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Cocktails and cuisine came together for one glittering evening last week at The Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria for the hotel’s Shaken and Stirred culinary competition.

The Fairmont Empress’ Theresa Dickinson and The Fairmont Newport Beach’s Rob Anderson held down hosting duties with humour, panache and a lot of sex appeal in this 007-inspired event.

Executive Sous Chef Ken Nakano of The Fairmont Empress Hotel challenged Executive Chef Chad Blunston in a series of five courses. Each chef was to prepare a dish that paired perfectly with a pre-selected cocktail. Myself and three other judges were given the task of rating each course out of 15 based on particular criteria.

The evening’s edible delights kicked off with a fanny bay oyster with yuzu lemonade and a sour cherry pearl from Chef Blunston battling against Chef Nakano’s Qualicum Beach scallop in a side striped shrimp terrine with coriander and avocado remoulade. The first course was paired with the Dawa cocktail, Dawa meaning “healing” in Swahili.

Other featured cocktails included The Empress 1908, featuring vodka infused with Empress Hotel tea, as well as OC Nights, Bronze Seduction and my personal favourite, the Mango Tango. What looked sweet and fruity actually packed a lot of kick with mango purée shaken with jalapeño.

Before the final and sweetest course, Chefs Blunston and Nakano served up everything from organic chicken breast from Goldstream and duck confit to king prawn with pineapple curry sauce and porcini braised chuck flat. Choosing the best dessert proved most difficult. Chef Blunston offered up banana cream beignets with an incredible trough of chocolate while Chef Nakano whipped up hazelnut florentine cradling espresso gelato.

When the last sip was savoured and the final crumbs all but licked off our plates, the numbers were tallied and a winner was declared. Chef Ken Nakano was the judges’ favourite, earning the most points for his simple yet creatively flavourful dishes. Chef Blunston, however, could hardly be known as second best: each course he prepared was a true work of art.

Rumour has it that The Fairmont Newport Beach is hoping for a re-match this fall in Orange County! Stay tuned for more on round two, but in the meantime, stop in at The Fairmont Empress Hotel next time you’re in Victoria and devour some of Chef Nakano’s food for yourself.

There’s no anticipation quite like the anticipation you feel before a much-needed holiday. In April I’m traveling to Mexico on what is to be my first international trip. My previous travel experiences have only ever involved North American destinations.

Seven nights and eight days in the Pacific coastal fishing town of Zihuatanejo, staying in a stunning villa overlooking Zihuatanejo Bay, will be nothing short of perfect. It’s not a resort and certainly not all-inclusive, so I’ve got two months to educate myself in basic Spanish. We’ll be a hop, skip and a jump away from the main part of town, so I’m looking forward to integrating myself into Mexican culture each day.

Photo: Doug Tanner on Flickr

Most of the time spent there I hope to be doing not much more than lying on the white sand with a cold drink in my hand, but I’ve got a few things planned. Besides photowalking through “Zihua” – as the locals and regular travelers to the area call it – I’d like to take a genuine Mexican cooking class. Also on the agenda is a visit to a local dolphin sanctuary that offers experiences in the pool with dolphins, interacting and playing with the lovable porpoises.

Needless to say, I’m counting down the days to flip flops, sundresses and coconut-scented sunblock. For those of you that have been to Mexico before: what travel advice would you give? Any suggestions of things I should do or must-see attractions?

By the time you read this, I’ll be en route to an extended – and snowy – weekend getaway to two of the most beautiful places Vancouver Island has to offer with one of the best people Vancouver has to offer.

Tonight I’ll be at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria judging the Shaken and Stirred culinary competition, pitting two amazing chefs from the Fairmont family against each other. I’m looking forward to amazing dishes and fantastic cocktails in what promises to be one delicious evening, so feel free to follow my updates and pictures on Twitter.

Photo: John Biehler on Flickr

Tomorrow we’re pointing the wheels northwest and, after a quick bite in Nanaimo, will be spending the rest of the weekend comfy and cozy at the Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet. A few days of nothing more than sunshine, crashing waves and crisp air is exactly what I need. I hope to have stunning photos and charming stories to tell next week, so stay tuned…

Big or small, four legs or two, scales or fur – it doesn’t matter: we love our pets.

More than half of all households in Canada include some sort of pet, and for many that pet is as much a part of the family as anyone else. For the first time ever, the Vancouver Island Pet Expo will be taking over Pearkes Recreation Centre in Victoria on May 28th and 29th.

While the show will include everything from pet health information, canine demonstrations or where to rescue your next furry companion from, none of this is possible without varied and interesting exhibitors.

Photos: Stephen Mitchell and Mohammadali on Flickr

As the largest gathering of pet lovers on Vancouver Island, the Pet Expo promises to be the very best opportunity to showcase your ideas and products. The event is still seeking a number of exhibitors that would like to partake in this exciting weekend, so please visit the Pet Expo online for more information on how you can take part and nab a booth for yourself.

I’ll be giving away free passes to attend the Vancouver Island Pet Expo prior to the event, so stayed locked on my blog for more information! In the meantime, you can find the Vancouver Island Pet Expo online, on Facebook and on Twitter.

