Esoterica: ramblings, wanderings, photos & more

It’s Always Pimm’s O’Clock Somewhere

Pimm's and borage, Tim Pawsey photo

  Updated, July 7th, 2014. My recipe has evolved since the original post, so I thought I’d share it now. First of all, for some reason, this time around we’ve ‘graduated’ to Pimm’s no. 6, and I’m not sure why. It doesn’t seem quite as ‘Pimmish’ as no. 1., maybe because it’s Vodka based and not […]

Read more July 5, 2014 Cocktails

Waste Not, Want Not: Concerned about wasteful consumption, local chefs go whole hog

The Essential Vancouver 2013/2014

Unless you’re a regular overnight visitor to Vancouver’s higher end hotels, chances are you’re not aware of the Essential Vancouver. It’s the sister publication to monthly WHERE magazine, with whom I’ve enjoyed a much-valued relationship over many years. I’ve also been lucky enough to write for the Essential Vancouver since its inception. It’s a stunningly […]

Read more November 29, 2013 Belly's Best Bites

A Remembrance at L’Arc de Triomphe: More Than Meets the Eye

L

When I spend time in France, occasionally, some profound emotion takes hold, often when I’m least expecting it. When I was growing up in England, “The War” came up regularly, if fleetingly, especially when my parents’ friends came to visit. It was more of a mention, a reference in passing, whispered in the same tone […]

Read more November 10, 2013

The Honda Coupe / Painted Rock Shifting and Sipping Post. Just Kidding!**

Sleek lines in front and behind

Honda Accord Coupe V6 Navi at Painted Rock I have to confess, I had a tough time giving back my sleek Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6 Navi, which I was lent for the other week’s Okanagan trip, prior to the BC Wine Awards judging. This is one of the most fun rides I’ve had in […]

Read more October 8, 2013 Wine

No Roughing it in Osoyoos: Watermark Hits the Mark and More

The view from Watermark: An ever changing panorama

I’ll admit it: when I’m in full-on writing mode, I’m a bit of a home-body, which can be challenging on the road. All the more reason why I’m very happy to be ensconced in the Watermark Beach Resort, in Osoyoos, in southern BC. Yes, I’m being hosted here. Thank you, friendly Watermark people. But this […]

Read more September 27, 2013 Wine

The Champagne Charlie Chronicles: Riding the Rails Around North America

The roof, Hotel Vancouver

The best laid plans … My good intentions to document a few memories of In the Footsteps of Champagne Charlie have been derailed by a trip to London last week. But never fear, we’re back with Charles Heidsieck in hand to regale you. First, a little more background. The challenge was to race around the […]

Read more September 23, 2013 Uncategorized

A Slice of the Past (and Present) at Paxton & Whitfield

Paxton

Paxton & Whitfield, Jermyn Street On my way across London to Heathrow the other day, I had a little time to spare, so thought I’d check out my old neighbourhood, St. James, where I used to work. Well, actually, it was really an excuse to drop by Paxton & Whitfield, at 93 Jermyn St., just […]

Read more September 19, 2013 Uncategorized

In the Footsteps of Champagne Charlie: 20 Years On

The Night They Invented Champagne! Tim & Heather toast the next 100 days on the roof of Hotel Vancouver - Jack Wong photo

In the Footsteps … the night before Hard to believe, but exactly 20 years ago today, on September 1, 1993, my wife, Heather, and I embarked on “In the Footsteps of Champagne Charlie” —in what turned out to be, truly, the adventure of a lifetime. “In the Footsteps…” was a 100 day race around the world, […]

Read more September 1, 2013 Uncategorized

BC Politicians Mull Legalising Wine on the Beach

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania. Used because it

You have to hand it to our provincial government. No time like a summer semi-heatwave (that’s as close as we get in Vancouver) to raise the spectre of—gasp—legalising the consumption of alcohol on the beach. Isn’t this what’s known in the artful (though not always tasteful) business of politics as a “trial balloon?”  The idea […]

Read more July 15, 2013

5 Reasons Why, Even in the Rain, this Cactus will Soon be Flourishing

Cactus Club Coal Harbour Vancouver Sea to Sky Terrace: It's a showstopper, TP photo

Last night we dropped by Cactus Club Coal Harbour to check it out on what more than passed for a spectacular Summer’s afternoon. Here’s what we found, inside looking out from that “giant dormer” mentioned further on … Essentially, at the the push of a button, the entire wall of windows slides aside to bring […]

Read more May 7, 2013 Belly's Best Bites

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