Life

Celebrating the best and worst Victoria trends from our style files of 2009

Ginger Cilantro Sticky Rice, $14.25, at The Mint. My eating companion said it had been her best restaurant dish of the year.

What: Christmas in the Box Where: Metro Studio (1411 Quadra St. at Johnson Street) When: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20, $15 (tel. 250-216-5623) It's a pretty safe bet if Victoria's Heather Burns is involved, the show will go on.

Piano jazzman and smooth blues vocalist Michael Kaeshammer debuts with the Victoria Symphony on Saturday at the Royal Theatre. He will show off his own uniquely styled Christmas favourites and songs from his latest album Lovelight.

Recording live in studio gave the Quin twins' latest disc fresh energy

It makes sense for art therapists to train in an atmosphere of professional painters, sculptors, photographers, art historians and other creative people. Which is why the B.C.

Sweet potato fries are all the rage -- they're popping up on restaurant menus everywhere. And, while I was watching The Mentalist, a commercial popped up for McCain Sweet Potato Superfries. Frozen goodness that just needs a little oven time.

Eating frozen fish is more environmentally friendly, much of the time, than eating fresh fish. Frozen fish can be transported with less fuel. Fresh fish, to stay fresh, has to be flown using big-carbon-footprint planes.

IN CONCERT What: Victoria Symphony: Handel's Messiah When: Friday, Dec. 18, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. Where: Farquhar Auditorium (University Centre, University of Victoria). Tickets: $16 to $41.

THEATRE What: A Christmas Carol With Scott Hylands Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney When: Dec. 17 to 23 Tickets: $10 to $25 (tel.