Surrey | WFLBC

Apr 27 2013

bacon, food, Gourmet, Surrey, vancouver, White Rock

Beast and Brine

The Beast is here

A few months ago I told you about Beast and Brine, a cool charcuterie and cheese (and a million other things) shop that was set to open in South Surrey just up the road from Crescent Beach. Well guess what? They’ve been open for awhile now and it has become a weekend ritual for my daughter and I to visit and stock up for the week ahead. Sausages, high end cold cuts, the best bacon in Greater Vancouver, specialty cheeses, a sandwich counter and much much more. This kind of product used to be the exclusive domain of Granville Island Public Market vendors and a few hidden gems around Vancouver. A lot of their product is made in house by Uli’s Restaurant Executive Chef Ryan Bissell who is a co-owner along with Uli’s owner Tyson Blume.

Words to live by

The staff is incredible and it’s always buzzing in the shop with happy customers eagerly awaiting their meaty treasures to take home and brag about to their friends, it’s that good. Check out some photos I’ve taken over the last few weeks, they’ll make you want to drop whatever you’re doing and drive to Beast and Brine. It’s ok, I would too. Kudos to Tyson, Ryan and the whole Beast and Brine team for totally living up to my ridiculous expectations. I love this place.

Added bonus - Fieldstone Artisan Breads is right next door – food heaven. After you’ve looked at the pics there’s a list of my “WFLBC must buys” at Beast and Brine at the bottom of the page.

Stuff from my first visit

Buffalo Brats

Heritage Bacon (The BEST)

Pickles and sauerkraut

Delicious craft sodas

Amazing Avonlea clothbound cheddar

Charcuterie

Cheese porn

Twitter – @BeastAndBrine

Facebook – Beast & Brine

Interwebz – www.beastandbrine.com

WFLBC Must Buys

Heritage Bacon, Double smoked bacon, Frikadelle, Porchetta, Bavarian Meatloaf, The famous Uli’s hot dog (!), Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar (when it’s in stock), Phillip’s Soda Work’s Captain Electro Intergalactic Root Beer.

Scott.

Tagged artisan breads, Avonlea cloth bound cheddar, Bacon, Beast & Brine, Beast And Brine, Charcuterie, Cheese, community, Crescent Beach, food, Meat, Restaurants, Sausage, South Surrey, White Rock

Apr 06 2013

4 Comments

food, Restaurant, Surrey, vancouver

Boston Pizza – The Pizza Burger

Boston Pizza, it has been in a serious decline the last few years in terms of quality and reputation (in my eyes at least). Even their advertising drives me crazy, finger cooking with Phil and taking shots at people who like good food (Don’t be a foodie). That being said if you have kids you know that BP has an affordable kids menu and offers things like cups with lids that make parents lives easier. After a pretty rough week I headed out for dinner with my daughter and my cousin Kurt and his son and Boston Pizza was an easy choice both location and menu wise for our little ones.

Pizza Burger and Cactus Cut Potatoes

Upon arrival I noticed a big glossy poster for their new “Pizza Burger”. I know I’ve already said that BP’s quality has fallen off quite a bit but this new menu item was too intriguing to ignore. Described as a bacon burger wrapped in a pepperoni pizza it sounded like something a cardiologist would love… so I obviously had to try it.

The goods

The burger patty is prime rib (grade unknown) and it is wrapped in pizza dough and stuffed with bacon, pepperoni, mozzarella and pizza sauce before being baked. The pizza dough is actual pizza dough, I was concerned it would be more bun-ish. Aside from being pretty greasy and totally unhealthy this thing was really good. I’m as surprised as you are. One thing I’ve always liked at BP is their Cactus Cut potatoes so obviously I had them as a side. The Pizza burger could’ve done without the pickle, lettuce and tomato skewered on top of it though, it makes sense with the burger part but not the pizza part of the dish.

To sum up, Boston Pizza has made something good and original and for that I salute them.

