by Joy Metcalfe
(click images to enlarge)

HIGH DRAMA IN MEXICO

It was just going to be a quiet little getaway to the sunny south for a couple of weeks following a busy year in the sporting world of Greg Douglas (aka Dr. Sport). So he and his lovely bride, Miss Dee, slipped off quietly to Mazatlan. (I had been pledged to secrecy.)

Everything was perfect for them, the warm breezes, the clear blue waters, and the glorious sunshine. It was Thursday, just a day prior to their returning home, that the Mexican authorities suddenly shut everything down, including the airports.

The incident happened about 80 miles from where they were staying and it was part of the predawn raid on Ovidio Guzman, son of the infamous drug lord, El Chapo.

Greg and Dee were on the beach and captured a video of the Mexican military in full commando gear and rifles drawn. Military helicopters flew overhead.

Ovidio Guzman’s arrest the next day resulted in a fierce gun battle that killed 19 gangsters and ten Mexican soldiers. Friday, everything was shut down again. No one was on the beach, no cars, no mariachis, restaurants were closed and shuttered, and it was dead quiet. Perfect day for simply sun tanning on the beach.

One day later, everything was back to normal. Greg and Dee had to rearrange and extend their hotel stay and re-book their West Jet flight home. As Greg said, being stuck in a gorgeous place like Mazatlan for an additional week wasn’t the worst thing that can happen. And amen to that! ...

Darrell Jones of the Pattison Food Group.

PATTISON GROUP TO OPEN RESTAURANT

Scoop of the month is that Darrell Jones, president of the Pattison Food Group, is going to unveil an entirely new venture. The company’s main venture to date has been the cheerful purveyor of fine family foodstuffs, Save On Foods.

It will be the Food Group’s first ever restaurant and it will open this month in the swanky new leləm̓ village development in the University Endowment Lands.

It’s called Wildlight Kitchen and Bar and is located on University Boulevard, with 117 seats inside and a further 42 seats on the patio. The name reflects the nature and ambience of the B.C. coast.

This is a long planned, positive and much anticipated venture, and they already have a top chef in Vancouver’s own Warren Chow, who recently won the ExpoGast Culinary World Gold Cup in Luxemburg in November. His knowledge and creative skills are world class.

The diversity of his planned menu embraces the produce of land and sea of the Pacific Northwest coast, showcasing nature’s bounty. Can’t wait to see and sample! ...

A FOND FAREWELL

Speaking of food, we have recently lost a gentleman who had been in the restaurant business for a very long time.

Michel Segur, a quiet, sincere food devotee, was born in France and from the time he was a child, his dream was to be a cook and own a restaurant. He always wanted to make people happy through his food offerings.

Michel began working in a chain of bars when he was 14 under the watchful eye of a kindly local priest, who eventually found him a serving job in one of the many local brasseries. Finally, he decided that his future was further afield in Canada. He worked his way across the country to West Vancouver, where he found his home base.

It was a second floor space on Marine Drive, and within weeks, he had turned it into a charming French restaurant called Chez Michel. It was an instant hit.

Then, in 1979, he met Sylvie, the girl of his dreams, dining in his brasserie. Michel always referred to Sylvie as “an angel without wings.”

Despite the fact that there was limited parking, as well as the restaurant being on the second floor, Chez Michel was a success, based entirely on Michel’s dedication to his craft and his quiet and cheerful demeanor. And the fact that he always had the songs of Edith Piaff playing softly in the background.

His Sole Almondine was exquisite!

In 2010, Michel was diagnosed with severe internal cancer. After a long struggle and many months of hospitalization and treatment, he was able to return to the place he loved. In the meantime his son Julian operated the restaurant.

A few years later, the dreaded illness returned in the form of bone cancer and Michel passed away in mid-December at a North Shore hospice.

The day of his funeral at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in West Vancouver there was one of the heaviest snowfalls ever experienced on the North Shore. Despite that, the church was packed with friends and neighbors, mourners who were determined to pay their respects to a fine gentleman.

This month Chez Michel continues in its record breaking 44th year in the food and hospitality business.

My deepest condolences to Sylvie, Julian and Gabrielle and the family. Rest in peace, Michel …

LUNCH WITH A LEGEND

Once again, it’s time for Mel Zajac’s fund raising “Lunch with a Legend” in support of his Zajac Ranch for Children.

This time the featured “Legend” will be that dynamic team of Summer and Chip Wilson whose innovations in the world of sport clothing have been phenomenal. We’ll learn about all their success in the business world and their hopes and dreams for the future and beyond.

The luncheon will take place on Monday, February 13 at Terminal City Club …

A NEW RICK ANTONSON BOOK

It’s finally happened!

Businessman, world traveller and best-selling author Rick Antonson’s latest offering will be on the book shelves and up for sale on April 15. It’s been a long time coming but the wait has certainly been worthwhile.

The book is entitled Train Beyond the Mountains: Journeys on the Rocky Mountaineer. The story encompasses history, geography, nostalgia and exploration.

Rick, in his former role as president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver, introduced new and innovative ways of attracting and keeping the business of tourism in Vancouver alive and well. During his time at the top he also served as chair of the Destination International, headquartered in Washington D.C. and as vice-chair of the Pan Pacific Travel Association, based in Bangkok, Thailand.

He was also the vice-president of Peter Armstrong’s world famous Rocky Mountaineer in the start up days in the 1990s.

Train Beyond the Mountains is a compelling and captivating travel adventure as seen through the eyes of Rick and his then ten-year-old grandson Riley, and it is one that all British Columbians should have in their libraries. Riley will be fourteen by the time the book is officially out.

Rick Antonson’s latest book, on shelves near you soon.

I was a guest of Peter and Rick’s during the very early days, well before the superlative cuisine was introduced to the train’s features. And now it’s world class!

The trip from Vancouver to overnight in Kamloops was an extra treat, continuing on the train the following morning to Calgary and then a short flight home. Each time I travelled on the Rocky Mountaineer I marvelled at the breadth and extent of our beautiful country, the wide open spaces, rough tough trails, spectacular scenery, roaring waterfalls, and wild animals comfortable in their habitat. The beauty of the entire trip is unmatchable.

I congratulate Rick on the fab book and Peter on his incredible train …