Suzie Q's Diner- Osoyoos

I like to try out the little places that might get overlooked when I'm in a new place, so when I saw little "Suzy Q's Diner" on the corner of highway 97 on the outskirts of the town of Osoyoos, I pulled in. The menu looked just about right for a diner, prices were good, and the decorations were perfectly kitchy. We got seated and got menu's quickly. The server took our orders; we ordered two coffees, three chocolate milks, two kids' hotdogs, a poutine, and two all day breakfast combos. Chocolate milks came quickly, she came to pour coffee, and we got about a cup and a half. "I'll go brew another pot" said the server, and left. Meanwhile, we're jonesing for some coffee! We see her again, and ask for cream. The food comes, as well as new coffee and cream. No silverware! We take some from the other tables; but we have no napkins! Again, from the other table. We ask for water as well, it comes a while later. There are about five tables, and one server. Service is SLOW. Our breakfast meals includes toast, which comes out a few minutes later. We ask for something to put on the toast and it's 'deer in headlights.' Something for the toast? My coffee was sitting empty for some time; no offer of a refill. I ask and it comes some time later. Good food, chea; ($31 with tip for a family of 5) but very slow and you have to ask for everything. 3 out of 5. Suzy Q's Diner- Osoyoos, BC http://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/British-Columbia/Osoyoos/Suzie-Q-Diner/7740878.html?what=Restaurants&where=Oliver%20BC&cli=1,5&le=106198cc2af

Oro Spa and Wellness

Ahhh, I just got back from a most pleasant facial at Oro Spa and Wellness in Osoyoos, BC. The spa is located in the Casa Del Mila Oro Resort, in Osoyoos. I checked in at the desk, and even though the spa was closed, I was able to get an appointment. I made an appointment for an Oro Glow Facial- one hour in length for $80. I was unsure as I usually frequent Spa Utopia in North Vancouver, and didn't know what this one would be like. The proprietor welcomed me graciously and walked me into the treatment room. I was left to get ready, then was treated to a most luxurious facial. She was also a massage therapist, and during the mask, she did an arm and hand, leg and foot massage. She finished with a scalp massage. I looked at the time and she went over by about 10 minutes! It was fantastic. I left the Oro Spa feeling very relaxed, rested, and rejuvenated. It was amazing! If you come to Osoyoos and are looking for a great spa treatment, check out the Oro Spa and Wellness at Casa Del Milo Oro Resort. 778.437.3337

Hanamaru Japanese Restaurant

May 19, 2011

Groupon was offering a deal at Hanamaru Restaurant, so I decided to give them a try.

This restaurant is located inside Lynn Valley Mall, which is close for me, so I thought with $25 worth of food for $12, why not give it a go?

I brought hubby and two kids to the restaurant around 6:45 pm on a Friday night and found the place almost completely full. I don't know if it was the Groupon, as I've never eaten there before, but it was very busy.

We were seated quite quickly, and given black and white take out menus; apparently there were no more "real" menus available!

OK, fine, we used the take out menus.

We got two waters and two teas; I would have liked a water as well without having to ask, but the kids got the waters, and the adults got the tea.

We ordered our food without issue: dynamite rolls, yam rolls, salmon sashimi, and chicken terriyaki. At the last minute we also ordered gyoza.

We waited for a while, then got the salmon sashimi. No plates were given at this time.

We enjoyed the salmon, seemed to be of good quality.

Then we got the rolls, and they were good as well. Unfortunately, they had cut the parts with the tails and left them as a roll that was impossible to eat! It was very wide. See below.

The rolls were good, but not the best I've ever had; and they were messy. Still no plates! Asked for plates and more napkins (which never came) to sop up the mess created by the food. Plates came, but it was a little late.

Gyozas came next, even though we ordered them AFTER the chicken terriyaki. They were tasty.

The chicken terriyaki came out last and was good. One of the better ones I've tried. However, it was for the kids and they aren't that great with chopsticks. I asked for forks, but they were all out of real forks! We got plastic ones.

We got the bill and instead of giving us proper change so we could leave a 15% tip, we got back a 10 dollar bill and some change. Again, we had to ask for something without it being given the first time; proper change.

Overall, service was a little slow (they were very busy) and the food was good, but not great.

After the $25 groupon, we owed $8; so for a family of four it was a good value.

PROS: central for lynn valley, can do your shopping at the same time as it's in the mall, friendly staff, decent food, reasonable prices.

CONS: slow service, rolls were too thick (dynamite), have to keep asking for things.

1199 Lynn Valley Road, #115
North Vancouver, BC V7J3H2
Tel: (604) 980-7999