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Post by Ferryman on Oct 1, 2012 1:58:07 GMT -8
Within the past 6 days, I had two Buffet experiences that were rather odd to me.
The first one was aboard Spirit of British Columbia on Sept 25th and I was on my way to Tsawwassen. It was a mid day sailing on a Tuesday, so traffic aboard was quite light and was nice for me to see since I always appreciate the quieter sailings. Upon parking my car on the main car deck, I headed straight for the Buffet. There was a time where I would feast like crazy in the buffet, but I've sort of changed my views and will attempt to not over indulge like I used to. I had completed just one plate of an entre, as well as a salad, and a little bit of a cheese cake dessert. I was almost content with what I had, until a lady sitting directly across from me decided to lose her lunch. The rest of my appetite quickly vanished, especially since the lady continued to eat her lunch like nothing had happened. So I abandoned my station in the buffet and went outside for fresh air. We were only abeam of Beaver Point, so we were only a quarter of the way through the voyage at that point. You'll see some of my photos from that day posted in another thread (pictures of the scenery outside, not the buffet!! ...but I was originally planning on taking a panorama shot of the buffet since it was so quiet in there. So much for that!).
On the way back, September 30th I was aboard the Spirit of Vancouver Island this time for the 17:00 sailing from Tsawwassen. This was of course a much busier sailing, and there was a long lineup into the buffet by the time I had made it up from where I parked my car at the forward end of the main car deck. I decided to walk around for a while and then come back when the lineup died down. We were nearly in Active Pass by the time I made it back to the cashier, who told me that there were no tables left. So I had to wait even longer. Luckily it was only about a 5 minute wait, but I was seated with two other strangers, and each of them were traveling solo. So I thought that was kind of strange, but it was interesting to meet some new people to hear about what they're up to.
I've come to the conclusion though that I definitely prefer the Dinner Buffet, since that's where you get the best value for your buck. The lunch buffet is sort of a condensed version of the dinner buffet, and the breakfast buffet is anything too special either for what you pay unless you're really hungry. The freshly cut in front of you Roast Beef is definitely my favourite part of the Dinner Buffet though.
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
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Post by Nick on Oct 1, 2012 4:49:02 GMT -8
There used to be a little sign up near the cashier advising that during peak times, customers may be asked to share a table with another party. I'm not sure if the sign is still there... it's been well over a year since I've been in the buffet.
These days I agree with you about the dinner. The lunch buffet used to be better... the only thing they didn't have was the roast beef. I still like the breakfast, especially if you have a full day ahead of you and want to skip lunch. My family and I used to do that quite often if we were starting a long trip somewhere... we'd have a good breakfast in the buffet and then not eat again until mid afternoon.
As far as the lady with the upset stomach, that's something that happens I guess. Definitely not pleasant to be around though. I'm curious what the staff did? I'm assuming they came to clean it up...
Ferryman: I just clued into the time stamp on your post... took me a minute with the time difference. What on earth had you thinking about the buffet at 0300?
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Post by Ferryman on Oct 1, 2012 11:27:16 GMT -8
Interesting. I didn't see a sign, or any indication that the buffet was at capacity. I never really thought of it ever being full either. I was sort of under the impression nobody would want to be in there while the ship goes through the Pass. But I suppose the majority of people who eat in the buffet have seen the pass a million times, and no longer care to see it.
As for the time of my posting last night, I'm not really sure. I had a hard time getting to sleep last night. So I did some late night reading and posting. Put me to sleep no problem after. Plus I'm working afternoon shifts for the next 7 days, so my biological clock is shifting anyways.
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Koastal Karl
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Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Oct 2, 2012 21:12:40 GMT -8
We had the Buffet a few weeks ago when we went up to the Interior for the weekend. It was a Thursday night on the 7pm sailing from Swartz Bay. It was fairly busy but there was a few empty tables. I never knew they would put you with someone else if it was really busy. Sort of like the dining room on a cruise, lol! I noticed alot of single diners in the Buffet right behind us at the single/two people tables. They had roast beef on that sailing too. Around $44 for two people is a bit rediculas though. Although it was really good!
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Post by Dane on Oct 7, 2012 14:00:50 GMT -8
I disagree about the price, I was actually a bit surprised at the price last time I was back in BC - thought it would be higher.
