better meals in Vancouver

The NBF is quick to remind me that the trip is not about the food but about the time spent with family and (later in the week) friends in a beautiful city. I'm not sure what that comment says about Jeph's level of understanding me, but it is sweet.

On the other hand, three mediocre meals yesterday is three too many.

Happily, this sunny and cold Sunday in Vancouver was better.

We spurned the hotel restaurant at breakfast this morning and headed out onto the Island to Railspur Alley Café & Bistro. I think we were the first ones there. Nice. Good close attention to us - I like service like that sometimes!

In truth, the food was simple, but it was good just the same. I had oatmeal with a side of bacon. Conrad's smoked salmon scramble, though, looked ans smelled really tasty. Best of all? Good coffee. I'm not a conoisseur, I know, and I can't quite stomach strong or bitter coffee even if it is heavily adulterated with milk and sugar. My cafe au lait this morning? Terrific. I had a second, and then two more this afternoon. Yum. Mum, for her part, was delighted by the clear mug that drew attention to the attractive layering in her cafe latte.

Conrad and I got a swim in before lunch with the not entirely friendly English Bay Swim Team. Good to swim, but the workout was kind of frustrating due to the pool set up and the fact that the drills were not ones I was used to. It was low intensity as well, not quite what I wanted. Yes, I'm being a baby.

Lunch was unexceptional bar and grill food. Still, Mum and Roy were happy, and what the heck, we saw the last minutes of the Bears' win.

Back to Railspur for late afternoon coffee (and some bread pudding that my sister really dug into - good for her!) so that we could show the family some photos.

Dinner was a surprise and delight. Marie backed out, and I booked the four of us a table at Cassis Bistro. I had a different place in Gastown in mind, so when we pulled up to the restaurant in the cab, I was a little hesitant. But sometimes surprises are nice, and a lot about the place was good. I liked the spare decor. I loved the music. We all enjoyed our food, from Mum's celery root and Stilton soup to Conrad's bouillabaise, redolent of saffron. Roy had a starter of escargot presented very differently than he'd ever known it, and he was effusive in his compliments. I only wish we'd got better photos in the low light.

Mum and Roy head back to Salmon Arm tomorrow, sad to say. It's been a short visit, but I am glad to have spent the weekend with them. Up next, though, are CG, Martin, and Mark. CG's first trip here, and I'm excited about that!