LeilahT

Plus, if you're into that sort of thing, Happy Hens Hatchery where they are located sells some interesting heritage poultry. Er, live, I mean. They've got a good selection of interesting turkeys and some really good old breeds of ducks, geese and chickens. We used to get all our chicks from there prior to the big poultry kill, but haven't been back there in a while. It's good to know their market got up and running, it was looking pretty rough there when the flu hit. - Leilah

I don't know what prices are like for chiles and such in Vancouver, but if you're ever down near the border I'd suggest crossing over to grab supplies. The prices there are dead cheap, and I'm pretty sure you'll have a larger selection. There's a little tienda maybe 15 minutes south on the Guide Meridian that has dried chiles and spices, Mexican cheeses in big wedges, vegetables (sometimes) and tortillas. They don't have the chiles in bulk, but at least they're cheap enough you can buy a grocery bag full of little packets of them. =) As you're driving south, it's on the left hand side of the road. I haven't found anyplace with fresh tortillas yet, but I'll post when I do - there's got to be somewhere near Bellingham, and while I'm glad to have real corn tortillas again, I'd like something a little better than what I'm getting. There's also a little deli in Langley that sells some items, but their selection can be a little odd. They also have queso fresco, which I hadn't been able to find anywhere north of the border. I can't remember if they have chipotles or not, though. They're on the main downtown drag through Langley, but I'm afraid I can't remember the name. - Leilah

I tend to go for, say, iced coffee or maybe an interesting soda. I was so happy when Mission Springs started brewing their own root beer - I want to appreciate their brewing with my meal, but I might barely make it through a beer. A couple root beers, that I can do. I'm always the one driving, and I want something that goes with my meal, but alcohol's pretty much out of the question for me. I'd like to suggest that more restaurants have something special and non-alcoholic. I heard some time ago about a pretentious tea company trying to do cold/iced tea pairings for food, perhaps that's something that could be explored and both prep and a decent markup would be easy. Maybe some varietal or estate teas... it'd be an interesting change and give the non-drinkers an option. I know when I get an appropriate option, (like Havana's mango shake or Banana Leaf's thai coffee and tea) I take it. So why aren't there more options out there?