Megan Fox, the ultra-babe who plays Mikaela Banes in the 2007 Steven Spielberg hit movie “Transformers”, has more than her fair share of car lovers as fans. And why not? Could it be because, in the 2007 movie, she plays a car-fixing sex kitten with a bad attitude and great legs?
Well good news for those still lusting after more than the Autobots. Fox, and her hot rods, will return in “Transformers – Revenge of the Fallen” which is currently filming and due out on June 26, 2009. (more…)
It was billed as the dinner of a lifetime. North Vancouver’s own Pino Posteraro, of Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill fame in Yaletown, played host to an elite group of famous foodies at his restaurant earlier this month to serve a $500 a plate, 12-course feast in support of the BC’s Chefs’ Table Soiety (CTS). The “Senza Frontiere” (without borders) dinner helped raise funds for the creation of bursaries and scholarships for young, emerging, student chefs. Vancouver’s finest chefs shared kitchen duty as they put their egos on hold and cooked up a storm that was dressed to impress. Congrats. (more…)
Did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year? If you did, and you’re finding it hard to stick to some of them, then maybe this can be an inspiration. West Vancouver’s Don Rutledge, who is better known for his involvement in race cars, the hospitality industry and investment portfolios, made a pledge last year. It was time to give something back to himself, and others. So he started to train, and with the help of some very influential friends, he qualified for the ING New York City Marathon. It was time for his friends to pay up on the bet – a bet that helped raise money for a very worthwhile cause – the Zajac Foundation for kids.
Let’s raise a glass to old and new, and all the things we say and do. Sometimes, it passes oh so fast – but thanks to photos, it can last. The parties, full of fun and cheer – helped us ring in a brand new New Year. And the faces say it all so well, plus there’s always a great tale to tell. So thank you for your smiles so bright, and inviting me to share each night. Without you it would be a bore – but life is good on our North Shore. So here’s a toast to both yours and mine – and all the best in 2009. (more…)
As U.S. election fever grows, so does the need to know more and more about the candidates. Each boasts a long list of the Yankee-Doodle Dandiest of qualities, but what is the real driving force behind the seats of power.
Forbes Auto seems to have the most accurate traffic report to date stating that Barack Obama bought his Ford Escape Hybrid last summer after selling his Chrysler 300C. Good news since he, more than the others, seems to praise those who go green. (more…)
Brad Pitt’s mere presence at any location is reason enough for a traffic jam and even a few car crashes. Not wanting to miss out, fans at the Toronto Film Festival proved they too were willing to go the distance for a glimpse of greatness.
Screaming star-seekers jammed the streets as Pitt and posse walked the red carpet for the “Burn After Reading” premiere this week. The new Coen brothers movie, which starts everywhere this Friday, stars Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, John Malkovich, Richard Jenkins and Pitt’s latest BFF, “Gorgeous George” Clooney. (more…)
Glitterati have flocked to the Big Apple this week as New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runs from September 5-12, 2008. But some still wonder if it’s all for real.
