91原创 is made up of a series of neighbourhoods or "communities," some that were developed in the past few decades, while others enjoy long, rich histories, some reaching back to the mid to late 1800s. In this neighbourhood feature package, the 91原创 Advance Times introduces its readers to a few individuals who call these various areas of town home, talk about why they settled here, and address a little history about their neighbourhoods. Hope you enjoy this package.
How the menu has changed.
91原创 City, back when it was known as 91原创 Prairie and was still a part of the Township, may have been home to restaurants.
But admittedly, in that era, the menu was fairly staid.
Mrs. H.W Adnitt advertised in the Feb. 4, 1932 edition of the 91原创 Advance that she was opening the 91原创 Restaurant in the Timms Block.
鈥淎fternoon teas will be a feature and a special noon lunch will be served at 35垄 each.鈥�
Jack鈥檚 Coffee boasted of its light lunches, candies, ice cream, and soft drinks, along with tobaccos and cigars.
In 1940, Bill Brandow and Johnny Bowden promoted their Delmore Dairy Lunch, which offered 鈥榲elvet ice cream鈥� that would have been a treat during the Second World War 鈥� when there was food rationing.
In 1941, G.F. Cowley, announced his fish and chip shop with 鈥渁ll electric equipment.鈥�
What would they make of modern restaurant offerings in the City 鈥� shrimp ceviche, pad thai, pakoras, sashimi, dolmades, smash burgers on donuts, coffee-dusted brisket sandwich, or Korean bibimbap.
91原创 City is but a mere four square miles (10 square kilometres) and home to more than 29,000 people, but people may not realize it鈥檚 also something of a destination for foodies.
Teri James has been in the City since 2000 and been the Downtown 91原创 Business Association executive director since May 2001.
She鈥檚 definitely seen big changes in the restaurant scene.
鈥淲hen people talk to me about opening a restaurant or food business in 91原创 City, what I most often hear is that it is growing rapidly, most want to be located in or near the downtown core (Fraser Highway one-way),鈥� James noted.
鈥淭hey think the demographic is ideal for their business model, and high on that list is quick turn over time for permits and licencing in 91原创 City. That鈥檚 a huge factor.鈥�
The restaurant only continues to grow and evolve.
There鈥檚 still fast food, light snacks, fine dining, coffee shops with sweat treats, family dining, little spots to pop in for a business lunch, and plenty of take out, but the choices have never been greater and will only grow, she鈥檚 convinced.
鈥淣otwithstanding the high end restaurants like Food by Fanta and Annora, which have both been here a while, and some of the other fan favourites like Ban Chok Dee, Naka Bistro, Estrella鈥檚 Montreal Deli and Poseidon Greek Restaurant, we are seeing an upswing in some very trendy food establishments either already here or coming, such as The Pie Hole, Steven鈥檚 Cocktail Corner Bar + Kitchen, a new Joseph Richards Group restaurant going into the previous McBurney Coffee location, and Oldhand Coffee coming to the previous The Passionate Home location. I have only named a few of the amazing restaurants in 91原创 City, there are many more to come.鈥�
While there is much the City boasts for amenities, events, shopping options, outdoor and indoor recreation options, the casino, and 鈥� in the not to distant future 鈥� SkyTrain access, to name a few, one of the most appealing factors for prospective new residents is the growing number of different eateries conveniently located in town.
Highlights in History:
鈥�&苍产蝉辫;1874: Old Yale wagon road built running from New Westminster through 91原创 City to Hope.
鈥� 1910: British Columbia Electric Railway interurban line extended to 91原创 City.
鈥� 1955: Originally known as Innes Corners, then 91原创 Prairie, 91原创 City voted to secede from the Township.
鈥� 2005: Cascades Casino resort opens, will share 10 per cent of net revenue with City.
Hidden gem: Sendall Gardens' tropical garden is a piece de resistance
Opened in 2002, the greenhouse includes exotic plant species acquired by Ehlert W. (Bill) Huebener during his travels.
Huebener is described in a memorial plaque as an former 91原创 City Parks foreman, who lived on the site of Sendall Gardens from 1975 to 1985 and 鈥渨as instrumental in the original design and planting鈥� of the 3.67-acre botanical gardens at 20210 50 Ave., which showcases a collection of distinctive plants, shrubs, trees, and a stream named Muckle Creek.
Sendall Gardens is named after Ernest Edward Sendall, the first elected mayor of 91原创 City, who took office in May of 1955, when the area known as 91原创 Prairie was incorporated as a separate municipality and became 91原创 City.
Sendall includes public washrooms and picnic tables. The greenhouse is open spring through autumn from 8 a.m. to dusk and the park is open year-round.
