[trofirhen]

It is always most difficult to assess and perceive one's own personality objectively. The real objectivity comes from the perceptions of others, who have had multitudinous experiences of other people, and can observe you with greater perspicacity and objectivity.

So it is with our own city. We see it through our own eyes, and not through those who come from elsewhere, often getting a first impression of Vancouver. For this reason I am starting this thread with a perception of the Pacific Centre, from people from all over.

Maybe we can add to the thread, maybe not, but it is always good "to see ourselves how others see us."

http://www.yelp.ca/biz/pacific-centre-shopping-mall-vancouver

[Yume-sama]

I don't want to say people are easily impressed (perhaps we are spoiled), but I'm still surprised whenever I hear how amazing it is we have big downtown Sears :P

[trofirhen]

Here's a comparison of Vancouver and Washington DC, by our own (American import) Larry Beasley.

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=5895

[mrjauk]

Here's a comparison of Vancouver and Washington DC, by our own (American import) Larry Beasley.

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=5895

I love Washington, DC! It's one of my favourite cities, although the summer heat and humidity can be brutal.

What Washington (and almost every other great city in the world) has that Vancouver doesn't is history and the beautiful, historical buildings that that implies. If Vancouver were 100 years older, it would be much more interesting architecturally. But, it isn't.

[SpongeG]

I don't want to say people are easily impressed (perhaps we are spoiled), but I'm still surprised whenever I hear how amazing it is we have big downtown Sears :P

yah during the games i overheard someone on granville say "AND they have a sears DOWNTOWN!"

[Rusty Gull]

I have heard of American visitors complain of a lack of restaurants downtown -- while complaining about a lack of Denny's!!

[trofirhen]

I love Washington, DC! It's one of my favourite cities, although the summer heat and humidity can be brutal.

What Washington (and almost every other great city in the world) has that Vancouver doesn't is history and the beautiful, historical buildings that that implies. If Vancouver were 100 years older, it would be much more interesting architecturally. But, it isn't.
:previous:
Absolutely true. Sad, though.

[teriyaki]

I have heard of American visitors complain of a lack of restaurants downtown -- while complaining about a lack of Denny's!!

Actually, I agree that there are a lack of Dennys in the DT area. Not to say that all the other great restaurant choices aren't appreciated (we definitely have some of the best cuisine choices in the DT area). But theres something about having a Dennys available 24/7 that adds to any citys "nightlife". Be it after a night of partying, or just tourists that want a familiar bite to eat after midnight.

[IanS]

I love Washington, DC! It's one of my favourite cities, although the summer heat and humidity can be brutal.

What Washington (and almost every other great city in the world) has that Vancouver doesn't is history and the beautiful, historical buildings that that implies. If Vancouver were 100 years older, it would be much more interesting architecturally. But, it isn't.

That's very true. Cities in Europe have so much history and texture to them compared to Vancouver. Vancouver has a lot going for it, but not that. Sadly, I think that's just a function of time.

[agrant]

:previous:
Absolutely true. Sad, though.Look on the bright side - think of all the buildings that would crumble during an earth quake. All the money needed for seismic upgrades...

[SpikePhanta]

Dennys is horible!

I love talking with tourists aged 50+.
I mostly talk with them on the passenger train leaving vancouver, they always complain about the number of towers cramped together in downtown.
But other than that i've heard tourist compliment on how well vancouver does with parks..

[Yume-sama]

If someones biggest complaint is that we don't have enough Denny's, I'd say we're doing fine. And that's not something I'd be willing to pander to change :P

[TwoFace]

Never mind Dennys, there is a major assault of new A & W restaurants ready to open in a short period of time.

In the last couple of weeks I noticed one at the Train station, Robson and Homer, Alberni by the old Liquor store, and I’m sure I missed a bunch in other locations as well.

[trofirhen]

Knight & Day is a 24-hour restaurant, and serves more interesting fare than Denny's. As I recall, they are licenced, too. What about courting one of those for a central location?

[Yume-sama]

There's an A&W at Robson and Homer, and another one two blocks over by Chapters :P I don't know where the hell they came from.

