The Keefer Bar is a dark, long, and narrow bar but it’s also modern and intimate -  they make the space work. Cocktails are king here and the bartenders all know what they’re doing. With a 4-month old at home, I am still alcohol free. I couldn’t try any of the cocktails, but my friends all gave them raves. I asked the bartender for something alcohol free and he happily (with no judgment – thank you!) fixed me a drink of fresh ginger beer and lime juice. Delicious, refreshing, and the perfect amount of ginger flavour. I’m looking forward to trying the cocktails here on a future visit.

We left the Keefer Bar as they were setting up for their weekly burlesque show since our stomachs were calling out to try  Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie. Bao Bei opened last year to great fanfare and long line-ups. Despite the raves, I was not in a hurry to try the restaurant because 1) I am always grumpy when I can’t make a reservation somewhere, and 2) With a Chinese background, I’m generally leery of hipster “Chinese” restaurants as the food is always underwhelming. Bao Bei was a nice surprise. The food is quite authentic, but refined and beautiful. The room is simple and funky with clean lines. Service is pretty good, and they were able to give a few options to my gluten-free friend dining with us, which is a challenge for a Chinese place since soy sauce is a no-no.

Bao Bei food highlights:

• Cold Chinese pickles and marinated cucumbers. A fresh version of what’s usually bought canned at the Chinese grocers. Refreshing with a spicy kick
• Poached chicken salad – tender and moist organic chicken, poached and served cold with a fresh ginger scallion dressing. This is one of my favourite Chinese dishes. My mom’s is better, but this was a great rendition.
• Tofu Duet – light and crispy tofu blocks with a sweet and garlicky sauce aside a cold tofu dipped in a soy and sesame sauce. Silken tofu texture and the restaurant brought great flavour to typically bland tofu.
• Shao Bing – when I get this a other Chinese restaurants it’s usually a denser bun with a crispy fried layer. I loved Bao Bei’s thin, light, and super crispy version. Sandwiched between the bread was a deliciously tender braised pork with Asian pear and greens.
• Mantou – steamed buns with braised beef and crispy peanuts. Pretty tasty Asian style mini-burgers, although my friend wasn’t big on the crispy peanuts (she thought they tasted like burnt meat).
• Fried rice of the day – ours featured squid and crab and was complete with lots of crispy rice bits from the wok. A substantial course for sharing.
• Sticky rice cake – I was expecting a literal rice cake, but this is actually closer to a common noodle-ish dish served at Chinese restaurants. Think of a really thick and wide rice noodle with a chewy (but tender) texture. Loved this dish. Bad versions of this are tough, chewy and feel like big lumps down the throat. This was light and melt in your mouth, yet still full of flavour. And we even had it without the soy sauce for my gluten free friend!
• Sauteed pea tips with garlic – The Chinese really know how to cook green vegetables. They always come out light, tender, and fresh. It always seems simple to cook, but I can never get it right at home. I could eat two plate of these greens all for myself.

The Keefer/Bao Bei combo is a grand way to spend a relaxing evening with friends. Just a couple notes: the area is slightly dodgy, but safe. And be prepared to wait at Bao Bei if you arrive during the dinner rush.

The Keefer Bar
135 Keefer Street, Chinatown (@ Columbia)
(604)688-1961

Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie
163 Keefer Street, Chinatown
604 688 0876

Because it’s close by, Bowen is a great spot for a day trip outside of Vancouver.

Getting to Bowen

You could take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay, but the absolute best way is the Bowen Island Express (updated July 9 2010 – now part of English Bay Launch), a regularly scheduled water taxi service that takes you direct from Granville Island to Bowen in 30 minutes. Bikes are also permitted on the water taxi.

Assuming you don’t get sea sick easily, it’s a fun ride. A small boat seating approx 15 people jetting across the open water. Depending on the water you can catch some good waves. Once we caught the waves after a big BC Ferries Ship and it was a pretty fun. Another night it was pitch black, pouring rain and a little scary…but we got there safe and sound.

Make sure you reserve (for free) as it’s a popular service. The number you call often goes to the cell phone of the water taxi driver, so expect some background noise on occasion.

Explore

When you arrive on Bowen, if it’s a Saturday or Sunday you’ll likely come upon the Bowen Summer Market, filled with artisan gifts and eats.

Do some shopping and gallery viewing at Artisan Square, up a hill further down the road from the ferry terminal.

The city girl part of me just loves going to the General Store on Bowen..because it’s a General Store! The store is really just a grocery store, but it’s a novelty!

You’ll also find the Bowen Island Vistor Booth, which can lead you to different beaches and hikes around the Island. There are loads of great trials to walk around and the scenery is amazing.

Eat

If you’re on Bowen for dinner, head to Blue Eyed Mary’s a lovely bistro within walking distance from the ferry and water taxi. Well-priced, seasonal, delicious food.

My friend always tells me she likes Doc’s pub on Bowen, if you’re looking for more casual fare.

More

I’ve always enjoyed Vitamin Daily’s Bowen Island itineraries. Check them out here and here.

Bellingham is a lot more than Bellis Fair! In fact, I find Bellis Fair quite over-rated and do not understand the draw, but I had a lovely time at our Bellingham stops:

Avenue Bread -  3 locations in Bellingham.We stopped in for breakfast and enjoyed some delicious “eggenue” english muffin style sandwiches. I had mine on a freshly baked 8-grain english muffin, which was delicious! I bought a pack of five to take home.

The Bagelry – A yummy local bagel shop with several cream cheese flavours.

Mallard Ice Cream – Home made ice cream? Sign me up! Mallard Ice Cream attracts big crowds for their freshly made ice cream in various flavours, including the standards (chocolate/vanilla), Earl Grey, Black Cherry, and Peach Cheesecake. Options! Mallard is open until 11:30am during the summer, so you can stop by for a fix until late.

The Fairhaven part of Bellingham looked lovely. Lots of brick apartments, local restarants, and loads of great bookstores. I can’t believe I have never ventured into Bellingham before!

…and okay, THEN go to Bellis Fair.