Letters FROM THE EDITOR
FROM LES CLEFS D ’ OR
Letters FROM THE EDITOR
FROM LES CLEFS D ’ OR
Thirty years is a long time in the evolution of a city , in a person ’ s life , in the life of a business , in the business of publishing , in publishing Essential Vancouver . As an editor who has worked on almost every issue including the first one , I find myself joining the ranks of those who mutter , “ Where did the last 30 years go ?” So , I suspect , does contributing wine writer Tim Pawsey , my co-editor back then , and publisher Peggie Terry , who in 1986 was already working with a sister publication .
Expo 86 drew the world to Vancouver on the occasion of the city ’ s 100th birthday , and gave us a new sense of belonging to a wider global community . Other veterans we spotlight in this issue helped shape post-Expo Vancouver . Three decades after the Okanagan Valley began making wines from vinifera , we celebrate the growers who ’ ve put BC on the international wine map ( page 56 ). Ballet BC sprang into being in 1986 and is now a leader in contemporary ballet , working with artists from around the world ( page 24 ). Architect Bing Thom has put an indelible stamp on the face of the city ( page 50 ).
Check out our favourite seasonal haunts ( page 18 ), rock-star eateries ( page 46 ), high-end spas ( page 54 ), landscapes in art ( page 60 ) and fashion for the modern flapper ( page 36 ). Pearls are the traditional symbol of a 30-year anniversary , so our assistant editor , Jill Von Sprecken — who was a toddler 30 years ago — sought out all sorts of pearly luxuries ( page 44 ). Contributor Tony Whitney , who was driving fast cars for his newspaper columns in 1986 , writes about his other passion , complicated watches ( page 30 ).
Anyone who remembers the city of 1986 will recall Vancouver ’ s Lotusland reputation , largely based on the mild maritime climate and the laidback “ left-coast ” lifestyle encouraged by our scenic surroundings of mountains , forests and sea . The climate may be changing , but it ’ s worth noting that you can indeed ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon — if you ’ re very organized .
We like to think Vancouver provides its own natural high . Drop in , chill out and read on !
On behalf of the Members of the BC Region of Les Clefs d ’ Or Canada , I am delighted to welcome you to the beautiful city of Vancouver .
As Les Clefs d ’ Or concierges we like to make magic happen for guests ! Whether you are looking for a romantic table at a popular restaurant , front-row tickets to a concert , assistance in booking flights or private tours ; or you have forgotten your shoes or bow tie for a gala , our professional concierges have a network of members and colleagues around the world to call upon and assist us in exceeding our guests ’ expectations . We are your travel consultants , personal and business assistants and confidential secretaries .
“ Les Clefs d ’ Or ” ( The Golden Keys ) is a name familiar to any international traveller accustomed to staying in the grand hotels of the world . Les Clefs d ’ Or concierges have been opening doors for hotel guests in Canada since 1976 and today over 130 members from coast to coast are at your service . We are part of an international association , Union Internationale des Concierges d ’ Hôtels “ Les Clefs d ’ Or ,” which has more than 3,500 members in over 50 countries . You can recognize Clefs d ’ Or concierges by the crossed gold keys they display on the lapels of their uniforms . These keys are more than just the symbol of our association — they are the symbol of guaranteed , quality service .
In British Columbia , you will find 35 full-member concierges and a select few dedicated corporate and professional affiliates acting as your own private experts to our beautiful province . Vancouver is yours to explore and a gateway to the entire province . Let those in the know share their love of the cities in which they live , whether it is the beautiful mountain serenity of Whistler or the charm and history of the provincial harbour capital of Victoria on Vancouver Island . We have members at the most celebrated hotels who are there to assist in anything you may require .
I invite you to visit our website , lesclefsdorcanada . org , to learn more about our association and to stay current on what ’ s happening in British Columbia . Follow us on Twitter at @ BCLesClefsdOr and like us on Facebook , facebook . com / bclesclefsdor .
In Service through Friendship ,
Louise Phillips
Editor ESSENTIAL VANCOUVER
Dillon Carfoot
Director BC REGION , LES CLEFS D ’ OR CANADA
Chef Concierge OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL , VICTORIA
2 ESSENTIAL VANCOUVER 2016 / 17