By Catherine Brunelle
It’s the season of love in Vanier as we roll up to Valentine’s Day in the neighbourhood. If you haven’t already planned for romance, do not worry! VanierNow is here for you with several local date ideas. So if Vanier be the food of love, read on.
The Fondling Foodie Valentine’s Date:
The question of Valentine’s and Vanier was taken to Twitter, and nearly every response involved the Fraser Cafe. While it’s not strictly in Vanier, it’s just on the other side of Beechwood and is clearly developing a reputation for romance and good food. Unfortunately if you haven’t booked already, you are too late, my friend, since the 14th is full. HOWEVER, this restaurant isn’t going anywhere. As of Wednesday morning they still had a few tables free on Sunday (did someone just say romantic brunch?). And of course there is the savvy eater’s approach to Valentine’s Day where you skip the actual rush and head over the following weekend.
But don’t just stop at the Fraser Cafe, check out the many yummy restaurants in Vanier. From El Meson to El Tucan, you can read VanierNow’s must taste list and get scrambling with that phone for a reservation. (Some places are drop in, so don’t stress out too much.)
The Rockin’ Robin Valentine’s Date:
Grab your poodle skirt and/or hair grease, ‘cause you’re going bowling with pizza to follow! Whether this is your first date or your fiftieth, you cannot go wrong with such a classic date setting. Head over to Vanier’s McArthur Lanes Bowling (you’ll be sharing the space with their league bowling, but as of Wednesday morning, lanes are still available for reservation). When you are thoroughly bowled-out, pop over to the VERY yummy old-style diner at Louis’ Pizza next door, 181 McArthur Avenue. As of Wednesday morning they still have room available for Valentine’s Day. The manager said couples can probably drop in, but groups of five or more should definitely reserve.
The Sexy (?) Surprise Valentine’s Date!
Vanier is full of surprises. Why not kick off your date of unexpected adventure by visiting TAG Zone on 89 Montreal Road? This little gem offers a paint ball experience without ‘pain’. You and your date can battle against roaming packs of hot-shot kids who don’t respect their elders. The fear of attack will either spark some serious date-night chemistry, or get you in big trouble by traumatizing your partner for life.
After that adventure, you can then do something I like to call “Random Vanier” which is to walk around the neighbourhood and enter the shops and side streets you normally pass without notice. Together you and your lover can build your Vanier vocabulary. Maybe you’ll stumble upon the carved tree, or you’ll end up in the Asian market, or maybe you’ll even find yourself in our local comic book stop Myths and Legends, reading about the love triangle of Archie, Betty and Veronica. Anything can happen when you play Random Vanier.
The Community Cuddler Valentine’s Date:
Love this neighbourhood and want to support the community? This Saturday, February 15th is the perfect date setting for you with the Winter Carnival in Richelieu Park followed by Après Snow in the evening at the Kavanaugh showroom. Granted, the Winter Carnival is generally aimed toward families, but why not wake up your inner child? Bond with your sweetheart over turkey curling, skating in the rink, and—drum roll, please—sleigh rides! It can’t get more romantic than sleigh rides, unless you throw in a thermos full of coco.
The evening pop-up party called Après Snow is going to be amazing. Last year I was absolutely delighted with how cool everything was – the vibe, the food, the music, the people. By the sounds of this year’s party, it’s once again going to knock off socks. Bring your sweetie and meet the neighbours, sample food from local restaurants, enjoy the art installations, and dance your heart out!
The First-Date Date:
Bridgehead on Beechwood.
The “This isn’t going to work out” date:
Friend’s Bingo Hall on Montreal.
The Stay-In Date:
Pick up some goodies from Jacobsons and a settle in for a movie on Netflix.
The Museopark Date:
Put on your winter boots and explore Richelieu Park. You can follow the Writer’s Way, and then go for some pancakes and beans at the Sugar Shack. And then once your belly is full, check out a steamy romance novel from our local library set against the forest of the park.
The Choose-for-yourself Date:
**This is where you tell us your favourite Vanier Date post. Leave it in the comments, or tweet it out @VanierNow.
Wishing you all a very happy Vanier Valentine’s Day!
Special thanks for the inspiration to @LeFranckster @sylviehill @RussellEva @green_grrl @kirstenduke @misscatboivin @mikebulthuis @MathieuFleury @oTownSparkles and @ACVanierCA
Photo: Catherine Brunelle