This summer we were fortunate enough to have been invited to a wedding just outside Vancouver. I have already been to British Columbia, but it was a long time ago.
In my experience us Europeans tend to be a bit snooty and often quite snotty about North American cuisine. I know my canadian friend will be fuming about being lumped in with the US but sadly it's often the case.
I knew there was a large asian influence in Vancouver but what I hadn't noticed, aged 18 and 11 months, was how good and varied the food was. Aged 18 and 11 months the only thing that interested me was getting into a bar. In a way that only the British are capable of being I became outraged at the fact that back home I had the right to drink a lovely beer or 10 and here in Vancouver I couldn't even get into certain restaurants!
Fortunately this was less of an issue this time around, I even did a little triumphant dance when a bouncer carded me!
We largely used the Lonely planet and my friends recommendations and I can safely say that my friend is a lot more reliable (and to the point) than the Lonely planet!
Yaletown
I'm not old but I'm no student either. Yaletown although a bit over the top, is everything you a North American city to be. Old converted brick warehouse buildings make for great loft style restaurants and bars. If you want to spot a celeb this is the place. You can find pretty much any kind of cuisine imaginable and it's pretty much all good.
If you want to do some star spotting and like a "Conran" type feel try the Glowbal Grill and Satay Bar. If not really my best suggestion is to stroll the streets around 7.30pm checking out the restaurants. Beware the Canadians eat much earlier than the French, Spanish and Italians so don't be supprised to see places full around 7.30pm.
Gastown
My feeling about Gastown is that it's more of a studenty vibe. There are lots of Irish bars (which admittedly aren't my scene) and the crowd is more relaxed and younger. For Londoners out there I would vaguely compare it to Clapham or Covent Garden. My opinion is that it's an area best explored during the day! Good grief I do sound like an old prude!
Granville Island
We went over to Granville Island to meet friends for lunch. It's well worth the trip. There are some great deli stands and a huge indoor market with pretty much everything you could possibly imagine from all over the world.
I have barely scratched the surface of what is available in this fabulous city. If any locals or visitors have any other good ideas please add a comment!
The best food is always shared.
