Sunday, August 3, 2008

Vancouver Pride 2008: Sunny start for parade day, see it at The Calling


I haven't stepped outside yet, so I'm not sure how warm it is. But, the sun is definitely out and looks to stay out most of the day. I'd definitely wrap a long sleeve shirt around your waist in case the weather takes a slight turn.

Outside our hotel, cars are honking and floats are making their way to Robson and Thurlow, where the Vancouver Pride 2008 parade will begin at noon. My friends and I will be watching it from The Boathouse, which is at the end of the parade route - so we're not leaving our hotel until 11:30.

I ate at a pub recently here in Vancouver named The Calling, previously the Denman Free House on Davie and Burrard. It isn't a gay hangout, per se, but it does attract a mixed crowd of locals and some tourists, as it features an impeccable view at the mouth of the English Bay.

Surprisingly inexpensive, The Calling serves up delicious pub food in a comfortable setting and lookout points to the water and passersby. I ordered a bacon and gorgonzola burger with soup for just $10, and it was a big juicy burger. My lunch companion had the BLT with fries for only $9. I was completely blown away by the quality of food and affordable prices, because restaurants that can attract tourists with these kinds of views are capable of charging much more - you sometimes find cafes that charge $7 for a lame sandwich.

The Calling's menu includes standard pub items, such as fish n' chips, burgers, salads, sandwiches, chicken wings, nachos, and a variety of domestic and import beers, and wines. Today for Pride, they're charging $20 for admission into the pub (only because so many people want to be in there for the view). For more on The Calling, visit http://www.denmanfreehouse.ca/.

This has turned out to be a perfect day for the 30th annual Vancouver Pride parade. It's just over an hour from starting!

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