[trofirhen]

There's an A&W at Robson and Homer, and another one two blocks over by Chapters :P I don't know where the hell they came from.

... from the unthinking, mindless depths of Coke & Hamburgerland, of course :slob:

[Prometheus]

I could really go for a Teen Burger right about now (and some onion rings with a big frosted mug of rootbeer). Seriously.

[trofirhen]

I could really go for a Teen Burger right about now (and some onion rings with a big frosted mug of rootbeer). Seriously.

Really? I'm thinking af a Salade Périgourdine, or possibly Sole Almandine, maigret de canard, and for dessert, maybe a crême brulée, or some crèpes à l'orange. With a coffee and cognac, of course. ;)

[SpikePhanta]

Never mind Dennys, there is a major assault of new A & W restaurants ready to open in a short period of time.

In the last couple of weeks I noticed one at the Train station, Robson and Homer, Alberni by the old Liquor store, and I’m sure I missed a bunch in other locations as well.

I think there are now like 8 near eachother.
including the three u said, there are also locations at seymour & dunsmuir, Howe & robson, Bentall Centre, Sinclair Centre, Pacific Centre.

[SpongeG]

I have heard of American visitors complain of a lack of restaurants downtown -- while complaining about a lack of Denny's!!

its true though sometimes you just want cheap fast food not swanky stuff

the coal harbour area needs something - there is such a concentration of hotels down there - I am sure the kids would love some craptastic grand slam instead of the hotels offer and the parents having to deal with kids whinging about crepes and eggs salmon benedict

you can only eat at hotel so many times before you realize $20 for french toast is too much

[Yume-sama]

If the kids want crappy food just go to White Spot. It's not like we have a shortage.

[SpikePhanta]

If the kids want crappy food just go to White Spot. It's not like we have a shortage.

Hey the Pirate Pack is not crappy! :P

Whats so bad about whitespot? I like the legendary burger.

[nova9]

or the awesome monty mushroom burger!

[Yume-sama]

Well, I meant for breakfast. :P White Spot isn't terrible. I suppose it may be a bit high class for the Denny's crowd.

But Canadian Denny's are not as cheap (by far!) as American Denny's! How disappointing :(

[TwoFace]

But Canadian Denny's are not as cheap (by far!) as American Denny's! How disappointing :(

A diner for 1 at an American Dennys is a dinner for 4 at a Canadian one.

[TwoFace]

I think there are now like 8 near eachother.
including the three u said, there are also locations at seymour & dunsmuir, Howe & robson, Bentall Centre, Sinclair Centre, Pacific Centre.

I personally hate these fast food outlets, and when you tally up the cost of a grease burger, oil fried potatoes and a cup of sugar-water, the price is very similar to a "quality" lunch special at most of the south Asian restaurants.

[entheosfog]

Knight & Day is a 24-hour restaurant, and serves more interesting fare than Denny's. As I recall, they are licenced, too. What about courting one of those for a central location?

There's one on Denman although it's not the diner/restaurant style like the others.

I, too love White Spot (they have great veggie options) but for breakfast fare, there's way better around town.

[SpikePhanta]

Well, I meant for breakfast. :P White Spot isn't terrible. I suppose it may be a bit high class for the Denny's crowd.

But Canadian Denny's are not as cheap (by far!) as American Denny's! How disappointing :(
IMO the only thing going for Dennys is the breakfast, othe4r than that I only go there if its like Christmas before catching a movie at scotiabank because it was the only thing open. Too bad spence diamonds replaced the place


I personally hate these fast food outlets, and when you tally up the cost of a grease burger, oil fried potatoes and a cup of sugar-water, the price is very similar to a "quality" lunch special at most of the south Asian restaurants.
A&W is one of the pricier ones i would guess.
I order most of the time the mozza or teen burger, but i probably loose some value from it because i ask for no bacon.
But for like what 5 $ u get more bang for your buck getting lunch at a place like T&T

[Zassk]

More to the point, visitors don't know White Spot.

