Sushimoto: Burnaby

Overview:

Sushi Moto is a small, funky restaurant tucked away next to the Holdom Skytrain Station off of Lougheed Highway. The restaurant has an interesting selection of sushi and other Japanese inspired menu items as well as quite the collection of characters and other figurines  in a display case and decorating the walls.

Thoughts:
The rolls were not large but the rice layer was thin making more room for the better stuff. The food tasted good but the price is a little higher than average. There is also a good selection of specialty rolls if you are in the mood.

Decor was different, everything said Japanese except the movie and sports action figures in a large display at the bar seating. Would recommend this place if you are in the Holdom area and wanting sushi but there is better within a 15 minute drive.

Pros:

A decent option in the Holdom area of Burnaby. Nice restaurant and good food.

Cons:

Not really near anything so unless you are in the area it is out of the way. Not the cheapest but not too expensive, especially for what you get.

Contact Info:

102-2221 Holdom Ave,
Burnaby, BC
V5B 3A4

Phone: 604.293.2201

Hammond Park: Maple Ridge

Overview:
Small city park with an open field for play and childrens playground with swings.

Thoughts:
Went in the morning with the kids to play and it didn't have a welcoming feeling.  It was clean and well maintained but perhaps it is the area of town but the "ambiance" just wasn't quite right.  There is a large playset for the kids along with a few swings.  Lots of trees for shade and an open field.  No picnic tables or even picnic areas.  As well there was a small plaque with some history about the area.

Pros:
Newer equipment and good place to go to kill an hour or so.

Cons:
Not too big, and not many people around. Not much parking other than street parking.

Contact Information:
114th Ave and Waresley St.
Maple Ridge, BC

Cafe Burger Time: Burnaby

Overview:
Family run diner serving breakfast and lunch to local workers.  Located in the heart of Burnaby, this small restaurant gives you fast service with good food.

Thoughts:
Decent food but a little above average prices. Had a burger and it was pretty big but the patty itself was lacking and there was a good amount of fries.

The interior is clean but old. Not somewhere you would go on a date but ok for lunch or breakfast during the week. It caters primarily to local workers as hours are only 6am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Definitely would not go out of my way to eat here but it is edible and works if you are in the area and looking for something quick.

Pros:

Only restaurant in the area.

Cons:

Food was just ok and price a little high. Nothing special really.

Contact Information: 

2701 Norland Ave
Burnaby, BC
V5B

Phone: 604-291-0931

Mario's Kitchen: Tsawwassen

Overview:
Mario's Kitchen is located on the main drag of Tsawwassen.  Friendly staff, great food and a energetic atmosphere make this a great place to stop and have a meal.

Thoughts:
This is a nice little restaurant on the main drag in Tsawwassen.  The food was great and the price wad average.   It has is smaller inside with not a lot of seating but enough that you shouldn't need to wait for a spot. Definitely recommend this one if you are looking for a simple well made meal.

Pros:

Good food and great atmosphere. The food is well priced for what you get.

Cons:

Hard to find unless you know what your looking for

Contact Information: 

1105 56th Street
Delta, BC
V4L 2A2

Phone: 604 943 4442

Website: http://marioskitchen.ca/

Garry Point Park: Steveston

Overview:

Located at the end of Steveston Village, Garry Point Park offers excellent views of the Fraser River and Gulf Islands. The park includes features such as a Japanese style memorial garden (Kuno Garden), beached logs and sandy beach access and expansive open areas for picnicking and kite flying. There are also two concession stands that run seasonally at the main entrance of the park, along with washroom facilities and dog watering station.

Fisherman's Memorial Needle at Garry Point Park, Steveston

Thoughts:

This is a great place to visit and spend some time if you are in the area.  There is a 1.2km walking trail around the perimeter of the park that will take about 20 minutes to walk around if you are taking your time.  This is a great place to come fly a kite as there is always a breeze.  If you are visiting Steveston Village Garry Point Park is a must see at either the beginning or end of your visit.

Pros:

Easy gravel trail for walking, and large open path. Art and information plaques to read on your visit. Great views and large open field if you want to stay for a BBQ or picnic. Free parking at the park.

Cons:

Can't swim in the river as the current is too strong through here although there are sandy beaches.  Allways windy so could be a bit cool. No tables or picnic areas.

Hours:

Parking is open from dawn to dusk.

Contact Info:

12011 Seventh Avenue

Website: http://www.richmond.ca/parks/parks/SigParks/parkinfo/park.aspx?ID=17

Storey Creek Golf Club: Campbell River

Overview:
Situated just 14 kms south of Campbell River, British Columbia, Storey Creek Golf Club is internationally renowned for its stunningly picturesque and challenging, yet playable Les Furber designed golf course, located on the east-central coastline of Vancouver Island.

Thoughts:
This is a great course for golfers of all skill.  For the most part you are secluded and will not see anyone except for the group in front of you or behind as you are surrounded by trees on almost every hole.  The fairways are nice and wide with plenty of room between them and the treeline making it easier to keep your ball in play.  The are plenty of spots that will challenge even the best golfers but offer easier ways around for others.

The course was covered with dear on most holes and the tall trees made for great scenery during the round.  A couple of water hazards and scattered sand traps added some beauty and challenge to some holes. This is a great course and a decent price, I would definitely recommend this course for anyone in the area and looking for a relaxing game.

Grounds:
Because it was winter golf we could not expect a perfect course. But from what I could tell the traps were well taken care of and the greens, fairways and rough looked like they would be pristine in the summer season.  Drainage was almost perfect as well keeping our feet out of deep puddles as we made our way around.

Staff:
I didn't pay so didn't enter the clubhouse and we didn't see any marshals or other staff on the course, probably because of the season.

Amenities:
Again I didn't go in but there is a grill and pro shop. As well there was an open driving range at the course and chipping and putting green.

Facility:
The outside of the building looked nice, not too big but well maintained.

Price:
Regular - $69.00
Junior (13-18) - $30.00
Child (7-12) - $10

Course Type:
Parkland | Public | 18

Par:
72

Pros:
Nice course with a little something for everyone, every level can play. Decent price for the course.

Cons:
It is a long course and walking it would take some time, unfortunately golf carts are not included with green fees.

Contact Information:
300 McGimpsy Road
Campbell River, BC
V9W 6J3

Phone: 250-923-3673
Toll Free: 1866-923-3674
Fax: 250-923-1816

Website: http://www.storeycreek.bc.ca/

Robin's Den Park: Nanaimo

Overview:
This park was installed in 2008 at the end of Prince John Way.  The park was upgraded with new equipment and is maintained by the City of Nanaimo.

Thoughts:
This is a nice little park for the kids with equipment mainly for smaller children.  There is a picnic table for use as well.  The park though is nestled in between the trees and a rock cliff so sun is not something that is plentiful. It seemed as well that people walking their dogs along the trail beside the park didn't care that their dogs used the park as bathroom either.  Because of the lack of sun, there was an abundance of mushrooms growing in the mulch.

Pros:
Newer equipment and good place to go to kill an hour or so.  Not too small and not overly big making it easy to keep an eye on running kids.

Cons:
Uncaring dog owners not cleaning up and lack of sunlight.

Contact Information:
Top of Prince John Way
Nanaimo, BC