The Best of BC: Blue Fin Sushi Bar
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY: what it takes to live and work in the north.
I started going to the Blue Fin in Smithers, BC, a few years ago to see a local band play at one of the open mic nights. It was one of the rare occasions when I was able to get out of the house by myself and let my wife care for our son. It was a lot of fun to sit down for something to eat, and enjoy the atmosphere and music with a glass of wine. Having my camera with me was always a good way to start up conversations and build relationships with a number of different people. The staff is always very friendly and as the years have passed it's been fun to get to know some of them a little better. Recently my 10-year-old son has been expressing an interest in sushi, and so that has been fun too, to go out for an occasional meal and spend some quality time together in a uniquely fun environment.
What is the nature of your business?
BF: We are a fully licensed Sushi bar. We serve Japanese cuisine infused with a North American flair. The Blue Fin uses many sauces and ingredients that are not usually found in traditional cuisine.
How long have you been established in Smithers?
BF: The Blue Fin opened it's doors on December 20, 2003. We were originally located on Hwy 16, between 7-11 and Greyhound, and our seating capacity was 25. On February 14, 2007, we relocated to 1232 Main Street and doubled our seating capacity.
What do you enjoy about living in the Bulkley Valley?
BF: I love living in the Bulkley Valley because of the people and because it is a safe place to be. The people in Smithers are friendly, warm and caring. It's nice to walk down the street where people smile and say hello.
Smithers is a very community-minded town. How do you see your business fitting into that way of life?
BF: The Blue Fin has regular open/mic nights which provides a venue for local musicians to showcase their musical talent.
What is the most fulfilling thing about the type of work that you do?
BF: I'm a very social person, so I enjoy seeing and talking to my customers. I've also enjoyed watching some of the regulars at open/mic night and how their musical talent has improved.
How would you convince someone to either move to or start a business in Smithers?
BF: It is an amazingly beautiful place to live where outdoor enthusiasts will never be bored and nature lovers will have plenty of places to explore. It is a thriving town with friendly people and unique boutiques.
You can find us online at: http://bluefinsushibar.ca/
More Best of BC:
The Best of BC: Two Sisters Cafe
The Best of BC: RAYZ Boardshop
The Best of BC: Hetherington and Hooper
Curtis Cunningham, the Northern BC Editor for Wandering Educators, grew up around photographs and fondly remembers spending time with his maternal grandfather looking through his slides. Cameras always seemed to be a part of his life, a fact that can be attested to by the volumes of photograph albums his mother has.
Photography became more serious when his mom bought him a Canon Rebel SLR to take with him when he went to China in 1994 to teach English. After classes he enjoyed walking for hours; photographing all the while. It was good preparation for his current love of exploration.
He started his photography business in 2004 in Abbotsford, BC, and then relocated it to Smithers, BC when he and his family moved there in 2007. He does a wide range of photography, from commercial jobs and passports to family portraits and sport. He loves shooting from a helicopter when the opportunity presents itself, and is especially passionate about the abstract and artistic.
He is a firm believer in the notion that there is beauty everywhere if one takes the time to stop and look for it. The tagline for his business expresses that succinctly: turning ordinary life into extraordinary art.
Visit his website at www.photistry.com.
All photos courtesy and copyright Curtis Cunningham
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