Imperial Hotel Management College

Luxury Car Launch Event

2012-02-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

an opportunity to experience a high-end product launch and event

For those who missed the Ferrari FF and the Private Jet gathering last week, there will be a larger scale product launch tomorrow by another car manufacturer, Porsche.

"Porsche Centre Vancouver debut of the new 911: The future, unveiled. We look forward to seeing you on February 2, 2012, witnessing the race-bred performance, the new interior and exterior styling, and executive class comforts that this next era of sports car has to offer."

Click link here to download product guide.

If you are interested, please contact Michele or Mira.

Thursday, February 2, 2012
Cocktails at 6 pm, Reveal at 7 pm

Vancouver Convention Centre East
999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3
Ballrooms A, B, C

Shark Fin Soup

2012-02-01T00:46:00.000-08:00

World famous chef Gordon Ramsay from his special "Shark Bait"
tries Shark Fin Soup in Taiwan!

Further to the previously posted article about Shangri-La and Peninsula stop serving shark's fin, here is an interesting watch educating those who do not understand the cruelty involved.

Recycling Hotel Soap to Save Lives

2012-01-31T06:53:00.000-08:00

The Global Soap Project

Derreck Kayongo, a Uganda native, started the Global Soap Project in 2009.

Atlanta (CNN) -- That bar of soap you used once or twice during your last hotel stay might now be helping poor children fight disease.

Derreck Kayongo and his Atlanta-based Global Soap Project collect used hotel soap from across the United States. Instead of ending up in landfills, the soaps are cleaned and reprocessed for shipment to impoverished nations such as Haiti, Uganda, Kenya and Swaziland.

"I was shocked just to know how much (soap) at the end of the day was thrown away," Kayongo said. Each year, hundreds of millions of soap bars are discarded in North America alone. "Are we really throwing away that much soap at the expense of other people who don't have anything? It just doesn't sound right."
Kayongo, a Uganda native, thought of the idea in the early 1990s, when he first arrived to the U.S. and stayed at a hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He noticed that his bathroom was replenished with new soap bars every day, even though they were only slightly used.

"I tried to return the new soap to the concierge since I thought they were charging me for it," Kayongo said. "When I was told it was just hotel policy to provide new soap every day, I couldn't believe it."

Kayongo called his father -- a former soap maker in Uganda -- and shared the experience.

"My dad said people in America can afford to throw it away. But I just started to think, 'What if we took some of this soap and recycled it, made brand new soap from it and then sent it home to people who couldn't afford soap?' "

For Kayongo, collecting soap is "a first line of defense" mission to combat child-mortality around the world.

Each year, more than 2 million children die from diarrheal illness -- the approximate population of San Antonio, Texas. According to the World Health Organization, these deaths occur almost exclusively among toddlers living in low-income countries.

"The issue is not the availability of soap. The issue is cost," Kayongo said. "Make $1 a day, and soap costs 25 cents. I'm not a good mathematician, but I'm telling you I'm not going to spend that 25 cents on a bar of soap. I'm going to buy sugar. I'm going to buy medicine. I'm going to do all the things I think are keeping me alive.

"When you fall sick because you didn't wash up your hands, it's more expensive to go to the hospital to get treated. And that's where the problem begins and people end up dying."

Kayongo, 41, is familiar with the stress that poverty and displacement can create. Almost 30 years ago, he fled Uganda with his parents because of the mass torture and killings by former Ugandan military dictator Idi Amin, he said.

Witnessing the devastation of his homeland shaped Kayongo's mission and still haunts him today.

"It's a long-term grieving process that sort of never ends," he said. "As a child coming from school, passing dead bodies for 10 solid years -- 'It's not cool,' as my son would put it. It's not good. A lot of my friends were orphaned, and I was lucky."
Kayongo and his parents fled to Kenya, where he would visit friends and family in refugee camps and struggle to survive -- sometimes without basic necessities.

"We lost everything," Kayongo said. "We didn't live in the camps, but we sacrificed a lot. The people worse off lived in the camps. Soap was so hard to come by, even completely nonexistent sometimes. People were getting so sick simply because they couldn't wash their hands."

Kayongo transitioned from the tough life of a refugee to become a college graduate, a U.S. citizen and a field coordinator for CARE International, a private humanitarian aid organization. But he has not forgotten his roots -- or the fact that many refugees in Africa continue to lack access to basic sanitation.

"As a new immigrant and a new citizen to this country, I feel very blessed to be here," he said. "But it's important, as Africans living in the Diaspora, that we don't forget what we can do to help people back at home. It's not good enough for us to complain about what other people aren't doing for us. It's important that we all band together, think of an idea and pursue it."

With the support of his wife, local friends and Atlanta-based hotels, Kayongo began his Global Soap Project in 2009.

So far, 300 hotels nationwide have joined the collection effort, generating 100 tons of soap. Some participating hotels even donate high-end soaps such as Bvlgari, which retails up to $27 for a single bar.

Volunteers across the U.S. collect the hotel soaps and ship them to the group's warehouse in Atlanta. On Saturdays, Atlanta volunteers assemble there to clean, reprocess and package the bars.

"We do not mix the soaps because they come with different pH systems, different characters, smells and colors," Kayongo said. "We sanitize them first, then heat them at very high temperatures, chill them and cut them into final bars. It's a very simple process, but a lot of work."

A batch of soap bars is only released for shipment once one of its samples has been tested for pathogens and deemed safe by a third-party laboratory. The Global Soap Project then works with partner organizations to ship and distribute the soap directly to people who need it -- for free.

To date, the Global Soap Project has provided more than 100,000 bars of soap for communities in nine countries.

Kenya Relief is one organization that has benefited. Last summer, Kayongo personally delivered 5,000 bars of soap to Kenya Relief's Brittney's Home of Grace orphanage.

"When we were distributing the soap, I could sense that there was a lot of excitement, joy, a lot of happiness," said Kayongo, whose work was recently recognized by the Atlanta City Council, which declared May 15 as Global Soap Project Day in Atlanta.

"It's a reminder again of that sense of decency. They have (someone) who knows about their situation, and is willing to come and visit them ... to come and say, 'We are sorry ... We're here to help.' "

Want to get involved? Check out the Global Soap Project website at www.globalsoap.org and see how to help.

Where is Everyone?

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

latest update sorted by countries alphabetically

CANADA
Bank of Montreal, British Columbia, Canada
Blenz Coffee, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Blue Horizon Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Calhoun's Bakery Cafe, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Canadian Forces, North Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
Carmana Plaza, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Chateau Beauvallon, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Coast Coal Harbour Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Comet Strip, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Comfort Inn Vancouver Airport, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Contemporary Security Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Dunowen Properties Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Edgewater Casino, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Empire Landmark, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Fairmont Tremblant, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Four Points by Sheraton, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Grand Villa Casino, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Gucci, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Hawksworth Restaurant at The Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Hermes Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Holiday Inn Express Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Hollyburn Country Club, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Jewel of the North Resort, Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Judy Kim CGA, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Lake Louise Inn, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Listel Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Marriott, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Mini Richmond, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
MonaVie Corporation, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Montana's Cookhouse, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Pacific Sunspots Tours Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Pan Pacific, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Plaza 500 Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Posh Restaurant, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Prestige Lakeside Resort, Nelson, British Columbia, Canada
Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Ramada Downtown Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Ramada Hotel, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
Richmond Hilton, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Sandman Hotel, Suites & Spa, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Sheraton Wall Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Suncor Camp Hotel, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
Terminal City Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The BMW Store, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The Hermitage, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The Sutton Place Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
The Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Square Suites, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Toronto Airport Marriott, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Travelodge Hotel & Conference Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
'U weight loss' Clinics, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada
Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, BC, Canada (A Relais and Chateaux Property)
Wingate by Wyndham, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

CHINA
Air China, Beijing, China
All Nippon Airways, Beijing Office, Beijing, China
Clyde & Co., Law Office, Shanghai, China
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
Hyatt Hotel Beijing, Beijing, China
InterContinental Beijing Financial Street, Beijing, China
Marriott Shanghai Chengfeng Park, Shanghai, China
Peninsula Hotel Beijing, Beijing, China
Seaview Ocity Hotel, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Shenzhen Universal Hotel, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

ENGLAND
Marriott Hotels, UK Shared Service Centre, Luton, England
MUST Birmingham, Birmingham, England
P & O Cruises/Cunard Line/Ocean Village, Southampton, England
Radisson SAS Hotel, Liverpool, England

FRANCE
Four Seasons George V, Paris, France

GERMANY
Düsseldorf InterContinental Hotel, Düsseldorf, Germany
Renaissance Hotel Hamburg, Germany

HONG KONG
Charlie Brown Café, Hong Kong
Eaton Hotel, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Elite HK Model Management Holdings Ltd., Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong
InterContinental Grand Stanford, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Island Shangri-La, Central, Hong Kong
Judd Farris Recruitment, Hong Kong Office, Hong Kong
Mandarin Oriental, Central, Hong Kong
Novotel, Hong Kong
Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers, Kowloon, Hong Kong
The Peninsula Hotel, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
TVGR Media, Hong Kong
Vashion Group Ltd., Hong Kong

HUNGARY
Gate 1 Travel, Budapest, Hungary
Grand Circle Cruise Lines, Budapest, Hungary
New York Palace Hotel, Budapest, Hungary

IRELAND
Marymount Care Centre, Dublin, Ireland

JAPAN
Club Med in Okinawa, Okinawa, Japan
Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
Hilton Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Hotel Avalorm Kino-kuni, Wakayama, Japan
Hotel Okura Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Hotel Seiyo Ginza, Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
Hyatt Regency, Kyoto, Japan
InterContinental Tokyo Bay Hotel, Tokyo, Japan
Japan Airline, Tokyo, Japan
Mercure Hotel Sapporo, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Nikko Hotel, Osaka, Japan
Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Tokyo, Japan
Radisson Narita Hotel Tokyo, Tokyo-Narita, Chiba, Japan
Sapporo City Office, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Starbucks Coffee, Hiroshima, Japan
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo, Kinshicho, Tokyo, Japan
Toyako Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace, Lake Toya, Hokkaido, Japan

LEBANON
InterContinental Phoenicia, Beirut, Lebanon

MACAU
Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, Taipa, Macau
MGM Macau, Macau
The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, Taipa, Macau

MALAYSIA
Hotel Equatorial Corporate Office, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

MEXICO
Courtyard by Merriott Toluca Airport, Toluca, Mexico City, Mexico
Hotel Riu Cancun, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

MONACO
The Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco

MOROCCO
Sahara Regency Hotel, Dakhla, Morocco

QATAR
Qatar Airways, State of Qatar

RUSSIA
Sheraton Palace, Moscow, Russia

SAUDI ARABIA
AL Barraq Industrial, Taif, Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Hilton Hotel, Jeddeh, Saudi Arabia

SINGAPORE
Pan Pacific, Singapore, Singapore

SOUTH KOREA
Airpark Hotel, Seoul, South Korea
Casaville Samsung hotel Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
eBay, Seoul, South Korea
FedEx, Seoul, South Korea
General Motors, Seoul, South Korea
Grand InterContinental Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju, Jeju, South Korea
HSBC Korea, Seoul, South Korea
HUNT International, Seoul, South Korea
Marriott Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
Nestle Water, Seoul, South Korea
Novotel Hotel, Seoul, South Korea
Park Hyatt Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
Ramada, Seoul, South Korea
Ramid Group, Seoul, South Korea
Ritz Carlton, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul Plaza Hotel, Seoul, South Korea
Shilla Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
STX Group, Seoul, South Korea

SPAIN
Ritz Carlton, Barcelona, Spain

TAIWAN
Grand Formosa Regent Taipei, a Four Seasons Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan
Grand Hyatt Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
Howard Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan
Noir Design, Taipei, Taiwan
Pacifix International Ent. Inc., Taipei, Taiwan
Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan
Sheraton Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
The Lalu Hotel, Nantau, Taiwan
Westin Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Desert Palm Resort and Spa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Four Seasons, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
Hilton Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Hilton Hotel, New York, New York, USA
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, Destin, Florida, USA
Hilton Suites Boca Raton, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles, California, USA
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, La Jolla, California, USA
Phoenix Park Hotel, Washington, DC, USA
Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa, Savannah, Georgia, USA

Kiwi Collection

2012-01-30T01:55:00.000-08:00

Bloomberg video interview last week

Philippe Kjellgren, chief executive officer of Kiwi Collection, talks about initial public offering plans for the hotel-ratings website. Kjellgren, speaking with Betty Liu on Bloomberg Television's "In the Loop," also discusses the company's partnership with Visa Inc. (Source: Bloomberg)

Happy birthday, Antonio!

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

B.C. Food Expo 2012

2012-01-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

This Monday at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Thanks to Roy, every student was able to get a ticket to this year's B.C. Foodservice Expo.

Students who have received their passes in class can register online; please also remember to bring the passes with you. Those who did not receive a pass will be given one on Monday.

Opening this Sunday, the B.C. Food Expo includes over 300 exhibitors, competitions, great seminars, and much more!

Should any concerns arise, kindly contact Linda.

How to judge wine by the cork

2012-01-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

to smell or not to smell?

The waiter gives you the cork like he expects something from you. Here's what you should and shouldn't do.

Source:
chow.com

Black Truffles

2012-01-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

understand this expensive food ingredient

A truffle is the fruiting body of an underground mushroom; spore dispersal is accomplished through fungivores, animals that eat fungi. Almost all truffles are ectomycorrhizal and are therefore usually found in close association with trees.

There are hundreds of species of truffles, but the fruiting body of some (mostly in the genus Tuber) are highly prized as a food. The 18th-century French gastronome Brillat-Savarin called these truffles "the diamond of the kitchen". Edible truffles are held in high esteem in French, Spanish, northern Italian and Greek cooking, as well as in international haute cuisine.

