The rain won’t dampen our parade! We had a great time at our booth meeting everyone and taking some amazing photos!

We also got to introduce our new concept of C! We are so excited to embark on our new rebranding journey to bring CULTURE, COMMUNITY and CONTENT to all our guests! Keep your eyes peeled and check back with us for updates on our new brand and renovations. Soon we will be introducing a brand new website and blog as well to offer travel resources and  information about our beautiful city and neighborhood.

UPDATE: Our new website is about to be up and running! www.hotelc.ca

Follow us on Twitter , Like us on Facebook to get future discounts and information about all the exciting new changes!

Hotel C

Promote Your Page Too

Looking for your photos?

Your photos are now ready! Click on the link below to download your photo to share with you friends and family. Please email communications.hotelc@gmail.com with any concerns and questions, or if you can’t find your photo. Please also inform us if there are any tagging or spelling errors.

UPDATE: Click Here for your Photos

Photo Contest

Don’t forget about our photo contest. If you are a winner, you will be contacted via Email! Winners will be announced and contacted soon! Keep your eyes peeled.

Want to use your Promo Code?

Do you want to use your Promo Code that we gave out on Collingwood Days? Receive 20% off on your room for a one night minimum booking. We want our great local community to experience our hotel and our service. You don’t have to go far to have fun. Relax after a night on the town, just get some time away from your daily grind (or the kids! We love them too but mommy and daddy need some time off too), or take your special someone for a movie at Silvercity Metropolis or dinner at one of the amazing local restaurants then unwind for the night. Valid until June 30th, 2010.

CLICK HERE and enter your code for your room. And we hope to see you soon!

What is bathtub gin? Sounds a little daunting and unsanitary to me. And the director of the show advised me to only have one glass… or two max if not driving. I’m a little scared. But intrigued.

So, this is what Wiki says: Bathtub gin refers to any style of homemade spirit made in amateur conditions. The term first appeared in 1930, in the prohibition-era United States, in reference to the poor-quality alcohol that was being made. Many other cocktails owe their life to bathtub gin, as they were also created in order to mask the awful taste.

Should I be worried? But my life motto is to try anything and everything once in my life. This is going to be my one time.. having bathtub gin. Bound to be a truly “Wild” party. If you’re brave like me, join me on this adventure. You may ask me now, “What is this “Wild Party” you keep on talking about? I’m now dying of curiosity and am almost jumping through my computer screen to shake some sense into you!” Ok, maybe you’re not thinking exactly that.. but I’ll fill you in anyhow.

The Wild Party is a broadway musical based on the gritty 1928 poem by Joseph Moncure March which ran on Broadway in 2000. It’s a risque,  skanky, boozcan piece. I love it already and now more excited than ever to watch it while sipping that gin that originates from the oh-so-alluring bathtub. Director and executive producer Chris Shyer is staying here with us at HotelC (and did you know he was Marcus: Anna’s second-in-command in charge of operations on the TV series V) and we got the honor and pleasure of having a chat with him.

H: Tell me a little bit more about the show.

Chris: It’s the first musical that I’ve directed. I’ve been in business since about 1985 and I had met Stellina Rusich my co-director in ‘88 at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. We were both from diverse backgrounds. Originally it was supposed to be held at Maxine’s Hideaway, which was a perfect fit for the cabaret and burlesque nature of this show, but unfortunately Maxine’s has been torn down. The current location is at ANZA club at 3 West 8th, Vancouver. ANZA originally a road house but we have outfitted the place to feel like a 20’s style speakeasy or cotton club. You not only get to watch the show, which is about 140 minutes long (we are trying to cut it down to 130 minutes), but you get to enjoy a pre-show and an after-show. The pre-show starts 1 hour before curtain. You will be able to try bathtub gin and other authentic drinks as well as join in on a Blackbottom dance off.

*I know, I know.. I’m learning new things in this interview too.. Blackbottom dancing is apparently a dance popular during the flapper era and includes “ Hopping down front then Doodle back, (Doodle means slide). Mooching to your left then Mooching to the right, Putting your hands on your hips and do the Mess Around, and Breaking a Leg until you’re near the ground (Break a Leg is a hobbling step)” Ahh.. yes, now I see. Not. I guess I have wait and see. ”

H: So what other forays have you taken into the entertainment industry other than directing risque musicals?

Chris: Well, I started out as a performer, in musical theatre, plays, films and TV. I went back to the theatre after TV and did Mama Mia on Broadway in New York as Sam Carmichael. I also worked on a short in the Crazy 8s Event with a one hour film called Stupid Chainsaw Tricks. I was the executive producer and director. Recently, I  worked on the show V as Marcus.

