Vancouver

Photo credit: placbo | Flickr Legend has it that the chicken wing, or Buffalo wing if you prefer, was conceived one winter night in 1964 in Buffalo, New York.  Until then, wings were thought of as scraps – used for stock or just thrown out.  Then Teressa Bellissimo, owner of the humble Anchor Bar, came up with the idea of deep frying the puny little things and tossing them in cayenne sauce.  A bar classic was born. Of course, Vancouver’s no slouch either in the wings’ department.  Pub food aficionados know that there are hundreds of places across the city to get a decent helping, from traditional hot wings to crazy variations incorporating everything from pineapple to curry. This month, many of those delicious wings are being put to the test as part of the inaugural Vancouver Chicken Wings Challenge.  Dozens of restaurants across Metro Vancouver are facing off to take home the title of the city’s best wings, from May 14-June 9.  And – in the democratic spirit of chicken wings – winners are picked not by professional judges but by everyday wing enthusiasts across the city like you. Here’s how it works. Stop into as many of the 14 participating restaurants as you can before June 9 and dig into an order of their wings.  Then log onto contest organizer Vancouver Foodster and vote for your favourites.  According to contest rules, wings should be judged on “originality, creativity, uniqueness, traditional, non-traditional, price, value and most importantly taste.” Here are just a few of this year’s entries to whet your appetite: Kimchi Chicken Wings: The classic Korean condiment inspires this creation at downtown’s Rogue Kitchen: Wings are glazed in a kimchi puree reduced with honey, orange and wheat ale, then served with sliced cucumber and herb salad.  $12.99, Rogue Kitchen and Wet Bar, 601 W. Cordova St.   Confit Chicken Wings:  Downtown’s Kingston Taphouse offers an upscale take on the original: Locally sourced Fraser Valley wing confit is fried in duck fat, then tossed with orange cardamom salt and pepper and drizzled with sherry chervil creme fraiche.  $7,   Kingston Taphouse and Grille, 755 Richards St.  Gramercy Grill’s Chicken Wings: The West Side restaurant puts a pan-Asian spin on the classic recipe: Wings are marinated in pineapple, then dusted with roasted garlic and bell pepper and served over crispy vermicelli and red curry veggies.  $12, Gramercy Grill, 2685 Arbutus St. Grilled Harissa Drumettes: Harissa, the Tunisian hot chile sauce, makes this dish pop at Denman Street’s Sol Sun Belt.  Wings are served with mango salsa and house-made harissa and drizzled with argan oil.  $10-$14, Sol Sun Belt Cookery, 550 Denman St.   See the full list of participating restaurants here. Got your own favourite spot for wings?  Let us know below.   For more updates on Vancouver and beyond, follow me on Twitter @RemyScalza.

The Sedins waltzed home to Sweden, entered the tournament, and absolutely kicked ass, propelling the Swedes to a gold medal. How dominant were they? Daniel Sedin scored 1 goal and 5 assists in 4 games. When asked post game what type of hockey "Swedish hockey" is, Daniel said: "boring." And then almost laughed. Dank was injured in the 3rd period when he was checked through an open gate by Swiss player Matthias Bieber. Daniel scored no points in the final game. Henrik Sedin finished with an astounding 4 goals and 5 assists in the 4 games he played. Dominating. He scored 2 goals and had one 1 assist in the gold medal game. How sweet is this reaction: (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/HHOF-IIHF Images) Atta boy, Hank! Now bring some of that...