Because of their high price and their pungent taste, truffles are used sparingly. Supplies can be found commercially as unadulterated fresh produce or preserved, typically in a light brine.
White truffles are generally served raw, and shaved over steaming buttered pasta or salads or fried eggs (the latter is recommended by many gourmets as the best way to enjoy the flavour). White or black paper-thin truffle slices may be inserted into meats, under the skins of roasted fowl, in foie gras preparations, in pâtés, or in stuffings. Some speciality cheeses contain truffles as well.

Black Périgord Truffle

The flavor of black truffles is far less pungent and more refined than that of white truffles. Its strong savory flavor is similar to earth and dashi.

While in the past chefs used to peel truffles, in modern times most restaurants brush the truffle carefully and shave it or dice it with the skin on so as to use most of this expensive ingredient. A few restaurants, such as Philippe Rochat in Switzerland, still stamp out circular discs of truffle flesh and use the skins for sauces.

The record price paid for a single white truffle was set in December 2007, when Macau casino owner Stanley Ho paid US$330,000 (£165,000) for a specimen weighing 1.5 kilograms (3.3 lb), discovered by Luciano Savini and his dog Rocco. One of the largest truffles found in decades, it was unearthed near Pisa and sold at an auction held simultaneously in Macau, Hong Kong and Florence. This record was then matched on November 27, 2010 when Ho again paid US$330,000 for a pair of white truffles including one weighing nearly a kilogram.

Click here to read about how the biggest truffle found in 2008 was auctioned off for $200,000 from a previous blog article.

The Tuber magnatum pico white truffle is found mostly in northern and central Italy, while the Tuber borchii, or whitish truffle, is found in Tuscany, Romagna, the Marche and Molise. Neither of these is as aromatic as those from Piedmont, although those from Città di Castello come quite close.

Picture below: 10:00 a.m. Hawksworth Restaurant chef David Hawksworth unpacks a fresh, 15-pound shipment of black winter truffles from Périgord, France. The delicacy comes with a hefty $10,000 price tag.

Happy birthday, Jay!

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Bulgari Bali's Monkeys

2012-01-25T00:56:00.000-08:00

the local residents
click image to enlarge

More about the chain, Bulgari Hotel Milano, Bulgari Hotel formed in 2001, a joint venture between the luxury brand and Marriott International.

Happy birthday, Christian!

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Industry Networking Opportunity

2012-01-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

by invitation only, please ask Alyssa for details
click images below to read about event tomomorrow

How to tell if a bottle of wine is in good condition

2012-01-24T02:26:00.000-08:00

before you open the bottle

Understanding the fill/ullage

Ullage refers to a wine's fill level in the bottle, and most often is an indication of a cork's condition. If such levels seem to be abnormal for a wine's age, that may suggest a problem. According to the experts at Christie's, a normal fill level for young wines is into the neck of the bottle, which is an especially good sign for a wine that is over 10 years old. A top-shoulder fill is normal in wines 20 years of age or older. However, a mid-shoulder fill level suggests that the cork is weakening, but is not out of the ordinary for wines 30 to 40 years of age. Any level below that suggests a serious problem, but would most likely be acceptable if the wine is exceptionally old or unusual.

Happy birthday, Ellson!

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Health Warning for Students

2012-01-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

Message from Minister of Advanced Education
and the Ministry of Health

Happy Lunar New Year!

2012-01-23T06:25:00.000-08:00

Lunar New Year refers to the beginning of the year in several calendars. It is commonly assumed that they are all based on a lunar calendar, although some are actually based on a lunisolar calendar.

These new year celebrations sometimes fall on or near the same day of the Gregorian year:

Chinese New Year
Japanese New Year (before 1873)
Korean New Year (Seolnal)
Tết, Vietnamese New Year
Losar, Tibetan New Year

Tsagaan Sar, Mongolian lunisolar new year

Bridal Show at the Vancouver Club

2012-01-20T09:36:00.001-08:00

offered to students in the Advanced Diploma
pictures for those who couldn't attend
click image to enlarge pictures

Shangri-La Hotels Stops Serving Shark Fin

2012-01-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

follows Peninsula Hotels' announcement from 2 months ago

Luxury hotel chain Shangri-La has announced it will stop serving shark fin at its 72 properties worldwide, as the campaign to protect the marine predators gains ground among Chinese consumers.

The Hong Kong-based group said it would cease serving shark fin in all of its restaurants as well as accepting new orders for shark fin products in banqueting with immediate effect, under a "sustainable seafood policy".

Shark fin soup is viewed by many Asians as a rare delicacy and is traditionally served at wedding parties and business banquets in Hong Kong, which handles around 50 percent of the global shark fin trade.

Shangri-La said it would also phase out Bluefin tuna and Chilean sea bass, which are under the threat of extinction, at all restaurants within the year.

"The new policy is a continuation of Shangri-La's journey towards environmental support," the hotel chain said in a statement late Tuesday.

"Shangri-La will continue to review and refine its overall programmes including environmental and sustainability issues."

The announcement came two months after Hong Kong-based Peninsula Hotels group said it would stop selling shark fin from this year, in a move hailed as a breakthrough for shark conservation.

Peninsula said the decision was made in view of the threat facing the global shark population, which scientists believe is essential to the overall health of the seas.

Shangri-La's move also comes just before Chinese New Year which falls on Monday, when shark fin will be in higher than normal demand for festive banquets throughout Asia.

About 73 million sharks are killed every year, with Hong Kong importing about 10,000 tonnes annually for the past decade, according to environmental group WWF.

More than 180 shark species were considered threatened in 2010, compared to only 15 in 1996.

WWF Hong Kong conservation programme officer Silvy Pun said the hotels were responding to falling demand for shark meat.

"Obviously this is a very positive development. The hotels are contributing to shark conservation, they are leading the catering sector in Hong Kong to change," she told AFP on Wednesday.

"Their action reflects the market is changing and the falling demand for shark fin products. We are making a big step here so I urge other businesses to follow suit."

The campaign has also received a boost in Singapore, after French retail giant Carrefour and the mainly ethnic Chinese city state's largest supermarket chain, NTUC FairPrice, said this month they would no longer stock shark fin.

"More and more young couples have decided not to have shark fin on their wedding banquet menu," Hong Kong marine conservation group Bloom project coordinator Stanley Shea said.

Other international hotel groups which continue to sell shark fin soup include Four Seasons, Hilton, Nikko and Regal, citing the traditional aspect of the expensive dish to Chinese customers.

But a Bloom survey last year showed that some 78 percent of Hong Kong respondents considered it socially acceptable to leave shark fin soup off the menu at a wedding banquet.

Real Estate Project Open House

2012-01-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

opportunity to learn the process of obtaining a city approval
on a large scale real estate development project

Further to last week's real estate session, here is an opportunity to learn more about real estate development, for those interested in this area. Please click invitation below to enlarge.

Many students may not realize that real estate development and hotels are closely related. The Fairmont Pacific Rim, Shangri-La Vancouver, Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Four Seasons Whistler would not have been made possible without the real estate component (i.e. selling apartment units attached to hotels), and many hotel property owners in fact, have a background in real estate.

10 Ways to Fit in With Vancouver Locals

2012-01-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

from Tourism Vancouver

Since every city has its own culture and customs, it’s often pretty easy to spot the tourists. Blend in with the locals on your next trip to Vancity (yep, that would be Vancouver) by using some of these insider tips.

1. Know the difference between the West End, West Side and West Vancouver

As it turns out, these three “western” areas are vastly different from one another. The West End is a well-established urban neighbourhood located west of Burrard Street, east of Denman Street and south of West Georgia Street. “West Side” is sometimes used to describe the area south of downtown across False Creek, west of the University of British Columbia. Finally, West Vancouver is a district municipality northwest of the city of Vancouver, across English Bay. At least “East Van,” “the East Side” and “the East End” all mean the same thing — East Vancouver.

2. Correctly pronounce those hard-to-read cities

If you’re planning to visit Vancouver Island, you may notice the city names get significantly harder to pronounce. Sound like a pro when you’re taking the Tsawwassen (ta-WA-sen) Ferry Terminal and heading to places like Ucluelet (you-CLUE-let), Nanaimo (na-NAI-mo) and Sooke (sook).

3. Order a Snack Pack of Timbits

For coffee, light meals and baked goods, Tim Hortons is a one-stop destination for locals who need a quick nosh. Try a Snack Pack of their signature Timbits: bite-sized donut holes in a variety of flavors, including lemon, sour cream glazed, apple fritter and blueberry.

4. Be friendly and say “hello.”

Vancouverites are known for their polite demeanor, and with the city’s breathtaking views, casual lifestyle and community-driven environment, it should come as no surprise. While you’re here, get ready to return a friendly smile.

5. Bring your Gore-Tex and Polar fleece

Sure, Vancouver has its fair share of burgeoning fashion designers and places to shop, but many of the locals still dress casually — and for the weather. To brave the misty ocean air, rain showers and cool weather, make sure to pack appropriate layers like waterproof Gore-Tex pieces and soft, quick-drying Polar fleece.

6. Drive through a White Spot

This Vancouver institution has been serving up classic comfort food like burgers and fries since 1928. Opt for a loaded beef burger like the Smokey BBQ Bigger Burger, or, if you time it right, order a Pirate Pak, which is available only one day a year.

7. Pay with loonies and toonies

Nope, we’re not talking about cartoons — Canadians call their one-dollar coins “loonies” (because it bears the image of a loon) and their two-dollar coins “toonies.” If you are an international traveller, make sure to have your currency exchanged at a credit union, trust company or foreign exchange broker before heading out for a shopping trip. For more information on currency, click here.

8. Hop on the SkyTrain

Locals use this rapid-transit system as a quick way to get around town, but the SkyTrain is also a great way to see Vancouver. Its fully automated trains run on elevated tracks and offer beautiful views of downtown, nearby neighborhoods and the North Shore Mountains.

9. Eat a Japa Dog while exploring downtown

Few street foods embody the multicultural attitude of Vancouver like a Japa Dog. Order one of these Japanese-style hotdogs, which are loaded with Asian ingredients like grated daikon radish, seaweed, teriyaki sauce, fried cabbage and bonito flakes. Eat it on the go to get in some sightseeing downtown.

10. Get your Grind on

Locals know that Grouse Mountain comes with a built-in full-body workout: the Grouse Grind. This 2.9-kilometre hike takes about an hour and a half to complete, and more than 100,000 people take to the trail every year. Hikers looking for a little friendly competition can buy a Grind Timer Card, which will track your summit time and post statistics of fellow trailblazers.

View 10 Ways to Fit in With Vancouver Locals in a larger map

New Restaurant In Pacific Centre

2012-01-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

Limited coupons available!

Fit for Life restaurant recently opened it's doors in Pacific Centre Mall. It can be found downstairs next to Scotiabank and Tim Hortons.

Offering a wide variety of healthy meals, such as soups, salads, and wraps, Fit for Life's motto is "Quick+Fresh+Healthy."

We have 4 coupons available to use at Fit for Life. Anyone interested should please contact Alyssa; coupons will be handed out on a first come first serve basis.

iPad and its Impact on Hotel Owners & Operators

2012-01-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

How does the iPad Impact Guest Satisfaction?

The iPad has changed guest behavior. As the leading single source provider of IP technology, iBAHN empowers hoteliers to manage the impact of new technology while connecting guests to content across multiple screens.

Learn how a hotel's network performance impacts guest satisfaction by downloading a whitepaper by iBAHN.

US Censorship legislation causes online Protests

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Expect the Internet to look a little darker today

Several of the web’s largest sites are shutting down for the day in protest of SOPA and ProtectIP, two proposed American bills that opponents say could fundamentally change the infrastructure of the web.

Sites participating in the blackout include Wikipedia, Boing Boing, Wordpress, Reddit, Imgur, Mojang, and Tucows. Other web giants have planned partial blackouts or are offering support in other ways. Mozilla will black out some of its websites for part of the day, while Google is linking to information about SOPA on its homepage and informing users of its opposition to the bill.

The users of the aggregator site Reddit have largely led the march against these two bills, with Wikipedia’s support drawing attention to the protest. In reference to the blackout Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales tweeted, “This is going to be wow. I hope Wikipedia will melt phone systems in Washington on Wednesday. Tell everyone you know!”

Why is Wikipedia blacked-out?

Wikipedia is protesting against SOPA and PIPA by blacking out the English Wikipedia for 24 hours, beginning at midnight January 18, Eastern Time. Readers who come to English Wikipedia during the blackout will not be able to read the encyclopedia. Instead, you will see messages intended to raise awareness about SOPA and PIPA, encouraging you to share your views with your representatives, and with each other on social media.

What are SOPA and PIPA

SOPA and PIPA represent two bills in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate respectively. SOPA is short for the "Stop Online Piracy Act," and PIPA is an acronym for the "Protect IP Act." ("IP" stands for "intellectual property.") In short, these bills are efforts to stop copyright infringement committed by foreign web sites, but, in our opinion, they do so in a way that actually infringes free expression while harming the Internet. Detailed information about these bills can be found in the Stop Online Piracy Act and PROTECT IP Act articles on Wikipedia, which are available during the blackout. GovTrack lets you follow both bills through the legislative process: SOPA on this page, and PIPA on this one. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the public interest in the digital realm, has summarized why these bills are simply unacceptable in a world that values an open, secure, and free Internet.

Why is the blackout happening?

Wikipedians have chosen to black out the English Wikipedia for the first time ever, because we are concerned that SOPA and PIPA will severely inhibit people's access to online information. This is not a problem that will solely affect people in the United States: it will affect everyone around the world.

Why? SOPA and PIPA are badly drafted legislation that won't be effective at their stated goal (to stop copyright infringement), and will cause serious damage to the free and open Internet. They put the burden on website owners to police user-contributed material and call for the unnecessary blocking of entire sites. Small sites won't have sufficient resources to defend themselves. Big media companies may seek to cut off funding sources for their foreign competitors, even if copyright isn't being infringed. Foreign sites will be blacklisted, which means they won't show up in major search engines. And, SOPA and PIPA build a framework for future restrictions and suppression.

