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Many of us live in small spaces and often, our inherited dressers and sofas just won’t fit. It’s a problem that people from Hong Kong to New York face, and now Vancouverites are navigating small-space living. Well Vancouver now has a store that caters to this urban problem: CB2.
I’m starting to figure out the art of sipping a cocktail for its taste, rather than drinking it for a buzz. It’s serving me well, as my day started before 11am with Born to Mix: Spirits “Made” for Cocktails.
You know what’s hard? Trying to cover a liquor event when you’re still foggy from the night before. I’ve learned my lesson and today’s update is all about education.
Really — that’s why people are here. Don’t believe me? Trust me, these folks do not need to take every free drink they are offered. They work in the booze business. I’m following suit today and trying to learn a few things.
Tales of the Cocktail is a respite from the everyday for those of us not employed in the liquor industry. Let’s start with the people attending; the liquor reps, bartenders, mixologists, media and promotions people are good looking, and have a high level of skill when it comes to flirting. Few of them are dressed for Vancouver’s rainy weather, and I bet you they didn’t take the bus down the Fairmont Pacific Rim for today’s registration. That’s right people- I’ve only gotten as far as registration and I’m hyped.
The main event for Day 1 of TOTC was the 1930s-themed Hollywood North Official Opening Party.
It’s a new year, and you’ve been fasting and cleansing right? Well January is over, and it’s time to get decadent again — and what better way to break promises and resolutions than with Tales of the Cocktail, happening in our fair city February 12-15.
It’s the 2nd year for the New Orleans-based booze-fest to hit our city, and local mixologists are getting ready to put their own twists on classic cocktails. The event, in many ways, is a preview of what’s to come at this summer’s Tales of the Cocktail main event in New Orleans. Lucky for Vancouverites, we’re getting an early nip.
With seminars celebrating the classic Canadian Ceasar to tea-based drinks, the festival has something for every imbiber. I’m particularly looking forward to “Around the World in Whisky Days” where Eddie Russell will walk participants through Wild Turkey’s newest whiskeys that are making their Canadian debut this year. Also on my agenda is “Born to Mix” where Dushan Zaric gives a beginner course in the creation of the cocktail using Aperol and Campari, as well as SKYY Vodka. If you’re used to just knocking them back, you’ll learn to slow down and savour as sugar content, place of origin, aging and infusion, distilling and filtering are all explored.
Oh…and there are parties too. If you aren’t staying at the Fairmont, where it’s all taking place, it would be wise to set up shop nearby for the suggested costume changes (30s themed party, red Valentines themed night), naps and maybe just a quiet corner to sober up in.
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We’re knocking on doors and taking a look around peoples’ homes to see where your neighbours relax, hang out with their pets, and create! It’s an invitation to snoop, but we’re staying away from their medicine cabinets.Photos: @art3fact |
Our Host: Gina Rossi and Steve Wood
Who’s that? Gina is a realtor and Steve is a communications coordinator
Beverage Offered: Chai Rooibos Tea
Where do you live?
Steve-We live by Oakridge in an old 1950s vintage penthouse, built by one of Vancouver’s first architects who did “New Formalism”. This is one of the first apartment high-rises in the city. It’s kind of a form of modernism. It’s the same guy that did the planetarium; Gerald Hamilton. He designed the planetarium and the really cool Greek Orthodox church on Arbutus Street. He also did a lot of towers and office buildings downtown.He’s like the first guy to bring the modern style into Vancouver.
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