While I hope it does not go up, I could see it happening. As a casual observer cafeteria prices have gone up disproportionately to buffet prices. A meal and a half in the cafeteria, generally, equals a meal in the buffet. Pretty decent deal for most people to have the all-you-can.
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Post by Mike on Oct 15, 2012 14:47:09 GMT -8
Lunch on the Northern Expedition. Oct 12, 2012. Chicken Caesar Salad with (half-eaten) garlic toast.
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Post by Blisswood on Oct 18, 2012 13:51:25 GMT -8
Hope this isn't posted elsewhere... Does/has BCF hire "Red Seal" (certified) chefs? Wasn't there once a Captain who came ashore to oversee catering?
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Post by lmtengs on Oct 26, 2012 7:14:03 GMT -8
A friend of mine and I took the 21h00 sailing from Swartz Bay to Victoria last night on the SoBC, and at around 10pm, we went down to the cafeteria for something to eat. There weren't any other customers in sight, so we asked "are you still taking orders?", the catering crew responded with a yes. We had been craving those deep fried glorious breakfast potato patties, so we went one step further to ask whether they'd make up four orders of them for us. The person taking our orders said it was doubtful that the cooks would make them, but she would check anyway. She checked, and to our pleasant surprise, the cooks agreed to make us our hash browns. In short, those things taste amazing when fresh. I'd just like to thank the BC Ferries catering crew for going out of their way to meet their customers' desires. This is a nice change from the corporate blahh that many of us have experienced lately around the fleet. I'm guessing they only agreed to take our special order since we were the only people in the cafeteria, but still, it made our day. Thanks, BC Ferries.
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Post by Mike on Oct 26, 2012 13:04:06 GMT -8
A friend of mine and I took the 21h00 sailing from Swartz Bay to Victoria last night on the SoBC I didn't know that BC Ferries operated a late-night service between Swartz Bay and Victoria.
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Post by lmtengs on Oct 26, 2012 23:00:26 GMT -8
A friend of mine and I took the 21h00 sailing from Swartz Bay to Victoria last night on the SoBC I didn't know that BC Ferries operated a late-night service between Swartz Bay and Victoria. *Swartz and Tsawwassen!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2012 0:42:22 GMT -8
Fries "n" gravy with a large raspberry juice( RIP raspberry juice).
A meal fit for a king!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2013 19:21:35 GMT -8
Dinner aboard the Queen of Nanaimo: -I apologize for the grease on the hamburger bun
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Post by dofd on Mar 14, 2013 2:09:10 GMT -8
Well, had a great trip on a Coastal. Was in the Buffet, two thumbs up, but riding as a foot passenger made me think that it would be nice to be able to order a beer or wine.
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Post by DENelson83 on Mar 16, 2013 18:24:29 GMT -8
What I like on the ferries is the soft ice cream. Yum-my!
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Post by princessofvanfan on Mar 16, 2013 19:42:29 GMT -8
I hope that pickle slice ended up on the Triple-O burger! Yeah, the food has improved greatly on the ferries; no longer the over priced garbage of old. Although, the old deluxe burger was pretty damn tasty if you piled on the condiments, including a pack of Miracle Whip.
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Mayne
Voyager
I come from a long line of sinners like me
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Post by Mayne on Mar 16, 2013 19:55:11 GMT -8
I am sorry for being a little old school but I miss the old mid island express and the old coffee that I grew up drinking, you could chew on it but it has made me the man I now am, nothing but black! And I must agree with princessofvanfan with missing the good old deluxe burger!!
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Neil
Voyager
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Post by Neil on Mar 16, 2013 22:16:51 GMT -8
Well, had a great trip on a Coastal. Was in the Buffet, two thumbs up, but riding as a foot passenger made me think that it would be nice to be able to order a beer or wine. It's an interesting sidebar on all our BC Ferries discussions, that the question of alcohol has never really been an issue. Amongst all the various controversies surrounding BC Ferries, the fact that you can't get a beer on board never seems to have captured the public's imagination. Even on route one, with its tremendous number of foot passengers who either get picked up or take public transit at either end, and could therefore imbibe a beverage or two without issues, the lack of a license onboard has rarely come up. Not sure why that is. I'm quite sure we're just as thirsty as other civilized people, but, somehow, we have never demanded onboard services.
