See all those green lines? Bike routes, baby, bike routes.
I have been busy exploring our new neighbourhood (the official moniker of our area is The Village on False Creek but, in spite of the best efforts to rebrand it that way, everyone just calls it the Olympic Village. I don’t really care what it’s called, but I do know this…I’m lovin’ our new ‘hood!
Surrounding the Village Square, we have the basics; groceries, soon-to-be-opened craft beer restaurant, coffee shop, dry cleaning, medical, dental, another craft beer restaurant with killer deck views, as well as (insert big SIGH here) the yuppie doggie store (I didn’t say it was perfect).
But better than the fact that we actually have a square (a genuine centre and heart to our little village) is how close and accessible we are to all the other areas. Somehow Gastown, Crosstown, Mt. Pleasant, Cambie Village, Granville Island, all seem that much more accessible than they did when we lived in Yaletown.
Maybe it’s because we’re at the very end of False Creek and it’s easy to go either side of that water? Not sure what exactly is at work here…but I know this…I am in cycling/walking heaven.
There is incredibly easy access to both the Olympic Village Canada Line location, as well as the Science World Skytrain station. Between those transit links, my bike, my feet, and the constant busses on Main and 2nd, I am certain I can get anywhere in under 15 minutes.
I/We’ve discovered the amazing Peaceful Restaurant (great Chinese food) on 5th at Ontario, our new favourite breakfast joint at The Nice Cafe on 8th, Branas Mediterranean Grill (with live blues!) at Stamps Landing, the newest nearby location of a JJ Bean coffee shop and a myriad of great funky stores, venues and the very-close Mt. Pleasant Library.
Last night we finally got to check out one of the newest nearby Chinatown restaurants, Mamie Taylor’s.
Now I know what all the hype and buzz is about. Funky old brick building, crazy taxidermy on the walls, shelves and random spots (like the little open-mouthed gator head employed as a business card holder – genius!) open kitchen and rocking combinations like deep-fried olives with currants. Who knew? They were crazy-good. I could have ordered a tub of those for my dinner.
The pork chop was juicy in a happy-fat kind of way, the bacon-wrapped oysters had properly crisp bacon (don’t you hate it when the bacon isn’t crisped, and is instead served up with wobbly, blubbery uncooked edges?). The buttermilk chicken rocked and every dish was served with a ridiculous number of veggies done in a variety of methods; all combined to create mouthfuls of great textures.
(No, I did not eat three entrees. Did you seriously think I would/could do that? OK. I probably could, but I didn’t. There were three of us dining. I maintained my best civilized veneer). Oh. And make sure you leave room for the apple pie.
Now you know why I so keenly appreciate all these bike lanes.
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Sounds like you’re really enjoying your new neighbourhood! We’ve been doing a fair bit of bicycling ourselves along the False Creek waterfront – passing Olympic Village. Great for locals. And a great bike route for visitors too.
Glad you guys are enjoying my ‘hood too:)
I feel more and more connected to the area every day. I am discovering so many great little places tucked into the side streets. I love exploring Vancouver!