Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 433
January 25, 2014
January 25, 2014: Buddy’s Day Out!
My buddy was in Vancouver today. For approximately five hours. He was actually on a layover, flying fin rom South Korea at 11:30 a.m., then flying out to Montreal at 4:30 p.m. Factor in the wait time at customs, travel to and from the airport, extended hilarious greetings/farewells, and that left us with closer to 150 minutes.
After picking him up, I have him a choice of lunch selections: brunch, dim sum, sushi, or food trucks. Surprisingly, he elected to go with the latter. At first, I figured we’d swing by the winter farmers market that usually boasts a half-dozen food trucks, but a quick check of my food truck app (Yes, I have a food truck app) revealed a food truck fest taking place downtown. Perfect timing! We could go down, grab a bite, then have a plenty of time for a hot chocolate!
The food truck fest featured over a dozen food trucks – and an enormous crowd of hungry diners…
It was a pretty big turnout – that got even bigger between the time we placed our orders and the time we picked them up.
From the Roaming Dragon truck: Pork belly with pickles in a steamed bun with rice balls, and their version of the ubiquitous Vietnamese sandwich, the banh mi. All great, but that bank mi was outstanding. I can’t say enough about the importance of fresh bread!
Akemi had the chickpea and puffed rice salad from Vij’s Railway Express. It was a little disappointing only because we tried it once before and loved it. This time, it was overpowered by the heavy dressing.
My buddy had a chicken naan that he had to wait twenty minutes for because the naan truck ran out of naan bread. No, really.
Once we were done, we hopped into my car and headed over to Bella Gelateria where we treated my buddy to ice cream (I highly recommend the rum and raisin!) and, of course, some hot chocolate (full report to follow).
Buddy enjoys his hot chocolate.
After that, there was just enough time to drive back to my place so that my buddy could check out the house and pretend not to be frightened by Lulu -
Fearsome!
Before jumping back into the car and heading back to the airport.
All in all, a visit both pleasant and highly efficient. Next time my buddy comes to town, I’m going to try break our record and wrap things up inside of two hoursQ
Three more episodes to go before we reach the end of Stargate: Universe. Akemi is cautiously optimistic about checking out Atlantis once we’re done, based on all of your recommendations. Will she like it? Or will it be another Girls?
January 24, 2014
January 24, 2014: Hot Chocolate Festival Rounds #6 and #7!
In addition to scriptwriting (and rewriting), I’ve been very busy running around town testing the various hot chocolates that make up this year’s Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival! Today, we reached the 1/4 mark of our epic chocolate journey…
Round #6…
Chocolat Glacé: Iced drinking chocolate. Served with a Gaufre de Liège waffle, along with a side of fleur de sel caramel or chocolate hazelnut spread..
Available at: Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France 198 East 21st Ave., Vancouver, B.C.
www.chocolaterienouvellefrance.ca
Surprisingly refreshing. Not overly sweet, it strikes a nice textural, neither too thick nor too thin.
The Hive: ’Hives for Humanity’ honey dark drinking chocolate. Served with a honey nib caramel.
Available at: East Van Roasters, 319 Carrall St, Vancouver, B.C.
A gloriously frothy cup of hot chocolate, the sweetness of the honey accented by just a touch of salt. I liked it, but Akemi isn’t a believer of the “adding salt to sweet” school of dessert preparation. The honey nib caramel served with the hot chocolate embodied the same contrasting flavors and I loved it. A heavenly two bites.
The Verdict: Both great in completely different ways. But, if I had to choose…
The Winner: The Hive (East Van Roasters).
Round #7:
Chocolat Glacé à la Noix de Coco: Coconut flavoured iced drinking chocolate. Served with a Gaufre de Liège waffle, along with a side of fleur de sel caramel or chocolate hazelnut spread.
Available at: Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France 198 East 21st Ave., Vancouver, B.C.
www.chocolaterienouvellefrance.ca
While the regular iced chocolate drink was great, this one, fairly bursting with coconut flavor, was even better. Initially, I feared the flavor might stray into cloying Pina Colada territory but it turned out to be surprisingly strong in chocolate flavor as well. The warm local waffle serve with the home made hazelnut spread was to die for.
Granville Island Grocery List: Inspired by the flavours of Granville Island, this is a beet and saffron hot chocolate. Served with a Gjetost macaron.
Available at: Soirette Macarons & Tea 1433 West Pender Street, Vancouver. (Coal Harbour)
Well I have to give Soirette credit for creativity. Last visit, it was Five Spice Chocolate. This time, it was beet and saffron and chocolate. Like the last time, the chocolate base was amazing, but the inspired ingredients maybe a little…to inspired? To be fair, I’m a little biased when it comes to saffron (I think it tastes like public pool water) and, while I enjoy beets, the tiny pieces at the bottom of my cup felt a little out of place. I was, however, mightily impressed with the macaron, the meringue sandwiching a piece of Gjetost, a slightly sweet cheese so unique I actually referenced it in an episode of Stargate: SG-1 (http://culturecheesemag.com/events/gjetost_gets_shout_out_stargate).
Verdict: Both quality products but there’s only one I’d go back to again. And again.
Winner: Chocolat Glacé à la Noix de Coco (Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France).
That’s 16 hot chocolates down, some 46 to go!
Tagged: Chocolate, drinking chocolate, Hot Chocolate, Hot Chocolate Festival, Hot Chocolate Festival 2014, Vancouver, Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, Vancouver hot chocolate Festival 2014
January 23, 2014
January 23, 2014: The cocaine van must get pulled over ALL THE TIME! My back-up plan falls through!
“Cocaine,”said Akemi as we pulled up to the stop light.
“What?”I asked.
“Cocaine,”she repeated. ”That’s what it said on the side of that van.”
I looked over but the van was long gone.
“Cocaine?”I asked. ”Are you sure?”
“Yes,”she said and proceeded to spell out: “K-O-K-A-N-E.”
“Kokanee,”I said, pronouncing it properly ‘ko-ka-nee’.
“Koko ni,”she said, pointing to her lap.
Yes. Close. “Koko ni” is Japanese for here whereas: “Kokane is a beer.”
“Beard?”she said, miming brushing a beard.
“No! Beer!”
“Oh, okay.” She seemed downright pleased with herself.
Okay. I begin to suspect she’s screwing with me.
Mark Savela plays the waiting game. Also the lunch game.
Well, hey, look who it is! It’s Mark Savela, former Stargate Visual Effects Supervisor, present creator of the Echoes scifi series currently in development (Bell Media | Bell Media Announces 29 Drama Projects in Development). Like us, he will be impatiently awaiting word on a possible series order in the coming weeks. In fact, February is looking like one hell of a decisive months. Anywhere from five (to up seven!) different projects in which I have stakes, both direct and indirect, will be decided upon – for better or worse. After two unbelievable and unbelievably frustrating “Oh, so close but no cigar – but here’s a lovely parting gift!” experiences in 2013, I’m much more confident heading into 2014. ”Why?”you may ask. ”Didn’t you learn your lesson the last time, and the time before that, and the time before that, and, come to think of it, throughout your career? You can’t apply logic to a business that, for the most part, doesn’t make any sense.” All true, but I have a back-up plan…
Browns still interviewing for head coach
The Cleveland Browns have had no success in finding someone to take their head coaching job. So, why not me? Remember when I said I was going to experience new things in 2014? Well, why not this? I may not have the experience, but I do have the passion and desire to sign a 5 year, $20 million dollar deal. And the great thing about the job is that the NFL season runs from September to January, giving me February through August to work on scripts. I’ve started work on my audition tape which should be ready by early next week and…
Aw, crap!
I just came across THIS while I was writing this blog entry: Browns tab Mike Pettine as coach
Really? REALLY?!
Fine. Guess I’ll just have to bank on one of my projects going.
Either that or wait until midway through the 2014 season for the New York Jets head coaching position to open up.
January 22, 2014
January 22, 2014: Projects update! Hot Chocolate Festival Rounds #4 and #5!
So, things are progressing nicely on all project fronts.
A.K.A.: We’re working with Thunderbird Films, developing this one for Bell Media. Paul is presently doing a pass on the pilot script while I work on the series overview. We have our notes call on the script for episode #2 tomorrow which will give us plenty of time to input any changes and deliver the entire package (both scripts and the overview) late next week. Hopefully. I hear that the broadcaster will be making decisions in the month of February so, thankfully, we’ll have our answer soon enough. Also in contention for a series order are projects by Robert Cooper (Soul Hunter, a super fun show along the lines of a sexier, darker Buffy) and Mark Savela (Echoes, an Earth-based, alien-influenced SF extravaganza with our friend Carl Binder at the creative helm).
The Southern Gothic pilot: We’ve finished a first draft and it’s in Tara’s hands for now. Once my schedule frees up, probably the week after next, I’ll look to shave five pages from the draft and do a “southern dialogue” polish.
That horror script: Alex and I talked through the story and agreed that I would start writing while he concentrated on Orphan Black. The plan was to get him 30 pages in February when he would finally have the time to commit to the project. Then, 30 pages become 40. Then 50. Then 60. The further along I got, the more pieces came together and, by the end, I was on a roll. On Monday, I completed a first draft of the script that, at 83 pages, is admittedly patchy at points, but I think a very promising start. Some of the scenes I envisioned kept me up nights, so that’s probably a good sign.
That SF pitch: Late in 2013, we were in Toronto pitching broadcasters a series based on a novel by a popular SF writer. In February, we take our show back on the road, this time to L.A.
That Super Secret Project: This one promised to be a lot of fun and things were coming together nicely…until some lawyers got involved at which point things ground to a halt. It’s too bad. I know it would have been something you all would’ve enjoyed.
Continuing our tour of the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2014!
Round #4…
Kiss ‘N Tell: Kissed by the sun, some things are meant to go together, just like orange and chocolate. Served with a candied orange peel chocolate creation.
Available at: Gem Chocolates 2029 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver.
The drinking chocolate here was lighter in comparison to some of the other places we tried and the orange flavor very subtle. The candied orange peel that accompanied the hot chocolate, on the other hand, was bursting with concentrated orange flavor.
Like Feathers & Snow: White Chocolate with warm spices. Served with a cardamom cookie.
Available at: Beaucoup Bakery 2150 Fir Street (in Kitsilano)
A nice, flavorful, fulsome cup that married to perfection the sweetness of the white chocolate with the redolence of the spices. The ideal hot chocolate for those stay-in-out-of-the-cold conditions.
The Verdict: Both were nice sipping chocolates but given the choice I’d go back for the…
Winner: Like Feathers & Snow (Beaucoup Bakery).
Round #5…
Five Spice Dragon: To sip on while taking in all Chinatown has to offer – five spice flavoured hot chocolate. Served with a Fennel Fortune Cookie.
Available at: Soirette Macarons & Tea 1433 West Pender Street, Vancouver. (Coal Harbour)
Going in, I wasn’t at all sure about the chocolate and five spice combo. And, after having it, I’m still unconvinced. The actual chocolate base was very nice.
Trio of Chocolate: The base of this hot chocolate is 66% Mokaya chocolate by Michel Cluizel. Served with a disk of 45% Kayambe milk chocolate and white chocolate ice cream.
Available at: Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe 1059 Alberni Street
http://www.thierrychocolates.com/
So here’s how it’s supposed to work. You’re served the white chocolate ice cream in the cup topped by a chocolate lid. The hot chocolate is served separately for you to pour through the opening in the chocolate lid (see it pictured above). For some reason, my order was served with the hot chocolate already in the cup so that, by the time I reached the table, then went back and got a spoon they forgot to give me, the ice cream was mostly melted. Despite this annoying oversight, this was probably the best hot chocolate I’ve had so far. Decadently indulgent.
