The Editor,
Monday, July 16, 6.15 p.m.: The sun is shining as the wife and I (with three-year-old in tow) meander down to Steveston for the gruelling (at least in my book) 15-minute walk to the village. We head off to the waterfront, with the delicious aroma of fried fish and chips hanging tantalizingly in the air.
First port of call is Sockeye City Grill for some takeout - have patronized this establishment in the past and found their offerings of halibut to be most satisfactory.
Unfortunately, they only accept cash at the takeout window. Only in possession of a debit/credit card, we move on to another eatery. (Why can't they allow customers to use the debit/credit facilities inside the restaurant?)
Next on the list is Shady Island Seafood Bar and Grill, located a short distance away. We request a two-piece halibut and chips. "Sorry we don't do a two-piece, only a one-piece, as halibut is a very rare fish." I stare incredulously at the pimply youth in the window. Last time I checked (Wikipedia that is), halibut was not on the endangered species list.
It's 7: 40 p.m., and with rumbling tummies and an irritable child, we head down to that old Steveston faithful, Pajo's, located precariously at the end of the pier. Approach window eagerly and order you know what by now, only to be informed by a suitably bashful employee, that "we have no more chips left." A whole bunch of patrons in the line up, let out a collective moan and beat a hasty retreat back up the gangplank. My groan is the loudest. I feel a cruel joke is being played on us.
So we try Dave's Fish And Chips on Moncton. We sneak in under the wire at 7: 55 p.m. - they close at 8 p.m. at the peak of the season? Unbelievable.
We are told it's because of the new parking regulations. I don't pay much attention to the explanation. I just want to eat. A group of four is unceremoniously turned away at 8: 10 p.m., mumbling profanities under their breath. At last, the elusive halibut arrives to the seagull excrement-splattered outdoor table. My mood is sour. I give the employee a lecture on hygiene, and she reluctantly wipes the table clean. Finally, the genus Hippoglossus is served - we eat.
Ice cream sweetens the mood on the long trek homeward bound. My son is happy.
Colin Katz Steveston
