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6 Nations Rugby Tournament begins February 2nd

Friday, February 1st, 2013

Europe’s biggest Rugby Tournament the RBS 6 NATIONS RUGBY kicks off tomorrow at 1.30pm GMT.

Various Bars in Vancouver may be showing the game live if you can stomach the early morning start. The first game to kick off will be Wales V Ireland at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales – kicking off at 5.30am (Pacific time). Followed by Scotland V England at Twickenham in London – kicking off at 8am. (Pacific time)

On Sunday it will be Italy V France at the Stadio Flamingo in Italy – kicking off at 7am (Not too sure if this will be shown live in the bars)

You can catch the games on http://www.tsn.ca/rugby/

We have searched and searched what bars are showing the games in Vancouver, and at this time we are not too sure whom or where…however, if you happen to be in Victoria, you can catch the games at The Strathcona Hotel http://www.strathconahotel.com

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Chutzpah! Festival – February 7th – March 3rd

Friday, February 1st, 2013

No sooner is the PuSh festival out of the way there is another regular feature festival that is hot on its heels!

PuSh is still happening, check it out

http://pushfestival.ca/

Chutzpah! Returns to Vancouver and is now in its 13th year – this is a festival that began with humble beginnings, and over time, it has grown considerably into one of the most important cultural festivals of our winter calender within the local Jewish Community….it is also designed for everyone to enjoy and you really will have a blast at this festival.

The Festival is primarily based at The Norman Rothstein Theatre where many of the shows will be performing, the theatre is also one of the main hubs for the Jewish community within Vancouver. Take a look at the link below to read more about the theatre and what is going on there.

http://www.normanrothsteintheatre.com/

This year the Festival will be dedicated to the memory of Lisa Nemetz (1955 – 1997) Lisa was a performance dancer, lawyer and a lover of the Arts. She was also known for her tireless advocacy work for the treatment of women with breast cancer. This year the festival will be named in memory of her under the banner of Chutzpah! The Lisa Nemetz International Showcase of Jewish Performing Arts.

The actual meaning behind the word Chutzpah (pronounced: ho’ots-pä) is Imprudence, or in other words offensively bold behavior….this sounds like our cup of tea already! The word originates from the Yiddish language and had quite a negative meaning in Hebrew in the sense that it equates to mean ‘Impertinence’. In the modern English language is has a more positive vibe to it, it is now used to mean as a sense of admiration, that is non conformist and gutsy…..in our mind that is very very Vancouver!

For further information on the shows, times and tickets, please see the link below.

http://chutzpahfestival.com/daily-schedule/

The Jewish community within Vancouver is quite vibrant too, maybe not as large as say the New York community but it is a presence none the less. For further information on the community and tourism please follow the final link below.

http://www.jewishindependent.ca/tourism/index.html

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The brand new beds have arrived to maximize your comfort!

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Its been a pretty hectic week for us all at the Sunset Inn and Suites and we hope that all the hard work that has been put in by us will be rewarded by you!

To the regular tourist January and February is low season for the hotels and therefore seems to be a quieter time for us all, Well that is not the case for the Staff here at the Sunset. Starting November and throughout the Winter months we always get ourselves very very busy with the usual upgrades and touch ups that we feel need to be done. We do this every year so we can be sure that the hotel is in fine health and is in excellent shape so you, our guests, and of course our extended family, will always be very happy with your ‘home from home’.

For those of you who are regulars here, you will surely have seen the changes that have evolved over the years at the Sunset Inn, the hotel has transformed itself somewhat over the years – with some major refurbishments happening courtesy of our resident worker Bee Axel, it has to be said, without the hard work that Axel has put in over the years we would not be able to boast about what a great hotel we have to offer our guests, we strongly feel that he should be commended for all the hard graft he has put into this place, we say a big thank you and we really do appreciate everything he has done…we hope that you feel the same too.

It also goes without saying that a massive thank you should be directed to our very own General Manager Michael Wright. It has been through all his dedication, vision and hard work that has made the Sunset Inn and Suites the hotel it has become today….so please, if you see him and agree that he done a fantastic job…tell him, he is usually in the shadows and does not get the praise that he should!

So this week, the boys were all hard at work moving the new beds into the Executive One bedrooms (floors 7 to 11), and my oh my are they comfy…..I had to be cheeky and lay on one to see how comfortable they are, I had to get up right away as they were incredibly comfortable, if I had stayed on there for one second longer I think it would have rendered ourselves redundant!

