Nadine N.'s Profile

I was introduced to Live Fit Studio through a LivingSocial promotion (10 classes for $25). I started out with an intro spin class with Jessica, which I really liked a lot. Because of the summer months and low attendance, they seem to have cut back on a lot of classes, including their intro class. With 9 more classes as a part of my promo, I was forced to turn to their regular spin classes. Sure, it was intimidating, but the instructors were great at helping newer spinners work within a reasonable pace. If you are a newbie, I highly recommend telling the instructor so that they are sure to keep a special eye on you. My favourite instructor was Davi because she was always really energetic,  positive, and encouraging.

The studio itself is within the Pinnacle Hotel and has a spectacular view of downtown Vancouver.  The facilities and equipment are new. The spinning area is kept cool with a fan and the doors outside can be opened to let in fresh air which makes the experience much more tolerable. Live Fit also offers Zumba classes and personal training.

The only thing I didn't like about my experience with Live Fit Studio is that the rules of the promo seemed to change with regards to missing classes and the cancellation of the promo. Once I talked to the owner she cleared up the situation, but I would still suggest to hold on to copies of what you sign for your records.

If I wasn't moving out of the area, I'd continue going to Live Fit Studio. I can definitely say that I've become a spinning enthusiast within the short time that I came to Live Fit. If you want a great workout in a beautiful space, you need to check this place out.

There are wants and there are needs. No, I don't need gorgeous letter pressed cards and calendars, or unique business card and passport holders, or clever little paper clips and magnets, or darling little book marks. But I WANT!!! I want it all!

This shop recently opened up in West Vancouver. I overheard the shop keeper telling another customer that they've been waiting for this location to become available for years. The original Zing is over in Coal Harbour. This spot is bright and airy. Customer service is very good.

I've been to Crème de la Crumb a few times and came in with very high hopes with all the 5 star reviews. Perhaps my expectations got in the way of ability to fully enjoy the experience. I do have to say that the apple and cheddar scone was 5 stars worthy. The coconut-lime scone, not so much. I found it to be dry and heavy, more the consistency of bread than of a scone. Perhaps it was just an off day for this particular scone? I've had a few of the sandwiches (the salmon and the mozzarella/tomato) and thought they were pretty average. They do grill them for you which is a  nice touch.

I never used to be a Starbucks "regular", but I happily visit this Starbucks location on a regular basis. I pass by several other Starbucks, but hold out for this one for my daily cup. Why? It's the staff. They are all really friendly and efficient, which makes visiting a quick and pleasant experience. Most other Starbucks in my orbit have staff who seem far more interested in chatting with each other than interacting with customers and give me that uncomfortable cattle call feeling that can come with visiting a chain. Not at this location! The people who work here seem to like their jobs, their customers, and each other. Service with a smile. Imagine that!

Overall, the Metropolitan Hotel delivered a very 3-star experience. Average accommodations, convenient location, and fairly inexpensive. There were a couple of things though that really ruined my stay. The biggest one was the complimentary town car service. The driver was such a jerk! He didn't even say hello and didn't speak to me except to tell me that he'd be dropping me off a block away from where I was going because it was outside of his perimeter. I gave him a tip despite his rudeness because I am too nice. The next morning I got delayed in the elevator and was a few minutes late. The guy flat out refused to drive me. I'd much rather that the Metropolitan Hotel not offer a "service" if they are going to do it badly. The other thing that could have been better is the remote control. I'm not taking off a star because the TV was old as dirt, but because the remote was crusty and dirty. I didn't want to touch it, but then my aunt, who is a flight attendant and has stayed in tonnes of hotels, made a brilliant suggestion to take the shower cap from the bathroom and wrap the remote in it. Problem solved, but c'mon Metropolitan, that's just nasty.