Well social-climbers and panicky debutants can put their Percocet back in their Pradas because the real deal is in full swing and the cars and stars have come out to play. Lindsay Lohan, Ivana Trump, The Olsen Twins, Winona Ryder, Rene Zellwegger, Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Kanye West, Beyoncé, Kelly Osbourne, and Kirsten Dunst have all been spotted either on the catwalks or in the front row ogling at the latest and greatest haute couture and creations by designers like Betsey Johnson, Max Azria, Vera Wang and Ralph Lauren. (more…)
For the last 10 years, Lesley and Mike Rogers have hosted a World AIDS Day luncheon in support of Vancouver based charity – A Loving Spoonful. This year, they celebrated the anniversary with the help of friends and super chef Pino Posteraro at the stylish Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill and Enoteca in Vancouver’s Yaletown district. Decadent short rib pasta followed by the perfect piece of fillet steak, helped remind everyone that Chef Pino and his crew are some of the most talented in the city. The Loving Spoonful delivers approximately 1,750 meals per day to those suffering from HIV/AIDS. To date, close to 2,000,000 meals have been delivered. With the Christmas season upon us, it’s nice to know that thanks to families like Lesley and Mike Rogers, giving can continue all year long. (more…)
It was a Christmas delight to behold at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on December 14th as West Vancouver’s Gleneagles Scottish Counry Dance group played host to guests from near and far at the 45th Annual Scottish Ball. Close to 200 guests, some of them coming from as far away as Washington state, took to the ballroom floor to enjoy a formal afternoon of traditional dancing to the sounds of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra. They’ve come a long way from their humble beginnings at the clubhouse at West Van’s Gleneagles Golf Club – and it’s nice to see that everyone is still “reeling” in the all the fun. Congrats to all involved. (more…)
I’ve been a HUGE fan of the lovely ladies of West Vancouver’s Pandora’s Vox for close to 15 years now and I can’t say enough. Performing this past week at the Kay Meek Centre in “Gifted” with their partner vocal ensemble Espiritu, the group has grown into one of the most entertaining and professional choir organizations in the country. From impressive pieces like “Lux Aurumque” (my fave) to silly seasonal songs like “Fruitcake”, this group never fails to deliver. Choir leader Gillian Hunt, who also thrilled audiences with her special rendition of “Little Drummer Boy”, was honoured in a surprise presentation by the members who, without her knowledge, nominated her for the BC Choral Federation’s prestigious Amy Ferguson Award. Hunt was presented with the award during the Friday show. (more…)
With the state of the economy this year, and everyone counting their pennies more closely, it could be an unexpectedly tough holiday season for some. But the good folks at AllWest Insurance refused to give in to the bah-humbugs and not only decided to celebrate the season in style, but also did a little fundraising in the process. West Vancouver’s Paul and Devina Zalesky, owner of AllWest, honoured staff with a glamorous dinner party and awards banquet at Beyond Restaurant and Lounge. Looking young and trendy, their crew of over 200 came out to party and, during their 50/50 draw, also managed to raise enough money to help feed 50 needy families this Christmas. Who says giving can’t be fun?
When you make a movie with the likes of Gary Busey, Tom Sizemore and Daniel Baldwin, it’s definitely time to celebrate. That’s what Vancouver’s talented Silvio Pollio did at the DVD launch of his “Shut Up and Shoot” movie. Pollio and several other cast members, including Joe Cortese, toasted the occasion at the Can-Am Importique studios in Burnaby which was the perfect setting since owner Paul Pincott is known for warehousing one of the city’s biggest collections of movie set paraphernalia. Also the culinary stars were out last week as David and Manjy Sidoo relaunched the newest version of their Lumiere restaurant. Located in Kitsilano, the new view in dining has come courtesy of New York living legend Daniel Boulud who also lends his name to the adjoining DB Bistro (formerly known as Feenie’s). (more…)
This week’s wrap has something for the spy in all of us. On Saturday, the Vancouver Club played host to the Jet Set Crew and their James Bond 007 Martini Party. DJ Timka, direct from New York’s Buddha Bar, put down the sounds as Octopussy, Odd Job and other sexy villans strutted their stuff. A sexy VIP room, exotic decor and the who’s who of Vancouver’s beautiful people all added up to a night that Halle Berry would have loved. Halle Berry, who is in town shooting her new movie, was scheduled to attend, but had to cancel last minute). Lastly, congrats go to Pasquale Cusano and the gang at Montecristo Jewellers for their exclusive men’s and women’s shopping nights – funds from which go to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. (more…)
It’s no secret that I am a big B.C. wine fan. In fact, I try to order it as much as possible when I dine out to help support what I believe to be a truly underrated and undiscovered product. And even though B.C’s reputation as a wine growing region is still relatively unknown to the world – I have a funny feeling that is about to change. (more…)
Tyra Banks, pseudo talk show host and saviour of all that is “fierce”, is back with her band of beauties and beasts for America’s Next Top Model – Cycle 11 tonight. Slightly freaky at the best of times, and not without it’s share of melodrama, this cycle features, for the first time ever, a transgendered contestant who not only knows how to model, but gets treated rather badly by the rest of the fresh-from-the-farm kittens who think he/she has no right to be there. (more…)
It’s official today! Warner Brothers’ summer smash hit “The Dark Knight” has now become only the second film in history to top the half-billion dollar mark in US cinemas. Starring sexy Christian Bale, who cruises Gotham City in a racy Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Coupe, the legend of Batman and his awesome automobiles has now been re-written for good. (more…)
In 1997, a handsome 23-year old Vancouver waiter named Jade Bell injected himself with an overdose of heroin and cocaine (a speedball). It took paramedics 15 minutes to bring him back to life, but that life was now forever diminished. He awoke after a two month coma to find himself blind, unable to speak and paralyzed primarily from the neck down. His efforts to come back from such a nightmare to fulfill what he now calls “his dream” are both poignant and inspirational and can easily bring you to tears for all kinds of happy/sad reasons. (more…)
They know where all the best restaurants are, where all the movies stars stay and can probably help you get front row tickets to just about any event in town. They are Vancouver’s doormen, and without them, we’d be a city without a face. Last month, at the 18th Annual Doormens Dinner, these ambassadors were honoured for their great service and hard work. Sponsored by Grace McCarthy’s CH.I.L.D (CHildren with Intenstinal and Liver Disorders) foundation, and held at Vancouver’s Four Seasons Hotel, this was one fundraiser where extra baggage was encouraged.
