Hunchback – Catalyst Theatre, Adopted from the novel by Victor Hugo. Presented by The Cultch with & performed at Vancouver Playhouse. From the award-winning creators of Nevermore and Frankenstein. Lust, obsession, love and desire. A tormented priest, a beautiful dancer and the deformed bell ringer Quasimodo struggle to control a destiny that will ultimately destroy them all. A stunning, audacious musical take on Hugo’s enduring classic; the newest work from Catalyst Theatre. 

February 18 – March 10, 2012, 8pm

Tickets $33 – $74 at http://tickets.vancouverplayhouse.com/tickets/   604.873.3311

Ignorance - The Old Trout Puppet Workshop – at the Historic Theatre at The Cultch. Ignorance is a puppet documentary about prehistoric humanity – about the time when we lived in caves, before we invented Facebook, iPhones, or nagging senses of dissatisfaction. With much grunting, shrieking, and gnawing on bones, the Old Trouts will explain where we went wrong, and how we might find our way once again. 

February 28-March 10, 2012, 8pm (+ 2 matinees)

Tickets from $16 – 604.251.1363, http://tickets.thecultch.com

Elles – Les Productions Figlios

Winner of the Rio Tinto Alcan Performing Arts Award, Dance 2012. At the Historic Theatre at The Cultch.

Elles is the expression of choreographer Serge Bennathan’s desire to be confronted once again by feminine strength, passion and depth. This work explores the visceral, raw physicality of women coming from different geographical points, bringing with them different approaches and languages of dance. 

March 13 – 17, 2012, 8pm

Tickets from $16 - 604.251.1363, http://tickets.thecultch.com

Sonic Boom 2012 is the annual celebration of music by BC composers. Hear works by 40 composers this year, with Vancouver Brass Project as the Ensemble-in-residence, and Michael Murray is Guest Artist. World premieres include a piece for large brass ensemble by Owen Underhill, Sonic Boom’s Composer-in-residence this year, and a new electro-acoustic piece by Yota Kobayashi, who curates the Wednesday performances. Concerts and workshops are in two venues this year: the Western Front at 303 East 8^th Ave., and St Philip’s Anglican Church at 3737 W. 27^th Ave. March 20 – 25. Festival passes available as well as single tickets on sale soon. www.vancouverpromusica.ca/sonicboom

L’Orchestre D’Hommes-Orchestres performs Tom Waits - presented with Capilano University at the Historic Theatre at The Cultch. Armed with the colourful repertoire of uncategorizable American music icon Tom Waits, Quebec City’s L’Orchestre d’Hommes-Orchestres offer an event that is more of a carnival show or musical circus than just a concert. This bustling orchestra performs the music of Tom Waits using nearly 100 objects and invented instruments on stage.

March 22 – 24, 2012, 8pm

Tickets from $28 - 604.251.1363, http://tickets.thecultch.com

TREMORS

Presented by Rumble Productions. Rumble Productions’ emerging arts festival returns to showcase the new generation of contemporary theatre. April 10 – 28, 2012 at The Cultch & Little Mountain Gallery. Tickets from $15 at tickets.thecultch.com or 604.251.1363

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Produced by Pound of Flesh Theatre; Presented with Rumble Productions as part of the 2012 TREMORS Festival. Part court-room drama, part urban re-telling of myth, this searing look at history’s most infamous double-cross places Judas Iscariot on trial for betraying Christ. As biblical and historical witnesses take the stand, we are forced to re-examine old truths and consider what it means to forgive. April 10-21, 2012, 8pm (+ 2 matinees). Tickets From $16 - 604.251.1363, http://tickets.thecultch.com

Giant Invisible Robot, by Jayson McDonald, roduced by Stars and Hearts, presented by Rumble Productions as part of the 2012 TREMORS Festival. This 2011 Fringe hit returns to tell the story of a painfully shy young man and his compulsively destructive robot. April 17 – 21, 2012, The Vancity Culture Lab at The Cultch. Tickets: $15 at tickets.thecultch.com or 604.251.1363

Endgame, by Samuel Beckett, produced by Main Street Theatre, presented by Rumble Productions as part of the 2012 TREMORS Festival. Main Street Theatre tackles Beckett’s absurdist rumination on the end of life. April 19 – 28, 2012, Little Mountain Gallery (195 East 26^th Ave). Tickets: $15 at tickets.thecultch.com or 604.251.1363

A Last Resort, by Camille Gingras & Candelario Andrade, produced by Rough House Productions, presented by Rumble Productions as part of the 2012 TREMORS Festival. Part travelogue, part theatrical performance, A Last Resort embarks on a luminous voyage into the dark side of humanity’s increasingly tenuous dreams of paradise. April 24 – 28, 2012, The Vancity Culture Lab at The Cultch. Tickets: $15 at tickets.thecultch.com or 604.251.1363

IZM – Bboyizm - At the Historic Theatre at The Cultch.

Choreographer Crazy Smooth brings together ten of Canada’s most talented performers to evoke the essential nature of pure street dance. Explosive dancing, heart-on-sleeve commitment and heroic attitudes bring urban culture’s street dance to the stage, showing audiences that hip hop is still a dynamic force in dance today. 

April 24-29, 2012, 8pm

Tickets from $16 - 604.251.1363, http://tickets.thecultch.com

Blue Box, by Carmen Aguirre; Nightswimming/Neworld Theatre – at the Vancity Culture Lab at The Cultch. Blue Box presents Carmen Aguirre’s remarkable life as an underground revolutionary in Chile. It’s a story of terror, romance, fear and abandon that takes us from the dangerous mountain passes of Chile to the perilous roller coasters of Hollywood; from an ardent love affair with a TV star; to a passionate love for a revolutionary political movement that strove to free and change an entire nation.

May 1 – 12, 2012

The 35^th annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival returns to Granville Island May 28 – June 3, 2012. Featuring theatre, puppetry, animated film, storytelling, dance and music from Taiwan, Italy, Senegal, UK, USA and across Canada, including the return of the popular Aquabus shows with Ferry Tale Theatre’s version of Little Red Riding Hood. Tickets from $18, on sale soon. www.childrensfestival.ca

Timely Travel Poll Finds That Actually, We’re Both!

Many of us are romantics at heart – at least one day a year – and want to spoil our significant others with a wildly romantic Valentine’s Day night enjoying the best food, entertainment and culture the city has to offer. We really want champagne wishes and caviar dreams but have to work with fast food funds, making it difficult to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a big way. This year, Canadians from Vancouver to Halifax are feeling the pinch of the recent economic crisis, with less money to spend on entertainment and luxury expenses like Valentine’s Day extravagances.

Thankfully though, smaller budgets don’t have to ruin the romance of your Valentine’s Day.  As part of their ongoing mission to offer consumers the best deals online, Canadian travel leader Flightnetwork.com surveyed lovebirds across the country to find the top five low-cost and no-cost Valentine’s Day outings in Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto, Halifax, Calgary and Edmonton, just in time for cash-strapped couples to plan a romantic Valentine’s date.

Vancouverites in particular, were very creative in coming up with their top five list of low- and no-cost Valentine’s Day dates. Although skating was one of the top activities across all markets, in Vancouver, a free stroll through Granville Island (29.8%) edged out a romantic free skate at Robson Square (29.3%) as the best discount date. Another 20.5% surveyed preferred a free tour of English Bay, one of the best places to watch a sunset in the downtown Vancouver area. An impressive 17.6% said they would spend $21 each (adult admission) for a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium.  Surprisingly in these cynical times, only 2.9% said they would opt to spend $20 each to attend the Meet Market Anti-Valentine’s Day Bash at the Cellar, a fun night of dancing, drinking and networking for those who aren’t quite feeling the Valentine’s spirit this February 14th.

The Flightnetwork.com survey also discovered the top dates for Canadians nationwide (based on top local results) included skating on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal – the world’s largest skating rink, with 79,1% of the vote, followed by skating in Calgary’s Bowness Park with 65.2% of the vote.  Winter Light Illuminations at Edmonton’s Louise McKinney Park captured National interest with 52.4%, unfortunately Canadians will have to wait until 2013 to enjoy the event since it has been recently postponed. Rounding out the National top five were super romantic sleigh and carriage rides at Hatfield Farms in Halifax with 45.4% of the vote, and free skating by Lake Ontario at Toronto’s Harbourfront with 42.5% of the vote.