Scott.

Tagged bacon burger, Boston Pizza, BP, Cardiology, Heart Attack, new pizza, pepperoni pizza, Pizza Burger, pizza dough

Feb 22 2013

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Beer, Charity, Surrey, vancouver

Variety BC / Surrey Beer Club tweetup in review

The third Surrey Beer Club Tweetup has come and gone and it was by far our most successful to date. We raised over $1300 for Variety BC! I’d like to thank everyone involved with this event and there’s a lot of you so if I miss someone let me know.

First I’d like to thank Big Ridge Brewing Co. and Brewmaster Tariq Khan for stepping up and hosting all three of these fun events. Tariq always makes a great cask for us and sources another, this time from Derrick Franche of the Whistler Brewhouse. As usual both casks were amazing. Big Ridge’s resident DJ, DJ Alibaba, is always on hand letting me use his sound system to give away prizes and the staff all work so hard to make the events run smoothly, I can’t thank you guys enough.

Also a HUGE thank to Tom Zillich from the Surrey Now newspaper for sharing our event. We had a great turnout of people that had only found out about the event through the paper! Too bad you couldn’t make it out last night but I’m sure I’ll see you around town. Also everyone who shared the event on social media, there’s just too many of you to mention but Miss 604, CAMRA Vancouver and everyone who tweeted about our event or shared it on Facebook, thank you.

A lot of people donated prizes as well and along with the 50/50 draw they were the reasons we did so well. Thanks to Scott from Contrast Studio, Shannon from Shanny Bows, Sabrina from Usborne Books, Tyson (with the worlds best beard/moustache combo) and Ryan from Uli’s Restaurant, The team at the Big Ridge Liquor Store. Thanks to Megan for donating the awesome fair trade coffee basket, Don for donating the amazing chilli salt, My wife and her Mom and Sister for donating prizes, helping all night, buying lots of tickets and being awesome.

But most of the thanks goes to the great people who came out last night and helped us support this fantastic cause. Without you there would be no fundraisers. I had a blast and I’m really looking forward to the next event but for now I plan on sleeping in, I’m exhausted.

Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding Surrey Beer Cub, we’re going to make it an actual club!!

Cheers and thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Scott.

Tagged Big Ridge Brewing Co, Surrey BC, Surrey Beer Club, Variety BC

Feb 18 2013

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Architecture, Surrey, vancouver

The GVHBA 2013 Ovation Awards finalists unveiled with lots of love for Surrey.

The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) has announced the finalists for the 2013 Ovation Awards.

The awards, now in their fourth year, honour excellence in the design and construction of new single-family and multi-family homes, as well as the renovation of existing homes. For the first time, a People’s Choice Award will allow the public to vote for their favourite new or renovated project. Ovation Award winners will be announced at the Awards Gala on Saturday, April 20. To learn more about the People’s Choice Award and how you can vote, visit www.ovationawards.ca

“High-quality home building and renovation are hugely important to the home owners of Metro Vancouver,” says GVHBA Chief Executive Officer Bob de Wit. “The Ovation Awards recognize the industry’s leaders in innovation and excellence.”

Here’s a complete list of the nominees including many great projects in my hood, Surrey! Also all of the pictures in this post are projects located in Surrey! Check out www.ovationawards.ca for more info and see photos of these great projects on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gvhba

Scott.

