My Island Cafe Vancouver

We love to stop at My Island Cafe on our visits to Granville Island, in Vancouver, Canada. Located just at the entrance of Granville Island, it's in a very convenient location! The cafe is outside the main market and right across from Granville Island's Kids Market. 

Parents in need of a coffee can grab a drink or some food and then continue onwards to the playground or Kids market. You can also take a nice food break and sit at the cafe - outdoor and indoor seating is available. 

My Island Cafe didn't have any vegan pastries when we last visited but if you're worried about other allergens like gluten or nuts, they have a book they can check for the ingredients in all the items they carry.

They do have a few vegetarian items like sweet loaves, muffins, wraps and sandwiches like the Cheese, Egg, Spinach sandwich. They heat it up and it's delicious.

They also have ice cream! You can only choose 1 flavor for the 1 scoop option but that's usually fine for the kids who have their favorites - Vanilla and Mango sorbet!

Hot or cold drinks are available (depending on the season). An ice latte is perfect for a hot Summer day. They also offer a Cold Brew if you just want ice coffee no milk or sugar.

If you're in Vancouver in the Granville Island area, stop in at My Island Cafe for a snack, a coffee for your walk or some ice cream for the kids! It's always great to support local cafes in the city.

Don't forget your snacks!

My Island Cafe (Granville Island)

60-1550 Anderson St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5

Uno Gelato Vancouver

 

We visited the Uno Gelato located in the neighborhood of Kitsilano in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

They offer over 20 different flavors of gelato and a few dairy-free AND nut-free options as well, which is perfect for the toddler who has allergies. 

The favorite flavors for the kids were mango and vanilla! Uno Gelato's ice cream flavors are seasonal and they use natural ingredients. 

In addition to vegan options, there are also gluten-friendly options available!

Parents enjoyed the midnight dark chocolate, and trying an affogato (an espresso with an ice cream scoop).

When you feel like you just want a little treat try the Gelato Macarons! The mint oreo and vanilla were popular flavors.

The staff have always been friendly and helpful during our visits! Hard to choose which flavor? You can sample an ice cream flavor before you decide.  

Get a Gelato stamp card and after 9 Gelatos you get the 10th one free :)

Uno Gelato makes their gelato fresh daily and you can even see the ice cream machines mixing the ice cream in the shop. 

There are a couple of tables indoors, and a few benches outside the Gelato place.

You can take it to-go, but with kids it's often easier to sit and let them eat first. They don't have a kids size scoop, so it might take them a little longer to finish their treat :)

They're open till 10pm which makes it a perfect late night dessert on your evening walk!

If you're in Vancouver, stop by an Uno Gelato for some delish Gelato or sorbetto! It's always nice to support local businesses too. They also have location at Canada Place so you can grab a gelato for your waterfront walk!

Don't forget your snacks!

Uno Gelato

2579 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 3T3

Check out their website for more info

Kintaro Ramen Vancouver

 

Located at the end of popular shopping and food street, Robson Street in Vancouver, Canada, Kintaro Ramen has been serving delicious ramem for years! We've been coming to Kintaro Ramen since we discovered it years and years ago. It's great to see that they are still open and survived the Pandemic.

Handmade noodles and yummy broth, Kintaro always has fast, friendly service and delicious food! It can be pretty popular at certain times so expect a short line.

Bar seats are now available to sit at again (only table seating was available during the Pandemic).

Customize your ramen by adding various toppings like butter, corn or extra meat.

It depends on your appetite that day, but usually 1 bowl of Ramen is filling, and no need for ordering extra noodle! 

If you're visiting Vancouver and craving some Ramen, check out Kintaro Ramen!

Don't forget your snacks!

Kintaro Ramen

788 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C9

Crayfish Season in Sweden

August and September means it's the time for Crayfish season in Sweden! Crayfish or "Kräftor" in Swedish can be described as mini lobsters. The name "crawfish" refers to the same animal but is a term mostly used in North America.

During the crayfish season, many Swedes gather for Crayfish parties! 🥳 

Everyone brings their own food & drink and there might be a grill setup for those who prefer BBQ. Maybe some decorations like red ribbons or Crayfish are hung around the party area.

It is also traditional to see Swedish snaps as one of the main drinks at the party.

Swedish cheese pies are also eaten - made with "Västerbotten" Swedish cheese.

Singing Swedish drinking songs before everyone does a cheers or skål! (in Swedish) is also a part of the celebration!

