The main reason I like going to see a show a the Scotiabank Theatre is because of the food. While most theatres have the usual selection of processed cheese soaked nachos and xxl boxes of junior mints, this location serves up fro yo, burritos, burgers, and even bubble tea. I’m certain it’s the lighting or industrial design that makes me so hungry, but I don’t ask questions, I just eat.

There are three floors to this complex, and both the second and third serve food. Both levels house the usual popcorn-nacho-soft-drink stations, however on the second floor you’ll find a glistening foot court. There’s ample seating, an arcade, and usually a life sized cardboard cutout of your favourite action hero to take your photo beside.

TBCY, Burger King, KFC, & Taco Bell are all located on the second floor. And while most items cost a lot more than if you were to buy them down the street and smuggle them in, there are still good deals to be found. A large, fibre packed bean burrito at Taco Bell will only set you back a twoonie, and it’s an ample meal. Large popcorn and drinks have free refills, so buy one and share. Another good bet is the kids pack.

The Scotiabank Theatre is sorely missing a slush machine and the requisite overpriced candy dispenser. However, the bubble tea booth makes up for all this. It’s like they took the overpriced candy and jammed it into the frozen, creamy goodness of bubble tea slush. It tastes good and leaves you feeling mildly cultured.

If you were roped into seeing a film that involves Keanu Reeves as a romantic lead, there’s a Starbucks outside on the first floor.

There is pay parking under the theatre, as well as a few great restaurants and bars nearby, just in case that tub of parkay popcorn didn’t already burst your belt.

Address:

900 Burrard St.
Vancouver, BC
604-630-1407

This place is a little bit hard to see from street-level as it’s on the second floor of a building on Robson. There’s pretty good signage, so once you notice the place you should only need another minute or two (if you’re like me and you suck at common sense things) to find the stairwell that takes to you Tsunami Sushi. It’s well worth the effort- trust me. There is also a fabulous patio that’s perfect for afternoon sake with a view of the shopping crowd.

Tsunami Sushi is very much like most other sushi restaurants- not particularly original in its decor (in fact a bit retro), rather quiet, and there are people in Kimonos; however, there is one differing factor. There is a creek in the centre of the restaurant that circulates little wooden boats full of sushi and other Japanese items. You can basically saddle up to the bar, and in front of you sushi will just float by. You can pick up whatever you like and the boat will float away empty until it is refilled by one of the several staff who work in the centre of the circuit. The plates on which the sushi arrives are color-coded (i.e. blue plates are $2.00, black $3.50, etc.) and you simply tally up the number of plates you have to figure out the bill at the end. This, in my opinion, is just so cool. There’s no other word for it.

The novelty of this creek will wear off as you eye a plate of tekka maki slowly making its way down the line while shooting daggers at the hungry overweight dude two seats down. There is, however, no denying the empowerment one feels when getting to see a product before ordering it and then receiving it instantly. You can’t assign a value to instant gratification like this.

The sushi here is pretty awesome too, and there are a number of selections that you will not find as easily at other more standard sushi places- sea urchin maki among them. Just make sure to arrive around a normal mealtime, as the creek floats fewer rolls at three in the afternoon. There’s no reason you can’t proceed with ordering as you would normally though. Also, keep track of your plates. It’s easy to eat and eat and eat, and then realize your plate stack is $10.00 more than you thought.

Address:

238, 1025 Robson
Vancouver, BC
(604) 687-8744

The best and the most happening Denny’s in all of Vancouver is the one located at the corner of Burrard and Smithe. You can’t miss it — it’s right across from the Scotiabank Theatre. On most morning’s Denny’s is packed — but the service is fast and you’ll get a table and your food in no time flat. We usually visit on Saturday morning, because we know that Jason will be our server, and he’ll let us order off the kids menu and make a zillion substitutions because we are cheap.

Denny’s is not necessarily a cheap option for breakfast, but if you do it right it can be. First things first, ask for a kids menu. At breakfast our eyes are usually A LOT bigger than our stomachs, and the kids menu offers some similar options, with smaller, portions (although not THAT much smaller), and a heck of a smaller price tag. I usually order the Kids Grand Slam, which comes with bacon, sausage, eggs and three silver dollar pancakes. It’s just over three bucks! You can’t make that kind of food at home for that price .. and if you can it takes way too much effort.

Also, check out the kids lunch and dinner options, they have a great selection — even a Thanksgiving Dinner all year round. Take THAT steamrollers.

Another way to save big is to mix and match side dishes .. don’t get roped into buying that whole elaborate pancake meal when all you really want are some flapjacks and syrup. Those are on the side dish menu, for half the price.

In summary, for a greasy Saturday morning brunch, Denny’s has got you covered. You can go there and know exactly what to expect. Sure they don’t have the kind of atmosphere you might find at a place like Melriches, but they’ve got one of those dollar-claw machines in the lobby, so it more than makes up for it!

Address:

101-888 Burrard (across from the Scotiabank theatre)
Vancouver, BC

Would it be so sick if one of my all time favourite restaurants in Vancouver happened to be a Taco Time? I’m not afraid to admit it, the Taco Time on Granville street at Smithe is no ordinary Taco Time. It’s a Taco Time Cantina, and with those additional three syllables comes a world of added flavour and atmosphere. I kid you not. The Cantina on Granville Street rocks most severely.

From the outside Cantina looks like nothing more than a rundown Granville strip cafe. However, if you venture inside you will find a spacious dining environment. This is no dingy / neon Taco Time kind of a place. Here you’ll find Mexican music playing, photos and sombreros on the wall, and even a flat screen tv that often blasts old Chuck Norris movies.

The staff is helpful, friendly and fun. After visiting only a few times they knew my order and whipped it up with style. I have to comment, for a fast food style restaurant, they have some of the most amazing staff I have ever encountered. Props to them.

While the food may be your standard Taco Time fare, they put it on a plate and give you lots of extras. Maybe the staff are bored, or maybe just generous, but you’ll never go hungry. Also, try and hit it up on Tuesday, as the tacos are cheap, cheap, cheap.

Of all the items on the menu, the Mexi-Fries deluxe are the best. Imagine tater tots covered in cheese and salsa and sour cream and beef and vegetables. It’s a heart attack induced heaven.

If all of this wasn’t enough, outside they have a great patio and they serve beer. Imagine a busy Vancouver night, prime seating on Granville, with nachos in one hand and beer in the other. Does life get any better?

Address:

911 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
604-801-6692