Gastown BBQ & Chili Festival 2012

What:   Gastown BBQ & Chili Festival
When:   September 1-2, 2012
Where:  Carrall Street between Cordova and Water Streets
Why:   Community Event / Fundraiser. A local charity that helps underprivileged kids in sports will also receive a portion of the sales.
Admission:  Free



Gastown BBQ & Chili Festival on Labour Day Weekend

 

Vancouver's historic Gastown hosted the first ever BBQ and Chili Festival on September 1-2, 2012 and attracted both locals and tourists by the hundreds. The event included BBQ & Chili competitions, live music, a chicken wing eating contest and even a pig roast.  Carrall Street was closed between Cordova and Water to make way for picnic tables, patios and food tents. Both the general public and celebrity judges voted on their favorite flavours and recipes.   

Gastown BBQ & Chili Festival Photos

Big Crowds at the 2012 Gastown BBQ & Chili Festival



Cooking Ribs at the BBQ & Chili Festival



Brickhouse: Afternoon Performance at the BBQ & Chili Festival

BBQ Smoke Filled the Air on Carrall Street

Hot Grills and Nice Weather



The Blarney Stone and 11 Gastown Restaurants Hosted the Festival

Best Bakery for Apple Pie & Florentine Cookies in Vancouver

One of Vancouver's best bakeries is one you hear very little about, Patisserie Bordeaux in the city's Kitsilano neighbourhood. 

Name:  Patisserie Bordeaux
Location:  3675 W. 10th Avenue (Alma Place between 7-11 and Browns Social House)
Specialities:  Pastries & Pies, Cakes, Breads, Chocolate, Wedding Cakes

The apple pie is absolutely fantastic and I would highly recommend it.  You will be glad you made the trip to Kitsilano.

Another 'must have' is Patisserie Bordeaux's Florentine Cookie - an Italian biscuit made from setting nuts (almonds) into a caramel disc which is then coated on the bottom with dark chocolate.  Since initially trying them, they have become an immediate favorite.  While Florentine cookies are particularly popular during the holiday season, luckily Patisserie Bordeaux has them available year round.

Experience The Best of Vancouver

Introduction to Music, Food & Things To Do in Vancouver

Prior to each trip I made abroad, I would spend hours researching everything I could about the city I was to visit. The sites, the food, the customs, the history, the streets, the tours, etc.  During my travels, I have always wanted to have a true cultural experience.  After a number of trips, I realized that I have spent more time researching cities like Paris, Frankfurt and Prague than the city where I live. 

In the years that have followed, I have:

• Read just about every tourist book on Vancouver
• Taken numerous self-guided walking tours
• Asked everyone I know for 'good ideas'
• Eaten at many local restaurants and pubs
• Driven to almost all 'must see' sights in the surrounding areas
• Attended several concerts at the historic venues

My experiences have built great memories, and I would like to share these with new visitors to Vancouver as well as other locals wanting to get the most out of Vancouver.  All opinions are my own and I will have personally experienced everything that I post.


I am interested in hearing your experience with activities, restaurants and concerts during your visit to Vancouver.  Also, if my posts are helpfull to your travels, feel free to drop me a note.