03.22.08, Part III: Granville, Kitto, Bubble Tea, Wall Center, UBC @ Robson Square

Saturday, 22 March 2008 – Part 3 * Vancouver, British Columbia
It’s been an interesting day here in Vancouver. Strolling on the beach in the morning, a wild pillow fight at Robson square, and then a moment of being faminished and needing to search out sushi and Bubble Tea. What a popular combination. Plus this is going to be my sushi diet weekend – not intended, its just how it worked out. There is nothing more divine in this world than Sushi, but perhaps Sushi in the Pacific Northwest where its fresh and its produced by the heart of Asian culture in the New World.

Wandering around downtown Vancouver is always a wonderful thing to do, so many sights to see, and alot of culture to breathe in.

Tokyo Joes * 955 Helmcken Street * Vancouver BC V6Z 2S5 * 604.689.0073
An interesting little Japanese restaurant chain in Vancouver. It’s odd because there is a really chic chain called Tokyo Joes in Denver Colorado that’s upbeat and expanding. Seeing this little plain joint in Vancouver when used to the really artsy one in Colorado was kind of a “huh?” slap across the cheek. So now i ponder is this the original one and the Colorado folks ripped the idea off of them, or did the Vancouver folks rip off the Denver folks. Curious. I’ve heard its good in Vancouver but didn’t get a chance to try it out. I know the un-associated ones in Denver are fabulous and to the point that I’m a Joe-addict.

Hmmm … Tokyo Joes? Was this first or the Denver chain? similiar stuff on the menus …

Granville Street * Vancouver, British Columbia * http://www.granvillestreet.com/
Ah Granville street, oh how I have missed thee. So many memories from the days that I used to roam around this artsy and entertainment bustling center of downtown Vancouver. I also remember back in the day when the city of Vancouver wanted to relocate all of the nightclubs in the city to just this street which of course never succeeded. During the years that I lived in Vancouver this was one of my shopping and dining tromping grounds. I’d hit up the coffee shops, the restaurants, and even some of the nightlife with shows at the Vogue, Gothic cheers at one of the pubs, and when Luvafair first moved to the Plaza for some britpop and 80′s fun. For the visitor or resident of Vancouver, this is a hotspot of activity for pub crawling, club dancing, unique and alternative culture shopping, arts, shows, concerts, and as well as some of Vancouver’s notorious seediness and pandhandlers. Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5. Visited almost daily during my last visit 3/26-3/31 as I was staying nearby, and quite often when I was living in Vancouver.

Granville

Vogue Theater * 918 Granville St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2 * http://www.voguetheatre.com/
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/139279. In the heart of downtown Vancouver lies the historical remains of the Vogue theater. The Vogue is surrounded by many myths and legends especially amongst it’s association with being haunted. Many famous people have walked through these doors. In 2006 it was closed as its web site still professes. It is however still a very active theater with live music, comedy acts, and shows every weekend. In 1941 it was a monument of sophisticated art deco design and home to the arts. It housed 1200 seats that presented Vancouver’s hottest acts and talent through the years. It still is one of those hotspots. Conveniently located right on the main bus station route, its a hotspot of Vancouver’s heritage for events of all kinds and varieties. While I’ve never seen the ghosts that haunt these seats, I did however have some memorable moments of entertainment within those walls. Rating 5 stars out of 5.

the infamous haunted Vogue theater

UBC on Robson Square * 800 Robson Square * Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 3B7 * 604.822.3333 * http://www.robsonsquare.ubc.ca/
When I first went to the University of British Columbia, the only place I could attend college in Vancouver was their main campus over by Pacific Spirit Park / Wreck Beach / Spanish Banks just west of Jericho Beach. But during my Multimedia studies, UBC decided to open a branch at Robson Square. I remember it was desired as well as controversial. Visiting the School 6-7 years later, I saw major improvements and that the campus took over the underground area that resides below Robson Street. UBC of course offers stimulating arts and humanities courses, leading edge technology programs, live performances, international events, and public forums at this location while providing a unique and metropolitan environment for the student being beneath the Fashion and arts district of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. The classrooms were high tech and spacious when I attended, I’m sure they’ve done nother other than improve. Recently Visited 3/22/08. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

UBC/Robson Square

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel * 1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2R9 * 604-331-1000
I can only compliment the architectural design of this building as I didn’t stay here during my visit to Canada, nor have I ever. But for those who enjoy architectural design and monuments, the Wall center is some eye candy in that arena. Its located within walking distance from the fashion and commerce districts of Vancouver possessing a dynamic view of the ethereal supernatural beauty that Vancouver is well known for – from the heights of its uppermost floors one can see all of Vancouver, the Bay, the harbour, Canada Place, Grouse and Cypress mountain. This building is a monument of mirrored glass windowns with a soothing courtyard holding spectacular gardens, cascading water, and Roman-styled hand-laid paving stones mixing modern architecture with classical beauty. From the outside, this looks like a plush and comfortable place to stay. For more information, see www.sheratonvancouver.com. Rating of architectural design: 4 out of 5; Rating of Hotel: Unknown. Viewed 3/22/08.

Bubble Tea Booth * On Burrard Street between Robson and Georgia * Vancouver, B.C.
I’m sorry I don’t have the name of this little booth and an internet search provided no success. There is a little hole-in-the-wall (literally) booth just East of Robson on Burrard street (left side when facing Canada Place) that is more of a kiosk or booth than a restaurant. You can get really cheap pre-made sushi packs, sodas, tea, candy, ice cream, and of course home-made Bubble Tea. The Coconut tea was fabulous. Its a nice quick cheap snack / lunch alternative hotspot in the busy fashion and commerce district. Great for budget travel since most restaurants in the area cost an arm and a leg. Rating 4 stars out 5 for the Bubble Tea; 3 stars out of 5 for the Sushi. Visited 3/22; 3/26; 3/28/2008.

Kitto Japanese House * 833 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia * 604-687-6622
Kitto is in the heart of Granville street just around the corner from Robson. Its a busy, brisk, and small joint right off the main drag known as Granville where many of the nightclubs, bars, unique shops, and entertainment reside. The combo’s are pretty good and its recommended to finish off the meal is some good green tea ice cream. This particular visit (I’ve been here many times) I was running late and joining my group of friends after they were half done with their food. I had to tell a waitress twice i wanted to order, but once it got through i was a new addition to the table, they were really quick with getting my food out. The Unagi was pretty good as well as the Vegetable tempura. They also have a good selection of Vegetarian dishes and sushi. The fish tastes pretty fresh. Average price of Sushi $10-20. Review: 4 stars out of 5. Visited 3/22/08.

Sushi crew