Vancity Blitz | DAY 4: Granville Island + Revisiting Mister

​Opulent azure skies and beaming rays of sunshine overlooking ceaseless, mellifluent ripples is a honestly sight I could never tire of.

Each morning spawned a different view of the waterfront: some hazy, some cloudy, and some offering a crisp prospect of snow-capped mountains in the remote distance.

​The best part of all: I was separated from such breathtaking grandeur by a mere pane of glass, and could easily dive into this scenic dimension at my heart's desire. It essentially beckoned me forth.

"Come enjoy me! You know you won't get the same treatment back home."
And that was an aspect I could not deny.

​I suited up for an outdoor run along the river - an act completely out of character. Hiking underneath the shield of forest cover amasses great fondness, though the same can rarely be said, if ever, in regards to sunny sprints. Alas, with such a stunning landscape caressing my vision, the opportunity simply could not be turned down.

​Post-shower and post-stretch, I came to the conclusion that weather conditions were too optimal to remain house-ridden for the rest of the day.

A Lyft ride later, and I crossed onto Granville Island, experiencing the breath of the creek and gusts of the dock.

My last trip had entailed only a swing by Steveston. Meanwhile, my most recent memory of the tourist-friendly attraction was so vague I could barely recall the setting, let alone season of visit. Sauntering about the district enabled re-familiarization; the single element that persisted in my mind was the busking area, a space of minimal evolution.

Within Granville Island lay distinct districts dedicated to art, nature/conservation, kids, souvenir shops, etc. Highly colourful exterior furnishings spotted throughout, with even some the undersides of cover parking extraordinarily detailed. 

View the full album HERE !

​As with all coastal neighbourhoods, shady spots have a tendency to be frosty, even in broad daylight. Meandering through the corridors, I was overwhelmed by sunny embraces amidst runny nose-inducing breezes.

Unable to resist peeping into the local brewery, I waltzed in to find a three-part establishment featuring a communal dining area, brewing zone with tall, glass doors, and merchandise shop offering everything from monogrammed tote bags to beer-infused soap bars.
And while Lions Winter Ale is remembered as a formula I desperately wanted to love but could not, it didn't hinder me from purchasing a Mocha Porter for later enjoyment. It was an exclusive - what can I say?

​My stroll about the retail promenade eventually ended, prompting me to head over to the next destination of interest.
Buses were rarely spotted within the paved pathways, though locating the terminal at the south side wasn't a particularly intrepid feat. I somehow arrived just in time to catch the 10 bus downtown, dropping off at Davie with the intention of heading into Yaletown.

Mister had been in its early days of operation during my 2016 adventures. Given the teeming number of menu additions, it seemed fitting to slot in a second visit.

​Unfortunately, customer service was found severely lacking versus before. Instead of the owners, part-timers had taken over the cashier and preparation procedures. Neither staff member was especially rude, however the vibe received from both was consistent with "It doesn't really matter whether you give us your business or not. But since you've walked in, I guess I shall have to serve you."
It appeared as if they did not wish to discuss the details of their nitrogen ice cream assortment.

​I took to a Lavender Brûlée Sammie after sampling, and even added a coating of Coffee Chocolate for a loonie. My misinformed decision rapidly caught up to me, for I then assumed the grueling responsibility of a double-sided graham cracker  "loaves" for two with the power of one stomach. To make matters worse, temperatures had commenced a steep decline for the latter part of the afternoon. Melting ice cream was no longer the concern. Instead it was frigid fingertips and chapping lips.

​The delicate, ambrosial undertones of lavender had subsequently been masked by the torching and dipping, ultimately yielding a gimmicky, eight-dollar slab that I won't be acquainting myself with again.

I hopped on the Canada Line towards the Waterfront terminus. A certain prehistoric creature had bestowed me the task of obtaining a Compass Card and, from what I can recall, I had obtained my own from the historical building on West Cordova.

​Along the way, I chanced across Vancity's one-and-only Starbucks Reserve bar and an unexpected bubble tea outpost at the transition tunnel between the Canada and Expo lines.

​Of course, I couldn't pass up a chance to witness Vancouver Harbour. Ahh, it brings me back to Miku times.

​Visiting after work hours had its downsides though: the recently-launched Compass Wearables were only available between Mondays and Fridays during business hours. At five minutes to 6 PM, neither the West Coast Express Office at Waterfront nor the Stadium-Chinatown service counter were open.

​Instead of returning home right away, I continued my pilgrimage, bound south in the direction of homelessville (aka Chinatown).

​Perhaps a certain prehistoric creature is gradually imposing an effect on me, for I found myself craving a "warm and soupy" meal - specifically pho.

But the Vancouver dining scene is different, and even a quiet spot catered to student budgets did not fall short of amazing.
Residing in Keefer Place, just seconds away from International Village and the infamous Abbott Street, was Hai Phong Kitchen. Easily undermined by its storefront, the eatery operated quickly while delivering quality. Seating was allocated towards one large table, a handful of two- and four-seaters, and a series of bar stools by the window. Menus stood by the cashier; a brightly illuminated kitchen could be spotted behind.

Orders were frequent and the restaurant was evidently busy, however the girl behind the counter maintained an amiable demeanour. She was friendly and, before all else, composed in her execution of tasks.
​My takeout order of Grilled Marinated Pork Salad Roll (#7), Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Salad Roll (#8), Beef Ball Pho (#1), and Grilled Pork Skewer and Grilled Pork Patty with Vermicelli (#18) was compiled in under fifteen minutes. Neatly wrapped utensils and containers free of smears were wonderful touches. The same applied to their bathroom, a clean and spacious quarter (with a hook!).

​Highlights of the meal were the unmistakably fragrant peanut and scallion toppings of the Vermicelli dish, crunchy lettuce of the Salad Rolls, and chewy Beef Balls submerged in flavourful broth.

Decently priced and absolutely delicious, I will not be hesitating to try Vietnamese cuisine the next time I find myself on the West Coast.

---