Rick Rake

Whistler's tribute to fine wine and food: Cornucopia

Mmmmmm ... I can taste, smell and hear it already.  Flavours, aromas, laughter . . . all those synergies of eating, drinking, tasting and sharing stories at Whistler's Cornucopia, the ski centre's 15th annual celebration of wine and food.

It starts this Thursday  (Nov. 10) and you have an opportunity to enjoy culinary fare (plus beer and wine) like the offering on the tray below at the Best of BC House Party at the Whistler Convention Centre.

Before I get your tastebuds dancing the funky chicken, take a look at the complete schedule, ticket info and rosters of winemakers dinners, incredible tastings, special parties and dynamic seminars that you will never forget.  Click on Cornucopia. 

Yes, there will be wine.  Good wine.  And great people sharing their knowledge of it like wine educator Iain Philip below who, with his wife Barbara, presented the Wines of Argentina last year at the amazing Four Seasons Sidecut restaurant.

Then there's the laughter and the camaraderie . . . you might recognize wine broadcaster Terry David Mulligan and promoter Dana Lee Harris doing the tango after a serious wine session.

After that there's more food.  Top chefs from Whistler hotels showing you how presentation and flavours make Cornucopia-goers swoon.

Culture isn't forgotten at Cornucopia.  Last year the Top 25 wines celebration was housed in the beautiful Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre (below), and again the food and wine offered exemplary taste explosions and smiles for Cornucopia patrons.

There is so much more to tell.  But again, click on the word Cornucopia above and discover for yourself the excitement of the many events.  Many of the wine sessions sell out quickly, so be hasty.  This group of perpetual wine students below  (wink, wink)  made sure they were in the right place at the right time.

 A highlight for Kathleen Rake and myself this year is meeting Canada's most widely read wine writer Natalie MacLean who Wine Library TV host Gary Vaynerchuk says brings "more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game."

On Friday (Nov. 11) . . . that's Remembrance Day . . . she will be at Whistler Conference Centre from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and at Fairmont Chateau Whistler from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.  You can get her book for $20 (a steal).  See the book trailer here.

Cornucopia, according to its promoters, is a four-day and night dazzling display of gourmet food and wines, attracting more than 10,000 people to the resort and catering to everyone from amateur enthusiasts to aficionados.

Held on the cusp of each ski season, Cornucopia now encompasses wineries and restaurants from Vancouver, greater B.C. and beyond.  The event has "become internationally recognized as a preeminent representation of the culinary and viticulture tourism industry" in Canada (with a Whistler attitude).

If you need to stay in Whistler, reference this site and save.

So if you're in the mood this weekend for some Whistler wine and food excitement, come to Cornucopia.  This our third year attending . . . and we enjoy it more each time.  Cheers.

 

Lagoon Cove: Where bear stories and happy hour are famous

 
 

Bill and Jean Barber love to tell stories.  Bill loves his bear stories, and Jean . . . from what I hear loves to tell the tale of how their sojourn to Lagoon Cove in 1992 turned into a retirement nest that so many boaters have come to enjoy.

As  Evita skipper John Laing approached the dock, I could hear Bill call out his name.  It's like John had never been away. 

We filled Evita's fuel tank with diesel, nestled into our part of the dock away from our sister boat, Kyan II with her crew of skipper Nick Bidgood and his Victoria friend, Rod.

Bill was quick to tell me that happy hour was at 5 p.m. at the workshop patio. It was a place for all the docked boaters to mingle, socialize and bring a plate of special food for others to sample.   John and I prepared a plate of cheese fingers wrapped in prosciutto, and oysters placed carefully on crackers.  Of course our shipmates did a little rib-tickling over our choices.

 
We walked the long dock to the workshop and met a number of new people, some from the U.S., others from B.C., and some who moored $2 million boats at Lagoon Cove.  What luxury!

Even though Bill wanted to burn the place down and start over when he arrived at his soon-to-be haven, he has created a place of beauty and history at Lagoon Cove.  His home alone (below) has spectacular views.  Good thing it didn't fall down the cliff before he rescued its foundations. 

