FoodTrek: Tis the Season... For Dessert!

I know everyone's in the countdown planning stages for Thanksgiving, but I've already got visions of sugarplums dancing in my head. Sorry, Turkeyday -- I'm all about Christmastown! Holidays are equivalent of having dessert first, and there's nothing more fitting than an entire post about --  you got it -- DESSERTS!! And even better, wine paired with desserts, at Seattle's very own Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

Become a Honey Veil devotee -- you won't be sorry - Photo by Wasabi Prime

FoodTrek: Vancouver Noir

It was a dark and stormy night on the rain-slicked mean streets of Vancouver... um...welllll... to be honest, it was daytime, and not a drop of rain in sight. People were easy with friendly smiles and pleasant "hello's," but don't think it's all sugar-spun sweetness in this picturesque Canadian harbor town -- there's an element of mystery and a tantalizing hint of danger that lingers in the historic City of Vancouver. Gold rush treasure-hunters, cops n' robbers, Prohibition-era private clubs. The ghosts of this Pacific Rim metropolis leave a haunting trail of legends and rumor, as well as inspiring a renewed interest in the charm of all things vintage and past. This was my own magical mystery tour of Vancity, unlike any typical tourist visit.

Vancouver at night, what a beautiful sight! - Photo by Wasabi Prime

Food Trek: Vancouver's Natural Wonders, From Sunrise to Sunset

Seattle has a great affection for its Canadian neighbour, Vancouver, and it's not just because we're close enough to knock on their door and borrow a cup of sugar. The moment you see the distinctive skyline, populated with beautifully modern glass towers, you're also welcomed by Vancouver's natural beauty. The lush greenery and expanse of Stanley Park, the picturesque harbor community of False Creek, the forested views of North Vancouver just across the Burrard Inlet, all set against the glorious surrounding mountain views that the Pacific Northwest region is lucky to have. It's an ideal balance of urban and rural, having the cultural benefits of a metropolitan city, but never being so far removed from the abundance of natural resources that built and continue to allow Vancouver to flourish. I fell in love with Vancouver when I first moved to Washington over a dozen years ago when I took the trek up north to play tourist -- I was hooked. Every time I go, I fall in love with this beautiful city that feels like a breath of fresh air. And awwww yeah, they've got poutine. 

The natural wonders of Vancouver... in a skillet. Edible Canada's outstanding duck poutine - Photo by Wasabi Prime