It seemed hard to believe that the lifts at Mount Washington were still running on Father’s Day – in June – at the end of the 2009/2010 ski season. With another 200cm having fallen on the slopes in recent days, it looks like Mount Washington is primed for a repeat of last year’s Snowmageddon.

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

“January was a no-show in the weather department,” recalls resort spokesperson Brent Curtain. “Everybody was waiting for another blast from La Nina but the weather patterns went on hold. The snow is piling up again, just like it did in December,” Curtain continues. “So we’re happy to be able to extend the winter season just like we did last season.”

The mountain is ready to welcome skiers and snowboarders over the next two months and have created a number of events, activities fun promotions from now until the end of the season. The incredible conditions will ensure that this weekend’s Sprite Big Air Comp at the Stomping Ground Terrain Park will go off without a hitch. With more snowfall and colder than average temperatures looming in the forecast, it looks like you’ve just found the perfect reason to play hooky.

For more information on Mount Washington Alpine Resort – including directions and accommodations – visit the resort online. You can also find Mount Washington on Facebook or follow their updates on Twitter.

Nothing brings people together like food and nothing gets people out to local eateries like dining events. Starting tomorrow, Dine Around the Comox Valley will run until March 6th and offer diners the chance to explore the myriad of restaurants in and around the Comox Valley.

The concept is simple: choose your price tier, choose your restaurant and enjoy a complete meal as selected by the eatery to showcase their culinary talents. I’ve included a list below of participating restaurants and the meal tier they fall under.

$15

Plates Catering & Eatery 2601 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay (250) 334-8087 [website]
Ricky’s All Day Grill 795 Ryan Road, Courtenay (250) 334-9638 [website]
Smitty’s 1747 Comox Avenue, Comox (250) 339-3911 [website]
Thai Village Restaurant 2104 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay (250) 334-3812 [website]
Tita’s Mexican Restaurant 536 6th Street, Courtenay (250) 334-8033 [website]
Yummies & Gyros Greek Café 279 Puntledge Road, Courtenay (250) 338-2299 [website]

$25

Bisque 307B 14th Street, Courtenay (250) 334-8564 [website]
Blackfin Pub 132 Port Augusta Street, Comox (250) 339-5030 [website]
Fluid Bar & Grill 1175 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay (250) 338-1500 [website]
Greenhouse Restaurant 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay (250) 338-7741 [website]
Mad Chef Cafe 492 Fitzgerald Avenue, Courtenay (250) 871-7622 [website]
Martine’s Bistro 1754 Beaufort Avenue, Comox (250) 339-1199 [website]
Monte Christo on the River 975 Comox Road, Courtenay (250) 338-1468 [website]
Tita’s Mexican Restaurant 536 6th Street, Courtenay (250) 334-8033 [website]
Union Street Grill 477 5th Street, Courtenay (250) 897-0081 [website]

$35

Atlas Café 250 6th Street, Courtenay (250) 338-9838 [website]
Avenue Bistro 2064 Comox Avenue, Comox (250) 890-9200 [website]
Locals Restaurant 364 8th Street, Courtenay (250) 338-6493 [website]
The Old House Restaurant 1760 Riverside Lane, Courtenay (250) 338-5406 [website]
Silverado West Coast Grill at Crown Isle 399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay (250) 703-5000 [website]

For more information, visiting 2011 Comox Valley Dining Around online. Reservations are highly recommended.

It’s surprising to some and common knowledge to many, but Vancouver Island has been home at one point or another to many famous actors, musicians, athletes and artists. Much like the Island Profile series, this new Famous Faces series will profile some of these icons of our time and pioneers of our past.

Though she first captured my attention as the feisty and nosy lawyer Gracie Law in John Carpenter’s Big Trouble In Little China, Kim Cattrall is perhaps more widely known as the insatiable Samantha Jones on HBO’s Sex and the City. Born in Liverpool, England and now an international symbol of female empowerment and independence, much of Kim’s adolescent years were spent in the then sleepy town of Courtenay.

Photos: Private Collection – © All Rights Reserved

Kim Cattrall’s draw to acting started at a young age, and much of her time in high school was spent focused on her craft. When she wasn’t on stage, she could be seen wandering the halls of G.P. Vanier Secondary School with other students from the drama department. After a summer in New York City at an acting camp, Kim graduated from Vanier in the early ’70s – in my own mother’s graduating class, no less – and left the Comox Valley to pursue her passion.

Photo: Kris Krüg on Flickr

Nabbing a Genie a few years later for her work in Ticket to Heaven, Kim’s career quickly gained speed and she was featured in a film every single year throughout the ’80s and ’90s. Kim appeared in everything from Porky’s and Police Academy to Mannequin and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Her big break no doubt came when she was cast as part of Sex and the City‘s fierce foursome, pounding the New York City pavement in their Manolo Blahniks.

