A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

by torontogirlwest on February 13, 2012

The Husband and I have officially been residents of Vancouver for about a month and a half now. So you’d probably assume that during that time we’ve grown accustomed to our new home. That it had lost it’s novelty. That I would be ready to stop gushing about how beautiful it is. And while that day may arrive, it’s not going to be today!

English Bay A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

Because this is a blog post that I’ve frankly been dying to write since I first found out we would be moving.

Puppy and Boy A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

The post where I get to take you on a virtual walk around Stanley Park. All 10 kilometres of it.

Vancouver Seawall A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

Inukshuk A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

The park itself is absolutely massive and is comprised of restaurants, beaches, a pool, hiking trails, and of course Vancouver’s famous seawall.

Beach Stanley Park A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

And there are few places I rather be on an incredibly beautiful early spring day.

Lululemon Half Course A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

That’s why recently, for the Husband’s birthday we walked the whole length of the seawall taking in the spectacular sights and breathing the salty sea air.

Open Sea A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

Seawall Promenade A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

It may seem a strange thing to do for a birthday but we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate!

Stanley Park Map A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

On February 1st, the waves and the rainforest were our companions.

Logs A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

Sand Stanley Park A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

Mere minutes from our home we were privy to incredible sights.

Shipping Passage A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

Running Stanley Park A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

The beauty of this place makes me wonder just how long it takes for it all to become common place.

Totem Poles A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

Totem A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

Maybe you have to be born into this kind of beauty for you to take it for granted but for a newcomer like me, it will always seem incredibly magical.

Hallelujah Point A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

Reflection A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

The Husband’s birthday 10k was spectacular and the perfect way to spend the day!

Sailboat A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

Vancouver A Birthday 10K in Stanley Park

I guess you could say that for his birthday, the Husband got one of his biggest wishes . . . he got Vancouver!

 

Question: What is your favourite way to spend an early spring day?

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Soirette Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

Food is much like fashion –  what’s popular changes over time.

Macarons Vancouver Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

As far as desserts are concerned, for years now it’s been all about the cupcake. Well it’s time for the miniature cakes to step aside for the French macaron.

Ghost Chairs Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

Nowadays, you can scarcely turn a corner in a large North American city without bumping into a shop selling their version of the French classic.

Soirette Vancouver Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

And while Vancouver certainly has a myriad of macaron purveyors not all are created equal. Because let’s be honest, any macaron flown halfway across the world to its point of sale is going to taste less than fresh.

Macarons and Ghost Chairs Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

An ideal macaron should be light, delicately sweet, slightly crunchy on the exterior slightly domed, and with beautiful feet. You see, a French macaron bears no resemblance to its American cousin; rather it is a meringue based confection that is the epitome of fine French pâtisserie.

A Selection of Macarons Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

And the perfect macaron is clearly Soirette’s specialty.

Glass Teapot  Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

On our visit, all three of us (one of which was a five year old boy) chose a variety of macarons ($2 per piece, $11.50 for six, and $22 for a dozen) for taste testing purposes. The 17 flavours on offer ranged from pistachio to passion fruit.

Plate of Macarons Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

Much to my surprise the matcha macaron was my absolute favourite. But regardless of your flavour preference, I doubt it’s possible to make a bad choice at Soirette.

Tea Pot Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

To pair with the macarons, Soirette offers a wide selection of exquisite teas ($2.75-3.00) blended in house. My Pink Champagne tea was a lovely accompaniment to my afternoon treat.

Hot Chocolate Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

For those looking for a richer beverage, there are decadent and plentiful servings of hot chocolate ($4-4.50) on the menu.

Delicious Macaron Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

Soirette is a beautiful establishment that seems straight from a jewellery box. Its macarons are the best I’ve had since I lived in Paris. And the beverages are perfect accompaniments to the delicate treats.

In fact, not only did the adults in our group walk away delighted but the five year old did too! He even said to the sales lady, “Thank-you! The cookie was delicious!

 

Note: Soirette is holding its grand opening on February 4th, 2012 between 10am and 4pm. Make sure to drop by for prizes and giveaways!


biglink Soirette Macarons & Tea   a welcome addition to the Vancouver food scene

 

Question: Are you a fan of French macarons? What is your favourite type of French dessert?

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