Not too long ago I went on a bit of journey to the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia with Ford Canada. We ended up with stunning autumn climate, stayed at an unbelievable resort and ate manner an excessive amount of good meals. All of the substances for an excellent time!

Sunshine Coast Journey with Ford

We began our Sunshine Coast journey journey in Vancouver and drove in Ford autos to take the ferry to the Sunshine Coast. After the brief ferry experience we drove to this cute little lunch spot referred to as Smitty’s Oyster House in Gibsons, BC. We had recent oysters, recent halibut and clam chowder. It was all so good!

The following cease on the itinerary was in Roberts Creek for some yoga on the pier. It was very nice stretching after a drive. After yoga we made our technique to the Painted Boat Resort. The Painted Boat is a beautiful resort proper on the water and the suites have been large. 

Ford introduced their new line up of SUV’S for us all to check out throughout the getaway. For a lot of the journey I has a  Ford Escape to make use of and which occurs to be my favorite Ford automobile. Its the proper dimension for me and it has so many nice options like a entrance and rear digital camera and park help.

A lot of the new  fashions have Apple Play, which for me is tremendous helpful as a result of you may reply texts and play music all simply by speaking to your steering wheel. One more reason I like the Ford Escape is as a result of its a bit smaller than all the opposite fashions however nonetheless has loads of storage and trunk house, which is ideal for me as a result of I are inclined to at all times have stuff in my automobile. Lastly, how may I overlook concerning the heated seats! They’re good for chilly and damp days.

I’m truly actually excited for his or her new Ford Eco-Sport. Its  smaller than the Ford Escape however remains to be an SUV they name it the compact SUV ( enjoyable. succesful. related ).  This little SUV has rather a lot to supply. It has heated and cooled seats, inbuilt WiFi, a solar roof and a lot extra. I can’t wait to check drive it when it’s out there. 

Whereas we have been there we had a pictures lesson, after which we had some dinner. As soon as once more the meal was wonderful! There was a lot seafood and meats with all the pieces tasting so good. We ended the night time with a campfire and made s’mores. Up to now this Sunshine Coast journey is simply what I wanted for a bit of break.

The following day we ate breakfast and made our manner again to the ferry to Vancouver. 

An enormous due to Ford Canada for the superior little Sunshine Coast journey.

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This weblog put up is introduced you in collaboration with Ford Canada.  Thanks for supporting the manufacturers that help me.

San Francisco is a small metropolis on a seven-by-seven mile grid, which suggests it’s simple to see a number of it in a brief period of time.

Guests could make it from the historic Ferry Constructing on the Eastside waterfront to a powerful sundown at Ocean Seaside on the west aspect in a day, experiencing the tradition, meals and character of main neighborhoods alongside the way in which. In order for you a extra leisurely layover, give attention to only a couple elements of the town, maybe sticking to the best hits for first-time guests. Skip Alcatraz and Angel Island on a layover, although, as a result of period of time they take to go to. 

Find out how to get from the airport:

Fortuitously, SFO is near San Francisco correct, and reasonably priced transportation choices abound. BART (Bay Space Fast Transit) trains on the Yellow Line run straight from SFO to numerous elements of the Bay Space. Whereas the SFO BART station, situated exterior the Worldwide Terminal (G), is walkable from Terminals 1 and three, the free AirTrain from all terminals can also be an possibility. A BART experience to Powell station in downtown’s Union Sq. solely takes half-hour, for a one-way fare of $8.95. Rideshares like Lyft or Uber, and taxis, price about $25 and as much as get to SF.

What ought to I do with my baggage?

SFO provides luggage storage within the Worldwide Terminal on the Airport Journey Company, and expenses wherever from $7 per hour to $60 per day relying on baggage measurement. Enable half-hour for the method; the workplace is open 6am-11pm. Bounce, a less expensive storage possibility, has stations close to SFO and within the metropolis, although you may should consider further time for drop-off and pick-up. If choosing airport baggage storage, pack a change of clothes in a day pack should you do not wish to return to the airport till your flight.

The place ought to I keep if I’m in San Francisco for twenty-four hours?

