This weekend we were making up for lost time and the previous ones spent sick. We were delighted to have the fully electric 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium this week, in hopes of saving some money on fuel.
However, it ended up being a toss up given the number of times we had to charge throughout the week (2 more than usual) and the need to wait over 45 minutes at the super charge pump for only half a battery’s worth of charging. And in truth, we did not even see much from the regenerative breaking.
We did appreciate the car for its aesthetic: futuristic sporty, befitting of the mustang logo that was emblazoned across the wheel and projected on the pavement before the driver and passenger side door, as a “welcome”.
The body work was sleek without door handles that protrude. Instead, there was a glowing push button to release the door, it looked like the power button to a gaming console. Under it was a hooked latch for an easy pull and open. The backseat passengers just had the button that popped released the door.
Similarly, yet different, the interior door handle was hidden within the door’s arm rest. It was a little hook with a button atop. You push down to release, hooking your finger in to pull back and open. And interesting design that did feel like it was different for the sake of being different.
It did add to the continued sci-fi appeal of the Mustang Mach-E. Especially with its minimalistic approach. No additional buttons, outside the turn dial gear shift and the push to start engine switch. Navigation was via the centre console touch screen that resembled an iPad. It was easy to work with large icons and an intuitive connection to your smart device.
As for the way the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium handles, you felt the power from the electric engine and the responsiveness from sensitive brakes. The driver assist did cut it a little close to the side barriers, and proceeded to notify with orange coloured sensors. But overall it was a comfortable drive and a reliable ride, but for the sake of quick charging not our first choice.
On Saturday we decided to take our EV to the North Vancouver Christmas Market, similar to the iconic one in down town Vancouver, with vendors selling out of individual wooden huts, but without the entry fee and more and easier parking at The Quay.
There were local artists selling knitted plushies, fashion jewelry, stationery, candles, and skin care to make a few. We were more interested in grabbing some food and drink.
We got a cold press ginger shots to help warm us up inside and out. Ken got the friendly pomegranate flavoured one and I went full spice with their original ginger. It certainly helped to clear our sinuses.
We also stopped at the familiar Praguery for a hot beverage and a warm treat.
They don’t have their ice cream cones here, just a fairly condensed offering of their cylindrical chimney cakes. We ordered a cup of real cocoa hot chocolate with whipped cream to share and got a freshly baked chimney cake each. More on the market and our treats in its own post to come.
On top of the Shipyards open air market, the Pipe Shop was also hosting its own market, offering similar vendor goods as before but with a lot more crystals, cookies, and 3D printed goods.
It was all shoulder to shoulder tables making it tight to maneuver in between the isles. A nice way to warm up within a covered hall, but hard to shop.
Even MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver had their own pop up market. A curated selection of luxury prices artisan food products, wellness brands, and Christmas decor for purchase and gifting.
All this made for a nice walk until we grew peckish. We decided to stop by local Italian distillery, The Woods for a couple of drinks and a bite to eat.
They now offer sourdough pizza in either margarita or fungi. We would grab the latter with a couple of their new Crema Nocciola cocktails, in celebration of their newest spirit release.
We spent the afternoon enjoying their festive and intimate bar setting, but more on that experience within its own post.
On the way home we stopped by the closest H-Mart to grab some meat and vegetable for dinner. I also picked up some snacks and instant noodles I have never tried, for future snack time.
We would utilize the portable backyard grill to add some char on our beef bulgogi, then pair it with grilled king oyster mushroom, fried eggs, and Ken’s home made rosemary and mint sauce with garlic and onion persevere. The latter really brought it all together with a garlic bread baguette as base.
Continuing with our Christmas market theme we went to another Popup on Sunday. A first for Steel & Oak, this is their two day Holiday market held in the back of their distillery operation. A room of tables with local vendors showcasing their wares. The selection included hand knitted pom pom gnomes, varnished pottery, beeswax ornamental candles, and cartoony food stickers.
Guests were invited to grab a beer from their taps and enjoy the shopping with drink in hand. More on the market and what we had to eat and drink from their two day only market menu, soon to come.
For dinner we were surprised and delighted by Happy Valley Village’s giant cast iron wok stews. Advertised as being for 2, but with enough food to feed 4-5. This was such a unique experience that we were very happy to have learn of. Full review of that delicious meal to come.
The rest of the evening was spent charging for over 1.5 hours to get the battery from 24% to 90%. As much time as this costs us, to wait inside of the car as it changed, it was still worth the discounted fuel price, averaging $14-15 (multiply this by 2 for the number of charges this week), whereas regular fuel has us filling the tank at $50-60, after a week.