So don’t lose heart because of economic obstacles this Valentine’s Day. Whether you and your sweetheart drink hot chocolate on a romantic stroll through Granville Island, or skate hand-in-hand at Robson Square, Vancouver has many low- and no-cost options for lovebirds on a budget. After all, the most important part of a romantic Valentine’s Day date is spending time with the person that you love the most.

Want more?

Here are Vancouver’s Top 10 Romantic Date Ideas in Vancouver

2011 was yet another record-breaking year for BC’s luxury housing market. According to MLS stats, over 700 $3 million+ homes were sold in 2011, smashing the record set last year of 375, and more than tripling the number achieved in 2009. Macdonald Realty manager, Matthew Lee, whose firm sold the most expensive house ($16.8 million) and most expensive condo ($10.1 million) in 2011, believes that international buyers are fuelling the luxury market. “Buyers from Mainland China continued to push prices upwards in 2011,” Lee says, “but they’re not the only ones buying. Locals and people from other parts of the world like BC as well.”

Macdonald Realty VP Dan Scarrow concurs. “For the past couple of years, we’ve seen a really remarkable run-up in prices in the 5 areas that have the highest concentration of Chinese buyers: Vancouver (Westside), Richmond, Burnaby, West Vancouver, and White Rock. The housing market in the rest of the Lower Mainland and BC looks very similar to most markets across the country.”

That said, both Scarrow and Lee believe that the hot markets of 2011 will be more stable in 2012, while the slower areas slightly outperform to play catch-up.

The stats seem to support this view. Midway through 2011, Macdonald Realty projected that there would be more than 800 sales of homes over $3 million for the year. The drop to 700, albeit slight, indicates a trend of slowing luxury sales. Macdonald Realty projects that the more affordable jurisdictions in the Lower Mainland will see the biggest price gains in 2012. “We think that prices will remain quite stable in most of the province,” says Scarrow, “while prices in some of the more affordable areas of the Lower Mainland, specifically East Vancouver, are expected to rise considerably to close the gap.”

3 Most Expensive Homes Sold in 2011:

• 1) $16,800,000
• 2) $14,680,000
• 3) $13,100,000

3 Most Expensive Condos Sold in 2011:

• 1) $10,100,000
• 2) $7,500,000
• 3) $7,200,000

Vancouver BC Luxury Homes Line Graph

 If you want to dazzle your taste buds then you should definitely visit one of these top 10 Vancouver restaurants. From seafood and sweet desserts to Italian, Indian and Thai food, these selected restaurants have it all. Sample fine cuisine created by acclaimed chefs from around the world. Whether you are looking for a romantic place to take a date, or a great place for a business meeting, you will find it here in Vancouver.

Salam Bombay

Vancouver is home to many ethnic communities and one of them serves up some of the world’s most sought after cuisines and straight from the most popular city in India hails Salam Bombay. Located on the second floor, this restaurant has more than just great views of the downtown hustle and bustle but also some of the most authentic and new age Indian food dishes. Professional chefs and servers make this location an experience that starts the second you walk in – delicious buffets, classic tastes like butter chicken and naan to more evolved fusion foods too. Lunch buffets or to hold a party – this is one place you won’t leave hungry, bored or broke! Preview online at www.salambombay.ca

Blue Water Café

If you love fresh seafood—lobster, oysters, mussels, prawns and more—then this is the place! Located in the trendy neighborhood of Yaletown, this restaurant is close to the seawall for an after-dinner stroll. It may be a little expensive, but if you can afford it, this restaurant will take your breath away with its fancy dishes. It also has a variety of other dishes such as European Heritage chicken and beef tenderloin. Visitors can also choose from an extensive wine list and desserts like strawberry cheesecake and pistachio macaroons. Check out their menu at www.bluewatercafe.net or call them at 604-688-8078.

