#AtoZChallenge - B is for Beautiful British Columbia

Beautiful British Columbia - I live in British Columbia and I am amazed every day of the beauty that this province has to offer.  Explore B.C. to see all the natural scenery that surrounds us and all the beautiful cities and towns in B.C.  Here's a short list of different places that are a walk down memory lane for me.

Smithers, BC is childhood.  This quaint little town in Northen BC is a small tourist town with one Hudson Bay Mountain for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.  The population is still around 5,000 which is perfect for getting to know others in the community.  Even though I don't live there anymore, I love returning to the natural surroundings and beautiful scenery.

Victoria, BC is university life.  Victoria is where the students and seniors collide.  It is a small city of 80,000 people and has the University of Victoria.  Victoria is British Columbia's capital city where the Legislature Buildings are.  It has British heritage and the famous Empress Hotel in the Inner Harbour where you can have a cup of tea.  The Inner Harbour is bustling in the summer with buskers and activity.  

Victoria BC - The Legislature Building

Victoria BC - The Empress Hotel

  
Vancouver, BC is adulthood.  Vancouver and the Greater Lower Mainland has a population density of close to 2.5 million.  Vancouver is dense and full of activity.  It has the mountains and the water and beauty that surrounds it.  Even though I live in the city, I am still amazed every time I bring visitors around Vancouver to explore Gastown or walk along Coal Harbour.  There is always something new to explore.  

Vancouver BC - Vancouver Convention Center

Vancouver BC - Steamclock in Gastown

Vancouver Restaurant - Rogue Ktichen and Wetbar Convention Center

Vancity Girlfriend's girl's night out can be impromptu and unplanned.  It was a surprisingly sunny afternoon so I ventured out to see Vancity Girlfriend Carolyn.  We went for a walk to enjoy the afternoon sunshine and got a bus to go to the heart of downtown Vancouver.  We couldn't wait to get off the bus and walk about.  Of course there are stores all around so we went to Payless Shoes on Granville Street to see how to use Carolyn's 20% off coupon.  She found a couple pairs of shoes for her family and got a good deal.  Then we walked down Robson Street to the large Sephora store.  I keep forgetting about that one.  It is huge.  I browsed and was in awe at how much selection the store had.  Carolyn, the beauty expert, found what she was looking for.  Then we continued on our adventure for a place to eat.  

Our plan was to go to AllStar Wings and Ribs and from the outside the stars and stripes were there, but we could also see that it was dark and empty.  There was no need to go any further.  That restaurant was closed.  

We were thinking of Red Robin, but I didn't have any coupons so then we decided to continue walking to the Convention Center.  There we landed at Rogue Kitchen and Wetbar Convention Center.  It was great because after all that walking we were ready for a drink and dinner.  Unfortunately we missed Happy Hour, but we didn't miss the drink special which was Bellinis for $5.49.

Rogue Ktichen and Wetbar Bellinis

  
For dinner we decided to share the fries x 3 (who can resist poutine, bacon and gorgonzola, and truffle oil with parmesan) and the Tempesta pizza with chili prawns.  What a winning combination!  I was impressed that Rogue Kitchen and Wetbar was able to split our bill to share the food and my portion with 1 bellini and dinner came out to $25 (including 15% tip) so I'm going to be taking note of this and going out with Vancity Girlfriend Carolyn more often!  It was a great night catching up!  

Rogue Kitchen and Wetbar Temptesta Pizza

This wasn't our first time at Rogue Kitchen and Wetbar, check out our Vancity Girlfriend Art Gallery and Rogue Date Night from 2015:  http://vancitygirlfriends.blogspot.ca/2015/07/girls-night-out-vancouver-art-gallery.html

Vancouver Restaurant - Cactus Club Coal Harbour

When you have guests in town or want to be a tourist in your own town, Coal Harbour downtown Vancouver has great views and scenery as well as good places to eat.  At Coal Harbour stands the Olympic Cauldron from the 2010 Olympic Games.  It is a beautiful structure and attraction for a photo shoot.  In addition, there are the views of the seaplanes, North Vancouver and the water.  

Cactus Club Coal Harbour is right there for an elegant dining experience for you and your guests.  I get invited there for business and it is always a memorable experience.  For groups you can reserve a private room and there is a set three course menu to choose from which includes steak, chicken, fish, or vegetarian options.  Of course, I always choose their Peppercorn Sirloin Steak.  The private room has large windows to see the boardwalk.  Our guests loved seeing an odd sighting which was a family of Canadian geese that were strutting along from the Cauldron to the water before flying off.  They were able to snap a few shots.



This was a great way to start a weekend with Pimm's Cup cocktail with Pimm's No1, ginger ale, strawberries, cucumber and mint.  I chose the Prawn Ravioli for the starter, Peppercorn Sirloin Steak, and then the Key Lime Pie for dessert.  The other dessert option was the Peanut Butter Bar.  The portions are generous and filling.  I loved the flavour in the ravioli appetizer.  Most importantly the out of town guests enjoyed their meal and had a good time. 

Cactus Club Coal Harbour Pimm's Cup

Cactus Club Coal Harbour Prawn Ravioli Appetizer

Cactus Club Coal Harbour Peppercorn Sirloin Steak

Cactus Club Coal Harbour Key Lime Pie

Cactus Club Coal Harbour Peanut Butter Bar