All posts tagged with: Experience

Inspired by the past and infused with todays latest culinary trends, Rain City Grill, overlooking Vancouver’s English Bay, has been serving up its locally sourced menu and welcoming diners since 1992.

The fine dining restaurant believes in preparing unique and creative West Coast inspired dishes that are from ethical and sustainable sources. They work with local farmers, fishermen and producers to create a menu that is bursting with fresh flavours and personality.

The results are fantastic. From beetroot salad and oven roasted Cornish game hen, to smoked salmon pate and Salt Spring Island honey muscles, the menu is full of rustic comfort foods, with an urban twist.

The beverage selection is equally diverse. From the classic Manhattan to their own creations like the English Bay Breeze. Rain City Grill also boasts one of the largest wine selections of any restaurant in Vancouver.

If the stunning views, mouth-watering entrées, and a wine book the size of a bible aren’t impressive enough, wait until you meet the staff. They are authentic West Coast servers with a passion for trade, making every guest experience unique and memorable.

Yes, Rain City Grill is a highlight for a fantastic evening out on the town. Give them a try, you’ll be glad you did!

Rating:

Food Quality: ★★★★

Originality: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Beverage Selection: ★★★★

Price / Value: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

It’s not unusual to wonder what it’s like being a porn star. Most people think it’s fun, glamorous and always full of excitement, which, there are definitely shining moments, but it’s actually pretty intense.

“Being in porn is not what one might think,” explains 30 year-old adult film star, Shane Frost. “One may think it’s just sex with hot guys. While this may be true, there is a lot of work that goes in to it.”

Models have to stay hard on set from six to eight hours at a time while on set. It’s not just you and your partner in bed on a random Wednesday night either. It’s early mornings and there are crew members controlling the camera, lighting and sound gear.

“You have to have camera awareness, as well as being aware of what you look like, what facial expressions you are making and what ones you should be making,” said Shane as he thought about things he has in mind while he is on set.

It’s more than just getting naked in front of a camera too. Throughout the shoot there will be times when you are ready and your partner is not, or vise-versa, or the camera crew is resetting, or the lighting is being re-worked.

“If you are both into each other, then, maybe the hot sex happens, after the scene is complete and you’re ‘washing up’ in the bathroom!” said Shane jokingly.

Shane has worked hard throughout his career in adult entertainment, which lead to his greatest personal achievement of winning two awards at the 2011 Grabby’s!

Gay is the key word that bonds the two types of people who stay at the Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Half smell like Bengay, and the other half are amazingly fabulous.

Located in the Oak Lawn district, the Warwick Melrose is a popular choice for many seniors visiting Dallas. This is because they enjoy the history of the building and because it is central to many of the city museums and attractions.

But the hotel is also located smack-dab in the middle of the gaybourhood. It is the only hotel in the area, making it the best choice for gay men wanting to stay close to the bars and night clubs, just steps away.

It’s not just the seemingly odd blend of customer demographics that has this hotel property confused. Apparently their designs are too. Many of the rooms are decorated in a French Empire theme, but Dallas doesn’t have a history of French settlement or influence. The odd vintage theme no longer fits in with the cosmopolitan neighbourhood that has grown up around it.

The hotel also underwent a number of upgrades and renovations. Many of these updates were cosmetic and done without preserving the true history of the building or without attention to detail. Doors and doorjams were not sanded before being painted, cheap imitation fixtures were poorly installed, and the beautiful elevator, original to the building, hasn’t even been adjusted to come to rest even with the floor when it opens in the lobby.

As if that wasn’t enough, the hotel staff, who are super friendly, are certainly not the best trained in the tourism industry. While they mean well, they lack basic skills of customer service and essential knowledge of the local attractions. It’s probably best to bring your iPad with you to do your own research and mapping – at least the hotel offers free WiFi!

If you are hungry, there is a lovely looking lobby bar and restaurant on site. Again, bring your iPad because it’s super dark and you might not be able to read the menu. Then again, if you can’t read the menu, then you probably can’t read the dinner bill, so you’ll probably under pay for dinner… which could save you a few bucks!

