So, while I've been busy writing, rewriting, pitching, re-pitching, doing meetings and conference calls, Akemi has been taking English classes, taking care of the dogs, and cooking cooking cooking! Last week, she made siu long bao's for the first time. Then, last night, she tried her hand at a Chuck Hughes (owner of my second…
March 14, 2012: A farewell to Refuel! I rundown my Top 16 Most Memorable Meals!
Well, this is sad: Refuel closes; Top Chef Canada contestant takes over space. Refuel, formerly Fuel, one of my favorite Vancouver dining destinations is closing its doors. Owners Tom Doughty and Rob Belcham will no doubt remain as busy as ever what with two of their other restaurants, Campagnolo and Campagnolo Roma, doing brisk business and…
March 4, 2012: Dinner at Chez Cooper!
Well, well, well. If it isn't my former assistant on that Toronto-based show, finally getting around to sending me a pic of himself enjoying Dark Matter. Trevor writes: "Look what finally came in! They kept selling out so fast I had to order them special from 1000000 Comix. I was so excited I read them simultaneously!" Now THAT…
March 2, 2012: Of pig (pork) buns, getting busy, and Dark Matters!
Akemi: I like Laboratory Retrievers. Me: Huh? You mean Labrador Retrievers? Akemi: Labo-ratory... Me: Labrador. Akemi: Labratory... Me: Labrador. Akemi: I like Labu-chans! Last night, Akemi made pork buns the likes of which you're unlikely to find in most chinatowns... Well, things are certainly picking up on the creative front - and this after everything…
February 29, 2012: Dark Matter #3 preview (1 of 6)! Bizarro Alexander M. Ruemelin! Akemi’s confectionary creation!
The third issue of my comic book, Dark Matter, hits the shelves March 12th. It's a series with action, adventure, suspense, mystery, humor, twists, turns, surprises...but you already know this because you picked up issues #1 and #2 and are now anxiously awaiting the third installment of the four part opening story arc. You're no…
February 19, 2012: Fat Dragon!
How did I miss this? Apparently, the gang behind Refuel, Campagnolo, and Campagnolo Roma are poised to open a new restaurant (see, this is what I get for eating at home more). Fat Dragon will be a "Chinese BBQ joint" that will be open for business...well, I'm not sure when exactly. But for all the…
February 17, 2012: LBW throws his hat (actually, his face) into the Dark Matter casting ring! Menya! L’Abbatoir!
So, the day after Golden Boy Martin Gero sends me a pic of himself posing with copies of my comic book series, Dark Matter, in an obvious bid for a role in the potential Dark Matter television series, which came a day after my Toronto arch-nemesis, Tara Yelland, did pretty much the same thing, which came two…
February 16, 2012: Marty G. tries to continue his Road to a Dream! Tara’s long-awaited Dark Matter review! Top Ten Tokyo Pleasant Surprises!
Quelle surprise! The day after my Toronto nemesis, Tara Yelland, makes a bid to be cast in the potential Dark Matter television series (based on the comic book of the same name) by posing with a copy of the first issue, which came two days after Carl Binder did pretty much the same thing, which came a…
February 15, 2012: It was only a matter of time before Tara tried to get in on the action! Top Tokyo disappointments!
So, the day after the day after I call Carl Binder out for posting a pic of himself holding a copy of the second issue of my comic book series, Dark Matter, in a transparent attempt to get himself cast in a potential Dark Matter television series, which came the day after I called out Alex Levine…
February 12, 2012: Alex Levine checks in! Smallville season 11! The Supermovie of the Week Club is back! On the home (cooking’) front!
Well, well, well. If it isn't former Stargate: Atlantis script coordinator Alex Levine, pictured here holding up not just one but both recent issues of my comic book series, Dark Matter. Again, it's no surprise that I found this pic sitting in my mailbox this morning, the day AFTER I discuss Ivon Bartok's transparent attempt…
February 11, 2012: Casting dilemma! Another Apple issue! Dancing bonito! And remembering Maximus.
Well, well, well - look at who picked up the latest issue of my comic book series, Dark Matter. None other than my buddy (and former Stargate Special Features Producer) Ivon Bartok. While I appreciate the effort and obvious enthusiasm, I can't help but feel there's an ulterior motive here. Let's face it, it's no…
February 7, 2012: Tokyo Day #12! Berkserk! Nakajima! Taku! And a fond farewell to Star Bar! A mini mailbag!
On my second day in Tokyo, I came across a poster for Berserk (Golden Age Arc I: Egg of the Supreme Ruler), the first part of a three-part film trilogy based on one of my all-time favorite anime series (which was, in turn, based on a wildly popular manga series). The movie's opening happened to…
February 6, 2012: Tokyo Day #10! Still thinking about it! Dim Sum! Ueno! Back to Harujuku! Another night with the ladies!
Hey, I hear what you're all saying. There's a big difference between visiting a place for two weeks out of the year and actually living there, however I am a creature of habit. I adjusted quite quickly to Vancouver after the move from Montreal and then adjusted to life alone with the dogs. When Akemi…
February 5, 2012: Tokyo Day #9! Good news! A formal lunch at a casual restaurant! A gay egg! A rose-donkey! And a night out with the gals!
Woke up to some very good news. From the government no less! Akemi's application for permanent residency has been approved, meaning she won't have to leave Canada when her visitor's visa expires (on her birthday!) this April. According to the letter I received, the paperwork has been sent to Tokyo for processing - whatever that…
February 4, 2012: Day #8! Considering a change in location! Visiting Geek Central! Dessert for dinner and dinner for dessert! Make your own ice cubes – Star Bar style! And a mini mailbag!
The more I consider it, the more I think I could actually give it a go here in Tokyo. Of course, the move wouldn't be as simple as just picking up and shifting my life over to the other side of the world. Some issues would have to be addressed. Chiefly: 1. What would I…