Best Kitchen Renovation: Under $50,000

Intermind Design Inc. (New Westminster), Simplicity 2569
Level One Construction Ltd. (Vancouver), Mirrored Cuisine
Shakespeare Homes and Renovations Inc. (North Vancouver), Ross Kitchen
Associate: Sensitive Design (West Vancouver)

Best Kitchen Renovation: $50,000 – $99,999

Level One Construction Ltd. (Vancouver), From Take-out to Home Cooking
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Cypress Cityscape
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Modern Metamorphosis
Associate: Sarah Gallop Design Inc. (Delta)

Best Kitchen Renovation: $100,000 and over

Lonetree Enterprises Ltd. (Vancouver), Collins
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Vintner’s Dream
Associate: Connected Spaces (Vancouver)
TQ Construction Ltd. (Burnaby), Yale Kitchen

Best Kitchen and Greatroom Renovation

G. Wilson Construction Co. Ltd. (Vancouver), BeachRES
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Coastal Revival
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Lofty View

Best Bathroom Renovation: Under $35,000

Green City Builders Inc. (Vancouver), Blend and Flow
Sarah Gallop Design Inc. (Delta), Relaxing Retreat
TQ Construction Ltd. (Burnaby), Townhouse Ensuite

Best Bathroom Renovation: $35,000 and over

Kenorah Construction & Design Ltd. (Delta), Craftsman with a Dash of Contemporary
Kenorah Construction & Design Ltd. (Delta), Path of Pebbles
Sensitive Design (West Vancouver), MacBeth

Best Renovated Room

Klondike Contracting Corporation (Vancouver), An Asymmetric Overhaul
Associate: Architrix Design Studio Inc. (Vancouver)
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Brookside
Associate: Sarah Gallop Design Inc. (Delta)
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Vintner’s Dream
Associate: Connected Spaces (Vancouver)

Best Addition/Conversion Renovation

Best Builders Ltd. (Delta), Eagleridge
Kenorah Construction & Design Ltd. (Delta), Classic Heritage Revised
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Lofty View

Best Accessible Renovation

Intermind Design Inc. (New Westminster), My Intentions
Vancouver General Contractors Inc. (Vancouver), East 18

Best Heritage Renovation

Best Builders Ltd. (Delta), Arthur Drive
Harald Koehn Construction Ltd. (Vancouver), Timeless Comfort
Associate: Richard Kadulski Architect (Vancouver)
JDL Homes Inc. (Vancouver), West 2^nd
Associate: Modern Classic Building Solutions Inc. (Vancouver)

Best Exterior Renovation

Green City Builders Inc. (Vancouver), The ‘Updo’ House
JDL Homes Inc. (Vancouver), West 2^nd
Associate: Modern Classic Building Solutions Inc. (Vancouver)
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Lofty View

Best Condominium Renovation

G. Wilson Construction Co. Ltd. (Vancouver), BeachRES
Intermind Design Inc. (New Westminster), Modena Qube
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Cypress Cityscape

Best Renovation: Under $250,000

Intermind Design Inc. (New Westminster), Konstant
Associate: USAR Contracting and Design Inc. (Surrey)
Mountainside Renovations (Abbotsford), Indoor and Outdoor Transformation
Shakespeare Homes and Renovations Inc. (North Vancouver), Forrest
Associate: Sensitive Design (West Vancouver)

Best Renovation: $250,000 – $499,999

Klondike Contracting Corporation (Vancouver), An Asymmetric Overhaul
Associate: Architrix Design Studio Inc. (Vancouver)
Mountainside Renovations (Abbotsford), Cedar Avenue
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Coastal Revival

Best Renovation: $500,000 – $799,999

Kenorah Construction & Design Ltd. (Delta), 50’s Classic West Coast Modern
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Lofty View
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Vintner’s Dream
Associate: Connected Spaces (Vancouver)

Best Renovation: $800,000 and over

Cirrus Homes (North Vancouver), Montroyal Post and Beam
G. Wilson Construction Co. Ltd. (Vancouver), BeachRES
G. Wilson Construction Co. Ltd. (Vancouver), W14RES

Best Custom Home: $500,000 – $999,999

Best Builders Ltd. (Delta), Butterfly House
Econ Group Construction and Development Ltd. (North Vancouver), The Inter-Generational Family Home
Projekt Homes Ltd. (Maple Ridge), Projekt Keil

Best Custom Home: $1 million – $2 million

Insightful Healthy Homes Inc. (Vancouver), Harmony House
Tavan Developments Ltd. (Vancouver), Classic Beauty
Tavan Developments Ltd. (Vancouver), Riverside Elegance

Best Custom Home: Over $2 million

Best Builders Ltd. (Delta), Sentinel
Falcon Homes Ltd. (Port Coquitlam), Butterfly House
VictorEric Premium Homes (Vancouver), Chen Residence

Best Single-Family Detached Home: Less than 2,000 s.f.

