High Levels of E. coli in Waters off Vancouver Beaches

Kitsilano Beach is one of several with high levels of E. coli

Summer in Vancouver is going to be long this year, it's really hot already, and now you can't cool off on the beach because the water has been tested with E. coli.

Several beaches including Second Beach, Third Beach, Kitsilano Beach, Sunset Beach, English Bay, and Trout Lake have a no-swimming advisory after being found with high levels of E. coli.

It's a bacteria commonly found in the intestinal tract of animals and humans, but it can also be found in swimming water that has been polluted with untreated waste. In this case it could be because of leaking septic tanks, discharge from boats and storm water runoff after heavy rains.

While Vancouver Coastal Health is not prohibiting people from going to the beach, they are strongly advised not to go into the water.

Health officials say if you swallow water with high levels of E. coli, that could lead to vomiting, infections and diarrhea. E. coli can also irritate skin, and seniors, children and people with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to it.

Eeeeek!

Another reason to stay home in air conditioning!

A New Sign Lights Up Kits

A new sign has popped up in Kitsilano thanks to Chip Wilson

There's a new neon sign up on the corner of West 4th Avenue and Yew Street in Kitsilano. There are various arrows pointing to Jericho Beach, Kits Beach, Sunset Beach and Wreck Beach, as well as Love and Peace (in different directions).

The retro-style sign was put up by Low Tide Properties, owned by Lululemon founder and billionaire Chip Wilson, who says it's a nod to his family's love of the neighbourhood.

"My wife, family and I have been in Kits since the 1986 World Fair. We live and breathe everything that's Kitsilano -- from the beach to tennis to volleyball to the amazing people who have a way of living that elevates the world," Wilson said in a statement.

The neon sign gives off 1950s Las Vegas vibes

"Our family has been involved in the ownership of 23 locations on West 4th. The unveiling of Kits Corner is the icing on the cake after nearly 40 years of living, working and investing in this neighbourhood. From Westbeach to lululemon, Ride Cycle Club, Peak Performance, Arc'teryx, Kit and Ace, TurF and more, we're committed to keeping the spirit of Kits alive."

Perhaps that explains why Lululemon's headquarters is on Cornwall Avenue, and is Wilson naming some of his tenants?

Apparently the corner of 4th and Yew is where many run clubs finish their runs, and cyclists end their rides, while the sign gives off Las Vegas 1950s vibes with the neon signs.

Kits Corner also appears to be the name of the apartment building nearby. Units in the building are about C$2,800 for a 595 square-foot, one bedroom place, or C$3,600 for an 870 square-foot, two-bedroom unit...

Learning About Abandoned Spaces Part 1

Construction at Senakw, by the Burrard Street Bridge

Yesterday I went on a photo walk with a group of strangers and led by staff from the Museum of Vancouver. It has an exhibition called Mirage: Disused Public Property in Taiwan by photographer Yao Jui Chung that is on until September 2. 

For 14 years he and his students documented abandoned government-funded buildings all over Taiwan not only to draw attention to them, but also hold the government to account and challenge the authorities to reuse them, or allow others such as NGOs, artists, the elderly or young people to repurpose them.

Some of these photographs are shown in the exhibition, which encourages visitors to pin point unused spaces on a map of Vancouver.

On Saturday the museum staff invited some amateur and professional photographers to come and investigate some neglected places in the city (well those near the museum).

After visiting a run-down house that has been left empty for years, we went to see a plot of land with many construction cranes near the Burrard Street Bridge.

On Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh land, the development is called Senakw or "the place".

Museum staff explained that the indigenous people lived here, but in 1869 they were forced to move to the North Shore. They were told they would get C$100 cheques each when they got to the other side and were only given a short time to pack their belongings. When they did reach the North Shore, their cheques were void -- in other words fake.

We were also told the place was multicultural. In 1908 the first gurdwara or Sikh temple in Vancouver was built in Kitsilano; it was taken down and interestingly Canadian architect Arthur Erickson designed the Ross Street Temple in 1970.

Japanese-Canadians also lived in the area before they were interned in World War II.

The large towers at Senakw will add a lot of housing and services to the area; neighbours are concerned about what's coming in, while others are optimistic about the land use and look at it as a model for future development in Vancouver...

The Rabbits of Jericho Beach

One of hundreds of cute rabbits at Jericho Beach

A friend took me to Jericho Beach this evening to not only catch the sunset but also show me the feral rabbits that live there.

For over 15 years, people who are tired of their pet rabbits (usually after Easter), set them free at Jericho Beach and the cute furry population has exponentially increased.

They are out in the open, unafraid of humans

Every year around Easter the City of Vancouver warns residents to think carefully if they purchase a rabbit for the spring holiday and to not get rid of the pet by releasing at the beach, but instead giving it to animal welfare groups to ensure better care.

"The rabbits are not wild -- these are all European rabbits that are bred as pets. They come in a variety of colours including black, white, grey and brown, and many are spotted or have a variety of markings," explained Nick Page, a biologist with the Vancouver Park Board.