Celebrating it’s 12th year of food and wine, Whistler’s Cornucopia once again provided a weekend to remember. Featuring gala wine tastings, winemakers’ dinners and after parties that continued well into the wee hours – this celebration of all things indulgent is well worth the price of admission. Several North Shore faces were spotted sipping famous label wines and dipping into plates created by some of the world’s top chefs. The only hard part, is keeping up the pace for four days straight. Cheers. (more…)
The following list represents all the Bright Lights columns written by Catherine Barr and published in the North Shore News newspaper in the year 2001. Catherine was the Bright Lights columnist at the North Shore News from 1996 – 2002.
ANGELS dwell among us. And if you don’t want to take my word for it, just ask Vancouver’s most famous glamour gal – Jacqui Cohen. Her parties have been the talk of the town for 10 years now, so this year there was a lot to celebrate. The Face the World Foundation and its patron “angels” have raised more than $2 million dollars over the past decade thanks to the generosity of the jet-set crowd. And while the outfits and antics are a constant source of water-cooler gossip, there’s no mistaking all the good work that results from evenings like these. A big thanks to everyone, including our own North Shore gang below, for all of their givings.
| Lenora Gates and husband Bob Repchuk pose outside by the new Rolls Royce. |
| Superagent Bruce Allan and Katy Ann Davidson purchased a big dinner at Vicki Gabereau’s house during the live auction. |
| Janella David and Arthur Griffiths cuddled up outside on the patio. |
| Looking trendy in turquoise and snakeskin was Chantal Sanidas. |
| West Vancouver’s Bahadur Karim and Eva Tauberfligel (right) and friends. |
| West Van’s own Lin Rockwell (right) and Elizabeth Showman looked as stylish as ever. |
| *big* Army and Navy heiress Jacqui Cohen (left) and mom Marlene Cohen-Wexler show off Jacqui’s spectacular $26 million (yes, million) diamond necklace. Don’t worry, the necklace, and its security guards, flew home to the gallery the next day. |
| Hey guys, looking good as usual. From left: Lauren Persson, Jim Romano, wife Lori Romano and Bill Persson |
| West Vancouver’s George and Eva Tauberfligel are always full of fun. Eva’s outfit sported little honeybee pins, one for each of her three children. |
| Litigator Kim Moller is a real shark, but beautiful Christine Dahlberg says she’ll keep him anyways. |
| He’s Diva at the Met. Executive chef Michael Noble served caviar filled martini glasses as part of the meal. |
| Tammy Preast and Cheryl Wheeler chat on the driveway. |
| He’s a celebrity everywhere he goes. Umberto Menghi and his many restaurants are legendary. |
| Cynnie Woodward (left) posed with that ever fashionable fella, designer Feizal Virani. “Loved the long locks Feizal dahling.” |
| West Vancouver’s Karen and John MacPhail. |
| Indra Sangha wins this year’s award for best outfit. Low cut and lovely, no wonder her man, Georgia Pacific’s Brian Ashton, is smiling. |
| He’s the Keg, Hy’s and Gothams all rolled into one. David Aisenstat and friend Corinna Fields have a great future together. |
| Leanne Olma and Julie Steward. |
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