Portrait Homes Ltd. (Richmond), Hampstead

Best Single-Family Detached Home: 2,000 – 2,999 s.f.

Portrait Homes (Richmond), Hampstead
Vesta Properties Ltd. (Langley), Milner Heights Seasons Phase2
Vesta Properties Ltd. (Langley), Vantage Single Family Home

Best Townhouse/Rowhome Development: Less than 2,000 s.f.

K.A.O. Construction Design Studio Inc. (Vancouver), The Fraternal Courtyard Duplex
ParkLane Homes Ltd. (Vancouver), Flatiron at Bedford Landing
Royale Properties Ltd. (Surrey), Nature’s Walk

Best Townhouse/Rowhome Development: 2,000 s.f. and over

Bluetree Homes Ltd. (Vancouver), Bluetree Homes at Kanaka Creek

Best Multi-Family Lowrise Development

ParkLane Homes Ltd. (Vancouver), The Village at Bedford Landing
Porte Development Corp. (Vancouver), Origin
Tien Sher Group of Companies (Richmond), Quattro3

Best Multi-Family Highrise Development

Concert Properties Ltd. (Vancouver), Patina

Best New Kitchen: Under $100,000

Best Builders Ltd. (Delta), Sentinel
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Modern Tranquility
Usar Contracting and Design Inc. (Surrey), Olam
Associate: Intermind Design Inc.

Best New Kitchen: $100K and over

Falcon Homes Ltd. (Port Coquitlam), Butterfly House
Tavan Developments Ltd. (Vancouver), Riverside Elegance
Tavan Developments Ltd. (Vancouver), Southlands Gem

Best Outdoor Living Space: New or Renovated

Best Builders Ltd. (Delta), Sentinel
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Vintner’s Dream
Associate: Connected Spaces (Vancouver)
reVISION Custom Home Renovations Inc. (Vancouver), Ribs and Relaxation

Best Special Feature: New or Renovated

Falcon Homes Ltd. (Port Coquitlam), Butterfly House
G. Wilson Construction Co. Ltd. (Vancouver), BeachRES
Tavan Developments Ltd. (Vancouver), Shaughnessey Charm

Best Interior Design Custom Residence: New or Renovated

Falcon Homes Ltd. (Port Coquitlam), Butterfly House
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey), Vintner’s Dream
Tavan Developments Ltd. (Vancouver), Shaughnessey Charm

Best Interior Design Display Suite: Single-Family or Multi-Family

Bluetree Homes Ltd. (Vancouver), Bluetree Homes at Kanaka Creek
Concert Properties Ltd. (Vancouver), Patina
Royale Properties Ltd. (Surrey), Nature’s Walk – Light Palette
Associate: Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing (Surrey)

Best Marketing Innovation

Portrait Homes (Richmond), Hampstead

Best Marketing Campaign

Bluetree Homes Ltd. (Vancouver), Bluetree Homes – Your Friendly Neighbourhood Builder
Concert Properties Ltd. (Vancouver), Patina
ParkLane Homes Ltd. (Vancouver), River District Vancouver
Associate: Braun/Allison Inc. (Vancouver)

FortisBC Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency in New Construction: Single-Family Home

Insightful Healthy Homes Inc. (Vancouver), Harmony House
Insightful Healthy Homes Inc. (Vancouver), Vancouver Net Zero Energy Ready Home