Verdict: Alas, despite the service lapse, this one wasn’t even close.
Winner: Trio of Chocolate (Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe).
12 down, about 48 to go!
Tagged: Chocolate, Hot Chocolate, Hot Chocolate Festival, Hot Chocolate Festival 2014, Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, Vancouver hot chocolate Festival 2014
January 21, 2014
January 21, 2014: News of note! Answering your questions!
Well, this is interesting…
Another reason why it was a good idea to drink six cups of hot chocolate yesterday:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/compounds-found-in-chocolate-red-wine-may-lower-type-2-diabetes-risk/
Finally! My terrible memory may well pay off down the line. Scientists posit the theory that brains are like hard drives, capable of running out of storage space with time:
If there’s one film series I love as much today as I did when I was a kid, it’s Planet of the Apes. Check out actor Roddy McDowall’s amazing home movies from the set of Apes (compliments of the gang at SF Signal):
I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks this sets a foreboding precedent:
Candy Crush Saga Maker Trademarks Word “Candy”.
May I direct your attention to the sidebar and the constant reminder that our Book of the Month Club will reconvene (for the first time in years!) to discuss Mark Kloos’ Terms of Enlistment on Monday, March 3rd. That should give you all plenty of time to read the book and come up with some brilliant insights.
Answering your questions…
arcticgoddess writes: “This is off topic, but can you tell us more about this (From Bell Media)?
AKA
A serialized drama about a woman with the perfect life – and a dark secret that could change everything.”
Answer: This one is that “rare non-genre project” I’ve mentioned over the course of the past year or so. No spaceships or aliens or time travel. The details are super secret, only because the pilot episode is chock full o’ surprises. If our sources are to be believed, we’ll be hearing word on a decision sometime within the next month. A green light to go to series, hopefully. If not, our friends Robert Cooper and Mark Savela are in the mix and I would be equally (well, almost equally) happy to see their shows get picked up if ours doesn’t. In the case of Echoes, it would be an interesting role reversal as Mark Savela would be the Executive Producer while I would take over his role as Visual Effects Supervisor.
DP writes: “How long of a read is Sandman?”
Answer: 1034 pages. Keep in mind, this is only volume 1.
SGW1 writes: “You once wrote Kiva’s death “allowed for an unnerving scenario in the season 3 premiere” – what did you mean by that? Was it actually planned to include the aftermath of Kiva’s death in the season 3 premiere or did you just mistype there?”
Answer: Hmmm. I don’t recall. I suppose that could have been a reference to the fact that Kiva’s death put the unstable Dannic in charge.
SGW1 writes: “Joe, which episodes got the working titles “Turn of Events”, “Dark Gambit”, “Flowers for McKay”, “Ad Infinitum” (Unending?), “Remember When” (Inquisition?) and was “Beckett Returns” Kindred, Part 2?”
Answer: Turn of Events = Fallout, Flowers for McKay = The Shrine, Remember When = 200, Beckett Returns = Kindred II, Dark Gambit = Almost every episode I ever wrote.
SGW1 writes: “Joe, now that it’s sadly more than just unlikely that you’ll get to tell the story you originally envisioned for SG1′s “Revisions” (7×05) in a new Stargate episode – could you please tell us what you intended as that “shocking conclusion”?
Answer: You know, I was writing it out and suddenly realized it would make a great one-off episode for Dark Matter when that is ordered to series – hopefully sometime this year.
Mark writes: “How about pitching SGU Season 3 to Net Flicks? Its been 2 years since cancellation and that is about the time for the trip to the next galaxy.”
Answer: We don’t need netflix to step in and help get a season 3 made. The decision rests entirely with the studio, MGM.
JeffW writes: “Where did you all get all of the aviation models at “Colson Industries”? I especially loved the large scale Lockheed P-38J that was hanging in the main area. Was someone in props an aviation buff?”
Answer: That’s a question for our former set dec department.
Sara writes: “Rewatching Stargate Universe and Stargate Atlantis (both pilot episodes), it reminds me like the new project of “Mars One” who are selecting people from all countries for to travel to planet Mars, what do you think about this project?”
Answer: It’s…ambitious. If they can actually pull it off, I think it’s great.
dasndanger writes: “My only question atm is one I asked a couple/few days ago – When making hot chocolate at home, do you have a favorite cocoa that you use? Something special, or just regular Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa (or whatever they have in Canada)?”
Answer: Akemi uses a variety of pure dark chocolate couverture, from 65% Madirofolo to Venezuelan 72%. She buys them in bulk, in pistole (chip-like) form and melts them in a double boiler.
DP writes: “Have you watched Once Upon a Time? Do you see any resemblance between Rumpelstiltskin and the 1967 Spiderman animated series version of the Green Goblin?”
Answer: Alas, no, I haven’t seen Once Upon a Time. But I have seen every episode of the 1967 Spiderman animated series and thought it contained the most fearsome depiction of the Green Goblin ever seen – and that includes the live action movie.
Tam Dixon writes: “Do you have a favorite Hot Chocolate yet?”
Answer: So far, my favorite is Chocolate Arts’ A Snowball’s Chance in Hell = Spicy Mexican hot chocolate poured over chocolate ice cream.
Marsha R. writes: “Forgive me if you’ve answered this before – Is it anything like other tastings where you need a palate cleanser in between? What works between chocolates?”
Answer: For me, more chocolate.
Mike A. writes: “Do you do “keepers” in either of your fantasy leagues?”
Answer: Nope. We start fresh every season (since the participants in our league are always changing). If I was in a keeper league, I would keep most if not all of my team. They just picked the wrong week to underperform.
Mike A. writes: “If one of your projects goes to pilot, who has the say on where it gets filmed? Is it based on where the production house’s offices are located? Or is it based on some form of secondary research(monetary savings, future shooting location requirements, etc.)?”
Answer: It depends on a lot of things and, sometimes, nothing at all. Sometimes, a broadcaster will need a show for a fixed date. Other times, the money to make the show is not going to be available to you until a set date. Still other times, other factors (ie. you really have your heart set on actor x but he won’t be available until the spring).
JeffW writes: “So who’s your pick for the Superbowl? Broncos or Seahawks?”
Answer: Hmmm, tough. The Seahawks D has been great all season but looked positively ordinary for most of the NFC Championship game. I’m leaning toward the Broncos.
kathode writes: “I’m in as Akemi’s replacement! Where do I sign up?”
Answer: Contact BaronDestructo on Facebook!
kathode writes: “Hey Joe, what do I have to do to get invited to your Superbowl party?”
Answer: That depends on who is hosting the Superbowl party. I’m easy but Robert Cooper requires a $500 damage deposit and a fresh human kidney.
Mike A. writes: “Finally, I may just be a little forgetful this morning, but have you ever done a rundown of the top five sushi restaurants in Vancouver?”
Answer: My favorites = Minami, Miku, Aki, and Tojo’s. Let’s say top four.
bambamfans writes: “1. What’s special workout do you do to work of the hot chocolates?”
Answer: I’m keeping to my regular routine – 45 minutes of weights in the morning; 45 minutes of cardio at night. And, of course, one full hour of heavy reading.
2. Did you see warren Buffet is going to put up $1 million if someone picks a perfect bracket in March madness. Do you think we have a Hope in hell?
Answer: I did and no. I couldn’t even win our office pool.
3. What do you think of the Norway Curling Team?
Answer: Why are they dressed up as golfers?
Tagged: Book of the Month Club
January 20, 2014
January 20, 2014: Hot Chocolate Festival Rounds #2 and #3! Aloha Sweetie vs. Put De Lime in De Coconut vs. Monkey’s Uncle! Call Me A Cab vs. A Snowball’s Chance In Hell vs. London Foggy!
I was busy with Football Sunday festivities yesterday and, as result, missed a day in my ongoing quest to sample every hot chocolate being offered at this year’s Hot Chocolate Festival. To make up for lost time, we actually tripled our output today, sampling six different flavors. I know, I know. This is a marathon, not a race. I should be pacing myself. True but, if you’re two people, it’s so much easier to order to different hot chocolates each seating rather than a single one for sharing.
So, in contrast to Saturday’s head to head battles, today’s was a head to head to head contest pitting hot chocolates from Bella Gelateria, Chocolate Arts, and Terra Breads.
Dingding! Round #2…
Aloha Sweetie: Barry Callebaut White Hot Chocolate with hibiscus flower. Served with mountain berry marshmallow and lemon sugar cookie.
Available at: Terra Breads 2380 West 4th Avenue (@ Balsam)
I’m guessing the tartness of the dried hibiscus was intended as a counterpoint to the sweet richness of the white chocolate, but I found the sweetness muted by a thinness in consistency that just brought the sour accents front and centre. The mountain berry marshmallow and lemon sugar cookie were, however, terrific.
Put De Lime in De Coconut: Single origin Venezuela chocolate with organic coconut and kalamansi lime. Accompanied by a toasted coconut shortbread.
Available at: Chocolate Arts 1620 West 3rd Ave., Vancouver (Kitsilano).
This was Akemi’s favorite and, while I wasn’t quite as enthusiastic, I did enjoy the coconut kalamansi combination. Akemi appreciated the fact that both of aforementioned flavors didn’t upstage the chocolate but, for my part, I thought they got a little lost. Great coconut shortbread cookie!
Monkey’s Lunch: gBAR made from banana liquer and swirls of “To Die For” Banana Bread crumb. Served with a slice of Erin Ireland’s ”To Die For” Banana Bread alongside.
Available at: Bella Gelateria, 1001 West Cordova Street.
Ah, a variation of one of last year’s Bella Gelateria entries, improved by the replacement of banana bits (I wasn’t a fan) with a banana liquor gelato bar. Fear not, tea-toddlers. It wasn’t at all boozy but packed with an intense banana flavor that married wonderfully with the silky hot chocolate.
The Verdict: There were no bad entries here, but it ultimately came down to equally inspired preparations: Put De Lime in De Coconut vs. Monkey’s Lunch.
Winner: Monkey’s Lunch (Bella Gelateria).
Round #3…
Call Me a Cab: Cacao Barry Extra Brute Hot Chocolate with Cabernet, cinnamon and pear. Served with a pear crisp and a cocoa sugar cookie..
Available at: Terra Breads 2380 West 4th Avenue (@ Balsam)
I appreciated the intensity in flavor here, big and bold and spicy. If the chocolate had been a little, I’d have rated this one higher.
A Snowball’s Chance in Hell: Single origin Mexican chocolate with Mexican chili poured over house made chocolate ice cream. Accompanied by a flourless chocolate cookie.
Available at: Chocolate Arts 1620 West 3rd Ave., Vancouver (Kitsilano).
I’m a sucker for showmanship and a hands-on dining experience, so this one was right up my alley. Some assembly required. In this case, the pitcher of hot chocolate is poured into the bowl of chocolate and both are simultaneously enjoyed. I loved it. The ice cream cooled the hot chocolate down enough to what was my ideal sipping temperature while the heat of the hot chocolate lent the ice cream that partially-melted consistency I adored. I was a little leery about the Mexican chocolate but it was surprisingly good, packing a nice spicy, lingering throat punch.
London Foggy: gBAR flavoured with vanilla and Earl Grey tea. Served with Erin Ireland’s “To Die For” Banana Bread.
Available at: Bella Gelateria, 1001 West Cordova Street.
