90% Is Just Showing Up

Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Roll

What does Robson Street have to offer on a COLD July afternoon. Lunch of Lemongrass chicken rice paper roll (a nice change from sushi) and delicious Vietnamese Coffee (iced or hot) with a full picture window view of the go-ings on of the Street.

The reason for coming into town was to meet entrepreneurs at the monthly Biznik meeting at Kin/Resto.Bar. So far its a “no show”.

How to turn this into a Win? Pretty easy really. A lunch of great food, amazing Vietnamese coffee, unhurried people-watching in the city, great music, friendly staff and time to blog.

If the day were warmer I would be on their patio. 1500 Robson Street, Kin/Resto.Bar.
BON APPETIT and enjoy People Watching.

Hello Doctor…

Some the things I get to do with my since retirement are most important to me. My friend Kasim Al-Mashat recently faced his final oral examination for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy for Counselling Psychology.

These examinations are open to the public! What a great way to hear what the thinkers of today are bringing to the world.

Kasim and Hunter

These folk are the Stephen Pinkers and Elizabeth Gilberts of our future.

Kasim believs that healing occurs in community and talked about post-traumatic growth. Individuals can healing within community, and communities as groups can heal. My healing takes place when I release my own grudges towards others.

His use of narrative inquiry (storytelling) made his presentation enjoyable and understandable: Dream of the Hanging Gardens: Iraqi Refugees and Exiles in Jordan, Their Migration and Adaptation Experiences. This is a presentation I would like to hear again.

Some thoughts I was left to ponder:

• Coping is incorporating action
• What is the role of employment in the transition phase?
• How do I honor the experiences of others?
• Am I transparent of my biases?
• What do I really understand about social justice in the context of voices of people who are tweeting, Facebooking or blogging?
  What is viral media?

Date Night at the Chef’s Table

What to do that is just a little bit different from the run of the mill “take her to dinner” date?

American Grille Amuse

The Marriott Vancouver Airport’s Junior Sous Chef, Michael Gonzales presented in the month of June Date Night Chef’s Table at the American Grille.

What a treat. A delicious menu that included visits from Chef Mike to our table. He took us through our special menu course by course. I think the Amuse (appie) was my favorite. With the prosaic name of Grilled Cheese Sandwich, this delicious brioche sandwiched cambozola cheese and was topped with fresh bruschetta.

That heavenly first bite was followed by Coconut and Saffron Veloute Fritter of Mussel and Chive Blossom. The best fritter this side of Digby Harbour.

Our third course of braised lamb shank was infused with Chef Mike’s secret ingredient. (You’ll have to ask him). Such a generous portion led me to asking for a doggie bag. There is something about noshing leftovers that is always a special treat. Like extending the date.

Dessert came and I was glad I had worn a “relaxed” dress. Mmmmm a Peach Melba with a creative touch of streusel crumble. I told Chef that if I worked in his kitchen the crumble wouldn’t be safe. I’d be munching it and leave none for the customers.

While the Date Night run is over, watch for their next promotion. As always, the American Grille at the Marriott was worth the trip.
Enjoyd