Hi all, the last time I posted was the end of July, almost 2 weeks now! Sorry, I’ve been trying to avoid the computer and any distractions because it is once again finals time.  I could have easily pre-written some posts, scheduled them to appear but I don’t like posting like that. There’s many reasons, such as I want time to reflect about the food, think about what I can write, waiting for Urbanspoon to add the restaurant, etc. Plus, it also doesn’t feel as personal to me, just seems like a machine churning out daily posts (no offense to anyone! really).  Yes, I know it doesn’t keep the readership up, but hey, I can survive a couple weeks.. I know you’re all faithful readers!

Okay, so travel back in time with me back to the heatwave we had mid July. Yea, you’re probably all missing it right now aren’t you. The last couple days have been absolutely miserable. One Friday, July 17th 2009 to be exact, I went and did the Grouse Grind with Kevin, Jeff and Annie.  I’ve only done it twice before, both back in high school, just over an 1 hour each time.  The total length of the trail is only 2.8 kilometers, something that would take only 14min~ or so for me on flat land, but it’s the elevation gain of 853 meters that makes this so challenging.

This is what you will see for nearly 90% of the trail. When you reach the 1/4 mark, you’ll think “ONLY?!” This time I took 1 hour and 30min because I stayed with Jeff, his first time and he hit the wall ..repeatedly. Oh and he fell once too. Can’t leave a buddy hanging, ya know?

So I’ve never had Beavertails, and Kevin was so excited for this, more so than doing the Grouse Grind itself.  I guess it’s like a reward, all that hard work and sweat you just put in, you’re very deserving of a deep fried delight. I’ve only been to Grouse a couple times in the winter for snowboarding, I avoid it cause it’s too touristy and expensive. Mount Seymour is cheaper and isn’t as busy. I’m rambling, I seem to have so much to say!

Prices aren’t bad, the cheapest at $4.

Kevin ordered first, Garlic Butter & Cheese ($5.00) with a special request to have cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top. I thought this was really weird, as it’s savory and sweet.. but trying a couple bites of it, the combination works very well.

Jeff had the Apple Cinnamon ($5.00). Looks like it’s canned stuff, but it was tasty. I think sweet works more in favor of the deep fried pastry underneath

Annie and I both got a regular Garlic Butter & Cheese. It’s pretty big, bout two hands length. Should have put something down for a comparison.  Although I couldn’t really taste the garlic in the butter, the abundance of cheese, slightly melted was delicious. Perhaps it was just a craving for cheese at the moment?

After taking a particularly sweaty bus ride home, I looked Beavertails up. They originate from Quebec, with many franchises across the country. I also found that there was one right at Lonsdale Quay. We could have just gone there and called it a day! That’s the lazy side of me speaking out.

If you find yourself going up to Grouse, be it for the Grind or whatever winter activity, give it a try. Probably best on a nice cold wintery day though, yum.

Oh yea, they’re just behind the lumberjack demonstration/before the restaurant they have there. Ask a staff member if you can’t find it.