In all fairness, if you are going to Dallas and are looking for a half-decent place to stay  that is inviting, offers a relatively safe environment and is easy on the pocket-book, the Warwick Melrose is a good choice. Just don’t go getting in an argument with one of the seniors over gay-marriage in the hotel lobby.

Guest Room: ★★★

Bedding: ★★★★

Towels and Toiletries: ★★

Restaurants / Amenities: ★★★

Customer Service: ★★

Overall Experience: ★★★

Poutine with bacon, Montreal smoked meat, cheese curds and three-pepper sauce.

In Montreal, going for poutine is like going out for pizza. Everyone does it. It’s fast, filling and fun. It can be a complete meal, a quick snack on the go, or the thing you do after a late night out. Serving up hot and fresh poutine in the heart of Montreal is Poutineville.

The menu offers a selection of 11 specialty poutiness, or you can create your own original, just the way you like it.

If you choose to build your own, first choose the cut of potato, then add cheese, vegetables, meats and sauces. There’s regular and large sizes, depending on how hungry you are. Don’t panic, if you don’t speak French, the menu is available in English and the servers will help guide you through the process.

If poutine isn’t your style, there is also a selection of salads, burgers, sandwiches, sides and cocktails.

Poutineville is open for lunch, dinner and late-night. In the spring and summer the patio is open, perfect for people watching.

Oprah Winfrey, Dolly Parton, Travis Tritt, Bono, the Boston Bruins, Vince Gill, Gene Simmons, and Amy Grant all share one thing in common; they’ve all ate at the legendary Jack’s Bar-B-Que in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s easy to see why, the make the most amazing, smoked hickory barbeque!

The magic all starts with the grill masters applying a special mix of spices, called a dry rub, to the meat, and then letting it slow roast for 18 hours at 250’. The result is authentic smoked barbeque meat, with a pink smoke ring around the edge. This is classic Tenessee barbeque at it’s best!

Having barbeque means you’re gunna get a bit messy – the baked beans are awesome!

At Jack’s Bar-B-Que, they serve Pit to Plate, meaning the meat comes from the smoker to be slices and served right to the plate. It’s hand made every day. The selection is so vast it’s hard to choose – from Tennessee pork shoulder and Texas beef brisket, to St. Louis style ribs and smoked chicken. Pair it with the variety of six different finishing sauces for a taste sensation that will leave your hands sticky and your mouth watering for more.

Jack’s Bar-B-Que has been serving up smoked meats since 1976. Their neon sign has become a landmark in Nashville – being featured in movies, music videos and on souvenir items.

Take home Jack’s legendary barbeque sauces and rubs.

If you find yourself in or near Nashville, you must make your way to Jack’s – you’re gunna enjoy the most amazing, traditional southern barbeque and maybe get a lil messy along the way – don’t worry, it’s all part of the experience.

RuPaul’s Drag Race and Drag U star JuJuBee, will be performing live from the rooftop pool party at the Westin Grand in front of a sold-out audience at Rapture: HEATWAVE on Saturday, August 4, 2012, during Vancouver Pride.

“I’m so excited,” giggled JuJuBee. “I’m going to be all dolled up. I’m excited to go back [to Vancouver].

Growing up, JuJuBee knew she was different. From the time she was a teenager, her instincts told her she was going to be a performer.

“I was always a theatre nerd,” explained JuJuBee. “My love for the stage allows me to be crazy.”

It wasn’t until after she came out of the closet, admitting she was gay, that she could truly realize her path ahead.

“I was living with my aunt,” JuJuBee explained. “She’s the coolest person in the world. I was like, ‘Whatever. You’re not going to stop me.’ I thought that doing drag was an art that was misunderstood. I didn’t really care or get bothered by anyone’s thought about my performance. I wanted them to feel the emotion about it. And there are so many songs that need to be shined on in a certain way. A way that could only be done in drag.”

JuJuBee’s proudest moment was when she auditioned for RuPaul’s Drag Race.