H: That show did really well! Do you think that they will be filming a new season soon?

Chris: I’m not sure but hopefully in mid June or July.

H: So after all the different areas of the entertainment world that you’ve experienced, where does your passion lie?

Chris: Well, that’s a very hard question. I’m going to have to think about it. I would have to say that directing has its highs and lows. It’s kind of like having to lead the ship. It’s great but at the same time, you have to make sure that everyone’s contributions are acknowledged, be compassionate but also not a softie. As a director you also have to lead by example, and a lot of things are easy to say but of course actions speak louder than words. Now after experiencing being a director, I look back on everything and think that as an actor, what a son-of-a-gun I was. It’s really opened my eyes and I’ve never had the same approach to acting since.

H: So as Pint Size Tall Theatre Society’s first production, did you face any major challenges?

Chris: Well, we were working with the Indie Policy which is a part of the Canadian Actors Equity and allows artist driven projects with lower budgets to work with the union. The actors receive a small salary but on the condition that the production agrees to promote them. So in this spirit, the actors were to write their own bios, and with 17 actors, finessing their bios, signing out drafts and printing, unfortunately, the programs were not available during the first week of the show.

Another forward move in media through the Indie Policy is the allowance of journalistic cameras behind the scenes of production. this is meant to get the word out and promote the film even before opening night. But of course there are always some problems with new elements and people who prefere the traditional way of doing things.

H: So how did the promotions go?

Chris: Great! We had a sold out opening night. Unfortunately, the great Vancouver weather may be giving us a hard time as everyone’s wanting to spend time outside in the sunshine. But I think we are doing very well with the show. Of course our audience is restricted because we are serving alcohol but we are planning to have a sober sunday without any alcohol on premises. In any case, it’s not just that attracting the crowds, it’s mainly the allure of what the show promises.

H: Speaking of the weather, how are you enjoying Vancouver?

Great. I have lived here before for about 6 years as well. I love the weather, West Coast and the outdoors. The mountains, fresh air and ocean. The vibe here is great. I’m living in Toronto right now and the feel is definitely different. I do love the friends and actors I have met here! I think that it feels like a “large town” with a lot of friendships and connections. When I’m here though, I’m mostly working, on set or directing and don’t have as much time to experience everything I would love to see.

So, me and the girls at HotelC are planning to head out to the show this month and have a little girls’ night out with some “Gin,Sin and Skin!” Exciting much? Updates to come on our adventure into the world of bathtubs full of gin and mooching, doodling and messing around to the Blackbottom dance!





Review: Debauchery’s delovely in carnal carnival The Wild Party

Edmond Segbeaya is the man behind the “Hottest Sauce in the World.” Ebesse Zozo Hot Sauce. It is a West African Hot Sauce. Edmond hails from Togo and is now based on in Nelson, BC. His sauces are fiery hot, but full of flavor. With various degrees of hotness, you can use Ebesse Zozo Hot Sauce on any type of foods. We got a chance to talk with Edmond while he was staying with us here at Hotel C and learnt more about his business. We also got samples of his sauces and awesome bright T-shirts. Thanks, Edmond!

“For the fourth year running, becoming something of a tradition, Nelson, B.C.’s “hot sauce guy” burns the competition at 2 major internationals zesty foods contests once again. Edmond competed with over 600 other entrants in the 2006 America Best Zesty Professional Foods Contest to win First place for his HOT Hot Sauce, in August in Anaheim, California. He went on to win Second place for his NEW EBESSE ZOZO CAYENNE TINCTURE in October in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the 2007 Scovie Awards (www.fiery-foods.com)

Ebesse Zozo Hot Sauce: 1st Place – Hot Sauce XXX no extract category (2006 America Best Zesty Professional Foods Contest: www.abfevents.com/winnerscircle.html)
Ebesse Zozo Cayenne Tincture: 2nd Place – Hot Beverage Habanero base category (2007 Scovie Awards: www.fiery-foods.com)  ”

H: How did you like staying here?

Edmond: I like it a lot; it is a very nice and cool place with a great ambience and atmosphere. And of course all of the girls at the front desk are great! Ha-ha. I always drive by here, but this is the first time that I booked here.

H: How often are you in Vancouver?

Edmond: It depends but at least 10 times a year. In fact I was in Vancouver for 3 weeks during the Olympics.

H: That’s great! I’m so glad that you got to experience that wonderful atmosphere and festivities during the Olympics. How did you enjoy the Olympics here in Vancouver? Did you get a chance to take part in any of the festivities?

