Urban Mixer Blog

If you want to know who has the corner on Thai food in Vancouver, go no further than Desmond Chen.

He and his father (Patrick) own Charm Modern Thai, Thai House Restaurant, Chili House Thai Bistro, Urban Thai Bistro and Samba Brazillian Steakhouse.

Don’t ask me how the Brazillian place fits in… other than the fact that it’s, well… Brazilliant.

To the point of this story, on Monday, November 23rd, young Mr. Chen (Desmond) opened the doors of their newest property, Charm, to celebrate the restaurant passing the one year mark of being open, and to celebrate his birthday. The festivities included lots to eat, lots to drink, and a crowd that was nothing short of charming.

Charm Modern Thai is located at 1269 Hamilton Street only a couple doors down from Society. Check out their website, HERE. Oh, and happy birthday, Mr. Chen.

On Wednesday, May 6th, Emad Yacoub and Shannon Bosa Yacoub opened the doors of Coast in Yaletown for a fundraiser titled ‘All the Right Reasons,’ benefitting Lundin for Africa and imagine1day.

Guests were initially greeted by papparazzi and runway reporters played by members of Vancouver’s Theatresports Company and then were whisked into the restaurant to be immersed in the sights and sounds of Africa.

Lundin for Africa (LFA) is a philanthropic organization headed by Lukas Lundin.  Lundin’s organization has pledged $100 million dollars to the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative.

imagine1day was founded in 2007 by Lululemon’s Chip and Shannon Wilson with the goal of enabling all children in Ethiopia to complete quality primary education by 2020.

In 2008, LFA partnered with imagine1day in support of one of imagine1day’s education and livelihood improvement projects in Ethiopia. The inagural “All the Right Reasons” serves as both a fundraiser and an opportunity to create awareness amongst hundreds of Vancouver’s most influential business people – Frank Giustra, Praveen Varshney, Jacqui Cohen, Chip Wilson, Shannon Wilson, David Aisenstat and hundreds of others included.

At last discussion on the night of the event, organizer Sarah Jamieson is quoted to have said that the event had raised over $200,000 before the doors had even opened. Given that there were plenty of opportunities for guests to pledge their support as well as make silent donations, we’re sure that number will move up quickly.

As for the hosts of the event, Coast put on a fantastic show – providing a seafood spread unlike any other, non-stop cocktails, sumptuous vino, killer canapés and dessert to die for.

Find out more about All the Right Reasons on their website, HERE.

On the first Monday of every month, the business networkers from BNI’s Big Tsunami gather at various locations for their monthly social.

On Monday, May 4th, the group, which typically meets weekly in the wee hours of the morning with the sole purpose of exchanging business leads with one and other, came together at Capones in Yaletown to meet, drink and greet but to also break bread, share drinks and listen to live music. Part of the musical lineup for the evening included a performance by Los Furios of which BNI Member Corinne Kessel is also a band member.

To find out more about Los Furios, check out their MySpace page, HERE. To find out more about the Big Tsunami BNI Group, check out their website, HERE.