“RuPaul has always been THE drag queen,” JuJuBeen said in an excited voice as she described her drag idol. “When I first saw her on To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, you knew she was a genuine drag queen.”

At the time of her audition, JuJuBee was in a bit of a rut, working a few jobs. She was looking for something different, something more exciting. That’s when she got the call that she had been accepted to come try out for RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Although JuJuBee did not take home the crown at the end of the show, she did proudly walk away with second runner up and an amazing experience that has helped propel her career.

“It was a really good experience as far as making new friends,” JuJuBee recalled as she described her best memories of being on the show. “Meeting the girls and finally meeting RuPaul, and being under his/her wings. Our lives have all changed. We share stories, talk and understand each other.”

But life as a drag queen hasn’t been all roses and sunshine. Yes, even drag queens have their moments.

“I’m an awful dancer,” said JuJuBee, describing her biggest weakness. “That’s the challenge right there. A lot of times when people meet me out of drag they think that I’ll be the exact same way, which is not true. JuJuBee is a character for me. I’m actually pretty shy. When I’m in drag, I’m loud and vibrant.”

JuJuBee fully admits that she needs to work on her dancing skills, but with her busy travel and performing schedule, she hasn’t had time to dedicate to it just yet. When JuJuBee does have down time at home, she admits to being a bit of homebody and playing video games.

Sometimes JuJuBee’s most awkward moments on stage aren’t because of her dancing, but rather, other drag queens!

“I don’t remember where this was, but a drag queen pulled off my wig during a performance,” said JuJuBee as she described the shocking experience. “It was the weirdest thing. It came out of nowhere. It was so odd.”

Note to other drag queens out there, you probably won’t want to try to pull that stunt on her again in the future.

Speaking of the future, JuJuBee’s future includes writing and producing her own album.

“I’ve been so slow and late into music,” JuJuBee admitted. “What I want to make is totally different from what everyone else is making. I’m writing a lot. Every chance I get, I sit down. I just jot it down as I think of it. It’s good beginnings, but I haven’t finished anything yet.

JuJuBee hopes to have her first song ready soon. In the meantime, guests who were fortunate enough to purchase advance tickets to the sold out Rapture: HEATWAVE event will be able to watch her perform live, and maybe even get to meet her in person.

“I’m here for two full days,” JuJuBee said, referring to her upcoming trip to Vancouver Pride. “I don’t have any plans yet, probably going to the parade. I’m not sure if I’ll be out in drag or not, you gotta come and see for yourself!”

When you’re traveling, sometimes you’re in a hurry, or like to treat yourself. It’s not always about the destination – it’s about the journey getting there. This summer if you have travel plans between Victoria and Vancouver, HeliJet is offering mid-week one-way flights from $179 per person!

It’s an amazing experience from the time you arrive until you arrive at your destination. Plan to arrive about 20-30 minutes before your flight time. After you check-in you can enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments including coffee, tea, oatmeal, cookies and yogurt.

When it’s time to board, the passengers are escorted to the aircraft. It’s perfectly normal to get one of the staff to get your photo taken with the helicopter – after all, you want to document that you flew on a helicopter!

The Sikorsky helicopter is comfortable and very spacious. The pilots will take you through a quick briefing and then you’re off on your 25-minute harbour-to-harbour scenic journey. Remember to bring your camera!

Even during inclement and most rough weather conditions, daily scheduled flights continue to operate – ensuring passengers arrive safely and on-time.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

After 17 weeks of training, and personal bests in 5km, 10km and half-marathons this spring running season, it all led up to my big moment – the BMO Vancouver Marathon – a brand new 42.2km course which garnered attention from the international running community and Forbes Magazine.

The day started off at a cool 4’c with clear, blue sunny skies as the race started off at 8:00am. Over 5,000 elite and dedicated marathon runners lined up for their big moment, myself included. With the singing of O’Canada by Mark Donnelly, the gun went off and the race for the finish line was on.