Edmond: I was pretty busy doing demos for Whole Foods, Capers, and Granville Island. When I am here, I usually meet a lot of people from outside of the country. But on the day I took a break and was having a meal at Earls in Burnaby, I got a chance to meet the #7 women’s hockey team gold medal winner: Cherie Piper. I even got to hold the medal and it was so heavy.Another time, while out with a good friend, I also met the 4 time female world luger champion and 30 time Alberta champion.

H: So how did Ebesse Zozo hot sauce come to be?

Edmond: I started in 2002 and it was actually an accident. I had just moved here from Germany and was looking for white peppers to make the sauce for my family. I couldn’t find it anywhere. Finally I found a carton at a Kootenay Co-op store in Nelson. The next week I went back and bought another carton, and the next. I was making this for my own use and to share with friends and family. So the produce manager at the store asked me why I was buying so much and I brought a sample for him and his coworkers. They loved it and found it unique, flavorful and hot and gave me some feedback as well. And they asked me if I wanted to sell it and I said “How?” So on April 2^nd my sauce was introduced in their deli and eventually I started packaging it. Originally it was in frozen form but it had a shorter shelf life of about 3 months. And eventually, I started to improve the packaging. At that time I was a Business admin student when I started to package and sell my sauce.

And one day, I was contacted by Chile Pepper Magazine to enter the 2004 Fiery Food Challenge in Texas. I called my uncle in Orange County and after doing some research, he called me back and told me that if I want to promote and sell my hot sauce, that is the best place to be. I was lucky because out of the contest of 803 competitors in different categories, and 200 in the international category that I was in, I won 3^rd place. Every year I go to different exhibitions and competitions all over the place. In 2005, I won first place for People’s Preference Award Category at Chile Pepper Zest Fest and 3^rd place in the Condiment Dipping Sauce Category.

H: Where can I buy more of your sauce here in Vancouver?

Edmond: My sauces are available mostly in Canada. Alberta, BC, Newfoundland, Ontario, Saskatchewan. There is also a specialty store in Ohio called Jungle Jim’s, which carries it. In Vancouver, you can buy the sauce at Whole Foodsin West Vancouver, Robson, Cambie and Kitsilano. Capers also carries Ebesse Zozo Hot Sauce. Other locations include, Fresh Is Best on West Broadway, Edible BC at the Granville Island Public Market, and Jamaican Pizza Jerkon Commercial Drive. Soon, my sauce will also be available at Urban Fares around Vancouver. You can of course find my sauces online on my website and on the Dragon’s Den website. I have shipped my sauce all over the world from online orders; to Japan, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Many people order during Christmas time as well.

H: What kind of exposure have you had for your sauces?

Edmond: I was on City Cooks with Simi Sara and she had to have a glass of milk on the side because it was too spicy! Ha-ha. I was also on Urban Rush and the Morning News. There were also two documentaries and one of them was filmed by CBC , entitled “Territoire del’autre” (Territory of the Other) featuring myself in the community of Nelson. I have also been featured in major newspapers like the Vancouver Sun, and magazines like BC Business and Kootenay Business Magazine.

I showcase my sauce at various trade shows all over North America and Europe. I have also been at the Taboo Naughty but Nice Show here in Vancouver. I have also been at Eat Vancouver; the Food and Culinary Festival for 5 years and may be there on the upcoming event as well.

The best opportunity I have had is to be on the Dragon’s Den. I was actually away in Europe when they tried to contact me and when I came back, people were saying that Edmond, you have to do a speech for the Dragon’s Den and I was selected as one of the 5 people to be on the show. This was out of 60 people who spoke. My episode was aired during the 4^th Season on the 2^nd episode. In fact, you can still purchase my sauce online through their website as well. For my pitch, I brought exotic dishes for the dragons to try with my sauce. I knew that Arlene Dickinson did not eat hot food so I recommended the extra mild sauce for her but she insisted on having the hot flavor. In the end she was crying and they even had to redo her makeup. My target was Kevin O’Leary and he smartly chose to try the medium flavor. As for Robert, he tried my hot sauce and said it wasn’t hot. He said he wanted more so I gave him a liquid form of my sauce and that finally got to him. Brett Wilson said that it was the hottest thing he’d ever tasted. In the end, I didn’t come out with a deal. But it was great exposure and one of my best experiences ever. The dragons were very nice as well.

H: Wow… Your sauces seem really hot. Even the Dragons couldn’t handle it! Will it be too hot for me? What levels of spiciness do your sauces have?

