July 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Biking
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Connecting downtown Vancouver to Surrey is the convenient Skytrain. Following underneath the Skytrain for the majority of this journey is the 7-11 bike path. Starting at Science World it goes all the way to Richmond. On the way, you will pass Commercial Drive (home to great yearly events like the
Car Free Festival), as well as Trout Lake which hosts one of Vancouver’s
Farmers Markets. You will pass through
Central Park in Burnaby which is a great break from the traffic. Stop off at
Metrotown for a spot of light shopping. Or, rest with a coffee and a small treat at Choices Market In The Park at
Edmonds.
Even though the majority of the 7-11 pathways are on trails there are a few spots where you will be on the road. A helmet will give you extra reassurance that you are safe and is mandatory under BC law.
From Science World to Metrotown there are a few good sharp hills. They are not too bad, if you get tired, step off and walk your bike up. If you are anti-hills, Skytrain out to Metrotown (as it is at the highest point) and bike towards downtown, the ride is very easy and enjoyable. Bikes can be taken on the Skytrain any time except from 7-9am and 4-6pm Monday to Friday.
So, get on your bike, enjoy the summer sun and explore beautiful Metro Vancouver.
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Richmond, Farms & Markets
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The lower mainland is infamous for the variety of cultures that reside here. It is one thing I love about Metro Vancouver. I heard of of the Richmond Night Market years ago and had never gone, until last week when a friend invited me. I jumped at the opportunity.
Now in its seventh summer, the market is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from the end of May to the beginning of September.
The official website states, "It's a festival, a carnival, a celebration of food, culture and adventure. The Richmond Night Market is a dazzling summer event that captures the hearts and imaginations of millions of visitors of all ages. The sheer splendour of the site has a magnetic quality, a vast space teeming with visitors, 400 vendors selling extraordinary fabrics, decorations, trinkets, toys and richly aromatic foods, and entertainers romancing audiences with cultural performances from Asian and Western traditions."
Not sure I would describe my experience of the night market as a carnival, but if you love Asian food like I do then it is well worth the visit. It is tempting to fill up on food from the first few vendors (as you are greeted with delightful smells and interesting foods) but take your time to explore as there are many different food vendors to choose from.
The non food vendors tend to lean more towards being a little 'tacky' but we bought some fun sunglasses from one of the many sunglasses vendors.
One of the main attractions is the main stage where many young Asian dance groups entertained the screaming adoring audience. These were amateur dance groups but we were rather impressed with their
choreographed performances and their hard work they had obviously put into their practicing.
We left that evening with a full stomach of delicious food, some fun sunglasses and a great evening doing something completely different.
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.