I just recognized that yesterday I hit a thousand views on my blog. So thanks to all my frequent readers, I hope you love it!
From a friend of a friend came the recommendation to visit this amazing Japanese place called Gyu Kaku where you have a BBQ grill integrated in the dining tables so that you basically prepare your own food.
There was of course lots of meat and only some veggies plus rice and amazing sauces and marinades.
Staff was friendly too, but due to the rather high prices and the two hours it took us for lunch it might not ever become a favorite spot. Sadly!
While researching roasters in Vancouver I also stumbled over the guys from JJ Bean. They've been around for quite a while and are not a franchise business as many other coffee shops are. Their warehouse is in east Van and they not only roast their coffee themselves, they also supply some independent coffee shops downtown.
My first experience in one of the really stylish locations was kind of awkward though. The baristas at Burrard Street were extremely arrogant and unfriendly and kind of ruined the first impression for me.
But as a friend of mine got hired by the Yaletown outlet I decided to give them another try.
Turns out that although they are really hipster they do have a great attitude and good coffee after all. The Yaletown guys are super friendly and attentive and the JJ espresso blend is fabulous! Also the shop features an own bakery which means that muffins and cookies are always fresh.
A definite recommendation!
On January 1 the annual polar bear swim took place at english bay and among lots of bizarre swimmers my roommate also dived into the freezing water. It was not a cold day at all but weather was rainy and wet and overall disgusting. The whole event was overlooked by the Vancouver lifeguards and even some SUPs were out. NYE hangover fighting of a different kind.
A huge crowd watched the event including a squirrel that probably had the best view.
For all participants there were public showers for warm up featuring motivation songs as: "We're so cold, we're so numb, we are really really dumb!"
I guess they enjoyed it!
2014 it is!
I hope everyone had a great night, it took me quite a while to recover after the awesome party at the Goorin Bros. hat shop in Yaletown. Thanks for Mary Jean, who works there, for her invitation to the private party for employees and friends only.
We had literally everything you could ask for, drinks, food and great company!
The dress code was kind of fancy so thanks again to Mary for giving me that awesome tie and hat to dress me up a little nicer.
The best thing about the party was the people! Interesting characters all over. A lead singer of a cheesy rock band, a world traveling art teacher, an artist who modeled a sculpture of a perfect vagina... what more can you ask for?
So a little late, but to everyone who reads my blog a happy new year!!!