FortisBC Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency in New Construction: Multi-Family Home

Porte Development Corp. (Vancouver), Origin

GRAND OVATION AWARDS

RenoMark Renovator of the Year – Small Volume

Cirrus Homes (North Vancouver)
Intermind Design Inc. (New Westminster)
Shakespeare Homes and Renovations Inc. (North Vancouver)

RenoMark Renovator of the Year – Large Volume

Kenorah Construction & Design Ltd. (Delta)
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey)
TQ Construction Ltd. (Burnaby)

Custom Builder of the Year

Best Builders Ltd. (Delta)
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. (Surrey)
Tavan Developments Ltd. (Vancouver)

Single-Family Builder of the Year

Portrait Homes (Richmond)
Vesta Properties Ltd. (Langley)

Multi-Family Builder of the Year

Concert Properties Ltd. (Vancouver)
ParkLane Homes Ltd. (Vancouver)
Royale Properties Ltd. (Surrey)

People’s Choice Award Entrants

Best Builders Ltd. - Sentinel
Bluetree Homes - Bluetree Homes at Bishop Creek
Bluetree Homes - Bluetree Homes at Kanaka Creek
Cirrus Homes – Montroyal Post and Beam
Concert Properties Ltd. – Patina
Falcon Homes Ltd. – Butterfly House
Kooney Homes Ltd. – The Boardwalk Townhomes
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. – Lofty View
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. – Modern Tranquility
My House Design/Build Team Ltd. – Vintner’s Dream
ParkLane Homes Ltd. - Flatiron at Bedford Landing
Royale Properties Ltd. - Nature’s Walk
Tien Sher Group of Companies – English Mews
Tien Sher Group of Companies – Quattro3
TQ Construction Ltd. – Deer Lake Spa Bath
TQ Construction Ltd. – Inside-Outside Renovation
TQ Construction Ltd. – Princess Park Kitchen
TQ Construction Ltd. – Seclusion
TQ Construction Ltd. – Yale Kitchen

Tagged GVHBA, Ovation awards, Surrey BC, vancouver

Feb 16 2013

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Beer, Charity, Events, Surrey, vancouver, Whistler

Surrey Beer Club is happening this Thursday! Want to know what the casks will be?

It’s almost here! This Thursday (Feb 21st) marks the 3rd edition of our Surrey Beer Club meet/tweetups at Big Ridge Brewing Co. in Surrey! Join us a 5pm for great beer, good times and a good cause!

We’ll have 2 casks, one from Tariq at Big Ridge and one from Derrick at Whistler Brewhouse. Tariq’s cask is his Sullivan Porter dry hopped with Brambling Cross. Derrick’s cask is his Alta Lake Ale dry hopped with Sorachi Ace. You can also try Tariq’s latest seasonal which is a single hopped Vienna style lager, I haven’t had it yet but I hear it’s outstanding!

We’ll be holding a 50/50 draw and a raffle with some cool prizes like an hour long photo session from Contra Studios, some gift cards, some Big Ridge swag and a beer basket put together by yours truly! All proceeds are going to Variety the Children’s Charity. If you can’t make it and would like to donate you can do so HERE. You’ll get a tax receipt and if you mention Hayley Graham (my daughter) in your donation we’ll get a notification!

Thanks for all your support and I look forward to seeing you Thursday night!

Scott.

Tagged alta lake, beer club, Big Ridge Brewing Company, Cask night, Craft beer, sorachi, Surrey BC, Surrey Beer Club, Variety BC, Whistler Brewhouse

Feb 09 2013

1 Comment

Surrey, Tourism, vancouver

Civic Hotel is coming to Surrey.

The Plaza at 3 Civic Plaza

Last July Century Group announced the ambitious 3 Civic Plaza project which is now under construction in Surrey’s City Centre, check out all the details here http://wp.me/p2HHqR-7p . The project includes Civic Hotel, a modern, upscale hotel which is the first of its kind in Surrey since the Guildford Sheraton was built over 20 years ago. Here’s a breakdown of what this state of the art hotel will bring to Surrey.

