Lamin

Have flown in to Vancouver unexpectedley with a work related problem, possibly be here for about 4/5 days. So nice to be away from a cold and snowy Calgary, very pleasant here and a welcome change.

I am downtown in the Marriott, what suggestions do people have, regarding food, drink, places to see etc.

Would love to hear about a great Indian, Nepalese etc.

Also does anybody know if there is a good hobby or model shop around.

If Delboy is reading, mate my first thoughts are to rip up my application for the CPS and look in to the VPS, purely for the weather!!!!!!

Many thanks.

A warm Lamin

ExKiwilass

BC INdian = Vij's

Lychee

There are no good Indian restaurants where you currently are staying. Vij's is excellent but don't expect English style curries for your Indian fix. Maurya on Broadway is supposed to be good too, but the problem with good Indian in Vancouver is that it won't be within walking distance of your hotel, although there will be hundreds of other restaurants within your walking vicinity. Lots of great Japanese (take advantage of the Japanese restaurants right now - Hapa Izakaya, Kitanoya Guu, etc). That is Vancouver' s strength.

Nepalese? Can't think of any in Vancouver at all. Perhaps East is East on Broadway for a blend of Indian/Afghani.

Calabash is great for Carribbean cuisine. I highly recommend it.

Nuba for tasty Lebanese food.

I'm a fan of La Brasserie on Davie for Franco-German cuisine.

For great cocktails/pubs, head to MARKET Bar at the Shangri-La (around the corner from where you are) The Diamond Bar in Gastown... actually tons in Gastown: Six Acres, Pourhouse, the Irish Heather/Shebeen Whiskey House, Guilt & Co, L'Abbatoir.

Good hobby/model shop? Not downtown, unfortunately. Drop by Golden Age Collectables on Granville and ask them. Unfortunately most of what you're seeking will be out in the suburbs (the Sloughs of Vancouver, LOL!)

Look at the Georgia Straight newspaper for some ideas: www.straight.com

If you can, call up Melody Fury of Vancouver Food Tours and let her guide you around town for your culinary explorations: http://vancouverfoodtour.com/

It'll be the best afternoon in Vancouver! Seriously She'll be able to put together an Indian/Nepalese (if it exists) food tour for you and it'll be well worth it. (I know Melody - she's lovely).

JB0591

Loose Moose, 724 Nelson Street.

Oink

Glad you're having a good time but its ****ing freezing here at the moment.

Imperial Hobbies is a bit of a trek and you can get there by SKy Train and its very good.

http://www.imperialhobbies.ca/

bozonightmare

La Taqueria on East Hastings. Genuine Mexican tacos, washed down with real horchata. I'd eat there every day if I could.

Alan2005

Tell me about it. It was -11 when I got up this morning... brrr.

acer rose

If the snowfall amounts predicted in the weather warning come to pass (5 cm), any coffee shop at an intersection, preferably at the bottom of a hill, should provide hours of entertainment.

Can't help much with ethnic eats downtown. If you want sandwiches or pizza try Sciue (on West Pender, east of Burrard) - nice for a light lunch but on the pricey side - or Goldies Pizza (also on Pender but further east in a more seedy area) which is good and cheap (beer and pizza deals available) and fine if you are not looking for fancy service or surroundings.

For the true Vancouver experience you could try Gorilla Food (organic, raw, vegan) on Richards but I can't say I've ever tried it personally.

If you have time, do you taste buds a favour and get on the seabus to Lonsdale Quay. Raglan's on Lonsdale Ave is just a hop and skip away from the market and has an interesting menu.

SteveHarris

If you want to travel out of downtown a bit then I used to eat here when I worked out in Burnaby - it's (was) great. Good enough that when ever we're over in Vancouver we drive out to Burnaby, order some take out and bring it back to Victoria.

http://www.agratandoori.ca/

(It's been renamed since I used to eat there - used to be called something like the Original Tandoori...)

Lamin

Thanks for the suggestions, I am certainly enjoying it here and seems to be enough to keep me entertained, thanks.