The course was fantastic and the energy was amazing. Passing through each neighbourhood there streets were lined with spectators the entire route enthusiastically cheering on the runners and holding signs of encouragement.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Of course the marathon would not have been such a success without the army of volunteers who helped put on the event. From handing out water, Gatorade, gels and bars, to ensuring the course was safely laid out and monitored throughout the morning – it was a job well done. Along the course the cheer stations and music challenges kept the participants motivated and spectators entertained and a great buzz in the atmosphere.

Also new on the course was the increase in water stations – every mile located along the 42km course. For this year the water stations proved to be invaluable as temperatures skyrocketed into the 15’c+ range. Many participants after the race comments how they quickly became dehydrated along the course, impacting their overall time.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

The last 2.2km of the course was a gentle uphill slope, but the streets were lined with enthusiastic crowds. It was an emotional feeling of running through the streets of downtown Vancouver and feeling the overwhelming support along the final home stretch. It made the pain disappear and the finish line so much more rewarding.

Overall the new course has been welcomed by the running community and will be looked up as a new challenge and benchmark for the years to come.

Thank you for the encouragement from my online community who supported me on my marathon training journey, friends who endeared another season of my training, and the amazing pace-leaders and clinic members from Denman Running Room. A special thank you to everyone who came out to volunteer, cheer and help put on a fantastic race day.

Most importantaly, an extra big thank you for my race day hero’s, Jay Minter and Billy Hurr, for their outstanding race support. They were amazing – from grabbing my water belt that I forgot at home (which they delivered to me 7km into the race!),  and cheering me on at 5 separate locations along the course, to tossing me fresh water bottles, taking photos and keeping everyone informed on social media of my progress along the race.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Although I did not set a new personal best on this run, I really enjoyed the new course and I am looking forward to running it again. Here are my final results:

• Gun Time: 3:50:40
• Chip Time: 3:50: 36
• Place Overall: 1099 / 5000 (top 22%)
• Pace: 5:28 / km
• Male 30-34: 133/325 (top 41%)
• Male Overall: 835/2396 (top 35%)
• First Half: 1:45:48 / Second Half: 2:04:49

Quality, Service and Value. Three key words that keep The Keg a staple in the steakhouse category. Time and time again they turn out some of the best, most reliable quality cuts of beef, each time consistent and cooked right to order.

The average meal starts off with a “Keg Size” cocktail or highball – a two-ounce drink. Keg Ceasars, made with vodka and clamato juice, are a popular choice.

For appetizers, they are best known for their traditional ceasar salad. It’s best to ask for a fresh-made salad though because typically they are made up earlier in the day and stored in the cooler.

There are probably a dozen or more steak dinner combinations. They are best known for sirloin and prime rib. Either option will be a sure win. Don’t forget to add a glass of red wine with your steak. For entrée sides, you won’t want to miss out on the double-stuffed baked potato.

Finish off the meal with the Billy Miner Pie; mocha ice cream on a chocolate crust.

The ‘Keg Standard’ is a level of customer service they strive to deliver each and every time. It is what sets them apart from other steakhouses – consistent, friendly and genuine service.

Some locations, such as Yaletown in downtown Vancouver, exemplify outstanding service, whereas other locations like New Westminter (which is located in a very cool heritage train station), has been known at time to not live up to the Keg Standard for service.

Since American President Barack Obama had the controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy repealed, gay, lesbian and bisexual men and women on the front lines are finally allowed to serve for their country loud and proud. Something their fellow Canadian soldiers haven’t had to deal with for years.

“I served with a lot of gay people over seas,” said Travis Irons, a former member of the United States Military Police. “Some of the best soldiers I ever worked with were gay.”

At that time in his life, Travis believed he was heterosexual and was married to a woman. He was stationed out of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina during his three year military career.

After serving a mission in Iraq, Travis returned to the United States and began exploring and discovering his sexuality.

“I didn’t know anything,” Travis said as he recounted his experiences in the US Army.   “When I came back I got divorced. Then I came out.”

So what does the former military man turned gay porn star and exotic male dancer think about the decision to repeal the controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy?

