PlanetEye

Been in and out of town lately, so while I am on top of the events going on in Vancouver, I haven't had a whole lot of time to write about them.  One of them being a very big annual summer Vancouver festival.  That's right.  The Vancouver International Jazz Festival had its big kick off this weekend.  It kicked off on Friday night with Herbie Hancock.  I know, I am lame for not mentioning it before hand.  Last night, one of my favorite bands, Pink Martini played - and I am really kicking myself that I missed them.

But there is plenty more fantastic artists to see- as there is an entire week left of this festival.  For instance the Dave Brubeck Quartet (of Take 5 fame) is playing tomorrow night at the Orpheum.  The John Scofield Trio is playing at The Centre on Tuesday evening, and Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz Lincoln Centre Orchestra will be performing at The Orpheum on the night of June 27th.

Besides them, there are performances all over the city, at all times of the day.  You can pick up a schedule at your local Starbucks - or visit the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society website at http://www.coastaljazz.ca 

If you are hanging out in the neighborhood of Burnaby Heights, and are craving indian food- you do not have to make the trek to Surrey or Main St (in Vancouver), there is a perfectly delightful restaurant right there.

Located next to the uber-popular Anton's (you can easily find it-because the line up is about 1/2 a block long), Bombay Bhel serves delicious fare (and I guarantee that you won't wait nearly as long as you would for your so-so bowl of pasta from their next door neighbor).

I have been several times, and I have never been disappointed.  If you are a bit on the timid side, order their butter chicken- its delicious.  I try to order something different every time I go.  My current favorite is all about the eggplant (stupid me forgot to write down the dish), but anything with eggplant is to die for!

Of course, this wouldn't be a Planet Eye Vancouver review if I didn't mention the bar.  The pomegranate martinis are a must try.  Not going to tell you anything about them, you will have to discover the yumminess for yourself.  But try one, or several - just make sure you have a safe way home.

Make sure you finish off your meal with some chai tea.  It's very authentic.

Oh, and they also do take out. 

Now that it's officially summer, hopefully the weather is going to start cooperating with us.  When its not too wet out, this season is great for bike riding.  There are tons of trails in Vancouver, and if you are a mountain biking enthusiast Vancouver and the North Shore is a great place to try out your bike.  

 However, if you are like me and like to play it a little on the safe side- then there is a great place to peddle.  It's the Seawall at Stanley Park.  The Seawall is 5.5 miles of paved trail -which is shared with pedestrians (so be careful of them).

Don't have a bike? That's ok, there are tons of places along Denman St or Georgia St to go rent a cruiser.  For a few dollars, you can get some great exercise in one of the most beautiful places in Canada.

Starting next Friday (June 20th) and playing for 2 days at the Vancouver International Film  Centre.  This will be the second annual festival.  Last year, they showed 10 films, and all films were sold out.  This year, they are showing 6 films with the theme Footprints of Youth.

The 6 films being shown are:

My Football Summer

The Most Distant Course

Island Etude

Shonenko

Keeping Watch

Love's Lone Flower 

Tickets cost $7.00 plus a $1.00 membership.  For more information on what is sure to be an interesting film festival, go to http://ipixels.net/twff/Home-En.html 

Every region in the lower mainland will lay a best pizza place claim.  If you live in the suburbs you will get your pizza from a reputable chain like Me-N-Eds or Boston Pizza.  If you live in Kitsilano -you probably get your pizza from Rocky Mountain Flatbread Pizza (for good reason-its yummy and different).

However, if you live or frequent the Kerrisdale area, there is a smallish pizza place called George's.  This pizza is not to be passed up.  My personal favorite is the Napolean (try it out, once the tomato ban has been lifted).  it consists of tomatoes, feta, and capers.  In my opinion its the best thing they offer.

 The decor is dated, think back to the early or mid -80s.  But who cares what the decor looks like when the pizza is so fantastic.  If you like a thick crusted pie, then this is the place for you.

On weekends, a little jazz combo plays in the evenings. 

You are visiting Vancouver, and realized that it rains almost everyday.  OK that is technically not true.  But at certain times of the year, it certainly feels like it.  Like right now, for instance.  It feels like March and not almost the middle of June.

You can pick up umbrellas at practically every corner.  Even at 7-11, you can find an umbrella, for under $10.  However, chances are that it will not last the afternoon let alone your vacation.

But, if you want an umbrella that comes with a guarantee for life, then you should visit The Umbrella Shop.  Not only are they the sturdiest umbrellas that you can find in the city, but they are sooo cute.  

Check out the many different kinds at www.theumbrellashop.com

And if you find a black one, with the cityscape printed in beige, you will have just come across my favorite.

 As long as you have one of these umbrellas, you will want it to keep on raining. 

By now, you have probably heard about the crazy big 3 day music festival (to be held July 25-27) in Pemberton BC.  Its going to be one insane weekend, that features today's musical acts.

 Here is the weekend's breakdown.

Friday 

Nine Inch Nails, Interpol, Serj Tankian, Wolfmother, Metric, Kathleen Edwards, the Secret Machines, Shearwater, Minus the Bear, Grand Ole Party, and Annie Stela.

Saturday 

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, the Tragically Hip, the Flaming Lips, My Morning Jacket, Sam Roberts Band, Black Mountain, Buck 65, Brazilian Girls, Mates of State, Carolina Liar, and Low Vs Diamond.

Sunday 

Coldplay, Jay-Z, Death Cab for Cutie, N.E.R.D., Vampire Weekend, Matisyahu, Wintersleep, Inward Eye, the Fiery Furnaces, the Airborne Toxic, Event, and Monte Negro.

Starting on Saturday June 13th, you will be able to purchase 1 day passes for approx $150.00

For more information go to www.pembertonfestival.com

**concert listing information provided by The Georgia Straight.