Tim Hortons is an iconic Canadian brand of convenient fast-food restaurants that serve their famous coffee and donuts (the smaller donuts are called “Timbits”) as well as sandwiches and soups. Prices are reasonable, service is prompt, and there is a consistent level of quality across the franchise. Two downtown Vancouver locations of Tim Hortons are 947 Hornby Street, Vancouver – (604) 642-4272, and 607 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver – (604) 609-0865. Their web site www.timhortons.com has links to their other numerous locations across Canada. Below is pictured the turkey bacon club sandwich which was around $6.50 for a large. (This picture was taken at a Tim Horton’s near the Halifax airport.)

Mel’s Coffee and Diner, or Melriches (1043 Mainland Street, Vancouver, BC, phone (604) 681-2120) is a comfortable, warm, and well-kept place to have a casual lunch downtown. Located in the heart of Vancouver’s upscale Yaletown district, Mel’s is perfect for those times you don’t feel like shelling out the big bucks for a lunch on the town. Order your food from up front, picking from their tempting selection of sandwiches, panini’s, and all day breakfast items. I quite enjoyed the Perogies which were served with a chick pea salad (pictured below, $9.49 including tax).