Wednesday, August 15, 2012

D&D live at the RIO






A few months ago, (and every month since) Bry-man and I had a nice date night break to alleviate my major project deluge and took to the Broadway and Commercial area for dinner and a show.

Dinner needed to be nearby the Rio theatre (our entertainment venue for the eve) so we headed to St. Augustine's pub .... This isn't just ANY pub! It boasts 40-odd craft beers scrolling on a large screen TV, displaying how much of each keg is left. So you know before you order if your choice is available.
 

They have the most impressive selection of IPA's that I've ever seen on tap (with Toronado's in San Fran, the title holder) and most of them, if not all, were from the west coast. Bryan and I dove in. I had a light, jasmine-infused beauty from Seattle first and a second from Oregon that claimed to have all sorts of flower and spice essences, but yielded a standard but delicious IPA flavor.

They have some pretty incredible nachos (but Bryan's are better) which we elected to add the pulled pork to. Damn fine choice, and I can't believe we finished them!

Spitz takes it in the face--AGAIN!
At 7 we headed to the Rio Theatre to enjoy a D&D live improv event called the Critical Hit Show. Joanna Gaskell (Edda the Barbarian) from Standard Action was present, along with her co-stars "the players", namely: Shaun Stewart (Thrask Hellbeard), Allen Morrsion (Spitz Lube'n), Ian Boothby (Benoit the Anointed), Lauren McGibbon (Grima Windwords) and the DM: Eric Fell. Each played out a D&D character armed with toy weapon and power reference cards.

The show was interactive, and audience members were brought up to play the villains! It was a hilarious night, and is fun for anyone that does or has ever play D&D.Though haters be warned, they play 4th Edition. I could easily see this becoming a dress up event as popularity grows!

The Rio is licensed and offers wine, beer and some cocktails! Some decent beer selection too! Local Granville Island selections and Red Racer were available.

Be sure to check out the next Critical Hit Show, happening the last Wednesday of the month. Good fun for $8 bucks!