I remember when I first started watching Iron Chef (the original Japanese version), being mightily impressed with the creativity and effort that went into the various dishes. I would sit back on my couch and envy the lucky judges who were granted the opportunity to sample the varied culinary masterpieces. And I'd think: "Wouldn't it…
March 17, 2011: Gaaaaah!
A thoroughly exhausting day and it's far from over. A little wrench thrown into my "two trips/two dogs in-cabin" plan. "Little" as in nine inches, the approximate height of the seat I'm going to have to squeeze the dogs underneath for the duration of the 5 hours flight. Suddenly, that charter jet option is looking…
March 16, 2011: Some SGU behind-the-scenes action! Okay, gotta go!
As if coordinating the move and dealing with outstanding home issues isn't enough, yesterday one of the light indicators in my Q7 went off meaning I'm going to have to bring it in for a bulb change. Not a big deal, but with 101 things already on my to-do list, making it 102 IS a…
March 15, 2011: Things are picking up! Trailers! We we so excited! Stewie! And some Ghosts of Manhattan discussion!
Well, things are starting to pick up. I've secured a car rental for the first couple of weeks I'll be in Toronto while I wait for my Q7 to be shipped over. No house as of yet and since we're cutting it kind of close, I've decided to rent a pet-friendly condo while I'm hunting.…
March 14, 2011: Ghosts of Manhattan, by George Mann
It's 1927 Manhattan, but a time and place both familiar and strange. The first world war has ended and the United States is in a Cold War with the British Empire. Steam-powered automobiles command the streets of a city terrorized by the mysterious underworld figure known as The Roman, so named for his penchant for…
March 13, 2011: March Madness! Dog transport! Moderne Burger!
Well, damn. I just realized that traveling next Saturday and the following Saturday will mean missing a big chunk of this year's NCAA tourney. It's the one extending sporting event I look forward to more than any other and I hate the prospect of being on a plane while, somewhere, a Cinderella thirteen seed is…
March 12, 2011: That Toronto Check List!
Well, with a little less than a week to go before I move to Toronto, it's time to go over that Toronto checklist: FIND SOMEWHERE TO LIVE: Nope. I've already bemoaned Toronto's not-so-production-friendly accommodations situation. And, since that post, not much has changed. Hope those production offices are comfy. And pet friendly! FIND A CAR…
March 11, 2011: Vegas Day #4! Restaurant Guy Savoy!
"Got a couple of maintenance issues for you to deal with,"said our pilot, motioning back behind him. And, as the two workers disappeared into the cockpit, so did any hope that our return flight would be departing on time. Moments later, the steward got on the intercom to confirm as much. We would be delayed…
March 10, 2011: Vegas Day #3! E by Jose Andres!
I've eaten at several molecular gastronom-themed restaurants over the years (The Molecular Tapas Bar, Les Creations de Narisawa, Aronia de Takazawa) as well as restaurants that have offered occasional molecular-inspired menu items - but these have all been in Tokyo. Last night, I finally sampled one in North America when I dined at E by…
March 9, 2011: Vegas Day #2! Dinner at Joel Robuchon!
Martin Gero knows his food, knows what he likes, and, more importantly, knows what I like when it comes to food - so his dining recommendations are to be given serious consideration. When Martin found out I'd be visiting Vegas, he insisted I visit two restaurants - the scenes of some of his most spectacular…
March 8, 2011: Vegas Day #1
Wake up late, work out, deal with any outstanding matters, enjoy a leisurely lunch, catch a taxi to the airport and arrive well in advance of the scheduled boarding time, leave Vancouver at 3:00 p.m., arrive in Vegas at 5:30 p.m., check in, unwind, then head on over to Scarpetta for our 8:00 p.m. dinner…
March 7, 2011: Vegas-bound! Stargate: Universe behind-the-scenes secret pics and video!
It's a travel day for me as I'm off to Vegas to meet up with Golden Boy Martin Gero for a culinary extravaganza! But fear not. I haven't forgotten you. With the back half of season two set to premiere, I thought I'd threat you all to some behind-the-scenes pics and vids from that new…
March 6, 2011: The dogs entertain! We eat! I need to hire Frank Martin!
Today, Akemi had some friends over to the house. I'd like to say "We entertained" but, in truth, the dogs did most of the entertaining. We enjoyed a leisurely home cooked lunch. I didn't have time to make ice cream, so I picked up some desserts from that always-busy cake and pastry place in the…
March 5, 2011: Dog fitness! The Vancouver farewell tour continues! “Greetings to you the lucky finder of this Golden Ticket, from Mr. Willy Wonka!! Present this ticket at the restaurant gates at eight thirty on the evening of the ninth day of March and do not be late!” Also, some mailbag!
With two weeks to go be our (probable) move to Toronto, I'm no closer to: a) finding somewhere to stay, b) finding something to drive, or c) figuring out how I'm going to get my dogs there. Ashleigh was kind enough to volunteer (herself and a friend who may or may not know she's been…
March 4, 2011: Farewell dinner with my long-time nemesis!
Last night, in preparation for next week's Vegas culinary extravaganza, I hit one of Vancouver's top fine dining destinations: West Restaurant on Granville. Joining me on this special evening - none other than my long-time nemesis: Ashleigh. She was fashionably late, as nemeses are wont to arrive, which allowed me to peruse the various menus,…