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Published: April 14th 2009
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Tim Horton's
aka Canadian Crack. Since my filming project was complete, I was relieved that I would not have to tote the camera around Vancouver on my last day there. However, I still wanted to stock up on some great photos and still had a few places to check out. Before I started my day, like many Canadians, I enjoyed a “double-double” and maple dip donut from Tim Horton’s. For those of you that are not part of the cult of Horton’s, it is by far the best coffee you’ll get from a fast food outlet..period. Seriously, I could have an IV needle stuck in my veins with Tim Horton’s coffee flowing through my body 24/7. Yes, I became a little bit obsessed with the T-Hos. If they ever decide to expand their franchise along the east coast, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks are doomed. Not to mention, their breakfast sandwich on a toasted biscuit...so awesome.
After my Horton’s fix, I headed to Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium. Given that it was a Sunday, the aquarium was mobbed with grandparents and grandkids alike, but surprisingly, I ran into a few couples that were on their honeymoon in Vancouver. I walked around for a bit and
Internet Sensation
1/2 of the otters from "Otters Holding Hands" checked out the tropical fish, sea turtles, and other creatures, then headed outside to see some otters, dolphins, and a beluga whale training show. Believe it or not, the otters that I saw were the ones featured in the YouTube sensation “Otters Holding Hands”. I mean, it was just precious. I picked up a few postcards, and then took a walk around the bay at the front of the park. I ended up running into the totem poles which were very colorful and well-carved. I snapped some cool photos and then made my way back towards downtown Vancouver. All this walking around really worked up an appetite, and I was ready for lunch. Little did I know, I was about to experience my own food challenge.
One of the things I specifically wanted to try while in Vancouver was Korean BBQ. Everyone who I know who has tried it loves it, and I haven’t found a good restaurant to try it back in the states. The concierge at the hotel recommended to me that the best Korean restaurants were around Denman and Robson streets on the westside of town. This was within walking distance to Stanley Park, so it
was a quick skip over. I walked down Denman and could immediately notice all the signs in Korean, and once I hit Robson, I saw this quaint looking restaurant that served traditional Korean food. Walking in, I was delighted by the broken-English sounds of Korean pop music (or K-pop, as the kids call it) and claimed a table near the kitchen. Since this was my first time eating proper Korean food, I wanted to sample a little bit of everything. Looking at the menu, I thought a bowl of beff, dumpling, and noodle soup sounded good to start, and I would stick with the traditional galbi (beef). I also ordered a can of Coke to wash it all down. Well, as soon as the waiter brought me out a full pitcher of tea right after I ordered, I knew I was in trouble. He then brought out a tray consisting of 5 side dishes (yes, side dishes) that were enough to make a meal in itself. The tray consisted of daikon in spicy sauce, potatoes in a gravy-like sauce, kimchi, a salad consisting of corn, carrot, onion, and a light vinaigrette, and a bowl of greens. Slowly making my way
Korean BBQ
The sides alone are enough of a meal. through the sides, the waiter brought out my soup, which came in a Herman Munster sized bowl. I started working on the soup, which also had bits of potato, noodles, and delicious Korean dumplings filled with pork and beef. Halfway through the bowl (and at this point, I was already a little full), the main course arrived. My galbi arrived on a scorching hot stone, crackling, sizzling, and smelling delicious. Not to mention, this was enough meat to constitute roughly half a rack of ribs. Digging deep inside, I manned up and started attacking the meat. It was delicious, as the sauce that lightly coated the beef was spicy and delicious. The meat was also very tender, and I managed to finish all 4 pieces. I still had half of the bowl of soup left, but it was just too much. I had hit the preverbal wall. I ended up drinking about ¾ of the pitcher of tea to calm my stomach, but I was done. Paying my bill, I walked out of the restaurant almost need a wheelbarrow to cruise down the street. Needless to say, I ended up walking back to the hotel to work off the carnage
I just ensued.
Even though I just had this delicious and filling meal, I still had one more treat in store. To ensure that I had a great time while there, Tourism Vancouver hooked me up with a $60 CAD gift certificate to 3 of the best restaurants in the city. I ended up choosing RainCity Grill for a late dinner, after the Korean BBQ had ran its course. The two things that drew me into Harry Kambolis’ place on the west end was the fact that this restaurant primarily served “traditional Vancouver food” while using the concept of the 100 mile menu. What this means is that everything that is served in the restaurant is produced within 100 miles of the location, highlighting the foods of British Columbia. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly when I arrived, and were ready to give me a truly unique dining experience. To start, I ordered a sampler of 6 tasting spoons which consisted of the following (so good, I will try to let the actual menu listing do justice):
BEER BATTERED LINE CAUGHT LING COD, tartare sauce
SEARED BAYNES SOUND SCALLOP, crispy sloping hills pork belly,
muscavado glaze
Tasting Spoons
Vancouver's Finest ALBACORE TUNA BELLY, pickled vegetable, ponzu gel
MARINATED EGGPLANT, field pepper fondue, sherry emulsion
NORTH ARM FARMS BEETROOT, Agassiz hazelnut, salt spring island
goats cheese
FRESHLY SHUCKED OYSTER, natural, mignonette or champagne granite
Four words..out.of.this.world! As a foodie, these spoons were nothing short of amazing, and the combination of flavors set off a party in my mouth. Also, it was great to sample a variety of all the different ingredients and flavors that Vancouver produces. For my main course, I went with fresh pacific mussels cooked with garlic, green onion, smoked bacon, and double cream served with fresh cut fries. Also delicious. And for desert, I think a light strawberry cake will do the trick. Hands down, an amazing meal, and very thankful I was provided with the experience.
I headed back to the hotel, packed up my stuff, and went to bed for the early departure the next morning. After 4 days of being there, I could honestly say that this was one of the best trips that I had ever taken. Being out there, on my own schedule, immersing myself in the destination, and making great content and connections was a very worthwhile experience. Just telling
people who I was, what I was doing, and why I was in Vancouver gained interest in the network, and this Globetrotter program have worked very hard on to create. I didn’t know a soul in Vancouver before I left, and now I can say that I will definitely be back to visit friends.
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