From left: Bayshore sales executive Shirley Chan; Joy Metcalfe; food and travel writer Lenora Hayman; and the Bayshore’s executive assistant Rossette Escalambre at the grand opening of H1 Tasting Lounge.

BY THE SEA, BY THE SEA …

There is such an air of bustling enthusiasm encompassing the Westin Bayshore lately, whether its due to the fact that their convention centre is very busy or that the hotel is packed with contented guests or that Liquid Yoga has begun in the stunning pool area or that they have just launched yet another new culinary gem.

Westin Bayshore manager Eric Eikeland and marketing manager Danielle Cunningham hosted the launch party.

It couldn’t have been a sunnier summer’s day as the team, led by hotel manager Eric Eikeland and marketing manager Danielle Cunningham launched their spectacular new patio, the H2 Rotisserie and Bar. There are 50 comfortable seats in this relaxing view-laden spot where we sipped on such new cocktails as The Peaceful Garden and Climbing Over the Arbor and sampled executive chef Geoff Carkner’s yummy canapes like Steak Tartare, Lobster Rolls, Morel Mushroom Tartine, Salmon Tartare, an icy bed of fresh oysters and Two Rivers Charcuterie Table as the trio Hart Attack played in the background.

Morgan Sommerville (left) and Laura Serena of Serena PR coordinated the party on the patio.

Orchestrating the afternoon were Serena PR’s Laura Serena and Morgan Sommerville who welcomed the 180 fortunate guests that included the food and wine industry’s Kasey Wilson and Lenora Hayman, Tasting Plates’ Richard Wolak, broadcasters Casey White and Condria Fung, Travel Guy’s Jim Gordon, The West End Journal’s publisher and editor Kevin Dale McKeown, The Good Life’s Cassandra Anderton, and Suzanne Girard of Pacific Yacht Charters, along with dozens of other guests.

So good to see one of the hotel’s mainstays, executive assistant Rossette Escalambre at the launch. She’s been with the hotel for 29 years and is thrilled with all the new openings and renovations.

Being so close to the famed Sea Wall Walk, the Coal Harbour Marina and Stanley Park reminded me that on Oct. 31, 1977, the Bayshore was focussed in international headlines as then G.M Arthur Oades and sales director Steve Halliday and I welcomed the Dutch adventurer Willy de Roos to Vancouver after his historic and single-handed crossing of the NorthWest Passage in his 13-foot ketch, Williwaw.

Travel Guy’s Jim Gordon and The West End Journal’s Kevin Dale McKeown, both West Enders, enjoyed the launch of the new patio lounge.

Leading journalists and TV reporters came from all parts of the world to interview and photograph the 53-year old sailor and his worthy craft, which was moored alongside what is now the brand new patio. Willy was embraced by Vancouver’s elite – admired by the men and adored by the women. He was due to stay with a complementary room in the hotel for three days. He was so inundated with the international media and world attention that he stayed for six weeks. He was a charmer – and he would have loved the grand updating of the expanded glamorous Westin Bayshore and all its new amenities, including the H1 Rotisseries and Bar.

This spacious restaurant is facing the flower-laden garden and the hotel’s beautiful outdoor pool, where, once upon a time, PR man Thomas Butler held court, producing the world’s first-ever Belly Flop Championship and again, causing headlines everywhere. And I know that all those heavyweight contestants would have enjoyed new chef Brody Paine’s hearty menu of free-range Rotisserie chicken dishes that are quickly becoming legendary, along with his Baby Back Ribs, Seafood Linguine and the Chicken or Beef Tacos. The H 1 Rotisserie and Bar offers casual comfort with a touch of class.

And gentlemen, you don’t have to wear a tie! Just ask the NHL execs who love it there!...

From left: Gillian Campbell, BC Entertainment Hall of Fame president Rob Haynes, and Edward Thompson at the Sylvia Hotel reception.

THE STARS CAME OUT AT THE SYLVIA …

From left: Bernard Cuffling, Susan Skemp, Charlene Brandolini, Jim Hibberd, and Norman Young enjoy the BCEHF party at the Sylvia.

Wasn’t that a party! This was the first annual B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame’s Inductees Summer Party and it was held at the venerable Sylvia Hotel overlooking English Bay.

With a great deal of help from hard-working board members, Tom Carter, Christina Potter and Bill Allman, Hall of Fame’s boss Rob Haynes welcomed such familiar stage and screen veterans as Klondike Kate’s Gillian Campbell and her husband Edward Thompson (they make the perfect Mr. and Mrs Claus), new author Susan Skemp, the ageless Norman Young and wife Maida, singer Susan Jacks, the talented Anna Hagan and Terrence Kelly, impish wordsmith John Gray, nimble fingered 90 year old Betty Brown, who played the Orpheum’s famous organ for eons, performer and board member Doug Cameron , the amazing Bernard Cuffling and that adorable twosome of singer and dancer Charlene Brandolini (in off the shoulder gold satin) and her husband, tap dancing phenom, Jim Hibberd.

Also on hand were Gale Honey, Diane Lines, Judy Ginn Walchuk. Leonard Schein, Bill Sample, Fanny Kiefer, and songstress Linda Kidder.

Ray Greenwood (aka Mr. Fireworks) is perhaps Vancouver’s busiest volunteer.

VOLUNTEER OF THE CENTURY …

Belated birthday greetings to the busiest volunteer in town, The Canadian Club’s Ray Greenwood. Ray invited his legion of fans to his home a couple of weeks ago for an early morning treat of coffee, tea and homemade muffins...

ON YOUR RADIO DIAL …

Maurice Foisy’s Celebration of Life at the Point Grey Golf Club was well attended by numerous media notables including Ian Alexander, Terry Bell, Doug Phillips, Terry Timms, Andy Walsh and Cam Cathcart.

Sad times too for the old CKNW alumni like Brian (Frosty) Forst, Paul Preston, Ted Smith and I as we visited our main man, former ‘NW vice president and top mover and shaker, John Plul, who is slipping away in Peace Arch Hospital after losing his battle after a very bad fall at his home.

The radio station, his legion of friends and our listening audience, owe so much to that brilliant promotionally-minded guy. We would NEVER have succeeded in being “The Best Radio Station in Canada” if it hadn’t been for John’s dogged determination and drive. We owe him so much.

John has invoked his Living Will and there will be no service or Celebration of Life. His ashes will be interred next to his 32-year mate Ron in Ron’s hometown of Kimberly. Please say a prayer for him...God speed, John, miss you forever...

HAPPY TRAILS NANCIE!

And on an uplifting note, the genial regional public relations director for Fairmont Hotels’ Nancie Hall, is departing from her desk at the Hotel Vancouver in a couple of days. She has held that position for a number of years and decided that she’s developed itchy feet and wants to travel and have time for friends and family. She’s a good lady and we wish her well...

Cheers ‘til next month!
Joy