Today Mozilla joins with other sites in a virtual strike to protest two proposed laws in the United States, called SOPA and the PROTECT IP Act. On January 24th, the U.S. Senate will vote on the PROTECT IP Act to censor the Internet, despite opposition from the vast majority of Americans.

Photojournalism

2012-01-17T00:30:00.000-08:00

Magnum photographer Eve Arnold dead at 99

Introduction about her work & photojournalism

Arnold was perceived by many as a pioneer and marvelous achiever in photojournalism and someone who paved the way for professional women everywhere.

Photojournalist Eve Arnold, who was responsible for iconic pictures such as those of Marylin Monroe on the set of her last film, The Misfits, has passed away at age 99.

Arnold was born Eve Cohen on April 21, 1912 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Russian-immigrant Jewish parents. In 1951, she joined the Magnum Photos agency and was fully immersed as a member in 1957. She began her development of her photography passion in 1946, while working at a photo-finishing plant in New York City. In 1948, over the course of six weeks, Arnold honed her skills as a photographer with the help of Harper's Bazaar director Alexey Brodovitch at the New School of Social Research in Manhattan.

According to Fiona Rogers via La Lettre, "Arnold died peacefully in her sleep in a London retirement home." She passed just months before what would have been her 100th birthday.
Eve Arnold was often though of nothing short of legendary. She was a pioneer who paved the way for female photojournalists, who walked the streets with Malcolm X, who photographed 40 years worth of United States presidents, says The Guardian.

She was An American photojournalist & had captured many renowned personalities throughout her career. Arnold's images of Marilyn Monroe on the set of the actress's last film, The Misfits (1961) were iconic, but she had taken many photos of Monroe from 1951 onwards. Her previously unseen photos of Monroe were shown at an Halcyon Gallery exhibition in London during May 2005. She also photographed Queen Elizabeth II, Marlene Dietrich & Malcolm X & Joan Crawford. Have also traveled around the world, photographing in China, Russia, South Africa & Afghanistan.

In 1980, she had her first solo exhibition, which featured her photographic work done in China at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City. In the same year, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Magazine Photographers. In 1993, she was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society & elected Master Photographer by New York's International Center of Photography.

Eve Arnald is an Absolute Icon in the Photographic World & I Her Dedications & Achievements are to be remembered & appreciated.

Source:
Digital Journal

C Restaurant

2012-01-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

Dine Out Tasting Menu available
January 11 to February 5, 2012

1st Course

Pickled North Arm Farms Beet Panzanella Salad with Harissa Dressing and Shaved Ricotta Salata
2nd Course

Seared Albacore Tuna with Winter Minestrone and Pistou, Crisp Basil
Main Course

Seared Lake Babine Salmon with Spiced Squash, Glazed Brussel Sprouts with Anchovy Tapenade

Dessert
Spiced Chocolate Pudding with Crisp Caramel Puffed Rice and Vanailla Chantilly

Call or Email directly for prime times and seating at 1.604.681.1164, click the following image to enlarge:

Happy birthday, Angela!

2012-01-14T00:00:00.001-08:00

How is Champagne Made?

2012-01-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

explained by the American Chemist Society

Remember, only sparkling wine made in Champagne, France may be called Champagne.

Unlike other wine, which undergoes one fermentation process, champagne undergoes two. Carbon dioxide gas is trapped during the second one and it dissolves into the wine and forms the bubbles.

The bubbles ascend along the length of the bottle, dragging the molecules of the carbon dioxide and about 600 other chemicals that form the aroma and flavor of the champagne. They explode off the surface as the bubbles burst.

The recipe was trial and error at first, in the mid-1600 when French Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Perignon discovered champagne, as the story goes. Some bottles had no bubble and some just exploded.

In any case, the video cited a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that says to pour champagne on an angle to retain the carbon dioxide in the wine, as opposed to pouring it down the middle of the glass.

Dine Out Restaurants offering $18 menus

2012-01-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

total 48 restaurants

Beachside Forno (Accepting Reservations)

Blarney Stone (Accepting Reservations)

Ceilis Irish Pub and Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Ceilis Irish Pub and Restaurant - Kitsilano (Accepting Reservations)

Charles Bar (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Cheshire Cheese Restaurant & Bar (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Chutney Villa (Accepting Reservations)

Darby's Pub (Reservations not accepted, 1st Come 1st Served)

Darchin Grill + Bar (Accepting Reservations)

Doolin's Irish Pub - Comfort Inn Downtown (Accepting Reservations)

Hell's Kitchen (Accepting Reservations)

Hyde Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Irish Heather Gastropub (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Judas Goat Taberna (Accepting Reservations)

Kerkis Greek Taverna (Accepting Reservations)

Kingston Taphouse & Grille (Accepting Reservations)

Las Margaritas Restaurante Y Cantina (Accepting Reservations)

Lickerish Restaurant & Lounge (Accepting Reservations)

Luke's Corner Bar + Kitchen (Accepting Reservations)

Mad Greek Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Mahony & Sons Public House - Coal Harbour (Accepting Reservations)

Mahony & Sons Public House - UBC (Accepting Reservations)

Maria's Taverna on Denman (Accepting Reservations)

Maria's Taverna on West 4th (Accepting Reservations)

Mill Marine Bistro (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Nu Greek (Reservations not accepted, 1st Come 1st Served)

Old Spaghetti Factory (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts - Bistro 101 (Accepting Reservations)

PIER 73 Restaurant - Delta Vancouver Airport (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Pink Elephant Thai Restaurant Ltd. (Accepting Reservations)

Pivo Public House (Accepting Reservations)

Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery - Moda Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

Reef Restaurant on Main (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Reef Restaurant on The Drive (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. - Kitsilano (Accepting Reservations)

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. - Main (Accepting Reservations)

Salt Tasting Room (Accepting Reservations)

Sanafir (Accepting Reservations)

Save On Meats (Reservations not accepted, 1st Come 1st Served)

Section (3) (Accepting Reservations)

Shenanigan's on Robson - Blue Horizon Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

Society Dining Lounge (Accepting Reservations)

Suika Snackbar (Accepting Reservations)

Szechuan Chongqing Seafood Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Trattoria Italian Kitchen (Reservations not accepted, 1st Come 1st Served)

Urban Thai Bistro (Accepting Reservations)

Westward Ho! Public House & Grill Room (Accepting Reservations)

Wild Rice (Accepting Reservations)

Hotel Restaurants participating in Dine Out

2012-01-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

Click the following hotel restaurants for links to their Dine Out menus
Our recommended restaurants are the ones bolded

Bacchus Restaurant $38

Of all the great plates you'll find at Bacchus Restaurant in the Wedgewood Hotel, the one on the wall tells the story best. It's the plate inscribed with the Four Diamond Award from the CAA/AAA. It is a perfect companion to the Wedgewood's own Four Diamond rating, an honour indicating that this rooms' service is second to none.

Walk through the Hornby Street entrance, and Bacchus' attention to detail is immediately apparent. You are instantly surrounded by luxury, with richly upholstered furniture, warm, dark wood, and light fixtures imported from Venice personally by owner Eleni Skalbania. A large canvas depicting Bacchus himself, Greek god of wine and revelry, presides over the room.

Cento Notti $38

Cento Notti is Italian for one hundred nights, and that is exactly how long this bold new experiment in Vancouver pop-up restaurants will last, so hurry. The eatery's latest reinvention is the immaculate conception of Cento Notti at the world famous OPUS Hotel Vancouver.

Serving a sexy and irreverent mash-up of Italian influenced pop art and comfort food, the latest collaboration between artist and chef will leave your senses deliciously twisted. It’s a glittering, gold-dipped taste of La Dolce Vita that’s unapologetically over-the-top and in-your-face. Gone are the graffiti splashed walls of the previous One Hundred Nights incarnation. At Cento Notti gold and glitter rule, while classic Italian frescos and Botticelli-esque busts accent the room. New executive chef Paul Marshall serves up a fresh new spin on classic Italian cuisine.

Copper Chimney $28

The French Influenced East Indian restaurant at Hotel le Soleil. Traditional food from the kitchens and streets of India with all its flavours and greatness presented differently.

DIVA at the MET $38

Introducing Diva at the Met, one of Vancouver’s premier dining destinations, showcasing innovative Cascadian cuisine, firmly rooted in the bounty of the region.

Diva at the Met’s chef, Hamid Salimian, brings to Diva a true respect for ingredients and a reputation for highlighting them through both traditional and modern cooking techniques. He takes Diva’s Cascadian cuisine to the next level with his creative, contemporary approach.

Five Sails Restaurant $38

The Husband and wife team of Chef Ernst Dorfler and Gerry Sayers invite you to experience the unforgettable combination of spectacular views of Vancouver, four diamond award winning cuisine and gracious hospitality in the beautiful Five Sails Restaurant located at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

Fleuri's $38

Fleuri Restaurant at The Sutton Place Hotel is a premier dining experience in downtown Vancouver. Fresh Pacific Northwest produce, game, seafood and a vast selection of both imported and domestic wines are highlighted on Fleuri’s ever-changing menu. Their Progressive Northwest cuisine is unique in style lovingly created by Executive Chef Michael Deutsch and the rest of his culinary brigade.

An award-winning restaurant, Fleuri’s style is comfortable yet elegant. The spacious surroundings provide a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy fine, local cuisine. The food at The Fleuri branches out to various international cuisines reflecting the true global personality of Vancouver. Fleuri’s cuisine can be best described as international fusion with prominent focus on high quality, fresh, seasonal ingredients from throughout British Columbia.

GRIFFINS' $28

This vibrant Pacific Northwest brasserie, annually recognized by western Canada's pre-eminent food publications and their reader's as one of the 'best hotel' restaurants, continues to excite! GRIFFINS' gorgeous sun-washed interior, complete with high-arching windows features a unique open kitchen concept at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Hawksworth Restaurant $38

The personal dream of one of Canada’s foremost masters of cuisine, Hawksworth Restaurant, located at the legendary Rosewood Hotel Georgia, in the heart of downtown Vancouver fuses together a illustrious past with a radiant future. Embracing contemporary Canadian cuisine, the goal is to set forth a culinary legacy rooted in regional produce while celebrating the cultural diversity of Vancouver.

Herons West Coast Kitchen + Bar $38

Featuring two storeys of floor to ceiling windows at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, allowing a panoramic harbour view of the North Shore Mountains & Stanley Park. Herons restaurant offers cuisine with a west coast flair reflecting local and regional specialties of the Pacific Rim.

Hidden Tasting Bar & Social Lounge $28

Hidden Tasting Bar & Social Lounge is located at the Westin Grand Hotel. The risqué global tapas menu paired with pleasing libations will continue to tempt you – time and time again.
It is a unique local lounge with a 2nd floor location, offering cozy seating with stunning city views.

MARKET by Jean-Georges $38

Internationally acclaimed three-star Michelin chef and entrepreneur Jean-Georges Vongerichten makes his Canadian debut at Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver.

Market is a destination for those who value simple elegance and contemporary dining. Emphasizing comfort and creativity, the menu features Jean-Georges Vongerichten's "greatest hits;" reinventing classic dishes by infusing eclectic flair. Guests are able to try new flavour combinations and explore spices from other regions, all while remaining close to home.

MARKET by Jean-Georges is the hotel’s signature restaurant, offering four distinct areas: Café, the restaurant, the musical chair bar with 29 seats and the outdoor terrace.

ORU $28

A Pan-Asian bistro, is derived from the Japanese word meaning “to fold”. Wallet-friendly, this free-standing restaurant features an open kitchen with two chef’s tables, a private dining room, and wine tasting area with the largest sake cellar in the city.

Executive chef David Wong, a recent competitor at the Bocuse d’Or culinary event in France, has created a harmonious fusion of east and west flavours in his kitchen at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.

Tramonto $38

Beautiful sunsets, sumptuous food and decedent elixirs all await you at Tramonto, the River Rock Casino Resorts’ hidden gem. Nestled on the third floor of the east hotel tower, Tramonto is resort dining at its’ finest. Tramonto provides guests with the ultimate in casual upscale dining for dinner on any occasion.

Xi Shi lounge $28

Embracing our Shangri-La heritage with a modern interpretation, Xi Shi is a lounge with distinct personality that expands street-side to embrace the summer. Enchanting cocktail waitresses wearing traditional, hand tailored cheongsams from Shanghai emulate the legendary beauty, Xi Shi, the ancient Chinese Goddess of the Lotus Blossom. The classic bartender, passionate about flavor, mixes creative cocktails to delight the palate. During the week, Xi Shi is an ideal spot to have a casual business meeting or enjoy a relaxed lunch.

Special Notes: Our special Dine Out Menu is available for lunch also from Monday to Friday starting at 11:30am. On Saturdays and Sundays, our Dine Out Menu is only offered for dinner starting at 5:00pm.

YEW restaurant + bar $38

Designed to capture the essence of British Columbia's natural environment, lofty 12-metre (40-foot) ceilings reach to the sky, while wood-paneled walls and a floor-to-ceiling sandstone fireplace emanate warmth and comfort, at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Executive Chef Oliver Beckert stimulates the palate with tastes from the entire Pacific region with local, seasonal ingredients. YEW’s communal table for 14 is a convivial setting for magic from the restaurant’s two open kitchens and a skylit private dining room for 10 is secluded by frosted glass.

Specialties include over 300 wines by the glass, our Coffee Culture Bar and Diva Fridays - where we celebrate the weekend with fun pink drinks and free appetizers from 2:30pm to close to those sporting some pink. Weekends at YEW restaurant + bar feature a 3-course brunch of sweet and savoury favourites for only $27, a dozen freshly shucked oysters for $12 and Wine Down Sundays where every single bottle is 50% off!

A $736,000 Fish

2012-01-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

593-pound blue fin tuna sold last week in auction
sets record price

Fancy a $50 piece of sushi?

