WHEREmail

// September 2006

Dear Subscriber

Looking for the best seafood restaurant in town? Or a great festival where you can experience local ambiance while travelling across Canada? This month, WHEREmail provides ideas and advice on great events and sublime seafare, plus tips on how your embassy can be a lifeline while abroad, and the latest news on international travel restrictions.

WHAT'S HOT IN SEPTEMBER:

Toronto

Roger Ebert calls it the most important film festival in the world: the Toronto International Film Festival kicks off the race for the Oscars with screenings, galas and more celebrity sightings than you can point a camera at. The annual glam fest runs Sep 7 to 16.

Calgary

For a bit of mystery, check out Vertigo Theatre's Wait Until Dark. Made famous by Audrey Hepburn in the 1967 film adaptation, this play about a blind woman who must outwit three conmen has timeless appeal; Vertigo's stage production adds to the shadowy suspense by using candles to light the stage.

New York

A great way to pass a fall morning in the Big Apple is by indulging in one of the city's many famous brunches. Check out our NY brunch guide: a neighbourhood by neighbourhood synopsis of where to indulge this New York tradition.

Halifax

Discover true maritime fun at the Halifax Harbour Festival, Sep 15 to 17. There's entertainment for all ages, including Adult Country Idol at Dartmouth's Alderney Landing, family entertainment at the Tall Ships Quay, and the Convoy Cup: an ocean yacht race from Halifax Harbour to Lunenburg.

Ottawa

Fans of the TV show Whose Line is it Anyway? can relive the hilarious antics of this now cancelled series as two alumnists, Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, take the improv show on the road. Mochrie and Sherwood display their lightning quick wits at the National Arts Centre on Sep 28.

Canadian Rockies

Whether you're there as a participant, a spectator, or for the infamous after-parties, the annual Melissa's Road Race, Sep 23, is a Banff tradition not to be missed. A landmark in Banff since 1928, Melissa's Restaurant hosts this popular and philanthropic 10 km and 22 km race, which winds through picturesque Sundance Canyon.

Vancouver

"You pays your money and you takes your chances." That old saying applies to the 100 or so shows at the Vancouver Fringe Festival of alternative theatre, dance and comedy. Entries range from professional touring companies to local neophytes, and are performed Sep 7 to 17 on Granville Island.

Edmonton

With some of the most lavish sets, costumes and special effects ever to have been created for the stage, The Phantom of the Opera casts its spell over Edmonton audiences at the Jubilee Auditorium through Sept. 24.

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The WHERE List:

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS

Our editors tell you where to go to find the freshest seafood in cities from coast to coast.

Halifax

Located in a heritage building in the heart of the downtown, The Five Fishermen is one of Halifax's most acclaimed seafood restaurants. The setting is elegant yet comfortable, but the real story is the fresh Maritime seafood. Atlantic salmon and lobster plus Digby scallops are the specialties, and be sure to visit the famous mussel bar.

Canadian Rockies

The landlocked Canadian Rockies might not seem like the place to enjoy great seafood, but Jasper's Fiddle River Restaurant has fresh Canadian fish that can include salmon, halibut, trout, Arctic char, Northern pike and pickerel. Innovative preparations are colourfully noted on their chef's inspiration chalkboard.

Toronto

With an intimate, contemporary new look, the Fishermans Wharf's continental menu is infused with Asian and Mediterranean touches along with long-standing favourites like the Fisherman's Fantasy—a trio of fresh fish drizzled with black truffle oil and topped with black caviar. For a special culinary experience, try the Tasmanian sea trout grilled and served on a piece of cherry wood (place orders a week in advance).

Vancouver

Vancouverites love heated discussions over where to find the best seafood. The recent Zagat Survey named C Restaurant tops for seafood—and with its innovation, great presentation, and focus on freshness, C is hard to beat. Other perennial favourites include Blue Water Café & Raw Bar and The Cannery Seafood House.

Calgary

With fish flown in daily from both coasts, Catch Restaurant & Oyster Bar is where you can find fresh seafood, even in a province known primarily for its beef. With a casual oyster bar on the lower level and an elegant dining room on the 2nd floor, Catch's menus offer dishes like wonton crusted prawn tempura with togarashi dip in the Oyster Bar and Arctic char in the dining room.

Edmonton

Daily exotic features that range from Atlantic Salmon to Maui Maui make Von's Steak and Fish House a sure thing for the avid fish fan.

TRAVEL SPECIALS

As a service to readers and our tourism partners, here's a selection of special travel deals. For more information or to book, please contact the providers directly.

Delta Romance Package

Escape to the romantic splendor of the Delta Grandview Resort. Begin with a spa treatment for two, then enjoy a candle lit dinner in the quaint Rosewood Inn, ending your evening in the luxury of your room curled up by the fireplace. The perfect getaway to rekindle your romance.
Package includes:
• accommodation
• (2) breakfasts for two adults
• (1) dinner for two adults
• (2) 30 minute massages at the Amba Spa
Complimentary:
• access to all on-site recreation facilities and nature programs
• outdoor parking
Please note: not all rooms are equipped with fireplaces. Fireplaces available in suites only. Special Promotion Code: RS1

Hawaii Living with WestJet

Live it up under the surf and sun in Hawaii with this WestJet Package. For under $2,000 your week-long getaway includes:
• Round-trip airfare to Maui, Hawaii
• Seven nights at Sheraton Maui Resort
• All applicable air and hotel taxes
(Vancouver from $1,756 per guest; Calgary from $1,856 per guest;Edmonton from $1,880 per guest)
Bonus: Children under 18 stay free

See Eastern-Canada with Via Rail

From September 6 to October 31, 2006, you can travel aboard the Ocean train between Montréal and Moncton or Halifax in an Easterly class double bedroom for $229 per person. Besides your private room with a comfy bed, Easterly class features meals, special touches such as priority boarding, a travel guide and shower kit, as well as complimentary coffee, juices and fresh fruit at any time. For $10 more per person, you can get a double deluxe bedroom, including your own private shower.

(All prices in Canadian dollars. WHERE accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or availability of these packages. Please contact package supplier directly.)

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