Hodge Podge: Eating my way around town
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
Another true Hodge Podge with a smattering of thoughts, updates and whatever’s.
A couple of weeks back I threatened readers with how Tez and I planned to attend a concert featuring former Kelowna City Councillor Ryan Donn.
We did.
It was excellent.
Like wine, Donn has grown better with age in many ways including his musicianship. The gifted Scot plays his guitar now with a sense of confidence and less urgency. In fact, it’s that lack of urgency in his voice and entire performance, I think, that adds a depth to his show which was not there before. It’s a musical maturity that fits him well.
Donn played a couple of my favourite tunes from his earlier albums, at least two new songs from an upcoming project, and featured two guest artists as well. Shalisa shows wonderful potential and talent in her song For You and later Ryan featured Leah West in his song I Want You.
Overall, it was a great night and well worth the short drive to the Creekside Theatre in Lake Country.
The very next night our musical taste buds were treated yet again – being honoured as guests of saxophone player Johnny Ferreira at the Kelowna Actor’s Studio. Johnny is currently travelling the continent with a tribute band.
I’ve had the honour of being Johnny’s pal since he was the stud saxophone for Colin James. Every sax squawk in a Colin hit (and there are a lot of them) was Johnny. Considered by many as the best saxophone player in the industry Johny eventually formed his own swing band and toured Europe for a couple years before returning home.
As fabulous as it was to hear Johnny play (and have a great visit after the concert), I keep shaking my head in disbelief at how well Tez and were treated by the staff at the dinner theatre. When we first arrived, I was struggling to get my air tank into our sitting area. The waitress/host suggested we sit in a seat closer with more room. When I explained that we did not want to take advantage of the few empty seats in case the clients arrived she assured us they would make it work and sat us down in prime seats. It was later in the night when she learned we were guests of Johnny.
The venue is marvelous in its seating design, lighting, and sound. Probably the best musical ambiance in the Valley – but it’s the staff that makes the place a real hit.
Tez and I will be heading back soon as we can find an excuse, which may not be long as Artistic Managing Director Randy Leslie and Executive Producer Nathan Flavel are celebrating the Studio’s 21st anniversary with a February 7 opening of Tootsie. That should be fun.
Other performances planned for this year include The Producers, Mamma Mia, and Matilda.
***
During the winter when space and mood provide HodgePodge will feature a restaurant or pub with great food or attractions. Which is exactly what Moxies is.
Tez and Moi have been getting tired of the same old dining spots and habits, especially with the negative impact COVID has had on restaurants. Finding a good chef and waiters has been very difficult. Only the last month or two are some facilities starting to increase their staff. Because of the limited staff there have also been limited menus.
Tez and I decided it was time to seek out new discoveries. During our searching we continually drove past restaurants we had not visited for a while. In frustration last week we decided to check out Moxies again after a couple of years.
What a wonderful surprise.
I must have been under a rock as I was not aware they had a complete make-over reno job. Inside the building is a bright, cheery, classy facility.
The wide open, white and glass interior is charming and equally matches a fine menu for a pub/restaurant. I had a difficult time choosing but was very happy with my cheeseburger. (I’m boring and limited with my no teeth and seafood allergies). Vegetarians will love Moxies as it has a number of dishes to choose from.
Make a point of cheeking out Moxies soon – you will be impressed.
***
Further fun HodgePodge plans include another out of the house monthly winter adventures – Beer Adventures with Brian. Same idea as Restaurant Research with Tez except, well, it’s beer with Brian. There are so many microbreweries in town I think it’s our duty to check them out and report back. See you soon.
***
Last week I hit an extra button and referred to my Masonic Lodge as 431 – its 41 for the official record keepers.