 
Lagoon Cove is located on East Cracroft Island which is part of the pictureque Broughtons, near Minstrel Island.  To get away from it to head to places like Mound Bay where we spent the next night, you must navigate through rocky Beware Passage.

As part of happy hour, Bill brings his freshest catch of prawns to serve his guests.  And everyone goes away smiling.  There's Bill below with his latest bounty.

 
     

Everything is shared at Lagoon Cove.  Internet service is tucked into the tool shed.  Old wooden shipping crates tell a story of how Lagoon Cove came to be.  To get the full picture, buy one of the $15 cookbooks at the Lagoon Cove store on the dock.  It's called "Lagoon Cove Marina ... a bit of history and a book of recipes." 

I was told Bill had to edit his story down to a few short pages because his recipe book would have been a history tome if the publishers hadn't given him the eagle eye.  How do I know this story? Look at the lady behind the store counter below.  She knows everything.

   
Fun is the name of the game at Lagoon Cove.  Want to exercise? Try one of these stations (below).  Another one involves a hand-powered mower to take care of his grass.

 
Look at the eclectic mix of items at the workshop for sailors to marvel at.

 
Feels like a museum, doesn't it?

 
 A historic guitar is there to be enjoyed by people much like Evita skipper John Laing, a member of the Vancouver Bach Choir.

 
Evita was safe on the dock, so we explored even more.

 
The workshop is a very interesting place . . .

 
The Barbers' front door is well appointed.

 

John and I checked out the burn barrel featuring a totem created by the Barbers' son. Look what he used to create it.

 
And look at the sign that goes with it.

 
After a friendly game of horseshoes with the skipper, it was time to go.  Evita (in the blue and white at the end of the dock, looks beautiful).

 
 

Goodbye Lagoon Cove, for now ...

 
 
Cheers. 

 

 

Mahogany at Mill Lake, Abbotsford Canuck Place: Wow!

 

Diane Delves is a trend setter in Abbotsford.  The CEO and president of Quantum Properties, the developer of the 26-storey Mahogany at Mill Lake, doesn't spend a lot of time in the spotlight, but when she does something, heads turn.

At last night's Abbotsford Canuck Place announcement,  Mayor George Peary told me Delves is setting the standard for highrise development in the community, and the $272,000 she committed to the children's hospice shows her incredible generosity.

No wonder George started to get emotional while he spoke to his audience at The Viewpoint yesterday.

My job was a simple one.  I played the role of master of ceremonies and made sure the media was well connected and well informed.  We kept officialdom to a minimum and allowed the many guests to do what they do best ... socialize, sip wine and enjoy delicious appetizers.  

Click Media Works enjoyed working with Delves and her professional Quantum Properties crew these past few months.  People like Bev Hasenpflug (VP of Design), Lisa Lowry (marketing manager) and Kristofer Hansen (senior VP and CFO) made sharing the Quantum boardroom an experience we will never forget.

Working from a laptop on the lanai of a forest house on the Big Island of Hawaii or a Seattle hotel room was always a source of entertainment for all of us involved in Mahogany's Canuck Place project.

You should see the suite at The Viewpoint put together by Bev.  You get 15th floor views from the windows and experience efficiency in how well a space can be put together.

 

Laurie Shopland, the Canuck Place campaign manager; Filomena Nalewajek, Canuck Place CEO; Diane Delves and Debbie Lehmann, executive director of the Abbotsford Hospice Society shared a few smiles with us.  Also there was Jay Teichroeb from the City, Councillors John Smith and Dave Loewen, and MLA John van Dongen.  Eugene Klassen from Matthew's House (another part of the Campus of Care) also enjoyed the event.

 

Yes, there was the great cheque presentation with Quantum senior management and Filomena . . .

 

The Viewpoint presentation centre was put together beautifully and on time.

 
Thank-you's were in order . . .

 

 The press release read lke this:

A commitment to provide $1,000 from the sale of each of 272 units at the Mahogany at Mill Lake development means Abbotsford’s future tallest building will have its stamp on the Great Room at the new 30,000-square-foot Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.

Diane Delves, president and CEO of Quantum Properties, the developer of Mahogany, said Canuck Place is “an important addition to our growing city and region. The compassionate care that they provide will be a huge benefit to Fraser Valley families.”

 Abbotsford’s $10 million Canuck Place Children’s Hospice essentially doubles the capacity of the Vancouver house. It is being built near Abbotsford Regional Hospital on Marshall Road as part of a cluster of three hospice facilities called Campus of Care.

“We encouraged Canuck Place to build in Abbotsford when we first heard of their intention for a second facility. We believe the generosity of Abbotsford residents will assist in making this vision a reality,” said Delves.

 Details of the new relationship forged between Mahogany at Mill Lake and Canuck Place were announced at a special wine and cheese social at The Viewpoint, Mahogany’s newly completed presentation centre.

 Canuck Place CEO Filomena Nalewajek expressed her sincere gratitude to Delves and the Quantum Properties Group of Companies for their wonderful support of Canuck Place.

“We are so appreciative of this significant donation towards building the Great Room at our Abbotsford hospice – an inviting, multi-functional gathering space that will be used by the children and families who visit the hospice, along with Canuck Place volunteers and staff,” said Nalewajek.

 Abbotsford Canuck Place, now under construction, is just down the street from the Mahogany at Mill Lake project site at the corner of Gladwin Road and Bevan Avenue.

The Canuck Place Great Room sponsored by Mahogany will have enough space for up to 30 people. It will be welcoming and home-like, with couches, cushions, and upholstered chairs.

 In the evenings, the Great Room will be a respite for individuals or groups wanting to find a quiet place to read or relax.

 Once a week the Great Room will be used for Clinical Rounds, important meetings with care team members from every area of the hospice, joining the doctors and nurses to review the care needs of the children currently admitted to the hospice, those recently discharged, and those to be admitted next.

 
Refreshments were consumed.  People talked about the great promise of Canuck Place and the Mahogany at Mill Lake, and we all left with a little chocolate as a reminder of our visit.

 

Cheers.

Websters: Very best in B.C. journalism.

 

Alison Yesilcimen, Kelowna publisher turned entrepreneur, looks at her copy of a simple script and asks me: "Who is going to present the Webster? Who is going to say . . . and the winner is?"

Without flipping a coin, we decide Alison, my co-juror, will read the magical words for our category in front of a lively Hyatt Regency ballroom audience of 1,000. They've come to see who is the best in B.C. journalism for the 24th annual Jack Webster Awards.

I will present the glass hardware.

Webster is a legend in journalism. He died in 1999, but saw what the foundation named in his honour was doing to inspire quality journalism through recognition and professional development.

 

Today's blog is not about the winners, the compelling speech by Bruce Hutchison lifetime achievement recipient Jim Taylor or the wonderful words by guest CBC broadcaster Adrienne Arsenault (with her mischievous look and green dress on the big Webster screen).

 
No, this is a pictorial stroll  through the awards night with some light commentary along the way.  Awards nights are often about the food, the people, and the anticipation.

 
Yes, chicken was on the menu, but before that we shared a few special refreshments with the Webster Foundation trustees on the hotel's 34th floor.

 
 
We met some top students who represent the future of journalism.

 
We bumped into lead juror Helen Slinger (centre - recently named among the Top 100 influential women in B.C. by the Vancouver Sun) and  fellow juror Jerry Thompson.

 
And then the flood of familiar faces rushed in . . . Mike Harcourt and Moura Quayle.

  
Guest speaker Vaughn Palmer (with Mike Smyth) and his colleagues.

 
I shared a few sailing stories with journalist and Gulf Yacht Club member Nick Palmer (left, below) and  talked about social media with old friend and Vancouver Sun deputy online managing editor Paul Bucci.

 
We bumped into Simon Fraser University public affairs and communications boss Don MacLachlan.  His wife Barbara has a keen eye for photography.

 
Renowned musician Dal Richards was back at the Webster Awards.

 
It was time to move into the Hyatt ballroom where my wife, Kathleen, met former Conservative politician and senator Pat Carney.

