Thought of the Day - March 2 2022 - The Hungry Farmers

I seem to recall hearing a phrase many years ago something along the lines of: Farmers go hungry in the spring, or Farmers mostly starve just before harvest. With restrictions on the restaurant businesses being lifted they now see a light at the end of the tunnel. However, remember to support your local watering hole as they surely have bills to pay and spring has not yet arrived.

You may have heard that the Rolling Dough pizzeria at the corner of Bainbridge and Lougheed Highway has closed its doors after eight years (it was located next door to Gaya Sushi on Bainbridge). They were most probably another victim of COVID measures.

The Lougheed Bar and Grill is hanging in there. Their site boasts: You’ll need these directions, the Lougheed Village Bar & Grill is the toughest bar you’ll ever find – but we’re worth the effort!

It has been a year since I did a blog highlighting the gentrification opportunities afforded by COVID hardship ( Thought of the Day - March 3 2021 - The Old Admiral ). I highlighted that the newly reopened Admiral Pub was now featuring Avocado Toast priced at twice that of their Roast Beef dinner from the year before. I can now report that things have been "rationalized". While prices are still high, against the backdrop of our current inflation rate, they are no longer unreasonable. I think reality set in for the new management; you can now get a snack for under $10 and a meal for under $20.

I think the management team is looking to bring back some of the former clientele, the website reflects the reality of the location, venue and clientele with the updated description:

Admiral Pub & Grill

The Heart of North Burnaby Heights With its warm wooden walls, inviting atmosphere, large beer selection and live cover bands, the Admiral Pub & Grill emanates cosiness. The Admiral invites you to try offerings of signature dishes, popular appetizers and a pint of your local and international favourites. Evenings at the Admiral Pub & Grill are filled with excitement. From singing karaoke to watching sporting events, or dancing the night away on the weekends with our lively bands, there’s something for everyone! We also support our local NHL team, the Vancouver Canucks, by showing the live hockey games, including on Sportsnet Vancouver, on our big screen TV’s throughout the pub.

I am not promoting any of these places, just if you value independent business in the hood, now is the time to give them some patronage.

I guess this means I will be checking out the Admiral sometime soon.

Cheers

Cliff