Edmond: There are 4 kinds: Hot, Medium, Mild and Extra Mild.

H: Great! I’m excited to try it now, but what can I eat your sauce with?

Edmond: You can eat it with anything. You can put it on eggs, barbecue, spaghetti, couscous, etc. Some people have actually submitted recipes to me on my website. For example, some people have put the hot sauce on ice cream! One interesting recipe is to put the sauce with some oil and make a spicy popcorn topping! If you Google my sauce, you can find many recipes as well as reviews. In fact, if you search on YouTube, you can even find an 11 yr old girl who drinks a bottle of my sauce.

H: Yum… So, what’s the secret ingredient?

Edmond: There is no secret ingredient! All the ingredients are listed on the bottle. But you could have all the ingredients and never make it like my sauce. It’s an old, old family recipe passed down from my grandmother and mother. My grandmother told me I’ve been eating hot foods since I was 2 months old.

Are you visiting beautiful Vancouver for a few days, or maybe even one day? Do you want to jam pack tons of activities to get the most out of your stay here? Do  you prefer to stray off the beaten tourist path?

Have no fear! Vancouver is full of unique activities and attractions that you can experience, even in just one day! Here is an example of a unique one day itinerary that you can try.

I started off my day at the Vancouver Bakers Market. Running every Saturday from March till May 8th, and less than a 15 minute drive from the hotel, this is the ideal place to satisfy your sweet tooth. And it’s indoor with free parking… go rain or shine.  With vendors like Sweet Thea Cake Company, Yaletown Brownies, Sweet Naturally Bakery and many more..

Missed it? Not to worry, there are many farmers markets around town that are perfect for trying local and organic foods such as the Granville Island Farmers Market. Find other markets HERE.

You can also try samples of pretty much EVERYTHING from the vendors at the Bakers Market before you buy! I suggest making one round while trying all the samples, remembering the ones you love. Then make a second round to buy your faves! That’s what I did. Then I took my goodies to Granville Island, cus it was such a beautiful sunny Vancouver day (although a bit windy, but I can deal. You take some and you leave some =P) to join me on a little picnic.


Now, Granville Island on a nice day, is just heaven. Bring your cameras because you don’t want to miss out on the awesome photo ops! I decided to take my little cupcake lollies on a photo shoot. Definitely hit up the public market for fresh and local produce, meats, cheeses and MORE yummy bakery treats. The food court has so much to choose from, I could barely decide what to get. In the end we got Hungarian cabbage rolls, chick pea soup, beef stew pot pie and refreshing lemonade! Of course, for dessert the macaroons and cupcakes from the bakers market. YUM.

As a Front Desk Agent at Cassandra Hotel, I love to recommend great places to eat in Vancouver to our wonderful guests! Especially since I LOVE to eat and dine out myself! Now I have a whole new list to try that all our guests at The Cassandra Hotel can also check out for ideas!

Vancouver Magazine has compiled a list of 101 Best Things to Eat and Drink in Vancouver. I have no more excuses to be bored in the upcoming Fall and Winter what with 101 new things to try… My head is dizzy with the promise of all these interesting foods to come. OMG!

From the “mouth-watering”,

to the “huh?-It’s-so-strange-I-just-HAVE-TO-try-it”,

to the “one-single-thing-you’ve-been-searching-for-your-whole-entire-life-and-would-have-fought-in-a-gladiator-battle-to-the-death-for-it” (OK… maybe that’s just me, but you get the point)

For example:

Fricassé. To Drool For!

Fricassé

You may know Medina Café for its excellent coffee and dense, chewy waffles (topped with decadent syrups like lavender milk chocolate and raspberry caramel). But that’s just for openers. Savoury breakfasts like the fricassé (two fried eggs, melt-in-your-mouth braised short ribs, roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, arugula, and applewood cheddar) are the real deal here. Medina Café, 556 Beatty St., 604-879-3114. Medinacafe.com

Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Double-smoked bacon from Dickison’s (the butcher next door) is caramelized and crumbled into a luscious cookie mix, which is dotted with chunks of milk and semi-sweet Belgian chocolate from Callebaut. Well-Seasoned, 302c-20771 Langley By-Pass, Langley, 604-530-1518. Wellseasoned.ca

.

.

