Vancouver answers from a Vancouverite

[BEAV]

Looking for suggestions for both Italian (upscale) and Asian fusion restaurants in downtown Vancouver. And a quiet, intimate atmosphere is always an added plus. ;)

[Putterdude]

Looking for suggestions for both Italian (upscale) and Asian fusion restaurants in downtown Vancouver. And a quiet, intimate atmosphere is always an added plus. ;)

 

Italian upscale is pretty easy:

 

http://www.hotelvilladelia.com/restaurant_ilgiardino.cfm

 

http://www.hotelvilladelia.com/restaurant_umbertos.cfm

 

http://www.cincin.net/index.html

 

http://www.cioppinosyaletown.com/

 

Asian fusion....I will step back from...I know what you are looking for but I just really don't know of any.

[cruiserjanet]

We are hoping to do the Grouse Grind and go to Capilano on Sunday but it looks like Vancouver is expecting rain. Is it advisable to do both, one of them or none of them?

[Urban trekker]

If your purpose in wanting to do the Grind is for exercise and to say that you did it then go for it - the trail is dry as we havent had any measurable rain since early August but you wont have any views at the top - if however you goal was to enjoy a walk up and then take in the views it isnt likely to happen.

 

As for the Cap bridge - the view is the attraction itself and weather wont play as big a part - bring an umbrella and enjoy it.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

I am inclined to agree with Ut, there doesn't appear to be much rain in the forecast so I would wait until Sunday morning before making a decision re the Grind, however they typically have more than double the rain up against the mountain then they have in downtown Vancouver. The Capilano suspension bridge should be a go despite the rain, just dress for it.

[Urban trekker]

Also most of the trail up is in the trees - not a lot of really opened space so the rainfall will also be less pounding than in other areas.

 

Another advantage of doing it on a cloudy and wet day is that there will be a lot less people on it - Normally Sunday can be a zoo on the trail.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

Edited September 15, 2011 by Urban trekker

[aohkay]

Looking for suggestions for both Italian (upscale) and Asian fusion restaurants in downtown Vancouver. And a quiet, intimate atmosphere is always an added plus. ;)

 

 

For your Asian fusion try Wild Rice. The links don't work on their website, but you can download the menu (which looks pretty good!).

 

I haven't been but friends rave about Wild Rice.

 

 

http://www.wildricevancouver.com/

 

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g154943-d710662-Reviews-Wild_Rice-Vancouver_British_Columbia.html

[BEAV]

Thank you Putterdude and aohkay for the suggestions. I will check them out!

[imacruizer]

If you were going to Joe Fortes for a late lunch (1 to 2 PM) on a weekday, would you need a reservation? Thanks for all of your help.

[cruiserjanet]

Thanks guys. Will show your responses to DH and go from there. I really want to do both if we can.

[scottbee]

For your Asian fusion try Wild Rice. The links don't work on their website, but you can download the menu (which looks pretty good!).

 

I haven't been but friends rave about Wild Rice.

 

 

http://www.wildricevancouver.com/

 

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g154943-d710662-Reviews-Wild_Rice-Vancouver_British_Columbia.html

 

 

Excellent idea, but not the best part of town. While it seems very run down, it has improved a lot in the last couple of years, and there's a brand new London Drugs and TD Bank nearby

 

A great website for Vancouver restaurant reviews (probably the best) is http://www.dinehere.ca/

[SB007]

We'll be taking the Express Bus (Blue Bus) from Horseshoe Bay into downtown Vancouver next Sunday morning, and then catching a taxi to Ballantyne Pier. With 5 cruise ships in town that day, it sounds like getting a cab will be a challenge...

Where is the best place to get off the Express Bus (it travels along Georgia St.), in order to maximize our chances of catching a cab? Pacific Centre? A hotel? A Skytrain stop?

Many thanks for any suggestions!

[Urban trekker]

I would get off at Georgia and Burrard - between the Hyatt, Hotel Vancouver, the Georgia and the 4 Seasons there should be taxis around -

 

Good luck and good cruise - I leave from Ballantyne the day before but only three ships in total in town that day.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[SB007]

Thank you for your prompt reply, Dennis -- you rock!

Hope you have a great cruise, too.

[shabal57]

Torn between staying post cruise at either the Loden or L'Hermitage hotel in Vancouver. Has anyone stayed at either one of these hotels? Thanks for your input.

 

Shari

[Urban trekker]

L`Hermitage will be much closer to shopping, eating than the Loden - both are new properties.

 

Others will be along with there suggestions

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

I am very much inclined to agree with Ut, L`Hermitage would be my choice of the two.

[Putterdude]

We'll be taking the Express Bus (Blue Bus) from Horseshoe Bay into downtown Vancouver next Sunday morning, and then catching a taxi to Ballantyne Pier. With 5 cruise ships in town that day, it sounds like getting a cab will be a challenge...

Where is the best place to get off the Express Bus (it travels along Georgia St.), in order to maximize our chances of catching a cab? Pacific Centre? A hotel? A Skytrain stop?

Many thanks for any suggestions!

 

If I could just add a bit to Ut's post, I would get off at Georgia and Burrard and then just walk a 1/2 block south on either Burrard or Howe to the back of the Hotel Vancouver and you will find a cab line there....better still walk thru the lobby of the hotel to the back and for sure the doorman will get a cab for you.

[scottbee]

We'll be taking the Express Bus (Blue Bus) from Horseshoe Bay into downtown Vancouver next Sunday morning, and then catching a taxi to Ballantyne Pier. With 5 cruise ships in town that day, it sounds like getting a cab will be a challenge...

Where is the best place to get off the Express Bus (it travels along Georgia St.), in order to maximize our chances of catching a cab? Pacific Centre? A hotel? A Skytrain stop?

Many thanks for any suggestions!

 

Either the previous suggestion of by the Hotel Georgia/Hotel Vancouver; right to the turn around point of Stadium Skytrain station. There's generally a taxi hanging around there.

[Urban trekker]

PD - how was the one nighter - saw the ship at Canada Place today.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[shabal57]

Thanks for the input. I think I will stick with L'Hermitage.

 

I am very much inclined to agree with Ut, L`Hermitage would be my choice of the two.

[SB007]

Thank you, Putterdude! I continue to be impressed with the generosity of the local Vancouverites, and their sharing of information & travel tips. Many thanks!

[Urban trekker]

For anyone reading this thread who is sailing out of Vancouver on Sunday Sept 25 there are some special instructions for embarking that day as there are five ships in port.

 

Here`s a link:

 

http://portmetrovancouver.com/Libraries/ABOUT_Cruise_Tourism/NoticetoPassengers_2011Sept25_1.sflb.ashx

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[SB007]

Thanks again to Urban Trekker (and PutterDude) (and ScottBee) for all your work in keeping us informed. You guys are seriously *awesome*!

[Urban trekker]

Just before I set sail for a 22 day Panama Canal cruise - thanks for the thanks - I really enjoy being able to share the wonders of the city of my birth with anyone who wants to come and visit this beautiful City.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis