Author Archives: Hari Suresh

The evolution of gaming culture

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Gaming culture has evolved so much over the years with many games releasing each year and more people becoming exposed to it. Over the years, the improvements in games have made gaming culture more popular than ever. The transition from games at arcades to games on consoles and PC’s is remarkable. In just a few decades, the video game industry has gone though dramatic change, both technologically and culturally. The pace at which it is growing is with incredible acceleration. There are several factors that contribute to this. The storyline of the games, the graphics, the promotion, the fanbase and the technological improvements, all have a part to play in gaming cultures presence.

There are new consoles released every few years that change the experience of playing games. The most recent technological element that have gaming enthusiasts buzzing, is the virtual reality system. The VR element that is introduced to games, make it an immersive experience, that make people feel like they’re actually in the game! It’s an incredible, personalized experience that can provide people with an escape from their daily lives. Some people are concerned about how this might impact the minds of young people and that’s not an unreasonable thought process.

Gaming culture has become so popular that millions of people watch other people play games online. There are gaming events that have packed venues where the top gamers in the world play against each other. There are streaming platforms like Twitch, where people can watch other gamers play their favourite games. Some top gaming streamers have a large fanbase because their fans learn from the way they play the game and about the personality behind the gamer. People have the opportunity to make a career by playing video games now. Not too long ago, the idea of earning money by playing video games would be laughed at. Not anymore.

Fast food difference in contrasting places

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Fast food is readily available to all of us. In grocery stores, franchises and even our homes. It’s got a hold of our society for better or worse. There are benefits and disadvantages of fast-food consumption and it all depends on the situation. When you’ve skipped breakfast and have no time to waste, you might want to resort to eating food from a fast-food restaurant. When you’re tired and can’t be bothered to do the dishes and cook a meal, you think of ordering from a fast-food spot. There are other scenarios where fast food might seem like the best option at the time and we don’t think twice about it.

Fast food restaurants have delicious options that are too tempting to resist. McDonald’s has their McFlurries and chicken nuggets, KFC has their fried chicken and burgers, and Subway has their sandwiches. Some options might be healthier than others, but they have a unique menu that appeals to people of the community. Fast food restaurants design their menus to satisfy the preference of the people that live around specific branches. For example, McDonalds has different menus for their customers in Canada and India. There are different demands from these locations and McDonalds capitalizes on this.

The vegetarian options that you can find in a McDonalds in Canada is limited compared to the options provided in India. Fast food corporations are clever in their marketing and food because they notice a chance to appeal to the public and they capitalize on these chances. There are healthier options to pick from, but people are drawn to fast food franchises because of their fast service and reasonable prices. Even the flavours in their food are different in other countries. They use local spices and flavours to entice customers to go back for more. Fast food has unhealthy practices that people are willing to overlook because of convenience.

From a screen to reality – FAN EXPO with famous celebrities!

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Watching TV shows, movies or anime’s is an entertaining way to pass the time. When you watch them, you create an attachment to certain characters. When you spend a specific amount of time every day to watch them on your TV, you become invested in the show and the characters. You look forward to finishing your obligations for the day to thoroughly enjoy whilst watching the show. For many people, this is the part of the day that they look forward to. When people meet the actors from their favourite tv shows, movies or anime’s, they are taken by surprise because the reality sets in, that their favourite character is a real person!

The chance to meet your favourite celebrities doesn’t come by often, so when you have the opportunity, you’ve got to take it. The opportunity to see some of the most famous celebrities, voice actors, comic creators and cosplayers is at the FAN EXPO Vancouver. At 1055 Canada Place, From February 18th to 20th, fans of movies like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Star Trek have the chance to see the actors that played in the movie. Actors from TV shows like Flash and Arrow are going to be at this event on select days.

If you are excited by the thought of meeting some celebrities from your favourite TV shows, movies or anime’s, this 3-day event has to be scheduled into your calendars.  If you know friends or family who are fans of some of the celebrities that are going to be at this event, buying them a ticket to this event would be a great way to let them know that you listen to their interest and care about them. Thousands of fans from all over are going to attend this event, so it might be a good idea to purchase tickets early and even get to the event early.

The fusion restaurant that has live music every day – East is East

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Indian food is a representation of India’s culture. The culinary traditions and skills are combined with thoughtful preparation and careful cooking. There are dishes that have different style of preparation and the flavours reflect the style chosen to make the dish. There are traditional recipes that have modern adaptations, which some people prefer. There’s a rich flavour profile behind Indian food. Vancouver has many Indian restaurants that abide by the traditional recipes and preparations and there are other restaurants that make their own modifications to these dishes. If you’re going to eat a dish from a specific cuisine, you might as well eat it the way it was meant to be eaten. It gives you the opportunity to experience the authentic flavours and textures from the cuisine.

Have you tried our signature tasting menu, the Chai Feast? This is a great opportunity to try different flavors from The Silk Route. Vegan and GF options available.

