July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
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It was the last night of my brother and families vacation and we were trying to decide where to take them for their last meal. Metro Vancouver residents are spoiled with so many amazing restaurants, not just from the freshness and quality of the food but also from the variety of styles. I would make suggestion after suggestion to my wife but it wasn't until I mentioned Hapa Izakaya that her face lit up with excitement. It seemed that we had chosen somewhere to go.
Hapa is not just another Asian restaurant, the food is spectacular, the staff are a great balance of professional and friendly and the atmosphere is open but private at the same time. We visited the Robson Street location where the interior is dark, dimly light and has a mixture of seating arrangements, from a traditional round table where you remove your shoes to more western style seating.
Traditionally Izakaya bars are where business men gather after work in Japan. They are never advertised and people are invited by another to join them. The bars themselves are not located on high streets, but are 'hidden' down a street alley, down a flight of stairs and through an unmarked door. Offering up a balance of food, music, and a space to bond with your guests.
When the owner of Hapa Justin Ault and wife decided to bring the concept of the Izakaya to Vancouver they were faced with an interesting challenge of promoting the concept of the Izakaya in a Western landscape. Firstly, you will notice that the sign outside of the restaurant is minimal. Secondly, on opening night of the
restaurant friends and influencers in the city were invited to enjoy the food and experience Hapa. After the guests were informed that their meal was 'on the house' they were asked if they enjoyed their experience that evening, that if they recommended Hapa to a friend then for the next two weeks they would also be offered a complimentary meal. In summary, they spent their marketing dollars offering food rather than more traditional advertising methods that would be expected in Western culture. It is brilliant marketing method. Obviously, word spread like wild fire throughout the city and Hapa has been busy ever since.
Everyone I talk to who has eaten at Hapa seem to have their favourites. Only a certain amount of the menu is permanent the rest changes year round, often depending which fish has been freshly caught that day. My favourite is the Ebi Mayo, deep fried shrimp, tossed in a spicy mayonnaise sauce (to die for), it is rare that we don't order more than one serving.
Not really a place where you take the kids, more of a setting for a romantic dinner with a loved one, or a gathering for friends who enjoy Japanese food but want something a little more special than a 'sushi' restaurant.
Visit the restaurant at 1479 Robson Street or in Kitsilano 1516 Yew Street (right next to the beach).
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
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In summary of the following post, may I say, 'Yummmmmmmmm'.
I originally heard of “Qoola” on my quest to find lactose free yogurt.
The owner said in response to an earlier blog post "We are the only
frozen yogurt establishment in Vancouver (that we know of) that can
display the Live and Active Cultures seal, signifying that our
product does contain at least 10 million helpful bacteria per gram.
Our own yogurt contains well over 100 million per gram. Thus, the
more bacteria, hopefully the greater the likelihood that people that
are lactose intolerant will be able to enjoy our products".
Whilst my brother and his family were visiting we decided to finish
off our night with a trip to Qoola. I was very excited to try the
yogurt for the first time and to hopefully not be effected. I was
impressed by the interior of the establishment. It was modern, clean
and we were welcomed by friendly staff. Even when I was being
indecisive about which of the many topping extras I wanted and I was
holding up the line, the staff didn't make me rush and they were very
accommodating. I also quizzed them about the yogurt and myself being
lactose intolerant and they were very knowledgeable and helpful.
My initial reaction was that the cost was a little on the high side,
but when you consider it is next to English Bay, it is a treat and
personally for myself I can actually enjoy yogurt it was well worth
the price.
Cold treats are good any time of the year, but especially on a hot
summers day, so go treat your self this summer at Qoola Yogurt + Fruit.
Qoola Yogurt + Fruit is located at 1116 Denman St in English Bay
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
North Vancouver, Dining
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I’m a Yorkshire lad (pronounced York–sha) born and bred. Grew up eating scotch eggs and lard sarnies with crisps (chips) for Saturday (pronounced Sat-day) tea (evening meal).
So when I learned there was a British Butcher in town selling delights of my culinary childhood I was excited to visit.
The shop is located in North Vancouver (703 Queensbury Ave), a little off the beaten track, but is easy to find if you have a map. As soon as I walked in I noticed that it sells lots of meat products, pies as well as condiments and sweets (candy) from the mother land.
I was like a little kid who had been transported to their English youth. They sold Hula Hoops, which are crisps in the shape of a band (like a wedding band) that you put on all your fingers and then bit them off. They sell English Mustard, like no other in the world. If you like wassabi you MUST try this, it’s amazing (my mum always brings me a jar from England when visiting).
They sell 36 different varieties of sausages. It was difficult to choose but I decided to be patriotic and buy the Yorkshire variety.
Then there was why I went, I had a craving for a Scotch egg. Put simply, imagine a circular lump of cooked sausage meet with a hard boiled egg in the middle, covered in bread crumbs, this is a Scotch egg. It was absolutely amazing. Great flavour and consistency, good quality meat, and was big enough for a small meal.
The one thing you realize when you visit the shop is how great the quality is of the products. On the website they say “we have found that it is not worth cutting corners to meet the demand as our customers have come to expect a high quality product”.
The website could do with a wee polish, but the food is first rate. Go there and spend lots and eat lots and then tell me how great it was.
June 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Squamish, Museums
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The West Coast Railway Heritage Park is situated in Squamish, between Vancouver and Whistler.
It is a great half day visit with activities for the whole family.
