Since 2008, Mangia e Bevi Ristorante in West Vancouver has started the year off on the right foot with a charity month of dinners designed to raise funds for cancer research. Last week, it was time for the B.A.C.I.O. (Because A Cure is Obtainable) final night gala. “Bacio” – which means “kiss” – featured a fabulous menu of Italian specialities, live music, auction items and more. Monies raised this night go to support the Lions Gate Oncology Clinic and BC Children’s Hospital Oncology Research.
01 – North Vancouver PR gal Dana Lee Harris joins radio/tv personality Terry David Mulligan for the celebratory dinner.
02 – Lions Gate Hospital Foundation’s president Judy Savage, left, and director of donor relations Kristy Gill are on hand this night to join in the festivities.
03 – Serving up smiles for a good cause are Mangia e Bevi staffers Dustin Wellwood, left, Katie Manomie, Patrick Malone and Tara McIntrye.
04 – Lobster and asparagus risotto, ravioli with wild mushrooms and black angus beef tenderloin are just some of the delicious items being prepared by Mangia e Bevi’s talented kitchen chefs.
05 – A fabulous Italian cook in her own right, VIP guest Elaine Henderson, left, chats with Jesse and Samantha Godin during the cocktail reception.
06 – Cooking up a great charity event, guest Ross Henderson congratulates chef/owner Rob Parrott on a job well done.
07 – Newlywed musician Adam Woodall, seen here wife Nicole and restaurant owner Doug Grisdale, is only too happy to entertain guests this night with a live set of his favourites.
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By Catherine Barr – Jan 31, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Feb 9, 2012
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It’s time to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Said to be the mightiest of the Chinese Zodiac symbols, anyone born under this sign is likely to be ambitious, successful and hard-working in nature. Helping to welcome the year in style last week were the good folks at Park Royal’s Osaka food market. A special VIP guest reception was held that featured food tours, arts and crafts displays and traditional lion dancing. Those in attendance were also treated to a wide selection of delicious treats and special gift bags.
January 25th is known the world over as Robert Burns Day. Famous for his poems and songs, Scotland’s national bard is celebrated every year with a traditional dinner featuring bagpipes, honourary toasts and the “Address to the Haggis” – an often maligned (but rather tasty) Scottish delicacy. Last week it was the feisty folks at West Vancouver’s Seniors Centre who came out to raise a dram to the man who left us with much more than just his immortal memory. Congrats to all involved.
It’s no secret that reality TV has taken prime time television by storm. But whether it’s American Idol, Dancing with the Stars or Survivor, few of us know what really goes on behind the scenes. Enter Shannon Nering. This beautiful and talented West Vancouver woman knows all the gossip having got her start in the industry a few years ago as a docu-reality producer and director. With an amazing list of credits to her name, including the much anticipated Real Housewives of Vancouver (due out in February 2012), she’s decided to tell all . . . sort of. Recently, Shannon held a glamorous party in honour of her new book entitled “Reality Jane”. Based on her sometimes wild television experiences, she nonetheless denies that “Jane” is her alter ego. Instead, Shannon prefers to describe the book as a kind of “chick-lit” novel based on a fun character who was designed solely for the entertainment of her readers. And now, with the title “author” added to her list of credentials, she’s hoping audiences buy-in to this new adventure too.
Jody Claman and her daughter Mia are two of West Vancouver’s most notable socialites who are well-known for their culinary catering and chic fashion businesses. Now, it’s 25 year-old daughter Mia’s turn to take centre stage as she debuted her MIA “Missing In Action” Claman Couture line at their Glass House boutique store in Ambleside late last year. A reality camera crew was on hand to capture all the action as the mother / daughter team welcomed VIP friends and family to a night that delighted all the senses. Look for the reality show to debut in February on the Slice channel.
Get out your datebooks and calendars, it’s time to plan your social schedule for the New Year. And while 2011 proved to be extra exciting, with red carpet galas and glamorous restaurant / wine events everywhere, here are a a few suggestions to pencil in for what promises to be a fabulous 2012. See you there!