Earlier this afternoon in the great Scandinavian nation of Sweden, Henrik Sedin put up two goals and an assist — including the game-winner — to lead his Tres Kronor to a World Hockey Championship title over Switzerland. It's the first time the host nation has won gold since 1986. As a fan of the Vancouver Canucks, I was sort of hoping the Sedins would help end a different title drought this spring, but I guess this will do. Here are Henrik's thoughts on the game courtesy of the IIHF's official recap: "It was a tight game," Henrik said. "It could have gone either way, I felt. It was lucky we got our first two goals pretty quickly after their first one. After we scored our third, it felt pretty calm on the bench." A great quote from Swedish Captain Staffan Kronwall on what the Sedins meant to their team: "The Sedins came in and they gave us hope. They came in and changed the team for us, really." Henrik and brother Daniel were a bit late to the party, joining Tres Kronor soon after Vancouver's four-game sweep at the hands of the San Jose Sharks, but they turned Sweden into a contender immediately upon arrival. Henrik finished with 9 points in 4 games, while Daniel finished with 6. Loui Eriksson was Sweden's top scorer with 10 points, but he played in all 10 games. The area where the Sedins helped the most was on the power play, as they were able to take advantage of the larger ice surface to feast on inferior opponents. After fighting to find a groove on the man advantage all season in the NHL, the twins looked refreshed on international ice. Fans are already using this as evidence that somehow Alain Vigneault and the coaching staff were holding Daniel and Henrik back this year, as if the extra room and the considerably lower level of opposition talent had nothing to do with it. The Sedins get all the prime offensive zone shifts and top power play minutes in Vancouver; if they're being stifled by anyone it's the world class players that are usually defending them, not the coaches. There are, however, some interesting questions that arose from their play at the Worlds. First, they were being used to kill penalties, which they have never done in Vancouver. The Sedins proved they can handle a tough defensive workload this season, so perhaps this is something that whomever is coaching the Canucks next season will consider? Secondly, the twins showed great chemistry with linemate Loui Eriksson, who is rumoured to be on the trade market. Is an Edler-for-Eriksson swap a possibility? He's one of the more well-rounded players in the NHL, and would provide the shot of offense the team has needed for two seasons now. With their new super weird gold helmets, the Sedins are one trophy away from hockey's Triple Gold Club. Even though they were a game away in 2011, somehow the twins still carry around this stigma that they can't win when it matters. Because of that, it was fun to see them not just win gold but carry a team while doing it. They proved they can win, and that at 32-years-old they still have a lot left in the tank. Any chance the new coach lets them wear those helmets next season?

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge Did you blow your entertainment budget on a Mother’s Day gift? A new spring wardrobe? A pre-booked summer getaway? No worries. I’m sure someone deserved it. Toward the end of May, the weather starts behaving (sun, sun, sun) and the jam-packed Vancouver summer event schedule begins. The result? A multitude of free events and activities for local adventurers. So what are you waiting for? From stunning hikes, to summer night markets and admission-by-donation gallery days, get out and experience Vancouver’s best cheap fun. 5 Free Things To Do In Vancouver Now 1) Experience the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market makeover Vancouver’s oldest summer night market, the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market, has stepped up its game by involving new players from the growing Vancouver Chinatown community. Traditional Chinese cuisine and crafts will appear alongside Vancouver’s hottest new food trucks and the young creatives moving into the historic neighbourhood, ranging from pie makers to to purveyors of Chinese cuisine 2.0. Don’t miss a wild new program of arts and entertainment such as Mah Jong Socials, ping pong and outdoor movies. Fridays-Sundays, 6pm to 11pm May 17 through September 8, rain or shine. It’s located on Keefer Street between Main & Columbia. 2) Leg it on a great Vancouver hike Whether you stick close to town and walk the Stanley Park Seawall or head up the fierce 2.9km ascent up Grouse Mountain, known to local masochists as the grind, it’s time to get outside. 3) Browse Vancouver farmers markets Some of Vancouver’s farmers markets (Trout Lake, Kitsilano) are already open for the summer season. Browse local produce, meat, cheese, plants and other sundries ranging from granola to handmade soap. Chat up a producer. Get inspired for your weekly menu. Find the weekend schedules here. 4) Kick it in a world-class Vancouver park Want to play frisbee under the blooms in Queen Elizabeth Park? Or cross the stunning (and for some, nerve-wracking) Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge on your way to a waterfall picnic spot? Whatever your yen, Vancouver parks have got you covered. Use the Vancouver Parks App to find exactly what you’re after:  vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture.aspx 5) Reward your brain at the Vancouver Art Gallery Scope the permanent collections and new exhibits  (we love Grand Hotel) at Vancouver Art Gallery–the largest art gallery in western Canada on Tuesday nights by donation, from 5pm – 9pm. BONUS: Rock the Vancouver Jimi Hendrix Shrine The free Jimi Hendrix Shrine opens in June. But you can start doing your research on Hogan Alley, once home to Vancouver’s African-American population including Jimi’s grandmother, Nora Hendrix, now. The shrine used to be part of Vie’s Chicken and Steak House, the destination for soul food and fantastic shows including performances by Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole. Today, the shrine features old pictures and memorabilia of Jimi Hendrix and family as well as of the neighborhood. Here’s a short documentary to get you excited. You can easily reach it on foot from Gastown. Opening hours and map here. Want more updates on Vancouver fun? Follow me on Twitter @TJerven