[SpongeG]

my point is any chain restaurant that more than likely USA'ers are familiar with would be something - there comes a point when you are travelling that you just want something crappy and familiar - Vancouver doesn't have that many family restaurants downtown really, theres a few spread out and if you don't know where to look they are hard to just come across

[delboy]

I love Washington, DC! It's one of my favourite cities, although the summer heat and humidity can be brutal.

What Washington (and almost every other great city in the world) has that Vancouver doesn't is history and the beautiful, historical buildings that that implies. If Vancouver were 100 years older, it would be much more interesting architecturally. But, it isn't.

I find it tedious when people bang on about the lack of historical buildings here, as if it is something we had control over. It also speaks to lack of understanding of world events that stymied development and periods of development.

Vancouver, given its age, has/had a remarkable number of buildings built in a very short period of time (between about 1890 through to the beginning of the WWI). However, the war, then the depression and then WWII resulted in very little development during those periods. Following the war, with the world economy in tatters, skilled workers gone and a need for cheaply mass produced buildings resulted in questionable buildings forms centered largely centered around functionality. There are some notable exceptions such as the Marine Building and the RBC building, but not many.

Sadly the 1970's saw many buildings leveled when there seemed to be a desire to turn the world into a shopping mall and house people in symmetrically sterile structures.

There are historical buildings here. Wander around west hastings, pender and into Gastown and the DTES. Not the same caliber as London or Prague, but there none the less.

There is much more to a place then the nature of its buildings, as impressive as they may be.

As noted, Vancouver is very impressive for a small to medium sized city and breaks the boring predictability of similar sized cities.

[whatnext]

my point is any chain restaurant that more than likely USA'ers are familiar with would be something - there comes a point when you are travelling that you just want something crappy and familiar - Vancouver doesn't have that many family restaurants downtown really, theres a few spread out and if you don't know where to look they are hard to just come across

Thank goodness. No chain restaurants thank you.

BTW, what are downtown's 24 hour restaurants?

[trofirhen]

.... this should have been called the "24-hour restaurant and burger" thread. Little else is being discussed. :koko:

[trofirhen]

I find it tedious when people bang on about the lack of historical buildings here, as if it is something we had control over. It also speaks to lack of understanding of world events that stymied development and periods of development.

Vancouver, given its age, has/had a remarkable number of buildings built in a very short period of time (between about 1890 through to the beginning of the WWI). However, the war, then the depression and then WWII resulted in very little development during those periods. Following the war, with the world economy in tatters, skilled workers gone and a need for cheaply mass produced buildings resulted in questionable buildings forms centered largely centered around functionality. There are some notable exceptions such as the Marine Building and the RBC building, but not many.

Sadly the 1970's saw many buildings leveled when there seemed to be a desire to turn the world into a shopping mall and house people in symmetrically sterile structures.

There are historical buildings here. Wander around west hastings, pender and into Gastown and the DTES. Not the same caliber as London or Prague, but there none the less.

There is much more to a place then the nature of its buildings, as impressive as they may be.

As noted, Vancouver is very impressive for a small to medium sized city and breaks the boring predictability of similar sized cities.

^Good observation, delboy (and, I would have thought, rather obvious to most). We can't build heritage buildings, or bring the lost ones back, but we can, and are (for the most part) TRYING to build handsome new buildings, such as Jameson House, which most people seem to like. There are, and will be, other great buildings and city amenities, too.

[TwoFace]

I always wondered if the cruise ship passengers are told to only go so far east of Gastown, or given a map outlining "recommended" walking areas.

Being an avid photographer I often venture into the DTES to get documentary stock and come across lost tourists clenching their purses and bags with a look of outmost horror on their faces trying to find their way out of the ghetto.

For those people, I’m sure Vancouver is not a place they would recommend to others, and their impression is less favourable than if they turned "right" towards coal harbour and Stanley Park.
http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/39877/2482222990040348811S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/11500/2118244740040348811S600x600Q85.jpg

[SpikePhanta]

my point is any chain restaurant that more than likely USA'ers are familiar with would be something - there comes a point when you are travelling that you just want something crappy and familiar - Vancouver doesn't have that many family restaurants downtown really, theres a few spread out and if you don't know where to look they are hard to just come across

They can go to Red Robins, I'm sure that is popular in the states...