It was a cold night and I was not in the mood for wandering the streets around my hotel hoping to find a decent meal and I definitely did not want to take my chances with hotel food. Enter Yelp. Thanks to Toronto Yelpers, I found this great little sushi place that was just around the corner from my hotel. I would never have found it on my own because it's down a dark street that I probably wouldn't have thought to wander down without prompting. After reading how small the place is, I decided just to pop over to place a take out order. Service and sushi were quickly delivered. It wasn't cheap, but it was delicious. If I lived in Toronto, I'd definitely go here all the time!

Sorry, not a fan. Came in for dinner on a weeknight and there was only one other couple there. Lots of people stopped in to take out though. I'll give it to this place for being cheap. In that regard, you get what you pay for. I'd give this place 3-stars for giving you a lot of food for a low price, if it weren't for the insects that started buzzing around our table as we finished our meal. Not appetizing! If it were July, I'd understand that nature happens, but this was in December. These suckers must be living in the restaurant. No thanks.

I didn't realize how deprived I'd been for Asian groceries living on the North Shore until I walked into Osaka. That chili oil I'd been fruitlessly searching for at Save-On Foods and Whole Foods? It's in the aisle with all the soy sauce at Osaka! Yay! Aside from the amazing selection of Southeast Asian and Japanese snacks, the Asian produce, and the giant selection of fresh seafood, there is a great selection prepared food at the deli.  I wish had four stomachs like a cow, because then I could have managed to try everything that caught my eye. The sushi and seaweed salad were super fresh and the vegetable pao were delicious (6 buns for less than $7). Next time I stop by I'll have to try the express meal combo: 2 items plus rice and soup for $5.99. Thank you, T&T for bringing Asian groceries and goodies to the North Shore!

I bought a night at the Fairmont Waterfront through Groupon. It was fun to leave work and play tourist for the night. My feelings about this Fairmont is mixed.

When I checked in, I showed the receptionist my Groupon on my phone via the Groupon app, which is supposed to save you from having to print out Groupons. She told me that they needed a print out and suggested that I email her a copy of the receipt. I ended up having to get on my laptop in the lobby, which wasn't a huge deal except for the fact that they charge something like $15 for wifi. Fortunately, I had a Fairmont gold membership (sign up, it's free!) so I didn't have to pay for the wifi. I would have been pretty bitter if I had to shell out $15 just to use my Groupon, so I am glad it all worked out. (2 stars)

Other than that, the customer service is really great. My wife wanted to go swimming but forgot her suit so we inquired about buying one at the front desk. The manager came out and took us to the gym to see their selection. She was very patient as my wife tried to decide, and ultimately declined the suits. I went swimming without her in the heated pool at night and it was fun to see the downtown buildings lit up. (5 stars)

The rooms are a bit on the older side. I upgraded us to a water view, but wouldn't necessarily recommend this because it had us facing the convention centre, which has a large, flashing TV screen going all night long. Also, the phone in our room didn't work. (2 stars)

As we checked out, the woman at the front desk asked what our Thanksgiving plans were. I said we didn't have any and she gave me a coupon for a free bottle of wine at their restaurant. I thought this was a nice touch. (5 stars)

Overall, I give Fairmont Waterfront 3.5 stars. I'll go ahead and round up since I got a good deal on the room.

I had a bad experience during my last visit. I ordered my beloved tuna burger that I previously raved about, only this time it was bad. The tuna looked good poking out underneath the bun, so I broke off a small piece and popped it into my mouth. Thankfully it was a small piece because the fish tasted really fishy, a good indication that it was not fresh and perhaps even spoiled. Gross! It took a good 15 minutes before anyone came to check on us and when they did I reported that the tuna was bad. They took the plate back to the kitchen but not once did anyone who interacted with us apologize for serving me bad food. They did ask if I wanted something else, but by that time I'd already eaten half of my wife's dinner, so we just asked for the check. Now in the Black Bear's defense, they did take the tuna burger off the bill. If someone had just expressed some kind of concern, I would have felt much better about the whole thing. You know, convince me that this is not normal and that you hope I'll come back again to have a better experience? No? Okay, then why should I assume that next time will be any different? I'd rather not take my chances.