, and spectacular to watch as she performed Samuel Barber’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra Op.14 at the Orpheum Theatre on Jan. 22 with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO).

What was it like? Amazing; simply amazing. The bitter sad mood of each note from her violin made me want to cry. Her body swayed as though acting out the bitter emotions of the piece. The first two movements continued in this Romantic style, and each passage delivered the lyrical yet somewhat haunting phrases as Barber intended. However, it was the third movement that took my breath away.

The third movement was completely different from the first two. It was fast and light, and the speed and intensity reminded me of The Flight of The Bumblebee. Her fingers flew over the violin strings like busy bees. The difficulty of this piece can be affirmed by Briselli, the first pianist Barber took the music to, who called this movement unplayable; yet there Takezawa was, not struggling, but controlling the movement in a playful yet powerful demeanor. This movement was over too quickly and many of the audience quickly stood up, yelling “bravo” and “encore” throughout the Orpheum, dying to hear more of Kyoko Takezawa. She bowed for a long time, exiting and re-entering the stage to bow again, yet gave no encores. The crowd was comforted with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony No.6 in A Major, a work by Anton Bruckner, to end the night. If you want a taste of Kyoko Takezawa’s performance, check out this video:



For many in the know, a night at a VSO performance does not begin their evening. VSO offers special deals with nearby restaurants; and for those looking for a fancy night out, this is it. The Wedgewood Hotel, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Four Seasons Hotel to name a few, are some places that offer special rates for VSO ticketholders to start a fantastic evening with a friend or partner. Dress up, enjoy a nice meal, then off to VSO to mingle and chat in the splendid hall at the Orpheum. The décor is classic and elegant. If you are there early, attend a pre-concert talk, or you can enjoy the scenery with a glass of wine from VSO’s theatre concession and chat with your guest. A night out to VSO is usually a special treat for many couples looking for romance and elegance or a special evening for the music lovers. Which one are you?

Ramada Inn Granville - $15 Food & Beverage Credit

Book Direct and Save with Ramada Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver – Guests booking direct with Ramada Vancouver will enjoy a rate mate to our best internet rates, flexibility instead of rate restrictions and we’ll provide a $15 food and beverage credit per night.  To take advantage of this special call direct:

Ramada Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver

1221 Granville Street (@davie)

Direct – 604.685.1111

Or

Toll free – 888.835.0078

Ask for our Food and Beverage Credit Packages

Celebrating the Season with Savings at Doolin's!

All t-shirts in our merchandise collection are now 25% off. You've seen them
on our staff ("Up Your Kilt", "Size does Matter"), now get one for yourself
or those special people in your life. And all month long, we're saving you
extra dollars (for an extra pint or two) with no cover charge. See you here!

Have you noticed the new Ashtrays?

The Downtown Vancouver BIA is has installed 10 new metal ashtrays on Granville street as part of a pilot to clean up those butts! Twice a week, the ashtrays will be emptied by the Downtown Street Team. Look for these mounted ashtrays now and encourage your friends to make use of them.

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