This was the first year in many that I was celebrating Canada Day. This was especially glaring as I realized that I had nothing red or Canadian themed to wear and mark the occasion with.
Thankfully, I was heading to Glowbal’s Great Canadian Patio Party that had temporary tattoos and face painting to help those like myself, get more in the mood.
This ticketed and sold out afternoon promised and delivered on food, live music, family-friendly fun, and plenty of nods to our white and red flag. Themed as a vibrant outdoor BBQ party at Glowbal Restaurant, the entire restaurant was closed to accommodate the event centred around the patio that spilled in to the first floor of the restaurant.
Partial ticket sales from the event went towards the school meal program that the Glowbal Group has started with Vancouver Firefighters Charities. This is a long term partnership that started during the pandemic, where they donate 250 meals a month. Glowbal and all of their other sister restaurants are involved, and they rotate on who makes the meals month to month.
Access to the event includes all you can eat classic barbecue offerings like burgers and hot dogs. The burgers were especially good, being grilled on their patio with melted cheese and a toasted bun. It was all self serve with a side of coleslaw, and a condiment bar to dress the above as you like it.
There was also popular Canadian eats like poutine and/or smoke meat sandwiches. You had a choice of toppings for the poutine that included bacon and green onion on top of the traditional cheese curds and gravy.
For sweet treats guests could indulge in freshly spun cotton candy.
Or sno cones crushed and topped in your choice of cherry, strawberry, or raspberry syrup.
There was popcorn popped in a traditional machine to snack on.
For drinks there was a customize your own Caesar bar. However, the real attraction was the ability to print your own photo on a cocktail. A regular offering on their regular menu, but new to me and I was hooked.
Aptly named “The Portrait” this was a mix of bombay sapphire, sunset green chartreuse, honey, fresh lime, aperol, and egg white. You scan a QR code and can either upload a photo, choose a text, or pick a pre-existing design to have it printed on the top layer of foam.
I’d I did a selfie and had a good time with it. Others opted in for a more timely Canada Day message.
Guests were able to lounge about the space or make their way upstairs for some seating. Although the patio was the place to be to watch the live performance. They played original music, on top of covers from Canadian bands like Bare Naked Ladies and Tragically Hip.
Overall, this was a great way to spend the holiday, while supporting a good cause; and certainly worth the ticket price, given all the food and activations available without restrictions.
Glowbal Restaurant
590 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A3
(604) 602-0835
glowbalgroup.com