Goldfish Pacific Kitchen

Situated at 1118 Mainland Street, this very new restaurant is attracting the foodies more than ever. With its social atmosphere and colorful design, this place is great for a date or a business lunch. There is free wireless for people coming in for lunch and they offer West Coast cooking, seafood of all varieties, and Pacific Rim flavours. Find out more information at www.goldfishkitchen.com or call them at 604-689-8318 for hours of operation.

West Restaurant

Great for business meetings and fancy dining, West has won awards for being the best restaurant in Vancouver. Located at 2881 Granville Street, this restaurant has glorious main dishes, such as sable-fish, lamb, lobster, salmon, pork and halibut. Visitors can try a tasting menu and early bird menus and choose from their extensive wine list. They also have a tasty cheese and dessert menu to share with your friends, colleagues or family. Visit their Web site at www.westrestaurant.com or call 604-738-8938 for menus and hours of operation.

Sophie’s Cosmic Café

Located at 2095 West 4th Street in Kitsilano, Sophie’s Cosmic Café is a great place to dine. Taking you back to the ’50s era, this restaurant offers an excellent breakfast. Try waffles, home fries, omeletes, French toast, pancakes and more. Take a trip back in time and pull up a chair at this fun place! Visit the Web site at www.sophiescosmiccafe.com or call 604-732-6810 for hours and menu.

The RainCity Grill

This restaurant takes the cake for views of English Bay and location. Located at 1193 Denman Street, the RainCity Grill offers fresh BC halibut, roasted beef rib eye, rare albacore tuna loin and much more. Its ambiance and perfect dining music make it great for a romantic date. You can then take a walk along the seawall after dinner and watch a sunset over English Bay. Visit the Web site at www.raincitygrill.com or call 604-685-7337 for hours of operation.

Diva at the Met

Located inside the famous Metropolitan Hotel at 645 Howe Street, this restaurant continues to dazzle patrons every day. They serve tasty Pacific Northwest food, oyster mushrooms, pan-roasted halibut, Canadian prime rib eye and much more. They are in a prime downtown location within walking distance of Yaletown, Coal Harbour, the West End and attractions. They also have over 500 wines to choose from. Visit the Web site at www.metropolitan.com or call the restaurant at 604-602-7788.

Sanafir Restaurant

Located at 1026 Granville Street, Sanafir is a split-level restaurant with menu selections such as tapas-style entrees and beef, chicken, prawn and squid dishes. You can share dishes with each other or have one all to yourself. There is a colourful cocktail list, as well as a good selection of red and white wines. It has 130 seats and a 12-seat bar that is designed with an Arabic touch. Visit the Web site at www.sanafir.ca or call 604-678-1049 for more information.

Simply Thai Restaurant

Located in fashionable Yaletown at 1211 Hamilton Street, this restaurant will spice up your life along with your tastebuds. You can order dishes mild or spicy and wash them down with an exotic cocktail. Try the sweet and sour pork or yummy egg roll and noodle dishes. This restaurant is close to the seawall and aquabus and is great for a business meeting or a date with someone you fancy. Visit the Web site at www.simplythairestaurant.com or call 604-642-0123.

Salade de Fruits Café

If you have ever thought of going to Paris, this might be somewhere to start. Located at 1551 West 7th Street, this restaurant boasts dishes like calamar frits, tarte pizza au four, N.Y steak and poisson du jour. Visitors should definitely try the crème brulee or baked Alaska for dessert. The staff is mostly French, so if you feel like brushing up on your skills en Francaise, give it a try! Visit the Web site at www.saladedefruits.com or call the restaurant at 604-714-5987 for reservations.

For more reviews and restaurants check out VancouverRestaurants.com

If you have ever seen the classic movie ‘White Christmas’ on television, you will love this performance. The storyline includes romance, love, comedy, drama and more. Todd and Jeffrey fully captured the characters of Phil Davis and Bob Wallace and really made a massive contribution to the show’s success. Not to mention, Monique and Sara-Jeanne as sisters Betty and Judy Haynes and their fun and frolicking ways. Little Susan Waverly, played by Rachael Withers knocked the socks off everyone with her fabulous solo’s and vocals, while Martha Watson played by Susan Anderson took the cake with her fun and comedic songs. The Ensemble choir team had so much energy; I couldn’t believe how fast they were moving across the stage. The ArtsClub.com is the host of White Christmas and if you truly want to feel the holiday spirit; book your tickets today for some top-of-the-line performances. Tickets are always a great stocking stuffer, so get your jungle bells on and see the show!

