Super-served Steveston

Dentists, nail spas, pharmacies, cafes, fitness and health studios, hair salons,  restaurants, shops, and bakeries.

Regardless of where you draw the boundary lines defining the Steveston area (which can be contentious depending on whom you ask), there is no doubt - we Stevestonites lack for nothing to be the best version of ourselves.

This glut of amenities and services practically guarantee that we feel and look epic all the time.

Take the restaurant industry's ever shifting landscape, for example. We see businesses closing their doors only to be resurrected just as quickly under different names. A Greek menu is supplanted by an Italian menu, mounds of gelatos replaced ice cream buckets inside the display freezer, and ornate East Indian decor gave way to the clean minimalist lines of a sushi house interior.

Just count the number of sandwich boards crowding intersection corners and you'll know that, come what may, your taste buds - and the rest of your body - will always remain well pampered.

Which begs the question...

Why oh why can't we have a good greengrocer?

You know, somewhere we can pick up the plumpest summer fruits, the greenest leafy vegetables, and fresh-from-the-earth potatoes that still wear a light dusting of dirt.

I am not asking for anything fancy. Just a stand we can quickly dash in and out of between a yoga class and a hair appointment. 

B&P Ice Cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.

Remember growing up with various posters promoting the universal appeal of combining cream and/or milk, sugar, and eggs?

As though it was ever necessary. 

No one, even those afflicted with lactose intolerance, could resist a tempting scoop perched on a crunchy cone.

And if you ever walk or drive past B&P ice cream in Steveston, you know this is true.

A long line of people, big and small, young and old, would snake towards the order window. Most of them judiciously use the wait time to scan the list of treats on the wall or sandwich board. The shop's offerings appear to be growing all the time. Last time I looked, B&P has branched out to bubble tea and shave ice.

But never fear, their mind-boggling selection is nicely paired with budget-friendly prices.

But the best thing about B&P ice cream is the warm and engaging staff. As they all bear a striking resemblance to one another, you can't help but conclude that it is a family owned business -which would explain their gold-star customer service standard.

My favorite is the durian ice cream on a plain waffle cone. I know, it's not for the faint of heart - with its overwhelming signature scent that seems to cling to your breath longer than it should. My husband, on the other hand, stays well away - preferring to stick with the (yawn...) more traditional flavours.

Regardless of your preferences, however, B&P is a great place to cool down, especially on those hot and sticky summer days. Yes, you have to join the long line that sometimes stretches all the way to the sidewalk, but it will be worth it.

I promise.

While you are at it - give the durian ice cream a go. Come on, you know you want to!

Splash Toy Shop offers something special for everyone

In a world awash with big box toy store, it's refreshing to find a smaller version in your own neighbourhood.

Splash Toy Shop was a joyful part of my kids' growing years.

I can remember my daughter and son never ever walking to the front door. Instead, they tried their best to outrun one another as though it was a contest worthy of their most admirable effort.

Once inside, my daughter naturally gravitated towards the crafty kits, envisioning what she could make beyond what's suggested on the colourful glossy packages. Her ability to think "outside the box" made me think that toy companies should hire imaginative children on their design team, but that's a whole other story.

My son, on the other hand, walked past the imposing train set, past gleaming swords and shields, past boxes of crayons and paints, past plush bunnies and dogs, all the way to the back of the room. There, he would stand mesmerized in front of a rack that displayed an array of inexpensive items.

One day, an uncle visiting from abroad took him to Splash Toy Shop and offered to buy him anything he wanted.

"I can have anything I want?" asked my seven year old.

"Anything you want," uncle said with a wink.

"How about two, can I have two?" pressed my son.

Uncle paused a moment, probably trying to figure out how much money he had in his wallet, "Well, OK, you can have two."

My son was jubilant. He dashed all the way to the back of the store, the shiny and colourful displays blurring past him.

So he stood in front of his favourite rack, strained with great indecision as he weighed his options with gravity. He tentatively picked something out, hesitated a moment, and carefully put it back. Again and again.

After an agonizingly long time, he went back to his uncle and announced that he had made his decisions and brought his hands from behind his back.

Uncle held his breath.

"What?" uncle said. "A deck of playing cards and a set of dice? Are you sure?"

"Yep," my son said, his eyes aglow with pleasure. He skipped all the way home and spent the next few weeks lost in endless games that he had learned or invented in his own head. To this day, he still has his deck of cards and set of dice. Okay, he has since graduated to more "normal" toys and, as we speak, is an avid 20-year old gamer.

But for many years, Splash Toy Shop was my children's destination of choice and we came to depend on it for our party, picnic, and celebratatory needs.

Now, I smile when I see neighbourhood kids peering into their windows, fingering sales items that crowd around the front doors, and yes - racing and pushing each other to cross the threshold first.

You can't say that about the big box toy stores, can you?

From Steveston to Storybrooke - our neighbourhood gets a makeover

Everyone knows that since the start of the filming of Once Upon a Time, our own Romania Country Bread has been sporting a new name - Storybrooke Country Bread. With lovely loaves painted underneath the curvy and swirly text.