That's what one piece of a 593-pound blue fin tuna sold Thursday at Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market for a record $736,000 is worth.

Kiyoshi Kimura, who runs the Sushi-Zanmai chain in Japan, bought the record-setting fish at the first auction of the new year at Japan's main fish market, a popular tourist stop in Tokyo, according to the Tokyo Times.

The previous record for a fish was set at the market in 2011's first sale of the new year, when a Hong Kong restauranteur paid $422,000 for a blue fin. He took that fish to Hong Kong.

Read the full story "Record price paid for massive tuna" on the This Just In blog.

Source:
CNN

Whistler Blackcomb - Student Passes

2012-01-12T08:29:00.000-08:00

Don't miss this opportunity!

The Student Pass is a Whistler Blackcomb Season Pass available exclusively to full-time college or university students between the ages of 17 - 29 years old.

With the Student Pass, students can ski or snowboard for the entire winter season. With this pass, not only will you receive a great low price for a season of unlimited skiing and snowboarding, but you will also enjoy extra perks, such as discounts on rentals, food and drinks, and merchandise.

Deadline is next Monday January 16, 2012.

If any students are interested or want to find out more, please contact Alyssa.

Student Nights at Mt. Seymour

2012-01-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

Ski or Ride for just $19!

Presented by Granville Island Brewery, Nikita, and the Narrows Pub, students can enjoy a night of riding for $19 with Student Nights at Mt. Seymour.

Starting Thursday, January 12 from 4:00pm to 10:00pm, students can show a valid Student ID and pick up an evening lift ticket for just $19! There are also food and drink specials at The Rock Chute Inn, music, and lots of prizes to be won!

Student Nights will be running every Thursday night until March 15. Don't miss out on this great deal and fun night on the mountain!

Dine Out Restaurants offering $28 menus

2012-01-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

total 117 restaurants

Abigail's Party (Accepting Reservations)

Al Porto Ristorante (Accepting Reservations)

American Grille (The) - Vancouver Airport Marriott (Accepting Reservations)

Arms Reach Bistro (Accepting Reservations)

Banana Leaf Malayasian Cuisine on Davie (Accepting Reservations)

Banana Leaf Malaysian Cuisine in Kitsilano (Accepting Reservations)

Banana Leaf Malaysian Cuisine on Broadway (Accepting Reservations)

Banana Leaf Malaysian Cuisine on Denman (Reservations not accepted, 1st Come 1st Served)

Baru Latino Restaurante (Accepting Reservations)

Beyond Restaurant and Lounge - Century Plaza Hotel & Spa (Accepting Reservations)

Bistro Pastis (Accepting Reservations)

Boathouse Restaurant (The) - English Bay (Accepting Reservations)

Boathouse Restaurant (The) - Horseshoe Bay (Accepting Reservations)

Boathouse Restaurant (The) - Kitsilano (Accepting Reservations)

Boathouse Restaurant (The) - New Westminster (Accepting Reservations)

Boathouse Restaurant (The) - Port Moody (Accepting Reservations)

Boathouse Restaurant (The) - Richmond (Accepting Reservations)

Boathouse Restaurant (The) - White Rock (Accepting Reservations)

Brasserie Bistro (The) - Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites (Accepting Reservations)

Cafe Pacifica - Pan Pacific Vancouver (Accepting Reservations)

Campagnolo Restaurant (Reservations not accepted, 1st Come 1st Served)

Cardero's Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Carmichael's Restaurant - Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

Carthage Cafe (Accepting Reservations)

Central Bistro (Accepting Reservations)

Chinois Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Chop Steakhouse & Bar (Accepting Reservations)

Ciao Bella Restaurant & Piano Bar (Accepting Reservations)

Cloud 9 Revolving Restaurant - Empire Landmark Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

Cobre Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Copper Chimney - Hotel Le Soleil (Accepting Reservations)

Cork & Fin Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Coza! Tuscan Grill (Accepting Reservations)

Culinaria - The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Vancouver (Accepting Reservations)

Dockside Restaurant - Granville Island Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

Fishworks (Accepting Reservations)

Fleuri Restaurant - Sutton Place Hotel (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Flying Tiger (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Fresh Restaurant & Lounge - Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport (Accepting Reservations)

Fresh Restaurant & Lounge - Sheraton Guildford Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

George Lounge (Accepting Reservations)

Gramercy Grill (Accepting Reservations)

Griffins - The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (Accepting Reservations)

Gusto di Quattro (Accepting Reservations)

Hamilton Street Grill (Accepting Reservations)

Hapa Izakaya (Robson) (Accepting Reservations)

Hapa Izakaya (Yaletown) (Accepting Reservations)

Hapa Kits Ltd. dba Hapa Izakaya (Accepting Reservations)

Harold's Bistro & Bar - Sheraton Vancouver Airport (Accepting Reservations)

hidden tasting bar and social lounge - Westin Grand Vancouver (Accepting Reservations)

Highlander - Best Western Abercorn Inn (Accepting Reservations)

Horizons Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Imperial Chinese Seafood Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Burnaby (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Coquitlam (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Granville Island (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Guildford (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Langley (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Maple Ridge (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Morgan Creek (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - New Westminster (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Park Royal (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Richmond South (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Scott Road (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Thurlow (Accepting Reservations)

Keg Steakhouse & Bar (The) - Yaletown (Accepting Reservations)

La Vallée Restaurant - Executive Hotel Vintage Park (Accepting Reservations)

Libra Room (Accepting Reservations)

Lobby (The) - The Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier (Accepting Reservations)

Maenam (Accepting Reservations)

Maurya Indian Cuisine (Accepting Reservations)

Milestones Grill + Bar - English Bay (Accepting Reservations)

Milestones Grill + Bar - Kitsilano (Accepting Reservations)

Milestones Grill + Bar - Park Royal (Accepting Reservations)

Milestones Grill + Bar - Robson (Accepting Reservations)

Milestones Grill + Bar - Yaletown (Accepting Reservations)

Mistral French Bistro (Accepting Reservations)

Monk McQueens Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar (Accepting Reservations)

Mosaic Bar & Grille - Hyatt Regency Vancouver (Weekends Sold Out, Accepting Weekday Reservations)

Mythos Taverna (Accepting Reservations)

Northlands Bar & Grill (Accepting Reservations)

O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar - Listel Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

Oishii Sushi Japanese Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

ORU Restaurant - The Fairmont Pacific Rim (Accepting Reservations)

Osteria Napoli (Accepting Reservations)

Ouisi Bistro (Accepting Reservations)

Prestons (Accepting Reservations)

Refinery (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Reflect Social Dining + Lounge (Accepting Reservations)

Refuel Restaurant & Bar (Accepting Reservations)

Regional Tasting Lounge (r.tl) (Accepting Reservations)

Rockford Wok Bar Grill (Accepting Reservations)

Salam Bombay Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Salathai Restaurant on Burrard (Accepting Reservations)

Salmon House on the Hill (Accepting Reservations)

Salmon n' Bannock Bistro (Accepting Reservations)

Samba Brazilian Steak House (Accepting Reservations)

Sandbar Seafood Restaurant (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Sea Monstr Sushi (Reservations not accepted, 1st Come 1st Served)

Seasons in the Park (Accepting Reservations)

Shady Island Seafood Bar & Grill (Accepting Reservations)

Shaughnessy Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

SIP Resto-Lounge (Accepting Reservations)

Smoking Dog Bistro (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Spencer's - Delta Vancouver Suites Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

Stone Grill @ the Met (Accepting Reservations)

Teahouse Restaurant (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Terracotta Modern Chinese (Accepting Reservations)

The Diamond (Reservations not accepted, 1st Come 1st Served)

The Oakwood Canadian Bistro (Accepting Reservations)

Via Veneto Ristorante Italiano (Accepting Reservations)

Water St. Cafe (Accepting Reservations)

Whet Bar and Grill Inc. (Accepting Reservations)

Xi Shi Lounge - Shangri-La Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

Yaletown Brewing Co. (Accepting Reservations)

Yokohama Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Zakkushi Dining on Main (Accepting Reservations)

Real Estate Presentation

2012-01-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 11

Mr. Salem Cherkaoui, a Real Estate agent with Sutton Group West Coast Reality, will be coming to the office to make a presentation regarding Real Estate acquisition.

We highly recommend that all of our current and graduated students who are interested in gaining more information about purchasing their own business attend this presentation.

Mr. Cherkaoui will be presenting on Wednesday, January 11th, at 5:00pm.

Château Lafite Rothschild

2012-01-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

introduction video from a wine merchant

« First among the first ». In the history of the first growths classified in 1855, the Chateau Lafite Rothschild remains a lord on its gravely lands. Carrying on an age-old wine growing tradition (since 1620), its successive owners have been very keen to produce wines of an outstanding esthetical dimension. Admired estate by the greatest wine lovers on Earth, the Baron Eric de Rothschild is the master of this castle, helped in management by Charles Chevallier.

Click the picture below for additional reading about this famous wine estate as previous posted.

Dine Out Restaurants offering $38 menus

2012-01-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

total 61 restaurants, book early as the good ones are sold out very quickly

Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge- Wedgewood Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

BISTRO SAKANA Neo Japonesque Sushi & Tapas (Accepting Reservations)

Black + Blue (Accepting Reservations)

Boneta Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Bridges Restaurant, Bistro & Bar (Accepting Reservations)

Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar (Accepting Reservations)

C Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Cafe Il Nido (Accepting Reservations)

Cafe One - Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

Carver's Steakhouse - Executive Airport Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre (Accepting Reservations)

Cento Notti - Opus Hotel, Vancouver (Accepting Reservations)

Chambar Belgian Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Cibo Trattoria - Moda Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

CinCin Ristorante + Bar (Accepting Reservations)

COAST Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Cru Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Dinner Cruises.com (Accepting Reservations)

DIVA at the Met - Metropolitan Hotel, Vancouver (Accepting Reservations)

Divino (Accepting Reservations)

Don Francesco Ristorante (Accepting Reservations)

EBO Restaurant in the Delta Burnaby (Accepting Reservations)

Federico's Supper Club (Accepting Reservations)

Fish House in Stanley Park (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Five Sails Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Fraiche Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Frankie's Italian Kitchen & Bar (Accepting Reservations)

glowbal grill Steaks & Satay (Accepting Reservations)

Goldfish Seafood & Chops (Accepting Reservations)

Hapa Umi (Accepting Reservations)

Hart House Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Hawksworth Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Herons West Coast Kitchen + Bar - The Fairmont Waterfront (Accepting Reservations)

Il Giardino (Accepting Reservations)

Italian Kitchen (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House (Accepting Reservations)

Kitsilano Daily Kitchen (Accepting Reservations)

La Terrazza (Accepting Reservations)

L'Abattoir Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Le Bistro de Paris (Accepting Reservations)

Le Gavroche Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

LIFT Bar Grill View (Accepting Reservations)

MARKET By Jean-Georges (Accepting Reservations)

Miku Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Observatory (The) - Grouse Mountain Resorts (Accepting Reservations)

p2b bistro & bar - Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

Players Chophouse Restaurant & Lounge (Accepting Reservations)

Poor Italian Ristorante (Accepting Reservations)

Pourhouse Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Provence Marinaside (Accepting Reservations)

Provence Mediterranean Grill (Accepting Reservations)

Q4 al Centro (Accepting Reservations)

Q4 Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Raincity Grill (The) (Accepting Reservations)

Show Case Restaurant - Marriott Pinnacle Downtown (Accepting Reservations)

Stonegrill (Accepting Reservations)

The French Table (Accepting Reservations)

The Shore Club (Accepting Reservations)

Tramonto - River Rock Casino Resort (Accepting Reservations)

West Restaurant + Bar (Accepting Reservations)

YEW restaurant + bar - Four Seasons Hotel (Accepting Reservations)

Zen Japanese Restaurant (Accepting Reservations)

Dine Out Vancouver 2012

2012-01-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

January 20 to February 5, 2012

The restaurant festival is starting next Friday. Today is the first day you can make reservations. If you would like to organize group tastings, please contact Laura or Alyssa!

Search participating restaurants here +

Ten years makes for one great restaurant festival! Eat your way through 17 days of culinary events, choose from hundreds of sensational restaurants and stay at a hotel at a fabulous rate. You’re about to experience the tastiest 17 days of the year!

Let's Eat!

Resolutions can wait… reservations can’t! Hundreds of restaurants will be offering three-course dinners for $18, $28, or $38* per person paired with BC VQA wines or Kronenbourg beer. Make your reservations here starting January 9th, 2012.
> More

*exclusive of beverages, tax and gratuity

Stay!

Make a night out of Dine Out! Vancouver area hotels are offering you rooms at $78, $108 and $138* per night. Packages are also available. Whether you stay for a week or a weekend, you’ll be sure to have a fabulous food holiday during the 2012 Dine Out Vancouver Festival!
> More

*per room per night and only available from January 20 through February 5, 2012.

Play!