 
Jack Webster Foundation executive director (and awards miracle worker) Nora Newlands took the time to pose with juror Iona Campagnolo.

 
Then the screens on either side of the Hyatt stage came to life as our hosts Tamara Taggart and Perry Solkowski approached the podium.

 
Co-juror Alison Yesilcimen and her guest, Bob Wilson, account executive with Rogers, were ready to be our table mates.

 
 
More meal courses were served and people started visiting again.  Our table was graced with the presence of Crystal Orchison of the Mission Record and her friend David Hoff, a Webster Foundation trustee.

  
When it was time to leave we ran into Greg Johnson (centre below) of Pace Group which years ago arranged Harmony Airways fam trips for us to New York City and Maui.  He was with a radio buddy and Paula Amos of the Aboriginal Association of BC.

 

One last embrace was left for Marlyn Graziano, editorial director for Postmedia Community Publishing.  She is one of the most upbeat journalism executives we know. 

 

Will you be at the Websters in 2011?  Cheers.

Mad dash for Dish and Dazzle fun

 
After throwing on a crisp white shirt, a colourful silk tie and my best dark suit, it was time to fire up the Mustang, pick up my wife and head to our first Dish and Dazzle fundraiser at the swank Vancouver Convention Centre.

The event raises hundreds of thousands of dollars through the B.C. Hospitality Foundation to offer support for members of the hospitality community who find themselves facing insurmountable costs brought on by serious health issues. Funds also supply scholarships and bursaries for students enrolled in hospitality programs.  It is a great concept.

Kathleen and I have to thank Coletta and Associates, a new Click Media Works client, for inviting us as guests to this incredible food and wine event.  Tickets are $250 each.  We were sure to bid on silent auction items and purchase raffle tickets for a Napa Wine Country two-night stay and VIP wine tour and tastings for two at some pretty interesting vineyards and wineries.

It was quite a networking night for us as we made our way into the various rooms offering food and wine pairings.  Another section of the convention centre was action central for the bartender shakedown, a competition among six of  the province's best mixologists, including Danielle Tatarin of the Keefer Bar at The Keefer; Simon Ogden from the Veneto Lounge at the Hotel Rialto; Shaun Layton from L'Abattoir; Lauren Mote of the Refinery; Shawn Soole of Clive's Classic Lounge at Chateau Victoria and pictured below, Jacob Sweetapple from the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.  

 

When we first arrived, we were offered some delectable treats from Yew Restaurant and Bar (below) and a sip of  Segura Viudas Brut Rose from International Cellars. If you want the entire lowdown on who served what food and wine, click here:  http://www.bchospitalityfoundation.com/events/dish-n-dazzle-2010

 

 
We spotted Chef Ned Bell (pictured below) of B.C. Belgian Endive fame, a company with Abbotsford roots.  He was busy building an endive treat for the Cabana Bar and Grille and The Waldorf Hotel featuring Spanish-style Salt Cod 'Brandade', oven dried Windset Farms allegro tomatoes and lemon garlic parsley.   

 

  
We met some wonderful food and wine industry people along the way, including Dana Lee Harris (below) who is putting together seminars for the Whistler Cornucopia event in mid-November.

 
We stopped for a shot of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, then moved onto the table of sweets.

 

 
For $180 in Seattle, you too can acquire a jacket like this one worn by esteemed Canadian Professional Bartenders Association director David Wolowidnyk (2008 Bartender of the Year).

 
We watched our bids on some of the auction items, mingled with the masses, and took the time to soak up the ambiance.

 

 
More nibblies . . . more wine . . . more good conversations . . .  and we started to say our goodbyes, in particular to our Coletta and Associates friends, Leeann Froese and Christine Coletta (with Kathleen on the right, below).

 
Still hungry?  Why not join us next year? 

 
Still thirsty?  Try this, but don't drive.  Cheers!

