The Out West Garage monthly jam happens the first Monday of each Month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Here youll always find a wonderful collection of local bluegrass fans and musicians.
Edocco Studio offers interactive programs for small groups introducing you to many aspects of Japanese culture. About two hours in duration, there you can take part in activities such as Matcha Tea Experience, Calligraphy, Geisha Dance Show, Formal Kimono Dress, and Origami. In a summer camp kind of way, the program format takes you promptly from one activity to the next and with many great photo ops to be had. All in all, it’s a delightful experience entirely made possible by the gracious personable Edocco hosts.
Location: 2 Chome-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
Visited on 15 May 2024
Asahi corporate headquarters is a 22 story office tower located where the Azuma Bridge crosses the Sumida River. Atop the building is a small beer bar featuring panoramic views across Tokyo weather permitting of course. Within reasonable walking distance from Sensoji Temple, we found both the building and the elevator that accesses the top floor handily. Once you are up there, you’ll find a pretty ordinary hallway lined with a dozen or two stackable chairs which serves as the waiting room for visitors trying to access the limited capacity beer bar. Our wait was about 10 minutes. After ordering beers, you find a place to sit and enjoy the views, ideally looking into the direction where the sun is not blinding you. The interior layout and ambiance is only a little more interesting than the waiting room – think Dunkin Donuts at Walmart. In any case, you are there for the views, and there it delivers. It is also entertaining watching the visitors jockey for a better seat or table as people come and go. All very civilized in any case. As a bonus, each receipt is printed with “beer thirty” on it, and that pretty much describes the purpose of our visit and it was a most enjoyable one.
Location: 1 Chome-23-1 Azumabashi, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-8602, Japan
Visited on 14 May 2024
The Heatley: I would describe this pub as a brave and inspired outpost in an unusual location. Certainly not dangerous, but this part of town is know for its missions, addiction treatment centers, and fleabag hotels more than it is for trendy food and entertainment. Personally, I like a neighborhood with a little grit. As you walk inside the Heatley, you’ll find a smart and inviting main room and long bar, and on this Tuesday a terrific bluegrass band with hardly strictly an empty seat in the house. Add to that craft beers, cocktails, bar food, and this place has it all! Later in the evening, after topping up the patrons, the bartender joined the band for a couple of songs and stole the show. Glorious! We made our exit around 11 p.m., but the entertainment continued across the street outside the Astoria Hotel as we waited for our bus back to Denman Street. I’ll just call it true grit and leave it at that. Summary: Round out your Vancouver visit by going to the Heatley!
Location: 696 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC – CANADA
Visited on 14 November 2023
The ANZA Club: A most welcoming social club in the heart of Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Imagine having a membership to your own private dive bar – outstanding! The lower level is cozy with low ceilings and has a basic bar with well priced beer available by pint or jug. In addition, you have billiards, darts, board games, and a cozy fire place to gather around. ANZA stands for Australia and New Zealand Association, and I say the people from down under have their priorities in order! Isn’t that refreshing? Yep!
We were there on a Monday night for the weekly bluegrass jam, and damn there is some quality strumming and singing going on here! Let it be known throughout the land, Bluegrass is thriving in British Columbia! Great collection of musicians and a laid back friendly vibe is what you’ll find here, and it goes on for hours. Summary: check out the ANZA, make friends, feel the vibe, and keep the party going!
Location: 3 West 8th Ave, Vancouver BC – CANADA
Visited on 13 November 2023
Tonkotsu Ramen: Close to the bike rental shops outside Stanley Park, this classic hole in the wall noodle restaurant caught our eye. When we inquired about a table for three, the waiter said in a not so convincing way to come back in 20 minutes. We are glad we did. Upon returning, we were seated at a small but cozy table next to the front window. There we could watch the many passers by and prospective diners also being told to come back in 20 mins. The menu was pretty straight-forward and I opted for the spicy miso with noodles, pork chashu, and soft boiled egg. This miso was the real deal, and the rich flavors and spice lingered for hours and in a good way.
Location: 740 Denman St., Vancouver, BC – CANADA
Visited on 13 November 2023
The Bill Reid Galley of Northwest Coast Art: Outstanding museum dedicated to the life and works of Bill Reid (1920-1998) an acclaimed master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, broadcaster, mentor and community activist. I loved this place. The collection of Reid’s work is really impressive. From the intricate jewelry pieces to the staggering carvings and sculpture, it’s beautifully expressive of Reid’s Haida First Nations heritage. The many exhibits include short narratives of Reid’s craftsmanship and fascinating life and times. Located in the heart of Vancouver, this is very much worth your visit.
Location: 639 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2G3 – CANADA
Visited on 12 November 2023
The Fringe Cafe: It’s hard to call this place a cafe. It’s really a hole in the wall drinking establishment with well-priced beer frequented by students and an eclectic mix of friendly and groovy Kitsilanoites. Inside, the bar is the centerpiece where the main room is long, narrow, and dark. Lots of vintage poster art, other wall hangings, and ornaments. The place reminded me of many a good haunt in Baltimore and Washington DC that I used to visit back in the day. The Fringe features music regularly and it was a full house for open mic the night when we visited. The crowd was into it, and I admire how encouraging and supportive everyone was with the broad range of performers/talent. As for food, it would be better to eat something in advance. If that’s not possible, try some nachos but only so you don’t drink with an empty stomach. We need more places like the Fringe Cafe!
Location: 3124 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC – CANADA
Visited on 12 November 2023
Tom Sushi: This a great value sushi eatery with a loyal following in the heart of Davie Village. Try the Spicey Chirashi Don which comes with special sauce on the side. Great staff and lively, casual atmosphere. Easy to like this place.
Location: 1175 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC – CANADA
Visited on 12 November 2023
As a wine educator, I often ask guests if they can point to an impactful wine experience that increased their interest and appreciation for wine. My personal “aha” moment occurred back in 1993 when my wife and were living in London. I enjoyed wine back then, and I could name some of the classic varietals and regions, but I was never motivated to expand my palate. That changed one night when we had dinner with a family friend, Phil, who was visiting from California. We settled into a charming French restaurant in Covent Garden called La Stamine.
Phil appreciated wine, and he needed little time to select a 1982 Chateauneuf du Pape for the table. A Granache-based blend from the Southern Rhone, this wine was full bodied with aromas and flavors with generous fruit, earth, herbs, toast, and spice. It had good acidity and structure, and it was a perfect complement to the decadent lamb cutlets on my plate. For the first time drinking wine, I noticed an amazing array of flavors with depth, intensity, and harmony. Amazing, remarkable, aha! I was also fascinated to learn a little about the history of the Chateauneuf du Pape region, and the local Papel residence which contributed to the quality and the reputation of the wine.
Suffice it to say, my experience with Chateauneuf du Pape challenged me to seek out new wine regions and styles. Wine education is indeed a wonderful thing. It’s where drinking wine and studying are the same activity!
Do you have an “Aha!” moment with wine? Tell me about it!