We’re planning a fun and exciting menu of events that include repeat favourites from last season, and some new adventures. These are only here during the festival so book one, or many.
> More

*exclusive of beverages, tax and gratuity

Participating Hotels

$78 (room only):
• Best Western Plus Downtown Vancouver
• The Burrard
• Comfort Inn Downtown
• Days Inn Vancouver Downtown
• Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre
• Empire Landmark Hotel
• Happy Day Inn
• North Vancouver Hotel
• Quality Hotel Downtown – “The Inn at False Creek”
• Ramada Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver
• Ramada Limited Downtown Vancouver
• Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre

$108 (room only):
• Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites
• Georgian Court Hotel
• Granville Island Hotel
• Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton
• Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites North Vancouver
• The Listel Hotel
• Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier
• Rosellen Suites at Stanley Park
• Sandman Suites on Davie
• The Sutton Place Hotel
• Time Square Suites
• Vancouver Airport Marriott
• Westin Grand Vancouver

$138 (room only):
• Carmana Plaza
• Delta Vancouver Suites
• Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver
• St. Regis Hotel Vancouver
• Westin Bayshore Vancouver

Package Product:

• Comfort Inn Downtown ($96): Three-course Dine Out dinner at Doolins, Legacy "Farm to Fork" packages (available Jan 25-26, Feb 1-2), or
purchase event tickets separately for $60.
• Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites ($149): Three-course dinner at Brasserie Bistro, complimentary parking, Internet.
• Delta Vancouver Suites ($199): Accommodation in Signature Club Suite, Dine Out dinner at Spencer’s Resto Lounge, deluxe continental
breakfast, complimentary parking.
• Fairmont Waterfront ($239): Dinner at Herons West Coast Kitchen & Bar, valet parking.
• Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver ($330): Accommodation in Premier City View room, dinner at Yew, health club access.
• Hotel Le Soleil ($185): Three-course dinner at Copper Chimney Restaurant, complimentary parking.
• Hyatt Regency Vancouver ($199): Early check-in and late check-out, three-course meal at Mosaic Bar & Grille.
• The Listel Hotel ($229): Accommodation in Deluxe Gallery room, Dine Out dinner with wine pairings.
• Pan Pacific Vancouver ($245): Three-course dinner at Café Pacifica, late check-out and complimentary parking.
• Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport ($134): Three-course dinner, complimentary parking.
• Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier ($169): Dinner at Lobby Restaurant.
• Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver ($329): Three-course Dine Out dinner at Market by Jean-Georges, breakfast for two, welcome amenity, valet
parking.
• Sheraton Guildford Hotel ($159): Accommodation in deluxe room, three-course dinner at Fresh, complimentary parking.
• The Sutton Place Hotel ($238): Two-course dinner, chocoholic buffet.
• Wedgewood Hotel & Spa ($236): Dine Out dinner at Bacchus, complimentary parking.

Happy birthday, Edward!

2012-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

2012-01-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

A luxury hotel chain you should know about

The Oberoi Group, founded in 1934, owns or manages 30 hotels and luxury cruisers in five countries under the 'Oberoi Hotels & Resorts' and 'Trident' brands. The Group is also engaged in flight catering, airport restaurants, travel and tour services, car rentals, project management and corporate air charters.

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts are synonymous the world over for providing the right blend of service, luxury and quiet efficiency. Internationally recognised for all-round excellence and unparalleled levels of service, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts have received innumerable awards and accolades. A distinctive feature of The Group's hotels is their highly motivated and well trained staff that provides the kind of attentive, personalised and warm service that is rare today. The Group's new luxury hotels have established a reputation for redefining the paradigm of luxury and excellence in service amongst leisure hotels around the world.

The last decade has witnessed the debut of new luxury Oberoi leisure hotels in India and abroad. In India, these hotels include The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur; The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra; Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas; The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore; The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla and The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur. Overseas, the new hotels include The Oberoi Lombok in Indonesia, The Oberoi, Mauritius and The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh in Egypt.

The Group's commitment to excellence, attention to detail and personalised service has ensured a loyal list of guests and accolades in the worldwide hospitality industry.

In the latest 2008 Travel + Leisure readers 13th annual Best Hotels poll, 3 Oberoi hotels were voted in the top 15 properties.

The Oberoi Rajvilas of Jaipur, The Oberoi Udaivilas of Udaipur and the Oberoi Amarvilas of Agra have been ranked as the first, second and third best, respectively, among Asian hotels in the awards.

The complete list of Asian hotels in the poll:

Raffles Hotel Le Royal 85.37 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor 86.80 Siem Reap, Cambodia

Peninsula Beijing 87.87 Beijing, China
St. Regis Hotel 84.64 Beijing, China
Four Seasons Hotel 88.50 Hong Kong, China
Island Shangri-La 84.17 Hong Kong, China
Kowloon Shangri-La 83.51 Hong Kong, China
Langham Hotel 85.90 Hong Kong, China
Mandarin Oriental 84.82 Hong Kong, China
Peninsula Hong Kong 90.37 Hong Kong, China
Ritz-Carlton 86.24 Hong Kong, China
The Conrad 81.18 Hong Kong, China
The InterContinental 85.69 Hong Kong, China
Four Seasons Hotel 88.08 Shanghai, China
JW Marriott Hotel 84.03 Shanghai, China
Pudong Shangri-La 82.84 Shanghai, China
St. Regis Hotel 86.32 Shanghai, China
The Regent 85.39 Shanghai, China
Westin Bund Center 83.01 Shanghai, China

Oberoi Amarvilas 92.56 Agra, India
Oberoi Rajvilas 92.50 Jaipur, India
Rambagh Palace 82.65 Jaipur, India
Taj Mahal Palace & Tower 82.12 Mumbai, India
The Imperial 87.19 New Delhi, India
Oberoi Udaivilas 94.36 Udaipur, India
Taj Lake Palace 88.55 Udaipur, India

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay 88.83 Bali, Indonesia
Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort and Spa 85.00 Bali, Indonesia

Four Seasons Hotel at Chinzan-so 85.45 Tokyo, Japan
Park Hyatt 84.50 Tokyo, Japan

Mandarin Oriental 85.12 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Strand 90.56 Yangon, Myanmar
Peninsula Manila 82.04 Manila, Philippines

Four Seasons Hotel 88.24 Singapore
Raffles Hotel 90.15 Singapore
Ritz-Carlton, Millenia 90.59 Singapore
Shangri-La Hotel 81.56 Singapore
The Fairmont 84.25 Singapore
The Fullerton 88.61 Singapore

Shilla Seoul 82.51 Seoul, South Korea
Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel 88.59 Taipei, Taiwan

Four Seasons Hotel 89.93 Bangkok, Thailand
Grand Hyatt Erawan 85.18 Bangkok, Thailand
JW Marriott 85.32 Bangkok, Thailand
Peninsula Bangkok 92.41 Bangkok, Thailand
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers 83.04 Bangkok, Thailand
Shangri-La Hotel 88.28 Bangkok, Thailand
The Conrad 86.76 Bangkok, Thailand
The Oriental 94.23 Bangkok, Thailand
Four Seasons Resort 91.90 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi 84.19 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Amanpuri 87.86 Phuket, Thailand
Banyan Tree 85.50 Phuket, Thailand
JW Marriott Resort & Spa 86.39 Phuket, Thailand

Sofitel Metropole 85.47 Hanoi, Vietnam
Park Hyatt Saigon 84.88 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Evason Ana Mandara Resort & Six Senses Spa 85.05 Nha Trang, Vietnam

Source:
Oberoi Hotels & Travel + Leisure

Bruichladdich Single Malt Whiskey Tasting

2012-01-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

at the Vancouver Club
Event is now sold out

Sample a selection of fine scotch whiskey with the International Export Director from Bruichladdich Distillary.

Eric will be happy to bring a student to the event. Please directly short message him if you are interested. You may obtain his mobile number from Alyssa or Laura anytime. The event will be complimentary and will be a good opportunity to network.

Date: Monday January 23, 2012
Time: After class until 7:30pm

Celebrity Hotel Owners

2012-01-05T08:52:00.000-08:00

Enjoying Luxury Travel's Recovery

The surge is in part because the fortunes of affluent business and leisure travelers have sprung back faster than for the masses, according to analysts.

Rich and famous personalities who entered the luxury hotel business ahead of the economic recession are now seeing recovery as high-end hotel segments continue to post strong gains, surpassing the rest of the market. Analysts attribute the growth to the more rapid economic recovery of affluent leisure and business travelers.

All hotel categories are seeing improvements, but high-end hotels are faring better than most. Luxury and upscale hotels in the U.S. posted gains in revenue per room of 21% and 13%, respectively, in the first 10 months of this year in comparison to the same period in 2009, according to Smith Travel Research.

The surge is in part because the fortunes of affluent business and leisure travelers have sprung back faster than for the masses, according to analysts.

The four-star, 94-room Costa d'Este Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Fla., owned by Ms. Estefan and her husband, Emilio, a music and movie producer, opened ahead of the recession in 2008 after several years of delays due to hurricane damage in its area. "A lot of people said, 'You should scrap that,'" Mr. Estefan said. "But I'm very persistent. We took a big risk."

But now, he says "people are coming back" and revenue per available room, a key measure of hotel profitability, is up 16.7% during the first 11 months of 2011 compared with the same period a year earlier.

Hotel ownership long has appealed to celebrities and business titans, who find that their fame and personal touch brings guests to the properties, as they do with restaurants. Actor Robert De Niro owns the Greenwich Hotel in Manhattan, for example. But the real-estate boom brought a string of high-profile purchases, including Dell Inc. founder Michael Dell buying two Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii and Mr. Omidyar financing a new chain of ultraluxury hotels.

Celebrities and business moguls tend to invest in hotels "for reasons other than economic returns," including the artistic element in the design and the feeling of being a host, said Bjorn Hanson, dean of the New York University Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management. "That said, I am certain even famous hoteliers are relieved by the industry's recent rebound."

Indeed, some properties that were facing debt defaults just a year ago are now landing mortgage refinancing deals.

In 2009, Beanie Baby tycoon Ty Warner's four hotels, including the Four Seasons New York, weren't generating enough cash flow to qualify for an automatic extension of their mortgage without Mr. Warner making concessions. He ultimately paid $35 million of the loans' balance to win a two-year reprieve.

Now, with cash flow up 300% since 2009, Mr. Warner's Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts obtained new loans for the hotels on Nov. 29, according to people familiar with the loans.

The Four Seasons New York now has a five-year, $240 million mortgage provided by Bank of America Corp. and Morgan Stanley at a 4.75% interest rate, these people say. The other hotels—located in California and Mexico—have a $100 million, five-year mortgage from the same banks at 6% interest. Mr. Warner's representatives didn't return calls for comment.

The rich and famous were drawn to the hotel business in part through their own experiences. "Half of my life is spent in hotels," said Kate Pierson, a founding member of the B-52s pop band, whose hits included "Love Shack." "I just knew what I'd like to see."

Ms. Pierson bought a 10-suite hotel west of Woodstock, N.Y., in 2003. She and her business and life partner, Monica Coleman, recast the retreat with eclectic, 1950s decor and renamed it Kate's Lazy Meadow Hotel. But the renovations took years, forcing them to draw on Ms. Pierson's music earnings. With an average nightly rate of $200, the hotel turned a profit in 2010 and has been improving ever since.

"With the way the economy has been, I don't know if someone who didn't have another primary source of income could survive," Ms. Coleman said.

At Mr. Omidyar's Montage Hotels and Resorts, Chief Executive Alan Fuerstman said the hotels are benefiting from a burst of visits from wealthy business and leisure travelers, especially those from Asia and South America. "There was clearly a tightening of the belt by consumers in 2008 and early 2009. It's all trending very positively now," he said.

Mr. Omidyar owns Montage's properties, but Mr. Fuerstman owns most of the brand and management company.

Among the largest hotel deals by high-profile buyers during the boom came in 2007 when Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's Kingdom Holding Co. and Microsoft's Mr. Gates's Cascade Investment LLC acquired Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts for nearly $3.4 billion.

In the first nine months of 2011, the luxury chain has registered a 9% increase in revenue per room compared with the same period in 2010, according to the company. Sarmad Zok, chief executive of Kingdom Hotel Investments, a unit of Kingdom Holding, described the prince and Kingdom as "delighted" with the Four Seasons investment and added that the prince wants to accelerate the chain's expansion. Cascade officials didn't return calls seeking comment.

Click here for the full article.

Source:
The Wall Street Journal

Young, affluent travelers view luxury differently

2012-01-04T03:52:00.000-08:00

Young, affluent travelers disavow luxury defined by older generation
By Danny King

A new generation of travel buyers is embracing definitions of luxury that pose significant challenges to some of the world’s most revered high-end brands.

Suppliers and buyers alike are beginning to realize that travelers younger than the 45- to 55-year-olds who make up the bulk of the market bring with them a different set of standards than their elders. Such travelers are concerned less with opulence and pampering and more with value, authenticity and truly local experiences.

“They’re so value-based driven,” Ellen Bettridge, vice president of American Express Retail Travel Network, told agents and hoteliers attending the 2011 International Luxury Travel Market conference in Cannes, France, last month. “They just know more. Everything’s at their fingertips.”

But simply knowing the values and preferences of this new generation of high-end traveler does not mean that accommodating them will be easy. The overall message from the panelists boiled down to a distinct challenge to agents: If you want to cater to the growing legion of younger luxury travelers, you have your work cut out for you.

Destinations such as South America’s Patagonia region and New Zealand are expected to benefit from younger, wealthier travelers looking for one-of-a-kind, nature-based experiences, while accommodations such as Moroccan riads (traditional Morocco houses with interior gardens or courtyards) and Costa Rican eco-lodges are also expected to gain favor.

In a separate presentation at the ILTM conference, Chris Sanderson, co-founder of the Future Laboratory, a London-based brand-marketing firm, asserted, “It’s not about ‘fly and flop.’ It’s about ‘find and seek.’”

What makes serving this group tricky is that agents can’t fall back on tried-and-true brands, at least when it comes to accommodations. Many among this younger contingent are first-generation luxury travelers from regions such as Asia and South America.

As a result, unlike many younger travelers from the U.S., they feel no allegiance, for example, to a hotel chain that their parents might have frequented. Moreover, they were born into a world in which communications are dominated by Internet platforms and are thus much more likely to be swayed by social media or hotel-review sites such as TripAdvisor.

Panelist Jennifer Fox, president of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, observed that in emerging source markets, these affluent youths are “the first generation with disposable income, and they’re getting all of their influences through media. Their parents didn’t travel.”

The subject is especially topical because younger travelers are expected to account for an increasing proportion of the upscale buyers on whom hoteliers and other suppliers are counting to drive growth during the next few years.

Globally, the number of international trips made by tourists — most of whom are in a high income bracket — rose 6.6% in 2010, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. And for international trips made from what the organization classifies as emerging economies, that number grew by 8.3%.