2 story “Glass Box” shared lobby

Overview

• Part of Surrey’s first mixed-use hotel and residential project, 3 Civic Plaza.
• A premium world class hotel backed by a global reservation system.
• Located on the Civic Plaza in Surrey City Centre on City Parkway at the crossroads of 104th Avenue, and adjacent to the Surrey Central SkyTrain station.
• Surrey’s first new high-rise hotel in two decades.
• Boasts 144 rooms, large meeting space to accommodate more than 300 people, street-level licensed restaurant and lounge, market café, indoor lap pool and hot tub, and fitness room with adjoining change rooms that include full shower facilities.
• Features a dedicated co-working space (Nice!!) and health club.

Hotel room

Economic Highlights

• Projected to cater primarily to the corporate and leisure markets, with the latter benefiting from strong projected growth rates for population in Surrey and visiting friends and family.
• With 37,000-40,000 guests per year expected at Civic Hotel, it is estimated that more than $3.6 million in ancillary revenue will be injected into local businesses and services each year based on the average international visitor to Canada spending $99.60 per day in 2011 (Canadian Tourism Commission).
• Civic Hotel will also generate 50 full-time jobs and the overall project will create more than 200 jobs during construction.

Health Club

Design Highlights

• Designed by Vancouver-based Cotter Architects and Portland-based ZGF Architects, the progressive architecture and modern design of Civic Hotel reflect an international outlook and the city’s South Asian cultural influences.
• Two-storey “glass box” grand lobby will be shared by the residences, offices and hotel, functioning as a social hub.
• Lobby draws inspiration from the surrounding forests and the rich regional history of the timber industry. It boasts a modern sculptural staircase of walnut, stainless steel and glass.
• Rooms are stylish yet practical for work – with functional desk chairs, precision lighting and uncluttered workspaces – and also feature expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.
• In-slab radiant heating/cooling system and natural ventilation system will provide guests with a superior comfort level not possible with conventional mechanical systems.
• Hotel roof will act as an amenity space for socializing and special events, offering guests a front row seat to activities taking place on the civic plaza below and providing views to sunrises over the Coast Mountains and stunning sunsets over Vancouver Island.

3 Civic Plaza

Check out 3civicplaza.ca for more info.

Scott.

Tagged 3 Civic Plaza, Century Group, Civic Hotel, Co working, Surrey BC

Feb 07 2013

6 Comments

Surrey, vancouver

What do I think about the “Surrey, The Future Dies Here” shirts? I’m glad you asked!

Photo – Metro News

So, someone is making shirts that play on the official city logo and poke fun at Surrey’s crime rate eh? This should surprise no one. Surrey has a crime problem, Surrey has a murder problem, Surrey has a robbery problem, look up the stats. Surrey has a bad image and it’s there for a reason, there is more crime committed here per capita than in our big brother Vancouver. Do I like the shirts? You know what, they’re kind of funny and kudos for to Mr. Don Pitcairn for having the stones to make something like this considering he actually LIVES IN SURREY! Would I wear one? Hell no, they’re ugly. I’m sure the Main Street/Gastown hipster crowd will love them though. I proudly wear my Surrey Is The Bomb shirts because I like living here.

I’m sure you guys thought this was going to be a ranting, raving post full of finger pointing but it just isn’t worth it. I tried to promote Surrey but all I found was people who don’t consider themselves Surrey residents, they’re either from somewhere else or they say they’re Vancouverites. The cease and desist order put forth by the City of Surrey is toothless as far as I can tell, they might have a minor copyright infringement case but it’s pretty thin.