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Post by CN2972South on May 14, 2013 11:22:49 GMT -8
We had the Buffet a few weeks ago when we went up to the Interior for the weekend. It was a Thursday night on the 7pm sailing from Swartz Bay. It was fairly busy but there was a few empty tables. I never knew they would put you with someone else if it was really busy. Sort of like the dining room on a cruise, lol! I noticed alot of single diners in the Buffet right behind us at the single/two people tables. They had roast beef on that sailing too. Around $44 for two people is a bit rediculas though. Although it was really good! $44 for two isn't that bad. The venue that my fiance and I are having our wedding reception at is charging $45 per person. Heh, we should just book the Pacific Buffet.
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Koastal Karl
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Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
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Post by Koastal Karl on Jul 5, 2013 7:21:29 GMT -8
Does anyone know if the Buffet hours have changed?? hmm maybe for the summer. Cause I looked on the site and it said dinner is from the 4pm-8pm sailings and I remember before the 4pm was part of the Light Buffet. That is the only one that is different although I still think the 2pm should be part of the Lunch Buffet but oh well.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2013 10:13:30 GMT -8
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Post by Mike C on Oct 30, 2013 7:28:19 GMT -8
BCF has unveiled three new breakfast items in the Coastal Cafe this morning. The Bon Voyage Breakfast, the Westerly Breakfast Sandwich, and the Coastal Eggs Benny. The latter of which is a variation of the Sunshine Breakfast, and you can turn it into such when you sub in Scrambled Eggs instead of the Harsh Browns (and flies?). Viva la Sunshine Breakfast!
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Post by Low Light Mike on Oct 30, 2013 7:50:36 GMT -8
BCF has unveiled three new breakfast items in the Coastal Cafe this morning. The Bon Voyage Breakfast, Depending on the amount of grease and the digestion systems involved, the Bon Voyage Breakfast may be doing a quick disembarkation.
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Post by Mike C on Oct 30, 2013 9:34:37 GMT -8
BCF has unveiled three new breakfast items in the Coastal Cafe this morning. The Bon Voyage Breakfast, Depending on the amount of grease and the digestion systems involved, the Bon Voyage Breakfast may be doing a quick disembarkation. "BC Ferries Vacations Gone Wrong"
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Post by Curtis on Nov 3, 2013 21:56:12 GMT -8
Earlier today for Lunch I gave the Island Sky's Route 17 Food Offerings a try and it is not too different from the current microwavable food offered on Route 7. My first impressions of this food however was far from satisfactory as some of you might expect.
The new Entrees were in Microwavable Packaging and had labels similar to the ones you'd see on BC Ferries' Salads or Sandwiches. There were 6 New Entrees: 2 Breakfast Items and 4 Lunch/Dinner Items French Toast and Ham, 3 Cheese Omelette with Hash Browns and Sausage, Sweet and Sour Pork or Ginger Beef with Fried Rice and Vegetables, Chicken Chow Mein, & Pasta and Meatballs in Tomato Sauce.
One thing I did notice was the usual brand of Microwavable Mac and Cheese and Chow Mein they have on Route 7 were absent. Other than that, the rest of the usual Coastal Express Menu was present. (Soup, Hot Dogs, Pastries, Etc.) My choice was the Sweet and Sour Pork which I felt didn't have much of a Sweet and Sour taste. It was more of a tomatoey taste. The vegetables meanwhile were about what you'd expect from frozen reheated vegetables. The only part of the meal that was alright was the fried rice. Perhaps it just needed more time in the microwave, but I doubt it would have made much difference. Needless to say, when the 3 hour Saltery Bay-Nanaimo Run begins it's probably in your best interest to stop for a Big Mac or any other type of Take-Out before you sail.
I personally hope that there is backlash if BC Ferries announces that Route 17's ICF Vessel will have a Coastal Express in place of a Coastal Cafe, because if there is an argument for why Food Service should not be reduced on Route 17, the Island Sky's Microwave Menu is it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2013 20:27:29 GMT -8
High end dining aboard the Island Sky on rte 17: -Can anyone guess how much I paid for this? $8.39!!! But yeah, I usually eat on the ferry, particularly when new food comes out. The meat balls were okay, but the rest of the pasta tasted like some kind of plastic mixed with rubber, which wasn't exactly appetizing. I would like to think that best before date was accurate. Final grade - BC Ferries standards: 3/10 Final grade - WSF standards: 9.9/10 (the only downside in this case was the portion! )
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