Long weekend in Vancouver, BC

[lisaf]

We are driving up from Seattle to Vancouver in August for a long weekend. Looking for some dining options. We usually go every other year or so. I love the Mondo Gelato place on Robson and Villa del Lupo. Used to be a big fan of the Bread Garden, but it has really gone downhill in my opinion.

Based on that, suggestions for a nice celebratory dinner (up to $150 pp pretax/tip). Casual breakfast and lunch spots for good coffee, pastry, sandwich or salad. Your favorite Chinese restaurant (willing to drive to Richmond), and spots near Granville Island and Stanley Park.

Not sure where we are staying yet, probably downtown Vancouver. Unfortunately for us, the exchange rate no longer favors the US dollar.

Thanks in advance. Happy to return the favor should you be in Seattle and want to visit the PNW board.

[GroovinGourmet]

Your celebratory dinner should be at West. Unless you avail of considerable amounts of alcohol your budget is right there, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better overall experience on the continent.

[lisaf]

I wish you had posted sooner, as our only choices are 6 or 9:30 for dinner. I'll have to decide if we want to eat that early or late

Has anyone eaten at the Culinaria on Granville Island? I've always been curious about it.

[vandan]

culinara is actually downtown on granville you must be thinking of pica

[vandan]

kinda funny that the one at english bay ( around the corner from me) now has a bar in it , not the first nor tenth place i'd consider for a beer with so many other nice patios with amazing views in the immediate area

[vandan]

just curious , what was it about bread garden that made you such a big fan? i've never heard those words mentioned together before

[lisaf]

Just the variety of fresh pastries along with good coffee, and sandwiches. I liked it about 10 years ago when I was up there during a youth convention. Maybe it was just that it wasn't hotel food that we liked so much. They used to make an incredible chocolate almond crossaint.