IT'S thrilling to get a new pair of shoes.
Whether they are shiny high heels or hip kicks, something about slipping into the latest style adds a spring to your step and a toss to your head. I'm speaking for the ladies, of course. I'm not sure how much head-tossing you guys do.
And yet, those slick new shoes will never replace your favourite slippers.
Softened over time, lumpy, bumpy and frayed at the seams, they have submitted to the weight and shape of your feet until they are a comfortable fit.
That's how I feel about The Black Bear Neighbourhood Pub - it's warm and familiar. A comfortable fit.
The craftsman-style pub settled into its leafy corner of the Lynn Valley Centre parking lot on Feb. 9, 1997 - 15 years ago tomorrow.
Since then, little has changed. The bar still lines them up: craft and bottled beers, ciders, wine and cocktails. The staff know their trade and their regulars, and the menu retains all the favourites it's had for years.
Last week I met a former coworker there for lunch. We came out of a frigid rain and pulled up chairs next to the fireplace.
The room was half-full and felt quiet and peaceful - not like when a Canucks game or Superbowl takes over the 63-inch TV, but just right for a weekday lunch. Our server was speedy with the beer orders and easy with a smile.
I have always liked this menu. Sure, it has all the pub standards: chicken wings (five kinds!), nachos, and fish and chips, but it also finds global inspiration in dishes like soft fish tacos, Thai mussels, Indo udon and pulled pork.
Though I was tempted by my old go-to - the ostrich burger with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese - I decided to mix things up and try the jerk chicken burger instead. I still like the long-necked bird burger better, but the jerk satisfied: a full-on stack of marinated chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, red onion, sliced pickle and soft white bun, with a lick of spice added courtesy of Bear jerk mayo.
The real standouts on the plate were the fries, thick prisms of deep-fried potato, crisp and golden without and fluffy within.
The ex (co-worker, that is) dug into the pesto chicken sandwich, with roasted chicken, pesto mayo and asiago on a baguette, and virtuously ordered a green salad alongside. But he helped himself to my fries while we caught up.
Just like old times. The bill for our lunch, including three sleeves of beer and HST, added up to $44.83. The Black Bear will celebrate its 15th anniversary tomorrow, Feb. 9, by offering a prime rib dinner for $9.99, and a slice of birthday cake for all. It's located at 1177 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver. Call 604-990-8880 for information.