Another creative entry from Bella Gelateria. This time, the chocolate is complimented by a vanilla and Earl Grey gelato bear. Very good but, alas, paled in flavor comparison to its banana-flavored partner on this night.
Verdict: Again, not a bad drink in the bunch. A little easier deciding this round though…
Winner: A Snowball’s Chance in Hell (Chocolate Arts)
Great! 8 down, 50 to go – although I appear to have lost my wing-woman as Akemi has informed me she is tapping out. I’ll be holding interviews for her replacement in the coming days. Do YOU think you have what it takes?
Tomorrow = You have questions, I have answers! The A.K.A. project, secret episode titles, why petitioning NetFlix won’t bring back your favorite Stargate.
Tagged: Chocolate, Hot Chocolate, Hot Chocolate Festival, Hot Chocolate Festival 2014, Hot Chocolate Festival Vancouver
January 19, 2014
January 19, 2014: Football sans (mancakes) day! Get infected by SFSignal’s 10 Question Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Horror Book Meme!
With Rob assuming hosting duties for this weekend’s Football Sunday festivities, I thought the least I could do was pick up dessert. And what better dessert, I figured, than some guy-themed cupcakes from Mancakes Bakery which boasts such manly flavors as Buffalo Wing and Tequila Lime? And, maybe even some eclairs from Soirette. According to google, Mancakes opens at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays so, with the first game slated for a noon kick-off, I split the difference and got there at 11:00. The shop was dark. I waited. 11:05 still dark. I checked the official website and was disappointed to discover it actually opens at noon on Sundays. Great for people who would rather eat cupcakes instead of watching football, but not very good for people who actually want to eat cupcakes WHILE they watch football. I hate to say it, but not very manly.
So, I hopped back in the car and drove over to Soirette, deciding I’d settle for eclairs. When I arrived at Soirette, however, I was told that I would need to order the eclairs in advance and, since they had none on hand…
I was back in my car, heading over to G Cafe where I picked up some enormous chocolate zeppole, pecan pie tarts, peanut butter hedgehogs, and brownies…which I forgot to photograph for posterity’s sake.
I did, however, snap pics of some of the other afternoon highlights…
Rob mans the carving station. On the menu: prime rib.
Ivon shows off his culinary prowess with tasty twice-baked yams.
Toby agrees with Akemi’s review of Visitation. His part WAS too small. Also, GO BRONCOS!
Good times, good times.
Rob baked his own bread. How’s that for commitment?
We were later joined by Lawren, Tio, and a friend of Rob’s for what turned out to be a most satisfying afternoon of football, satisfying in that the Patriots AND Colin Kaepernick went down to defeat. This Superbowl, pitting the #1 offense in the NFL against the #1 defense in the league should be a great one. In principle.
All that was fun but now, back to work. I’ve got a script to re-read in advance of a Monday morning meeting regarding a show running opportunity on a new show. Also, I’ve got to jump on that horror script. I hit the 69 page mark last night and should have a rough first draft for Alex by week’s end.
I leave you with this 10 Question Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Book Meme nicked from the gang at SFSignal.com:
1. The last sf/f/h book I read and liked was: Red Country by Joe Abercrombie.
2. The last sf/f/h book I read and wasn’t crazy about was: The Explorer by James Smythe.
3. The sf/f/h book I am reading now is: The Sandman Omnibus, volume I by Neil Gaiman.
4. The sf/f/h book(s) I most want to read next is/are: Snowblind by Christopher Golden.
5. An underrated sf/f/h book is: The Dark Beyond the Stars by Frank M. Robinson.
6. An overrated sf/f/h book is: Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson.
7. The last sf/f/h book that was recommended to me was: Ancillary Justice by Anne Leckie.
8. A sf/f/h book I recommended to someone else was: Old Man’s War by John Scalzi.
9. A sf/f/h book I have re-read is: A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin.
1o. A sf/f/h book I want to re-read is: A Feast for Crows by George R. R. Martin.
Post your responses here, and here: A 10 Question Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Book Meme
January 18, 2014
January 18, 2014: Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival Round #1 = Aphrodite Delight vs. Magnifique Brunette!
As I mentioned in a recent blog entry (assuming you were paying attention) The Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival kicked off today. Running from January 18th to February 14th, it features over 60+ flavors (although I only count 58 flavors including a special off-the-menu 99% dark drinking chocolate offered at Bella Gelateria. The list of numbered varieties at the city food site mysteriously jumps from #36 to #41, skipping four spots) at 20 different locations around the city.
This year, in an effort to keep pace, Akemi and I will be sampling two different hot chocolates a day and pitting them, head to head, on the way to naming our Top 5 Festival Favorites. Last year’s winners were a nice mix of the classic and the crazy:
#5: Malteaser: Barley malt-infused hot chocolate served with salt caramel malt truffles. (Thomas Haas)
#4: The Josiah: Basil drinking chocolate topped with housemade strawberry marshmallows. (Cocoa Nympth)
#3: Italian Honey Moon: Honey nougat and hazelnut made with Avalon Organic milk and Michel Cluizel chocolate served with Erin Ireland’s “To Die For” Banana Bread. (Bella Gelateria)
#2: Armoury Amour: Cocoa Barry “Madirofolo”– a single plantation chocolate, kissed with raspberry and served with a mini lemon and basil ice cream sandwich. (Chocolate Arts)
#1: Jasmine: 64% dark chocolate – origin: Ecuador. Infused with jasmine and served with choice of chocolate square. (Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France)
February 17, 2013: The Hot Chocolate Festival Wrap-up! And the Winners are…!
Today, we hit two different chocolate hot spots, pitting Cocoa Nymph’s Aphrodite Delights against French Made Baking’s Magnifique Brunette!
The contestants:
The Aphrodite: 72% dark chocolate, with mango rosemary puree and almond milk (vegan and dairy free). Served with a side of rosemary anise fudge.
