Tiny Bubbles

We were downtown last week, running about, and hoping to try a new restaurant. No, we didn't run into Mike Smith (left), who plays Bubbles (our favorite character on our favorite Canadian sit-com, "The Trailer Park Boys"). But Bubbles did figure heavily in our conversation that day.

We were hoping the line wasn't too long at the Templeton. It's ostensibly an old diner, complete with jukebox full of 1960s-'80s gems. However, the food is definitely from this century, local and free-range, carnivore and vegan.

Even though it was 2 in the pm, there was a bit of a wait as the mainly hipster-youngster clientele probably just rousted themselves from sleep. This is the view from our waiting area, where we scored two of the four chairs.

Luckily, we had access to reading material to while away the twenty or so minute wait. Patty discovered this little nugget in the Vancouver Sun. Apparently, the Sun's journalists really know how to sniff out a story.

Even more remarkable is the fact the story was front page, albeit beneath the fold. Let's just say, the Vancouver Sun is no Guardian or New York Times. In fact, it's not even the Des Moines Register.

I ordered a couple of side items: a well-wrought Caesar side salad, and a fantastic and aromatic carrot and cumin soup.

Patty had the Caesar salad with a local free-range chicken. I think his name was Keith.

Japadog

Christmas day found us looking for a place to eat. We had originally thought we'd have Chinese, but our little neighborhood Sichuan restaurant wasn't open. Really? A Chinese restaurant not open on Christmas? I've never heard of such a thing. In any event, in looking for alternatives, we discovered Japadog. I'd seen Japadog carts  scattered about downtown, but as it was a rather cool, damp day, we didn't want to eat on the street. They did recently open an actual restaurant, with tables and everything. Luckily, we found a spot in this tiny establishment.

We drove today as we were also headed to Stanley Park for a stroll. This is the view of downtown from the top of Cambie near Broadway.

 Well I must say, this was unusual fare, but quite tasty. I had the Negimiso (9 o'clock), a veggie dog with miso sauce and shredded cabbage. I also had the butter and shoyu fries.

Proceeding clockwise:

Alex had the Spicy Cheese Terimayo. This dog contains three types of cheese with a hint of spiciness in the sausage. All that topped with teriyaki sauce, mayo and seaweed. He also had the curry fries.

Patty had the Oroshi, a bratwurst with freshly grated daikon with a special soya sauce. She also had (off camera) the shichimi & garlic fries with roasted garlic with Nanami Togarashi spice (hot pepper). 

Trisha had the Meat Lovers, basically a home made meat sauce and topped with cheese. Trish also had the shichimi & garlic fries.

These are the Japanese-Canadian owners of Japadog (don't know their names). Here's a link to their story.

After lunch we headed for Stanley Park to walk the dogs off.

This is what we did there.

This is a seal Patty keenly spotted.

Alex and Trish enjoying the day's five minutes of sunlight (slight exaggeration).

Patricia hugs Patricia, and vice-versa I'm sure.

Alex, shooting in the late afternoon sun. Actually, the sun has been setting around 4:15.

The End.

Pinche Virgins

On Thursday (or was it Friday), we headed downtown for a miss-mash of touristy and non-touristy activities. Trisha and Alex were Pinche Taco virgins, so we thought we should head there for lunch. But first, we needed to stock up on souvenirs.

We got off at the Chinatown metro stop so we could buy some cheap trinkets, and breakfast on 蛋塔 dan ta (eggy tarts) and green tea.

Alex really enjoyed the tarts.

From Chinatown, we walked up Hastings to Pinche Taco Shop for some cheap eats.

The carnivores enjoyed their carne asada, puerco, and chicken mole. All tacos come on two fresh corn tortillas. 4 meat tacos, $9.50.

My choices are usually the creamed corn, bean, tofu, and mushroom. I washed mine down with XX Amber. 4 veggy tacos, 7 bucks.

Before eating, one must stop at the condiment bar to adorn one's tacos with extras such as spicy jalapeños, cauliflower and carrots, and pickled onions. There's a choice of four yummy (and spicy) salsas. 

Pinche Tacos is so good, they even inspire low-grade graffiti.

After lunch, we headed to Gas Town, for a picture in front of the steam clock and to pick up some maple candy.

I know what you're thinking: "What about the beer?" Not to worry faithful follower. We were close to the Black Frog, ostensibly an Edmonton Oilers pub, but friendly to Canuck fans as well.

The beer was tasty: Russell Black Death Porter and Red Racer E.S.B. , both B.C. beers.

To be continued...