Thursday, November 8, 2012

Vancouver and Southbound....

The cactus leaves around here don't change color much in the fall. But... they do change colors in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Hubby and I headed north for a lovely 4-day visit to Vancouver and then a 4-night cruise aboard Holland America south to San Diego. Our friends were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and we joined them for a terrific week.

Flying to Vancouver was super easy aboard the in-town airline, USAirways. We love Southwest, but they don't fly to Vancouver. Left Phoenix at 95 degrees and arrived in Vancouver to rain-rain-rain. It was chilly and a bit dreary when we landed, but who cares... it was chilly!!! We stayed at the Sheraton Wall Centre on Burrard Street which was centrally located to everywhere we wanted to visit. Vancouver is a very cosmopolitan city and very walkable as well. Take a peek at the fall colors.



After checking in to our hotel, we headed out to Johnnie Fox's Irish Snug. This little bit of a pub was warm and cozy with a big table in back for our party of eight. Lots of beers to choose from and super-friendly service. We sampled shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, colcannon, poutine, and mini yorkshire puddings (yorkies!) Great food for a little Irish pub. Check them out @ 1033 Granville in the downtown area of Vancouver. Their website has more info at www.johnniefox.ca.

Day Two - bright and early, Jeff and I headed out for a morning walk to Stanley Park. This immense city park sits on 5 miles of shoreline and encompasses not only a beach walk, but a riparian area, rose garden, flocks of Canadian Geese, totem poles, and groves of coastal redwoods too. The hiking trails are marvelous and though it was raining, the canopy kept us dry. There's a nice little Teahouse out on the shoreline, but it wasn't open when we passed. Maybe next time.





We stopped into a place called Miura Waffle & Milk Bar for brunch. This teeny little place serves waffle sandwiches (savory or sweet) and a variety of flavored milks. So interesting and pretty flavorful. We shared an omelette waffle sandwich and a caramel banana waffle sandwich. I haven't ever had anything remotely like this and would definately try making these at home in the future. Who thinks up this stuff?? Miura is @ 829 Davie Street near Hornby in downtown Vancouver.



 
Great dinner this evening too at a place called Zeffirelli's Italian. The ambience upon entering was lovely with low lights and candles, very intimate. The smells from the open kitchen were absolutely heavenly - fresh bread and grilled meats. Our server, Gail, made us feel welcome right away serving from a pretty decent wine list. From the fresh-baked bread through the olives and pesto, to the rib-eye steak and fresh salmon, and the creamy mushroom risotto - we were so pleased. But... the lemon tart was to die for. Really, you should take the time to visit them at 1136 Robson Street, also in the heart of downtown Vancouver. And check out their offerings at www.zeffirelli.com too.

Next morning we rented a car and drove to the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. It may feel a bit touristy, but I have long wanted to conquer my fears of heights and bridges and traipse across this bridge. And traipse I did! We also skipped amidst the giant trees on their canopy walk, and hugged the cliff of the new (and architecturally sound) cliff walk. The weather in October is really perfect for getting out and about and the towering trees were truly beautiful. Great morning adventure for sure. This website www.capbridge.com will give you all the particulars.

 


 

 
Do you ever watch Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network? Well, we do. Guy Fieri visited The Tomahawk BBQ in North Vancouver and we did too. Great little place smack in the middle of a neighborhood. Houses all around and we missed it driving by the first time. It's an easy drive, just a few miles away from Capilano. The decor is traditional First Nations with sculptures, paintings, weapons, and more all around the little place. Lots of burgers to choose from with toppings like fried eggs, wieners, and all the usual trimmings. Really tasty stuff all around. The yam fries were crispy and sweet, but the banana cream pie turned our heads and filled our tummies. We chatted with the owner and he shared a picture of the place when his folks opened it over 85 years ago. What a gem! Check them out at www.tomahawkrestaurant.com. No pics here though, sacred stuff inside.
 
 
Our last good meal was probably the best of the entire visit. It's a warm and inviting little place in Yaletown called The Flying Pig. Luscious scents of garlic and pork as we entered with hungry bellies at lunchtime. We were greeted warmly and started with a few local beers. The amber from Granville Brewing was the perfect complement to my three-pea soup, garlic cheese toast, and crispy brussel sprouts. Jeff's poutine was unbelievable with crispy french fries, creamy cheese curds, pulled pork and gravy all over the place. Did I mention that it was DELICIOUS?? Fly on over to The Flying Pig located @ 1168 Hamilton. Their website can be found at www.theflyingpigvan.com.
 
 
 
We boarded the Holland America Zaandam in Vancouver for a quick 4-night cruise to San Diego. Thesmaller Zaandam is beautifully decorated with a musical theme throughout. Autographed guitars, a saxophone previously owned by former president, Bill Clinton, and antique pianos combine with an old-fashioned pipe organ and coordinating musically-themed fabrics. I really enjoyed the size of this ship as it was quite easy to navigate and familiarize myself early on. Our cabin was an ocean-view (no balcony) and was quite large with tons of cabinet space and four closets. If I were taking a long cruise, this cabin would be ideal.
 

 
 
Staff was gracious and helpful for the most part and the few bars on board were staffed with friendly bartenders. The food was really hit and miss on this little cruise though in the dining room. The Pinnacle Grill was stupendous however and we dined near the head of the Hotel staff which ensured terrific service I think.

 
We visited only one port, Victoria, for a few morning hours. Victoria is such a pretty city with flowers everywhere. We walked to the Craigdarroch Castle from the port. It was about an hour's walk and we thoroughly enjoyed both the walk and the visit to this 4-story marvel.This place was built in 1890 for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and his family. Great history and local lore surround this place. I highly recommend a visit.  Craigdarroch Castle is located at 1050 Joan Crescent in Victoria and their website with lots more info is www.thecastle.ca.
 
 
The ocean was pretty calm sailing from Victoria to San Diego and the days passed very quickly. I would sail Holland America again, and I would sail the Zaandam again. But... I wouldn't sail a 4-day with them as we feel they treated this portion of the cruise as a toss-away. If it were your first time cruising you might not notice, but we noticed little things that made us wonder. We overheard staff saying things like, "it's only a 4-day" or "just wait till the next trip, it's longer." Pay attention HAL! Their website can be found at www.hollandamerica.com.
 
Until next time my friends....
:) Deb