Master Chef Canada season two winner David Jorge and season three semi-finalist Matthew Astorga are inviting fans of the popular TV show to join them Sunday evening, for some fine food and some television time at S+L Kitchen & Bar.
Jorge, who joined the Joseph Richard Group (owners of S+L) last fall as the corporate chef, will be dividing his time between cooking, visiting with customers, and watching the Master Chef Canada semi-finals unfold on the big screen, alongside his new-found friend Astorga, a 25-year-old from Pitt Meadows who made it into the top three and semi-finals of this competition.
“It’s down to the wire… I’m excited. I will be watching it unfold, with everybody,” Astorga said of Sunday’s event at S+L. It kicks off with an informal meet-and-greet at 5 p.m. and viewing at 6 p.m.
“This Sunday is celebrating the accomplishment of being so far into the competition… and watching my journey as I fight for the finals,” he said, grateful to so many who have been coming out each Sunday to S+L to watch the show with him, and those who have reached out to him.
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PHOTO: Langley’s Logan Cruthers devoured wood-fired pizza at the inaugural Food Truck Festival at Douglas Park Saturday. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance)
Food abounds
Speaking of food, it was a bit of a new environment for commerce, as Douglas Park was turned into a mini-mall of sorts for food vendors Saturday.
I’m talking the inaugural Food Truck Festival, and according to all those devouring all the different foods, soaking up sunshine, and taking in the festival type atmosphere, it was a success they’d like to see repeated.
I would love to hear about your food truck favourite!
PHOTO: Raphael Barsch makes Slavic Rolls (kurtos) in his food truck and was at the Fraser Valley Food Truck Festival in Langley City. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance)
Biking for fun
There’s also some fun unfolding this Saturday, in downtown Aldergrove.
Aldergrove Business Association and Cranky’s Bike Shop are joining forces again to host the sixth annual Aldergrove Bike Jam.
This year’s festivities include events for younger riders, BMX competitions, pro-riding demos, and other bike events. And in addition to the bike and scooter action, it will also feature prizes and free food.
The festivities are being held at Aldergrove Athletic Park, running from noon to 3 p.m.
Chamber pushes transportation in B.C.
The need for innovative approaches to solving the Lower Mainland and province’s transportation’s woes was a clear and unanimous message that came out of the BC Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting in Kelowna recently.
And the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce had delegates there, pushing the issue.
The chambers were unified in their stance, and putting forward a series of recommended resolutions to the provincial government:
1. Commit to funding transportation infrastructure investment and implementing policies that are equitable, efficient, and contains basic traffic demand management principles;
2. Make as a prerequisite of these visions the need for investment in public transit to provide viable alternatives to single passenger vehicle travel; and
3. Commit to implementing a road pricing model as a foundation for sustainable transportation funding, including repealing the current tolling policy.
4. Review the financial impacts of implementing the urban road pricing model with the objective of eventually replacing the gas tax as a means to generate necessary public support.
“The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce took the leadership role in preparing the policy and recommendations with the support and co-sponsorship of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the Surrey Board of Trade,” said chamber president Scott Johnston.
“Transportation is a key regional issue in all B.C. urban centres” Johnston said, “and we hope the example of cooperation we set with our partner Chambers will encourage our Municipal Councils and the provincial government to follow our lead.”
The full policy can be viewed on the chamber website at http://www.langleychamber.com/pages/AdvocacyUpdates
Learning over lunch
Speaking of chamber happenings, this business advocacy and networking organization is hosting its next monthly lunch-and-learn session on Wednesday, June 15.
It’s held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the chamber office’s boardroom, #207-8047 199th St.). But networking starts at 11:30 a.m., for those who want to come early.
This month, Miles Clyne and Matt Redshaw will talk about the five things people need to know to retire early.
Not in the cards for me, short of winning the lottery. But there are still hopes for many others and these guys might have valuable insight to offer.
As they say, dream big, work hard, retire young.
That’s what most of us aspire to do, but increasingly, people are having to work past their 60s and 70s. In this workshop, folks will learn about the challenges people face when working to retire early, and five key tips to help them get their favourite spot on the beach as quickly as possible after having left a legacy in their career.
The cost is $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members, and pre-registration is required by calling 604-371-3770 or emailing info@langleychamber.com.
PHOTO: Lots of people stopped by the Fraser Valley Food Truck Festival eateries and artisan booths. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance)