Local Expert
W. Ruth Kozak
Ruth is a historical fiction writer and travel journalist who has lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the West Coast of Canada most of her life. She has traveled to many places…
Ruth is a historical fiction writer and travel journalist who has lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the West Coast of Canada most of her life. She has traveled to many places including Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, Morocco and Malaysia and made her home in Greece for several years. Where ever she has been, she still considers her home, Vancouver B.C., one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Ruth teaches writing classes including novel and travel writing for the Vancouver School Board; she also instructs Memoir classes and is the editor/publisher of a travel website Travel Thru History
www.travelthruhistory.com
where she mentors new travel writers and receives contributions from all over the world. She is a member of the B.C. Association of Travel Writers and the Federation of B.C. Writers. Besides publications in many newspapers and on-line 'zines, Ruth wrote the "Trips & Tours" for the 1993 edition of the APA Insight Guide: Vancouver and Surroundings. She looks forward to sharing the beautiful sights and exciting events of her city with Planet Eye readers.
Born with a gypsy soul, Ruth is happiest when on the road going somewhere. "The great affair is to move."
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Calabria Bar
1745 Commercial Drive (cross street 2nd Ave)
604-253-7017
If there’s any coffee shop in Vancouver that I’d call my favourite, it’s the Calabria Bar, one of the popular hangouts on t he multicultural melting pot known by locals as “The Drive”. I’ve enjoyed a leisurely ice tea and gelato at an outdoor table there in summer; lingered over a panini and latte on a rainy Autumn afternoon inspired by the Italian music and atmosphere while writing dialogue for a play about Italian immigrants, and composed poetry about the Calabria on a winter day. It’s a place where people meet to converse, read, create (lots of writers hang out there) and just relax.
A long-established, family-run cafe, the Calabria has the ambience of Italy with its kitschy decor -- the naked David statues, Aphrodite riding from her sea shell, even Julius Caesar who presides over the tables. The ceilings are painted with mock Michelangelo murals and the walls hung with an array of famous or psuedo-famous Italian notables and movie stars, some posed with the owner Frank Murdocco. My favourite is the one of Vinnie, his son, in his famous movie role as Flesh Gordon.
Hey! The eye candy is part of the attraction at the Calabria and so is that touch of Italian attitude. Frank and his sons run the place efficiently (and sometimes with strict rules that can be off-putting to strangers) and always have a friendly greeting or often time for conversation. It’s one of the friendliest places to hang out in my ‘hood while savouring the rich aroma of the large selection of bold, rich coffee, delicious Italian pastries, luxurious gelato, savoury capicola sandwiches and home-made paninins. My favourite lunch is a “Frank’s Special and cafe lattee. Service is quick and although and it may seem ‘pricey’ its actually the best deal for your money in a coffee shop on the Drive -- worth it just for the atmosphere.
Prices are not listed on the menu but range from latte and biscotti $7. to
sandwiches and coffee $10 - $15. No alcohol but there’s a full range of soft drinks as well as Italian aperitifs.
Payment: Cash
Hours: Mon - Sun 6 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Dockside Restaurant and Brewing Company
Granville Island Hotel
1253 Johnston, Granville Island
604-685-7070
If you’re planning to attend a show at Performance Works, one of Granville Islands four theatre venues, be sure and treat yourself to a pre-performance dinner at the Dockside Restaurant, right next door in the Granville Island Hotel. This Granville Island dining room also has an on-site brewery, making it a popular place for locals and tourists all year round.
As you enter the dining area there’s a wrap-around 50 foot aquarium bar with colourful fish gliding among the water plants, and behind the bar, an open kitchen with wood fire grill, rotisserie and forno, The cozy dining room has spectacular views of False Creek, the adjacent outdoor patio and boardwalk. The Dockside offers casual fine dining with an impressive menu of Water, Land and Pasta dishes ranging from $16 - $34 for entrees and a wide variety of delicious appetizers, soups and salads from $7.
From the seafood menu, my girlfriend and I chose the British Columbia Manilla Clam Hot Pot, a steaming, delicious array of smoked bacon, onion, celery, carrots and clams stewed in cream and white wine, guaranteed to warm you up on a chilly, wet West Coast evening. We ordered plenty of bread from the Artisan bread basket for dipping in the creamy sauce. My friend’s partner ordered the Grilled Wild Sockeye salmon marinated in a four-citrus vinaigrette. We complimented the meal with a bottle of B.C. Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay and finished by sharing a delectable pistachio cardamom gelato with poached apricots for dessert.
Dinner: Manilla Hot Pot $24, Grilled Wild Sockeye: $26, Artisan Bread Basket: $5, Wine: $41, Dessert: $7.
Over the next few weeks I’ll take you on a stroll through various neighbourhoods in my city. From my ‘hood, the ethnic residential area of Commercial Drive in Vancouver’s East End to the upscale former heritage warehouse area of the city now called “Yaletown”; the busy West End, Vancouver’s most densely populated area where there’s a large gay and lesbian population, beaches and entertainment; Main St. known for it’s antiques and vintage shops, and Kitsilano, once the city’s hippie enclave, popular for it’s beaches, bistros and boutiques.
I’ll tell you how to get there by car or public transit, where to shop, where to eat, what to see and do. Come along with me to explore my city and get to know the neighbourhoods.
www.vancouveruserguide.com/neighbourhoods/html
It’s that time of year when the craft artists put their wares on sale all around town. This is an annual event in Vancouver, bringing together artists and artisans from all over the Lower Mainland. Check out the various locations. Maybe you’ll find something special to put under the Christmas tree.
Nov. 21-23 Eastside Culture Crawl
Fri. 5- 10; Sat & Sun 11-6
A three-day arts festival involving 50 studios and 300 artists who work in the are bordered by Main St and Commercial Drive and from First Ave north to the Waterfront.
Nov 21 -23 Burnaby Heritage Christmas Craft Fair
Fri 12-8; Sat 10-5; Sun 10’4 Shadbolt Arts Centre, 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Hosted by the Burnaby Arts Council, a juried show with more than 75 artists.
Nov 22-23 Fab Fair Winter Sale
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St. Admission $2.
45 local designers will display their fashion accessories and other items.
Nov 20 - 23 One of a Kind B.C. Place Stadium
Thurs - Sat. 10 -9; Sunday 10 - 6
Admission $10; seniors and student $6.50; kids under 12 free
150 vendors displaying everything from home-made preserves to luxury fashion items and a show-case of up-and-coming local talent to entertain.
Nov 29 - 30 Abbotsford Arts Council Chrsitmas Craft Fair
Ag-Rec Building, 32470 Haida Dr., Abbotsford
Fri 12-9; Sat 10-5; Sun 10 -4
Free admission and parking. More than 100 artisans and craftsmen offering innovative designs in pottery, woodcraft, stained glass, jewellery and crafts plus honey from local hives and other goodies.
Nov 28-30 The West Coast Christmas Show
Tradex Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford
Admission: $10; Youth $5; Seniors $8.
Fri 12-9; Sat 10 -8; Sun 10 - 5
Holiday decorations, gifts, food and celebrity stage presentations.
Dec 1 - 7 Heritage Hall Christmas Craft Fair
3102 Main St., Vancouver
11 am - 5 pm. $2 admission
50 vendors selling locally made arts and crafts.
Dec 6 - 7 Delbrook Christmas Craft Fair
Delbrook Recreation Centre, 600 W. Queens Rd. North Vancouver
11 am - 4 pm. More than 100 crafters displaying their products.
Dec 7 Green Christmas Holiday Gift Market
Cambrian Hall, 215- 17th Ave, Vancouver
11 - 6. Lots of holiday gifts featuring eco-friendly designers.
Dec 5 - 7 Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Holiday Show and Sale
VIVO Studios, 1965 Main St., Vancouver
Fri 5 - 9; Sat 11 - 5; Sun 12 - 5
Original works from 12 B.C. artists.
WHERE TO FIND GOOD PLACES TO EAT A YVR
Vancouver International Airport is a well organized airport with a large selection of places where you can dine while waiting for or arriving from a flight. Besides a food court with a number of fast-food services, there are some more high-end restaurants where you can relax, enjoy the panoramic views of the North Shore mountains or watch the comings-and-goings of fellow travellers.
For moderately priced meals, I recommend Milestone’s Grill & Bar located in the Domestic Terminal, level 3 (pre security). I’ve dined at other Milestone’s restaurants in Vancouver (they have over 30 locations), so I can recommend their excellent menu that offers a full range of options for lunch, brunch, dinner or drinks.
