Queen.

A couple of weeks ago, mum and dad booked a holiday but had forgotten they had already bought tickets to see Queen and Adam Lambert. Mum offered me the tickets and as I knew that Jenny really wanted to go, I invited her.

We went to the stadium and had a couple of Gin and Tonics  and pile of cheesy nachos at a little bar close by before we went in. (a non-rowdy one of course). Jenny's my English sista from another mista. 

It was one of the first concerts I've been to which actually started on time! 8 o'clock on the dot! How English of them.

Just a bit excited!

Freddie Mercury popped up on the screen a few times. It was quite sad actually and it definitely brought a lump to my throat. 

Like everyone, we recognize Brian May by his hair, but until I saw him play live, I had know idea how talented he is. He's also just so ... cool. He doesn't try too hard, he's not sliding around on the floor or waving his guitar in the air. He's just really amazing at playing and it's entertaining. Also, Adam Lambert sings really well and I think he did a good job of kind of catching the Freddie vibe without just being a copy cat. Jenny and I really loved the concert and I am glad we got to go. Especially to be able to hear Bohemian Rhapsody live is something else!

Carnaval del Sol.

Last weekend we went to the Carnaval del Sol on Granville Street. Unfortunately, it rained a lot of the day, but it didn't bring anyone down! However, as it was 'The weekend we all shine together' it would have been nice if the sun could have shone! 

We made sure we were wearing red, green and white to represent México!

Dancing a lo Cubano. 

I can't remember who was selling these necklaces but they were so nice. I got a bit carried away with taking pictures of them. 

Zumba in the rain, now that's the spirit!

Los Mexicanos.

Argentina! Hotdog with chimichuri.

México! Tamales! 

Perfect for a rainy day. 

For dessert, we went Brazilian and had some brigadeiros. They had so many flavours to choose from but I chose dark chocolate and I think Jose got the traditional flavour... can't quite remember. 

Raincouver.

Brave souls walking on Granville Street barefoot!

El Salvador.

The Latincouver team did a great job as always, thank you so much for organizing these events for everyone to enjoy and spreading the latin vibe!! We really appreciate it. 

¡Hasta el proximo!

Italian Kitchen

Italian Kitchen is one of Glowbal Group locations. Others include Coast, Black & Blue and Glowbal. I walk past this restaurant twice a day, to and from work. Three years of eyeing up the food, and I've never been.

Jose and I were doing a little bit of honeymoon planning and it put us in a pasta mood. Technically, it was training. Training for the eating that will hopefully take place next year in Italy. We sat on the patio and I was immediately taken to Europe with the crisp white paper table cloths and the French bistro style chairs. 

Now that Happy Hour is permitted in Vancouver again, we enjoyed $5 glasses of red wine and we shared the Pasta Platter.

I don't generally wear Mexican themed traditional clothing, but we had been to the Latin Carnival just before.

 It cost $19.95 per person, which is excellent considering how much pasta you get - we couldn't finish everything.

It included truffled spaghetti & signature meatballs, penne pomodoro, linguine gamberi, and lamb pappardelle. The whole dish was absolutely stunning to look at and equally delicious to eat. The truffled spaghetti is particularly amazing and resulted in serious pasta face - eyes closed, slow chewing and deep nostril breathing. Our server, Natasha, was really lovely and chatty and we talked about her travels in Cinque Terre and Tuscany.

Total carnage by the end. 

We will definitely be going there again and we absolutely recommend the Pasta Platter.
Buon appetito!