Stars on Ice Canada – Photos by Leanne Allen
Four-time World Champion Kurt Browning directs a cast of skating’s finest in this year’s Stars on Ice Canada Tour! CVV Magazine’s Leanne Allen captured some amazing moments in these photos. Click on any thumbnail to see the full size photos, then click NEXT or hit “n” to cycle through them… Read More »
Shirley Valentine – Abroad in a...
Shirley Valentine – Abroad in a Sea of Laughs In the world of A-list comedic monologues, it’s hard to beat perennial favourite Shirley Valentine—and, in Canada at least, it’s hard to beat Nicola Cavendish doing Shirley Valentine . . . even after more than 600 performances in the title role. Yet the central question at the heart of Blue... Read More »
Eating Locally — A step by step guide...
Eating Locally — A step by step guide to eating sustainably PHOTOS (by Heather Boulding) - click any image then click NEXT or hit “n” to cycle through them… Sustainability — a buzzword that simultaneously creates excitement over decreasing our environmental footprint, confusion over the multitude of choices, worry over making the right, healthy choices, and anxiety about mounting food... Read More »
Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New...
The Royal BC Museum treated members of the media to a sneak preview of their exciting new exhibit – Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries. CVV Magazine’s John Threlfall was there. Read More »
Great Lake Swimmers Land on the Island...
Freshly returned from a European tour, Toronto’s Great Lake Swimmers will kick-off their Canadian tour for their latest album in Victoria this Saturday. New Wild Everything, the follow-up to the Polaris-shortlisted Lost Channels, reflects the band’s growth and cohesion after some heavy touring. “We’d been touring as a band, and I wanted to get some of that magic and... Read More »
CVV STAFF PICKS – May 9 2012
Each week CVV Magazine staff members post their personal recommendations on what to see and do in Victoria. Some events will be well known, some will be hidden gems, and all will be well worth checking out! See you out there! Have you heard the new Snoqualmie album? If not, begin by giving it a spin here. Good, right?... Read More »
Brigadoon – VOS offers a highland...
Looking for a wee Celtic fling to get you in the mood for the upcoming Highland Games? Hike up yer kilt and high-step your way over to the Mac for the Victoria Operatic Society’s bonnie bit o’ Brigadoon, an unashamedly simplistic musical that’s as proud to be old-fashioned as it is Scottish (just don’t listen too closely to the... Read More »
CVV StyleFeed 2012 – Kai
Hi everyone! Welcome to CVV Magazine’s newest fashion feature - CVV StyleFeed! But first, let me introduce myself. My name is Kai Mundigler. I have lived in Victoria for the past 30 years, I have some amazing friends, and I have a true passion for living! I love shopping, fashion, locals and life and recently brought them all together in the form... Read More »
Black Rock Horse – Burning Man...
It’s May, which means many people’s thoughts have already started turning to Labour Day weekend . . . at least, they have if they’re a Burner. Dedicated denizens of Black Rock City—home to the annual Burning Man festival of muses, mirth, mayhem and madcap machinery—are likely well along the way to planning their costumes, theme camps, art cars and... Read More »
CVV STAFF PICKS – May 2 2012
Each week CVV Magazine staff members post their personal recommendations on what to see and do in Victoria. Some events will be well known, some will be hidden gems, and all will be well worth checking out! See you out there! While the blanket of grey has yet to lift over Victoria, enjoy a hint of summer at the... Read More »
Old House Village Hotel & Spa...
CVV Magazine’s Leanne Allen and Philip Pierce profile Old House Village Hotel & Spa in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada, as well as skiing at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort. Read More »
Footloose – Triple Threats on...
When Phil and Leanne asked if I would like to review Footloose, I replied with a flurry of text explaining that I had seen Footloose in schools, in legitimate theatres, on ice, alongside multi-course meals, and of course the original film – about which I expounded on the virtues of Kevin Bacon and John Lithgow in all capital letters.... Read More »
1959 Pink Thunderbird Convertible: a...
We asked two of our writers, Erin Anderson and Chris Felling, to tag-team review Langham Court’s 1959 Pink Thunderbird Convertible – two one-act plays. Each reviewer reviewed one of the plays, then commented on the other’s review. We just like to keep things interesting at CVV! Laundry and Bourbon – Erin Anderson On a back porch in the midst... Read More »
CVV Magazine’s Arts and Entertainment...
