Found another really good lunch place today as the boys had a pre Christmas lunch at the BAYSIDE BISTRO in the PARKSVILLE QUALITY INN. Oh yes, we have been driving past here several times a week for more than six years but had only once stopped. That was when we were house hunting and we had a quick refresher in the sports bar which was not impressive at all. We had heard good reports, however, on the Bayside Bistro and I’m glad we checked it out.

To begin, the bistro has a spectacular ocean and mountain view! It is a nice room, very spacious and a view from every table. And today the view was spectacular with all the fresh snow on the mainland mountains. In the summer months there is a patio which could be a winner on a sunny day in June. Fortunately, the food and service complimented the view. I chose a the day’s Special sandwich, fresh turkey on toasted Sourdough. It was delicious and was accompanied by excellent french fries. One could have soup or salad instead of fries.
This Bistro has a good selection of Craft Beer on tap. My Arrowsmith Blonde Lager, a local brew, was outstanding. Our server was friendly and efficient too.

The Bayside Bistro is open for breakfast,  lunch and dinner and the breakfast menu looks inviting. You can peruse the menu at

http://www.qualityresortparksville.com

Based on our first visit we certainly will add this place to our recommended list. It’s at 240 Dogwood just off 19A in PARKSVILLE.

Just saying…

We had dined at MEKONG RIVER a couple of times but not recently so last night we joined two other couples for dinner. They were not very familiar with Vietnamese food so we asked the very entertaining owner/manager to feed us. And he did. Very well!

We ordered some adult beverages and soon the food began arriving. First up was a huge bowl of WonTon soup to share. Excellent and plentiful wontons, crispy vegetables and tasty broth. The next arrival was steamed rice joined by Ginger Chicken, Lamb Curry, Chow Mein, Spicy Prawns, and Tamarind Pork. Every dish included delicious crispy vegetables. We devoured it all.

It was a Great sampling of Vietnamese cuisine that was really delicious. Our friends enjoyed it all so much there were immediate declarations of “we’ll be back”.

By the way, The Owner/manager is charming with an engaging crusty attitude. Quite entertaining, which added to the enjoyment of the dinner. No wonder the place was packed.

Reservations would be a good idea here. Call them at 250-586-8000. They don’t have a website but they are on Facebook where you can see the menu.

Mekong River Vietnamese Cuisine on 19A in PARKSVILLE. Try it.

Just saying…

Yesterday we joined some friends and went to the matinee performance of the YELLOW POINT CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR at the wonderful Port Theatre in Nanaimo. What a show! Spectacular indeed.

Since we were expecting an all Christmas show we were pleasantly surprised to hear music from Rod Stewart, the Beatles, Lady Gaga, Garth Brooks & Shania Twain. The Beatles segment was particularly good with 3 male singers and the female singers and dancers wearing fabulous shimmering Union Jack dresses.

Yes there was a fair amount of Christmas music too with solos by several of the singers. And there was even audience participation singing several carols. There were just 3 female and 3 male singers and 5 dancers but it seemed like much more.

The band was amazing. Piano, violin, guitar, bass & drums. The sound from that small group was bold, loud and impressive. Two members of the band are faculty members in the music department of VIU.

A delightful part of the show was a series of solo recitations of poems and anecdotes. Really well done.

Great music, singing, dancing, costumes and staging. Very professional. If you have not seen this show, don’t miss it! Can’t go this year, plan for the 12th annual production next year. Only two days left. Last performance is Sunday, December 17.

Just saying…