Here's what it used to look like



And here's what it looks like now - at least temporarily.



Remember Cannery Cafe? With its charmingly rustic exterior, brown planters, and cozy windows?



Look at how lush and green it has become as Granny's Diner.



And don't forget Serenity, with its array of jewelry, purses, and gadgets jostling for position in its front window



In Storybrooke, Modern Fashions caters to the couture-conscious.



These are just some of my favourite pre- and post- images. Enjoy!

Once Upon a Time in Steveston

Are you swept up in the excitement generated by the TV series Once Upon a Time?

I admit it. I enjoy sitting on my sofa and spotting all the familiar scenes as they parade across the screen. Like a child on Disneyland's Main Street USA, I find myself pointing out a street corner here and a shop there, with widened eyes and unbridled delight.

On a few occasions, when shooting was in progress, I felt minor annoyance as traffic officers waved my car off Moncton Street. But, I suppose that's the price we pay for having our stomping ground under Hollywood's glamorous spotlight. And the inconvenience is well worth it when you realize that weeks, perhaps months later, glimpses of your 'hood will be broadcast internationally through billions of flat screen TVs and , may be, even handheld devices.

And the production company has been more than accommodating to casual passersby, never barring us from getting too close to the crew and their tangle of equipment. Sometimes those posted as sentries on the sidewalks would ask us to pause until someone of authority would clear the pavement for foot traffic. I often wonder what they would do if I were to suddenly give a loud cough in the middle of a movie shoot.

It's really quite amazing how they can transform Steveston to Storybrooke by sprucing up some of the local stores and buildings. Which gave me an idea...

Given that I have been capturing Steveston's historical buildings and landmarks for close to two years now, why not start a Storybrooke line, featuring - ta da! - the TV version of our familiar haunts.

In this post, I will show images that are unique to the show itself, such as:



Mr. Gold - considering how much gold is worth today, he would be the richest man in Storybrooke. OK, second only to King Midas.



Worthington's Haberdashery - offering a whiff of nostalgia. I bet only those who had lived through a more genteel era would know what a haberdasher is.

And...



Storybrooke pets shelter - a place that would be dear to animal-loving Stevestonites - which is just about everyone I know.

In the next post, I will show familiar buildings and landmarks as they appear in Steveston and in Storybrooke. You can compare how the TV production professionals have transformed our little corner of the world into a fairy tale world. Stay tuned!

It's a doggie dog world in Steveston

It’s not Paris but dogs are obviously very near and dear to the Stevestonite heart.

Just take a walkabout on a sunny day and your legs might get tangled up in a leash or two.



A short jaunt past the waterfront restaurants and you risk kicking stainless steel water dishes and even a doggie biscuit.

And guess what’s the most popular ice breaker when two dog walkers come head to head on the street?



I don’t know how many canines call Steveston home and the ratio of owners to dogs, but a friend hires herself out as a pet boarder and care-giver. Let’s just say that if she were to strike the word “no” from her vocabulary, she would spend her days – and evenings – jogging beside, tripping over, and having her shoulders pulled out of their sockets by a convoy of canines. Or even by one solitary pooch. There is no shortage of clients, it seems.

For those of you who are ailurophiles, take heart. Steveston is not an exclusive bark community. Now and then, you can see a furry face with whiskers atwitchin' in a window.



Or see a bushy striped tail brushing past someone’s flowerbed. But cats prefer to preserve their dignity by keeping a low profile.

I often bemoan the fact that mine refuses to walk beside me on a leash, peek out of a pet tote, ponder the road ahead from a bicycle basket, or just press itself next to my ankles while I read a book in an outdoor café.

Instead, he prefers his own company. In fact, his favourite indoor activity is to perch himself atop his favourite stool and spy on Mr. Crow or Mr. Squirrel on our front lawn - while his whiskers tremble and his tail swishes back and forth.

Can you ever just walk past Nikaido in Steveston?

I would say "no."

What is it about Nikaido's window displays that seems to draw you in, root you to the spot, and transport you to ... elsewhere.

May be it's their maps of Paris, or books on London, or - your childhood favourite - adventure books of Tin Tin by Georges Remi.

May be it's the way they artfully arrange things in clean zen-like simplicity.



Or cluster objects of monochromatic colours to make you think of similarities instead of differences and harmony instead of contrast.



Or prop up whimsical posters like this one of a lady trying to escape the winter chills with seven pots of tea.



Whatever their formula is for this arresting experience, I can tell you that it works.

Just look around you the next time you find yourself gawking into Nikaido's windows. I did. And this was what I saw...

Steveston Christmas Craft Fair

It was Saturday, November 28th. I entered Steveston Community Centre's parking lot with great trepidation. The annual Christmas craft fair was in progress. And, as always, a great number of eager shoppers had beat me to it.

Why would browsing through a room full of lovingly crafted creations inspire fear in me, you say?

Probably because I was entering the Net Shed not as a shopper, but as a blogger. Instead of a bag, I had a camera slung over my shoulder. Plus a few hastily printed business cards. My plan was to take photos of some of the crafters and their products for my Steveston blog, which features events and people around the village.