CVV Magazine reports on arts and entertainment events in the Victoria BC area, as well as the latest CVV news. This week: Leanne Allen talks to the creators of The Finity Project, scenes from Rooftop Warriors featuring Phil Pierce, and more! Read More »
CVV STAFF PICKS – April 25 2012
Each week CVV Magazine staff members post their personal recommendations on what to see and do in Victoria. Some events will be well known, some will be hidden gems, and all will be well worth checking out! See you out there! There are two types of jeans wearers in the world: the type that buy five pairs of jeans... Read More »
Brewing a Community: Exploring...
The Egyptians used beer as currency. When the Sumerians first settled the delta of the Tigris and the Euphrates, it is said they brewed beer before baking bread. The beverage has longstanding ties to civilization; in that sense, it’s a holy drink. Look further to the West, and beer continues to define our culture: from Northern California to Alaska,... Read More »
God of Carnage – It’s...
The Belfry started this season off with the beautiful and poetic And Slowly Beauty…, where a man rediscovers the true meaning of life and achieves a sense of peace and harmony within himself. Offering a direct—and hilarious—counterpoint to this is their season closer, God of Carnage, in which two apparently harmonious couples quickly abandon all sense of peace and... Read More »
4-PLAY at the Metro Studio – A...
With a little help from comedian Wes Borg, CVV Magazine’s John Threlfall and Chris Felling give us an idea of what to expect at this year’s 4-PLAY event at the Metro Studio. 4-Play is a fundraiser in support of Intrepid Theatre that features 4 writers, 4 directors, 4 actors, 4 set designers, and 4 costume designers who will create... Read More »
CVV STAFF PICKS – April 18 2012
Each week CVV Magazine staff members post their personal recommendations on what to see and do in Victoria. Some events will be well known, some will be hidden gems, and all will be well worth checking out! See you out there! Record Store Day Saturday, April 21st is Record Store Day. And a handful of exclusive releases, intimate sets,... Read More »
CVV Magazine’s Arts and...
CVV Magazine reports on arts and entertainment events in the Victoria BC area, as well as the latest CVV news. This week: Introducing CVV Magazine’s new Music Department Manager, The Vancouver Island Music Awards, and more! Read More »
Leanne Allen interviews The Grapes of...
The Grapes of Wrath have reunited and are playing at Upstairs Cabaret in Victoria – what used to be Harpo’s – for one of a series of Autism benefit concerts. Leanne Allen asks them what it’s like to be back together after 20 years. Read More »
Can we “Save the Village”?...
The applied communications program at Camosun College is being cut after 40 years. CVV Magazine’s James Kasper interviews Carol-Lynne Michaels from the program and asks if there is anything that can still be done to save it. Read More »
CVV STAFF PICKS – April 11 2011
Each week CVV Magazine staff members post their personal recommendations on what to see and do in Victoria. Some events will be well known, some will be hidden gems, and all will be well worth checking out! See you out there! Av II Preparty w/Kingdom Cloud & Iceberg Ferg Audio and video leads to an odd juggling act. This... Read More »
Johnny Reid performs at SOFA –...
PHOTOS (by Jeff McAllister) – click any image below to view a larger version, then click NEXT or hit “n” to cycle through them… How do you break the hearts of roughly 3,500 women aged six to 60? Sincerity and a Scottish accent certainly help. Baby-faced neo-country crooner Johnny Reid did exactly that at the Save-On Foods Memorial Arena... Read More »
7D Shutter Speed Test – Martial...
Martial Media Test Shoot – Shutter Speed Canon 7D 720p @ 60fps Twixtor – slowed to 465FPS and 1500FPS ISO – 100 Shutter – 1/100 and 1/1000 F4 and F7 Testing Twixtor at different shutter speeds with motion – young girl trying to catch falling Cherry Blossoms. Copyright Martial Media Read More »
Seeing Red: Belfry announces 2012/13...