The new beds that we have chosen for the hotel are the 4 Seasons Enlighten Series from Springair, they have been in existence since 1926 and are excellent! Not only are these Mattresses firm (but fair for the back) they are also the very first to be certified as ‘Asthma and Allergy friendly’ now that is pretty awesome!

http://www.springair.com/

So, next time you plan on coming to the Sunset, try out our Executive Suites for the maximum comfort, better views of the City and False Creek, all with a Fully furnished and fully equipped kitchen, with Hard Wire and Wireless high speed Internet, HD Flat Screen TVs, with a light Continental breakfast and parking all included in the price…..that is a steal for a hotel in a prime location in this wonderful city of Vancouver.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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PuSh Festival @Granville Island…1 more week left

Monday, January 28th, 2013

If you are visiting Vancouver this week be sure to visit Granville Island as the PuSh Festival is in its final week (ending on February 3rd).

This is the first major festival of the season and a very good excuse to check out what Granville Island has to offer – and it does offer a lot. From the famous Granville Island market, to artisan bakeries, stylish boutique shops. There is also no shortage of entertainment for all the family, the famous Granville Island Buskers which are a staple for entertainment and they are really really good, you will be very entertained.

For further reading and more in depth information on Granville Island…please take a look at this older blog entry…it should help navigate you as to what is on offer there… http://www.sunsetinn.com/blog/?p=64

www.granvilleislandbuskers.com

The Island is also a good spot for dining, you have plenty to choose from most notably The Sandbar which boasts a great balcony area where you can enjoy your meal with an excellent view…and check out Edible Canada too, they have a sweet location right in the hub of Granville Island…perfect to watch the people and the day go by…to reach Granville Island is very easy, roughly a 20 minute journey, you head down Thurlow St and catch the False Creek Ferry, its easy, its cute and its cash only! Ask the Front desk at the Sunset Inn & Suites for further details there…

SAD SACK @ PuSh FESTIVAL
We want to highlight this particular show as it involves Kris Elgstrand who is the husband of our very own Sunset Inn Front desk extraordinaire Arabella Bushnell!!!

The show is a pretty quirky melancholy take on living in Vancouver, it explores the city via the medium of drawings, writings, thoughts and libertations, it was conceived during Vancouver’s darkest and dreary months of fall and winter…hence the title of Sad Sack.

http://sadsack.ca/events/push-festival-sad-sack-by-night

If you like to look at further works from Kris Elgstrand, be sure to check out his own show call ‘Social Anxiety Hour’ which also features our very own Arabella!!! so please come out and support these guys – you will not be disappointed. http://www.legstand.com

Look at some of the reviews from the Georgia Straight…

http://www.straight.com/arts/push-festival

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Haggis Recipes

Saturday, January 26th, 2013

The great Bard Robbie Burns birthday was on Friday. We think this is good reason to take a look at Haggis recipes, the real deal or vegetarian.

Take a look at this link to read ‘Rabbie Burns’ Ode to Haggis

http://www.robertburns.org/works/147.shtml

TRADITIONAL HAGGIS

INGREDIENTS
1 Beef Bung
Heart, liver and lungs from one lamb
450g beef or lamb trimmings, fat and lean
2 onions finely chopped
225g oatmeal
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp ground dried coriander
1 tsp mace
1 tsp nutmeg
Beef stock
water, enough to cook the haggis

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Take the cooked heart, liver and lungs and mince into a fine grind.
In a bowl blend the remaining ingredients except the stock and water.
Once blended add some stock to loosen the oats.
Wash the bung and stuff with ingredients.
Sew the bung up allowing some space for the oatmeal to expand.
Once sewn, place in a large pt and just cover with water.
Prick with a pin and boil for a minimum of 40 minutes.
Serve with Neeps and Tatties. (Mashed turnip and mashed potatoes.)

Source courtesy of CBC News

VEGETARIAN HAGGIS

Serves 4

4-5 shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
30g butter
75g white mushrooms, roughly chopped
Generous pinch of cayenne pepper
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp allspice, ground in a pestle and mortar
A few scrapes of freshly grated nutmeg
3 carrots, peeled and grated
75g red lentils
The juice and zest of a lemon
About 500ml vegetable stock
Small bunch rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped
Small bunch thyme, leaves stripped
½ tin of red kidney beans, rinsed
50g pinhead oatmeal
1 egg (optional)
Vegetarian sausage casing (optional)

Making vegetarian haggis. Photograph: Oliver Thring
In a medium-sized casserole, sweat the onions and garlic in the butter until very soft. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they’ve released their water and started to brown. Add the spices and continue cooking for a couple of minutes, then add the carrots, lentils and lemon zest, and pour over the boiling stock until the ingredients are just submerged. Simmer, covered, until the lentils are soft – about 15 minutes.