Posted by East is East on Thursday 9 July 2020

East is East is a restaurant that has traditional Indian and Middle Eastern dishes with authentic flavours. The essence of the restaurant is to create an environment where people from diverse cultures can explore their dishes and engage in a delightful conversation with the people around them. The inspiration behind the restaurant comes from the concept of dhabbas (eateries) in India. It’s typically small restaurants that travelers visit for a quick meal in between their travel.

Their choice of chairs, art, table, cutlery and dishes reflect on the owner’s experience of living in India and Afghanistan. The influence of their multicultural background is clearly represented at East is East. They’ve got live music everyday with different talented artists setting the mood for your experience. There’s a $3 fee to help support the artists. The fusion food at this restaurant, highlights delicious food from India and Afghanistan. We all know someone that loves trying different cuisines at restaurant. A person came to your mind when you read this and they’re the person you need to convince to experience this fusion cuisine.

Time to start the countdown to the Bubble Tea Festival!

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When the weather is so cold its gloomy outside, it’s only natural to think of better days. And by better days, I mean summer. You think about how nice the weather is going to be in a few weeks, maybe you even start to plan some activities to partake in. The thought of not having to layer up in clothes when you go outside and actually looking forward to spending more time outside is exciting. Only a few weeks are left until all of this is possible. Something to look forward to in the summer is the Vancouver Bubble Tea Festival that’s going to happen at 3883 Imperial Street.

Bubble tea is a milk based beverage with pearls/tapioca in it. It’s refreshing and delicious at the same time. It’s a Taiwanese creation that have brought joy and comfort to people all over the world. Student’s usually grab a bubble tea when they’re about to start a study session or when they’re spending time to relax with their friends. There are many versions of bubble tea, with a wide variety of flavours and pearls. There’s a flavour that everyone can enjoy if they’re willing to explore and find the perfect fit for themselves.

This two-day festival (July 22nd and 23rd) is the perfect opportunity to understand what the craze over bubble tea is all about. There’s going to several bubble tea vendors that are going to attempt to prove that they’re the best. People attending the festival can decide which of them have the best bubble tea experience, by voting for their favourite drink and vendor. The festival is a fun experience to have this summer, not just because of the bubble tea, but because of the games and activities, live entertainment and the other food vendors that will be there. I think that this festival is going to be worth marking down in your calendar.

This Beyond Van Gogh exhibition is not a regular art exhibition!

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There are many forms of art the captivate people. Certain pieces of art have the ability to evoke emotions and feelings. Very few artists can do this with their art. Even, people that don’t have a passion or interest in art know the names of some artists, because of how their art has impacted culture. One of the artists that most people are familiar with or have at least heard about is Vincent Van Gogh. Van Gogh’s art is recognized and admired all over the world. An immersive art exhibit that showcases over 300 of Van Gogh’s work can be experienced at 17798 62 Avenue, Surrey.

This three-dimensional, multisensory exhibition, “Beyond Van Gogh,” is a refreshing portrayal of Van Gogh’s art. There are huge projections and paintings that have inspired the work of artists from all walks of life. Vincent Van Gogh had a troubled life. He was known to have suffered from immense depression. Many people talk about the time that he cut off his ear and this is what most people think off when his name is brought up in conversation. It was only after he died, that his art became famous. Some of his work is acknowledged by many artists and art enthusiasts as one of the best.

“The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers” and “Café Terrace at Night” are some of the most famous paintings of his. People admire the detail and expression from these pieces of work. His creativity and artistic expression was ahead of his time. People did not appreciate his art as much when he was alive. After his unfortunate passing, people started to catch on. They studied his colour scheme, brush strokes, creativity and self-expression. Van Gogh’s art exhibitions tour many countries around the world and the opportunity to experience his art for yourself is going to be at Surrey throughout February and till March 5th.

What makes Ask for Luigi special?

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Italian cuisine is well known for their delicious dishes and drinks. Some people aren’t familiar with traditional Italian customs and traditions when it comes to the food and drinks. They think of the popular dishes like pizza and pasta but forget that the way they make the food directly impacts how the food tastes. Some of the Italian restaurants in Vancouver have authentic Italian dishes that are made by following recipes that are passed on for generations. The rich history and traditions behind the process of making the food plays a vital role in a dishes taste.

Imagine you were competing in a cook off against someone and had to make a dish from a different culture, but the person you’re competing against is from the same culture where the dish comes from. There’s a good chance that you’re going to lose that competition. Purely because of the techniques and skills that the other person possesses in their culinary arsenal. One of the restaurants that has a unique, traditional and authentic Italian dining experience is, Ask for Luigi. Located at 305 Alexander Street. They’ve got a menu with dishes that are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for Italian food.

The dishes are designed to share with the people you’re with. Large portions that are served at the center of the table as soon as they are ready. It’s a style that encourages conversation, laughter and good times. They’ve got a selection of unique wines that are chosen because of how well it combines with the food. They’ve got a variety of small produced, unique, Indigenous wines. Whether you’re looking for a new spot for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks, Ask for Luigi is a spot that need to go to the top of your to-visit list. It’s an experience that brings people together by creating memories and good laughs.