-Natasha Jervis

Todd Talbot, Monique Lund, Jeffrey Victor, and Sara-Jeanne Hosie in the Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of White Christmas. Photos by David Cooper.

Aren knew from a young age, that he loved to act. Even in the 2nd grade he could be seen on stage at every talent show performing and making people laugh. Aren went on to attend Hanley High School in Hanley, Saskatchewan, where he pursued theater. It was when he landed his first role in the Canadian APTN series, RABBIT FALL, that he realized his potential and ability to pursue acting as a career and all of the possibilities that were there for him in Vancouver.

Aren Guest Stars in the Cartoon Network’s new live action series, LEVEL UP. Premiering in 2012, the show follows 4 high school gamers in their quest to fight mythical beasts that have escaped from the games into reality. Aren plays the role of “Leroy” who seems charming, but turns out to be the type of guy that no one wants to be friends with.

While his character may be a little shady, off screen Aren maintains his small town charm with his polite demeanor and happy-go-lucky attitude.

No doubt his winning personality, combined with his talent and skill, landed him the role as “Anthony” in the Hallmark love story, TRADING CHRISTMAS, which is set to air on November 26, 2011.

With only two days’ rest, Aren went from the set of TRADING CHRISTMAS straight into the role of “Richard” on Hasbro TV’s mini series, CLUE, inspired by the popular board game. Aren can also be seen in the CW’s hit horror series, SUPERNATURAL and YTV’s MR. YOUNG.

Aren has accomplished many goals to date, but the actor’s most memorable and exciting experience was flying to LA last spring to screen test at NBC Studios.

“It was an unbelievable experience,” says Aren, “And I am excited to have another one like it down the road.”

As Rosewood’s newest addition to their world class boutique collection, Hotel Georgia exudes charm and class and offers guests a chance to travel back to the 1920′s, a time when romance soared, music thrived and when living in the ‘here and now’ was a way of life. Some of the previous world-famed guests also include the British Royal Family, Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, Nat ‘King’ Cole, The Rolling Stones, Louis Armstrong and Bob Hope.

This ancient, yet fully rejuvenated hotel was the haven for these celebrities to relax and unwind before they performed at popular historic Vancouver venues such as Orpheum located on downtown Granville Street. In the Jazz era, radio was the most influential media tool for musical expression. From 1927, up until 1941, British Columbia’s most popular radio station was CKWX. Legend has it that it was broadcast from the penthouse studio level of this refined hotel while Big Band Melodies and Jazz was pumped out from a lower level room onto the bustling streets.

The dramatically restored Rosewood Hotel Georgia surpasses as a place of luxury and legacy. With state-of-the-art technology, old-world craftsmanship, notorious works of art by established artists, immaculate furnishings, impeccable service and extensive amenities, this property holds a special place within the hearts of all those who step through its doors. Known as a hallmark property, Georgia Hotel now allows guests to return to an era when hotel stays were unique, tranquil and memorable.

Overview of the Property

Rosewood’s Hotel Georgia is home to 156 suites and rooms, designed to be welcoming and calming to guests, but also stylish with a sleek and modern touch. Using ivory, chocolate and light blue colors, every room is cozy and dotted with comfortable furnishings and rejuvenating spa-inspired bathrooms. The hotel features two first-class suites known as the Rosewood Suite and The Lord Stanley Suite which boast plunge pools, private rooftop terraces with glorious panoramic city views and colorful secluded gardens. Also included in the restorations is Sense, A Rosewood Spa®, an exquisite Spanish Ballroom and a quaint lounge that is situated in the lobby known as ’1927′. A jazzy and elite underground nightclub, Prohibition, is in the works to be completed before the end of 2011. The entire hotel and its venues keep with Rosewood’s guiding principle, A Sense of Place.

