by Joy Metcalfe
(click images to enlarge)

A UNIQUE TITLE FOR A LONGTIME FAVOURITE

**Rob Eller, director of ambience at the Farimont.**

Fairmont Hotels always have been just a step ahead of the crowded hotel industry in our part of the world and their newest innovation is quite unique!

They have just introduced a newly created position and title. The new director is talented Rob Eller, a tuneful singer-guitarist who has been entertaining audiences across North America for the past 35 years.

Rob has been a mainstay in the hotel's Lobby Lounge since 2012 and has just extended his musical influence throughout the entire hotel. And with this upgrade in his service, he has just been named as the hotel's first ever Director of Ambiance. What a great title!

My heartiest congratulations, Rob! Can't wait to come by, to relax in the sounds of your "from the heart" live music....

CELEBRATING BODEGA ON MAIN

Quite the jam-packed celebration at a colourful restaurant on Main Street called Bodega on Main.

It is the pride and joy of one Hector Modena. His Bodega on Main was marking the 10th anniversary of his popular restaurant and the fact that he is a 2025 B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame inductee. His broad smile could have lit up the night.

Spotted such Bodega devotees as Daniel and Susan Gomez enjoying the evening. Susan, who is now retired, is the former general manager at Pan Pacific Hotel, as well as being a top-notch singer and dancer. She had recently undergone surgery on her leg and is recovering well. Her smile says it all.

Also on hand were restaurateur John Blakeley and his wife Annette Goliath, who happens to be the wine rep for Andrew Peller Wines. John is Chez Pastis's John Blakeley (ex-Bishop’s) who was at the packed restaurant to honour his buddy, Hector, who had recently won the Best Front of House Award.

**Tessa and Giovanna welcomed the guests at Bodega.**

Spotted busy James Gordon of “The Travel Guys” and his popular TV show, “Our City Tonight”, while handsome and hungry guest Jon Strom wished he'd brought his guitar along to add to the celebration of Hector's 10-year anniversary.

Two very busy servers, Tessa and Giovanna, were also charming hostesses, welcoming the many guests to their seats.

The evening was orchestrated by public relations expert, Danica Jeffries of Dvinewrites, over on Vancouver Island. She could not have been happier with the party and with the host of friends celebrating...

A FOND FAREWELL

Speaking of Susan Gomez, she was one of the many guests at the Pan Pacific for the gathering of family and friends of the hotel's late G.M. Steve Halliday. Former hotelier and close friend Michael Kaile was an ideal emcee.

**Michael kaile hosted the tribute to steve halliday.**

Many of the attendees like George Bartel recalled the happy days of Steve's tenure. Especially the time when Steve and publicist Tom Butler, in full morning coat attire, took a collared B.C. beaver down the streets of New York, garnering tons of attention from the TV stations and the daily press.

Or when he had several of Vancouver's top golfers taking shots from the very top of the hotel into the ocean. Or when, in proper riding attire of 1920's, he rode a bicycle built for two with the young great-granddaughter of Vancouver's first mayor. While Tom Butler may have been the idea man, the likable Steve became the much-praised hotelier of the year.

My condolences to his two lovely daughters.

CELEBRATING ITALIAN DESIGN …

It's that time again! The Italian Chamber of Commerce has once again organized the Italian Design Week whose theme this year is "Earth: Celebrating Italian Design Shaped by Land, Culture, and Craft”.

**Among the many fashionable guests at the italian design week launch.**

The week-long event was opened officially at the Museum of Vancouver by Dr. Luana Carcana of the Beedie School of Business, who spoke on "Made in Italy", highlighting a series the celebration’s nightly events, including runway modelling, seminars, and trade shows, as well as a stunning fashion show at Vetrina Moda where owner Rachael Kapsalis turned heads dressed in a gorgeous Elizabeth Franchi gown.

The closing night gala was at the Michelin-recommended Acquafarina Restaurant. Tell you all about that next time ...

Happy November!