Where Should We Eat Tonight?

As most of you know, my husband is a restaurant manager. Being in the business myself with him for many years and now having the joy of listening to his stories even though we no longer work together, the industry plays a huge part in both of our lives.

Speaking with a friend who is a restaurateur a few months back, he had heard a projection that 40% of restaurants in BC would close this year. Even in times of HST and an economic downturn, I found this very hard to believe. Actually, it seemed impossible. I assumed this to include tiny little establishments (a 10 seat restaurant, small community bistro, coffee shops etc) which made for such an overwhelming percentage. Never for a minute did I believe it would be major Vancouver ‘institutions’.

Dining is a huge part of our lives. Over the years, there are many restaurants we have come to love but recently, the list is getting shorter and shorter. Not just because of closures but because of declining quality and value. I plan on doing some specific restaurant/ food reviews in the future, but wanted to do a brief overview of what’s going on around town.

RECENT CLOSURES:

The Hermitage,

Robson Street

The Cannery, Commissioner St (this is such a shame!)

Villa De Lupo,

Hamilton Street

Aqua Riva (Summer 2011),
Waterfront

The William Tell,

Beatty St

Sammie J Peppers, Granville Island (no loss here, hate that place)

A Kettle of Fish, Pacific & Hornby St

Mona’s, Hornby St

Morton’s Steakhouse, Cordova

The Macaroni Grill,

Davie Street

(Okay, it was like 3 years ago but I’m still not over it)

At least six of the above restaurants had been in business longer than I have been alive.

I’m sure there are others that I have forgotten or don’t yet know about. So this begs the question: what the hell is happening? I often believed that places that provided good food and service would be able to stick it out. Many of the places listed above were great, but didn’t make it. The majority were expensive. It would seem that so many people in Vancouver are in such dire situations because of housing prices, taxation etc. that places to eat like this were simply no longer an option. To counter that though, there are many wealthy people that live in Vancouver. Where did they go? Is everyone cutting back? I don’t know. All I know is that great places filled with a lifetime of memories are closing, and Cactus Club is opening.

It’s really tragic. I mean, Vancouver is the most livable city in the world, whatever that means. Should we not have some decent restaurants? Even with the economic crisis in the US, major cities still maintain some outstanding dining options. Whether you dine out at nice places every weekend, or only once a year, the dwindling selection is concerning.  Perhaps this is why Cactus Club opens in any location it can rear its ugly head? It’s as far ($ wise) as people are willing to go.

On that note, I am hoping to do some posts in the future about some of the good restaurants left in Vancity.

I better work quickly though because they may shut their doors as I’m typing…

To conclude: Christmas Party? Birthday? Anniversary? Mother’s Day? Night on the town? www.topofvancouver.com

What is your favourite restaurant?

A Decent Haircut!?

If you're like me, haircuts never used to be a priority. Obsession #1 - my precious hair. WAIT! "Hair" specifically is not mentioned above - maybe makeup should be beauty in general? Meh, anyway...my hair is a huge part of my life. I spend countless hours planning, brushing, drying, styling, colouring and buying new products for my hair. So, how is it that something as basic as a haircut was not important?

Well, my greatest fear is short hair. I look completely ridiculous in anything that resembles short hair and have nightmares about people sneaking up on me and *GASP* taking scissors to my hair. So, the idea of a haircut is out of the question. Perhaps I was butchered in the past, I don't recall but I would get my hair "trimmed" once a year. Unacceptable. I try to take good care of my hair but I put it through a lot of processing. Thus, regular cuts are a necessity. Rocket science, I know! I haven't been since September and realized this last week, thus my appointment at Spa Utopia today.

I don't go crazy but have now come to the realization that 3/4 of an inch is a vital sacrifice. I've also gone for a layered look the past year, which helps with the overall health of my hair. The layers contribute to a natural thinning process to lighten the load. My hair is naturally jet black, thick, poker straight, very heavy and currently meets the middle of my back. I was actually Asian in another lifetime.

So, where do you go for a haircut if you don't have a regular sylist? I suggest Spa Utopia. I go to the North Vancouver location which is gorgeous, but there are also Langley and Pan Pacific Vancouver locations.

Depending on the level of sylist, a consultation, shampoo with scalp massage, cut, blowdry, styling, and makeup touch up will run you $48 - $57. In my opinion, this is great. You get real service here. Oh, and for me, a key piece is that they offer wine or champagne while you treat your tresses. Can't go wrong!  You can spend more than this in the bloody mall so visit the spa and really have a first class experience. If you have to cut your hair often I know this may not be the stellar deal that I am trying to sell. I only go about 4 times a year MAX so for me, it works.

I should also mention that if you are in the Richmond area Martina at Zennkai Richmond Centre is a crazy mofo! She's actually my brother and she does amazing work lol! She is truly talented; even if you aren't in Richmond she is worth the trip.

Questions? Enquire within. Comment or drop me a FB message or email to rmmushet@gmail.com - want to do a guest blog about hair or products? Feel free!

xo R

My First Blog!

Well, I never thought I would blog. Afterall, who the hell am I to think that what I have to say is that important that others would be interested enough to sit in front of a bright, glaring screen and read it!? This changed for me this week.


A new colleague, Christina, has an awesome beauty blog. She told a few of us about it in confidence. Since I love beauty products and have an unhealthy obsession with acquiring material objects, I knew it would be love at first sight. Her blog is awesome! She is witty, honest, and knows her stuff. From her blog I determined her and I are brothers from another mother. Craziness! 
I only have one other illegitimate brother in my life so to find another is a real treat! (Shout out to my bro Martinez).


Anyway, I have never obviously written a blog, nor do I really read them. Actually, Christina's was the first I have ever read. I enjoyed what she shared but also appreciated the fact that I knew her. Reading something from people you know really makes a difference. My take is, if you like what I have to say, use it in your life. If you don't, then screw you. JUST KIDDING! But seriously, some will find it valuable, others won't. Such is life.


I adore the six topics my blog will most likely revolve around. Rather, my life revolves around these six topics. I enjoy researching, writing, and getting the best there is to offer. I also value what others have to say so please, COMMENT!


I know what you are thinking: this blog is about blogging. It's new to me. Give me a break! This is an intro to my blog, what it will be about and basically, who I am.


Hopefully, a thoughtful and useful post is to come...
R