Available: At Cocoa Nymph 3739 W. 10th Ave (at Alma), Vancouver
www.cocoanymph.co
The rosemary in the rosemary puree was so subtle as to be almost non-existent. Not necessarily a bad thing as I’m still unconvinced that chocolate and rosemary make a good mix, but if if you’re going to advertise rosemary, it should taste a little like rosemary. The mango was element was there but not overpowering. The chocolate, as fruit-accented chocolates often do, was possessed of a lingering subtle sourness. Despite being prepared with almond milk, the drink was thick and rich. The side anise-rosemary fudge (the rosemary was a little more pronounced here but not that much more, possibly owing to the contrasting flavors of the dark hot chocolate). I also had two PB&J truffles which I think I’d preferred minus the J.
Magnifique Brunette: Valrhona Araguani Dark Chocolate (72%) with coconut milk and toasted coconut. Served with “Congolais” (coconut macaroon dipped in chocolate).
Available: French Made Baking 81 Kingsway, Vancouver
A beautiful-looking cup but ultimately lacking in fullness of flavor. The drinking chocolate was thin, no doubt owing to the coconut milk base, and the contrasting temperatures – the heat of the liquid chocolate and the coolness of the topping – were more interesting than appealing. I wasn’t a fan of the coconut shavings that added texture but not much in the way of taste.
VERDICT: Alas, even though I’m not a huge fan of the ubiquitous fruit and chocolate combo, this one wasn’t even close.
WINNER: Aphrodite Delight (Cocoa Nymph)
A big thanks to those offering their heartfelt congratulations on my making this list: http://www.bellmediapr.ca/Network/Bell-Media/Press/Bell-Media-Announces-29-Drama-Projects-in-Development
But, before we get a little ahead of ourselves and start checking the t.v. listings for the premiere date, allow me to dull your enthusiasm with little a reality check. The project listed, along with the 28 others, has not been ordered to series. It is merely “in development”. Now don’t get me wrong. Development is a significant first step toward getting a show on the air and not many people attain this coveted initial stage in the production process. My neighbors to either side of me, for instance, do NOT have any projects in development at any of the networks. Neither does the guy who runs the second-hand bookshop I occasionally frequent. My uncle Vic, despite his wonderfully humorous anecdotes, has no development deal. Those Wassup Guys? No development deal. (Well, okay, they had one back in 2000 but I imagine it must have run its course by now). Real Housewives alum Dina Manzo and Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham? No development deals. No, wait. I stand corrected. They DO have developments deals. Never mind.
Anyway, my point is that having a show in development is nice, but actually having a show on the air is awesome – and one does not necessarily lead to the other. In theory, yes, but in practice – as I learned with Dark Matter – not always the case.
So all this to say thanks, but let’s temper our expectations. Our project is one of 29 under consideration at this point. But if we do get the green light, you’ll be the first to know.
After Paul and me. And our agents. And friends and family. And, possibly, anyone within a thirty foot radius when I receive the news.
And, while we’re on the subject, let’s offer another round of congratulations to two people (and former Stargate vets) I overlooked (after overlooking first Lawren Bancroft-Wilson and then Mark Savela). Congratulations to Andy Mikita who picked up a nomination in the Best Direction in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series category for Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story. Also, congratulations to Michael Shanks who received a nomination in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series category, also for Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story.
I went over the full list of nominees and believe I’ve congratulated everyone I know. In the event I’ve been remiss and you or someone you know has been nominated for a Canadian Screen Award, please leave your name, nomination category, and production for which you have been nominated in the comments section of this blog and I will rectify the oversight in my next entry.
Tagged: Chocolate, Hot Chocolate, Hot Chocolate Festival, Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
January 28, 2014: Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival Round #1 = Aphrodite Delight vs. Magnifique Brunette!
As I mentioned in a recent blog entry (assuming you were paying attention) The Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival kicked off today. Running from January 18th to February 14th, it features over 60+ flavors (although I only count 58 flavors including a special off-the-menu 99% dark drinking chocolate offered at Bella Gelateria. The list of numbered varieties at the city food site mysteriously jumps from #36 to #41, skipping four spots) at 20 different locations around the city.
This year, in an effort to keep pace, Akemi and I will be sampling two different hot chocolates a day and pitting them, head to head, on the way to naming our Top 5 Festival Favorites. Last year’s winners were a nice mix of the classic and the crazy:
#5: Malteaser: Barley malt-infused hot chocolate served with salt caramel malt truffles. (Thomas Haas)
#4: The Josiah: Basil drinking chocolate topped with housemade strawberry marshmallows. (Cocoa Nympth)
#3: Italian Honey Moon: Honey nougat and hazelnut made with Avalon Organic milk and Michel Cluizel chocolate served with Erin Ireland’s “To Die For” Banana Bread. (Bella Gelateria)
#2: Armoury Amour: Cocoa Barry “Madirofolo”– a single plantation chocolate, kissed with raspberry and served with a mini lemon and basil ice cream sandwich. (Chocolate Arts)
#1: Jasmine: 64% dark chocolate – origin: Ecuador. Infused with jasmine and served with choice of chocolate square. (Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France)
February 17, 2013: The Hot Chocolate Festival Wrap-up! And the Winners are…!
Today, we hit two different chocolate hot spots, pitting Cocoa Nymph’s Aphrodite Delights against French Made Baking’s Magnifique Brunette!
The contestants:
The Aphrodite: 72% dark chocolate, with mango rosemary puree and almond milk (vegan and dairy free). Served with a side of rosemary anise fudge.
