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"Intoxicating Adventures"
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Review votes:
347 Useful, 99 Funny, and 211 Cool
BC
Yelping SinceNovember 2008
Things I Lovewine, well stocked wine cellars
Find Me InVancouver
My HometownOsoyoos, BC
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...another cork has bit the dust
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI'm a professional writer and a super cool chick in general ")
DateVancouver, BC V5Z 3Y8
(604) 875-3325
Firefly Fine Wines & Ales
Category: Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes
1 Previous Review:
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11/21/2008
I love how this wine store is organized. Instead of choosing a country and then looking through it's many different types of wines, here you can let your tastes guide you. Feel like something suave, spicy, or sweet? No problem. There's a section for that. They've done the work of categorizing the wines by how they taste.
I think the fact that they are able to do that shows how much these people know about their product. In order to know that a wine is 'plump' (a full-bodied white wine with richness), they have to know how each wine tastes.
They also have a massive cold room full of ale, bubbly and chilled white wine. If the organization of the shop isn't enough help for you, staff are always on hand to help you out. And they do free weekly tastings, but the day seems to change.
1 Previous Review:
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1/30/2009
Part of the fun of going to Pink Pearl is getting there. You have to head out through the dodgiest area in (perhaps) all of Canada before you arrive. Once you're there, it's pretty classy inside.
We took our chances with items from the carts that wind around the tables. I do like the element of surprise when you choose your lunch by pointing at "that one." It's another surprise when the bill comes ...
Since I was not there with people who knew what "this one" or "that one" actually was, it becomes difficult to list what we ordered. I can say that some were good, some were alright, and some felt like a dare.
So I suppose you have to be feeling a bit daring to head for a meal at Pink Pearl. I reserve it for such occasions.
Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8
(604) 687-4088
Revel Room
Categories: American (New), Lounges
Neighbourhoods: Gastown, Downtown
Nothing much seems to happen there until after 10pm, although it's a restaurant. They go til 2 and at last call -- warm cookies. WARM f'n COOKIES! We're talking chocolate chip, gooey, warm cookies delivered by the Pillsbury Dough Boy himself. (OK, that was an exaggeration, but he was the kinda guy you'd like to poke in the belly).
Go there! Go early and stay til last call and enjoy all they have to offer. Music is great, you can talk over it no problem, you could take a date there, you can meet with friends there ... it's an all-purpose venue. Book out the upstairs room for your next event!!
Vancouver, BC V6E 1M5
(604) 568-3133
Urban Burger
Category: Burgers
Neighbourhood: West End
Fries were crunchy, the place was clean and the service was perky and quick.
Our only request: Please, Urban Burger, put one-sided glass on your front window. Then when we sit in the window we can watch passers-by instead of having them jealously stare in at our faces dripping with mayo.
Vancouver, BC V6B 2N3
(604) 684-6466
Cambie Bar & Grill
Categories: Pool Halls, Dive Bars
Neighbourhoods: Gastown, Downtown
I came to the Cambie when I was 19 and thought the scraped up picnic tables and rowdy crowds singing to punk music were just about the coolest thing ever. There is still a part of me who gets a kick out of this from time to time and I've dropped in a few times over the years. But there's no way I'd wait in line for it!
Last time I walked past the Cambie on the weekend there was a massive line up of young adults waiting out in the freezing cold to get into the Cambie. I get it, but I wouldn't do it myself.
Vancouver, BC V6E 1C2
(604) 688-1411
Shenanigans
Category: Pubs
Neighbourhood: West End
I asked why they hang out here. I didn't see the draw. But they told me it's big enough so that there's always room for all their friends from school, there's pool tables, a small dance floor, a kitchen, lots of tables and places to chat.
If you head there after 8pm you'll have to pay $5 for the experience.
The winery used to be called Golden Mile Cellars, but it changed hands in 2003. The new owners gave into pressure from their neighbours to change the name from Golden Mile, as that refers to the wineries located along Highway 97, between Fairview and Road 18. Road 13 was coming up a little short for that title!
The wines are made in three tiers: "Honest John" at the less expensive end of the scale, "Road 13" (varietal series) is their middle of the road wine, and their premium is "Jackpot".
Don't let the castle fool you into thinking the royalty at Road 13 can't get their hands dirty. They believe wine is all about the dirt: good wine starts in the vineyard with good grape-growing practices.
You can drop in from Easter to Halloween to do tastings. If you want a special experience, book a private tasting and hit the Jackpot!
Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R0
(250) 497-7945
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery
Category: Wineries
We didn't get this sort of show. We were happy to settle for a taste of their wine. They don't make a huge, long list of wines, but they're working on quality over quantity. They bottle Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and a red Meritage (blend). They produce only about 5,000 cases of wine per year.
Although their King's Ransom 2006 Meritage goes for $65, don't say the name didn't warn you! Most of the wines are in the $20-$30 range.
Central Okanagan H, BC V4T 2E4
(250) 768-6448
Mission Hill Family Estate
Category: Wineries
It is, without a doubt, the most stunning estate to visit in the Okanagan. I don't want to give too much away -- it's better for you to go there and let your own jaw drop. 360° of awe.
It's worth it to get in on their VIP tastings that take you through the caves. If you aren't that organized, the wine shop has ample room for tasting and you'll be guided through the flites by well-educated staff.
Dining on the terrace perched on the edge of the hillside with a spectacular valley-view is also a recommended experience.
Oliver, BC V0H 1T0
(250) 498-4867
Toasted Oak Wine Bar & Grill
Categories: Wine Bars, American (New)
For all that tasting you're going to do, you need a good lunch! And a glass of wine to actually drink (not just taste!). There's a great menu at this restaurant and an award-winning BC wine list.
It's not overdone. You can feel relaxed in whatever you happen to be wearing and still get great, friendly service and a terrific meal. Think soup and sandwich with an artful or posh twist.
They have a outdoor patio, but you might be ready for air conditioning if you're there in the heat of the Okanagan summer. Either way, it's a great spot!
Make sure to check out the VQA wine shop attached (if you don't have a full trunk from wine touring already).
Is it easier this way? Maybe -- if you know what you like. But if you're looking for something new you can always ask the staff. They have plenty of special wine in the $60+ category, but also plenty of weeknight finds in the under $20 group.
And they seem to match BC Liquor store prices. E.g. Punto Final Malbec is about $16 in at the government shop, same as at Firefly. Casal Thaulero Sangiovese is under $11 at both shops. That's a nice change; it makes me angry when private wine shops tack on an extra $2-4 to a pizza-pairing wine I know is barely worth $12 to begin with!
Also, getting to know the inside of their beer fridge has also got me hooked on many new styles of brews. Over 400 different labels? Yes please!!
They have expanded since my last review and now carry a fair range of spirits, including lots of nice scotch, Pemberton vodka, Victoria gin and other local/boutique/specialty booze.