An Adventure in Socializing Tweet Up Style

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 8, 2012

What do you get when you combine stunningly beautiful vistas of Vancouver, creative and succulent miniature haute cuisine (aka appetizers) and an 

energetic group of tech savvy individuals? 

Answer: News 1130 Tweet Up at the Lift Bar and Grill in Coal Harbor!

Tonight marked the 2nd 'Annual' Tweet Up for the News 1130 group and also marked their birthday milestone. Sixteen wonderful years of news, traffic, weather and sports to the citizens of the Lower Mainland. 

The night was filled with energetic conversations, constant tweeting (imagine that) and networking. The Lift Bar and Grill is by far one of the most picturesque restaurants in all of Vancouver. Sitting right on the waterfront of the Coal Harbor Marina, nestled alongside the equally beautiful Westin Bayshore Hotel. The night although marred by the slight drizzle outside, was anything but dynamic inside. 

The food ranged from petite brioche with chicken breast to wild mushrooms with blue cheese and balsamic reduction (of course that was my personal highlight fav). Sushi rolls of tuna and salmon, crab balls that were to absolutely die for and the most divine gruyere and ham grilled bites. The sharpness of the cheese paired up perfectly with the glass of 2007 Quail`s Gate Merlot. (My palate is still thanking me profusely)

Sporatic and timely commentaries made by our favorite News 1130 personalities along with some pretty stellar door prizes. Digital radios, gift basket and a $50 gift card among the goodies. But, our hosts didn`t stop there. Everyone in attendance was presented with their own `News 1130 satchel bag` before leaving. Inside the bag were yet more goodies, all designed for the tech guru. 

I`m quite certain the 4GB flashdrive is going to be used quite effectively very soon. 

My personal and biggest thrill came from meeting and having an awe moment speaking with the Bruce Claggett. We discussed novelists, i.e., Stephen King. He even allowed me the great honor of bestowing a few of my own personal anecdotes and thoughts on writing and journalism. The stars were aligned and karma was on my side for a brief moment in time. Speaking with Bruce was like taking art lessons from Picasso himself. I gained a great deal of insight and motivation. Perhaps even a slight inclination to toss my hat into the world of screen writing. 

Overall, I noticed a distinct age differential between my fellow tweeters there tonight and I am proud to say I felt honored to be in the presence of so many amazing people. 

I could not think of a better way for me and my (wonderfully tolerant) husband to have spent our date night. 

If you don`t follow me on twitter, I can be found easily with:  @ravenbran20

http://twitpic.com/8hh14u

http://twitpic.com/8hh58a

http://twitpic.com/8hhjja

DAILY TIP DEC 13 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION

DAILY TIP DEC 13 2011

HOLIDAY VERSION

Today's tip is for all the 'Foodies' on your list. 

What is a 'Foodie', you ask?

A Foodie, is anyone who has a passion for food and enjoyment from food. From baking to cooking elaborate meals for friends and families. You don't have to be 'schooled' to be a Foodie, you just have to have a passion for food.

http://www.gourmetwarehouse.ca/  The Gourmet Warehouse in Vancouver is the place to go for those Foodies on your list. Founded by Caren McSherry in 1989, she strives to provide top quality products and gourmet food through both the online store and the store front itself. (located on East Hastings St)

The Gourmet Warehouse, serves up everything from 'Le Crueset' cook ware to 'Pain is Good' hot sauce. They offer gift baskets that are delivered in wooden crates! 

The Gourmet Warehouse also dishes out Bath and Body products as well as Cookbooks and of course gift cards when you just can't decide.

They will ship anywhere in Canada through 'FedEx', so be sure to check the different rates for the different provinces. 

Tomorrow is the cut off to make sure your purchases make it by Christmas to be sure to login to their site and scoop up some delicious treats for all the Foodies. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Gourmet-Warehouse/219955647641

@GourmetWHouse

Yes, Sher there is a Foodie Claus

The following is a secret letter from Santa's kitchen that was intercepted before any real damage was done.