SFO has a number of nap rooms within the Worldwide Terminal to hire for a number of hours or in a single day, however for the value, go for a resort relying on how a lot sleep is a precedence. Whereas downtown SF is quieter now that many individuals work remotely, the Union Sq. space continues to be dwelling base for a 24-hour layover, because it provides many lodging choices, proximity to public transit, and strolling distance to traditional SF customer locations like Chinatown and North Seaside. Finances vacationers ought to take into account hostels just like the respected Hostelling International Downtown SF Hostel, which additionally provides personal rooms. Newly opened or renovated accommodations embrace the Beacon Grand (previously The Sir Francis Drake), St. Regis or the hip boutique LINE resort.

How ought to I get across the metropolis if I’m in San Francisco for twenty-four hours?

Use a mix of BART and SF-only public transit system MUNI to get round SF, loading funds on a digital Clipper Card in your smartphone (or bodily card) that works throughout public transit platforms, together with the ferry and cable vehicles. A 1-Day Visitor Passport loaded onto your Clipper prices $13 and permits limitless MUNI rides. Station-less bike share bicycles additionally dot the the town; riders can e book by scanning bike QR codes via the Bay Wheels app. Whereas MUNI does have late-night Owl bus service that runs into the wee hours, the schedule is rare, so rideshare providers (or taxis) are preferable after midnight.

What ought to I do with 24 hours in San Francisco?

Early morning:

San Franciscans are an energetic bunch, however it’s nonetheless fairly quiet earlier than weekday rush hour begins round 7am. Benefit from the quiet and potential fog whereas everybody else is waking up.

Eat: 

Head to the Union Sq. space, particularly the practically century-old Sears Fine Food on Powell close to Put up, which serves its well-known 18 tiny Swedish pancakes with butter and lingonberry jam (for $3 further). For a extra modern SF breakfast, head a pair blocks east to the comfy Heist for considered one of its well-known breakfast burritos, just like the house-made chorizo-filled Captain Crunch. 

Do:

Hop on both MUNI or BART from Powell station, or the above-ground classic F Market & Wharves streetcar on Market at 4th or fifth streets, for a 5-minute experience to Embarcadero station.

The clock tower of the Ferry Building will greet you on the intersection of Market Road and The Embarcadero. Earlier than going inside, take a morning stroll (20-45 minutes) southward alongside on the waterfront, the place joggers, cyclists, and generally of us on rollerblades whiz previous on the flat, stretch lined with palm bushes. It’s a straightforward stroll, although additionally a excessive site visitors space, so be aware of each vehicles and bikes. You’ll get an in depth view of the two-tiered metal San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, which has one of many longest bridge spans within the US, at practically 4.5 miles complete.

Simply half a mile south of the Ferry Constructing is grassy Rincon Park, the place a large bow and arrow sculpture referred to as Cupid’s Span reminds guests and locals of the lovestruck feeling of being in San Francisco. Relaxation or meditate right here, or maintain strolling southward for an additional half mile, the place you’ll move by two of SF’s outdated, quirky bars – Hi Dive and Red’s Java House. Then loop again north to the Ferry Constructing.

Mid-Morning:

The solar often burns off the fog by mid-morning, which seems like a brand new day.

Eat:

One can’t move the Ferry Building Marketplace and never pattern the bevy of artisanal meals inside. Whereas distributors come and go, there’ll at all times be a mouth-watering choice, like sizzling, lilikoi-filled malasadas from Ocean Malasada, Cambodian yellow curry from Lunette, or savory Jamaican beef patties from Peaches Patties.

If it’s a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, stroll via the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market to get a style of the plentiful native California produce that makes SF such a culinary capital. Saturday’s market is the most important, with greater than 100 distributors wrapping across the constructing to the massive outside house behind it. Right here you may discover Asian produce like bok choy and bitter melon from Laotian-owned GG Farm, nopales (cactus pads) from Yerena Farms, the well-known vegan No Cookie and mini bean pies from Delightful Foods and engaging chilaquiles from Primavera.

Do:

From the Ferry Constructing, hop again on MUNI or BART for a 12-minute experience to the Montgomery station to go to the beautiful SFMOMA (FYI, it is closed on Wednesdays). Basic admission is $30, although there are occasional Free Community Days; flooring one and two of the museum, nonetheless, do function massive public artwork areas which might be always free. If going for ticketed admission, enable roughly two hours to discover the museum, from the continuing exhibit of wiry Alexander Calder hanging mobiles to momentary exhibitions like “Unity through Skateboarding,” which explores the historical past of pioneering skaters from marginalized communities.

