We were very sad that our final evening with family was upon us, but very happy to have delicious cheese fondue for dinner! My cousin’s cat was in love with GJ and he took many pictures of her.
Mmmmmmm, fondue…
This is Shandy. She reminds me a lot of another lovely little girl called Spatz.
Camera full of whiskers!
Another big day for photos so will break this day up into a few posts. Spent another lovely morning with my family and then into town. My cousins had a previous engagement, so GJ and I decided to explore some more of the city; sort of our tourist day. Firstly, we had the most amazing lunch at a delightful restaurant called Le Hobbit. We only managed to get in as we arrived at about 11:40. Most of the tables were already reserved and after we were seated, many people were turned away. We ordered from the daily menu which included soup (which was divine) and tea/coffee. We also shared a delicious dessert.
My lunch was Filet de Sole, beurre blanc, lime et coriander
GJ had Bavette boeuf, sauce aux épices.
Chocolate almond cake with chocolate ganache, butterscotch and almond biscuit.
Hobbit Bistro at 700 rue St-Jean in Quebec City.
Spent a few hours exploring Quebec City’s Musée de la Civilisation. They have a very interesting exhibit of Nigerian art right now. Also walked over to the Public Market which, even at this time of year, has lots of local produce and products: especially apples, beautiful beautiful apples!
A gorgeous building and interesting collection. An afternoon’s adventure.
Take-away cups aside, this Chocolat Chaud was pretty good, but the croissants were fantastic.
We really like Hudson. It’s a very quaint town of about 5000 residents, significantly anglophone. Many sweet shops and services, a public farmer’s market and very friendly people. We spent a quiet day, poking around the village and celebrating GJ’s birthday with a delicious cake my cousin commissioned a local baker to make for us. In the evening we attended a very special dinner at the local legion. It was an early Remembrance Day event with cadets presentation, dinner and guest speaker. An exceptional day.
GJ’s very delicious birthday cake!
A very cute town.
Apparently, the video store shows films in the large room above.
The Town Hall.
I enjoyed watching the squirrels’ attempts to infiltrate the bird feeders. My cousin’s partner had a different viewpoint!
The highlight of the Legion Remembrance Dinner was meeting a lovely 93-year-old woman who served in WWII and studied nursing at The Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. She still fits into her uniform and was truly delightful.
Always try to have a hot chocolate at Mink whenever we’re in Vancouver. Also came home with a bunch of bars for GJ who stayed home with the cat. Flavours like “Simply Charming” – Fig and Balsamic Vinegar in Chocolate Ganache and “Mermaid’s Choice” – Burnt Caramel and Fleur de Sel with a Hint of Rosemary.
Two small dark hot chocolates warmed us up in the cold Vancouver afternoon. A milk chocolate version is also available as well as drinking chocolate, fondue and wonderful baked treats. An exceptional hot chocolate, deep complex flavour.
Spent a delightful day in Vancouver yesterday visiting with my dear Friend L who was there for a conference. I hopped on the bus early to catch the 9 am ferry. Ran into two other lovely friends whose lively conversation quickened the trip. L and I met at the Bridgeport Skytrain Station and headed downtown. We wandered mostly, and ate a lot: delicious lunch at the Vancouver Art Gallery Cafe, hot chocolate at Mink and wonderful dinner at the Italian Kitchen. The air was cold, but the rain held off. Home on the 9 pm ferry. Here are a few photos to mark the day.
A beautiful morning in Victoria as I wait for the bus.
Autumn colours and blue grey sky.
Down at English Bay: a beautiful garden, the A-maze-ing Laughter sculpture by Yue Minjun, and a cool condo building with a tree growing on the penthouse deck.
I caught our reflections while taking this pic. These child mannequins caught my eye as the centre one reminded me of GJ (except for the hat)! He loves a stripy shirt.
This was a wonderful addition to Robson Street. Several parking spots removed to make a garden and seating area for pedestrians, how novel!
The North Shore mountains were magical with a fresh dusting of snow.
Flavourful and tender gnocchi with basil pesto, pine nuts and roasted tomato at The Italian Kitchen on Alberni. Our server Hillary was exceptional. She handled all the tables around us with pure grace and charm.
The rain-filled gutters were overflowing along Fort Street yesterday soaking all who dared to go about their business. Such a contrast from a few days ago as summer held on refusing to take her rest. While we waited for the amazing folks at Goo Goo Goggles to repair my specks, we cozied up at Street Level Espresso and warmed ourselves right down to our toes with their exquisite hot chocolate. Straight up, no frills, but the best deep flavour: sweet to start then a lovely bitter finish, creamy and frothy. Just what we needed. They use a chocolate by Michel Cluizel called Vila Gracinda. We will enjoy this one again and again.
Thanks Street Level Espresso for your passion for your craft.
Many Hot Chocolate offerings are available at Bubby’s Kitchen in Cook Street Village. The basic is made with melted Belgian chocolate. The Chocolate Chai, spicy tea steeping in rich hot chocolate. Naked Cocoa with no sugar and Spicy Cocoa, a bit sweet with a nice hit of chili. (The pumpkin pie was also divine.)
Chocolate Chai on the left and Spicy Cocoa on the right.
This cool and foggy morning would be the perfect time for this delicious beverage. My third hot chocolate offering is my long-time favourite: Peppermint Hot Chocolate from Bean Around the World on lower Fisgard Street. Made with Silk Road Westcoast Peppermint tea instead of syrup, the flavour is bright with a good balance of chocolate and mint; not too intense, comforting and creamy.
Very artful beverages: two large Peppermint Hot Chocolates and a regular Mocha (another fine chocolaty treat!).
My second seasonal hot chocolate was enjoyed at one of our usual breakfast (lunch, dinner, dessert) haunts, Clay Pigeon. I plan to drop a hint that they should invent an amazing boozy hot chocolate for their winter menu. Will keep you posted.
Sweet and creamy.
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