Two Blocks from Cassandra

Paan

This South Asian delicacy, which is usually served after meals and on special occasions, consists of chopped areca nuts wrapped in betel leaves along with grated coconut, flower petals, or any number of other flavourings. It has a mild stimulating effect like coffee but works marvellously well as a way to freshen your breath or help digest your curry. Jambo Grill & Goodmorning Paan, 3219 Kingsway, 604-433-5060. Jambogrill.ca

If you’re at Cassandra Hotel and not feeling the need to travel far, we are proud to say that Jambo Grill (just two blocks from Cassandra Hotel) is ALSO featured on this list! What luck!

Singapore-Style Jerky

Singapore-Style Jerky

This beef jerky (pork is also available) is made fresh daily and packed to order. Moist, smoky, and sweet—just one bite and Oberto will be nothing but a distant memory. Bee Kim Heng, 4149 Fraser St, 604-677-5303

If you didn’t know before… This is like my favorite thing in the world and have been looking for it FOREVER! When I used to live in Singapore, I LOVED special occasions when there was like a pound of this stuff in the house (eventually ending up in my tummy). And the last two times I’ve visited Singapore, I’ve actually used a large portion of my luggage weight allowance to smuggle some back home. SHHH! Keep it on the down low, haha, I don’t want to be on a blacklist at the airport.

And NOW, FINALLY, I know where to buy this.. I’m going to be addicted and if I become morbidly obese, VanMag, thank you. It’s like I’ve died and gone to heaven…..

I feel like a kid in a candy shop with a million dollars pocket money and permission from my parents to eat as much sugar as my body can handle…. OK, I’ll stop now.

I’m glad to say that I can cross off 8 items that I’ve already tried before! 93 to go.

If you are staying at Cassandra, ask our front desk for the link to the list at our lobby computer, take a random pick out of the massive number of choices and your taste buds are sure to thank you.

Hope

Contact Us

Cassandra Hotel
3075 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5R 5J8
www.cassandrahotel.com
Tel: (604) 430-3441
Fax: (604) 430-8594
Toll-Free: 1-800-665-2532
email: reservations@cassandrahotel.com

In my M.I.A. days I’ve been out and about, since there’s so much to do in Vancouver. Did I mention, I love this city? If you’re staying with us at Cassandra Hotel and looking for something to do/eat/play, maybe my adventures can spark some ideas for you as well.

Adventure Day 1.

Fraser View Golf CourseClubhouse Sandwich

Fraser View Golf CourseSandwich and Calamari

The club house at Fraser View Golf Course (only about a 10 minute drive from Cassandra) is a great, low key place to relax and grab a beer and some appies or burgers and sandwiches… Even if you had no intention of using the greens like me. They have a great patio with a close up view of one of the holes so you can get some live golf action while you eat. I’m not a golfer myself but it was fun to watch them play.

We had the Calamari (which came with tortilla chips to my surprise), the clubhouse sandwich and a turkey, ham and Swiss sandwich which I cannot remember the name. I gave in to the beer trend (I wanted something else but I also wanted to fit in, I never knew golf was a beer sport haha) and got some kind of honey lager… not a fan. But the portions were SO big.. In the end when we packed the food up, we pretty much had one full sandwich and fries left. Should have just shared one. Now we know..

Wheeee = pLaYLaNd @ PNE

Then after a SUPER filling lunch we went to PlayLand (btw. the Cassandra Hotel is just 10 minutes from pLaYLaNd a the PNE) . NOT a good idea. Reader advisory: walk off the food before going straight onto the rides. No body likes a mess. There I am riding on the swinger with the stuffed pig that I won. I was almost pressured into returning him because one of his legs was falling off. NEVER! If I return him, no one else will want him or love him =[. Poor piggy. So I kept him and I love him all the more for his three-leggedness.

Adventure Day 2.

I love the bustling city life, the people and the energy. But sometimes, we all need to unwind. If you are living here and need a break like me, or visiting our beautiful city but want a change in scenery, check out Harrison Hot Springs. In about a 2 hour drive, you can go from

Vancouver Skyscrapers. lol

TO

Harrison Hot Springs +HERE

It was sooo sunny, perfect for just lying on the beach and soaking it in. Be sure to hit up the hot springs pool for the therapeutic sulfur water, cute restaurants all along the beach and you can even rent a little cart to cycle around in. How cute. We also had a fancy dinner at the Copper Room which is like a traditional ball room with a live band and dance floor in the middle of the restaurant. If you want to go there though, make sure you dress up. They have a dress code. No Jeans, no running shoes, no T-Shirts. Or something like that. Food was good, a little pricey of course, but we went for the set menu which was a good deal. It was too fancy of a place for me to look like a dork and take pictures of the food… *sad*.

Adventure Day 3.

