05.21.08 Part 5: Dinner in a Colonial tavern in Williamsburg

Wednesday, 21 May 2008 - Part 5 (4:00-8:00 pm)
Williamsburg, Virginia

All the running around and driving at Jamestown made me famished when I realized I hadn’t had lunch yet. So I figured, a nice meal at a Colonial tavern in Williamsburg would do the trick. The drive back to Williamsburg wasn’t more than 15 minutes, and since Williamsburg activities were slowing down for the evening, it was a good time to find parking and setting out into Williamsburg for day 2 of wanderings and excitement. I wasn’t sure where I was gonna go, but the attractive barmaid lured me into Chowning’s Tavern without hesitation ….

Josiah Chowning’s Tavern (Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia)

A wink from a cute barmaid lured me into this fine and festive, speedy service establishment. Fashioned in Colonial style decor and architecture, as is every establishment in Colonial Williamsburg, lies Josiah Chowning’s tavern in the heart of the old town. They boast a daytime menu that has quick fresh fare such as pulled pork, beef brisket, hickory-grilled hamburgers, salads, and other sandwiches. In the evening, it becomes a true 18th century rum and alehouse, serving light fare, local ales and wines, rums, and Colonial Williamsburg’s own draft root beer. Balladeers lead guests in rousing sing-alongs and constumed servers invite patrons to play popular colonial games. I feasted on the small and pricey, but delicious crab cake sandwich while sitting with a couple from Texas as there are no private tables at this pub. Entertained by fiddlers and violinists, a magician, and comedy … my quickly served dinner snacking on bowls of peanuts while awaiting the food gave my feet a good rest and my spirit an uplift as I tried to figure out entertainment for the rest of the evening. Rating: 4 stars out of 5. Visited 5/21/08.

Afterwards, I wandered around Williamsburg, watching some more re-enactments, parades, and battles. Then to wind up the evening I figured I’d do the Ghost walk and hang out at the William and Mary bookstore until the tour began.

Doom Gloom night at the Wave, Norfolk, Virginia

Doom Gloom @ the Wave
http://www.thewavenorfolk.com/ * 4107 Colley Ave in Norfolk Virginia.
Nestled in a neighbourhood on the coast of Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, Virginia lies a neat little gay club called “The Wave”. On tuesday nights it hosts Norfolk’s only Goth/Industrial night called “Doom Gloom”. 18 plus, 10-2, great music and drink specials, lots of dancing and socializing. 2 rooms and a smoke patio, even though smoking is still allowed in the club (as it appears most establishments in Virginia) and a pool room. The younger crowd is a bit more raver than goth, light sticks seem to be a common theme, but the music selections will cover old school tastes without contemplation. During my 5/20/08 visit I had fun especially as I ran into an old friend and partied the night away. Good times. Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

light stick haven

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kokoro Japanese, Denver, Colorado

Kokoro Japanese Food
Quick, Delicious Japenese Food * 555 Broadway, Denver (6th & Broadway)
http://kokorodenver.ypguides.net
A fast, delicious and healthy alternative for those in a rush … service is quick, and take-out even quicker. Sit down or fly out … you won’t be disappointed. Dining in is fabulous … wonderful and friendly staff, good food, good prices, and good sake. Sit down have done the Unagi bowl which is fabulous … good rolls … strong sake. With a Happy hour you couldn’t find anywhere … affordable and tasty. Must visit. Rating 5 stars out of 5. 

Woodpecker’s Roadhouse

Woodpecker’s outside of Oberhausen, Germany
Zur Grafenmühle 147, 46244 Bottrop, Germany - 02045/410048 * www.woodpeckers-roadhouse.de
A pretty cool roadhouse aux German interpretation ‘American’-style. Very pleasant pub/restaurant with an extremely friendly staff. The ambiance has much American memorabilia and supposedly the restaurant has very good food - and big burgers. We went only for drinks the night I visited, which were more potent than usual as I’ve found in Germany as I am used to strong drinks coming from the Pacific Northwest and the mile high Denver. I went with a Long Island Ice Tea and a B-52, both very good, though weaker than their American counterparts as they contain less alcohol in the mix. Woodpecker’s seemed to be very busy, lots of cheery people, and the wall screen was playing “Happy Tree Friends” - quite nice! My friends from Germany wanted to show me this American roadhouse since they will be bartending there some day in the near future. A very good experience! As far as roadhouses go, I’d give it a 5 star (out of 5). From the patio space and the fact it’s nestled nicely into the woods off the highway, looks like a very popular hangout joint for the outdoors and travelling folk, including motorbikers. Great place!