Vegetarian haggis: the finished article. Photograph: Oliver Thring
Mash the beans roughly with a fork, then add them add to the pan with the oatmeal. Add a little more stock if you think it’s needed, but remember that the point of the oatmeal is to absorb the last of the liquid so you’re left with something relatively firm. Stir over a low heat until the oatmeal has plumpened. Add the lemon juice, then taste and correct seasoning – be quite generous with the salt.*

Spoon out the haggis and serve with neeps and tatties or, better in my opinion, clapshot and homemade oatcakes.

*At this point, if you like, let the haggis cool completely, then beat an egg and stir it thoroughly into the mix. Stuff this into a large vegetarian sausage skin, making sure there are no air pockets, then wrap tightly in tinfoil. Poach gently for half an hour before unwrapping, then cut it up wi’ ready slicht.

And if you are looking to buy Haggis etc, please check out the link below.

http://www.yelp.ca/search?find_desc=haggis&find_loc=Vancouver%2C+BC

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Must see events during February 2013

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013

It may be low season in the city as we write this blog, but the Vancouver is slowly waking up from its slumber for 2013, please see below some of the events that we feel you should be aware of…Spring is coming and so are the fun festivities…

FAMILY DAY in BC!
As promised by Christy Clark – BC will get an extra long weekend coming their way this coming February. Known as Family Day. This is not a Statutory Holiday, so there should be very little disruption in Vancouver, apart from an extra lay in bed and more time to visit Vancouver…cannot be bad!?!?!

When? Feb 11th Where? Throughout BC

http://www.statutoryholidays.com/family-day.php

ROBSON SQUARE ICE RINK
This is the final few weeks to get your Ice Skates on and enjoy the rink for free…@Robson Square just by the VAG (Vancouver Art Gallery). So make a day of it, have a wee skate and check out some amazing Art, you can even squeeze in a little shopping if the enthusiasm takes you…as Robson St is the Shopping district after all.

Come on down to Robson Square Ice Rink every Friday and Saturday evening for live entertainment from 6 to 9 pm.

When? right through Feb Where? Robson Square (close to VAG under Robson St) Cost? Free (Skate Rentals) $4

http://www.robsonsquare.com/

http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/

WINTERRUPTION 2013 FESTIVAL ON GRANVILLE ISLAND
An all ages festival that is now in its 8th year. This is an excellent and fun festival for all the family to enjoy down at the famous Granville Island…here the family can enjoy Theater, Food and Live Music, showcasing some fine local artists and talents.

When? February 22 – February 24 Where? Granville Island

http://granvilleisland.com/winterruption

EVIL DEAD – THE MUSICAL
Get ready to be scared out of your socks and be prepared for a an alternative musical of blood and gore….it will be the perfect treat for your loved one this Valentines Day Weekend….seems an obvious choice for a romantic night out at the Theater.

When? Feb 14th – 16th Where? Waterfront Theater, 1412 Cartwright Street

http://www.evildeadtour.com/vancouver/buytickets/

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PuSh Festival and Dine Out Vancouver coming this week…

Monday, January 14th, 2013

The first major festivals of the season are coming to Vancouver in just a few days time. First up is PuSH Performing Arts Festival, quickly followed by Dine Out Vancouver a few days later.

PuSh Festival
A great way to begin the year with this very popular and groundbreaking Live Perfomance Arts festival.
PuSh Showcases the very best talent of local Vancouver Artists who are sure to engage and wow you with some truly incredible performances.
Expect to be inspired, spellbound and entertained by the groundbreaking performances that are created to be an unforgettable experience.
The festival is built around a broker of International Partnerships that combines the most brilliant and creative minds that showcases some of Canada’s finest and best works in the Performing Arts Industry.

To look for Tickets and venues click on the link below…(PuSh Passes are now sold out – individual tickets can be obtained from this link).

http://pushfestival.ca/tickets-venues/push-passes/

DINE OUT VANCOUVER
This is a great foodie event! We are all looking forward to this as each and every year this festival gets bigger and much more diverse.
To be a little different this year, Dine Out Vancouver is now incorporating ‘Food carts’ to join in with the festivities…this makes perfect sense to us here at The Sunset Inn as the Food carts have been a major hit in Vancouver, it has really changed the food lovers landscape, and they are EVERYWHERE…we are truly spoiled for choice.

