Happy Birthday to The Sundance Kid

Robert Redford. If you don’t know him, here are a few words that could be used to describe him: Timeless, classic, businessman, actor, director, producer, philanthropist, style icon, and stud. This dude is The Man. Not only does he have an impressive resume, in my childhood, he’s also “that guy” in my basement.

Let me explain. I grew up in a late 1800’s Victoria style house with an unfinished, cave-like basement. The type of basement that would freak any child out. It had a rickety old open staircase that led you down to concrete floors, a low pipe-filled ceilings, and rough concrete walls. It was a dungeon. Why would anyone go down there? Well, our laundry and dryer was down in this cave…and most of my sports equipment. There was a door that led to another extremely frightening room that we used specifically for storage. Not much was kept in here and the door to the room was rarely used. On this door, however, had an old black and white photo of Mr. Redford on set of Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. It didn’t necessarily scare me, but the room behind me kept me up at night.

I always asked my mom “who is that guy?” and she’d reply, “well, that’s Robert Redford.”

As I grew up, I became more familiar with who this guy was and learned he was a stand-up guy. A guy that you could probably sit back and grab a beer with and shoot the sh*t about anything. A buddy. Someone who seemed like the same person that he was in his interview to who his character was on screen. So if you’re bored tonight on August 18^th, be sure to wish The Man a happy birthday and watch one of his flicks. Here are a few of my favourites: Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, Downhill Racer, Out of Africa, All The President’s Men, and The Sting. Cheers, Robert. Keep doing what you’re doing. – KG

The Infamous clambake

When living in Toronto, a boss of mine always told me about these “clambakes” her family would have on summer weekends at the lake. As a seafood lover, it always caught my interest and I was always fascinated with her stories. She would order a variety of seafood from a distributor such as lobsters, crabs, clams, muscles, shrimps/prawns, and scallops. Then throw it in an enormous pot filled with vegetables and spices and let is cook over an open fire for nearly half a day. Once everything had cooked through, everyone would gather around something that I envisioned as a trough- like fixture. Everyone would sit on the grass to devour the feast by hand. I don’t know about you, but everything about this sounds incredible. I mentioned this idea to someone and apparently there’s a type of “clambake kit” you can buy. It comes with all of the ingredients and all you need is a fire and a fire pit sized pot. I have yet to research this, but I’ll be sure to post something if I end up finding anything. Any suggestions on clambaking, please let me know! -KG

Your 2014 “to do” list

Summer is hands down my favourite season. Whether it’s enjoying a fresh summer cocktail on a patio, trail running a shaded forest, or exploring some of the gulf islands by sailboat, count me in. What’s not to love? Everyone seems happier when the sun is out, everyone looks healthier with a summer tan, and everyone wants to do as much as possible. That’s the most challenging part. How do you do everything? A few weeks ago on a rainy afternoon, I decided to sit down with a pen and paper and create a list of everything I wanted to do for the next few months. After I finalized the list, I went through each activity and highlighted what could be done on a weekday after work or what could be done on a weekend. If I wanted to detail it more, I could even separate it into half-day activities, full-day activities, and weekend activities…but that could get a little confusing. Some people get scared of lists and are intimated by the length, so whether you break it down per month or into lists of 10, I highly suggest a format that works best for you.  Post it somewhere where you can see it every day and slowly start making plans to tackle one at a time. The way I see it, there’s 24 hours in a day and summer is only once a year. Utilize as many hours as you can and try your best at accomplishing everything on your list. Best of luck and happy planning!

A snippet from my 2014 Summer List:

Sporting Events: Vancouver Canadians, Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Mainers (road trip to Seattle?)