The menu includes signature dishes as well as sandwiches, pastas, seafood, steaks, ribs and chicken. Their rotisserie menu includes prime rib to over-baked pizzas. They also offer salads, appetizers and entrees for vegetarians and people with dietary needs. Their prices are moderate and their meals will satisfy the hungry traveller’s palate.
Tel: 604-303-3221
Mon - Wed. 6.30 am - 8 pm
Thurs - Sun. 7 am. - 10 pm.
The Globe@YVR, located on the lobby level of the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel,
is an award-winning signature restaurant with an a la carte menu created by Executive Chef, Kamal Siva, using local West Coast products. The restaurant itself is a showcase of contemporary architectural design with magnificent panoramic views of the North Shore Mountains and the US arrival/departure ramp.
Hanami Japanese Restaurant, is located on the departure level 3 of the International terminal just before pre-flight scanning. Enjoy this quiet atmosphere where you can dine on everything from Dim Sum to Japanese dishes.
Relax in the Pacific Market with a beer or glass of wine, or visit the food court in the international terminal departures level where you can find an array of small cafes serving fast foods, such as Flying Wedge Pizza, and Burger King
There’s also a selection of coffee shops, including Starbucks and Tim Horton’s, a Canadian tradition, where you can pick up donuts, bagels and sandwiches.
www.vancouver-travel-tips.com/best-restaurants-at-vancouver-airport.html
OTHER AIRPORT EATERIES
DOMESTIC TERMINAL
Pre security
Medalist Bar & Grill (casual dining)
Stanley’s Happy Landing Lounge (bar)
Post-Security
Legends Bar & Grill (casual dining)
Palomino Bar(casual dining and bar)
INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL
Pre Security
Jetside Bar (bar: Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel)
Koho Restaurant & Bar (casual dining)
Post Security
Koho Express Bar (snacks and bar)
Voyages (bar)
BY CAR: Getting around Vancouver by car & RV is easy and you’ll enjoy some spectacular views while you drive in and around the city. Highway 1, the Trans Canada Highway, accesses the city from the east (12 hours from Calgary, 5 days from Montreal) It takes 3 hrs on the Interstate 5 from Seattle. This highway becomes Highway 99 at the US/Can border.
The B.C. Automobile Association will provide road info and maps.
Hertz Rental Cars: 1150 Station St. by Pacific Central Station Tel: 604-606-4759
TRAIN: Rocky Mountaineer Tours provides two 4-day train trips through the Rockies between B.C. and Alberta.
Amtrak Cascades offers one round trip per day between Seattle & Vancouver, departing each evening Tel: 1-800-872-7245
The Via Rail Station (Pacific Central Station)
1150 Station St. at the corner of Main & Terminal Ave, east edge of downtown adjacent to Chinatown.
BY SEA: If you come in by cruise ship you’ll dock by the impressive Pan Pacific Hotel and the Canada Place Convention Centre downtown.
B.C. Ferries provides regular scheduled passenger and vehicle service between Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands and other parts of Coastal B.C. For reservations from Victoria or outside B.C. Tel: 604-444-2890
From anywhere else in B.C. call 1 - 888-724-5223
BY BUS: Enjoy a scenic, relaxing tour by Greyhound Lines which serves Canada & U.S.
In Canada call 604-482-8747 or 1-800-661-8747
In U.S. call 1-800-231-2222
The Greyhound terminal is at the VIA Rail CPR station, Main & Terminal.
Greyhound also serves other parts of Canada and B.C. with frequent daily departures.
Pacific Coach Lines has a daily service to Victoria B.C. and Whistler/Blackcomb
Tel: 1-800-661-1725
AROUND TOWN BY TROLLEY, BUS, SKYTRAIN OR SEABUS:
There is a skytrain station right across the road from VIA Rail and cabs are available outside the station as well as local bus/trolley service.
You can use your Translink fares to travel between busses, Seabus and Skytrain. Bikes are welcome with some restrictions. There are security police at transit stations who will assist with questions or concerns for passengers. SeaBus, WestCoast Express commuter train, B-line express buses, Community Shuttle service and Sky Trains are all accessible for disabled.
Check www.translink.com for schedules, fares, info and making trip plans.
Enjoy your stay in our beautiful city and have a safe, comfortable trip!