2007-07-28 - Seattle Gay News
By: Albert Rodriguez

Twelve places to eat, sleep, and drink during Vancouver Gay Pride weekend --- enjoy

Next weekend (August 3-5) is Vancouver Gay Pride, a huge affair that climaxes with a 146-entrant parade and 40-foot rainbow flag along the English Bay on the city's Beach and Pacific Avenues. Look for a listing of special events and hot parties in Part Two of our Vancouver Gay Pride preview next Friday, August 3. Carpool with friends or take the train (www.amtrak.com), just be there for an incredible time. Here is a list of hotels, restaurants, clubs and spas to check out while in Vancouver. You'll notice that one of our favorites, Sandman Suites on Davie, isn't on the list - that's because they're entirely booked for Pride weekend. But do consider Sandman for future travels. Drive safe, rest up before going, pack trendy attire, and get ready to have a blast.

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Located on Vancouver's shopping street of dreams, Robson, is the Cactus Club Café where locals and tourists merge to cocktail and eat joyfully. Large booths, able to seat four to six people, and tables that extend from the front patio to the back kitchen are often filled to capacity on weekend afternoons and evenings. With multiple locations throughout British Columbia, Cactus Club Café has quickly become a leader in semi-upscale dining with selections that include steaks, seafood, noodle bowls and signature salads. I devoured my spicy, tangy Kung Pao noodles in about five minutes. But I wasn't done yet. The dessert menu tempted me with a house-made apple pie dished alongside vanilla bean gelato and a drizzling of caramel sauce. Multiple TV screens keep customers updated on sports, news, and entertainment. Service, for as busy as it was when I stopped by, was quick and oh-so-friendly. Prices are reasonable, considering the portions.