AS I WRITE this, I’m preparing to go to dinner at the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant at the Harbour Centre.
I’ve been to this place before, with the same woman I’m dining with tonight.
The first time we went there, it was just for the views of the Vancouver Lookout Observation Deck Tour, a floor below.
And I’m pretty sure I bought us a couple of drinks then.
***
But she said that she was gonna take me there for fine dining at another time.
I have forgotten all about it.
So, when I came to Vancouver last month, she booked a date with me.
And you know that I wouldn’t say no to fine dining at 553 feet above the street.
***
I’m not new to high buildings.
Nor to panoramic views of the city.
My first revolving restaurant was in New York — The View Restaurant and Lounge on the 48th floor of the Marriot Marquis with views of Time Square.
Of course, I’ve already been to the top of the Empire State Building by then.
***
There was also one in San Antonio, Texas.
And while in Los Angeles, we had the Bonavista Lounge at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel.
I’m pretty sure there was some food involved on my trips to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck in the John Hancock Building.
Or, at least, some drinks.
***
Well, there was also the Tokyo Tower in 1990.
And the Eiffel Tower in 2012.
So, let’s just say that I am not afraid of heights.
Or of consuming food and drinks at some feet above the ground.
***
But yes, I let people entertain me.
Especially if they work so hard for the money to afford me these thrilling experiences.
***
I’m a simple guy.
My craving right now is a good Indian buffet.
Because there is a considerable population of Indians in Vancouver!
***
Well, my friend Adam, Mumbai-born, wanted to take me out tonight.
But this Top of Vancouver date was booked two weeks ago, so Adam will have to wait until I’m back from a three-day trip to Alberta.
***
The point is, a lot of people vie for my attention.
And sometimes, food is their biggest lure.
(Really, more like their default activity —
“Can I take you to lunch or dinner?”
Which is mostly dinner because they work during the day.)
***
I only go for the company.
For a chance to be with people.
To be with them; and when I can, to lighten their burdens with good talk, sensible talk, funny talk.
Because, hey, that’s me!
***
I’ve been to two birthday parties (Filipino food!) in Vancouver since coming over in mid-August.
But we also had some great deliveries, and exotic meals when we go out.
So I’ve had Japanese (they like sushi, I order the more expensive sashimi), Thai (they like pad thai noodles, I like tom yam soup), Vietnamese (when they order pho, I order bun bo hue), et cetera.
***
The other day, I just read “Szechuan” from the taxi, and my friend took me to ChongQing on Commercial (Drive).
Szechuan cuisine!
We did dim sum, and she ordered a lot.
I was only gonna go for spare ribs in ginger, and fung chao (chicken feet dim sum); but she ordered sticky rice (with sweet meats), sio mai, sio pao, shrimp dumplings, some beef meal set with (chicken and corn soup), and I don’t remember what else.
***
Judging that the meal could cost us $50 at least, I volunteered to pay for it.
Now, I only volunteered because I know that we are booked to go Afghan the following day.
And we are bringing her daughter, and another friend.
***
The following day, we were at The Afghan Horsemen Restaurant on Grandville Island.
I only wanted the kebab platter delight to share.
(Hello, meat lovers!)
Lamb shish kebab, beef shish kebab, chicken shish kebab, lamb shoulder chop, basmati rice with sautéed carrots, raisins and onions, pakawra and chaka, humus and sabzi mast, salad with feta cheese, and pita bread.
***
But my friend is such a show off.
She ordered more than we could chew.
So I ordered some Long Island Iced Tea, asking for a double shot of alcohols in it.
And promptly left the bill for her to pay.
I enjoyed my dinner./PN
