Family Vacation to Vancouver, Cruise to San Diego, July 2016
Our family likes to Disney cruise. We took a really fun, really relaxing trip to Vancouver, B.C. and cruised down the coast of California to San Diego. Here are my travel notes. Photos below!
Vancouver, British Columbia
Restaurants:
Tap and Vine (convention center on the water): local breweries, comfort food, I had the salami and cheese board with fig jam, and of course I had to try the poutine! I might come back for the truffle Mac and cheese. Salmon citrus salad sounds great too
Tableau- wonderful French bistro! I had the mushrooms on toast appetizer (we honestly could have had ten of them! Beautiful flavor and fluffy bread), duck breast, and Brussels sprouts. Very delicious dinner!
Blue Water Cafe - seafood, top recommendation by people here
Ask for Luigi- heard about this place from 3 different locals
Rodney's- seafood happy hour from 3-6
L'abbotoire - French
Brunch
Chambar - our favorite spot! Belgian ale house, delicious waffles, amazing brunch. We'll be here repeatedly this trip! Beatty Street, 15 min walk from waterfront
Jam Cafe - huge portions
Fairmont Pacific Rim breakfast buffet
Cafe Medina - Richard Street, about a 15 min walk from the waterfront. Great Mediterranean inspired menu. I had the Fricasee Champignon (2 sunny eggs, roasted mushroom ragout, roasted potatoes, applewood smoked cheddar, carmelized onions, arugula, grilled focaccia). Quite a find, and a local favorite. Go early and put your name in- crazy long line!
Twisted Fork
Late night nibbles
Black and blue (as to be seated on the roof)
Coast
Cocktails
Bambudda (Gastown)
Guilt & Co. (Live band)
Chill Winston (Seafood platter and drinks)
George Hotel rooftop
Fairmont Pacific Rim (Jeff and I had a little too much champagne and worked up the nerve to approach Owen Wilson at this place.)
Sweet tooth
Cartems (W Pender ) – best donuts EVER!! (Can't go wrong with the Classic or Vanilla Bean)
Thierry's
Pure Bread
Sushi:
Miku - Sushi (ask to be seated outside, if possible)
Coffee
Revolver
Timbertrain
the Expresso Buro
San diego, california
Hotel
Marriott Coronado Resort and Spa- Huge rooms, beautiful pool and view. Walking distance to Broadway/Convention Center ferry, $4.50 each way
Restaurants
Cafe 21: Favorite among locals in the gaslamp district
Shrimp and Corn Cafe Cake (eggs benedict)
Amazing sandwiches on challah bread, great French toast, homemade potato chips
Ortega's on 1st and University- great for sangria and guacamole
Il Fornaio Coronado- wonderful Italian restaurant on Coronado Island with panoramic views of the skyline. Homemade bread and tagliatelle!
Zoo
we did the "early morning with pandas" experience. $99 a person, gets you in before the zoo opens. Small shuttles take you throughout zoo to show you exhibits that are often crowded and give you an overview on their efforts in conservation and education