I’m as surprised as you are that I’m so indifferent about this, life’s too short to pretend everything’s made of roses and sunshine and unicorn farts you guys. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to go sit on my couch in my affordable home while I sip fine single malt Scotch and think about how easy my morning commute is now that they’ve replaced the Port Mann Bridge. While you chew on that remember this simple fact proud Vancouverites, it’s pretty hard for people who live in a city that has a place as dark and disturbing as the Downtown Eastside to throw stones at anyone, then again most Vancouverites avoid the DTES more than they avoid Surrey. Cheers.

Scott.

Tagged Crime, Homicide, Indifference, surrey, Surrey BC, vancouver

Jan 27 2013

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Hockey, Langley, Surrey, vancouver

BCHL Hockey – Langley Rivermen vs. Trail Smoke Eaters

Pre Game

My NHL boycott is slowly coming to an end, I find myself peeking at the highlights and searching YouTube for plays that people mention on Twitter and Facebook instead of actually watching the games. So to ease myself back into the roll of full time hockey fan the family and I headed out to the Langley Events Centre to catch a BCHL game between the Langley Rivermen and the Trail Smoke Eaters.

The 5500 seat arena

Food and beer (I’m sure they have other stuff too)

The Langley Events Centre is a very impressive facility. It has a 5500 seat arena, a 2200 seat gymnasium, a walking track, a community centre with a gym, a banquet hall, meeting rooms and outdoor sports fields and playgrounds. The concession has beer (it’s Budweiser though but hey, it’s better than no beer at all) and some interesting looking food options including Poutine and a Pulled Pork covered hot dog. My tickets were comped by the Home Depot which is a community sponsor of the Rivermen but full price for a ticket is only $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students and free for kids 6 and under. Season tickets are $240 and give you first crack at any other events/shows that roll through the LEC, not bad at all.

Game time!

The game was great, big hits, lots of action but we only made it to the halfway point of the 2nd as our little one had had enough fun. She was pretty into it for an almost 3 year old though and she loved walking around the rink checking everything out!

“Ya ladies, I’m the goalie. No big deal”

The final score was 4-3 in favour of the Smoke Eaters leaving the Rivermen a game under .500 with 15 games remaining in the regular season. After the game (This game and last game) you and your family could skate with the team, an awesome way to connect with the community!

TWU Spartans

You can also watch the Langley Thunder (lacrosse) and TWU Spartans (Basketball, hockey, volleyball) play at the LEC.

Twitter @LangleyEvents, @LangleyRivermen, @BCHLSmokeEaters

Scott.

Tagged BCHL, BCHL Hockey, Family fun, Hockey, Langley BC, Langley Events Centre, Langley Rivermen, Smart Hockey, Trail Smoke Eaters

Jan 16 2013

5 Comments

Architecture, Art, Surrey, vancouver, White Rock

My second love, buildings, bridges and public spaces

I love many things in this world, my family is obviously first on the list. My second love may come as a surprise to some, unless you read the title. Buildings, bridges, public spaces, I love architectural design, industrial design and well planned neighbourhoods. A beautiful building or bridge is like art soaring into the sky or spanning a body of water, well planned public spaces energise the streets, bring foot traffic to local businesses and inspire families to move into urban areas.

Whenever I have the chance I take pictures of my favourite places using my Smartphone (Sony X12) and Instagram. I’ve gathered up some of my favourites and wanted to share them with you.

