Bundling the Beach

I knew it was only a matter of time before I did something with the beachcombed finds from various Vancouver beaches when I posted about them on August 26th. The string bags are great because they allow the air to circulate. I was so happy when I found a piece of crockery on the first two beaches but try as I might I didn’t find a piece on the third. If I’d just had a little more time I know that I would have found at least one piece! But I only had a half an hour as the sun was setting to conduct my search and sadly we were not able to return to Spanish Banks Beach on that particular trip. Using those finds that you bring back from trips around the house is a nice way to remember your travels and in this case those sunny summer days.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

I just tasted the best sticky toffee pudding in this world at a restaurant called Enigma, on West 10th Avenue in the Pointe Grey area of Vancouver. The pudding was light and delicious, the caramel sauce was superb and if that wasn't enough, it was accompanied by vanilla ice cream and a whole host of extra garnishes. A true work of art. I am now dreaming of sticky toffee pudding. And if I lived in Vancouver, I would be stopping in there at least once a week for this incredible dessert. Kudos go to the co-owner, Lynette, who bakes all the desserts herself. If you’re in Vancouver give this restaurant a try. Close attention has been paid to the elegant décor, welcoming atmosphere and delicious food of the highest quality. A truly enjoyable dining experience.

Vancouver Shops: The Secret Garden

Care for a cup of tea? If you’re in Vancouver then you might want to consider trying a lovely tearoom called The Secret Garden. A very popular spot for lingering over a pot of tea and plates of bite-sized sandwiches and sweets, you will quite possibly find yourself waiting for a table depending on the time of day that you visit. If you do, you can sit at a table near the counter and help yourself to a sampling of the featured tea on offer while you wait or go for a stroll and take advantage of the time to drop in on some of the really beautiful shops in the vicinity. The Secret Garden’s delicious offerings come in a seemingly endless assortment, sure to make choosing a difficult task. All the ones I sampled were delectable, and happily, their scones are accompanied by jam and authentic Devonshire cream. Yum!

Vancouver Shops: Granville Market

No need to introduce Vancouver’s Granville Market as it’s a well known food-lover’s haven. Truly a feast for the eyes and the stomach! The vendors have a real knack for displaying their goods in such a way that it is hard to resist their charms. We found it impossible not to sample various bakeries’ croissants the morning we spent there. It’s a great place to wander with a coffee while you shop for all sorts of delicious and enticing produce to further your enjoyment later at home.

Vancouver Shops: Thomas Hobbs, Florist

Welcome to Thomas Hobbs, Florist of Vancouver. No matter which way you turn in this shop you encounter beauty. Someone has a wonderful eye for creating lovely displays. Not only the colours and textures, but the lovely mingling scents of various plants make this a delightful shop to wander in. And once you've toured the first floor, you can take the spiral staircase and get a bird's eye view.