But who would go on vacation and eat at a chain restaurant?
If it was something like chains only in canada that makes sense.
Its like tourist that go to time square then eat at a mcdonalds.

[ozonemania]

Its like tourist that go to time square then eat at a mcdonalds.There are plenty of those kinds of tourists. I think it's rather a shame, but alot of tourists seek out things they are familiar with when in a strange place.

Plus I think that downtown is a bigger draw for 'local tourists' too. What I mean is especially after the Olympics, people are figuring that downtown is a nice place to go, rather than say hanging out at a mall somewhere in the suburbs. If these family chain restaurants recognize this, they would be well-advised to look for opportunities in the downtown core.

[Yume-sama]

:P I had McDonald's in Times Square. It was the best McDonald's I've ever had in North America. The burger tasted like real meat.

Then I went back the next day, and it didn't taste like meat. So, I think they got the wrong shipment the day before.

Quite honestly I don't find the majority of food in New York to be very good. Or in America in general. So McDonald's seems like an OK choice!

Also one of the McD's in Times Square serves fresh made mini donuts!

[TwoFace]

I can see the need for fast food in the city core where people are in a rush and time is of essence.

But strangely enough, even in tourist destinations like Mexico you will find a McDonalds, Burger King and others with line ups.
For the same money you can have authentic seafood spread at the local beach restaurant… go figure?


Mind you I’m in the minority here, as I’ve only been to Starbucks twice in my life and haven’t been to any fast food franchise in over a decade.

[ckkelley]

I always wondered if the cruise ship passengers are told to only go so far east of Gastown, or given a map outlining "recommended" walking areas.

Being an avid photographer I often venture into the DTES to get documentary stock and come across lost tourists clenching their purses and bags with a look of outmost horror on their faces trying to find their way out of the ghetto.

For those people, I’m sure Vancouver is not a place they would recommend to others, and their impression is less favourable than if they turned "right" towards coal harbour and Stanley Park.


I doubt it. I'm sure most of those tourists come from cities that have homeless issues as well. Homeless people are not an uncommon sight in any major North American city. Further, I'm sure they would take their experiences of Vancouver as a whole rather than being turned-off exclusively by the quagmire that is the DTES.

[twoNeurons]

For some people, the people they meet and the places they visit are far more important than the food they eat. If they particularly love the kind of food they eat at home, then they want to be happy while on holiday. So, they stick to the familiar.

In addition, I'm assuming that most of those that think that it's extremely important to eat local cuisine also don't have kids. Entirely different ball game...

[red-paladin]

Quite honestly I don't find the majority of food in New York to be very good. Or in America in general. So McDonald's seems like an OK choice!

Lol, on the the review website that was in the first post, I found a review page for Metropolis @ Metrotown. One American said the sushi in the food court was better than any sushi he ever had in Phoenix.

http://www.yelp.ca/biz/metropolis-at-metrotown-burnaby

[Yume-sama]

I have had OK sushi in America. But, Vancouver is certainly the place for sushi. Even our cheap stuff is done well, in comparison to most places in Canada even.

Sushi is very expensive in Japan and a rare treat, so even Japanese visitors come here and are impressed with just how much they can get~

[nova9]

Just spent a day with a family I met at Cirque du Soleil last weekend. They were from Minneapolis having moved there (corporate order) from New York City and they LOVED Vancouver.

I took them to my favourite chinese and asian places in Richmond. They wanted to try bubbletea (jackpot!).

They had independently checked out the DTES because they had run into a bunch of journalism students travelling in Vancouver covering DTES. They said coming from an American city, they weren't shocked to see if but they were shocked at the concentration and how Vancouver kept it "contained" so the rest of the city was nice.

Caveat - they were very much liberal and cosmopolitan Americans open to trying new things. I would not say that is the norm for all American travellers. However, I would say that Americans that come to Vancouver are of a certain set since you'd have to kinda know about our small city to want to travel here.

[Distill3d]

For some people, the people they meet and the places they visit are far more important than the food they eat. If they particularly love the kind of food they eat at home, then they want to be happy while on holiday. So, they stick to the familiar.

In addition, I'm assuming that most of those that think that it's extremely important to eat local cuisine also don't have kids. Entirely different ball game...

I agree with you there. I'd only travel to countries that have McDonalds or A&W or some other fast food outlet that I'm familiar with. Not because I'm adverse to trying local cuisine, sometimes I just want a damn Quarter Pounder with Cheese and French Fries. Is that really too much to ask?

Also, why the emphasis on where there is to eat and shop? I mean really, why does that dictate who were are or what we have to our visitors? Can't people eat and shop at home? I'd think that the impression that gives people is that were more focused on food than we are on actual attractions in the downtown core.

[bils]

truth of the matter is, we - pardon the expression - live in a beautiful city. i've shown countless out-of-town guests around the city in the past few years, and unanimously they've all thought we live in a great city. sure, we don't have the most interesting architecture, the most interesting downtown, or even the most interesting food in the world. but overall we live in a clean, safe, and multicultural city whom many would consider a comfortable place to live and raise a family. and you can never underestimate the appeal of being a coastal city. we've all heard it a million times, but there is truth to that. there will always be new yorks, barcelonas, and san franciscos ahead of us in their culture, attractions, and buildings - but i truly believe we have something here that is simply uniquely vancouver. and people will always come from far and away to experience it.

[FCE]

I have heard of American visitors complain of a lack of restaurants downtown -- while complaining about a lack of Denny's!!

I'll never eat at the dennys on burrard. I saw a huge rat in the kitchen while i was sitting at the bar stools. The waitress was non-chalant about it as though it was not a big deal.

[agrant]

:previous: If there's a food source, and a way in... and really, there's always a way in... there is, or probably has been a rat problem. Hate to break it to you, but most places are not immune. You'd be surprised what you'll find in behind the walls of some places. :)

[delboy]

truth of the matter is, we - pardon the expression - live in a beautiful city. i've shown countless out-of-town guests around the city in the past few years, and unanimously they've all thought we live in a great city. sure, we don't have the most interesting architecture, the most interesting downtown, or even the most interesting food in the world. but overall we live in a clean, safe, and multicultural city whom many would consider a comfortable place to live and raise a family. and you can never underestimate the appeal of being a coastal city. we've all heard it a million times, but there is truth to that. there will always be new yorks, barcelonas, and san franciscos ahead of us in their culture, attractions, and buildings - but i truly believe we have something here that is simply uniquely vancouver. and people will always come from far and away to experience it.

yes indeedy

[delboy]

I'll never eat at the dennys on burrard. I saw a huge rat in the kitchen while i was sitting at the bar stools. The waitress was non-chalant about it as though it was not a big deal.

I found Dennys expensive for what it is. There are lots of Burger and Breakfast places that are a better deal.

[entheosfog]

I find it tedious when people bang on about the lack of historical buildings here, as if it is something we had control over. It also speaks to lack of understanding of world events that stymied development and periods of development.

Vancouver, given its age, has/had a remarkable number of buildings built in a very short period of time (between about 1890 through to the beginning of the WWI). However, the war, then the depression and then WWII resulted in very little development during those periods. Following the war, with the world economy in tatters, skilled workers gone and a need for cheaply mass produced buildings resulted in questionable buildings forms centered largely centered around functionality. There are some notable exceptions such as the Marine Building and the RBC building, but not many.

Sadly the 1970's saw many buildings leveled when there seemed to be a desire to turn the world into a shopping mall and house people in symmetrically sterile structures.

There are historical buildings here. Wander around west hastings, pender and into Gastown and the DTES. Not the same caliber as London or Prague, but there none the less.

There is much more to a place then the nature of its buildings, as impressive as they may be.

As noted, Vancouver is very impressive for a small to medium sized city and breaks the boring predictability of similar sized cities.

I agree totally. Certain parts of downtown have fared miserably in the retention of historic buildings department but other areas like Gastown, Chinatown, Strathcona, DTES, Mount Pleasant etc etc have great examples of historic buildings that one would find in a city this age.