West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas party at Capilano Golf and Country Club this month. It was a fabulous dress-up affair complete with cocktail reception, live music and both silent and live auction items. And even as much as Capilano is known for their fabulous food, this year staff outdid themselves with one of the absolutely best buffets I have ever experienced. Another big highlight was a surprise visit from The Grinch and two of his “Will Ferrell” elf-like assistants whose costumes and antics kept everyone entertained.
It’s one of Vancouver’s most elegant black-tie affairs, and this year there was even more reason to celebrate. The 25th annual Crystal Ball gala, in support of BC Children’s Hospital, marked its’ anniversary year with a special plea to help support the development of a new BC Children’s Hospital. The ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel was transformed into a silvery wintery wonderland as guests enjoyed a champagne reception and a four course meal. Live and silent auction items were bid on to raise funds, then guests were invited to visit the specially set-up ultra lounge where dessert and disco-dancing finished off the evening in style. Congrats to everyone involved.
The holiday gala season would not be complete without The Arthritis Society’s 2011 Bluebird Gala. Sponsored by Scotiabank the gala style cocktail reception raised over $120,000. Entertainment for the night included music groups “LesIsMore” and “Van Django”. Comedian Patrick Maliha had everyone giggling as he sported a “Movember to remember” moustache for extra effect. Also last month, Canadian journalism icon Allan Fotheringham held a special private reception for friends and family for the launch of his newest book – a collection of memories entitled “Boy From Nowhere – A Life in Ninety-One Countries”. With some tell-all secrets from the past, and a warning for the future, this book is a must read.
It was time to show your spirit and your team colours this past weekend as the 99th Grey Cup came to town. Orange and black were the popular choice as hometown fans cheered their own BC Lions all the way to victory in the finals against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. But the big game was just a part of the weekend-long Grey Cup celebration that took place primarily at the Vancouver Convention Centre. With each CFL Team setting up their own “house” and live bands and street parties taking place nearby, the city was alive with electricity everywhere you looked. One of the biggest galas of the event was the Scotiabank Show Your Colours gala where, despite the $350 ticket price, everyone dressed in their team jerseys in anticipation of Sunday’s big game. VIP guests included Premier Christy Clark, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other dignitaries who were all treated to a five-star meal, marching bands, cheerleaders, live music and comedy impersonators.
Canadian columnist and journalism icon Allan Fotheringham came home to Vancouver last week for a private book launch party with friends and family. In a rare one-on-one interview with reporter Catherine Barr, Fotheringham doesn’t miss a beat when asked about such topics as new media, President Obama, the Occupy Wall Street movement and the decimation of the Federal Liberal Party under leader Michael Ignatieff. With some tell-all secrets from the past, and a warning for the future, this is Fotheringham raw and unplugged and at his best. His newest book – a collection of memories entitled “Boy From Nowhere – A Life in Ninety-One Countries” – is now available to the public.
The Hyatt hotel ballroom was transformed into a twinkling festival of lights earlier this month as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) celebrated its’ 12th Annual Rockin’ For Research gala. With the theme “Paris Under the Stars”, it was a night to remember as guests gathered to raise money for this very worthwhile cause. The silent auction cocktail party was a great place to start shopping, but so was the live auction which featured some big ticket items including celebrity chefs and sports stars. Later on it was dancing till dawn to the sweet sounds of Vancouver’s Famous Players band. Congrats to all involved.
It’s official, Vancouver’s International Airport (YVR) is about to open British Columbia’s first ever Victoria’s Secret Boutique. It’s one of many new items being introduced to Vancouver’s award-winning airport in an attempt to attract high flyers and members of the jet set crowd. A rare Omega Ladymatic watch ($25,000) and an even rarer 70 Year Old Glenlivet scotch ($27,888), one of only 100 in the world, are also both featured here in this behind the scenes walk-thru at Canada’s second busiest airport.