1500 West Georgia, Vancouver.

Central City Tower, Surrey

Alexandria Bridge, Fraser Canyon near Hell’s Gate

Athletes Village main square, Vancouver

BC Place looking towards Mount Baker, Vancouver

Burrard Street Bridge, Vancouver

English Bay and the West End, Vancouver

Georgia Street, Vancouver

Granville Street Bridge and False Creek

White Rock Pier, White Rock

Granville Island, rust can be beautiful, Vancouver

Granville Street Bridge, Vancouver

Harbour Centre and Hastings Street, Vancouver

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Vancouver

Lonsdale Quay looking across Burrard Inlet, North Vancouver

Main Street, Whistler Village

Manhattan Apartments at Robson and Thurlow, Vancouver

Queensborough with the Alex Fraser Bridge in the distance, New Westminster

Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver

Saint Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver

The DTES as seen from the Sun Tower, Vancouver

The Electra, Vancouver

The Qube, Vancouver

Tynehead Regional Park, Surrey

Vancouver Public Library main branch, Vancouver

White Rock Beach pier, White Rock

Grab your smartphone or camera and take some pictures of your favourite places, it’ll make you appreciate the place we call home and you might find something great that you didn’t know was so close to you.

Scott.

Tagged Architecture, athletes village, Bridges, Buildings, community, DTES, English Bay, False Creek, Granville Island, North Vancouver, Public spaces, Surrey BC, vancouver, west end vancouver, White Rock

Jan 13 2013

3 Comments

Beer, food, pub, Restaurant, Surrey, vancouver

Central City Brew Pub

Central City Brewing Co. is living proof that Surrey is indeed the bomb. Located in (wait for it) the Central City complex that houses a shopping mall, an SFU campus and one of the best looking buildings in Greater Vancouver, they make world class craft beer that has won numerous awards over the past few years. Did I mention the building they’re located in? I seriously love the Central City Tower, it’s a true architectural gem that is very under appreciated by most of the GVRD. I stopped in for a few beers, dinner and some NFL playoff football watching recently with my cousin Kurt (@truKrenruT).

Central City Tower

Central City has tons of free parking and is right next to the Surrey Central Skytrain Station, I highly recommend my readers from north of the Fraser hop on the train and give Central City a try. I would list all of the beer/brewing/brewpub awards they’ve racked up since 2008 but it’s easier to just give you guys the link. I started out with their amazingly good Imperial IPA which has won some sort of beer award every year since 2008 and it’s quite deserving of the praise it gets. I followed that up with their Winter Ale, a seasonal beer that is unlike other overly sweet winter ales. This beer has a nice malty body with a subtle hop finish and a very mild sweetness. It’s quite nice. I had an ESB as well before returning to the fantastic imperial IPA. I’ve never met a Red Racer beer I didn’t like (aside from a lemongrass infused pin cask of their pale ale…). 2013 will be the year that BC breweries start to overtake their Pacific Northwest and Californian competition, you heard it here first. Canadian craft beer has never been better and it gets better with every new brewery that opens up!

Red Racer Imperial IPA

The food at Central City is also outstanding and has really moved upmarket since the hiring of Executive Chef Carl Sawatsky a few years ago. Having spent time as the Executive Chef at Bacchus Bistro at Domaine De Chamberton Winery Chef Sawatsky has changed a very pedestrian pub menu into something that encompasses locally sourced, high quality ingredients and non traditional dishes along side modern twists on traditional pub grub. After publishing this post I’ve learned that Chef Sawatsky may not be with Central City any more (he’s still listed as Executive Chef on their Facebook page) but his menu remains and is still executed quite well.

Shortrib Beef Dip

Kurt and I both ordered the same thing, the Braised Shortrib Beef Dip and I’m happy to say this is one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in recent memory. Red Racer beer braised short rib, pickled grilled zucchini, stout cheddar from Farmhouse Cheeses in Agassiz, crispy onions, horseradish Dijon mayo, served on a house made ciabatta bun with Au Jus for dipping. I think I got a little lucky because my short rib was roughly an inch think, Kurt’s was less thick but it was still enough. The pickled zucchini is awesome, the stout cheddar is rich and delicious and the bun is fresh and tasty. The fries are good, nothing mind blowing but good non the less.

Great Beer, great food, great building, great pub. Go check it out if you’ve never been and if you haven’t been in awhile it’s worth a revisit.

Scott.

Tagged Central City Brew Pub, Central City Brewing Co., Craft beer, Red Racer Beer, surrey, Surrey BC

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