Alas, I was beset by doubts. What if the crafters said "no"? What if they grew hostile and kicked me out the door? What if they worried about having their ideas stolen? What if ...

To make matters worse, it was strictly wall-to-wall people in the cavernous building. How could I get close enough to the persons sitting behind those tables laden with rows upon rows of treasures? I spent at least half an hour meandering up and down the aisles before summoning up enough courage to identify myself to a slim blonde. She graciously agreed to have her photo taken and helpfully pointed out a nearby table where I would most likely be just as lucky. From then on, it was like pushing a set of dominos down as one vendor after another gave me the nod. I grew bolder and began to really enjoy chatting them up.

As I walked away from the fair, I was struck by the talent of the Christmas craft fair participants. But, more importantly, I was impressed with their friendliness, courteousness, contagious enthusiasm, and generosity - with their time and creative ideas.

This blog entry is dedicated to all of you who took the time to pose and smile for me!


Sandy Bahrich - Firefly Notes
Sandy’s nostalgic magnets drew me to her table. Of course, anything with the Eiffel Tower stamped on it would, because I absolutely worship the City of Light. Sandy does more than magnets, however. Check out her site and be amazed.


Andie Froese - Andie's Artefacts
The first thing I noticed about Andie was her friendliness. The second was her obsession with hieroglyphics. The third thing was that she made great jewelry. Hm, a winning combination, don't you think?


Dixie and Tracy - Lil' Bling
The array of hair clips for little princesses on Dixie and Tracy’s table made me wish I still had a baby in my arms. But only for a split second! I couldn't help but admire the patience, care, not to mention eye-crossing concentration that must have gone into every single item in their collection. If that’s not a labour of love, I don’t know what is!


Shannon Stewart - Plain Jane
If I have to think of a quality that characterizes Shannon’s Swarovski crystal jewelry, it would have to be understated elegance. Less is always more!


Angie Kehler - Crafts & Greeting Cards
Want to make your Christmas more festive? Angie’s cards and bags are just the thing to make your holiday glitter and sparkle.


Melanie Kalley - Kalley Kandy
I am not a candy type person but Melanie insisted I try a piece of her honey almond nougat. And boy, was I glad she did. How do you describe an airy lightness with just a whisper of sweetness melting on your tongue? Oh, I guess I just did!


D.S.Mercer - The Pen Guy!
If fine handwriting ever returned as a art form, Duglus would be well ahead of the pack. His pens felt so solid and wonderfully heavy in my hand and glided over a paper like a dream.


Elizabeth Holloway - Stampers Plus
Elizabeth gives stamping classes and participates in craft fairs. I admire her industriousness and high energy level.



Marlene Martelli - Kooky Mom Creations
Who knew that insulated bags could look ultra chic? I wonder if an iced coffee would stay cold in one of those adorable bags.


Table of Diane Ison - Stampin' Up!
Although I didn’t get to shake hands with Diane, I met her rep sitting behind rows of lovingly crafted cards. Keeping track of them all must be mind boggling.


Mika and Andrew - The Steveston Cookie Company
Their custom designed cookies depict seagulls, boats, and other things that spell pure Steveston.


Mandy Wong - mandytorydesign.com
Mandy designs objects with felt. Don’t those cupcakes look good enough to eat? Pure eye candy with zero calories.

Sweet offerings

Has it been a week already?

Just last Saturday, I saw this scarecrow poised to welcome young visitors at somebody’s front door:


As I continued on my Saturday walk, I was struck by the strength of the local merchants’ Halloween community spirit.

One store's facade was dressed up with great exuberance:

A sweetshop owner popped a friendly witch in the window:


A Japanese restaurant posted a welcoming committee at the door:


While a Greek counterpart graced its exterior bench with an expertly carved honest-to-goodness pumpkin:


Another merchant stuffed three orange plastic bags and painted happy faces on them, but the result was no less striking, don’t you agree?


And last but not least, a craft store sported a giant spider on its front wall to suggest the darker, more sinister side of this celebration:


Happy Halloween, everyone!

In Steveston, coffee is king!

Yes, you can get a cup of tea, a glass of wine, or a mug of beer in Steveston. But one sweep of the neighbourhood would tell you that Stevestonites are hard core coffee drinkers.

There is the iconic Starbucks


The well respected Blenz Coffee


And the up-and-coming Waves Coffee


But what makes Steveston truly unique is the proliferation of the smaller local favourites such as Steveston Coffee


And Bean and Beyond Cafe.


And let's not forget Alegria Cafe & Giftware


and Cannery Cafe


and Oasis Cafe


The scattering of beans from one end of the village to the other is a good thing, too. It's not that such healthy competition would benefit your pocketbook - because their prices are pretty comparable - but because parking is always at a premium. Especially on sunny days. With coffee houses dispersed throughout the village, those with caffeine craving can satisfy their addiction just about anywhere.

Know the best way to enjoy a steamin' cup?
• Seated on a boardwalk bench while watching the might Fraser River go by
• Sprawled on the grass at Garry Point Park with your nose in a good book
• Walking your dog with a cup in hand - until you need to get the old plastic bag out