Eating Out

When we moved aboard, we knew that we will need to dive the boat regularly to clean the bottom and change the zincs. Contracting this type of work can be pretty expensive, so we decided to learn to scuba dive.  Many of my followers know that our journey into the underwater world did not stop there. We fell in love with diving and became scuba diving professionals. Guillermo is now a PADI Master Scuba Diver Instructor and I became a PADI divemaster.

Scuba diving around this area is undescriptable! Full of life and colours! Jack Cousteau rated British Columbia as the best cold water scuba diving in the world, and he was right about it. We dive regularly and teach PADI Open Water  course once a month with Sink or Swim Scuba . Guillermo also teaches underwater photography and writes Emerald Photography, Pacific Northwest Underwater Photography Blog.

Diving and being part of Sink or Swim Scuba has been great. It became outstanding when George and Lea opened Smokin’ George’s BBQ just steps from the dive shop a year ago.  We could not believe our eyes when we saw the construction. Our dream came true, we could Dive and Dine!

Now we can go for a dive, come back to the shop, walk to the restaurant and enjoy a fabulous smoked chicken sandwich,  pulled pork sandwich, amazing BBQ ribs with fries, salad, beans and/or corn bread to name some of the awesome selection in the menu.  “De-gassing” or “debriefing” after a dive has been a lot more enjoyable while eating a delicious, fast and fresh meal at Smokin’ George’s BBQ with a tasteful industrial feeling decoration.

Smokin George’s BBQ has fantastic food, reasonable prices, loyalty card for frequent visits, fast service, friendly atmosphere, great customer service, and weekly specials that add new flavors to their standard menu. During this month, to celebrate their anniversary, they have been drawing loyalty cards and giving away $25 gift certificates.  What a great idea! I’m giving them 5 stars! Great job Smokin’ George’s BBQ!

Come dive with Sink or Swim Scuba and Dine at Smokin’ George’s BBQ! See you soon!

Have you ever been extremely happily surprised when you go the first time to a restaurant? That happened to me dinning at The Cliff Restaurant and Lounge.

My husband and I decided to go for a casual dinner during the week and he suggested to try the new restaurant downtown Nanaimo.   I did not have high expectations, I really did not even know that there was a new restaurant.

To access to the restaurant you go through a lovely Italian patio.  I can only imagine it in summer!  The restaurant and the lounge have an open plan with full windows with a great view to Mt. Benson. I felt like home without even looking at the menu.

When I saw the menu I was shocked! Prices were pretty reasonable and there was an interesting combination of dishes.  I could not wait to try them.  My husband ordered the risotto and I ordered the steak sandwich.

I have to say it has to be the best steak sandwich I ever ate. The steak was perfectly cooked and presented with roasted garlic and onions with Gorgonzola cheese on a great bread. The combination of flavors were outstanding.  The side dish salad was fresh and extremely tasty. The risotto with caramelized sweet potatoes was spectacular too!

What will I love to add to make it the perfect restaurant? It already has awesome food and a great place, maybe I will add slow background music, candles on the tables and a fireplace that will create a delightful ambiance and it will make it my favorite restaurant in town.

Will I go back? Yes, definetely! I need to try all the other dishes, appetizers and desserts! Will I recommend this place? Absolutely! Please go and let me know what you think. Great job The Cliff Restaurant and Lounge!

The City of Nanaimo (where I live), also know as the “Harbour City” is well know for many things and attractions, like the “Nanaimo Bars” or the “Annual Bathtub Race”.

One of the most interesting attractions is the Floating Restaurant in the harbour, the Dinghy Dock Pub & Restaurant. Accessible by ferry or boat from Nanaimo, this floating restaurant offers a calm and relax athmosphere, a pub menu, many nights live music and an awesome view.

Enjoying a cold drink in a summer afternoon while looking to the sunset over Nanaimo is a breathtaking experience. It is definitely a must go place in the summer.  I have been there many times during different times of the year. I have never been disappointed with my order.

The menu has many dishes with very reasonable prices. I have ordered burgers, pizza and crab cakes, and they were all delicious.  Remember to reserve some room for their signature dessert “Sex in the Dinghy”, a multilayer square that combines different flavours (chocolate, cream, vainilla) when you eat it. Overall is a great place, well priced with great service!