Decided to spend a day wandering around Kitsilano area just for fun. Cool shops and restaurants to look at and browse in. Definitely recommended in Vancouver if you are looking for a chill day without spending too much energy.

Volcano Roll

Drunken Monkey Roll

Battered Prawns

Ate at The Eatery a Japanese Sushi Bar in Kitsilano! Apparently have the funkiest Japanese food in town. Definitely  have funky decor. The entrance is lit up with neon signs reading “Miso Hungry” and “Miso Horny”. Haha loves it. I had a super hard time deciding because they have super interesting appies and side orders (Tuna drops: Deep fried tuna! I didn’t get to try that, next time) and almost 3 pages of super interesting rolls. We had the Volcano and Drunken Monkey ( inspired by the “Paul Frank” monkey) rolls. I cannot remember now what was in them. Overall good. One complaint, the tuna in the volcano roll was kind of mushy. Everything else was good. I just like my fish firm.

Cupcakes in Kitsilano

Cupcakes, sweets, Yum!

Time for Dessert! Walking down Kits, I’ve always walked by Cupcakes in Kitsilano, and the one downtown too. But I never went in. I’m not a big fan of icing. But finally decided to give it a try. Definitely super CUTE! Love for the blueberry and chocolate ones. No love for the plain cake ones, the mint and the coffee ones. I’m picky like that.

Time for the beach!

Pretty 'Kits beach" view

Vancouver "kits beach"

Ferris Wheel at PNE pLayLaNd

When it was almost getting dark, headed over to Kitsilano beach.(aka. “kits beach” to Vancouverites) I LOVE the beach at night. And I LOVE silhouette pictures. So pretty and romantic. Love, love, love, amour.

And just to end the day off right, we went to the Fair at the PNE. I love browsing and looking at random stuff. So many stands and games and so much more rides than pLaYLaNd at PNE (Carnie rides! haha). The Ferris Wheel at night is beautiful. *Swoons*

Don’t forget to hit all these must see places while you are visiting us in Vancouver! Recommended by yours truly. Hope.

Contact Us

Cassandra Hotel
3075 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5R 5J8
www.cassandrahotel.com
Tel: (604) 430-3441
Fax: (604) 430-8594
Toll-Free: 1-800-665-2532
email: reservations@cassandrahotel.com

* “Ferris Bueller is a bad influence on the student body… the sporto’s , bloods, geeks… they all adore him – they think he’s a righteous dude.”

My primary food group for the last two days has been Sushi. It’s not a well rounded diet, but you can’t really say its unhealthy. Staying at the Cassandra, you definately have a HUGE selection of restaurants and types of food to choose from. Even I can’t decide sometimes. But on those days you feel like me and want to go on a sushi binge, check out these recommendations.

Japan House

Ok.. so I am horrible with directions and could not possibly remember the address of this place to save my life. Apparently they  have no website. C’mon people, we live in the 21st century… where is the technology?? We are supposed to have robots and flying cars by now! Maybe some kind soul will supply me the address or a very well hidden website.

Japan House - House Roll

The place is an old building. Apparently it has been there forever and been through many changes in ownership.  We ordered the House Roll, Agedashi Tofu and Chicken Ramen. Only the House Roll was special enough for some camera time. I guess we were too hungry at the time. Roll was pretty good. Ramen was just like any other ramen but the heat from it PLUS the hot tea was making me overheat. Not to mention it was a pretty hot day, the light is shining near my face…. Needed a moment to cool down while eating. I actually didn’t try the tofu, somehow it didn’t catch my attention until I was too full.

The rest of the menu looked interesting but didn’t get a chance to try any others, maybe next time or someone can try the other choices and let me know how it is.

Sushi Oyama – Japanese Dining House (sounds fancy already)

5152 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 2E8

Sushi Oyama

I have been looking at this place since it opened and FINALLY got a chance to go. It not only sounds fancy but also looks fancy from the outside and still has its Grand Opening banner outside (though its been a while.. how long is an opening supposed to last?). So if you’re looking for a gigantic sushi house on Kingsway, you can’t miss it. To be honest, that building has been there forever but I have never noticed what it was. It must’ve been another restaurant which I used to completely ignore.

Very nice patio area, especially on a nice sunny day in Vancouver like today. Sipping a drink on a patio weather. I love Vancouver. Anyway, I chose to sit inside, though, just to check it out and its very nice, Asian contemporary, but didn’t get to see the second floor   The garden outside is very nice, looks like someone takes good care of it. When walking in we saw someone (owner?) tending to the garden. So charming.

Ok… lets get to the food. My favourite part.