Amenities and Services include the following:

• Valet Parking
• Private Dining
• 24 hour Room service and in-room dining
• Banquet and Executive Meeting Facilities (9.847 sq. ft of meeting space and 10 rooms)
• Fitness Center
• Signature Restaurant by famed-Chef David Hawksworth
• Sense, A Rosewood Spa®
• 52′ indoor Saltwater Lap Pool
• Business Center
• Courtesy car service (Enjoy a ride in a classic Bentley!)
• Complimentary High-Speed WiFi in rooms and throughout the hotel
• Turn-down service
• Security and notification features at entrance to room for housekeeping staff (Doorbell, Privacy Alert, Please Make Up Room etc.)
• Designer Ohné toiletries and ‘Rain Shower’
• Excellent concierge service

Nearby Attractions:

Because the Hotel Georgia is centrally located in the heart of Vancouver, tourists and locals staying at the hotel can experience an array of nearby attractions. Whether you want to bike and hike or stroll through glorious gardens throughout your stay in the city, there is something fun for every guest to enjoy.

• Day trips to explore Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast and the North Shore Mountains.
• Trek across the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
• Take in panoramic sights of the city of Vancouver at the Vancouver Lookout.
• Visit close by Canada Place and see the cruise ships come into port.
• Bike, swim, sun bathe or roller blade through world-famous Stanley Park.
• Climb the Grouse Grind or enjoy all the activities Grouse Mountain offers.
• See popular works of art at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
• Take a float-plane tour to Vancouver Island or fly sky high over the city of Vancouver.

The Sanctuary Inside the Legend

Whether you need to unwind and revitalize yourself before that big corporate meeting or a night at the symphony, Sense, a Rosewood Spa® offers an array of signature spa services. Guests can indulge in spa treatments such as the Vancouver Signature Sensation, Glacial Honey Scrub, Fusion Massage , Ayurveda Harmony treatment, Jet Lag Recovery and Rhythmic Stone Massage. Allow yourself to be pampered and taken care of in this invigorating hotel retreat.

The Hotel Georgia also offers the Rose Buds® Junior Spa experience for kids 13 and under. While a parent or guardian must be present during these treatments, it also offers an opportunity to have some family time or bond with your kids. Some of the treatments offered are a deep cleansing facial for young maturing skin, a manicure and pedicure to polish and moisturize young feet and hands and a foot and scalp massage to relax the racy young mind.

A Culinary Experience at its Finest

Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Signature restaurant, Hawksworth has an exceptional menu offering contemporary Canadian cuisine and local ingredients inspired by Vancouver’s diverse and cultural influence. Guests can dine within Hawksworth Restaurant day and night and sample some of famous Chef David Hawksworth’s exquisite cuisine or stop over to the lobby bar “1927” for a classic cocktail and ‘Bar Bites’. Guests can also relax at “Reflections”, a seasonal patio lounge bar that presents patrons with a colorful array of specialty cocktails and light fare. By the end of 2011, Rosewood guests and the public will be able to experience “Prohibition”, downtown’s new, chic and intimate watering hole on the lower level of the hotel. Get ready for the Jazz era to come to life once again.

Guests can also choose to dine like the stars in their rooms and sample dishes such as Rosewood’s Signature Black Pepper Fries with garlic aioli, the Elvis Presley Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich, Artisan Baked Pastries or Canadian Maple Syrup Buttermilk Pancakes and Brioche French Toast. Did you know that Katherine Hepburn, a screen legend, was the first person to ask to be served within her room, therefore, coining the term ‘room service’? She waltzed into the Georgia Hotel in the 50′s, gave Mr. Bill Hudson, the hotel manager, her long list of required food, drinks and toiletries and said she preferred to dine privately. End of story.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia: Art Inspired

One cannot help but to notice the masterpieces as you stroll through the lobby, past the ’1927′ lobby bar, up the staircase to the meeting rooms and throughout the hotel. Rosewood Hotel Georgia is home to a diverse collection of art, put together by Farm Boy Fine Arts and the hotel owners. It is one of the largest reserved collection and exhibitions of Canadian art in Canada. Expensive and valued at over one million dollars, guests, whether art lovers or not, will enjoy the works of legendary artists such as BC’s Rodney Graham, Alan Wood, Patrick Hughes, Douglas Coupland, Jack Shadbolt, Sonny Assu, Brent Comber, Mark Roth, Derek Root, Marcel Barbeau and Takao Tanabe.

