Sublime!

We've had another splendid day in Kitsilano, in which (1) I racked up 16,608 steps (6.41 miles), according to my Fitbit; (2) had the "cobwebs blown away" by stong winds as we walked along still more public coastline and watched students launching a variety of boats into the rolling sea (see Phil's blip); (3) admired the tall buildings of downtown Vancouver from Jericho Beach, a distance of 7 km / 4.35 mi -- the best view yet (see Phil's again); and had one of the best meals in many years at The Oakwood Canadian Bistro, a 10-minute walk from our little apartment.

Phil and I particularly enjoy restaurants where the emphasis is on the quality and sourcing of the food, rather than the size of the servings. The Oakwood encourages diners to share the beautifully plated food on offer, and the quantities are perfect -- not tiny, not too much, just right. We shared a delicate fish dish and a succulent lamb one, and for dessert we had the gorgeous coconut panna cotta you see here. From the top down, it's crowned with lime and elderflower granita, macerated strawberries, and a remarkable caramel infused with lemongrass.

We shared three glasses of British Columbia wines, as well (half a glass of each wine for each of us), and just in case my Blip friend ValC in Yorkshire or my local Blip friends have access to BC wines, here are the three we enjoyed so much: (1) with the fish, Kettle Valley Pinot Gris 2012, Naramata BC; (2) with the lamb, The Hatch Wines* "Bird's Eye View" Pinot Noir 2012, Kelowna, BC; and (3) Sea Star Vineyards Blanc de Noir Rose 2014, Pender Island BC.

This is a long entry to do on my iPad -- time to stop! Once we're home on Sunday, I'll put in the links for the restaurant and wineries. For now, I send my thanks for the hearts and stars that took yesterday's blip to the Popular stream, and my apologies for being behind on commenting. I'll gradually catch up once I'm home and on my "real" computer.

* Take a look at the unusual artwork on the home page!

Blip 1362