You can ride the 3km miniature railway, climb inside old trains or
enjoy one of the many historical displays (it has the only restored
Railway Post Office car in Canada).
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
The video is coverage of the recent 'car free day'.
Commercial Drive is great to visit any day of the week. If asked to describe the vibe on the Drive I would say it is a mix of the city, mixed with the hippie easy going life and Italy.
Catch the Skytrain to Commercial Drive station or Broadway station and walk all the way to Venables street (about 1 mile from either station). Along the way experience over 400 businesses, most being owner operated.
If you are looking for a modern shopping excursion I would suggest to stay downtown. The Drive offers you the best coffee in the world served at Café Calibria (run by three sons and their father). Amazing food choices (Stellas and Havanas are always a good choice) to a few good greasy spoon cafes serving up a full breakfast for a very affordable price. Then there are local clothing shops (new and used), organic food shops, a large park often offering free live events, lots of coffee shops, one of the best independent magazine shops in the city, and alot more.
Commercial Drive is the right combination of new shops mixed with businesses that have been around for many years. It is a mix of good family values, quality, and a warm hearted feeling of inclusion.
Enjoy a good day exploring the Drive.
June 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Shopping
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Recently, when reading the introduction to Gordon Ramsay’s latest cook book, “Cooking For Friends”, he mentioned something that caught my attention. His young children save a portion of their allowance to spend on food from their local farmer’s market. He also said that they not only enjoy the rich organic food more but it also teaches them to value the food they eat.
Support the Vancouver’s farmers markets and enjoy the rich taste experience of locally grown ‘natural’ foods normally picked inside of 24 hours. The market is for people who love fresh food in a festive gathering and among a like-minded community.
Explore different markets in Vancouver. Go for a wander around the neighbourhood and be a tourist in your own back yard. For example, as the name suggests the “
Trout Lake Farmer's Market” is set to the back drop of Trout Lake located within John Hendry park. The Trout Lake Community Centre offers an indoor skating rink, fitness centre, preschool, youth centre, sauna, whirlpool, pottery studio. playground, gym and a games room. The ice rink is currently closed for a beautiful renovation. If you like architecture this is well worth the visit.
The Trout Lake market is open from 9am - 2pm each week. From May 16 - October 10. It is located at 15th Avenue & Victoria Drive in the Parking Lot of Trout Lake Community Centre.
June 17, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burnaby, Skiing & Snowboarding
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Whether you live in Metro Vancouver or are on vacation, sometimes you or your kids may need a break so why not hit a skate park? Metro skate park is one of the best. Located within a five minute walk from Metrotown Skytrain and bus station, the skate park is convenient to get to.
The park offers three main zones, Metro Square, Bonsor Pipeline and Dogleg Bowl.
The mission of the park's designers was to create a well rounded youth park that serves all abilities, includes young girls and integrates well with the site. I often walk by the Skate Park and from what I can see the original mission is definitely being met.
For more information visit the City of Burnaby's website.
June 17, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burnaby, Parks
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Just East of Metrotown, in Burnaby, is an area called Edmonds. All Edmonds used to have going for it was the very large Value Village (a fantastic used clothing and houseware store) and a few great restaurants.
A few years ago the locally owned Choices Market opened a small store in Edmonds. It is located in a small complex of well designed high rise apartment buildings which is offset by the natural setting of trees and a local park. Situated just behind Edmonds Skytain station, it is a great place to stop and enjoy a beverage on the patio, or grab a juice on a hot day and relax in the Byrne Creek Ravine Park.
June 17, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burnaby, Parks
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Central park is nestled in between busy streets and a busy neighbourhood. Whether you are traveling by car or the Skytrain it is very easy to pass by the park without really knowing it is there. It isn't until you start to explore one of the many well marked trails that you discover how grand the park actually is. You'll be amazed by the immense trees in the park as well as the many attractions. There is a recently renovated kids play area (which is fantastic), tennis courts, ball diamond, horseshoe pitches, picnic sites and a fitness circuit around the park.
On top of all that there is Burnaby's largest and most popular outdoor pool, open between May 25 and September 7.
The park is home home to the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team with it's Swangard Stadium located in the park.
Everytime I go to Central park I seem to discover something new. Whether you go for an hour or the whole day, Central park will be fun and relaxing at the same time, a great escape from the busy city.
June 17, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burnaby, Shopping
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Everyone likes to shop, even on vacation. Maybe you forgot your bathing suit or just want to treat yourself to something nice (you are on holiday after all). If spending $400 on a dress is not for you then avoid Robson Street and head to Metropolis at Metrotown.
With 450 shops, Metropolis is BC's largest shopping mall. There is something for everyone. You will not have any problems finding what you are looking for.
Although Metrotown is the area where the Metropolis Mall is, most people just refer to the mall as Metrotown.
There are year round activities in the Grand Court of the mall, ranging from a giant rocking horse at Christmas to pop and rock idol competitions. Currently there is a dinosaur exhibition titled "Dinosaurs unearthed".
You could spend all day in this mall. Shop in the morning. Have lunch in the newly renovated food court which serves up an array of food from the usual delicious fried options to more healthy options (“Garden Fresh” is my wife’s favourite). Shop some more in the afternoon. Then check out a movie at Burnaby's largest theatre.
Open to 9pm every night except Sunday (6pm). There is plenty of free parking, Skytrain to/from Downtown and a bus station serving the suburbs.
Even if you live in Metro Vancouver and have never been to Metropolis at Metrotown then come and visit and treat yourself to something fun (I am sure you deserve it).