Dear Sher:


It seems like centuries since Santa received any letters from kids wanting 'Baby Brie' from Golden Ears CheeseWorks, '2Bench White' from Tinhorn Creek Winery, 'Beef & Barley Soup Mix' from Glenlochar Kitchens and Balsamic Reduction from 'Nonna Pia's' in Whistler. Seems to me (I'm Santa's personal Chef Chet Nuts), that you have an obsession with food. 


Most kids, your age (ahem), want stuff like Emerald rings and Vampire Diaries on Dvd. What could you possibly want with those ingredients? Unless, of course you are, one of those....dare I say it? 'Foodie'. 


Sweet Sher, while we at the North Pole love getting fan letters and wish lists, we simply can't be fulfilling 'Foodie' lists. I mean, really, could you imagine the chaos that would ensue?  People would be flocking to stores to buy cooking equipment. Taking cooking lessons and, and, putting out gourmet dishes for Santa. Instead of his favorite chocolate chip cookies and milk, he is likely to get something like 'Braised Reindeer tenderloins' with a glass of 'GEW'. 


I'm sorry to say little girl, that your wishlist won't make it to Santa's bag. I've used it as kindling for the stove to make Santa his traditional ' Hot Chocolate Truffle Martinis'.  (betcha want that recipe don't you?)


Signed,




Chef Chet Nuts






p.s. Dear Sher:


This is Santa.  My Chef Chet Nuts has been roasted over my open fire, and I promise there will be some 'foodie' gifts under your tree this year.

DAILY TIP NOV 29 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION

DAILY TIP NOV 29 2011

HOLIDAY VERSION

Have a 'foodie' on your list, but have no idea what to buy them? Well this daily tip is for you and them. Any foodie would be proud to have a personalized 'gift basket' from Golden Ears CheeseWorks in Maple Ridge. 

Their homemade cheeses, combined with jellies, relishes, compotes, herbs, vinegars from other local merchants would make any foodies mouth water. To make the gift basket even more special, Golden Ears CheeseWorks also has a variety of cheese accoutrement's like cheese boards, knives and brie warmers. 

If you still have room in your specially made gift basket, consider a gift certificate for one of their amazing Cooking Classes.

www.goldenearscheeseworks.com

Glenlochar Kitchens Pays A Visit to Golden Ears CheeseWorks

Glenlochar Kitchens Pays A

Visit to

Golden Ears CheeseWorks

Sunday morning, while everyone was getting their 'Grey Cup' parties all prepped and ready for guests, the new owner of Glenlochar Kitchens' Georgina Sonmor was cooking up some Wintery goodness in the kitchen of Maple Ridge's Golden Ears CheeseWorks (22270 - 128th Ave)

Glenlochar Kitchens started in 1991 and it's newest owner Georgina Sonmor is thrilled to be providing quality soups that are 100% Canadian. With varieties like Beef & Barley, Country Chowder, Dill Pea and a very hearty Stonehouse Soup as well as five others, Glenlochar has something for everyone. Located in Surrey, it's sure to be a hit with the 'shop local' foodies. 

The savoury aroma from Beef & Barley soup filled the store beckoning customers to try a sample. All the soups are 'Low fat, No Trans Fat, No Cholesterol and are a very high source of fibre'.  The soups come dry packaged and the consumer just needs to add just a couple of ingredients and it's great for the stove top or to make ahead in a crock pot.

So the next time you are in Maple Ridge, be sure to stop into Golden Ears CheeseWorks for some incredibly fresh cheese (just released Farmer's Cheese) and a box or two of Glenlochar Kitchens Soups.  If you can't make it, Glenlochar has a fantastic website and toll free number to get you connected.

1-888-567-3718 (toll free)

604-317-8933 (Lower Mainland)

www.glenlochar.ca

www.goldenearscheeseworks.com

@glenlochar