[trofirhen]

I wonder what visitors think of the shopping here? >> Much like anywhere else, I would think. / And the nightlife? Ouch! >> say no more, say no more... :(

[SpongeG]

I'll never eat at the dennys on burrard. I saw a huge rat in the kitchen while i was sitting at the bar stools. The waitress was non-chalant about it as though it was not a big deal.

it closed down a couple years ago is now a diamond store

last time my friend and I - he has some sick like of dennys - i don't mind it at times - only place to get a superbird :yes: anyway we saw a mouse running around beside our table and we told the waiter and he goes oh yes you saw our friend :haha:

[SpongeG]

it closed down a couple years ago is now a diamond store

last time my friend and I - he has some sick like of dennys - i don't mind it at times - only place to get a superbird :yes: anyway we saw a mouse running around beside our table and we told the waiter and he goes oh yes you saw our friend :haha:

the dennys on burrard was a corporate location - the davie street one is a franchise

[SpikePhanta]

Quite honestly I don't find the majority of food in New York to be very good. Or in America in general. So McDonald's seems like an OK choice!


I've heard that the family restaurants in New york are good, like the cheap stuff in a non fancy place.

In addition, I'm assuming that most of those that think that it's extremely important to eat local cuisine also don't have kids. Entirely different ball game...
Wouldn't it be good to teach your kids on respecting different foods and culture?
When i go on vacation over seas with my family i only go to a chain restaurant if its in the airport.
But once I went to a Mcdonalds in a different country to try stuff u can only find there.

I'll never eat at the dennys on burrard. I saw a huge rat in the kitchen while i was sitting at the bar stools.
Don't worry that Dennys is long gone, its now a diamond store.

I wonder what visitors think of the shopping here? >> Much like anywhere else, I would think. / And the nightlife? Ouch! >> say no more, say no more... :(
For shopping and nightlife, those from small towns go to vancouver to shop, it might not be the best but at lease we got some.

[Hourglass]

I wonder what visitors think of the shopping here? >> Much like anywhere else, I would think. / And the nightlife? Ouch! >> say no more, say no more... :(

It depends. If you're used to Hong Kong, Singapore, (central) London or New York, then Vancouver's shopping is nothing special at all. It has the usual cluster of brands, but I get the feeling that they cater as much to tourists as locals. If you come from a small city or town, maybe one would have a different impression.

Nightlife? Well, Van's not bad for a city of its size, but I think there needs to be a fundamental change in attitude by city council.

[flight_from_kamakura]

Also, why the emphasis on where there is to eat and shop? I mean really, why does that dictate who were are or what we have to our visitors? Can't people eat and shop at home? I'd think that the impression that gives people is that were more focused on food than we are on actual attractions in the downtown core.

hm, i think you underestimate the importance of food in many folks' travel universe. personally, i'd even go so far as to suggest that much or even most of what's unique about vancouver, for the vacationer, is culinary.

[SpongeG]

for myself - like when in say san francisco after a few days i just want something like Dennys and they have a few downtown same with overseas after a whle McDonalds is REALLY good

[Coldrsx]

I found Dennys expensive for what it is. There are lots of Burger and Breakfast places that are a better deal.

Case and point

'Bon's Off Broadway' baby!

[Yume-sama]

hm, i think you underestimate the importance of food in many folks' travel universe. personally, i'd even go so far as to suggest that much or even most of what's unique about vancouver, for the vacationer, is culinary.

'Tis true. Maybe I'm a glutton, but I travel primarily for food. :haha:

I bring a pair of stretchie pants and a highly adjustable belt, and I'm good to go.

[ozonemania]

hm, i think you underestimate the importance of food in many folks' travel universe. personally, i'd even go so far as to suggest that much or even most of what's unique about vancouver, for the vacationer, is culinary.

Agree here too. Even if Vancouver isn't quite the foodie paradise it's trying to build itself up to be, it's something we should be nurturing. Of course there should be more to a place than just the food. But it's not a one-or-the-other choice.

Some people eat to live, and others live to eat. I grew up in a family of live to eat people. It took me many years to realize that some people, while they can appreciate good food, just don't find eating all that interesting. They'd just be as happy eating a McDonalds hamburger.