THE FILM – ACROSS THE RIVER AND INTO THE TREES
Based on Ernest Hemingway’s 1950 novel, this film follows U.S. Army Colonel, Richard Cantwell (Liev Schreiber), in Italy during the closing days of WWII. Stoic, weary and haunted by what he has seen during the war, he also must face his own mortality when a terminal illness is diagnosed. Ignoring the doctor’s strong recommendations to hospitalize, Cantwell instead ventures to nearby Venice in hopes of some duck hunting in the surrounding area. For Cantwell, Venice is a place full of memories, good and bad. It is also the home of a young Venetian Countess named Renata (played beautifully by Matilda de Angelis). They meet shortly after his arrival, and for the next several days, there’s no duck hunting. But these two unlikely companions eat, drink and talk of love and their lives – with his, nearing its end, and hers, really just beginning. These are classic Hemingway themes: love, death, war and youth. The always interesting, Liev Schreiber, is old enough and perfectly cast as this Hemingway character. The solid supporting cast includes Josh Hutcherson (good career move for him), and Danny Huston. Director Paula Ortiz has created a visually stunning film with Venice as the backdrop and one of its stars. Across the River And Into The Trees is now available for home viewing.
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In need of a cocktail to warm us for the coming winter months, we turn to one of our “cocktail experts” for a suggestion. Martin Kovalcik, Beverage Director for Glowbal Restaurant Group, who makes his home at Glowbal Restaurant, off ered us a cocktail called Penicillin.
“This cocktail should not be confused with an antibiotic,” Kovalcik jokingly tells us. He knows from experience that as the temperatures drop and the days get darker earlier, his customers are often seeking different flavour profiles. “Fragrant taste of blended and peated Scotch combined with ginger, honey and fresh lemon never disappoints any of our regulars,” he says, “and this year we decided to serve the Penicillin cocktail with candied ginger and truffle smoke bubble which is perfectly emphasizing the light peated notes of whisky and ginger.” We spend the next little while enjoying this delicious cocktail, while outside, darkness arrives and it’s not even halfway through “Happy Hour.” We order another. The Penicillin contains Johnnie Walker Black Label, Domaine De Canton Ginger Liqueur, Laphroaig 10 Year, fresh lemon juice and honey syrup. www.glowbalgroup.com
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THE SPOT –SEASIDE PROVISIONS
Seaside Provisions, located in North Vancouver’s vibrant Shipyards District at Lonsdale Quay, has recently expanded its restaurant space, enhancing the dining experience in this popular North Shore destination. The new layout blends contemporary coastal design with a welcoming ambiance, off ering more seating and a new dedicated charcuterie bar. The expansion allows for larger gatherings, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and social events. We were excited to experience the new room and try some of the dishes off ered, starting with a lobster roll and the wagyu carpaccio. Next up on the menu, the Golden Chicken, which serves up to four people. There were just two of us, but we had to try it! We also enjoyed the delicious Seafood Pasta. Every dish was exceptional, plus a lovely wine list to accompany each tasting. Seaside Provisions’ signature seafood dishes together with craft cocktails and an extensive wine list perfectly complement the new spacious, modern setting that celebrates the area’s rich maritime heritage. www.seasideprovisions.com