After the museum, hop on MUNI/BART for one cease again to Powell station (or stroll 11 minutes west) and head to the cable automobile turnaround at Powell and Market road. Single rides on the cable vehicles price $8 – pay along with your Clipper card (included with a 1-Day Visitor Passport) or purchase a ticket prematurely at considered one of these locations. Take the Powell-Hyde line, which runs each 10-20 minutes, to the penultimate cease at Hyde and North Level streets close to Ghirardelli Sq.. The experience takes quarter-hour, and also you’ll move by traditional Victorian homes whereas using up and down SF’s well-known hills. 

Skip the tourist-heavy Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Sq.; as a substitute head to the Hyde and North Level streets intersection for MUNI bus 30 The Presidio. The 16-minute experience west takes you to the brand new Presidio Tunnel Tops. Benefit from the Tunnel Tops and pop into the Presidio Visitor Center to study extra about this new, impressively designed park.

Afternoon:

Because the afternoon approaches, reap the benefits of the (probably) delicate climate and the proactive San Francisco vibe and get exterior. 

Eat:

Presidio Tunnel Tops hosts a rotating schedule of meals vehicles as a part of the Presidio Pop-Up program, which function roughly 9am-3pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends. A couple of vehicles serve meals and drinks on weekdays, however upwards of a dozen arrange Friday via Sunday: select from Dungeness crab sandwiches smothered in home made peanut sauce from Satay by the Bay, Filipino-Mexican burritos by Señor Sisig and Bulgarian banítsa (hand-rolled phyllo rosettes) stuffed with sheep’s milk cheese from Kuker. There’s ample picnic house to eat, and Tunnel Tops may even unveil a brand new indoor meals corridor in 2025.

Do:

One of many latest SF parks, Presidio Tunnel Tops was really constructed atop and across the Presidio Parkway tunnels, opening up extra 14 acres of inexperienced house to the general public. The beautiful park, designed by the identical agency behind New York Metropolis’s modern Excessive Line, appeals to virtually everybody with picnic areas, a big communal campfire pit, a playground made out of upcycled supplies, a nature schooling heart, the meals truck pop-up program, and loads of programming year-round, from an Intertribal Dance Gathering to a World Arts West Dance Competition. 

Tunnel Tops additionally provides the chance to see the Golden Gate Bridge from a brand new vantage level, plus sweeping views of the adjoining skyline. Roaming across the park might be sufficient for a day, however should you’ve obtained time, head to the Walt Disney Family Museum throughout the road.

Afterward, stroll again to the Mason St.-Tunnel Tops cease and hop on MUNI bus 30 Caltrain Depot to Chinatown, using for 40 minutes and alighting at Stockton and Pacific streets.

Night:

Whereas many SF residents now earn a living from home, glad hour continues to be a factor, with dinner instances bumped up just a little earlier since 2020. Meals is necessary to locals, and the variety of eating places continues to develop. There are additionally loads of stay theater exhibits, cabarets, concert events, unbiased film theaters and extra at night time. Observe that many eating places shut by 9pm nowadays, however night time owls nonetheless have loads of choices in neighborhoods that skew youthful, just like the Mission and Hayes Valley, elements of Chinatown and across the nightclubs in SoMa.

Eat:

Whereas Chinatown classics just like the seafood restaurant R&G Lounge and old-school Chinese language diner Capital make up the spine of Chinatown, new eating places maintain the neighborhood shifting into the long run. Four Kings is the brand new brick-and-mortar for the beforehand roving pop-up by two alums of the Michelin-starred Mister Jiu’s. Hong Kong diner dishes like fried pork chops over rice get a advantageous eating glow-up in a nostalgic ‘90s Canto-pop ambiance. Reservations might be laborious to e book on-line, although there are sometimes same-day slots for dinner after 8pm or 9pm, plus bar seating and some tables saved for walk-ins.

In order for you a extra informal meal with out the wait, strive the newer, greater location of Hon’s Wun-Tun House on Washington Road, the place freshly made shrimp-and-pork wontons are served on a mattress of chewy egg noodles, all bathed in a steaming sizzling rooster broth and dotted with shiny inexperienced scallions.