“I really hope we don’t take advantage of it,” Travis explained. “I hope that just because they are allowed to come out that they don’t walk around with handbags and everything. I think it’s a good thing.”

When I woke up on Sunday, May 1, I knew my four months of marathon training was about to pay off as I put on my gear to run the 40th Annual BMO Vancouver Marathon.

It was a perfect morning. Clear, blue sunny skies, cooler air for the rain the day prior, and a body that was full of energy for the day’s events.

Every race event I’ve been to has been full of energy, but this one was different. Jay and I had a well thought-out plan for the entire morning, we knew our responsibilities and we were prepared.

Also bringing peace, calm and harmony to the early morning start was seeing so many of the familiar faces of the members from the Denman Running Room who I had spent so much time training with. I put all my trust into their program and I was anxious to feel the results.

Although I had trained for a 3h 30m finish time, I had to re-evaluate after being out of training for over four weeks due to multiple injuries. As a result, I lost out on valuable speed and endurance training. As I approached the start line I was prepared to run with the 3h 45m pace group.

I remember June James from the Running Room telling us you have to set three goal times:

1. To complete the race
2. The goal time you think you will run and be happy with (3:45)
3. Whisper time – the time we secretly tell ourselves we want to achieve when we feel inside we are prepared for our best run day ever.

I had spend the days leading up to race day mentally preparing for “to complete the race”, but when I got up race morning and got to the start line for the 3:45 pace group, the energy felt wrong. Like I had the energy to do better. I shifted to the 3:40 pace group

When the shotgun when off to start the race I crossed the start matt with the 3:40 group. They were running 10 and 1’s; I had trained for 20 and 1’s. My training has taught me to start off slow and to trust the pace bunny’s speed. I did exactly that.

After the first 10km were over I felt like I had got into my rhythm and was ready to excel. From that point I was off on my own, managing the course on my own. I maintained my pace and moved to 20 and 1’s. I was paying attention to my hydration and nutrition levels and felt very confident.

I breezed through all the water and nutrition stations having learned in training that you should never rely on on-course supplies, especially because our bodies have been adapted to using specific products. Race day is not the day to try something new!

Along the route I had planned to see Jay and Ross, which they were anxiously awaiting me at every point and cheered me on. I also saw other friends along the route including Steve. When you see someone you know along the race route who is cheering you on, it gives a giant boost of energy and feeling of purpose, that you instantly forget your pain and continue on with renewed excitement.

During training I had only ran up to 32km. When I hit km 30, I could feel the pain in my legs. I popped an Advil and kept on running.

At km 32, I passed John, another member of my Running Room training group. He was already headed towards km 34.

At the top of the hill at km 33, the furthers point in the entire course from the finish line, my body was screaming for hydration. I stopped at the water station for water but was handed a sport drink. I could feel it instantly upset my stomach, which thankfully only lasted about half a km.

I felt in control the rest of the way through Kits. The crowds along the street helped keep me going.

I knew km 37 – 40 were going to be the toughest. It’s the point in the course with long, steep hills. I couldn’t maintain my 20 and 1 tempo and dropped back to 10 and 1’s. I could feel the lactic acid weighting down my legs and the gels in my stomach starting to sit heavy. By km 38 the 3:40 pace group had caught up.

As I approached the Burrard Bridge the 3:40 pace group over-took me. On the way up the bridge deck I could feel my heart sink as I saw the group get further and further ahead. By the time I had crested the bridge, the 3:40 pace group was easily two full city blocks ahead of me. It was at that point I had to make a decision – finish in advance of 3:40, go for complete.

I chose to go for it and by km 41 I had caught back up to the 3:40 pace group. With only 1.2 km left to go, I asked if there was going to be any more walk breaks and the pace bunny said no because there was only about six minutes left in the run.

Although I was extremely tired, my body was exhausted and my legs were in pain, I knew I had to push on. I mustered up what little energy was left in my body and continued to run ahead of pace towards the finish line.

So many times my body kept asking to take a walk break, but with the cheering from the people lining the streets and knowing I only had moments left before I would complete my first every marathon, I knew I could not stop.