Meanwhile, Sanderson said, spending by the so-called millennial generation, whose age range is roughly between 20 and 35, will surpass baby boomer spending by 2016. And while those under 45 currently comprise just a third of worldwide luxury travelers, that contingent is the fastest-growing luxury demographic, ILTM said in its June “Future of Luxury Travel” report.

Such younger travelers, especially overseas, already appear to be making their mark. While the number of international tourist arrivals to tradition-heavy Western Europe rose by just 3.4%, they surged 23% to Argentina.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Cambodia, Fiji and the Maldives were among the destinations that experienced a 15% or better jump in international tourists last year, according to the UNWTO.

As for branding, companies such as Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide appear to be gearing up for the younger group of luxury travelers by launching or expanding newer luxury brands that focus on either accommodations that tie in the local flavor or offer a more modern, less traditional sense of luxury.

Marriott, which launched its Autograph Collection of luxury boutique hotels last year, has since added 27 properties to the group, including a Nashville hotel that was formerly a train station and Las Vegas’ edgier Cosmopolitan.

Early next year, Brazil’s Hotel & Spa do Vinho, which sits on 45 acres of vineyards, will join Marriott’s Autograph Collection as that company’s first South American hotel.

Hilton Worldwide, meanwhile, is bifurcating expansion plans for its luxury brands to appeal to both the older and younger contingent. Hilton plans to boost the number of hotels under its Waldorf Astoria flag next year to 30 from its current 22 to appeal to more traditional luxury guests.

Hilton will expand the number of its Conrad-branded hotels at an even faster clip — to 31 from 17 within the next 18 months — to cater to a younger U.S. and overseas contingent that is less awed by legacy brands. New York’s first Conrad opens in Battery Park early next year.

“Most of the Waldorf guests don’t go to a Conrad,” Olivier Chavy, international head of global brand performance for Hilton Worldwide’s luxury and lifestyle brands, said in an interview at ILTM. “And most of the Conrad guests don’t go to a Waldorf.”

Either way, younger luxury travelers, like more modest travelers under the age of 45, are likely to get as much or more of their travel content from destination-review sites and social networks as they are from travel agents. Similarly, they will be more easily swayed by a good or bad review than the older group.

While that trend has been the source of consternation among hotel companies, U.K.-based hotelier Rocco Forte said such habits provided more of an opportunity to connect with travelers than a nuisance.

Speaking as an ILTM panelist last month, Forte observed: “Guests don’t want mistakes made. Some hotels are very defensive about it. You’re lucky if a guest complains. Most customers don’t, and simply say, ‘I’m not going to return.’”

Source:
TravelWeekly

Hotels focusing on Social Media

2012-01-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

The top stories

This year has undoubtedly been a year of social media improvements at hotels worldwide; with every new change to Twitter and Facebook came a new social media addition and advancement from hotels.

From Facebook booking engines to Foursquare concierges and Twitter-hosted chats, hotels have embraced social media in a profound way to help social-savvy guests stay more connected to their favorite brands.

As 2011 comes to a close, here are our top social media initiatives from hotels this year.

1. Ritz-Carlton on FourSquare: The luxury hotel brand made social media headlines in July when it officially launched a concierge campaign with FourSquare. The Ritz-Carlton FourSquare campaign welcomed concierge tips about the destination from all Ritz-Carlton hotels worldwide. The purpose was to give travelers a glimpse of the most recommended ideas and activities in that destination from the Ritz-Carlton straight from your phone. Later in the year, Ritz-Carlton announced their new brand campaign, "Let Us Stay With You", which allowed fans of the hotel on Facebook to tell Ritz-Carlton what made their stay so special. The campaign turned the tables on the typical hotel-to-guest marketing message, letting guests take charge of what they want to make their stay special.

2. InterContinental Hotel Group iPad apps: In keeping with the concierge trend, The InterContinental Hotel group kicked off the year with the announcement of their iPad concierge apps, which allowed guests to access information directly from in-hotel iPads. Then they took it another level. IHG was one of the first in the industry to launch iPhone booking apps for all its brands. The iPhone apps allowed guests to search and book rooms, access hotel contact information, store credit cards for future bookings, and set up travel profiles to help IHG hotels recognize guests' preferences prior to arrival.

3. Four Seasons' in-room networks and city chats: The Four Seasons Hotel Group has boosted not only their social media presence, but their technology, in an effort to help guests communicate with hotels. The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills became the first Four Seasons in the world to launch ICE technology in their guestrooms and suites, allowing guests to digitally connect with all areas of the hotel. The rooms were equipped with iPad2 devices to allows guests to customize their stay at the hotel, including ordering in-room dining, making restaurant reservations, calling valet parking for your car, arranging airport transportation, setting up spa treatments, making housekeeping requests and researching local attractions. In addition, the Four Seasons has launched a #BestofCity chat on Twitter. Each month, a new hotel concierge hosts a twitter chat from a specific hotel, giving guests and potential consumers a chance to get know a little more about the property and destination.

4. Renaissance Navigator Program: Marriott's Renaissance hotel group started the year on a unique note with the Navigator program. The concept was simple: give hotel guests inside access to the destination's local haunts, as seen and frequented by the locals of that destination. The unique twist on the traditional concierge was Renaissance's way of making the traditional travel guide book come to life. Throughout the year, the Navigator program extended from beyond the concierge desk to iPads, iPhones and PDAs, allowing guests to track their paths and get further information on-the-go as they chart their navigation through new cities via their handheld device, and tweet the hotel and the Renaissance team for information on the go.

5. Guest reviews on hotel sites: In a move that turned social media on its head, Marriott and Starwood announced they would launch platforms that allow guests to post reviews of their stay directly on hotel-managed sites. The move was one of the biggest social media announcements this year, taking on sites like TripAdvisor in which guests can post the good and bad about their hotel stays.

2011 was without question a big year in social media for hotels. Here's looking ahead to 2012!

Source:
4Hoteliers

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

in various languages

Afrikaans	Voorspoedige nuwe jaar
Arabic	Kul 'am wa antum bikhair
Basque	Urte Berri on
Bengali	Shuvo noboborsho
Chinese (Cantonese)	Sun nien fai lok
Chinese (Mandarin)	Xin nian yu kuai
Czech	Stastny Novy Rok
Danish	Godt NytÅr
Dutch	Gelukkig nieuwjaar
Esperanto	Bonan Novjaron
Finnish	Onnellista uutta vuotta
French	Bonne année
German	Ein glückliches neues Jahr
Greek	Eutychismenos o kainourgios chronos
Hawaiian	Hauoli Makahiki hou
Hebrew	Shana Tova
Hungarian	Boldog uj evet
Indonesian (Bahasa)	Selamat Tahun Baru
Italian	Felice Anno Nuovo or Buon anno
Japanese	Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu
Korean	Sehe Bokmanee Bateuseyo
Laotian (Hmong)	Nyob Zoo Xyoo Tshiab
Latin	Felix sit annus novus
Nigerian (Hausa)	Barka da sabuwar shekara
Norwegian	Godt Nytt År
Philippines (Tagalog)	Manigong Bagong Taon
Polish	Szczesliwego Nowego Roku
Romanian	La Multi Ani si Un An Nou Fericit
Samoan	Ia manuia le Tausaga Fou
Spanish	Feliz año nuevo
Swahili	Heri za Mwaka Mpya
Swedish	Gott Nytt År
Thai	Sawatdee Pi Mai
Vietnamese	Chuc mung nam moi
Welsh	Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

Happy New Year with Segura Viudas

2011-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 31, 2011
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

The beauty is in the bottle! Segura Viudas has long been the choice of quality Cava, offering great taste and exceptional values. Taste for yourself and learn some easy Cava food pairing tips.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

2011-12-30T03:02:00.000-08:00

learn the basics about the chain

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a Canadian-based operator of luxury hotels and resorts. Currently, Fairmont operates properties in 18 countries including Canada, the United States, Mexico, Bermuda, Barbados, United Kingdom, Monaco, Germany, Switzerland, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, China, and Singapore.

Fairmont is known in Canada for its famous historic hotels and resorts such as the Empress Hotel (Victoria) and Hotel Vancouver in British Columbia, the Palliser in Calgary, the Château Laurier in Ottawa, the Royal York in Toronto, Banff Springs in Alberta and Château Frontenac in Quebec. Many of these hotels were originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Fairmont's portfolio also includes several other landmark and icon properties including The Plaza in New York, the Savoy Hotel in London and the Peace Hotel in Shanghai.

The original Fairmont is located in the city of San Francisco. The nearly completed structure survived the earthquake of 1906. Although heavily damaged by the subsequent fires, the hotel was renovated under the eye of architect Julia Morgan and finally opened in 1907. It was later acquired by Benjamin Swig in 1945.

Starting in the 1960s, Fairmont began developing a small chain of luxury hotels in major cities across the United States. The Fairmont chain consisted of seven properties in the United States when it was bought by Canadian Pacific Hotels & Resorts in 1999:

The Fairmont San Francisco
The Fairmont New Orleans (formerly and now again The Roosevelt)
The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel(Boston)
The Plaza Hotel (New York)
The Fairmont Chicago
The Fairmont Dallas
The Fairmont San Jose

In addition, the Bellevue Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia had operated for a time in the 1970s as The Fairmont Philadelphia.

After purchasing Fairmont, in 2001 Canadian Pacific took on the name of the much smaller chain to reflect the new international focus of the company.

In early 2006, after a contentious bidding war started by investor Carl Icahn. Icahn lost the bid and Fairmont agreed to be sold for $3.9 billion USD to Colony Capital, LLC and Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Hotels International.

As a result of that purchase, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was merged with Kingdoms's Raffles Hotels and Resorts and Swissôtel to form Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI), though the four chains still operate under their individual names. At the time of the purchase, FRHI also owned Canada's Delta Hotels & Resorts; however, Delta was sold on October 2, 2007 to bcIMC (British Columbia Investment Management Corporation).

In October 2008, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was named one of "Canada's Top 100 Employers" by Mediacorp Canada Inc., and was featured in Maclean's newsmagazine. Later that month, it was also named one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers, which was announced by the Toronto Star newspaper.

Properties

Canadian properties

British Columbia

The Fairmont Empress Resort in Victoria
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver in Vancouver
The Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver
The Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport in Richmond
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler (Resort) in Whistler
Fairmont Heritage Place at Nature's Door Whistler

Alberta

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Resort) on Lake Louise
The Fairmont Banff Springs (Resort) in Banff
The Fairmont Palliser in Calgary
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Resort) in Jasper
The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton

Manitoba

The Fairmont Winnipeg in Winnipeg

Ontario

The Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa
The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto

Quebec

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (Resort) in Quebec City
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu (Resort) in La Malbaie, Quebec
Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello (Resort) in Montebello, Quebec
Fairmont Tremblant in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

Atlantic

The Fairmont Algonquin (Resort) in St. Andrews, New Brunswick

United States properties

The Fairmont Orchid (Resort) in South Kohala, Hawaii
The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui (Resort) on Maui, Hawaii
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, Washington
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (Resort) near Sonoma, California
The Fairmont San Francisco in San Francisco, California
Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, California
The Fairmont San Jose in San Jose, California
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica in Santa Monica, California
Fairmont Newport Beach in Newport Beach, California
Fairmont Heritage Place Franz Klammer Lodge in Telluride, Colorado
Fairmont Scottsdale (Resort) in Scottsdale, Arizona
The Fairmont Dallas in Dallas, Texas
Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois
The Fairmont Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Fairmont Washington, DC in Washington, D.C.
The Plaza Hotel, a Fairmont Hotel in New York, New York
The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, Massachusetts
Fairmont Battery Wharf Boston, Massachusetts

Central American and Caribbean properties

Barbados

The Fairmont Royal Pavilion (Resort) in St. James

Bermuda

The Fairmont Hamilton Princess in Hamilton
The Fairmont Southampton (Resort) in Southampton

Mexico

The Fairmont Acapulco Princess (Resort) in Acapulco
The Fairmont Pierre Marques (Resort) in Acapulco
Fairmont Heritage Place Acapulco Diamante in Acapulco
Fairmont Mayakoba (Resort) in Riviera Maya

European properties

The Savoy, a Fairmont Hotel in London, U.K.
Fairmont St Andrews in Scotland
Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco
Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, Germany
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Montreux, Switzerland
Fairmont Baku in Azerbaijan - (Opening in early 2012)
Fairmont Kyiv in Ukraine - (Opening in winter 2012)

Middle Eastern and African properties

Fairmont Dubai in Dubai, U.A.E.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Fairmont Mina Al Fajer Resort in Fujeirah, U.A.E. - (Opens 2012)
Fairmont The Wave (Resort) in Muscat, Oman - (Opens 2014)
Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Fairmont Nile City, Cairo in Cairo, Egypt
Fairmont Towers Heliopolis in Cairo, Egypt
Fairmont Heliopolis in Cairo, Egypt
Fairmont Mara Safari Club in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Fairmont The Norfolk in Nairobi, Kenya
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club in Nanyuki, Kenya
Fairmont Zimbali Lodge in Zimbali, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Fairmont Zimbali Resort in Zimbali, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Asia properties

Fairmont Singapore in Singapore
Fairmont Beijing in Beijing, China
Fairmont Manila, Manila, Philippines - (Opens 2011)
Fairmont Yangcheng Lake Hotel in Kunshan
The Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai
Fairmont Jaipur, India - (Opens 2011)
Fairmont Hyderabad, India - (Opens Late 2012)
Fairmont Jakarta, Indonesia - (Opens 2014)

Source:
Wikipedia

A Cava for a Special Moment

2011-12-30T00:00:00.001-08:00

Friday, December 30, 2011
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Celebrate this New Year’s Eve with Codorniu. Taste the delectable bubbles paired with the finest cheese from Les Amis du Fromage.

Happy birthday, Kornsiri!

