CCLXXXVI: Chantal Symphonic

I had the pleasure of experiencing a musical masterpiece tonight at the Orpheum: Chantal Kreviazuk with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO). I have admired her songs since elementary school but never thought about going to one of her shows until Nicky suggested it as my birthday gift; and the fact that this venue and orchestra were involved made the decision easier. I believe it went something like this in September:

Nicky: "Hey, wanna go to Chantal Kreviazuk with the VSO?"

Me: (after asking when and where) "Sure!"

I was mesmerized and getting goosebumps with every song and wished that her performance would continue on for a few hours more. The orchestral arrangements breathed new life into her songs and I was glad to hear my favourite songs--Wayne and Surrounded--in addition to new ones (to me) like Eve, Until We Die, Invincible, Today, Plain Jane, Ordinary People. She was beautiful to watch and hear and I'm pretty sure she made eye contact with me a couple of times. Our seats were that great--fifth row, left of centre--and we had a perfect view of her playing the piano. The view was so good, in fact, that I was tempted to take a picture throughout the evening; but due to a lurking usher, our vicinity to Chantal, and abandoned photo-taking from fellow audience members, I gripped my camera in half-dejection, half-resignation. I consoled myself with the fact that I was listening to beautiful music and a picture would never be able to capture this; and a video would be out of the question.

She was an entertaining performer and spoke very highly of her husband, Our Lady Peace's Raine Maida, attributing him as her inspiration and collaborator. Her love for him was apparent, whether in recounting the beginning of their relationship or quickly replying to a female audience member's cheer upon mention of him, saying "He's here tonight. Hands off!"

Nicky and I ended up snagging a few photos during the two standing ovations but they were all pretty blurry or overexposed--at least on my camera. And I didn't get any photos of her in her first dress!

I must also add that the evening was preluded with a delicious meal at Mis Trucos. I don't know what the electronic gods have to do with this, but it was my third time there and second time dealing with a dead cell phone. No matter though, dinner started not with a hitch but with a clang of our glasses filled with their amazing white sangria, one of my favourite alcoholic beverages anywhere--and the only one that seems to guarantee a Happily Tipsy Giosy vs. a More Subdued Giosy (I would choose the former too if I were you). Pleuve (and now Nicky) are a testament to this.

We enjoyed the following dishes:

• Foie gras on crostini with onion jam
• White truffle and lobster risotto with herbed crème fraiche
• Homemade pappardelle with lamb ragu, olives, capers, and pecorino cheese
• Sliced venison with homemade potato gnocchi and cauliflower foam

I still love this restaurant but am beginning to see its main flaw: overpriced and undersized dishes. The value is not as comparative as the other restaurants I have enjoyed, and our meal was still considered pricey with the use of my SocialShopper coupon of $14 for $30 worth of food. I have one coupon left and swear to use it on just sangria and one dish...

Speaking of favourite restaurants, I recently read that Corner Suite Bistro de Luxe now serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. You know what that means--I am so hitting it up for lunch one weekday with Oli. $10 for soup and a sandwich? I'd be stupid not to take advantage.