Whistler’s annual 2011 Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival returns with the best year yet. Regular features, like the Crush Grand Gala Tasting Room and Casino Royale at Ric’s Grill are back. This year also marks the return of the Bearfoot Bistro’s famous Masquerave featuring Cirque du Soleil type performers, live music, free flowing libations and a feast for the senses unlike any other. Proprietor Andre Saint-Jacques moved the $350 per ticket soiree to the Listel Hotel’s parking garage and, with tv cameras in tow, proceeded to give Whistler a world-class party that was the envy of all.
The Amica retirement housing complex in West Vancouver is both beautiful and luxurious. But what many don’t realize, is that seniors living below the poverty line are more common than ever before. Thankfully, the good folks behind the Third Annual Amica Helping Hands Gala are here to help. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel, the gala featured a delicious gourmet meal, live auction items and a great night of entertainment by the Fab Fourever Beatles tribute band. The 2011 gala raised over $150,000 for seniors living in poverty across Canada. Those wishing to contribute can do so at any time through www.amica.ca/helpinghands.
Jody Claman and her daughter Mia are two of West Vancouver most notable socialites who are well-known for their culinary catering and chic fashion businesses. This week, it was 25 year-old daughter Mia’s turn to take centre stage as she debuted her MIA “Missing In Action” Claman Couture line at their Glass House boutique store in Ambleside. A reality camera crew was on hand to capture all the action as the mother / daughter team welcomed VIP friends and family to a night that delighted all the senses. Look for the reality show to debut in April 2012.
West Vancouver was paid a royal visit of sorts last week as Miss America, Teresa Scanlan, visited Ambleside’s Aldila Boutique. In town to help present Canadian clothing designer Joseph Ribkoff, the 18 year-old Nebraska native was the epitome of style and smarts. With a smile that sparkled even brighter than her crown, this confident young woman made it clear that the era of Barbie doll blondes and beauty pageant pigeonholing is long over. Later this year, when her reign is over, she plans on returning to school to pursue law. Also last week, the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce held its annual “Hats Off to Excellence” Business Awards at North Vancouver’s Pinnacle Pier hotel. With a “Mad Men” theme, and contributions by the Capilano University film students, the evening was both elegant and entertaining. Congrats to all nominees!
It was pink and pretty and very Parisian. The Nite of Hope North Shore, “Nite at the Moulin Rouge” gala at the Pinnacle Pier in North Vancouver was a sparkly soiree that featured a gourmet dinner, fashion show by Phoenix, entertainment and auction items. Raising funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – BC and Yukon, guests enjoyed a champagne reception and a night to remember. Also last week, it was Pumpkin Fest time at West Vancouver’s Community Centre. Live music, displays, kids activities, pumpkin carving contests and a scarecrow competition highlighted the 2-day event. Fabulous sunshine and great volunteers helped make it an extra successful weekend.
The Vancouver International Film Festival is among the top five film festivals in the world. And while it is not known for its’ big name Hollywood hype, it is however known for its’ international flair and diverse content. Still, parties and red carpet glam do happen and one of the biggest soirees is always held at Cin Cin restaurant on Robson. Owned by West Vancouver restaurateur Jack Evrensel, the evening is hosted by Brightlights Pictures and The Bridge Studios execs who always manage to invite the who’s who of the local scene and screen. 
If the good old hockey game, is the best game you can name, then tonight is the night you’ve been waiting for all summer as the Vancouver Canucks return to the ice for their 2011-2012 season opener. In honour of hockey’s return, a group of invite-only North Shore kids and their parents got a head start on the puck drop at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club. Fan Zoo Memorabilia hosted a day of Canuck player fun that included a shoot out with goalie Cory Schneider, stick lessons from Alex Burrows and a locker room/coaches chat with Mason Raymond and Maxim LaPierre. An after-party and autograph session made sure no fan left empty handed as the Canucks’ young guns were only too pleased to smile, shake hands and give every kid two minutes for excellent sportsmanlike conduct.