Local restaurants that are taking part in Dine Out and are in close proximity to the Sunset are as follows.

Lazziza
This is a fantastic restaurant located just a block away on Davie Street.
A menu that is Lebanese and Moroccan – you will really be treated to a fantastic Mediterranean style cuisine. Whats more, it is suitable for everyone as the menu has plenty to offer for anyone who is Carnivorous, Vegetarian and Vegan.
The Wine selection, decor and above all the care that is given in presentation and style will make this a great fine dining experience that will not break your wallet.
The food chosen is of the highest quality and that are local, organic and hormone free.

www.laziza.ca

The Boathouse
A very popular restaurant that is sure to satisfy anyone who has a craving for Seafood It has quite a varied menu that will please everyone, there is a little bit of everything, so for those of you that are not too keen on Fish, thats ok, you will be looked after too.
The Boathouse has a fantastic balcony too, so come rain or shine you can dine here while enjoying the perfect view of English Bay.

www.boathouserestaurants.ca

Raincity Grill
Just a block away from The Boathouse and also nestled close to English Bay this is a great restaurant for fine dining.
One of the very first restaurants to realise the potential of using locally grown ingredients. The Raincity Grill really captures the essence of food in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest, it also boasts a great menu of Fine Wines to enjoy with your meal.

www.raincitygrill.com

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Must see events in Vancouver during 2013 (January to February)

Monday, January 7th, 2013

Happy New Year!

We hope that the hangovers for some have subsided and that the waistlines are now returning to their familiar state! As this is the first blog of the new year, we will like to highlight some of the major events that will be coming to Vancouver over the coming year beginning with the first couple of months.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY

PuSh – International Performing Arts Festival
A signature event in the Vancouver Calender. This is a 3 week festival that brings to you live groundbreaking Performing Arts.
If you want to see the best out of Canadian and local talent, have a love for the arts and a creative mind, this will be for you.

When?January 15th to Feb 3rd Where? At various locations around Vancouver.

http://pushfestival.ca/tickets-venues/venues/

Taboo – Naughty but nice (Sex) Show
 As the title suggests – this is an adults only annual show that is a big hit at the start of the New year. If you are looking to spice up your life with your loved one and are looking for a show that will delve into your desires and hidden secrets, then this is the place for you. There are stalls, fashion wares, games and much much more…

When? Jan 17th to 20th Where? The Convention Center.

http://www.canwestproductions.com/Home-Taboo

Gung Haggis Fat Choy Robbie Burns Chinese New Year Dinner
Hey here is an idea!!!! Why don’t we Celebrate the birthday of Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns and the Chinese New Year all together!…..What do you think? Some obviously thought that this was a no brainer of an idea and a wonderful idea it is too– this is now a great Vancouver tradition where you welcome the Chinese New Year with a twist of the famous Bard!

When? January 27 2013 Where? Floata Seafood Restaurant (#400 – 180 Keefer St, Chinatown Vancouver)

http://www.gunghaggis.com/

Dine Out Vancouver
One of the largest celebrations for dining out in Vancouver…choose from well over 100 participating restaurants around the city….it is a great way to discover the best eateries of all kinds of ethnicity and flavours with a set 3 course priced meal.

When? Jan 18th to Feb 3rd Where? All over Vancouver!

http://www.dineoutvancouver.com/

Chutzpah!
The Lisa Nemetz international showcase of Jewish Performing Arts.
A big annual hit within the Vancouver Arts community, a great performance festival with a Jewish influence.

When? Feb 7th to March 3rd Where? At participating theatres in Vancouver.

http://chutzpahfestival.com/

Vancouver International Wine Festival
Running strong since 1979, this is an important date in the Wine lovers calendar. This years regional theme is ‘California Wines’ Come along and enjoy the enormous array of wines to sample and enjoy.

When? February 25th to March 3rd Where? Vancouver Conference Center (West) Ballroom D

http://www.playhousewinefest.com/

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And so it begins – The snow is here, lets hit the slopes!!!

Wednesday, December 19th, 2012

It seems like that Vancouver is in for a dollop or Snow over the next day or so and we all know what that means – Ski season is well and truly underway!

It tends not to snow too much in Vancouver, but when it does – it really is a stunning sight, especially if you manage to get a rare glimpse of the sun that catches the glistening snow sparkling off the mountains that tower over the city.

Vancouver is spoiled for choice when it comes to Winter sports, and the choices come from 3 stunning peaks to use as your outdoor adventure playground during the winter Season.