I sprinted the last half kilometer to the finish line. I don’t remember hearing anything other than the beats of the music as my feet pounded forward. I knew there were friends waiting for me.

As I approached the finish line I remembered two key things:

1. To take out my ear buds as I crossed the first matt in advance of the finish line so I could hear them call my name – to which I almost cried
2. To listen to June’s advice to run across the finish line, ‘upright and smiling’, with my arms proudly above my head.

Once I crossed the finish line I wanted my medal so bad. I had worked so hard to wear the blue ribbon around my neck.

Making the moment even more exciting was to see Jeremy greeting me at the finish line. Jeremy was my 3:30 pace leader at the Running Room had he was instrumental in keeping me on track, motivated and focused during training.

Once I caught my breath I walked out of the finishers area and joined up with friends. Knowing there were people waiting to see me after my biggest athletic achievement made me feel so proud.

As accredited media for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, I also had the unique opportunity to be able to be on the finish line at the time Charlie Bewley crossed the finish line. Charlie is best known for playing the character, Demetri, in the Twilight movie series. It was exciting to hear first-hand Charlie’s first words and comments as he completed his ultra-marathon challenage (a 21.1km half marathon followed immediately by a 42.2km full-marathon).

I ended the morning event by rejoining my friends for a celebratory bottle of champagne and hugs.

This was by-far one of the most exciting running events I have ever attended and it was well-worth the four months of dedicated training.

My final stats: 

• Place Overall: 568/3225
• Place in Sex: 470/1827
• Place in Division: 81/246
• Pace in Minutes/km: 5:13
• Finish Time: 3:39:53

Photo Credit: John Paul's Photography

Adult entertainers are real people. They have families, friends, careers and hobbies. You may think their life revolves around having sex all day, but in fact, most lead pretty normal lives.

For instance, take 23 year-old adult entertainer, Jake Austin.

Jake doesn’t always plan to be working in adult entertainment, although he won’t rule it out.

“I have a fall back career. This is just fun and I want to play it out,” said Jake.

Jake is currently a full-time student. He has completed a two-year degree and an externship as a drafter for an engineering firm. Jake is very proud that his has almost completed his his B.A.

“My studies will lead me to a couple of fields in Engineering,” said Jake.

When Jake isn’t in school, modeling or on a shoot he find himself enjoying life like any other young adult.

“I am a nature lover,” said Jake. “Being outdoors in nature, rock climbing, hiking are a few things that get me really going!”

Just like the rest of the world, Jake has motivators.

“My coffee!” said Jake, referring to what makes him get out of bed each morning.  “French Press is the way to go!”

Jake has also kept his experience of working in adult entertainment in perspective.

“There is nothing I would do differently in life,” said Jake. “I have made mistakes but they have helped me become who I am.”

In the coming months watch for more hot scenes from Jake as his continues to explore the world of adult entertainment.

“My biggest personal achievement, I believe, is that I have not lost who I am in this industry, I have grown from it.”

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This year, Hastings House Country House Hotel and Dining Room on Salt Spring Island welcomed some of the best Chefs from across BC for the dinner series, Chef’s Across the Water. The fifth and final dinner in the series was held on Monday, October 18 and the hotels very own Executive Chef, Marcel Kauer took to the kitchen to prepare the five course dinner.

The dinner took place in the original manor house, which was converted into two guest suites on the upper floors, and a wonderful and cozy dinning room and lounge on the lower floor. What makes the atmosphere so inviting is the charm and character of the building. The original exposed wood beams and rock quarried right on site give the room warmth and personality. The crackling  wood burning fireplace in the period-dated hearth warms the room, and the table is set with delightful dinnerware and antique silver flatware.

“Our focus of this year’s Chef’s Across the Water is to target food enthusiasts,” said Chris Parks of Hastings House. “Everything is locally grown and produced, and the majority of it is organic.”

There was a pre-set menu. At each course our server would pour the glass of wine, explain where it came from and provided some tasting notes; the same went for the course selection – we were explained what was being featured, how it was prepared, and what we could expect.