Do:

For those who arrive in Chinatown by 3pm, seize at $12 ticket to the Chinese language Historic Society’s well-liked exhibit, “We are Bruce Lee: Under the Sky, One Family.” Whereas the Showgirl Magic Museum on Waverly Place is simply open on Saturdays 2-6pm and requires a sophisticated reservation (admission-free, however is donation-based), it’s a uncommon glimpse into the swinging SF Chinatown burlesque and nightclub scene from the Nineteen Forties-Seventies, with former showgirls working the museum.

The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Ross Alley stays open till 6:30pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends; watch fortune cookies being folded by hand, and revel in loads of free samples. The soon-to-be-remodeled and presumably renamed Portsmouth Square Park is nice for people-watching, whether or not it’s an ensemble of locals taking part in Chinese language devices, outdated of us taking part in chess, or teams doing Tai Chi workout routines. For those who’re in search of a night present, the historic Great Star Theater on Jackson Road provides conventional Chinese language opera and movie festivals, plus burlesque, comedians, e book launches and extra.

After darkish:

SF will get quiet after midnight, if not earlier. Nonetheless, the town has been providing extra late-night choices, and nightlife lovers can at all times sniff out an afterparty or two.

Eat:

Late-night eating in SF has returned to a level post-pandemic. For those who nonetheless end up in Chinatown, late night time eats abound: Yuet Lee serves Cantonese stir-fried classics till 11pm, and Taishan stays open till 3am. For those who’re in neighboring North Seaside, go to Sam’s on Broadway and Columbus for traditional burgers and fries.

If bar hopping alongside Polk Gulch close to the Tenderloin, strive the queer-friendly, Portuguese-inflected Grubstake Diner that’s open till 3am on weekdays and 4am on weekends, or the 24-hour Bob’s Donuts for melt-in-your mouth apple fritters. If the Castro is extra your velocity, Orphan Andy’s serves breakfast till 9:45pm on weeknights, and stays open 24 hours Thursdays via Saturdays.

Many taquerias within the Mission keep open late to serve the bar crowd, like El Farolito and La Taqueria serving hefty Mission-style burritos, or numerous road distributors slinging bacon-wrapped sizzling canine. ABV serves meals till midnight. For those who’re bar hopping southward on Mission Road and find yourself in Bernal Heights, neighborhood favourite Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack simply began serving dinner till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

In order for you one thing nearer to Union Sq., the Hinodeya Ramen location on O’Farrell at Powell serves top quality ramen till 1:30am.

Do:

Staying in Chinatown for the night? Go to the kitschy Li Po Cocktail Lounge, with its distinctive lantern-shaped neon signal and trademarked Chinese language Mai Tai that put Anthony Bourdain underneath the desk. Down the block on Grant Avenue is the much less touristy Buddha Lounge, with a bartender who will play cube with you if requested. The Lion’s Den off Grant close to Jackson opened within the vein of former night time membership Forbidden Metropolis, drawing an eclectic crowd for a mix of stay bands and DJs.

Drift simply north of Chinatown to North Seaside for extra nightlife. Take a literary break within the legendary Beat Era-born City Lights bookstore, which stays open till 10pm. Then head subsequent door to Vesuvio Cafe or throughout the road to Specs for bohemian bar vibes. Extra adventurous guests can try the strip golf equipment throughout simply up the road on Broadway, with the Condor being essentially the most historic of the bunch, claiming the title of first topless membership within the metropolis. Even only a stroll up and down the block to have a look at the neon indicators and get solicited by the bouncers and promoters might be enjoyable.

If nightclubs and dancing are extra your factor, SoMa continues to be the principle nightclub district, dwelling to Cat Club recognized for its ‘80s goth and New Wave nights, Monarch and its basement-level dance flooring, and the five-story 1015 Folsom with a distinct style of music on every flooring. Most open till 2am or 3am on weekends. For those who’re making an attempt to remain up all night time and wish after-hours spots, ask a bartender, bouncer, or membership common the place to go, as some events rove round and could also be off-the-books.

Within the thick of eclectic Chapel Avenue, one in all Melbourne’s hottest eat streets, The Chapel raises the quirkiness degree sky-high by daring inside design, numerous music, meticulous service and a homely Mediterranean-with-a-twist menu.

