After waking up super early to watch Germany beat England and then Argentina ripping away Mexico’s hope of being in the quarter-final of the World Cup 2010, by 1:30pm I was exhausted. I knew Commercial Drive would be filled with sad faces as there were a lot of Mexican fans watching the game at various pubs/restaurants on the Drive. So, I was glad to be heading away from Commercial Drive to Szechuan Chongqing Restaurant. Fierce name! Now try to pronounce it ten times. Only a few blocks from my house, I was happy to head in the opposite direction of Commercial Drive to dine with Jay (@jaycatalan), Shahab (@shahab604) and two other people who aren’t social media friendly.
The food was pretty good and was decently priced. They weren’t mind-blowing flavours leaving my taste buds screaming for more but it was good wholesome Sunday afternoon food with friends.
Szechuan Chongqing Restaurant - Mu Shu Pork
Szechuan Chongqing Restaurant - Salted fish & chicken fried rice
Szechuan Chongqing Restaurant - Sweet & sour pork
Szechuan Chongqing Restaurant - Boneless Chicken
Szechuan Chongqing Restaurant - Shrimp & Scallop Dumpling
After eating, I thought I’d better walk off what I ate before I headed home to sit in front of a computer again.
Commercial Drive is going through a few transitions with old stores moving to different parts of the street and new stores coming into the neighbourhood. First up is Doctor Vigari, a fantastic store to get locally made and designed furniture, artwork and jewellery. It has now moved closer to 3rd and Commercial from Charles Street. It’s old neighbour, It’s All Fun & Games, also moved to the same block but only a few stores down.
Doctor Vigari - Commercial Drive
It's all Fun & Games - Commercial Drive
The beauty about It’s all Fun & Games is because it is, well, ALL about fun and games. You can find any of your childhood toys – even the small toys soldier figurines – here.
It's all Fun & Games - Interior
It's all Fun & Games - Puzzle Games
It's all Fun & Games - Games & Toys
It's all Fun & Games - Figurines
In the window of Barefoot Contessa was a cute t-shirt that said “Nerds need love too” which made me giggle a bit and want go back to buy it.
Barefoot Contessa - Nerds need love too t-shirt
On my walk back home, I spotted a badass bike. I have no experience with bikes but at first glance I knew it was the kind that would make anyone look uber cool even just sitting on it. I’m tempted to photoshoping myself on the bike… hmmm.
Badass Bike - Commercial Drive
Always on the lookout for a few good books, I stopped into Bibliophile Bookstore because a Superman book with no title caught my eyes.
Bibliophile Books - Exterior
Bibliophile - Superman book with no title
Bibliophile - Interior
Walking out empty handed, I stopped by Bone Rattle Music – simply because I haven’t been in there before. From kazoos to electric guitars to an unconventional guitar made from cigar boxes, this place had everything but the vuvuzela.
Bone Rattle Music - Exterior
Bone Rattle Music - Interior
Bone Rattle Music - Kazoo
Right next to Bone Rattle Music is Audiopile. A place where you can find vinyl record geeks hanging out all day. It’s an awesome place where I found classic vinyls such as Eazy-E, The Treacherous Three and N.W.A Greatest Hits.
Audiopile - Exterior
Audiopile - Interior
Audiopile - Vinyl Heaven
Audiopile - N.W.A Greatest Hits
Audiopile - Eazy-E
At the corner of 5th and Commercial Drive are some pretty cool murals.
Commercial Drive Murals
Commercial Drive Murals
Commercial Drive Murals
I have been meaning to take drumming lessons so I stopped by A Small World where they sell crafts from around the world and provide drumming circles.
A Small World - Craft store & drumming classes
A Small World - Drums
Take a stroll in your neighborhood to appreciate all the uniquely different stores, cultures and arts it has to offer. I love Commercial Drive more today than I did yesterday and I didn’t even think that was possible! Forget taking big long extensive and expensive vacation, discover your own neighborhood first – that in itself is a wonderful adventure.
