Earl’s (web site, map, reviews, 1601 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-736-5663) is a popular chain of restaurants that serves casual Canadian and American-style cuisine. There are two Earls locations on West Broadway in Vancouver, one at Fir street (which I visited) and another just east of Oak street (901 W. Broadway, Vancouver, phone: 604-734-5995). For a complete list of the other Earl’s locations in the Greater Vancouver area, be sure to visit their web site.

Earl’s offers a good selection of pizzas, soups, burgers, sandwiches, pastas and wok dishes, as well as signature entrees such as steaks, seafood, and chicken. The prices are quite reasonable, with most dishes in the $10 to $20 range. I especially like their pizza. Pictured below is the Californian Pizza (around $12.50), which is made with shrimp, pesto, sundried tomatoes, and feta. The Margharita pizza ($10.50, also pictured below) is a simple but tasty pizza made with fresh basil, rich tomato sauce, mozzarella and white cheddar. We also enjoyed the Calamari (deep fried squid, pictured below, $10) which was served with sweet red onions and a special tzatziki sauce made in house.

The Earl’s location at Fir and Broadway is quite large, easily accommodating large groups, and has a bright solarium that is great for dining on sunny days. There is limited free parking available (provided you register your license plate with the host/hostess) and the restaurant is also on the Broadway bus route.

(above) Californian Shrimp Pizza ($12.50) at Earl’s Restaurant in Vancouver

(above) Calamari appetizer ($10) at Earl’s restaurant on Broadway at Fir

(above) Margharita pizza at Earls in Vancouver ($10.50)

Hakkasan Contemporary Chinese Cuisine (web site, map, 110 – 2188 No. 5 Road, Richmond, BC, Canada, phone: 604-273-9191) is a new restaurant serving modern Chinese food, surprisingly located in the middle of an industrial park! The restaurant is a 10 to 15 minute taxi-ride from the Vancouver International Airport and is also short drive from the large Ikea furniture store in Richmond.

Patatas, a reviewer on DineHere.ca (read review), writes:

Diamond in the Rough
Really awkward to get to, but totally worth the trip in the end. It’s a beautiful place (as you may be able to see from the website) and the food is amazing. Great Chinese food, awesome list of teas, try everything!

It may seem strange when you step in and there’s only one or two other tables in the restaurant, but then, depending when you go, it generally fills up. I’ve gone on a Saturday for lunch, and a weeknight for dinner, and both times it was empty at first, but filled up later. So go a little later for the atmosphere, I guess.

Pictured below are some of the creative contemporary Chinese dishes that the restaurant serves (thanks to Yvonne for the great photos).

So if you’re up for a little adventure and are looking for a taste above the ordinary, consider checking out Hakkasan Chinese Restaurant. Afterwards, be sure to let everyone know your experience by leaving a comment below.

Update, June 14th 2008: Christina has posted an excellent review of the food with photos on her web site (click here).

The Scotiabank Theatre in Vancouver (map, 900 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone 604-630-1407) is a large movie theatre located in downtown Vancouver at the corner of Burrard and Smithe. Formerly named the Paramount, this movie theater has 9 screens and shows all the latest new releases. Inside the Scotia Theatre you’ll find stylish, modern decor, big screens with comfortable reclining seats, and several fast food restaurants including Taco Bell, Burger King, and KFC.

View the theatre’s website for the latest showtimes. Below are some photos of the Scotia Theater taken from Vancouver’s Burrard Street (which is accessible by the Burrard Skytrain station (subway).

If you’re actually looking for a Scotiabank Banking Branch with ATM, there is a full service branch just up the street at the corner of Burrard and Nelson (map).

Another movie theatre in the downtown area is Tinseltown Theatres, which is in the International Village Mall at 88 W Pender, across from the Stadium Skytrain station.

(above) Scotiabank Theater in Vancouver

(above) Scotia Bank Theatre in downtown Vancouver