 

 

Here's a little country in the city: EcoDairy, Farm and Country Market

 

They say Abbotsford is the City in the Country.  Today at Bakerview EcoDairy and Nutrifoods Market on Sumas Way, Kathleen and I experienced a whole lot of country as we worked our way through the huge crowds to see what happens when you mix this new facility with the city's weekly Farm and Country Market.

It was very busy, but highly organized.  With an annual Christian school auction underway and Lepp Farm Market holding a special Fall Tasting event, it was surprising how many people left the comforts of their home to enjoy so many Abbotsford events in the warmth of the October sunshine.

 

Young fiddlers' sweet, toe-tapping tunes helped fill the air with excitement as we met so many friends, including marketing guru Tanya Curtis from the NutrivaGroup which oversees the EcoDairy and Abbotsford School Trustee Shirley Wilson (below). My wife, Kathleen, is squeezed in the middle.

 
Vintage vehicle displays, rides in a buggy pulled by Friesian horses, pony rides, cotton candy sales, and the full offering of the farmers market kept patrons amused on the 89-acre site featuring the first demonstration farm of its kind in Canada.

 
  
The Nutrifoods grocery store on the site sells the farm's unique Vitala milk and eggs products.

 
 
 
Clothing, jewelry, metal cutouts, honey, vegetables, and all those wonderful goods that farmers markets are known to carry were there.

 
Tall people, short people and costumed characters filled the parking lot.

 

I was particularly pleased to meet Jodie Jacobsen (below), sales and marketing coordinator for Tourism Abbotsford. 

 
If you haven't been to the Bakerview EcoDairy or Nutrifoods Market yet, you can explore it by clicking on http://www.ecodairy.ca/.  Some great videos are online to show you how the herd of 50 cows decides when it's time to be milked.

No matter how you look at it, today's Vintage Fair on the EcoDairy site is a stunning example of Abbotsford agri-tourism.

Cheers. 

  

Fall tasting at Lepp Farm Market: October sunshine

 
 
Pick a pumpkin . . . any pumpkin.  Halloween is on its way and the weather is sunny enough to keep most people from acting a little scary.

Kathleen and I hopped into the car today to explore local farm markets, and this was one of two stops that drew us in.  Stay tuned for installment No. 2.

Lepp Farm Market on Highway 11 between Abbotsford and Mission showcased a number of businesses outdoors, and it was a joy to network with friends and meet new people.  We at www.clickmediaworks.com and www.betweenthevines.ca love doing that.

Everything from hazelnuts to ice-cream, balsamic vinegar to Canadian Angus Beef was showcased and ready for tasting.

 

Abbotsford's very own Chef Dez (above) was grilling skewered Angus beef and mushrooms for a wine pairing with samples of red from Cedar Creek Estate Winery in Kelowna.

So at the same time we met Cedar Creek winery president Gordon Fitzpatrick who was very helpful with his wine knowledge.

Lepp Farm Market also offers cooking classes in its teaching kitchen inside, and we were thrilled to see a pamphlet listing some of the incredible people we've met over the years.  The full list includes Chef Dez, of course. 

There's Chef Jeff Massey of Restaurant 62, Darlene Tanka, Chef Travis Rea and Chef Ned Bell who has been doing some incredible work with B.C. Belgium endives, a farming operation based in Abbotsford.

We watched the crushing and weighing of hazelnuts, marvelled at the huge pumpkin offerings, explored the sandwich selection as we fought through the market crowds inside and finally relaxed in the sun at one of the patio seatings.

If you are from out of town and would like to visit the Lepp Family Market, the address is 33955 Clayburn Rd. You can email them at [email protected].

Below are just a few more of the fun images we shot during our visit to Lepps today.  Enjoy!  Cheers.

  

 
 

 

  

 

Giving hope to others at Christmas: Offer a Toonie.

 
Look up at the guy on the right.  Recognize him? He is very well known in Abbotsford.  Now look below and see the guy on the left.  They could be the same person.  But sometimes I think Uultsje DeJong, above, is crazier about Christmas.

 

I met with Uultsje and Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce president Pat Sapielak this morning to find out how much he really enjoys the season and to hear of his message of good cheer in the community this year.