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

International Tourism

2011-12-29T09:19:00.000-08:00

Spending by visitors to U.S. on record pace

The U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries predicts that international tourism spending will surpass $152 billion for 2011, up from the record of $141 billion in 2008.

International tourists continue to spend record amounts in the U.S. and are on pace to top the previous annual high mark in tourist expenditures set in 2008, according to new data from the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries.

A monthly report by the federal agency, which is part of the Commerce Department, said international visitors spent $13.1 billion on travel to the U.S. and tourism-related activities while here in October, a 13% increase over the same month last year.

About $10 billion of that total came from spending on hotels, food, souvenirs and other expenses after visitors arrived in the U.S.

Foreign visitors spent $127 billion in the U.S. in the first 10 months of 2011. Meanwhile, the total spent by Americans traveling abroad reached $91.9 billion in the first 10 months, an 8% increase over the same period in 2010, the agency reported. The result is a balance-of-trade surplus of $35 billion for the U.S.

The agency, which released the report Tuesday, predicted that international tourism spending will surpass $152 billion for 2011, up from the previous record of $141 billion in 2008.

Four countries are expected to account for two-thirds of the projected growth in international visitation to the U.S. over the next five years. About 31% of the growth will come from Canada, 13% from Mexico, 10% from China and 7% from Brazil, the agency said.

The U.S. Travel Assn., the nation's largest travel trade group, recently pushed the federal government to adopt changes to make it easier for international tourists to visit the U.S. The group recommended speeding up the process for getting tourist visas and expanding the program that waives the visa requirement for more countries.

"Research shows that U.S. visa system reform would bring additional international business and leisure travelers to the U.S., creating additional jobs and economic output for our struggling economy," the trade group said in a statement this month.

Source:
LA Times

Champagne for the Holidays; Piper & Charles

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 29, 2011
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Enjoy a festive atmosphere & canapés with award winning champagne from the Heidsieck House; Piper & Charles Heidsieck.

Hotel Christmas Decorations

2011-12-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

2011 Christmas decorations
at the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
starring Jeff Leatham!

Click here to read a previously posted article about the hotel.

Henkell ‘Cheers to Life

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 28, 2011
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Guests will enjoy festive snacks paired with Henkell as we count down to New Year’s Eve.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T13:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone
Greetings from Osaka

Hospitality students lacking discipline

2011-12-23T09:19:00.000-08:00

warns academic

Young people entering the hospitality profession often lack the necessary discipline to stay the course over the long term, a senior hospitality academic has warned.

Speaking with Hotel Management Asia, Professor Kaye Chon, dean and chair professor at the School of Hotel & Tourism Management, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said that hospitality students are often too easily swayed by other options to make the necessary long-term commitment to hospitality as a career path.

“Young people studying hospitality tourism sometimes don’t have a realistic expectation about the industry or are not disciplined enough to stay with the industry,” he said in an interview.

Part of the problem he said is the industry itself with entry level positions often involving long hours and unfavourable working conditions which are ill suited to the modern emphasis on life style.

Whilst young people need to be prepared to put in the hard work at the beginning of their career, the onus is also on the industry to find different ways of working, Chon said.

“Often the old generation says you have to adjust yourself to [fit] the industry, but is that easier than the industry changing itself? This is the question we have to ask ourselves. We have to ask young people to adapt to the environment and also the industry to adapt to young people. We need to work on laying out a career path for young people,” he said.

“If you have a passion for this industry, you have a future. You have to look to the future but you have to be disciplined, and focus on what you are doing well,” he added.

Source:
Hotel Management Asia

Holidays

2011-12-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

a few staff members will be taking time off in the next few days:

Linda will away on December 28.
Laura will be back on December 28.
Mira will be back on December 30.
Kevin will be back on January 3.

Alyssa and Michele will be around through the period in the next few days.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Dr. L Sparkling Tasting

2011-12-23T00:00:00.001-08:00

Friday, December 23, 2011
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Special Event at Alberni & Bute BC Liquor Store

Come celebrate the season with a festive tasting of Dr. Loosen Sparking Riesling, the first sparkling from Ernst Loosen, Wine Maker of the Year.

California Christmas

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 23, 2011
3:00PM – 7:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Celebrate Christmas California style with some beautiful Robert Mondavi and Ravenswood wines paired with delicious treats.

Fairmont Pacific Rim Fazioli piano

2011-12-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

on of its kind

As mentioned in Karina's previous blog posting during the Olympics, here is more about the infamous Fazioli piano.

Here is an older article about the most expensive piano sold in the world.

Mission Hill ‘Celebrate With Us’

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 22, 2011
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Guests will enjoy festive snacks paired with Mission Hill wines as they listen to on-site carollers spreading Holiday cheer!

Never chew with the mouth open

2011-12-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

Basic manners you must know

Nothing makes you look like an absolute fool than chewing with your mouth open.

You are an adult and had a long time to pick up the 'skill'. It doesn't matter whether you are eating with close friends or in a business dining environment; simply put, you must never open your mouth when there is food, candy or gum inside.

In this world, there are certain basic etiquette rules and this is one of them. It'll make you look rude, poor-mannered and most unrefined. Chewing with a mouth open is similar to picking your nose in public, absolutely unacceptable.

Why? Because no one wants to see what's in your mouth, nor be a potential victim of the food you spit at them, and the offensive noises you make when drinking or eating with your mouth open is most unpleasant.

If you do ever chew with an opened mouth, please take immediate action, it is a serious matter. It is unfortunate that you were brought up without being taught to form this important habit. However, you are fortunate to have the opportunity to correct it at this early stage in your career.

You may not realize but most people around you do, and it is the number one "good impression" killer.

If you need assistance, please contact student services, we have tricks to help you overcome this poor offensive habit.

1. Finger on lips trick, have your partner or spouse put a finger on your lips whenever you forget.

2. If you have a friend who is an offender, consider using the email icon below to send an anonymous message.

Further discussion, randomly selected from the internet:

Purse Forum, from a history student's perspective, MotiveMag Forum, Can I tell them they're rude, I confess.

Article on how to carry yourself in a lunch interview, with tips on dining etiquette:

Job interview over a meal.

Double-dipping

2011-12-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

Basic manners you must know

Double-dipping is the term used to describe the act of dipping one's fries/chips into the dip after having already placed it in one's mouth.

This is generally considered rude in Western culture where fries and chips are commonly eaten with dipping sauces, as it is unsanitary, and can spread germs to others, when a bowl of dip is shared between several people.

The same philosophy expands to the following:

1. Always use serving utensils (spoons, forks, chopsticks), if you are sharing food at restaurants, always ask for them. If you are the server, you should always bring serving utensils regardless, when you know that the guests will be sharing dishes.

2. Do not use your own fingers to tear off bread for others, or touch their food with your fingers. Pass the plate and have the guests help themselves; if needed, use a napkin to hold the bread to avoid direct contact between your fingers and the food.

3. Do not use your own chopsticks to serve; if you would like a guest to have the last piece on a plate and there are no serving utensils, try to pick up the piece of food with his or her own chopsticks instead.

4. Do not talk over buffet table as others do not appreciate you spitting on their food. If you must talk, turn away from the food.

"Whatever" deemed most annoying word: Poll

2011-12-20T07:14:00.000-08:00

Do you want to kill a conversation?
Try saying "whatever."

Words like "you know" and "like" might be irritating to hear, but for the third year in a row, it's "whatever" that holds the most power to annoy, according to an annual survey by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.

Nearly four in ten adults named "whatever" as the most annoying verbal filler in casual conversation, while one in five adults had similar disdain for "like" and 'you know."

"Just sayin'" and "seriously" were more forgiving to the ears, though still quite irritating, Marist found.

The telephone survey of 1,026 adults nationally had a margin of error of three percentage points.

Source:
Reuters

Different Types of Hotels

2011-12-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

Understanding the classifications
Definitions sourced from
Smith Travel Research

Hotel Types

Hotel classifications are driven primarily by building structure and secondarily by service level. Chain management has provided us with hotel type classifications for a significant number of locations. Hotel types include:

All-Suite: All guest rental units consist of one or more bedrooms and may include a separate living area. Many suites contain kitchenettes or mini-refrigerators. Suite hotels often have no integrated dining facilities available; however, many offer complimentary breakfast.

Boutique: These are hotels that appeal to their guests because of their unusual amenity and room configurations. They are normally independent and smaller than 200 rooms with a high rack rate. However there are three chains whose hotels are automatically coded as 'Boutique': W Hotels (a Starwood brand), Kimpton Hotels and Joie de Vivre Hotels.

Conference: Lodging hotels that place major focus on conference operations. Hotels must meet guidelines of the International Association of Conference Centers.

Convention: Hotels with a minimum of 300 rooms and large meeting facilities (minimum of 20,000 Square feet) and not part of the Conference Center Group.

Destination Resorts: These are hotels that appeal to the leisure traveler, are located in resort markets and are considered a destination in themselves. They have extensive amenities, multiple pools, multiple restaurants and normally a beautiful physical hotel. If a hotel has the word 'resort' in its name and is part of a luxury or upper-upscale chain it is automatically considered a Destination Resort.

Gaming/Casino: Lodging hotels that place major focus on casino operations.

Golf: Hotel must have a golf course on hotel to be considered. It is not sufficient if the hotel only has privileges on the course next door.

Hotel/Motel: A standard hotel or motel operation.

Ski: Guests have easy access to ski slopes.

Spa: Hotel must have designated spa facility and offer treatments. Offering a sauna or hot tub/whirlpool would not qualify.

Waterpark: An indoor or outdoor waterpark resort as a lodging establishment containing an aquatic facility with a minimum of 10,000 square feet of waterpark space and inclusive of amenities such as slides, tubes and a variety of water play features.

Source:
STR Global

Absolut Vodka

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 18, 2011
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Taste and enjoy samples of Signature ABSOLUT ® cocktails prepared by the ABSOLUT ® Brand Ambassador, Jacob Sweetapple while you enter to win a branded ABSOLUT ® sweatshirt.

Sparkle & Ice

2011-12-17T00:00:00.001-08:00

Saturday, December 17, 2011
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Great Estates of the Okanagan Chef Ryan Fuller will prepare savoury appetizers on-site to pair with delicious sparkling and ice wine from Sumac Ridge, See Ya Later Ranch, Inniskillin and Jackson Triggs. Don’t miss out!

Celebrate Christmas with J Lohr Wines

2011-12-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 17, 2011
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Special Event at Park Royal BC Liquor Store

Join us for a festive tasting of BC’s top selling wine, J Lohr. Sample the beautiful wines paired with delicious mouth-watering appetizers.

Fast Food Four Seasons Style

2011-12-16T06:33:00.000-08:00

New 15-Minute Room Service Offers Fresh Delicious Meals, Pronto!
New service available at all 86 hotels and resorts worldwide.

It’s a common scenario for time-starved travellers on a tight schedule – meals are skipped, or grabbed on the go to less-than-satisfying results. Four Seasons to the rescue: introducing new 15-Minute Room Service, available company-wide by the end of the year.

“Whether needing to quickly replenish after a workout or wanting to toast the perfect sunset, 15-Minute Room Service provides quick and delicious meals for those who want it right away,” says Christopher Hunsberger, executive vice president, global product and innovation at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “It’s also ideal for those who are on the go. Ideally, every meal would be enjoyed at leisure, but at times we really just need to grab a bite quickly – and there’s no reason that it can’t be freshly-made with quality ingredients, and entirely delicious.”

Each Four Seasons has created its own gourmet menu based on local tastes and ingredients. Menu choices are creative and flavourful, and designed for top speed delivery to one’s room in just 15 minutes.* Some hotels suggest full meal options, and others offer à la carte choices to mix and match. Many choices are available “to go,” are airline security-friendly, and can even be delivered to the front drive as guests jump in a car on the way to catch a flight.

Fast and Fresh: Examples from Four Seasons 15-Minute Room Service Menus

At Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North,* there’s no need to give up the gourmet, even if tee-time is imminent: one meal option includes local cheese, olives and sliced chorizo accompanied by an Arizona wine, while another portable lunch is a tequila-lime chicken wrap with slaw, kettle chips, iced tea and a chocolate chip cookie.

Jetsetters staying at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong choose from international menu items such as wonton noodle soup with Chinese greens, cold mezzah, and burrata cheese and heirloom tomatoes on a baguette. Among a broad selection of breakfast dishes, salads, soups, sandwiches and pastas, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza offers its signature salad of crisp lettuce, asparagus, cucumber and tomato with lemon dressing; and a variety of mezzah, including fatoush salad, hummus topped with olive oil, and stuffed vine leaves.

On the tranquil atolls of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giravaaru,* it’s hard to imagine anyone being in a hurry to do anything – except perhaps toasting a surprise engagement with a selection of sparkling wines and gourmet nibbles ranging from handmade chocolate truffles to chilled shrimp with Marie Rose sauce, and fatayer sabanekh (Arabian spinach pastries).

A traditional ploughman’s lunch and English-style nachos with Winchester cheese and chive crème fraiche are among the selections at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, England, and the country estate property will happily deliver pain au chocolat, tomato soup with warm garlic bread or other tasty choices to the stables or creekside as well.

"At Four Seasons, we're constantly looking for new ways to make the most of our guest's time and enhance their experience. By putting ourselves in the place of our guests and imagining what could make their lives easier, we're able to come up with new services, amenities and approaches to doing business on a regular basis. Putting guests first and delivering good quality food quickly is just the latest in a long history of innovations," Hunsberger added.

^{*Note, in some resort destinations, delivery is guaranteed in 20 minutes to allow for greater distances between kitchens and accommodations.}

Source:
Four Seasons

Celebrate Christmas with J Lohr Wines

2011-12-16T00:00:00.001-08:00

Friday, December 16, 2011
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Special Event at Park Royal BC Liquor Store

Join us for a festive tasting of BC’s top selling wine, J Lohr. Sample the beautiful wines paired with delicious mouth-watering appetizers.

From Our House to Yours. Happy Holidays From Veuve Clicquot

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 16, 2011
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Kick-off this holiday season and celebrate in style with Veuve Clicquot. We are ‘popping the cork’ and toasting the season with bubbles from one of the world’s top Champagne House and the #1-selling Champagne in both BC and Canada, paired with delectable appetizers. A festive tasting not to be missed.

Problems related to over-service on alcohol

2011-12-15T05:46:00.000-08:00

why Serving it Right is part of our program requirement

Serving It Right is a mandatory self-study course that educates licensees, managers and servers about their legal responsibilities when serving alcohol, and provides effective techniques to prevent problems related to over-service.

Flying and liquor don't mix.

That's what a pair of Ontario men learned Monday when an Air Canada flight they were on from Toronto to Beijing had to make a landing at Vancouver International Airport after they became drunk and unruly, Richmond RCMP Cpl. Sherrdean Turley said today in a press release.

Richmond RCMP received a report around 6:30 p.m. Monday that the flight was being diverted to Vancouver "after two unruly passengers had to be restrained by the airline crew," Turley said in a press release. "Upon touchdown, RCMP officers boarded the flight and escorted the two passengers off the plane. Both were arrested and held for court the next morning."

George Campbell, 45 of Conestogo, Ontario, and Paul Alexander Wilson, 38, of Kitchener, Ontario, were charged and pleaded guilty to mischief Tuesday.

The two men are reported to be executives of the BlackBerry maker Research in Motion.

Both men received suspended sentences and probation for one year, and were ordered to pay a total of $71,757 as restitution to the airline, Turley said.

Video: Fired RIM execs 'chewed through restraints' on flight

Source:
Vancouver Sun

Stella Artois Seasonal Food Pairing

2011-12-15T00:00:00.001-08:00

Thursday, December 15, 2011
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Join Stella Artois’ brand ambassadors and learn about Stella’s winter holiday origins complemented by pairings of both savoury and sweet foods. It was truly meant for the holidays!

Happy birthday, Romy!

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wireless internet access at 1801

2011-12-14T02:53:00.000-08:00

for current & graduated students

network: IHMC Public
password: hotelmanagement

As a reminder, current and graduated students will always have access to the office for coffee, meetings and support.

Our only request is to have you respect the business attire dress code.

Warm and Cozy with [Yellow Tail]

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 14, 2011
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Join us for a tasting of wines perfect for the winter holidays and treats for the cozy winter months ahead. Come and get warm with us!

Kaan Sipahi

2011-12-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

a new face at the office

Kaan is an experienced international hotelier having worked with InterContinental, Sheraton and Hilton in Turkey, Qatar and London, and Le Meridien, Best Western, Delta, Crowne Plaza and Sandman Hotels in Canada. Kaan’s forte is in the Rooms Division and in building new operational systems for hotels.

Having started his career in Istanbul at the InterContinental Hotel as a swimming pool attendant in the summer, he then moved on to the Istanbul Sheraton in the Front Office (reservations, switchboard, and night audit). From there, Kaan relocated to Doha, Qatar, to work with the Sheraton for three years. Upon his return to Turkey, Kaan was selected as part of the opening team of the Hilton International Ankara hotel. Upon successful completion of that project, Kaan moved on to be part of the opening team for the Sheraton Voyager Resort in Antalya.

Kaan and his family immigrated to Canada in 1993 and he resumed his career at Le Meridien in Montreal. Deciding the cold weather was not to his liking, in 1994, he moved to balmy BC and started working for various local hotels in Vancouver.

Career highlights in Vancouver include building and training the new housekeeping department for the YWCA Hotel, teaching the AHMA Front Office Procedures curriculum at the Vancouver School Board Night School, building and managing a new Central Reservations Centre for Sandman Hotels, and Revenue Management for the Crowne Plaza Hotel Georgia. Kaan is also very proud of being part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Accommodations/Reservations Team.

Besides his interests in traveling, photography and swimming, Kaan is also a certified driving instructor.

Boxing Day Buffet Cooking Demonstration

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 13, 2011
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Learn how to make the most memorable Boxing Day buffet! Join TASTE Magazine’s featured chef, Murray Bancroft as he teaches you how to make delicious dishes while our Product Consultants pair them with top wines. Tickets are only $20 and available at the 39th & Cambie Customer Service desk on December 1st. Seating is limited.

Cultural Event for the Holidays

2011-12-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

complimentary VIP tickets to Goh Ballet's Nutcracker
Thursday, December 15
7pm

We only have four available, first-come first-served.
Please check with Alyssa if you are interested.

Bacardi Oakhear

2011-12-10T00:00:00.001-08:00

Saturday, December 10, 2011
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Sample the all NEW Bacardi OAKHEART Rum! Join Team Bacardi and taste Oakheart Rum paired with mouth-watering appetizers while learning to create delicious Oakheart cocktails!

Celebrate Christmas with J Lohr Wines

2011-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 10, 2011
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Special Event at Park Royal BC Liquor Store

Join us for a festive tasting of BC’s top selling wine, J Lohr. Sample the beautiful wines paired with delicious mouth-watering appetizers.

Congratulations to Sara Hung!

2011-12-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

Sara is now working at The Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Last week, Sara was hired for the position of Rooms Attendant, by the Rosewood Hotel Georgia.

After completing seven months of practicum with the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Sara is ready to utilize all the skills and knowledge she acquired through her training.

We are very happy for Sara, and wish her the best in her new position.

David Wei of Hilton International

2011-12-09T00:22:00.000-08:00

David is assisting with the first opening of Hilton Garden Inns in China!

David Wei, who is a former instructor of IHMC, is relocating from Canada to China, in order to open the only Hilton property in this country.

Hilton Hotels and Resorts (formally known as Hilton Hotels) is an international chain of full-service hotels and resorts founded by Conrad Hilton and now owned by Hilton Worldwide. Hilton Hotels became the first coast-to-coast hotel chain in the United States in 1943. As of 2010, there is now over 530 Hilton branded hotels across the world in 78 countries across six continents.

We wish David the best through his relocation and hotel opening!

Celebrate Christmas with J Lohr Wines

2011-12-09T00:00:00.002-08:00

Friday, December 9 , 2011
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Special Event at Park Royal BC Liquor Store

Join us for a festive tasting of BC’s top selling wine, J Lohr. Sample the beautiful wines paired with delicious mouth-watering appetizers.

Grey Goose & Bombay Sapphire Tasting

2011-12-09T00:00:00.001-08:00

Friday, December 9 , 2011
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Taste the luxurious flavours of Grey Goose and Bombay Sapphire. Experience the new and original flavours paired with warm appetizers.

Thrive Alive Foundation - "La Dolce Vita"

2011-12-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all our volunteers for participating in this year's event!

On November 30, The Thrive Alive Foundation held its second annual fundraiser event called, "La Dolce Vita", at the Main Street Heritage Hall.

Students in the ED program volunteered their time by helping the catering staff deliver excellent service to the guests that were in attendance. The Thrive Alive Foundation raised a significant amount of money for their cause, and look forward to donating the proceeds to their patients on January 1, 2011.

The Thrive Alive Foundation was created to meet the growing demand nation wide for easier access to cancer treatments not covered by the government. The foundation was established to help people living in Canada in need of access to life-enhancing, life-saving cancer treatments that are not normally covered by government or health care plans. Thrive Alive Foundation aims to alleviate the individual financial burden of cancer care, provide doors and windows through these barriers that prevent many from accessing treatment.

For those who participated, Alyssa is putting together the reference letter for your graduation package.

Beam Global High End Scotch Tasting

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 8 , 2011
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Join Beam Global’s Scotch ambassador, Dan Volway as he leads you through a tasting of Macallan and Highland Park paired with mouth-watering appetizers.

Wine Swirling

2011-12-07T06:46:00.000-08:00

The Physics Behind

Shaken not stirred. By tweaking a few factors, grape enthusiasts can create a range of different waves in their wine glasses, including this triple-crested formation.

Meet the new flavor of wine: fruity with a hint of fluid dynamics. Oenophiles have long gotten the best out of their reds by giving their glasses a swirl before sipping. A new study has revealed the physics behind that sloshing, showing that three factors may determine whether your merlot arcs smoothly or starts to splash.

Twirling a wineglass gently creates smooth arcs in the liquid that then circle, coating the sides of the glass. The gesture isn't just for appearances, says study co-author Martino Reclari, who studies fluid dynamics at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland. Scientists and enthusiasts alike have long known that the swirling motion mixes oxygen into a red, enhancing its flavor.

One evening over their own bottle of wine, Reclari and colleagues decided to tackle the physics of this oenological routine. The team filled up small cylinders in a range of sizes with different volumes of a cheap merlot, then set them spinning. To keep things uniform, the researchers employed gyrating machines, commonly used to mix liquids precisely in biology or chemistry labs. This week, at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics in Baltimore, Maryland, the group reported a mathematical formula explaining how wine sloshes.

Unlike the flavor of a perfectly aged pinot, Reclari says, the factors at play aren't overly complicated. Three factors seemed to determine whether the team spotted one big wave in the wine or several smaller ripples: the ratio of the level of wine poured in to the diameter of the glass; the ratio of the diameter of the glass to the width of the circular shaking; and the ratio of the forces acting on the wine. Those forces affecting the wine were the centrifugal force pushing the liquid to the outside of the glass and the gravitational force shoving the liquid back down.

By tweaking these factors a notch—for instance, by pouring a bit more wine into a glass or shaking that glass in tighter circles—Reclari and colleagues mastered the art of unusual wine waves. Their creations in the video above included the wine lover's standard, a single, smooth crest, all the way to four miniwaves that built in quick succession. Curiously, however, if the researchers kept all three ratios identical, they began to spot the same waves forming again and again, even in cylinders of very different sizes. "If you have a very small glass or a very big glass and you put in the same parameters, you will have exactly the same shape of the wave," Reclari says.

He and colleagues also landed on another important discovery: how overly enthusiastic wine swirlers manage to splash their drinks, possibly staining their sweaters. Just like an ocean crest, wine waves begin to break, turning frothy, if they're moving too quickly, he says. The breaking acceleration for a merlot is about 40% of the force of gravity, the team concluded, or nearly 4 meters per second. That acceleration, in turn, is dependent on the volume of wine in the glass, the force of shaking, and other factors.

The team's formula is useful for more than just helping a wine taster "impress his friends," Reclari says. When growing bacterial cultures, biologists often mix cells in with nutrients in one big jar, then swirl, much like an aficionado over the latest vintage. That rotation distributes the bacterial food throughout the slurry and also removes excess carbon dioxide. Knowing just how liquids slosh in such jars may help lab technicians optimize their growing methods, he adds.

The team's analysis is "simple" but does "make sense," says Vladimir Ajaev, an applied mathematician at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. And the study illustrates well how seemingly everyday physics, such as the swirling of a glass of wine, might help scientists and engineers develop better lab tools: "At first it might seem like a matter of curiosity," he says. "But then it turns out there are some specific applications."

Source:
Science Magazine

Christmas Baking Demonstration

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 7, 2011
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Join TASTE Magazine featured chef, Lawren Moneta as she demonstrates how to create the most delicious Christmas baked goodies! Learn how to pair these tasty baked items with the perfect wines, just in time for Christmas entertaining! Tickets are $20 and available at the 39th & Cambie Customer Service desk on December 1st. Seating is limited.

How to Swirl your Wine

2011-12-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

something a hotelier must know

Ever wonder how to swirl a glass of wine? Patrick Cappiello (GILT Restaurant) teaches us how.

Cameron Hughes Wines – Ultra Premium Wines at Incredible Price

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 6, 2011
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Special Event at 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store

Join Cameron Hughes from Cameron Hughes Wines for an exciting tasting of his wine portfolio paired with beautiful cheeses.

The Merrion Hotel

2011-12-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

Career and Internship Opportunities in Dublin, Ireland!

The Merrion Hotel is a 5 star property, located in the city center of Dublin, Ireland. The Hotel is looking for candidates to work within the Food and Beverage department, primarily for a period of one year.

Candidates will need to secure working holiday visas, which the hotel will assist with in terms of both the application process as well as the cost. These visas will allow candidates to live and work in Ireland for a period of 12 months.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Alyssa.

Networking Opportunity

2011-12-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

The Vancouver Chapter of the Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals (HFTP)

cordially invites you to attend the Annual HFTP Christmas Dinner & Gift Exchange

Date: Monday, December 12, 2011
Time: 6:00pm Cocktail Reception. 7:00pm - 10pm Dinner

Venue: Terminal City Club
837 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC

Cost*: $60 per person members and non members

Please join us for a fun evening and enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the Terminal City Club. We invite you to take this great opportunity to show appreciation to your hard working staff members by bringing them to this event.

Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals is the global professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, clubs, and other hospitality-related businesses. Founded in 1952, HFTP provides first-class educational opportunities, networking, and resources to over 4,300 members worldwide. Learn. Connect. Succeed.

HFTP is proud to offer hospitality students a FREE membership to the association. Student members are able to take advantage of all HFTP benefits. You network with leading industry professionals that help you build strong business relationships even before you graduate. Enter the job market with a professional network already in place.

Students do not receive hard copies of membership materials. HFTP student membership is online and therefore student members are automatically opted in to all e-mail communications. If you would like to receive hard copies, student membership dues are $30 USD.

Download Student Membership Application
How to Charter a Student Chapter
HFTP Member Benefits

Membership Offer for Graduating StudentsCurrent students are the future of the industry, and HFTP aims to continually educate and provide resources in the areas of finance and technology. Student Members who graduate and start careers in the industry can now take advantage of HFTP membership for free for two years. Contact membership@hftp.org to take advantage of this offer.

* Current students in the Executive Program will have half their tickets to the event reimbursed, Advanced Diploma Program students will receive complimentary tickets. RSVP to Alyssa before December 6, 2011.