Hollywood A-Listers Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Trainspotting, Hamish Macbeth) and Ginnifer Goodwin (Walk the Line, He’s Just Not That Into You) headed up a local star-studded cast last weekend at the Sutton Place Hotel for an elegant and magical gala that touched the heartstrings of all who attended. The “Once Upon a Cure” event (which was based on the newly produced TV series “Once Upon a Time”) was created by North Vancouver’s Deb and Ryan Purcell. Their son Trey suffers from an extremely rare disease known as Hunter Syndrome (MPS II). In an effort to raise money for a cure, Ryan Purcell called on his fellow movie/TV industry friends to come on out and lend their star power in support. West Vancouver’s elegant Amanda Tapping, best known for her roles on TV’s “Stargate” and “Sanctuary” series, was only too happy to act as spokeswoman for the cause which raised over $90,000 at this first annual event.
Roberto Luongo, Trevor Linden, Tom Larscheid and Maelle Ricker are just a few of the big names you might recognize as sporting heroes in our town. However, give or take a few Olympic gold medals, they all have something else in common. Last week, these athletes were among an elite group inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame – Class of 2011. The Banquet of Champions gala dinner, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, was a star-studded affair that not only recognized past accomplishments, but also recognized the achievements of young up-and-coming local athletes too. Also last week, it was time to welcome autumn as the 7th Annual Lower Lonsdale Fall Festival took place in North Vancouver at the new Shipyard at the foot of Lonsdale. Featuring live entertainment, display booths, a pumpkin pie contest and more, it was a great day full of family fun. 
It was a legal who’s who last week as the good folks at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, one of Canada’s largest law firms, celebrated their 100 year anniversary. Cocktails and conversation were only the start as guests enjoyed five-star service at the Vancouver Convention Centre complete with entertainment by North Shore singing ensemble Aliqua and a live tugboat water ballet by Washington Marine group. Dignitaries and guests were also treated to a cake cutting ceremony and a display of memorabilia that traced the company’s impressive history. Also last week, the Luxury Supercar event weekend rolled into town and kicked things into high speed with a week long gear-up that included the launch of the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, a high society lounge party in the park to celebrate Mercedes-Benz’s 125 year anniversary and a weekend of luxury cars and stars for the public to come see and dream about. Never before seen automobiles, including the electric Tesla supercar and a stunning burnt orange gull-winged McLaren, were on show along with Ferrari, Porsche, Rolls-Royce and more. The show stopper however had to be the Bugatti Veyron – yours for a mere $2.2 million dollars.
The Fair at the PNE has been a West Coast tradition for over 101 years now. And while the Labour Day long weekend may mark the start of school, it just wouldn’t feel right to welcome September without a little nod to the North Shore folks who helped make things come alive at the best rock ‘n roller coaster, farm’n fun attraction that has been a deep fried family favourite for over a century. Yee haw!
As we say goodbye to August, it’s time for a quick look back at some events that helped make the month memorable. First, North Vancouver’s Regency Auto Group / Regency Infiniti held the F1 Vancouver Reign event. Featuring the Red Bull F1 show car, and a selection of other rare Nissan / Infiniti built vehicles, the night included music and munchies all in support of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Next, a Vancouver icon reopened its doors with a splashy and stylish reception. The new Rosewood Hotel Georgia is showing off its stripes and among its new additions is a 4th floor rooftop courtyard ultra lounge called “Reflections”. Complete with lounge chairs, couches and water fountain river features built right into the floor, the space is bound to attract a lot of attention from the after work cocktail crowd. Save me a seat! And lastly, Vancouver rock-n-roll legend Red Robinson, after an abrupt format change by Fun FM radio, announced this week that he is back on the airwaves again, this time with a four-hour Sunday segment on AM650 Radio.