Traveller: Jocelyn Pleasure
Handle: 113 Chapel Street, Windsor
Date: August 2024
Eating type: Mediterranean
Good for date nights, particular events, and native Melbourne experiences.
Catering for {couples}, social teams, non-public eating and celebrations.
Dish to dine for: Gradual-cooked shoulder of lamb.
Value vary small sharing plates from $6.00 to $26:00, massive sharing plates $30 – $70. Chef’s deluxe choice $80 per individual.
Working hours Wednesday and Thursday 5pm – 11pm, Friday and Saturday 3pm -midnight. Sunday session 3pm – 11pm.

Component of shock

It might be fairly nigh unattainable to stroll previous The Chapel with out desirous to rush inside. Nonetheless, earlier than I open the door, I pause to savour the surface. A neon signal bears the phrases The Chapel in Gothic scribe. One other with the phrases – ‘kitchen and listening bar’. And the blackened exterior partitions body what lies past the image home windows.

“Welcome to our world,” proprietor Lee Theodoridis says after I bustle in wide-eyed and open-mouthed. Surrounded by technicolour partitions stuffed with intricate murals painted by native road artist Mayonaize, crimson and inexperienced gentle dances throughout the tables, and home music pumps within the background, it looks like I’ve stepped by a portal right into a dystopian world.

All within the household

Lee, collectively along with his co-owner and cousin, Dimitri Degrenis, spent two years planning to deliver their restaurant dream to fruition. “We knew we wished Chapel Avenue, and our purpose is to run an moral restaurant in a inventive surroundings with a neighborhood vibe, Lee says.  

Drawing on their Greek background, the pair additionally concerned family and friends within the challenge by the curation of the menu, music playlists and design elements. “Sitting round a desk with nice meals and dialog is how we’ve grown up.”

Inside the futuristic theme, intelligent use of the area permits totally different eating experiences in the primary eating space, and there’s additionally a non-public eating corridor catering for as much as 30 individuals. “Our ardour for artwork, music and style is in each a part of The Chapel.”

Bespoke cocktails at The Chapel

In steadiness with the meals, the drinks menu marries completely with the ambiance. Designed by Marc Frew, well-known within the Melbourne bar scene, cocktails with names like ‘half time god’, ‘every day routine’, ‘moonwalker,’ and ‘non secular channel’ are as intriguing because the restaurant itself. Constituted of gin, lemon and strawberry rose, my ‘tremendous future’ cocktail appears to be like like an image and is a beneficiant pour.

Meals superb meals

Small plates, massive plates, or ‘go away it to the chef,’ the menu is designed for sharing. Eager for consolation meals after travelling on public transport on a chilly, moist Melbourne night my dinner companion and I choose the chef’s s deluxe choice. We’re served 4 programs of dishes plus dessert.

It solely takes the primary chunk of the hummus on heat pita bread served with a swirl of browned butter and scattered with crunchy chickpea items to understand refined surprises are a theme of the Greek-based menu.

A collection of delicacies served on easy earthenware plates and bowls follows. The Mt Zero olives have a divine smoky garlicky flavour; there’s barbecued pumpkin with whipped feta and pickled pumpkin seeds, calamari with crimson harissa, labneh and karkalla, and prawn dolmades floating in a tarragon buttermilk dressing. Nonetheless, it’s the crumpet my good friend and I crown the jewel of the small plates. With a mushy fluffy base topped with taramasalata, chives and caviar, it tastes as elegant because it appears to be like.

The Chapel’s home speciality

Already feeling fairly full, there’s a pause earlier than Dimitri and Lee current the signature dish – sluggish cooked lamb shoulder. 

“Our cooks put together the lamb with garlic, herbs and spices and it’s then cooked in a sluggish oven in a single day,” Dimitri explains. With a chermoula crust, the meat merely falls of the bone and is superbly tender and filled with flavour. Delicately fried potatoes with oregano, and broccolini laced with sunflower pesto rounds off a visit to the Med with out leaving the desk.

With completely no room for dessert and a prepare to catch, Dimitri kindly packages up a serve of risogalo – rice pudding, saffron, rhubarb and pistachio praline. It’s 9:00 o’clock and individuals are milling round exterior as curious as I used to be a few hours beforehand. The Chapel is a inventive venue that sparks the creativeness in addition to the style buds.

Tags: Best eats in Melbourne