Afghan Horseman – The first Afghan restaurant in Canada

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There are a lot of special restaurants that have been serving incredibly delicious food in Vancouver for years. They are special because of the cultural influence over their food. All cuisines have a cultural influence and that’s what makes them unique. There’s a particular restaurant that is well-known by culinary enthusiasts and it should be on everyone’s list of places to check out. Afghan Horseman is located at 202- 1833 Anderson Street, and it’s got the best authentic Afghani food. In fact, they’re the very first Afghan restaurant in Canada. They’ve been around since 1974. They’ve been serving gourmet Afghani cuisine to Vancouverites for a very long time and they’re still here because they’re so good at it. They’ve evolved over the years and have added dishes along the way but at their core, they bring the flavours of Afghanistan to Vancouver.

Afghanistan has a rich cultural heritage for many years. They share their borders with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China, Pakistan and Iran. However, their cuisine takes inspiration from India, Greece, Mongolia and old Persia. They use the same spices that India and Greece have in their food and their style of cooking meat and making pasta comes from Persia and Iran. The rich spices and flavours make the food so delicious.

The restaurant has an amazing atmosphere that represents Afghani culture. Their curtains, lamps, mural art, sofas, seats and design is different from Western culture. It’s not just a chance to experience Afghani cuisine, it’s a chance to experience the culture. They’ve been recognized and awarded for their culinary excellence. They’ve won awards like the Best Middle Eastern Restaurant from the Georgia Straight’s Readers Choice Golden Plates Awards and The Vancouver Courier’s Stars of Vancouver Award. After reading all this, how can you not be a little intrigued and want to experience the cuisine.

Alouette Bistro – A French culinary experience

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Sometimes small restaurants and cafes are overlooked because of their limited seating and the other restaurants that are nearby. Even though they might not have the size and variety as other restaurants, they have unique dishes that stand out. There are plenty of restaurants like this in Vancouver but only a few of them have loyal customers that keep coming back for the delicious food and drinks. Aloutte is a bistro that is located at Executive Hotel Le Soleil at 567 Hornsby Street. They’re a bistro that implements the culinary philosophies of classic French bistros with the West Coast flavours.

The team that prepares the delicious food is led by Chef Albert Tran and Culinary Director, Mark Greenfield. Chef Albert Tran’s experience of working in several restaurants throughout Canada has helped him to develop the culinary skills and techniques that inspire the dishes on Aloutte’s menu.  The bistro is located on a busy street, where locals and visitors come across the small entrance and stylish sign of the restaurant and are intrigued by the bistros crafty creations. They’re charmed by the bistro’s aesthetic and creations and tell their friends about the bistro’s amazing menu.

A bistro is a small, modest, European style restaurant or café the people typically visit to take their mind off whatever is bothering them. Alouette’s inspiration behind the menu and design is French but their use of local, seasonal vegetables and poultry, give their food the flavours from the West Coast. If you are thinking about a spot where you can catch up with an old friend and enjoy French cuisine, Aloutte is the spot for you. Their happy hour menu with $6 wine and beer should convince you of this. If that doesn’t do the job, look at their all-day menu because there’s something for everyone’s preference.

The story behind what makes Aphrodite’s Pie Shop so good!

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There’s a story behind every restaurant, bar or shop. It’s what makes a place so special. Most people enjoy the food or drink but don’t realize that theirs a passion and vision behind it. One of the best pie shops in Vancouver has a touching story behind their operations and knowing the story helps you understand why their pies are so good. A pie shop called, “Aphrodite’s Café & Pie Shop” that’s located at 3598 W 4th Avenue has a story that’s worth knowing.

The founder of the shop, Allan Christian was born and raised on a traditional farm in rural southeastern Saskatchewan. He moved to Downtown Vancouver as a young adult and spent majority of his life pursuing the corporate business world. He came to a realization that he wanted to reconnect with his childhood, and he used the skills that he learnt from the business world to help Glen Valley Organic Farm Co-op raise money to keep the farm functioning. He visited his mother and spent time at the farm he grew up in and they made pies with organic apples that fell from the trees in the orchid. This visit gave him the idea to start a business with people committed to using local, organic and sustainable produce.

He opened Aphrodite’s Organic Delights in 2003 by showcasing the fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm. He used to harvest the fruits and vegetables and serve them at the shop the same day. Literally from the farm to the shop. Unfortunately, Allan Christian passed away in 2008 but the vision he had for the shop is still intact because his daughter, Peggy Vogler made sure of it. Their pies are handmade with fresh, local and organic ingredients and it’s the reason why they were voted as Vancouver’s Best Kept Secret in 2006. It’s a place where you can enjoy fresh pies made with care with a friend or by yourself. Find out why they have the most amazingly delicious pies!