Life at Street Level
Editor's note-This is the first installment of a series of stream of consciousness responses to the question "what have you been up to?" Our first man on the street is Mike, a young marketing executive and two year resident of the concord neighbourhood.
A rare sunny saturday. Wanted to take advantage of the rays so I dropped into Outta-Line In-Line on Pacific and rented some rollerblades. Cruised the seawall from David Lam Park down to Science World and back. Still a couple of rough spots but it's going to be primo territory when the whole route's finished. Tip O' the week - check out the recycled rubber tire ground cover under the playground equipment at Coopers' Park - next time I have to babysit the niece and nephew, I'll just let them go wild here. And there's a hoops court at the park, coverd by the Cambie Bridge and lit up at night. You can play after dark even when it's raining. Felt like treating myself afterwards so I droped in on the DeDonno family at Il Mascherone at Pacific and Drake to see Leonardo for espresso and some of his gelato, hand-made from a family recipe.
Caught the soulful sounds of Mike Weaver on the piano at Yaletown Brew Pub over a pint of the house Indian Arm Pale Ale in the eve. Next day, shoped through Atomic Model and fashion Kitchen for a birthday present. Picked out some hot new threads. Needed to stock the fridge with carbos and veggies for the week so I grabbed the bike and pedalled myself around False creek to granville Island. Overdid it at the fudge counter and had to throw the bike on the Aquabus for the easy ride home.
Had one of the famous Croissants from Boulagerie La Parisienne on Mainland and a roll-up from Steamrollers on Davie for an early dinner. Monday night did the three point plan. Cheep pasta night washed down with a couple of Paul's Harold the Dog martinis at the new DiNiros - three doors down from where it used to be. The new place was completely redesigned by owner Sali Pateman, including the wicked, industrial-sized booths. From there to Capones for some appies and bevvies. Capped the night off with live jazz at Bar None. Glad to have the new Milestones and Breadgarden off Helmcken on Hamilton open - late night cheesecake cravings, mmmm. Plans this weekend? I'm thinking a little frisbee in David Lam Park and a stroll down to the Grizzlies game. I love this city."
Or ask for a 2-for-1 Aquabus ticket to view Concord from the water. So loosen the staples on the Concord Neighbourhood guide, tuck it in your pocket and pick a day to explore.