Aside from her vast body of film work, Kim is also a successful author, co-penning Satisfaction: The Art of the Female Orgasm with her then-husband, Mark Levinson, in 2002. Kim went on to host a documentary based on the book, educating women on the beauty of how their bodies work.

Today this award-winning and accomplished actress shows no signs of slowing down. However, when she’s not in front of the cameras, Kim can still sometimes be spotted in the Comox Valley area visiting family. In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that Kim was spotted hitting the rink at the local recreation centre over the holidays.

I first discovered the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) during one of their live demonstrations at the Woodland Gardens’ Art & Bloom Festival in 2009. One of the society’s volunteers was on hand to educate the crowd about the rehabilitation work this unique group performs.

While MARS holds both federal and provincial permits to allow them to do their work, they are entirely dedicated to rescue, transport, rehabilitate and (hopefully) release wild birds that have been injured through everything from other animals to tragic oil spills.

Based out of the Merville area between Courtenay and Campbell River, MARS provides a stress-free environment with intensive care to allow injured birds to fully recover. No bird is too big or small for MARS, with everything from robins and eagles to hawks and owls receiving assistance. Through the hard work of both volunteers and generous donors, MARS is able to continue work that would otherwise be neglected.

Photo: MARS

On the last weekend of February, MARS is proud to host the 6th Annual Bald Eagle Festival in Campbell River. Featuring Doug Carrick – the man behind the world-famous Hornby Island Eagle Webcam – photography, educational displays and demonstrations, guest lecturers and more, the Festival aims to promote the health of the local bald eagle population while focusing on Phoenix, the young Hornby Island eaglet that suddenly died last summer.

When: Saturday, February 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Maritime Heritage Centre at Campbell River Pier

Cost: $5 for individuals; $10 for families; no cost for MARS members (all proceeds to benefit MARS)

For more information on MARS and the 6th Annual Bald Eagle Festival, please visit them online or on Facebook. You can also follow MARS on Twitter.

As a child, I attended Brooklyn Elementary in Comox. Recess and lunch hour would be spent playing with friends and creating an imaginary world in the small cluster of trees behind the school. In high school, we were fortunate enough to have an entire forest behind Highland Secondary.

Photo: James Everett on Flickr

Comox’s Northeast Woods is a treasure trove of flora, fauna, winding paths and moss-covered trees, and is often referred to as Comox’s very own Stanley Park. With forest, meadow and wetlands, the nearly two dozen hectares is entirely unprotected.

The Town of Comox, along with support from the Comox Valley Conservation Strategy (CVCS), have applied to the Province for a grant from the Crown to designate the area as protected parkland. An adjacent gravel pit would be developed into affordable housing.

Photo: Ron Racine

On Wednesday, February 23rd, all are invited to an information session at 7:30 p.m. at Highland Secondary School. The CVCS will be presenting in-depth information about how the strategy impacts the Northeast Woods and what could be done to protect an area that is so important to the local community. The evening will also include a photo slide show of the area and an inspiring musical performance.

For more information on this event and the CVCS, contact Kerry Dawson, Education and Outreach Coordinator, at (250) 339-1029 or visit the CVCS online.

With a total population of around 750,000 people, Vancouver Island is home to a lot of women. They’re our sisters, mothers, aunts, grandmas, nieces and our friends. And in recent years, the risk of heart disease in women is now on par with the risks facing our male counterparts.

February has been declared Heart Health Month across Canada by the Heart & Stroke Foundation, an initiative that encourages women to better care for themselves, cut their cholesterol rates and take steps to a healthier lifestyle. The Heart Truth is a campaign chocked full of information for us ladies, no matter how young or old. You can take a quiz to assess your personal risk, download a Community Action Kit and find tips for prevention and also learn the warning signs of heart disease. It could save a life.

Here are a few tips courtesy of The Heart Truth to help prevent heart disease and strokes:

• Quit Smoking – Smoking contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and blood clots and doubles your risk!
• Lower Your Cholesterol – Almost half of all Canadian women have cholesterol levels that are too high, a risk that’s proven to be more serious in us than in men.
• Keep Your Weight Down – If you’re 30% or more over a healthy body weight, you’re two to three times more likely to develop heart disease.
• Stay Active – 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can slash your risk of heart disease and have a positive impact on some of the other tips listed here.
• Monitor Your Blood Pressure – Keeping your blood pressure in check will reduce your risk of stroke by up to 40 per cent, your risk of heart disease by 50 per cent and your risk of heart failure by up to 25 per cent. Those numbers add up!
• Kiss Stress Good-bye – Stress is inevitable, but the more you stress, the less likely you are to make healthy lifestyle decisions. Relax, unwind and reduce your risk.
• Diabetes – Diabetes is a significant factor in women’s heart health so monitor your blood sugar levels daily, eat a healthy and balanced diet that’s high in fibre, stay active and watch your weight.
• Put Down The Third Cocktail – Some alcohol, such as red wine, is heart-healthy in moderation, but too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Limit yourself to one or two drinks per day, maximum, to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For more information on The Heart Truth and other campaigns, visit the Heart & Stroke Foundation online. You can also find the foundation on Facebook and Twitter.