The Menu:

• Wild pacific salmon tartar, parsnip chips, fir tree honey and parsley oil
  • 2005 Blue Mountain rose brut
• Caramelized Onion and Apple bisque, goat cheese crouton
  • 2009 Salt Spring Vineyard blattner white
• Seared local pine mushrooms, bright farm leek, orchard pear and smoke albacore tuna ragout
  • 2006 Mission Hill S.L.C. sauvignon blanc/semillion
• Grilled Salt Spring Island lanb, rosemary rosti potatoes, grainy mustard jus
  • 2004 Osoyoos larose
• Hot Hastings House garden quince souffle, Grand Marnier creme anglaise
  • 2008 Elephant Island apricot

Chef Kauer explained how the organically grown Salt Spring Island lamb is shipped off-Island to be processed and then brought back to Hastings House the same day where he ages it for 10 full days in their cooler. My expectation was that the lamb would have the traditional taste of free-range lamb – very earthy and almost gamey. The taste was very much the opposite. It was perfectly prepared, allowing the natural juices combine with the fresh rosemary; giving is a beautiful taste. And because of the organic environment and the careful aging process, it was extremely tender.

Being from the Okanagan and having visiting many BC wineries over the years, I have come to appreciate BC wine. The wines throughout the course of the evening were all very good. I was very surprised how much I enjoyed the 2005 Blue Mountain Brut; I feel the Okanagan hasn’t yet mastered Brut, but clearly they are on their way to making adjustments to produce better products. A meat and cheese plate would have gone wonderfully with the brut.

I also felt that some of the pairings of wines were a miss on some of the courses. For instance, the tuna ragout would have paired much better with a chardonnay than the semillion; and the softness of the souffle with a heavy syrupy late harvest riesling.

By the end of the meal I felt extremely content. Chef Kauer clearly demonstrated he had exceptional knowledge of the use of local herbs, vegetables and especially the Salt Spring Island lamb.

“Next year Hastings House is looking to expand to host six or seven dinners in the Chefs Across the Water series,” said Park.

Partial proceeds from the Chefs Across the Water program will go to the Save Salt Spring Island Lamb fund.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to run in the BMO Okanagan Half Marathon – or as John Stanton, founder of the Running Room so kindly called  it, the Full Half Marathon.

On Saturday morning I flew into Kelowna and went directly to the race expo. It was well set-up. There were lots of exhibitors and the place was alive. This was in part because there was a 3k warm-up fun-run, a 5k run and the kids run all happening that morning – so there were lots of people around and the atmosphere was energized for the race. My dad even commented had he not been sick he would easily have registered to run the half marathon with me.

The race package pick-up was very smooth and well organized. Just like any other race – you find your bib number on the wall and then go to the pick-up area to claim your package  and then double-check your chip at the chip-check area. There was lots of coffee, fruit and snacks on hand too. Even all the sponsors were out in full-force.

John Stanton gave a great morning welcome to the group and provided some helpful tips for the participants to get ready over the next 24 hours for their big day. This information was a great friendly reminder and was well received by the crowd. The Race Director then went over the entire course and set expectations. He explained how they worked closely with the City of Kelowna to come up with the new course.

——

The next morning we arrived about 15 minutes before the half marathon began. It was very easy to find street parking in Kelowna – we parked about 5 blocks from City Park – which would have been impossible had we have been in a larger centre like Vancouver.

I was all hyped up for the run to begin. I went inside the race expo tent and picked up my complimentary BMO race gloves – which would prove to be invaluable throughout the duration of the run. I handed my backpack to my dad, got down to my race clothing and off I went to the start line to meet my 1:45:00 race bunny.

About 4 minutes before the run began the skies let loose and it began to pour rain. Sure, it had been forecasted, but it’s the Okanagan and usually it’s just a passing shower. Not in this case. The majority of the run it was either raining or sprinkling; I’m not saying it was a bad thing – I’d much rather run in a sprinkle of rain than have it 33′c like it was for the Underwear Affair this June in Vancouver!