Hot off the success of the success of their latest SPARK Festival, the Belfry announced their upcoming 2012/13 season to a bustling lobby full of people on the afternoon of April 5. Far from being daunted by the recent closure of the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company, it seems things are full speed ahead for the Fernwood favourite. As Artistic... Read More »
Mole – the specialty black sauce of Oaxaca
Victoria based food writer Maryanne Carmack takes her perspective on the road and researches the traditional mexican “Mole” sauce at Miguel Angel Restaurant & Bar – Bucerias, Mexico where they have been serving typical, authentic Oaxacan food for the past 15 years… The misinformed refer to mole (pronounced MOH-lay) as “that Mexican chocolate sauce”. Although chocolate is an ingredient... Read More »
Queso fundido en salsa verde at Casa...
Food writer Maryanne Carmack’s second installment from her latest Mexican adventure… While in Guadalajara, our hosts Jeffry and Brenda Fernandez treated us to lunch at Casa Fuerte Restaurant in Tlaquepaque, our most impressive and memorable Mexican dining experience. The restaurant leans towards fine dining, with an elegant bar and refreshing garden patio surrounding a magnificent old tree. The added... Read More »
The Importance of Local Farmers’...
Former Public Market: CVA# CVAM08758 CLICK TO SEE LARGER VERSION Island consumers who want their food fresh, seasonal and local, who want to talk to the person who gathered their free-range eggs, and who seek safe, sustainably grown products increasingly appreciate and know the importance of local farmers’ markets. The stability, increasing strength and diversity of the Victoria Downtown... Read More »
Fresh Tortillas: Life is Good in Mexico
Video shot on location by Maryanne Carmack I have to say adios to my Mexican food adventure and move on but not before I bring attention to the tortilla. A great tortilla is a marvel: warm, fluffy yet dense with a chewy texture. One bite and you begin to curse the grocery store variety for its lack of... Read More »
Culinaire and Virginity Lost
By Danielle Green, photos by Maryanne Carmack Have you ever wondered what you were missing as you loyally dined at your favoured hot-spot with repetitious patronage? Have you ever had a recommendation from a friend for an interesting dish but couldn’t tear yourself away from your usual order? Culinaire, aptly titled Victoria’s Premier Food Tasting Experience, is the answer... Read More »
Maryanne Carmack explores Saffron
At $2,000 to $10,000 a pound, saffron is by far the most expensive food on earth: way more than truffles, caviar, and real balsamic vinegar. Its history is epic, its flavor revered. International organizations employ lab equipment to fuss over grading crops for flavor, colour, and richness. Why is it so expensive? Saffron threads are the stamens of the... Read More »
Chive Blossom Vinegar – Maryanne...
PHOTO GALLERY - click any image then click NEXT or hit “n” to move through the pictures… All photos by Maryanne Carmack. Chives are members of the Allium family, and just in case you didn’t know, many members of this family (including chives, leeks, onions, and garlic) produce edible flowers. As an herb, they produce edible stems and... Read More »
For the love of GARLIC!
“Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; Wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; Lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; Garlic makes it good.” ~Alice May Brock PHOTO GALLERY – click any image then click NEXT or hit “n” to move through the pictures… There’s more to garlic than just the... Read More »
I SCREAM for Cold Comfort Ice Cream!...
I SCREAM for Cold Comfort Ice Cream! PHOTOS (by Maryanne Carmack) – click any image above to view a larger version, then click NEXT or hit “n” to cycle through them… “Local is our priority. Quality is crucial” I have recently had the pleasure of getting to know Autumn Maxwell, owner and creator of Cold Comfort, through my VDPMS... Read More »
The Brains Behind the Boudoir –...
The Brains Behind the Boudoir – My photoshoot with Kelsey Goodwin – Leanne Allen All photos by Kelsey Goodwin of KGOODPHOTO – click any image to view a larger version, then click NEXT or hit “n” to cycle through them… I can’t lie about my motivation: It was Phil’s 40th birthday. I thought to myself… if I was a... Read More »
STOP THE PRESSES! Former MONDAY...
All of us here at CVV are incredibly excited to welcome John Threlfall to the team. We have a huge respect for John and his accomplishments and are honoured to have him aboard. We see this as the beginning of an exciting new phase for both the online magazine and the company. Welcome John! -PP -L A specialist in media... Read More »
The Best of Culinaire 2012 –...