They seem to have a few interesting special rolls. Wanted to try all as usual, but stomach can only take so much. Had the chicken karaage, a little oily but not too much batter which is a plus for me. We tried the Mangodise Roll (Mango, Crab, Shrimp on top) .. yum. Perfect summer roll, sweet, light and refreshing. Feel like I just needed a cool ice tea or lemonade to finish it off. Also tried the Red Roll (Scallop inside, spicy tuna outside) so different. Spicy. But also good. I approve. And definately a large portion of sashimi.. more than enough for two.

Prices are very good. Special rolls are around 5 – 6 dollars for about 8 pieces. Lots of combos for good prices too. Definitely a recommendation while you are here. Interested? Ask Front Desk for directions, or just go for a drive down Kingsway in Burnaby and look for the house with pretty gardens.

Chicken Karaage

Mangodise Roll

Red Roll

Salmon Sashimi

무더운 여름, 아이들과의 나들이는 너무 더워요

시원하고 과학적인 아이들의 놀이터 “사이온스월드” 에서 놀아보자

4계절중 가장아름다운 벤쿠버의 여름, 요즘 무더운 벤쿠버에 날씨에 계절을 만끽하기엔 너무 더운게 사실이다. 아이들과 볼거릴를 찾아 나가는것 보다, 에어콘/선풍기 앞에서 서성이지 말고, 시원하고 과학적인 아이들의 놀이터 사이언스 월드에서 짧은 휴일을 보내보자.

가도 가도 끓이 없는 큰땅 벤쿠버에서의 아름다운 자연풍경 명소들, 아름답지만 그래도 이제는 그만 신물이 난다는 관광객들, 하루쯤은 실내 시원한 관광명소를 즐기고 싶다하는 분들이 많을것이다. 그래서 소개하자고 하는 또하나의 벤쿠버 명소는 바로 사이언스 월드이다.

사이언스 월드의 신기한 구경거리와 생소한 장난감,그리고 놀이기구들은 더이상 아이들을 나아가 부모의 눈길까지 사로잡는다. 세계에서 가장 큰 돔형 스크린을 가진 ‘옴니맥스 극장’을 비롯한 각종 전시관과  그리고 각종 체험 놀이기구 등의 신기함과 다양함에 푹 빠진 어린이들과 어른들은, 잠시나마 무더위의 스트레스에서 벗어날수있다. 플레이 렌드등의 놀이공원과는 또 다른 의미와 의도를 가진 대형 실내 놀이터라하면 좀 더 쉬운 이해를 가져오지 않을까?

큰맘먹고 계획한 아이들과의 공원 나들이에서 더위에 지친 아이들과의 실랑이를 벌이고 나면, 나들이의 나짜만 들어도 질려버릴 부모들이다. 하지만, 무더위의 뜨거운 햇빛에서 벋어나 좀 더 새롭고 다양한 체험이 기다리고 있는 사이언스 월드에서라면, 여름철 즐거운 나들이도 가능할법 하다.

신기한 풍경이라 한다면, 사이언스월드의 아이들은 신기한 구경거리와 체험등의 푹바져 “부모찾아 우는아이들”, “부모 손잡고 칭얼대는 아이들”,”부모/형제가 놀이주지않은 다며 짜증내는 아이들” 은 찾아볼수 없다. 이것또한 부모들에겐, 또 하나의 휴식이 되지않을까? 이정도라면 황금같은 짧은 휴일, 두마리 토끼를 잡는 훌륭한 나들이 명소라 해도 과언이 아닐것이다.

무더운 여름, 야외 나들이 게획은 잠기 접어둔다 할지라도, 이 기회에 아이들에게 새로운 체험을 선물하는 것은 어떨까?

입장료 정보

성인 $18.75

13세이상 $15.25

13세 이하 어린이 $12.75

가족요금 (Maximum 6명, 성인  Maximum 2) $65.50

개장 시간 정보

평일 오전 10시부터 오후 5시, 휴일 오전 10시부터 저녁 6시

Directions

대중교통이용법: 스카이트레인 메인스트리트 사이언스원드 역에서 내리명 도보 3분거리의 위치.