On any of the 3 mountain resorts in the area you will be able to enjoy Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow Shoeing, tubing and a whole lot more….
There has been plenty of precipitation falling over the last few weeks (which is normal for this time of year) So whats falls as the wet stuff down at Sea Level, is almost certainly falling as the white stuff at the top of the peaks. To date, roughly up to 300cm of snow has accumalated on the mountain tops, in the last 24 hours alone there has been up to 10cm, and that amount is set increase dramatically over the next few days.

GROUSE MOUNTAIN
Nestled in between Cypress and Seymour, Grouse mountain is by far one of the more popular destinations to visit when it comes to Winter Sports. It is in a great location as this is the mountain that sits directly over North Vancouver and dominates the city skyline to the North of Vancouver itself. Along the way, you can even stop off at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, where the whole area is currently illuminated for the Festive Season. Capilano Canyon Lights runs until January 5th and illuminate the bridges and park from 4pm till 9pm.
At Grouse there is a fantastic restaurant that overlooks the city, an open are Ice rink, and the slopes here are suitable for beginners and the more experienced.

Mountain Highlights – The Theatre in the Sky, Snow Limo and Mountain Ziplines.

http://www.grousemountain.com/#tickets-passes

http://www.capbridge.com/explore/canyon-lights/

Mount Seymour
This is a great place for any beginner to come and learn to Ski as it offers shorter runs to practice and learn, it also has a great rugged feel to it, so if you are searching for the quintessential ‘outdoors’ adventure, Seymour is the place to be.

Mountain Highlights – Snowshoeing and 2 for 1 Discover lessons

http://www.mountseymour.com/home

Cypress Mountain
Cypress mountain was used during the 2010 Winter Olympics for the alpine events. Cypress Park has some more challenging slopes so if you want to test yourself this is the place to be.

Mountain Highlights – Snow Tubing and Snowshoeing.

And of course – WHISTLER
Th gem in the crown during the Winter season is Whistler Blackcomb and Whistler Village.
A beautiful Alpine Village that was home to the majority of events during the 2010 Winter Olympics, this really is the place to go if you are a Winter Sports junkie.
Located a couple of hours north of Vancouver, there are many ways to get here, and we feel that one of the better ways is to use Landsea Tours. Landsea tours will pick you up at the hotel and take you for a full day out to Whistler, where you can participate in sight seeing and some skiing too. It is designed for tourists so you don’t have to figure out where to go or what to do as they have your itinerary set. Speak to the front desk and we will book the tour. Payment occurs on the day on the bus, either by Cash, Debit or Credit.

Mountain Highlights- Peak to Peak Gondola and Whistler Village

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/

http://www.vancouvertours.com/

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New additions to the Lobby and Christmas cheer time!

Wednesday, December 12th, 2012

Merry Christmas everyone, this is the 12 days before so lets get you in the spirit with our annual CHRISTMAS CHEER!

Running from December 13th until the 25th we will be setting up the breakfast area with holiday cheer!
Come along and enjoy complimentary Christmas Orange, shortbread cookies, spiced tea and more.
Every day until the 25th between 3pm and 6pm

Brand New Coffee Machine for the Lobby!
We are excited to present a new addition to our lobby. We will be installing a Van Houtte Latte Lounge Coffee Machine located at the front of the lobby by the brochure rack.

As well as the regular coffee at the breakfast station, this machine will be available 24 Hours a day. and at a cost of $.50 for 8oz and $1.00 for 16oz…….Beat that Timmies or Starbucks!!!

We have been wanting to install this for quite some time, and now you will get a choice of specialty beverages such as Expresso, Lattes, Cappuccinos, Hot Chocolate and more.

THE SUNSET INN AND SUITES HAS TALENT!
We have some hidden talents in the hotel, and no, its not just our Wit and blissful Sarcasm, its our very own Arabella Bushnell!!!

Arabella has been acting for quite some time now – as does her husband Kris Elgstrand. Kris is the host of the show SOCIAL ANXIETY HOUR. Which Arabella also features in from time to time.
This is a little blurb about the show….
“Kris Elgstrand’s Social Anxiety Hour, hosted by Vancouver’s own sad sack troubadour Kris Elgstrand, is a variety show for anxious times and Vancouver’s new home for celebrating your Sunday Night Panic”.

http://www.legstand.com/

If you want to come along and see the show, come down this Sunday at The Waldorf Hotel, 1489 East Hastings Street, Vancouver. Show starts at 8pm, Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are $10 in advance (604 376 3729) or $12 at the door.

http://www.waldorfhotel.com/

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