Hikes: The Chief >Cypress, Cypress>Grouse, Grouse>Seymour, Seymour>Quarry Rock, Golden Ear Provincial Park, Mt. Baker

Camping: Tofino, Garbaldi, Oregon Coast

Long Weekend Trips: Sunshine Coast, Portland, Pender Harbour, Calgary Stampede

Sailing Trips: TBD

Side projects: TBD

The Culprit of Kitsilano

It doesn’t take a local Vancouverite to know that the city is saturated with coffee shops. It seems that every city block has at least two. One of those is bound to be a Starbucks, JJ Bean, Blenz, or Waves, and the other tends to be independent. I can be a bit of a café snob when it comes to finding the perfect espresso bar so it takes a lot to get an A+ in my books. I look for strong coffee, good music, friendly staff, comfortable seats, fresh baked goods, and most importantly, reliable wifi. Tucked off the south east side of 4^th Ave. along Vine Street in Kitsilano lies Culprit Coffee Co. – an independent shop serving fresh baked goods (all gluten free), hearty lunches, and coffee from Victoria-based coffee roaster, Fernwood Coffee Company. Lately the crowd seems to consist of UBC students, young families, writers, and readers (standard Kits crowd). It’s on the small side and often fills up fast for the afternoon pick-me-up rush. While waiting for a seat, you may as well take a stroll down to the beach and walk back up the hill to tire yourself out to deserve that much-needed bold blend. -KG

when a man loves a woman

Gentleman, you have one week to make Valentine’s Day plans and finalize your decisions. Deliver roses to her office or meet her after work in the street with a bouquet? Cook her favourite dinner or make reservations at a restaurant? Chill a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne or mix up her favourite cocktail? A heart-shaped box of chocolates or chocolate dipped fruit?  I’m not going to make any recommendations.  This day is all you. Decisions…decisions. One week, guys. That’s all. Time is of the essence.

Here’s an idea….what about not waiting for Valentine’s Day? Why do we have to base our romance around a holiday? By no means am I saying don’t go out and celebrate your relationship on Valentine’s Day. I simply mean, celebrate it more often. Relationships can be wild and if you have found someone that you adore, celebrate.  We’re all busy and we all have our own “stuff”” going on, but take time to appreciate her. Trust her, respect her, stand by her, and help her achieve her dreams to become the woman she wants to be.

I’m no expert on relationships but I recently heard a radio interview with Editor, Daniel Jones, of the New York Times column, Modern Love. It was incredible. At the end of the interview, he was asked what lessons he has learned from 50,000 strangers about love.  He claims not to be an expert on relationships and love but I figure he has a pretty strong handle on the topic since his life evolves around writing, reading, and researching about it each day. Here are a few scribbles I took down during the interview ”understanding someone is a complicated process filled with joys and complications”…. ”trust is something you build and comes with time.” This guy knows his stuff. If you’re interested in the interview, check it out here. And remember…one week, guys.

Current Blend

I like to start my day off with a smoothie. I find that they’re easy to digest and they give me the energy and strength I need for my first activity of the day without having to prepare a full meal right away. I find it fun to try different recipes and experiment with various fruits and vegetable combinations until I find one that I like. Lately, I’ve been hooked on this one.  I apologize in advance for my estimated quantities.  Those who know me in the kitchen know that I’m not precise when cooking. “A spoon or two of that, a glug or so of this, and a good handful of these.” I would be a horrible baker.

 In a blender, add the following…

1 frozen banana

2-3 cups/handfuls of fresh spinach

1 peeled and pitted mango (or 1 cup of mango juice)

1 spoon of flaxseed oil (currently using Udo’s Oil 3-6-9 Blend)

1 heavy spoon of Greek yogurt

1 cup or two of water (if you’re using 1 cup of mango juice, just use 1 cup of water)

3-4 ice cubes

For a heavier option, add all or any of the following…

1 cup of frozen berries (I like to use raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries)

1 peeled and pitted avocado

1 peeled kiwi

1 scoop of protein powder

Replace the water with coconut water or almond milk

Add another frozen banana

Blend for about 30 seconds (or until most of the spinach has been broken up) and enjoy a great start to your day. – KG

