CHEVRON SERVICE AWARDS BANQUET

Chevron's Annual Service Awards Banquet

Hart House at Deer Lake Park

It is a rare feat these days to be employed with one employer for more than 5 years. So when someone celebrates a milestone anniversary of employment it is definitely worth celebrating.

On November 17, 2011,  Chevron's Burnaby Refinery hosted their Annual Service Awards Banquet at the historical Hart House in Deer Lake Park, Burnaby. Chevron has a long standing history with hosting their banquets at the Hart House.

The evening started with incredible hors d'oeuvres  that included: Angus beef sliders, Anjou pear topped with a crisp blue cheese and wrapped in Italian prosciutto, Deep fried Risotto balls with aioli sauce, Spring rolls and Deep fried prawn and crab balls.

The evening's dinner menu started with a fresh and crisp Caesar salad followed by a generous portion of steaming mushroom, sweet pea risotto. The creamy texture blended with the wild mushrooms made it appetizing and delectable to the palate. The main course was a choice of either Angus beef or chicken. The beef was prepared in a perfect medium rare and served up with potatoes gratin, haricot verts and roasted garlic. The chicken breast was roasted and also accompanied by the potatoes gratin and haricot verts.  Dessert was a caramelized lemon tart with a raspberry coulee along with coffee and tea.

The evening's entertainment not only included employees receiving 'commemorative' gifts to mark the anniversary. (the gifts were all in good fun marking the decades that each service award was given for and the 'real' Chevron Service Awards were awarded independently).  10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service were recognized by Chevron and their respective employees (including Pitt Meadows residents Jim Hamilton and Brek Stewart each with 30 years). Humor to the night was added not only by the beautiful snowfall outside but also by the Vancouver Theatre Sports Improv Troop from Granville Island. Hilarity, and `gentle` ribbing of a few select Chevron employees made the evening festive and delightful to be a part of.

Congratulations to all the Service Award Recipients.

http://twitpic.com/7fn3h0

http://twitpic.com/7fnnlk

http://www.harthouserestaurant.com/

http://www.vtsl.com/mainstage/index.php

http://www.burnaby.ca/Things-To-Do/Arts-and-Heritage/Burnaby-Village-Museum.html

WHISTLER BREWHOUSE RESTAURANT REVIEW

WHISTLER BREWHOUSE RESTAURANT REVIEW

by

SherBoudreau

@ravenbran20

Oct 1 2011

Nestled in the beauty and majesty of Whistler British Columbia is an enticing micro-brewery/pub ideally called "The BrewHhouse".  The BrewHouse has 5 locations within the lower Mainland of Vancouver and the Whistler location certainly shines as one of their brilliant stars.

Just walking distance from the famed 'Olympic Plaza', the BrewHouse is a great spot for a quick beer (I suggest trying the Alta Lake Lager) or warming up by the two sided  fireplace and enjoying a leisurely dining experience.  The wooden framed building paired up black and red leather seating gives the pub a definite 'Chalet' feeling and a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Your seating can be as varied as you want with sitting in the pub, restaurant or mezzanine area. You can even catch with news or sports with their television screens as well or enjoy the spirit of youth by following their elevated train circling the BrewHouse.

The menu is diverse with a focus on twisting up 'traditional' favorites like macaroni and cheese and chopped salad. Daily specials are absolutely worth the try, like the 'Patatas Con Carne' (a glorious match up of prime rib, rich gravy, hand made French fries, onions and crimini mushrooms) It's like chilli fries to the max!

For the vegetarians, they have several dishes to choose from with the option of making some of the other dishes meat free. Their chopped salad comes with Genoa salami and smoked ham which can be set aside for a pure vegetarian delight. The salad has romaine lettuce, fancy greens, chick peas, peppers, gruyere cheese and a Dijon vinaigrette that is simply heaven on earth.

With a wide selection of wines from all over the world and of course some amazing BC favorites like Burrowing Owl Winery, it is easy to find a wonderful wine to accompany any of their dishes.

If you have room after their well portioned entrees, they do have something for the sweet tooth as well as coffees. They do have an expanded menu for after 5pm including a succulent prime rib dinner. Whether you dine at the Whistler location or one of the others (Surrey, Richmond, North Vancouver, Yaletown), you won't be disappointed and you won't go home hungry.

Price Range  $$-$$$$

http://www.markjamesgroup.com/brewhouse.html

http://twitpic.com/6t0ia6

Socrates Greek Taverna Restaurant Review

Socrates Greek Taverna Restaurant Review

by

Sher Boudreau

@ravenbran20

Sept 29, 2011

Taste of Fraser Valley - Restaurant Guide to the Fraser Valley, BC

The taste, sights and sounds of Greece come alive in Socrates Greek Taverna in Maple Ridge British Columbia.

With a fabulous menu and friendly staff like 'Maggie', Socrates is a great place for an intimate dinner for two or a family outing. The authentic music from Greece adds to the enjoyment of the dining experience.

If you choose to start off your dinner with an appetizer, I suggest a plate of  'Keftedes' (a Greek style meatball that is to die for) which is served with fresh tzatziki and hot pita bread and a wedge of lemon. If fish is more your style, try starting off with a plate of calamari or 'Shrimp A la Pana' (tiger prawns in marinara sauce).

Entrees are both traditional and they also serve some Italian and 'Canadiana' dishes. I highly recommend the lamp chops. Served with potatoes, rice and Greek salad. For $17.95, it's a bargain. For the hungry man, nothing hits the spot like their 'Greek Style Ribs' (pork ribs that are seasoned and cooked to fall off the bone perfection).  For the non meat eaters, Socrates has a myriad of seafood dishes and a fantastically filling Veggie Plate (potatoes, rice and Greek salad).

To accompany your meal, Socrates has several beers and wines available as well as the non alcoholic normalities. 

Of course, no dinner is ever complete without dessert and Socrates presents some of the richest, most decadent desserts Maple Ridge has. From the traditional Baklava to the light but still opulent Mango berry Cheesecake.

Socrates offers both dine in and take out as well as limited delivery (with minimum purchase). Reservations aren't always necessary but I do recommend them for a special evening or on the weekend when they are quite busy.

Price Range $$-$$$

Veggie Plate at Socrates Greek Taverna Maple Ridge BC on Twitpic

Lamp Chop dinner at Socrates Greek Taverna..Maple Ridge BC on Twitpic