Overall my comments on the race route was that it was well marked. My dad and I had tried to drive the race route based on the map that was provided but honestly, the map was so confusing we got turned around at least 3 or 4 times – and I was born in the Okanagan and spend a lot of time in Kelowna- so this wasn’t new territory for either of us. My recommendation for next year – work out a better route map with clearer markers and more landmarks.

Again, on race day the course was extremely well marked. There were pylons lining the street and volunteer course marshals were on every corner. On the busier intersections there were RCMP officers with marked vehicles along with volunteers – ensuring all the participants knew where to go and could cross major intersections safely.

I’ve run many larger races in the past, so it was odd being on a longer, spread-out course with only 3,500 people. I paced the second half of the run with two very beautiful girls ahead of me. They were my motivation for sure! I owe them a big thank you!

What makes every single run memorable and worth every moment are the people who line the streets and cheer for the participants. About every 3 or 4kms there were people on the corners holding big black signs with pink writing that said, “Stay Strong” – this was so encouraging. The families who lined the street cheering for friends and family, the volunteers who clapped and shouted words of encouragement, and the cowbells that rang – all were appreciated!

The part that honestly almost made me cry with deep emotion were the four lovely ladies I saw along the race route who proudly wore their Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games “blue coats”. I was a volunteer at the Vancouver 2010 Games and I can attest to the importance of volunteers – and as each time I saw one one along this course I remembered the strength our Canadian athletes gave at the Games and it made me feel proud and encouraged me to keep going even harder.

There were also plenty of water stations along the route. It was my understanding there was only supposed to be one Gu-Gel station along the route but apparently there were three or four – which was a pleasant surprise. Next year I would like to see Power Bar as a major sponsor of the BMO Okanagan event.

Along the course there were many photographers. I could not tell which ones were official so I had to pose for them all. It would be nice to have obvious markers for those that are official race photographers and which are media – so we, the participants, can be prepared when we need to ‘strike a pose’!

The end of the race was not my favourite part. Once I crossed the line the BMO staff member should have smiled and proudly placed my finishers medal around my neck – instead he almost seemed to be embarrassed to hand me my medal and I had to put it on myself. It wasn’t the warm, friendly BMO finish I had expected.

Once I had my medal I was greeted by a huge crowd lining the end of the very, very short finishers line. I walked out and immediately tried to find some water. My dad’s wife found me, congratulated and hugged me, and then my dad came and did the same. All I wanted was a bottle of water – which I knew my dad had with him because I had packed a bottle of Vitamin Water in my backpack he was carrying.

I changed into some dry clothes, took a moment to catch my breath and then went back into the race expo to find some water. All I could find was coffee, fruit, cookies and chips. Not a drop of water. Out front of the tent – just apples. I had to ask another race participant how to get water – which was apparently in the finishers area. I went back inside to grab water and observed there were only four people inside – three handing out medal and one handing out water from four large skids that had been placed in the area.

Next year I would highly recommend the finishers area be extended by at least 6 – 9 times the length and include tables with pre-poured water. Water should be supplied in a more eco-friendly way – such a Britta in paper cup, instead of handing out bottled water. As runners complete their run they need an area to continuously walk, re-hydrate and catch their breath before being congratulated by family and friends.

The race expo also needs to be parked further away from the finishers gate. This year upon exiting the finishers area the race expo entrance / exit was within 20 feet – which meant there was a large crowd of people to fight through to get around. The area was just too congested.

My final note, and not that it would normally have been a big issue, but because of the rain my iPhone was non-stop shorting out and I couldn’t listen to music constantly, but the larger races have bands and music along the race route and I would have appreciated having the same along this route as well.

Overall my feeling was this was an extremely well organized event. Everything was pretty much as expected. The course really want flat and fast and I would recommend others to run this event in the future. Sure, there is areas for improvement, but doesn’t every event have that?

My BMO Okanagan Marathon finishers medal has now been officially added to the collection and I look forward to collecting more medals in the future. Maybe next time I can get my dad out to run the full!

I tracked the entire run route using RunKeeper. You can view my run here.