Last Thursday evening I was in for a treat. Not any ordinary five cent candy treat, but an indulgence of the divine chocolate mousse variety. From the dark, rich and historic recesses of Hy’s Steakhouse’s 50th Anniversary party to the cultural and colourful Vancouver International Film Festival Opening Gala, my evening was coated in pleasure.
For anyone who has dined at Hy’s you are familiar with the time warp that occurs when you walk through the doors of the windowless building on Hornby Street. A magnanimous restaurant that can only be described by such capacious words large enough to roll around in your mouth and chew on, the establishment is one that would have been a favorite amongst the Rat Pack or Don Draper. The historic steakhouse is an institution in Vancouver popular with businessmen, couples, celebrities, and mistresses. If these wood-paneled walls could talk, they would have to sign a confidentiality agreement.
For the first time in 50 years, the furniture was cleared to celebrate the decades of stories that have been told and born at Hy’s. Yorkshire pudding, Caesar salad, and a seafood spread worthy of Poseidon were some of the appetizing items available to be feasted upon by the Hy’s family of patrons, who included Red Robinson, Bruce Allen and Frank Giustra.
To honour the late Hy Aisenstat, cigars were passed to guests as a parting favour. Cigars of the chocolate variety, that is. It’s times like these I wish the smoking laws made exceptions. See photos of the anniversary party here.
My taxi cab raced through the flashing lights of downtown to take me to the Salt Building in False Creek’s Olympic Village. I could hear the cords of Bhangra before I entered the spacious heritage building. Juicy music that flows through the rivers of my veins. Following the screening of Deepa Mehta’s inspiring Midnight’s Children, the VIFF Opening Gala centered this year’s theme deep within South Asian culture.
Although I had dined extravagantly at Hy’s, the mouth-watering Indian cuisine provided by the Listel Hotel was far too appealing not to be devoured. Steaming curries, naan breads, and pakoras cozied together in my belly – there is something about Indian food that comforts both the body and soul.
The VIFF Opening Gala has a reputation as being one of the best parties of the year and this year it lived up to all expectations. I found myself hypnotized by the Surrey Folk Bhangra Club as they filled the building with energy. Their dancing and high spirits infected everyone with smiles, foot tapping and head bobbing. I’m not the only one who wanted them to dance forever. Also mesmerizing were Tambura Rasa, musicians combining the sounds of the world into one tune. With all the incredible entertainment at the party, I had minimal interest in conversations.
The VIFF Opening Gala marks the start of two weeks of world class films that will be shown around Vancouver. Peruse the schedule and fill your calendar with films from around the globe.
Lessons from my evening:
1. Those under a music induced trance should not be disturbed. They’re absorbing the energy of the music. Wait it out.
2. While speaking to an attractive man or woman, refrain from overtly giving them the up and down during conversation. I can see you.
3. Sweetie Darling, addressing a stranger as “Sweetie” should be avoided, unless your name is Patsy Stone or Edina Monsoon.
4. A windowless restaurant breeds mystery and intrigue, not to mention privacy. Best uses include secret business meetings and clandestine encounters.
5. Feeling blue? Turn on some Bhangra.
6. It’s entirely possible to be seduced by a restaurant.
~Sandra O’Connell