The Best of Culinaire 2012 – Photos by Maryanne Carmack There are many reasons to be grateful for living on Vancouver Island, including one that’s a widespread obsession: Great food. Lots of it, served at restaurants of all sizes and price points, food trucks, farmers’ markets and ethnic grocery stores. Lest we take it for granted, special food events... Read More »
The Most Delicious Book Club
I do not recommend food limitations of any kind. I recently survived a pizza starvation diet. The scratches are healing. The ones I got when I was clawing my own skin and wailing on my balcony, lamenting the pizza I was denying myself. And though I wouldn’t wish this self-induced depravity upon anyone, it was worth it. I broke... Read More »
The Lynda Raino Project
Martial Media profiles modern dance icon Lynda Raino. Copyright Martial Media. Read More »
Billy Bishop Goes to War
In this Canadian classic, writers John Gray and Eric Peterson explore the life of Canadian fighter pilot William Avery Bishop and his accomplishments during WWI. The play humanizes the “hero” and examines Canada’s station within the colonial empire at that time. It displays all the youth, adventure and pathos of war and while the context might not exist for... Read More »
Victoria’s Burlesque Scene for...
Last month my girlfriend took me to the Burlesque Bonanza at the Victoria Event Centre. I’d never so much as set a drunken foot in Monty’s and any sort of disrobing-based live entertainment was alien to me. The show was so refreshing that I tracked down some of the people responsible for the spectacle of local burlesque. If I... Read More »
Suzanne Vega : Remix
I am sitting in the theatre Suzanne Vega Sunday evening I am seated left of centre which of course is kind of fitting and at first we hear the Idols but they cannot hold a candle to the calm yet solid presence of the the one we’re here to hear - – - It is lovely just to listen... Read More »
GUST – Photo Shoot – Leanne...
GUST Art Direction: Leanne Allen Body Painting: Kristin Grant Photography: Michelle Munkittrick Model: Leanne Allen Post-production: Philip Pierce Location: Sunset Labs Gust was a shoot that was inspired by the cherry blossoms of Victoria. I’ve always loved how the wind turns them into a sort of snow in the air and in the gutters. I’ve also just recently discovered... Read More »
Pea Shoots – A taste of Spring
My favorite thing about Spring? Pea shoots! If you have never had pea shoots before, you are in for a real treat! Tender and bright in flavor, they are a lovely cross between salad greens and pea flavor. Pea shoots or pea tendrils are often overlooked and usually very cheap to buy. If you are a gardener and you... Read More »
Fernwood Bites – Ryan McGregor
Last Sunday June 26th, the second annual “Fernwood Bites” took place in Fernwood Square. The event is a fundraiser for the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group that showcases local food and drink from Vancouver Island. The sold out event was a true example of how food can bring a community together. A sea of people invaded the square. There was celebration everywhere with glasses... Read More »
Steampunk Culture at the Castle
Culture Vulture Victoria`s Phil Pierce and Leanne Allen get a taste of Steampunk culture at the Victoria Steam Exposition II, Saturday September 24, 2011 at Craigdarroch Castle. Read More »
Victoria’s Arts and Culture...
Culture Vulture Victoria reports on recent and upcoming arts and culture events in Victoria BC, as well as the latest CVV news. This week: VDPMS winter market opens in Market Square, Phil kicks off Movember, Leanne lunch and learns with London Chef Dan Hayes, Pacific Opera’s latest, and more! Read More »
Playa del Carmen – Blue Parrot...
CVV Magazine`s Leanne Allen and Phil Pierce visit The Blue Parrot Hotel & Beach Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Copyright Martial Media. Read More »
Gnomeward Bound – June 2010
Ingrid Hansen in Gnomeward Bound This show is exactly why I love small venue theater: you just never know what you’re going to get. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s debatable (which can also be fun) and sometimes if you’re lucky you stumble upon something like Ingrid Hansen’s Gnomeward Bound. It’s performances like this one that prove there is no... Read More »
CHALK: Same Same but Different
Presented by William Head On Stage and SNAFU Dance Theatre Ingrid Hansen of SNAFU Dance Theatre is queen of the weird /good camp in my books. And CHALK lives in that realm, for sure. First of all, going out to a prison to see a show? That’s weird/good in itself. The grounds of William Head Institution are amazing, and... Read More »
Kung Fu Robot Dance Techno Pushup Party
Culture Vulture Victoria’s parent company, Martial Media, specializes in video production as well as the online magazine CultureVultureVictoria.com. Sort of a cross between a dream sequence set to a 90′s workout mix and a fitness competition… Read More »