If you're in Sweden, maybe you have already attended a Crayfish party in summer? If you haven't yet, Crayfish season is coming up!

You can also find Crayfish at seafood restaurants in Sweden or when you are exploring the archipelago.

Don't forget your snacks!

Check out a previous blog post on the Gothenburg Archipelago.

Purdy's Chocolatier Vancouver

 

A Canadian chocolatier, Purdy's Chocolatier has been around since 1907! Their popular chocolate shops can be found in a number of locations around the city and country!

Our favorite items at Purdy's aside from their chocolates have been the hedgehog truffles and the vanilla dipped ice cream bars! You can choose to dip it in white chocolate or dark chocolate or both?

Whether it's some mixed bars or a box of chocolates, when you receive chocolate from Purdy's you know it's something special!

Canadian Chocolates in special Canada souvenir tins make for great gifts.

Are you Dairy-free but still enjoy chocolate? Purdy's chocolates now offers more than a few Vegan options!

We have previously tried the Vegan caramels and chocolate bars and they were delish!

At Purdy's there is always a lot to choose from to satisfy everyone's chocolate cravings. 

If you're in Vancouver, looking for some delicious chocolate, for you or as a Canadian gift, check out a Purdy's Chocolate shop! 

Don't forget your snacks!

If Purdy's sounds familiar, I have previously mentioned Purdy's in earlier blog posts like one on Vegan treats for Mama.

Purdy's Chocolatier 

2196 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7

Check out the Purdy's website for more info

Birdies Eats and Drinks Burnaby

A newly opened restaurant, by Earl's, Birdies Eats and Drinks is a great family-friendly restaurant with a lovely vibe and relaxing atmosphere. Located in Burnaby, Canada, the restaurant is spacious and airy with several seating sections to choose from.

Not sure whether to sit out on the patio or indoors? Ask for a table near the unique Garage door that they put in just for the restaurant!

Birdies' Passion fruit Spritz 

At Birdies, weekends are for brunch and it has it's own menu! Brunch items include a Birdies take on bacon and eggs, a delish Avocado Benedict and much more!

There is juice for the kids and the server reminds you to mention any allergies when you order. The crispy pave style potatoes were a favorite!

The restaurant is California-inspired, everything from the beautiful artwork and decor to the vibrant, fresh colors, of each dish and drink.

There are only a few options for dessert on the brunch menu. We tried the Drunken Tiramisu which was huge and great for sharing.

Birdies' Drunken Tiramisu with chocolate shavings and Edible flowers!

Birdies is open all day and serves lunch, dinner and Happy Hour. Their Happy Hour is everyday from 3 to 5pm, onor 9 to late on Sun-Thu and 10 to late Fri and Sat.

At Birdies, you not only enjoy some delicious eats and drinks but pretty great customer service too. The friendly staff really make sure you enjoy your dining experience!

Whether you're getting together with friends, lunch with colleagues or bringing the family for brunch, give Birdies Eats and Drinks in Burnaby a try!

Don't forget your snacks!

Birdies Eats and Drinks

3850 Lougheed Hwy., Burnaby, BC V5C 6N4

Check out their website for more info

Purebread Vancouver

 

From Savory breakfast items like the Fritatta and Egg Brioche to sweet treats like blueberry scones, and cakes, Purebread is a great bakery to visit for breakfast or a snack.

Originally a family bakery established in Whistler, BC, Canada, Purebread now a few locations in Whistler and Vancouver! 

Our favorite items besides the coffee (free refills with drip coffee) is the lemon bar!

We were happy to find a delicious lemon loaf which is also vegan and nut free! They had one with frosting and one without and toddler preferred it frosting free!

If kids aren't interested in the pastries or breads, they also have Kids Only cookies ;)

There's a lot to choose from and the staff were super friendly and helpful when asking about different items and pointing out which items were vegan. The bakery changes certain items every month (like their scone of the month). Their ginger rhubarb scone was so delish!

They also have cakes for special occasions that can be ordered in advance. Vegan options are available and quite delicious!

If you're visiting Vancouver or Whistler in Canada and looking for a bakery for breakfast or snacks, drop by a Purebread location!

Don't forget your snacks!

Purebread Vancouver (a couple of locations)

159 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H5

2887 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2G6

Purebread Whistler 

4338 Main St #122, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4

Check out the Purebread website for more info.