WHEREmail

// May 2009

Dear Subscriber

From acclaimed comedians to Olympic skaters to world-class art festivals, the month of May is stacked with exciting events happening across the country. In this issue we also give you a swine flu update on travelling to Mexico and tell you where to find Canada's best sushi.

WHAT'S HOT IN MAY:

Edmonton

Mayfield Dinner Theatre's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a frothy tale of two con men living on the French Riviera. When they both target a young heiress, a hilarious battle of cons ensues. It runs throughout May at Mayfield Dinner Theatre. Jeff Foxworthy, known for his redneck humour is one of the most respected and successful comedians of our era, he has also written several books, created Blue Collar TV, is the host of the TV show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, and topped the Billboard comedy charts with his CDs. See him May 31 at Rexall Place.

Whistler

Have you ever taken part in a 24-hour yoga relay? You can, during Whistler Wellness Week, May 22 to 31. Other soothing activities on the agenda include fitness workshops, wellness seminars and a triathlon.

Winnipeg

From May 3 to 9 wine aficionados can sip and sample to their hearts' content at the 8th annual Winnipeg Wine Festival. All week, food and wine-pairing events take place at venues around the city. Visit www.winnipegwinefestival.com for more information. Starting May 28, the famous tragedy Othello returns to its Elizabethan roots with al fresco performances during Shakepeare in the Ruins' latest production. Adding a twist, the company cast Aboriginal actor Mike Lawrenchuk for the title role. Assiniboine Park Conservatory, call (204) 942 5483 for tickets.

Vancouver

Don't be fooled by the name: everyone—from tots to teens to grandmas—can find something amusing at the Vancouver International Children's Festival, May 11 to 18. This year's performers include beloved musician Fred Penner, circus performers CirKids, inventor/musician Al Simmons and jugglers The Gizmo Guys. Thanks to face painting, kite-making, storytelling and more, a good time is guaranteed.

Halifax

Halifax celebrates the best in live theatre with the SuperNova Theatre Festival. Professional theatre companies from across the country perform on the Neptune Studio Stage on Argyle Street from May 7 to 17. Highlights include the much-anticipated One-man Star Wars Trilogy.

Calgary

Olympic medalists and World Champions are on hand at Stars on Ice, performing at the Pengrowth Saddledome on May 8. Skaters to take the ice include Kurt Browning, Jamie Salé and David Pelletier, Jeff Buttle and Sasha Cohen. Later in the month, Canadian funnyman Rick Mercer stops in town to present his newest one-man show, My Adventures in Canadian Television: An Evening With Rick Mercer. Catch him at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on May 27.

Ottawa

Ottawa's annual Canadian Tulip Festival showcases over three million colourful tulips at several locations around town, a stunning Mirror Tent from Belgium, exciting performers and speakers, including the Nanjing Acrobatic Troup (May 1 to 18), Kellylee Evans (May 15), Ian Tyson (May 16), and lots more.

Victoria

See some of Canada's premier one-person shows at Victoria's "singular" live theatre event, the Uno Festival of Solo Performance takes place May 20 to 31. Treasures: The World's Cultures from the British Museum opens this month at the Royal BC Museum. Experience the evolution of the world's civilizations, with more than 300 artefacts dating from prehistoric times to the present.

Toronto

All month, the works of more than 1,000 artists and photographers are showcased across the city during the Contact Toronto Photography Festival. This annual photography event is the largest in the world, and is exhibited at 220 venues, each exploring the theme "Still Revolution." Meanwhile, Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved freckle-faced orphan, Anne Shirley, charms Torontonians in Dancap Productions' latest, Anne of Green Gables—The Musical, which runs from May 7 to 31.

The WHERE List:

BEST PLACES FOR SUSHI

Whether you enjoy salmon sashimi or the more conventional California roll, these hot spots chosen by editors across the country, will satisfy your sushi cravings.

Ottawa

Wasabi Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar has plenty of seating for groups of all sizes and even a patio for those who want to enjoy a meal outside in finer weather. The menu offers authentic rolls and sushi as well as a variety of cooked dishes. And, thanks to its convenient ByWard Market location, this sushi joint is moments away from national cultural institutions, the parliament buildings and major hotels.

Toronto

Order omakase–the Japanese word for "at the chef's pleasure"—at Sushi Kaji and you won't be disappointed. Chef Mitsuhiro Kaji guarantees satisfaction with his impeccable, frequently changing tasting menu in which melt-in-your-mouth sashimi is often the star. Look no further for authentic Japanese food than Hiro Sushi. Under the direction of sushi master Hiro Yoshida, this local favourite is often hailed for its fresh, perfectly sliced nigiri sushi.

Winnipeg

New-school sushi is taken to creative heights with the Wasabi brand of restaurants. Each location expresses its own unique atmosphere: Bistro location is casual, while Broadway caters to the dressed-in-black hip crowd, and Wasabi Sabi is sleek and modern. The menus at each location are similar with a few exceptions, but all dishes are expertly prepared and beautifully presented.

Victoria

Taste some of Victoria's best sushi at the acclaimed Sen Zushi, downtown, along trendy Fort Street. A sophisticated, contemporary decor is the perfect backdrop for the delicious Japanese cuisine with an array of sushi selections, udon noodle bowls, tempura dishes and terrific combination dinners. Chosen as one of Where Canada's Best New Restaurants of 2006.

Whistler

If it's good enough for The New York Times, it's good enough for us: Sushi Village constantly wins raves, from locals and visitors alike, for the amazing sushi, sake margaritas and lively atmosphere.

Vancouver

Hidekazu Tojo wears the crown as Canada's sushi king. Not only has he ridden the wave of Japanese cuisine, he has shaped its West Coast style. Tojo's omakase is still the top drawer, although à la carte offerings also showcase originals such as smoked sablefish in parchment and nori-wrapped tuna tempura.

Edmonton

The sushi and sashimi at Japanese Village are prepared with meticulous regard to achieve textures, harmonies, contrasts, colours and arrangements that are pleasing to the eye. If you can't make up your mind the chef will happily prepare a special assortment platter to help. For top-of-the-line sushi and excellent service, head to the family-run Furusato Japanese Restaurant. For a real treat try their Furusato Special Box (tempura, assorted sushi, sashimi, bean sprout salad and ice cream).

Halifax

Ask any local in Halifax where to go for sushi, and you'll probably hear the word Hamachi. The owners of the popular Hamachi House on Morris Street Halifax built a reputation for Atlantic Canada's best sushi, and have expanded their empire to include three more Asian fusion restaurants around the city.

Calgary

A hidden gem in Kensington, Tenshi Sushi's intimate setting makes it the perfect place to enjoy sushi bar standards and specials such as the yam tem roll, made with tempura yams, avocado and mayo. Over on 4th Street, the chic and popular Towa Sushi is known for its generous portions. Tuck into traditional sushi or sashimi, or try one of Towa's contemporary options such as the Alaska roll with salmon, cream cheese, cucumber and vermicelli.