Time to work on that beachside backhand

Enjoy the feeling of playing tennis at a private club at the public Kitsilano Beach Tennis Courts. Set along the Pacific Ocean, the courts are steps away from restaurants, bars, parks, sea wall, and all have beautiful views of the north shore mountains (on a clear day). The courts were built in the early 1950’s but have recently been completely re-furbished. Fresh pavement, fresh paint, new fencing, new netting, new everything. So far, they’re the best public courts I’ve come across in my tennis playing ventures in Vancouver. I don’t have anything negative to say about these courts, except that they will definitely get busy once the weather becomes warmer. In my opinion, now is the best time to be out playing anyways. It’s a little cool but as long as you layer up, you’ll probably be in your shorts and tee by the time you’re into your fourth game. Restring your racquets, buy a fresh three pack of balls, lace up your sneakers, and I’ll see you beachside court side.  – KG

Something Special

Some restaurants and bars are known for their specials. Wednesday wing night, Thirsty Thursdays, or buck-a-shuck Mondays. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all special. Colony in Kitsilano takes the special to a whole other level. This rustic, industrial looking sports-infused restaurant offers a drink special every night of the week. That’s right. Your week just increased its specialness by seven times. My favourites include $3 for “Anything on Tap” on Tuesdays and the $7.50 double highballs on Saturday.  But really, any night of the week is special. It was once a billiards hangout in the 80’s which is surprising because it’s not a big space. If you’re looking to catch local game on one of their big screens, I highly suggest getting there well before the anthem to grab a seat. And speaking of getting there early, mark Thursday, February 27^th on your calendars to celebrate their one-year anniversary….you know it will be special. -KG

Whisky, Wood, and Antlers

On a popular street filled with great places to eat and drink, I would imagine it must be difficult for restaurant owners to separate themselves from others. The Oakwood Canadian Bistro located on West 4^th , I believe, has found a way. My attention was first drawn to the wooden carved sign and the busy street-level patio in the summer months. And now the warm restaurant lights glow onto the street, which make it an attractive venue to escape the rain.

The white wash brick fireplace, the rattan chandeliers, and the wooden tables fill the space between the wide hardwood floors, and wooden loft-like ceilings. Time was definitely spent focusing on the décor. It’s definitely not a pop in pop out kind of place. You will know what I mean when you go. It’s a place to relax, socialize, eat, and drink. Whether you’re solo, on a date, with friends, or celebrating with a larger group, there’s a spot for you.

A few weeks ago, had the luxury of enjoying one of the best Old Fashioned whisky cocktails I’ve had in a long time. The balance of whisky and bitters mixed well with the over-sized ice cube in the glass. If you love whisky, this drink is for you. I was curious about the food menu so I glanced at what others were eating and took at look at the dinner and brunch menu. I was impressed. The prices aren’t cheap, but neither is driving around looking for a place like this. It’s one-of-a-kind and you will wonder why you haven’t been here before. – KG

Nom, Nom, Naam

It doesn’t matter if you’re a vegetarian, a vegan, or a meat lover. If you’re hungry, your stomach will likely be satisfied when you leave The Naam Restaurant .

Their menu is completely vegetarian and offers an array of meal choices. Soups, burgers, flatbreads, enchiladas, and a variety of gluten free and dairy free options. Not only will you  get a gigantic plate of food, you can enjoy that food any day of the week. The Naam is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The only day they’re closed is Christmas day.

The evening I popped in for some nachos and an enchilada feast, an acoustic guitar player set a west coast vibe throughout the restaurant. And between his sets, the new Drake album was pumping through the old wooden speakers hanging from the wall. Like the décor, the crowd is also unique and eclectic. You will see all types of people from university students, to young professionals, to elderly people and children in their pajamas. Even if you don’t fall into any of those categories, you will still fit in.

Trust me, won’t even miss that piece of meat on your plate when they roll you out the door.-KG