My Personal Visit

‘Sense of Place’. I encountered this feeling when I walked through the legendary Hotel Georgia’s doors and toured the property. Vancouver has re-created a legend. As a fan of classic venues, era’s and historic legends, I felt right at home. I felt as though I had stepped into the past where hotel travel was purely elegant, classic, impeccable and refined. I was greeted by the front desk staff and taken care of immediately upon stepping foot inside the hotel. A most efficient and welcoming front desk staff member named Cash showed me to my beautiful suite and thoroughly explained how to use the features of the room.

I was completely impressed with the design and layout of the room with its sliding doors, separate bedroom area, comfy living room and dining area, business desk, pendant lighting, TV/internet and wireless keyboard feature, deep bath, rain shower, lighting features and large window sills. I couldn’t help but imagine Katherine Hepburn enjoying her late night snack as she sat in the window and gazed upon Vancouver’s busy yet vibrant streets below. Of course, without a doubt, I had to do the same.

While being given a thorough and dedicated tour by Marisa of Hawksworth Communications, I mentioned in the lobby area that I felt as though I was strolling through the RMS Titanic with its charming twisting staircase, fine art, gold trimming and cozy blast-from-the-past lobby lounge.

The first lobby piece of Rosewood’s stunning art collection was hard not to miss. Patrick Hughes’ ‘Internity’ baffles the mind as you glance at it from every angle. It tends to play tricks on your eyes with its reverse perspective, movement and depth. I could see visitors coming in off the busy Vancouver street to take a peek. Some stood there for minutes on end, exploring every view point.

As we head up the elegant staircase to the second floor, artist Derek Root’s colossal masterpiece captured my immediate attention as it was lit up by a shimmering, rather extravagant chandelier. Calming to the eye, Derek Root created this great art piece solely of wax and it certainly contributes to the classic ambiance of the lobby. I also couldn’t help but notice the restored clocks, furnishings and 18K gold wall trimmings. The marble floor was exceptional and Marisa pointed out some of the remaining markings on the floor that dated back to the Roaring 20′s. I truly felt as though I had stepped back into a timeless era. I felt a bit under-dressed in a suit. Where was my flapper dress and cloche hat?

My impression of the service within the hotel was unlike any other hotel stay I have experienced. I was called by Grace at Guest Services who wanted to make sure I was happy with every feature of my suite which created a sense of caring and follow up. The entrance, lobby and security staff were constantly ‘on the ball’ and always greeted me with a warm smile. Unlike most hotels where you check in and you are somewhat forgotten, the Georgia Hotel makes sure you feel important. It’s not about celebrity status in this five star property; it’s about genuine hospitality and equally dedicated service to all of those who visit, whether a guest or passerby.

When staying at the Hotel Georgia you not only see the history, you sense it with all of your being. I found the hotel to be utterly romantic as well, as you could imagine legendary couples of the past strolling through, holding hands, sipping cocktails in the lounge and taking in the luxurious ambiance that is felt throughout. I recommend staying at Rosewood’s Hotel Georgia when visiting the beautiful vibrant city of Vancouver. I was astonished, thrilled, fascinated and speechless all at once. And I can guarantee you, speechless is not a temporary state I normally experience.

My last words: Rosewood’s Hotel Georgia offers a legendary stay for legendary guests.

By: Natasha Jervis, Media/Travel Copywriter @ VancouverBC.com

What does Lora Frost do in her real life?

Hmm, my ‘real’ life, well all of my business interests tend to play off of one another so ‘one night’ is certainly part of my ‘real life’, but technically I’m a designer. I was originally trained as a graphic designer and then in landscape design. I’ve also always had a huge interest in personal development and I love being involved in the community. I currently run several companies including Urban Eden Design (landscape design and build), Six Dolls Design, and now ‘one night’ (which I hope to build as an annual event). I’m also the site coordinator for a local community garden, where I give workshops (volunteer position), and I’m currently writing my own cookbook, and preparing for a couple of upcoming speaking engagements.

You are launching the first ‘Success Party’ in Canada, where did you get the idea?

