Given our early start to get the flight from Toronto to Vancouver, we were pretty tired by the time we checked into the Airbnb.
We took it easy for the rest of the day. We walked up Davie Street in the direction of Stanley Park. The main intention was to go to Safeway to get provisions. We do love a supermarket in another country. Especially one that used to be a familiar brand in the UK.
Two of our memorable purchases were:
a) Lays Ketchup Crisps, we love a Lays crisp and like to experience new flavours.
Strangely red, like they have been subjected to far too much food colouring – still delicious.
Pictured here with a couple of gin and fever tree light tonic and the excellent view from our Airbnb.
b) Limited addition Maychup – yes this is basically mayonnaise and ketchup combined – genius 🤩. Although I have since found this is also available in the UK and named Saucysauce – I need to get out more!
Also worth noting is the array of Häagen–Dazs on special offer. This is another item we always need to check on when we are abroad.
On our walk back down Davie Street. The street according to the Lonely Planet Pocket Guide is “where the locals eat”. Here were some locations for future noting:
- Davie Village Bakery – had scrumptious looking pastries and mouthwatering gelato so we are definitely aiming to go back.
- Marquis Wine Cellar – having realised Canada is like the US and Australia, there was a pit stop here for some wine and beer.
- The absolute star of the show – Banana Leaf, a Malaysian Restaurant.
Banana Leaf
Later that evening we ordered a take out from Banana Leaf and here’s what we had:
Mee Goreng – described on their menu as a Malaysian Classic. The dish was fried noodles with small pieces of beef, succulent king prawns (described as shrimp on the menu), tomato, egg, bean sprouts, crunchy chow sum and pan fried tofu. The combination was incredible and the sauce that coated the noodles was subtle and delicious.
The second dish we ordered was the Fish Fillet caramelised with ginger and garlic. We also ordered a side of Jasmine rice to have with this. The fish – not entirely sure what variety potentially cod, was juicy and meaty with a delicate batter. The sauce, which was Malay black sweet sauce with caramelised ginger, garlic, shallots and Chinese wine was sticky and sweet – just amazing!
Plus for their take out they provide this funky branded bag!
With the food, we had a bottle of Abellio Albariño from Marquis Wine Cellar. We often drink Albariño, this one was not as fruity as we are used to and was slightly oaky bordering on a Chardonnay flavour.
One thing that was immediately obvious on Vancouver was that if you like to drink wine then you have to pay a premium for it even if it’s not premium wine. Also, in Canada like the USA and Australia no alcohol is sold in supermarkets.
Overall our first day and night in Vancouver ended well. On to Day 2….