"As such, all of these animals were once pets. People have simply been leaving them here, and they have continued to do so for at least 15 years."

He estimates there could be some 250 rabbits roaming around the area.

This evening we saw dozens of rabbits, both adults and bunnies hopping around and eating the parched grass. They did not care for people to touch them and hopped away if they attempted to.

Be sure not to feed or touch the rabbits!

Years ago my friend said the rabbits would hide in brambles in a grassy area near the tennis courts, but this time we took a look and those have been removed, making these animals more vulnerable to predators, including coyotes.

The rabbits didn't seem to show any fear of predators and were out in the open munching away on the super dry grass.

However do not feed them -- anyone caught feeding wildlife could be fined up to C$500. It is unhealthy for the feral rabbits, but also them gathering makes them more vulnerable to predators and could spread disease. Food left for them could also lead to mice and rats getting at the food, that could also lead to other diseases spreading.

So while the rabbits are super cute, don't touch and don't feed!

Review: Creative Flavour Profiles at One-Star AnnaLena

Kaw's Michelin statue with the star at AnnaLena

My quest to visit (almost) all the Michelin-starred restaurants in Vancouver is close to completion.

Earlier this week I managed to score a table at AnnaLena in Kitsilano and the one-starred Michelin restaurant had just changed its menu too.

It's located on a quiet street with other casual restaurants, cafes and an ice cream bar shop. If I wasn't so full I would have wanted to check it out!

Fingerling potato with parmesan foam

Inside AnnaLena diners are greeted with a small statue of irreverent artist Kaws' version of the Michelin man and the coveted one star. The place is minimalist, contemporary, with bar seating by the open kitchen, but we opted for seats at a table. 

As I waited for my dining companion, I sipped on a non-alcoholic drink called "Plannin' on stackin'", which was a refreshing berry concoction of zero-proof "gin", with raspberry and lemon at the quite steep price of C$13.

When my foodie friend arrived, our server introduced the menu, and interestingly the restaurant tries to upsell the set menu with add-ons. For example, the second course could have shrimp for an extra price, while the lamb rack could be substituted with Japanese wagyu beef for a big chunk of change.

We said we'd have the menu as the chef intended...

Rich, oily bread course with leek and ramp

Two snacks appeared to whet our appetites. The first was a fingerling potato topped with a raspberry and beet savoury sauce a billowy creamy parmesan cheese foam that was quite delightful.

Another snack were miniature burgers with foie gras mousse in the middle with finely julienne carrots and cilantro leaves. So far so good.

The first course was turnip and radish crudite, the small plump root vegetables were quartered at the bottom of the bowl, covered in the crudite sauce, followed by a burrata creme fraiche, black garlic and a "crouton" -- a thin slice of roasted bread covered in charcoal.

Next came a bread course. It looked like a toasted iceberg sitting in a green pond decorated with vegetables. We were encouraged to break off the bread pieces with our hands and dip it in the leek and ramp veloute, that included meaty king oyster mushrooms and green garlic.

Lamb rack, lamb belly and asparagus

The bread was very oily and I would have appreciated a wet towel to wipe my hands after. It was also quite a filling dish. The sauce was delicious but quite rich, while the bread quickly filled the stomach.

Another plate of carbs followed in the form of cacio e pepe spaghettini, a small enough portion with smoked squid and XO sauce. What?! Had they appropriated Chinese XO sauce? But the slight spicy kick worked well and worth considering putting XO sauce on all pastas in the future.

The main course of lamb rack was actually two small portions of lamb, one piece deboned, the other fried lamb belly in a croquette. The lamb was very tender and juicy, the lamb belly tasted decadent.

By now we were quite full, but curious about the green apple dessert. It turns out to be a creative deconstruction of apple pie and we felt this was the strongest dish in terms of the melding of flavours seamlessly.

Deconstructed apple pie with miso ice cream

At the bottom were the subtly cinnamon-seasoned diced green apple, an almond financier, maple caramel and the whole thing topped with a giant dollop of miso ice cream. It was dreamy to eat this dessert, soft, slightly crunchy, room temperature, cold, tangy and sweet.

If that wasn't enough, AnnaLena makes sure you are super full with petit fours -- served on the sole of a Nike Air sneaker! Actually it's a plaster mould of the sole and it really takes you for a loop! On it were mini foie gras rice krispie squares, and they do have a subtle hint of that umami flavour, while the berry jelly was lightly dusted with milk powder.

At C$98 per person it's high-end dining for sure. Despite my criticisms the dining experience was enjoyable and more refined than say, Barbara. 

The last two Michelin-starred restaurants on my list are Masayoshi, which has an eye-watering C$200 charge per person! And iDen & Quanjude Beijing Duck House that charges and arm and a leg for roast duck...

Petit fours served on the sole of a Nike sneaker

AnnaLena

1809 West 1st Avenue

Vancouver, BC

778 379 4052