Nosh (Berlin, Germany)

Nosh - Berlin
Pappelallee 77, 10437 Berlin, Germany * 030/44040397 * http://www.nosh-berlin.de/
A quaint outdoor/indoor cafe/restaurant/bar along Pappelallee. Full service bar, restaurant, and menu. Me and my friend stopped by one sunny afternoon, enjoying the sun, the drinks, and the food - as well as their free wifi - giving us an edge on finding our way around the city and contacting friends we were meeting up with. Good drinks, good food. I tried their Pad Thai. Quite nice. It’s definitely a place to relax, chat, and chill when walking along Pappelallee. Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5.

Chronos @ Club Five, Washington, D.C.

Chronos @ Club Five, Thursdays Goth * Industrial * EBM * Futurepop * 80’s * Darkwave *
1214 B 18th Street NW, Washington DC, 20036 * Livejournal & Myspace and ChronosDC.com.
DJ’s: Dirty B, 2501, guest DJ Aaron Hart. Cover $6.
Birthed from Alchemy, Chronos is One of D.C.’s favorite and most popular Goth nights, located dowtown off 18th street, just a jaunt from the White House. Hosted every Thursday in the 3-floor club Five; all of the locals I spoke to through the evening swore this was the best club night for this theme in the D.C. area. Some claimed it’s the only night they go to, while others stated they also attended Bound (Fetish night on fridays) and Midnight (Saturdays), which are the other hotspots of activity in town. The first floor hosts the dance floor - dance lights with the DJ’s above, and a catwalk/balcony above from the 2nd floor. Bar downstairs with ample booths and comfortable seating spaces. Plenty of room to dance. Main bar downstairs. Next floor up, is a medium sized bar, with booths, bathrooms, coat check, and the catwalk overlooking the DJ booth and dancefloor. Very top floor, is a rooftop patio with yet another bar. Doors open at 9 pm, and Open bar (free drafts and wells) from 9-10 make the club thrive early. Some of the friendliest and talented bartenders on staff in town. In fact, Bartender Jay was highly recommended as the best bartender in D.C. by more than a handful of patrons - and I couldn’t agree more. Drinks strong, and well done. The community is extremely friendly, easy to talk with, make new friends, and no one seemed isolated unlike many of the clubs on the west coast where it can take a stranger some time to meet others. Excellent sound and ambience, and extremely talented DJ’s. They served excellent music, selections, and fulfilled all the requests I was I aware of. Top job! Very enjoyable and very recommended. Will return to whenever I’m back in D.C. 4.5 stars out of 5. Visited 1/11/2007.

more photos below, including a few regulars that attend the evening … and bartender Jay! (so you know who to request drinks from!)

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Sushi Go-Round and Tapas, Washington, D.C.

Sushi Go-Round and Tapas
705 7th St. NW, Washington DC 20001 * 202-393-2825 * www.sushigoroundatmci.com
Located in the heart of Chinatown in Gallery Place, home to the only sushi bar belt in DC. Excellent food and quick and fast service. Delicious sushi. Must visit for any on-the-go sushi connaisseur. Rating 4 stars out of 5. Visited 1/8/2007.

Merchant’s Cafe, Seattle, WA

Merchant’s Cafe
109 Yesler Way • Seattle, Washington • (206) 624-1515
One of Seattle’s oldest and most historic restaurants, nestled into the heart of one of many of Seattle’s historic districts, in the birth epicenter of Seattle’s famous Pioneer Square. Excellent food and great drinks. At least with former management. It has apparently changed hands recently. They used to have really good fish and chips, and the Black Orchid drink specials during Confessional night’s were potent and mind-numbing. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

The Ballroom, Seattle, WA

The Ballroom
456 N 36th Street, Seattle, Washington (Fremont)
http://www.clubzone.com/c/Seattle/Lounge_Bar/Ballroom.html
An ambient nightclub/bar/pub with decor of a unique charm. Fire tables and 60’s meets 90’s lamps. Good drink specials, a very late night happy hour, pool tables, and foodstuffs. Pleasant staff, and friendly patrons. Imbibing a few whiskey n’ cokes sheltered us from the rain as we popped into this pad. Not bad. Rating: 3 stars out of 5. Visited 12/26/06.

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