Come inside and check out some photos from the latest events Urban Diner has attended over the last few weeks… Le Gavroche serves up a tingling Stinging Nettle Amuse Bouche to start off the showcase of their new menu Le Gavroche GM & Partner David Auer preparing Sea Urchin Coffee Siphon Fresh Sea Urchin – unique and very tasty from the ocean coffee pot GM & Partner David Auer preparing The Salmon Jar with staff at the LE GAVROCHE FRANÇAIS MODERNE GM & Partner David Auer serves up a smoking Nitrogen Sorbet & Herbs at LE GAVROCHE FRANÇAIS MODERNE An impressive collection of wine in the viewing cellar at LE GAVROCHE FRANÇAIS MODERNE Venison and Hay served in a cloud of smoke at LE GAVROCHE FRANÇAIS MODERNE New 2012 vintage wines are featured in a tutored tasting at the BC VQA Vintage 2012 Preview at at Hawksworth Restaurant Vintage 2012 table – Nathan Goltz, Sandhill Vineyards,  Rob Van Westen, Van Westen Vineyards, Michael Bartier, Okanagan Crush Pad, Theo Siemens, Okanagan Crush Pad, Warwick Shaw, Tantalus Vineyards, Anthony Gismondi, host from the Vancouver Sun Journalist John Schreiner and Tantalus Vineyards Viticulturist Warwick Shaw at Vintage 2012 Wines from Vintage 2012 event – Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Gewurztraminer, Tantalus Vineyards Old Vines Riesling, Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc, Van Westen V Vintage 2012 participants – Warwick Shaw, Tantalus Vineyards, Rob Van Westen, Van Westen Vineyards, Andrew Moon, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Nathan Goltz, Sandhill, Michael Bartier, Okanagan Crush Pad, Howard Soon, Sandhill, Theo Siemens, Okanagan Crush Pad, Anthony Gismondi, host from the Vancouver Sun Vintage BC 2012 celebration with Warwick Shaw, Tantalus Vineyards, Andrew Moon, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, and Nathan Goltz, Sandhill

FOLLOW ME FOODIE: The best thing I ever ate… By Mijune Pak , Follow Me Foodie – WE Vancouver Published: May 17, 2013 10:00 AM Updated: May 17, 2013 10:37 AM I am constantly asked “What’s the best restaurant in Vancouver?”, “What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten?” and to be honest, I don’t know. How could I? I haven’t tried everything in the world yet. If I tried every single restaurant in Vancouver, maybe I could answer the first question, but even so it would be based on my favourite and not “the best”. Take, for instance, pizza. People are always looking for the best place for pizza and my answer is always “depends”. Do you want Neapolitan style? New York style? Chicago style? Crispy crust? Foldable crust? There are so many variations of pizza; how can I possibly recommend one? And even if I recommended my “best” pizza place, it would be very debatable since it is all based on preference. Taste is not only highly subjective, but purely personal. I am guilty of asking “where’s the best” questions too, particularly to things not relating to food. I always try and put it into context relative to time, place and other things I have tried, but still the question is not the ‘best’ to ask. Whether “best of” lists are used to increase SEO or quickly get the attention of the majority, the word has little substance without context and information to back it up. The once powerful word has little meaning when it is used without passion, integrity and conviction. If you really mean it, then by all means use it — sparingly. - Read the full article Read my full “best of” article for recommendations for unique items which have little to be compared to. See more Follow Me Foodie stories from Mijune in the WE Vancouver: FOLLOW ME FOODIE: The “Forget-Me-Nots” of Vancouver’s restaurant scene FOLLOW ME FOODIE: Wild BC spot prawn season begins

Check out the highlights. The Sedins, Loui Eriksson and Jhonas Enroth put on a show to advance to the gold medal game vs Switzerland on Sunday.

My long weekend is starting a day later than most, but the weekend has begun! We hung out at #21 with the Hemenways after my shift, so that was delicious and a great way to kick off my three days off. I’ve got a couple of commitments this weekend – the theatre photo shoot for the Surrey students and the possibility of going to the Vancouver Quilting Guild meeting on Monday. It could happen! If I get my Boston flag done tomorrow, I could carpool to the meeting with Amy for the evening meeting. FUN! I had better get a lot done tomorrow. After I sleep in. Other than that, I don’t have any plans but housework and some sewing, which I’d better actually do. Even though we’ve lived here 6 months, I still don’t have curtains hung up (except in the living room), so I really need to get the curtains up for the bedroom. I’m sure the neighbours are tired of seeing us in our underpants every morning. I think I need to hang the curtains from the ceiling all the way down in puddles on the floor because the window is an odd, skinny rectangle shape and it is not placed in the centre of the room, so it’s a bit off centre. I’ve been putting off this task because I’m not sure what to do, but it’s time to try something. I’ll just try SOMETHING so at least we won’t be showing our nudities to the neighbourhood. And when I need breaks, I’ll head over to #21. There is so much adorable there, it will be a welcome break from the chores. And I can go any time I feel like it over the next 3 days. Huzzah!

The mainstream media and most of us fans have been laying on the negativity pretty thick since the Canucks got swept by the Sharks. The MSM is waiting to hear the news that Alain Vigneault has been fired, which may not happen. The Alexander Edler knee job on Eric Staal in the IIHF World Championships just adds to the negativity. And Gollum himself wasted no time jumping on that wagon. It gets a bit much after a while. There are positives to draw from the current state of this organization. Yes, I am one of the voices who wants Vigneault replaced. The winning-est coach in Canucks' history needs to be released. I think his shelf life has expired and a new voice in the room is required. What bugs me the most about Alain is how often he has stated that there is enough leadership in the dressing room to get the job done. It's like an autonomy. Now, I don't know what Vigneault says to the players in between periods and games to debug that theory. All we see is bag skates and line juggling from him. Am I right? I also see an unfair or inconsistent way that AV goes about letting his players earn their ice time based on performance, which he has also preached. I mean, there have been plenty of times where the Sedins should sit. Or where Alex Edler should sit. Take your pick. It's as if anybody not named Sedin or Burrows, Edler or Kesler get free reign to play out their lousy play with big minutes and everybody else is getting dicked. It's not right. It's an inconsistent promotion process. That is on AV. That needs to changed, or move on. Can you remember a good story about AV motivating his players aside from the odd bag skate and line shuffling? I hear super stories about Red Wings coach Mike Babcock motivating his guys in these playoffs. Hell, even Babcock's pressers are composed and awesome. He is a winner. I look back at AV laughing at Kyle Wellwood being called a breakout player in front of the media a few years back and that really says it all as far as disrespect goes, right? Always hated that. It's juvenile. AV has been a wondrous coach, but I'd like to see a different face and approach, in both the dressing room and in front of the media. Having said that, AV could stay and Mike Gillis could revamp the team and for all I know AV could work wonders with it. It is a possibility. Vigneault has proven to be adaptive. Glass half full. Speaking of revamping the team, I can see some positives here. But the ball is in Mike Gillis' court. Hell, Gillis is going to have an insane summer. He needs to get the Canucks under the lesser salary cap, trade Roberto Luongo, draft like a fiend, pick the players he can buy out (maximum of 2) to get to / under the new salary cap (I assume Ballard for sure), re-sign current Canuck free agents (or not) and then hit the July 1 free agent signing market frenzy. That's why he gets paid the big bucks.. I am fairly confident that he will get the job done. Count me in as a Gillis supporter. Now, he has said that the Canucks need to get younger, bigger. I don't have a problem with that. Most observers will say that the current farm team is shallow. It kind of is. However, there are several key players in the system that can make an impact. They are: Forwards Jordan Schroeder (center), Nicklas Jensen (right wing), Brendan Gaunce (center), Anton Rodin (left wing), Darren Archibald (left wing), Bill Sweatt (left wing). Defencemen Peter Andersson, Yann Sauve, Adam Polasek, I will throw Frank Corrado in here as well as Chris Tanev missed the late part of the season and playoffs due to injury. Keep in mind: the Canucks have employed more experienced defencemen and forwards in the last few years in order to go for the Cup. Well if what Mike Gillis says is true, the kids are going to get a bigger chance than what they have been given lately. And that is good! Especially up front. Jordan Schroeder scored 3 goals and 9 points in 31 games with limited minutes with the Canucks this season. He scored 12 goal

miss604 posted a photo: Rebecca Bollwitt Miss604.com :: sixty4media.com