자가용이용법: 킹스웨이를 타고 다운타운 방향으로 ( West) 운전하시다가, 메인스트리트 에서 우회전, 터미널 에비뉴에서 좌회전 그리고 마지막으로 쾨백스트리트에서 좌회전하시면 됩니다 (총 10분 소요)

Contact Us

Cassandra Hotel
3075 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5R 5J8
www.cassandrahotel.com
Check out our Blog

Tel: (604) 430-3441
Fax: (604) 430-8594
Toll-Free: 1-800-665-2532
email: reservations@cassandrahotel.com

如果刚从温哥华国际机场出来，你的朋友租了一辆加长轿车在等你，请不用惊讶，哈哈哈，这可是我一直想做的。欢迎来到温哥华！
温哥华是一个旅游城市，有雪山也有海滩，来的时节对的时候，你可以上午在海滩享受日光浴，下午就出发去滑雪了。English bay的海滩比较有名，可是我更加推荐你去UBC大学内的海滩。当然，如果你够大胆，也可以顺道尝试一下UBC附

過了30分鐘,才發現還沒走完1/4的路程~~~~~~天呀

近著名的天体沙滩，但是请注意，不脱光是不好意思出现在那片海滩上的。温哥华附近的Whistler Mountain和Blackcomb Mountain的积雪终年不化，是北美最顶级的滑雪胜地之一。
如果喜欢爬山的话，另有一座Grouse Mountain可供选择。 Grouse Mountain高1200公尺，全程是比较陡的山路，爬上去可不是一件容易的事情哦，我第一次去的时候可是累了个半死。山上石别有一番洞天，山顶有餐馆电影院，坐在这上面用餐风景可真是没的说，整个温哥华尽收眼底。温哥华的景区餐馆和国内不同就是，它们的价格可不像国内景区里的餐馆，翻上几倍十几倍，只比在普通餐馆吃东西贵上一点点而已，绝对超值。山上每天还有不同的免费节目可以观看，工作人员会热情的帮你介绍。有缆车可供上下山，大家大多用来下山啦，$5就可以买。当然，如果想要奢侈一番的话，你也可以参加直升机游，包你满意。
温哥华的天气也是很不错的。 冬天最冷的时候比中国南方大多数地方要暖和，夏天最热的时候也不过三十一二度。这次重点为您介绍介绍Grouse Mountain，下次介绍点别的。
玩了一天了，累了吧？温哥华市中心的酒店，价格可不便宜呢。可是温哥华卫星城市的酒店，价格便宜不了多少却不方便了很多。加拿大地广人稀，的士的价格可不便宜。随随便便可能就五十刀了。我们酒店(Cassandra Hotel) 地处温哥华市中心的边缘地带，价格公道，交通方便。如果你有带笔记本，ipod或者PSP或者任何带有wifi功能的电子设备，都可以在你的房间里舒适的使用。我们有着覆盖整个宾馆的无线网络。当然了，没带电脑也没有问题，在宾馆大厅里面，有一台全新的触摸屏电脑可以供你免费查询天气，温哥华的公共交通，我们更是邀请你成为我们在facebook，twitter上的朋友，可以得到关于我们宾馆最新的讯息或或者最新的优惠哦。我们更欢迎你使用那台电脑，在我们的客人调查里留下您对我们的意见和建议。如果您想更加自由的浏览网页，在宾馆一楼走廊里还有两台液晶电脑供您使用呢。为了您的便利，当您需要打印或者传真文件时，可以到我们的前台来，我们的前台服务人员会热情地为您提供服务。近期内，我们将会制作关于我们宾馆的youtube视频，欢迎您来观看。

Contact Us

Cassandra Hotel
3075 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5R 5J8
www.cassandrahotel.com
Follow us on TWITTER
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on YouTube
Check out our Blog Tel: (604) 430-3441
Fax: (604) 430-8594
Toll-Free: 1-800-665-2532
email: reservations@cassandrahotel.com

I had a mini feeding frenzy last week. The gluttony. With a new restaurant opening almost every week, how will I ever reach my goal of eating at every restaurant in the city?! Anyway, here goes my one week journey through the diverse Vancouver (plus a few outside Vancity) dining world.

Day One. Mayuri

The poori was humongous! Compare it to the size of the fork.

Thali with two Pooris, plain rice, flavoured rice, daal, fried potato, curry potato, yogurt, sweet, pickle and papadum. So much food.

Vegetarian South Indian Restaurant (12677  80th Avenue, Suite 102A, Surrey) Recommended by Raman! Thanks, liked it.

Whenever I eat out with my family now, we always have to find vegetarian options. My brother is now a born-again vegetarian.

If any of you know someone like that too, I feel for you. I know I am killing animals, but humans are OMNIVORES, according to both science and history. Geez,get with the program! Anyway, the food was still good. I’ve got no issues with yummy veg dishes. Props to Mayuri.

A very cool thing they had was a family dosai. 4 feet long. FOUR FEET. 1 feet per person?