I had read many books and have attended many seminars on business success, and the idea that ‘you are what you believe’ kept showing up. And I’ve certainly had success in my own career by thinking positively; setting goals, and actively practicing the life I want to lead now and in the future. The ‘Law of Attraction’ only works when you take action.

Can you tell us a bit more about ‘One Night’ and the ‘Success Party’ concept?

The idea behind the ‘Success Party’ is to build success by helping people realize what their 5-year goals are and how to best reach them. Where will you be in five years? Who will you be and what will you have accomplished? Through a strategic and high-end event, guests will actively experience the feeling of achieving their wildest dreams. They will experience life as they want it to be in five years and therefore will start to see shifts in how their life unfolds.

How much preparation do the guests need to be at their best at One Night?

Each guest receives a ‘success package’ that includes steps and templates for building their own professional and/or personal success strategy. Prior to the event, each guest submits a bio, an overview of their successes (as they would be five years from now), and other related documents. At the event, guests will be celebrated and will spend the evening being congratulated on their successes (5 yr) and will be highlighted individually as well.

What should guests expect to get out of the night?

This event celebrates what we really want out of life and shows guests how to reach out and get it. This is your life, your one and only life. Each guest has the opportunity to determine what’s possible and they can expect to have a much better understanding of how to actually be where they want to be five years from now.

Is there any scientific proof to this process?

Well, I’m not a scientist so I can’t officially confirm this formula works, but there are some amazing studies that show how new neural passageways are formed when you experience and practice something new. A few great books on the brain are ‘The Brain That Changes Itself’, by Norman Doidge (In this book, the power of positive thinking finally gains scientific credibility), ‘Change your brain, change your body’ by Daniel Amen, “The Success Principals” by Jack Canfield and of course the movie “What the bleep do we know” Starring Marley Matlin.

In a few words, why should our readers attend the ‘One Night’ event?

To define the life of their dreams and to fast track achieving the life you have always wanted to live! Attend ‘One Night’ to be where you want to be 5 years from now.

Event Details -

‘One Night’ by Lora Frost
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Terrace at the Shangri-La, Vancouver
7pm – 10pm
Tickets $150/person
To purchase ticket(s) visit: http://onenightbylorafrost.eventbrite.com/ or call 604-734-4223.
This is a not for profit event, all proceeds to be donated to Habitat For Humanity
More details at http://onenightbylorafrost.com/

About Lora Frost –

Lora Frost is a young entrepreneur from Vancouver with a passion for business, sustainability, community, great design, and fine food. She has been on a successful entrepreneurial path for many years and is a respected leader in business success and personal growth. Frost is a strong believer in sharing knowledge to build greater success in life.

Organized by the same company that produces EAT! Vancouver, the Fraser Valley counterpart is in its 4th year at the TRADEX Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre, hosting over 100 food-related exhibitors, cooking demos, and for the first time, the Iron Chef-style Master Chef Competition, sponsored by CityTV and happening on all three days of the festival from Friday, September 16 to Sunday, September 18.

Each year, Food Network Canada hosts the Celebrity Cooking Stage, where this year, Chef Chuck Hughes of Chuck’s Day Off showcases his newest creations. Celebrated Cactus Club Restaurants innovator Chef Rob Feenie will also be present (coincidentally, the only other chef besides Hughes to win an Iron Chef America battle) as well as Galloping Gourmet star and author Graham Kerr, who headlined EAT! Vancouver earlier this year.

Other featured areas at the festival include the Grapes & Hops Presentation Stage hosted by Fraser Valley’s Kathleen Rake and Rick Mohabir of Just Here for the Beer, Dairy Farmers of Canada Cheese Seminars, the Wine, Beer & Spirits Pavilion, and my personal favourite, the Bite of the Valley Pavilion where a variety of Fraser Valley restaurants will offer their signature dishes at a reduced price. Confirmed Bite vendors include A Taste of Ukraine, The Baron Bar & Grill, Fresh Restaurant, Milestone’s, Ric’s Grill, Taste of Africa, Wok Box, and Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre. With so much variety, I dare you to leave the festival on an empty stomach!

EAT! Fraser Valley tickets and information can be found at www.eat-fraservalley.com. A $2 discount applies to tickets if bought online.

By Sandra Garcia