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Nights out in Nanaimo
Monday, May 11th, 2009 by GetawayBC.com
Music, dining, dancing, theatre – whatever your taste, you’ll find something to feast on in downtown Nanaimo.
In March, I took three friends for a night on the town – beginning with dinner, followed by the ballet at the award-winning Port Theatre, and capped off with drinks at a swanky lounge in the heart of Commercial Street.
The Firehouse Grill is exactly like it sounds – located in Nanaimo’s old firehall on Victoria Road, the second floor is bright and airy with views of the city and the harbour, yet the tables are situated to give diners intimacy.
The four of us ordered very different plates, giving a cross-section example of the restaurant’s menu, which included appetizers like crab dip – which I’d definitely order again – soup, sandwiches and burgers, salads, pasta, seafood and steak, plus a separate sushi menu.
The restaurant also has an extensive wine list – the Penfold shiraz was sweet and smooth.
Most downtown restaurants feature executive chefs creating new dishes from fresh, local ingredients. Specials often feature items in season, like seafood, fish, vegetables or fruit, and for a very short time, offering even the most seasoned downtown diners something new to try.
Expect to pay the same at most downtown restaurants, anywhere from $15 to $30 an entree.
After dinner, we walked along Victoria Crescent, where you’ll find more restaurants like Aladdin’s Cafe, Armani’s Grill, Basque and the after-hours restaurants of Mambo’s Pizza and Pirate Chips. Cut through the China Steps and across the highway to the south entrance of the Port Theatre.
It’s best to park here and walk to dinner (everything in downtown Nanaimo is in a six-block radius). After the show, when it’s dark, your vehicle is just a short walk away.
The Port Theatre was built more than 10 years ago and hosts more than 250 shows annually. The Port Theatre Society operates the not-for-profit facility, ensuring that grant money is used to support the arts.
The spotlight series features culturally significant programs, such as the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, which performed at the Canadian Embassy in Washington during inauguration, Brent Butt, creator of Corner Gas, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
These are shows which usually offer tickets for less than $40.
Popular events, like Bryan Adams’ solo acoustic show, 54-40 and Gordon Lightfoot sold out quickly, so check the theatre’s calendar of events and get tickets well in advance. The ballet is always a big draw in Nanaimo and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet sold out two shows of Peter Pan, but we were lucky to get tickets.
Having sat in nearly every section of the theatre, I can honestly say there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
As I settled in, having been directed to my seat by one of the legion of volunteers that take care of everything from ticket collecting to bartending, the lights dimmed and the heavy velvet curtain rose to show a quaint, 19th century English bedroom. The Royal Winnipeg spares no expense when telling classic stories, with elaborate sets, sumptuous costumes and special effects, sending Tinkerbell and Peter Pan flying across the stage on wires.
After the show, we headed to Commercial Street to 121 Lounge, a small martini bar with a dj spinning. The plush interior is perfect for relaxing conversation over classic cocktails. If you’re in the mood for something more energetic, Nanaimo’s bar scene is just a few store fronts away, with Club 241 on Skinner Street (just off Commercial at Wharf Street); Spice Lounge across from the conference centre; and across the highway on Victoria Crescent is the Cambie and the Queen’s, with each club boasting live music or dj’s spinning original mixes.
Smaller pubs and restaurants – like the Old City Station, Basque and the Vault – often feature live music. Check the News Bulletin’s weekly What’s On calendar for an up-to-date list of events and begin your exploration of Nanaimo’s most unique area.;