For today’s posts on my visit to different houses, pavilions and exhibits of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Saskatchewan Pavilion. Similar to Maison du Québec, it is located in Concord Place but, since I was visiting it on a different day, specifically, at night, there queue was really short. I didn’t even have to line up for 5 minutes! So, here it goes, Saskatchewan Pavilion!
For other posts of this serie…
- Alberta House
- Robson Street
- Maison du Québec
- LiveCity Downtown/Canada Pavilion
- Saxony House
- Northern House
(Note: For a larger version of the picture, just click on it – a new window will open).
A “feature” of the pavilion, is a dome next to the actual pavilion. As for the contents of the dome… Well, it is mostly pamphlets about the different features of the province and the only redeeming quality is a green screen where you can take pictures and they will add a background for you. How much it costs you, I can’t say since I did not line up for it.
Inside the pavilion… I do not want to stereotype things here but it felt like a large barn in a town where everybody gather during the weekend. On one side, was a stage and, since I was there at night, at least there was some entertainment.
I will admit she was quite a singer; however, the problem is that it wasn’t the type of songs I listen, even under the assumption I listen too much music! However, people were clapping after each song so, I assume it was what people wanted.
And, as for the audience…
Now, to what I came for… Food! Here is the menu. As mentioned above, click on the picture for a larger version. I will have to admit I was quite disappointed with the menu. C’mon guys, I am sure that, in terms of food you could have something more varied! This is even comparing Alberta House’s menu, where, at least, there were items that enticed you. In this case, not that much. In the end, I ordered…
No, I did not order beer but couldn’t help not taking this picture either. I mean, if beer is something that can’t be left outside standing so, in a way, it is an expectations all of these would be sold right away… Ouch.
OK, here is what I did end up ordering: perogies. As per the menu, $6 for six pieces. Tastewise… Let’s just say it tasted like something you could get in the frozen section of the supermarket.
I also ordered the bison burger. Prior to coming to the pavilion, a friend of mine had visited it and had his comments about it. I ended up agreeing with his comments. And were his thoughts? Dry. In fact, when I looked at it, I thought it looked like a hockey puck! And, after I took the first bite… Well, I will just say at least it was seasoned, though I don’t think it tasted that different from, say, beef shawarma. Unfortunately for me, I was hungry and ended up eating it anyway. >_< In the end, I will have to say I was disappointed with this pavilion offerings. I thought it could have been able to showcase somewhat more the province, specially considering I have really low expectations of it (I know almost nothing!). Sigh...
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for sharing this. Unlike your experience, every time we walked past the Sask pavilion, there was a huge line-up! We reasoned that whatever was inside must have been really good but after reading your review, I think I will pass or at least wait until the line-up dissipates
Gigi, I think I have hit the sweet spots for some of these pavilions: Depending on how much time you have, if you go after 6:00 p.m. and assuming it is still open (Russky Dom, *shakes fist!!!!*), chances are you will be able to get in relatively quickly. That is because, I have noticed that most people, by that time, they tend to go to more dynamic activities, like LiveCity concerts. I will put that theory to test tonight when I try to visit Ontario House!
What a waste of bison; and yes, I agree that it looks like a hockey puck. Too bad both items weren’t better Kim. Having grown up surrounded by Ukrainians, I know first hand you can taste the love in handmade perogies.
Raidar, I am planning on going to the Ukranian house and, in the case I miss it, to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Friday Night dinners. We’ll see!
Thanks for the tip, Kim. I will give your advice a try for this 2nd week of the Olympics
Best pavilion I have visited so far. Great showcase of talent, both in music and comedy. Very friendly, relaxing, and the food was so different from other places. Hope to get around to it again before I leave.
Ugh. On behalf of everyone who cares about food in Saskatchewan, I’m sincerely sorry for this wasted effort.
I’m not sure what else to say. Given the amount of lentils, grains, vegetables, and other farm produce that is local to SK, you should have found something far more exciting.
Again, I’m sorry.
On another note, thanks for all your work on your blog. I am coming to Van for a conference in May and I am looking forward to trying some of the restaurants I have been researching!
It’s hilarious and disturbing how the menu lists a small bag of potato chips at 2 bucks, and (a plastic cup full of rapidly flattening) Molson Canadian at 8 bucks.
Jason G, welcome and thanks for your kind words! No need to apologize; I am sure they set up that menu for a reason – though, of course, after trying some of it, some of us would like to know what was that reason! ^_^;;;
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