If you are interested in visiting Vancouver (British Columbia) for a foodie adventure, you are in the right spot.
Where to Stay? The Westin Bayshore, 0f course 🙂
The first thing you will need to do is find suitable accommodation. Selecting a hotel in Vancouver can be challenging as there are multiple options to choose from. Ultimately, the Westin Bayshore won me over with its waterfront views, quiet downtown location and unique food and beverage offerings. Tucked away in Coal Harbour, at Bayshore Drive and Cardero Street is the quintessential Westin Bayshore.
Insider Insight: The King Harbour View rooms are spacious enough for a cot if you are travelling with your family or friends,
Tip: Ask for a Harbour View room, to soak in views for your entire stay
The rooms are spacious with sleek modern finishings and offer unobstructed views of the harbour, North Shore mountains and beyond. I was grateful for Westin Bayshore’s location as it is hidden away from the noise of the downtown Vancouver core. So much so, that I was able to keep the windows open. Little things like windows that open totally make my day and I was able to take advantage of the fresh clean air that Vancouver is so famous for.
Killer Combo: Tons of natural lighting & a mirror fit for selfies
Travel Pro Tip: Always have a packable duffle on hand for extra shopping you may do ( I always stick to Longchamp). During summer months, be sure to have a hat on hand, this one’s from my friends at Alfred Sung.
Cocktails at H Tasting Lounge
Must Try Cocktail: Petal Culture; Ayman’s old tom gin, banana liqueur, rooh afza, rhubarb, lemon, yakult, dahi
Confession: The only time I’m focussed is when I’m eating.
So many shareable plates to select from at H Tasting Lounge! FYI – The Pork Belly was a hit!
Quick & Healthy Options at T&Co Cafe
In the lobby of the Westin Bayshore is a gorgeous grab and go cafe by the name of T&Co. The cafe boasts a health-forward selection of smoothies and bites, but for the caffeine-inclined, T&Co has you covered with their hand-crafted coffee beverages. Of course, it would be remiss of me to not mention the stunning mid century modern design of the space featuring white marble juxtaposed against deep blacks and brass.
Where Else is There to Dine?
One of the defining reasons I opted to stay at the Westin Bayshore was its proximity to attractions, shops and eats in Vancouver. This is where you can start taking notes on what hotspots to hit up 😉
Confetti Cake from H Tasting Lounge
Afternoon Tea at Laduree
Insider Insight: During the summer months, an inventive ice cream cart service is available out front.
Pro Tip: Splurge and go with the Royal Ladurée; who wouldn’t love champagne with fresh strawberries and rose syrup?
Confession Number 2: There’s a slight chance that I MAY have coordinated my outfit with the venue
Japanese Curry at Gyoza Bar
For the best Japanese curry in Vancouver, visit the Gyoza Bar. One bite and I was transported back to Kyoto, Japan where I had authentic Japanese curry. The aromatic curry is layered with flavour and served over a bed of fluffy white rice.
The portions are generous and the taste is authentic!
Happy Hour at The Victor
Within the glamorous Parq Vancouver Casino is the equally opulent restaurant, The Victor. At first glance, the Victor seems like a steakhouse, but they also specialize in sushi and raw bar. However those in the “know” slip through a hidden secret passage behind a bookcase to the D/6 Bar and Lounge. Honestly, the lounge is downright sexy with its fireplace, dark tones, pool tables and vases selection of liquors and spirits. I dropped by happy hour and indulged in several cocktails as I took in the Vancouver skyline on this rooftop lounge.
Well crafted cocktails and aburi style sushi and a glamorous aesthetic? Yes, please!
Fine Sushi at Minami Yaletown
Minami Yaletown has held Vancouver’s top sushi spot for years. Authentic sushi made with high quality fresh seafood is served al fresco on their cozy outdoor terrace in Yaletown. We selected the Blue Ocean Five Course meal that is a Shokai: Chef’s Tasting Menu. The courses were specialized to our dietary restrictions and offered a beautiful variety of flavours. I would recommend the Shokai menu as it is a personalized dining experience that offers a well curated overview of what Minami is about. As a bonus, even a cocktail is a part of the Shokai’s offering. If you prefer alcohol forward cocktails that offer deeper flavours, go for the Wagyu Chocolate Boulevardier 24 – you will certainly thank me later!
Wagyu Chocolate Boulevardier; wagyu washed maker’s mark, Aburi chocolate liqueur, antica formula, campari
Minami Signature Sushi Selection – with such diverse flavours, there was no way to pick a favourite.
Chef’s Selection of Sashimi – Superior quality and freshness in every bite.
Petite Green Tea Opera Cake; green tea génoise, matcha buttercream, dark chocolate ganache, azuki bean cream, hazelnut wafer, matcha ice cream
Bonus: Self Care at Fig Face
Everyone needs to be pampered on their vacation so I thought I would add a little surprise bonus to the list. Self-care is extremely important to me and Fig Face Kitsilano is my vibe! Rich olive green tones cover every inch of Fig, from the floors to the ceilings, to the curtains and even the displays. The facials combine science, quality products and technology. In addition to their 4 types of facials, you can also get IV drips and LED Light Therapy. Obviously, I opted for all of the above and left feeling fresher than ever.