You will be hearing a lot about his first "Christmas - Legacy of Hope" campaign, one which will support the Abbotsford Food Bank, the Salvation Army and the Cyrus Centre.

Mark Dec. 3 on your calendars.  And I will tell you why later.

"For many, Christmas is a time of love . . . of family . . . of giving, but for others, it's a time of loneliness and need," said  Uultsje.

For his fundraising campaign he want us to come together in the spirit of Christmas "where we can each give just a little . . . we can accomplish so much and can affect so many lives by giving them hope."

His goal is to raise funds through a Toonie Drive with community partners and businesses.  Already the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre is welcoming the opportunity to partner with others.

"We will culminate this fundraiser with a Celebration of giving at the hospital on Dec. 3 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a by-donation pancake breakfast," he said.

 

Local dignitaries will be there to accept donations of cash, food and unwrapped gifts.

Get this ... for those of you who won't be able to drop in to have breakfast with the civic-minded partiers, there will be a drive-through service. 

So the man I know as a school trustee and leader with Abbotsford Restorative Justice is turning into Abbotsford's very own Santa with an idea to help established campaigns for those who particularly need help around Dec. 25.

"Your support and help over the next couple of months, through the collection of funds for the Toonie Drive, unwrapped gifts and food, promotion of the event, and encouragement of participation at your place of business will go a long way in helping us come together as a community to help our neighbours," he said.

It takes only one person to start a movement, and I think Uultsje is well on his way.  I encourage the local press to get involved.  I know other organizations like the police and fire departments have been asked for their support.

 

You can communicate directly with Uultsje by calling 604-614-3524 or emailing him at [email protected].  His co-fundraiser is Irene Chambers at 604-851-4700.  Email her at [email protected].

See you at the hospital.  Let's all make sure those in need in our community can enjoy the festive season and sit down to a delicious warm feast provided through generosity.

Thanks for listening.

Cheers.

Splash of colour saves Chemainus: Day among murals

It's not the murals of Chemainus that immediately cross the minds of sailors when they tie up at the famous town's friendly marina. Nope. It's the hot showers and modern restrooms.

After sailing for a few days on Evita it was apparent our first consideration was not a map featuring yellow footprints to the three dozen works of art that saved this mill town of 4,000 after 700 people lost their jobs in 1983.

First priority was to reach into our pockets for some cold loonies, grab a lump of soap and a dry towel, and head to the marina office for glorious moments of cleansing before our basic needs turned to finding the grocery store and asking for the whereabouts of the government liquor outlet.

With our basic needs satisfied and Kyan II safely moored behind us, we were ready for a party. Evita's galley  was warm with the comforting scents of pasta and meat, and Kyan II's table next door was set for six.

Other boaters greeted us. One asked for Evita's main battery to boost his powerless craft.  We even had time for my wife, Kathleen, to record a wine-tasting video from Evita's cockpit for www.betweenthevines.ca.

 

It was not until the next morning we seriously observed the fantastic murals, all documented in a special Chemainus website identifying the artist and the meaning behind the work.

Water Wheel Park, above, is a restful place to meet friends and get some exercise.

When Chemainus' mill closed down after operating for 120 years, it was businessman Karl Schutz who thought of the idea of painting history on the walls of local buildings.

Art created on the walls of Chemainus depict real people and life in the early years of the community.

Chemainus Festival of Murals Society oversees and preserves the colourful art.

After stopping and looking at the murals, and staying out of the way of fellow photographers, our group shopped and found some interesting ceramics and fabrics.  My purchases included the community newspaper and a 649 lottery ticket.

 Murals here are world famous and attract many thousands of tourists each year.

 Wood carvings also attract a lot of attention. This bear just loves honey.

Chemainus was at one time home to the largest covered sawmill in North America.  Forestry was important to the community, and when the industry waned, the mill and its workers suffered.

When it was time for our crew to sail back to Vancouver, we said our goodbyes to this little town, promising to return one day.  We motored past the vibrant paper mill town of Crofton with its white plumes and tall stacks, hoping its major industry a healthy future.

Thanks for the memories, Chemainus.

Cheers.