The 007 / James Bond and Grouse Mountain Experiences

At Christmas my daughter gifted me two experiences to enjoy whilst visiting my hubby in North Van: James Bond and Casino Royale in Concert at the Vancouver Symphony and a three course sitting at the Observatory at Grouse Mountain. The James Bond experience we enjoyed back in January, on what I believe was the coldest and snowiest weekend ever in Vancouver.  But we ventured across on the Seabus, ready for an adventure despite the frigid temperature.

I wasn’t really sure what it was all about, but essentially, it was the movie viewing with the music score played by the Vancouver Symphony at the Orpheum, a domed auditorium which has been open since 1927 and  is filled with a sprawling ceiling mural (in my mind, reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel), and crowned by a giant crystal chandelier. The Orpheum boasts sweeping staircases in the rare Spanish Baroque Revival style and quite honestly feels so full of history and magic. We had amazing seats that were comfortable and quite honestly, I don’t think there could be bad seat anywhere in this venue.

The true irony of this gift: I have never seen / watched a full James Bond film, so watching Casino Royale in its entirety in this venue was a true gift and an amazing experience.  The final James Bond theme that was performed at the end of the show brought me goose bumps, and was truly a wonderful way to end this special evening.

Now it took us a bit of time, mostly because of our current living arrangement, to take part in the Grouse Mountain experience. As I said, this gift was a dining experience at the top of Grouse Mountain in a chalet style restaurant boasting exquisite views of Vancouver.  Reservations were made, and we ventured up on a bleak and overcast Saturday. The experience included a complimentary lift on the the Skyride, a 15 minute tramway system journey up the side of a Douglas fir lined mountain, 4,100 feet above sea level. Yes my dear friend, Susan, this may not be the dining experience for you.  For those not faint of heart with heights, the Skyride is an experience all on its own as you get to enjoy a true bird’s eye view of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean.  Once again, we can certainly boast that we live in one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

The Observatory itself boasts spectacular views and we were fortunate that by the time we actually got to the peak of the mountain, that the sky was clearing and the views opened up.  We could see the North Shore where Will lives, Canada Place just across form the condo, over to Stanley Park, then as far to the east over to the University of BC.  The follow south as far as the Tsawwassen Ferry terminal and then over to the west where we could see forever.  As relatively new to Vancouver, we don’t yet know all those small cities forming part of Metro Van, but the view was beyond extensive and absolutely breathtaking.

We started our meal with beverages:  an expresso martini for the lady and a local beer for Will.  We ordered our meal and were presently surprised when we were presented with an amuse-bouche compliments of the chef.  It consisted of a single bite of local crab topped with greens that was an absolute explosion in your mouth.  I couldn’t describe the flavours to you if I tried.  Following that scrumptious starter, our desired appetizers arrived.  Will opted with Black Tiger Shrimp served with Asian vegies, daikon and XO Sauce while I of course went with something ducky:  Duck Confit served with fingerling potatoes, natural jus and a mascarpone foam.  Let me tell you, two completely contrasting choices.  The shrimp dish was clean and simple but elegant, while the duck confit was rich, buttery and complex.  The tiger shrimp were ginormous but cooked to perfection and the duck did not disappoint, both dishes truly divine.  Our mains were served up next and also did not fail to meet our expectations:  Will chose the angus beef dish (which I steered away from when it mentioned the word “curry”) which was served up with lentils and sweet corn.  I opted for the chicken roulade that was stuffed with dried fruit and served with a polenta stick and marsala.  While neither dish presented as envisioned, they were delicious and both worthy of ordering.  We chose to share a desert given the level of satisfaction we were both feeling.  It felt like ordering our own would push us both over of the edge, so sharzies it was.  A decadent Tahitian vanilla cheesecake topped with peaches and jalapenos.  The perfect size and perfect end to a magical meal.   

I believe that the Observatory menu changes seasonally and I notice that they do also serve up a vegan option on select days.  Likewise, the Vancouver Symphony regularly rotates out the concerts series as well:  I see upcoming showings of Star Wars:  The Empire Strikes Back, Superman, and Christmas shows including Elf and Home Alone.  I urge you next time you are in the big city for a weekend to try out either.  I am confident  you won’t be disappointed!