February 04, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Professional & Spectator Sports
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For me, a large part of the fun of the Olympic Games will be experiencing the mish-mash of cultures all in one place. And where better to do this than at the various nation houses that are sprouting up everywhere?
Here’s what’s on my itinerary:
Holland Heineken House: It’s earned a reputation as “the place to party” from previous Games and I have no doubt it will be this year too. Sponsored by Heineken, this means an abundance of beer that fellow partygoers can drink among 4,000 people each night. Also live nightly music. Location: the Richmond O Zone, Richmond.
Jamaica Bobsleigh House: Ya Mon! Not only will you be able to eat Jamaican food, drink Jamaican beer and dance to reggae, but you can also hang with members from the original Cool Runnings team! How awesome is that? Location: Savage Beagle, Whistler.
House of Switzerland: Swiss chocolate and cheese anyone? These culinary staples will definitely be on hand at this nation house. Besides the food, I’m looking forward to seeing a giant chocolate Inukshuk (wait, does that count as food?). There will also be tons of daily giveaways – who doesn’t like free stuff!? Location: Granville Island.
BC Canada Pavilion: Where else can you zipline six-stories above the city, ice skate on an outdoor rink and gain entry to the fantastic Vancouver Art Gallery to see Leonardo DaVinci’s “Mechanics of Man” exhibit – all for free? I'm definitely going to be here! Location: corner of Howe and Robson.
Atlantic Canada House: Having never traveled to Canada’s east coast, I’ll be for sure making a stop at this provincial house. The food menu looks amazing (think lobster, mussels, wild boar) and the entertainment is sure to be interesting - if only because I’ll be trying to decipher those Newfie and Nova Scotian accents! Location: Granville Island.
Casa Italia: When I think of Italy, I think of good food and wine – and this pavilion promises both. Rumour has it there will also be cooking shows with Italian chefs as well as high fashion shows. Location: Roundhouse Community Centre, Yaletown.
February 04, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Dining
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Because writing about Granville Street’s nightlife seems wrong without covering the best post-bar snack places. And let’s face it: nobody (unless those with great will power) is going home without something to dig into after a night out.
The DogFather: I love The Dogfather. Not only for its name, but for the humungous chili cheese dogs that warm my tummy at 2 in the morning.
Fritz European Fry House: More Quebecois than European, the poutine here is an indulgent and positively delicious snack before bed. With variations like Italian Poutine and Chicken Poutine and endless dip options (mango curry chutney, anyone?) you can’t go wrong. I like to think of it as a reward for dancing away all those calories!
Megabite Pizza/Romano’s Pizza/Numero Uno: Or any other dollar-slice pizza joint for that matter. There are plenty of places around here that serve this staple (and cost-friendly) post-bar snack.
Other places: Tsui Hang’s – sweet and sour pork and chicken chow mein at 5 am? Yes please. Then there’s Babylon Cafe for delicious Middle Eastern falafels (which I like to think of as a healthy alternative) and Kuroshio Sushi where you can get late-night sushi (including a sushi burrito I have yet to try) at cheap prices.
Locations: The DogFather, 700 Nelson St; Fritz European Fry House, 718 Davie St; Tsui Hang's, 1193 Granville St; Babylon Café, 716 Robson St; Kuroshio Sushi, 1011 Granville St.
February 04, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Dining
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The Granville Entertainment District, a five block stretch of Granville St. (between Drake St and Robson St), is crammed with bars and pubs that attract partyers pretty much every night of the week.
How do I know this? Well, not only have I had my fair share of night outs here but I also happen to live close by so I can hear (far too often) the sounds of these late-night partyers.
Reasons to go:1. The choice: there are bars, lounges, clubs, concert venues and restaurants for almost everyone. And since they’re sandwiched close together, you can easily bar-hop.
2. The streets are closed to vehicle traffic after 7pm (on weekends and during summers) ensuring it’s pedestrian-friendly.
3. There are numerous post-bar snack places that offer a greasy piece of pizza or a hotdog. A must.
My favorites:The Roxy: It’s been around for awhile and still it’s a Vancouver favourite. This includes our beloved Canucks who often enjoy a post-hockey game celebration here. What’s good? Live music and theme nights. What’s not? Long line-ups.
El Furniture Warehouse: No, it’s not a furniture store. This hole-in-the-wall kinda of bar is endearingly laid back. My favorite part though? Nothing on the menus is over $4.95. Seriously.
Other notables: Doolin’s Irish Pub for pints of Guinness; Whineo’s for a great selection of wine and appies; The Yale Hotel for live jazz music; and Sip Lounge where every food item incorporates alcohol.
Locations: The Roxy, 932 Granville St; El Furniture Warehouse, 989 Granville St; Doolins, 654 Nelson St; Whineo’s, 1017 Granville St; The Yale, 1300 Granville St; Sip Lounge, 1117 Granville St.