Available: At Cocoa Nymph 3739 W. 10th Ave (at Alma), Vancouver
www.cocoanymph.co
The rosemary in the rosemary puree was so subtle as to be almost non-existent. Not necessarily a bad thing as I’m still unconvinced that chocolate and rosemary make a good mix, but if if you’re going to advertise rosemary, it should taste a little like rosemary. The mango was element was there but not overpowering. The chocolate, as fruit-accented chocolates often do, was possessed of a lingering subtle sourness. Despite being prepared with almond milk, the drink was thick and rich. The side anise-rosemary fudge (the rosemary was a little more pronounced here but not that much more, possibly owing to the contrasting flavors of the dark hot chocolate). I also had two PB&J truffles which I think I’d preferred minus the J.
Magnifique Brunette: Valrhona Araguani Dark Chocolate (72%) with coconut milk and toasted coconut. Served with “Congolais” (coconut macaroon dipped in chocolate).
Available: French Made Baking 81 Kingsway, Vancouver
A beautiful-looking cup but ultimately lacking in fullness of flavor. The drinking chocolate was thin, no doubt owing to the coconut milk base, and the contrasting temperatures – the heat of the liquid chocolate and the coolness of the topping – were more interesting than appealing. I wasn’t a fan of the coconut shavings that added texture but not much in the way of taste.
VERDICT: Alas, even though I’m not a huge fan of the ubiquitous fruit and chocolate combo, this one wasn’t even close.
WINNER: Aphrodite Delight (Cocoa Nymph)
A big thanks to those offering their heartfelt congratulations on my making this list: http://www.bellmediapr.ca/Network/Bell-Media/Press/Bell-Media-Announces-29-Drama-Projects-in-Development
But, before we get a little ahead of ourselves and start checking the t.v. listings for the premiere date, allow me to dull your enthusiasm with little a reality check. The project listed, along with the 28 others, has not been ordered to series. It is merely “in development”. Now don’t get me wrong. Development is a significant first step toward getting a show on the air and not many people attain this coveted initial stage in the production process. My neighbors to either side of me, for instance, do NOT have any projects in development at any of the networks. Neither does the guy who runs the second-hand bookshop I occasionally frequent. My uncle Vic, despite his wonderfully humorous anecdotes, has no development deal. Those Wassup Guys? No development deal. (Well, okay, they had one back in 2000 but I imagine it must have run its course by now). Real Housewives alum Dina Manzo and Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham? No development deals. No, wait. I stand corrected. They DO have developments deals. Never mind.
Anyway, my point is that having a show in development is nice, but actually having a show on the air is awesome – and one does not necessarily lead to the other. In theory, yes, but in practice – as I learned with Dark Matter – not always the case.
So all this to say thanks, but let’s temper our expectations. Our project is one of 29 under consideration at this point. But if we do get the green light, you’ll be the first to know.
After Paul and me. And our agents. And friends and family. And, possibly, anyone within a thirty foot radius when I receive the news.
And, while we’re on the subject, let’s offer another round of congratulations to two people (and former Stargate vets) I overlooked (after overlooking first Lawren Bancroft-Wilson and then Mark Savela). Congratulations to Andy Mikita who picked up a nomination in the Best Direction in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series category for Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story. Also, congratulations to Michael Shanks who received a nomination in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series category, also for Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story.
I went over the full list of nominees and believe I’ve congratulated everyone I know. In the event I’ve been remiss and you or someone you know has been nominated for a Canadian Screen Award, please leave your name, nomination category, and production for which you have been nominated in the comments section of this blog and I will rectify the oversight in my next entry.
Tagged: Chocolate, Hot Chocolate, Hot Chocolate Festival, Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
January 17, 2014
January 17, 2014: Stargate Universe 2.0 – The Japanese Girlfriend Edition!
The suspense is unbearable!
Akemi and I have reached the halfway mark of Stargate: Universe’s second season. On re-watching these ten episodes, I’ve discovered a new appreciation for the series. The show really started to hit its stride in season two and it’s a damn shame it came to such a premature end.
But, really, who cares what I think? This is Stargate Universe 2.- – The Japanese Girlfriend Edition! What did Akemi think?
INTERVENTION
“Do you remember what happened in the last episode?”I asked Akemi as we sat down to watch the season premiere. After all, it had been almost two weeks since we screened the season one finale.
“Yes,”she said. ”Everybody die.”
Close, but not quite. And it didn’t take long for her to get caught up (Thank you, previously-on) and into the suspenseful season premiere.
Most of this episode’s high points were character-related. She was thrilled to see Toby (Peter) who has come over to watch football on occasion, and of course Mike Dopud who we’ve gone out to dinner with several times. And, as always, she likes Jamil – even though I have to point out that Jamil is the actor’s name while the name of the character he portrays is Sgt. Greer.
As for the low points, she wonders what took a topside Scott and Greer so long to figure out they should retreat to the underside of the ship to avoid the radiation: “But they’re stupid. They should have hide under ship sooner. Why scientist guy make them run?” Nevertheless: “Still, it was fun.”
She also bumped on Scott and Greer’s shooting prowess – and the enemies’ lack thereof: “Jamil and handsome guy shoot very well but bad guys not so good. Why?”
“Better training,”I offered.
She threw me a look, brow furrowed, not buying it: “You sure?”
Although saddened by the loss of T.J.’s baby, she was philosophical: “If baby is on the ship then different kind of tension. Scary things happen – but with baby. Problem, I think, from Walking Dead experience.”
Overall, though, a most enjoyable outing for her: “Time to sleep but I want to watch one more episode.”
AFTERMATH
An even darker episode sees the crew lose one of its own. A very sad episode so far as Akemi was concerned. Still, there were bright spots in the darkness. She loved the discovery of the bridge which she found very cool. And she also marvelled over Haig Sutherland’s final turn as Sgt. Riley: “He didn’t blink at all. How did he do that? His eyes must be super dry!”
She continues to have a love/hate relationship with Rush: “I didn’t like the fact science guy decided to stop [drop out of FTL]. It was dangerous and he kind of knew it. He killed the skinny guy.” And then, after a brief consideration: “Actually, writer killed him.”
AWAKENING
And the Destiny suffers another loss in this episode, losing Colonel Telford – or, as Akemi refers to him, Chef due to his frequent Food Network appearances. Her reaction? Kind of surprising given her initial dislike of the character. I imagine he’s rehabilitated himself in her eyes following the reveal that he was a victim of brainwashing all along: “Of course I feel sorry for Chef.”
Overall, it was an emotional roller coaster ride: “Scary at first. But very sad. Again. I don’t like sad episodes. But I liked the alien. Very cute.”
And, specifically with regard to said alien: “How did you do alien? Model? Why didn’t you ask me? Big head and small legs. Perfect.” Okay, maybe next scifi series.
PATHOGEN
Another Binder-san episode with a action, suspense, and a great emotional core. This one elicited a range of responses:
“I like geek people because always nice.” Here, presumably, a reference to Eli.
“Eli brinkles a lot.” Akemism for “blink”.
She found the scene where Greer and Simeon face off in the corridor, with its discordant background music, unbearable: “Didn’t like Jamil and Jerk Guy facing each other and peeeeeee sound.”
BUT, she loved the part where Eli’s mother visits Destiny and finally learns the truth about her son: “Favorite part was when mother came to the ship. She was happy; I was happy.”
Other observations: “Scientist guy not nice. Just use everyone. Not nice.”
“I’m surprised Chloe has diary like I have.” At which point she pulled our her diary, packed full of equally weird doodles. [Note to self: Am I dating an alien?]
CLOVERDALE
Mixed feelings on this episode which she equated to: “Watching old t.v. show.”
As usual, she loved Greer’s heroics, his willingness to risk all for his friend. On the other hand, she was less enamored of the wedding sequence which she found “chotto cheesy”.
She also bumped on the 11th hour turn: “Can I ask question? How can they give blood if not the same blood type?”
“Maybe they were,”I said.
“And magically the same blood type?” She wasn’t buying it.
She did, however, think Chloe looked gorgeous on her wedding day and loved her dress.
TRIAL AND ERROR
Although she liked this one, she was confused by the whole simulation explanation. Instead, she focused on the character moments, particularly the ones involving Eli and his new love interest, Ginn. She adored Greer’s big brother approach (“I’m going to take my time.” being her favorite line), but had some reservations about Eli’s shifting allegiance: “I was sad the fact geek boy turn for new girl so quickly. He liked Chloe!” Still, she wished the new couple all the best: “Now geek boy doesn’t care about Chloe anymore. Geek love. Hope they do well.”
Other observations: “I liked the part where Scott punches old Young’s face.”
On Rush: “He wash his hair?”
And: “I like Jamil all the time.” No kidding!
THE GREATER GOOD
A suspenseful episode, much of it that went completely over her head: “The part scientist talk about mission blah blah blah I couldn’t understand. Less than two percent.”
Still: “I liked it but I thought Colonel Young kill scientist.”
MALICE
Another Robert Cooper extravaganza, this one with a Western twist. And another very sad episode: “A lot of people passed away.” Including Ginn: “Why Robert Cooper hate geek love?”
She loved the pyrotechnics (“I liked a lot of bombs going off.”) but didn’t like her favorite getting injured (“Didn’t like that Jamil was shot.”)
VISITATION
She was intrigued throughout this episode but was left disappointed by the conclusion. As the end credits rolled: “That’s it? What is that ending? What’s that? Continued next episode? That’s it? So many mystery!”
While she liked Greer’s honest conversation with Chloe (“I liked the fact Jamil is very sad and say sorry to Chloe. Jamil is nice guy, ne?”), she didn’t like the fact we were offered no answers regarding the mysterious reappearance of the new and improved shuttle and former crew members: “Why alien do that?” Off my shrug: “You should know because you’re writer.” True.
I explained that the aliens took pity on the recently deceased and reanimated them, returning them to their home (Destiny). Unfortunately, despite their advanced technology, the resurrections were short-lived. The bodies broke down and the people died all over again. I figured that would satisfy her. Instead, I got: “Are you sure? Is it answer? But you didn’t say that during episode and you’re telling me now. Why didn’t you tell everybody? Everybody so sad.” Beat. ”And what happened to baby by the way?”
“It was a dream created by the ship.”
Met with a dissatisfied: “Hunh.”
Interestingly, two of her biggest objections were with regard to the Peter character played by our friend Toby Slezak. ”Why Toby has such small part? And why his name Peter?” In fact, for some strange reason, she got really hung up on the name Peter: “Nice to see Toby, but his role is so small and his name is Peter. Why Peter? I hope I not offend every Peter in the world but Peter chotto…He doesn’t look like a Peter.”
RESURGENCE
Ah, by this point, she’d become a savvy viewer. When the crew identifies one of the crippled ships as similar to the one Rush and Young visited episodes earlier: “Where’s Chef?”she wanted to know.
When Chef, aka Telford finally showed up, she felt vindicated – then somewhat saddened by the fact his new alien allies pulled a precautionary double-cross. Sympathetically: “Chef manipulated by bad guys and now he’s manipulated by aliens.” Poor, dumb, trusting Chef.
She loved the action, was on the edge of her seat for the Chloe scenes and, in particular, the race from the derelict ship back to the shuttle: “Jamil, Scott and curly hair drunken guy [here, no doubt, a reference to Brody's still] running back to ship. Most exciting part.”
She did take issue with one seemingly inconsequential element in this episode: “I thought Patrick had too much tan. Only he has nice tan. What happened, he went to Vegas?”
But when we cut to the end credits, she was absolutely beside herself, insisting we roll right into the next episode. But it was late.
Here’s hoping she’s as equally enthusiastic about our Stargate Atlantis re-watch!
Tagged: SGU, Stargate, Stargate Universe
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