May was my last full month on parental leave and with pandemic restrictions likely to lessen after the May long weekend, we were hoping to capitalize on the improving weather as much as possible. Let’s see what the month had in store for us:

Early in May, a friend and I visited Camp Brewing, where I enjoyed pints of their Cherry Brut Ale and Anorak IPA. We were impressed with how quickly we were able to get a seat at the popular brewery and it was nice to see the additions they’ve made to expand their outdoor space.

That week, Mrs. Sip took a couple days off from work to join me and the Sipplings. Each day, we stopped somewhere local for lunch, with our first eatery being Burger Heaven in New West. I had a very interesting and tasty Thai Beef Burger, which I paired with a pint of Steel & Oak Shiny Things IPA. The restaurant’s Potato Wedges were also good.

The next day, we went to Central City Brewing, taking advantage of their new patio area. From the onsite food truck, I ordered a Nashville Chicken Burger, which I really liked. My beverage of choice here was the Mango Ale, which was quite juicy and flavourful.

For Mother’s Day, I created the Mother’s Little Helper cocktail, featuring Bayou Pink Rum, Lime Juice, Lemonade, Club Soda, and finished with a float of Galliano. It all came together quite well taste and scent wise, but the pink colouring I was going for was lost once the yellow ingredients took over. Still, the final product was enjoyable, so I made peace the presentation concern.

Later in the month, after riding the SeaBus to North Vancouver, we ate at Tap & Barrel: Shipyards. Enjoying a seat on their back patio, I had a pint of Superflux Happyness IPA, to go along with an order of Chicken Strips and Fries. Both were delicious and the strips were served in Mrs. Sip’s preferred light breading style, so she was happy to steal from my plate.

For the May long weekend, I did a fair bit of liquor shopping, making sure we’d be well-stocked for our stay at Ma and Pa Sip’s place. For Mrs. Sip, I grabbed the Unibrou Mix case (two each of six different beers). For myself, I picked up the Four Winds Notus Series 8-Pack (two each of four different 4.5% beers), as well as the Spinnakers Peach Paradise Hefe tall can four-pack. The Hefe also comes with a 4.5% ABV, which is a summer sweet spot for me.

The month ended with me getting to enjoy a day off from everything, as Mrs. Sip and I gifted each other one kid-free, spouse-free day for Mother’s/Father’s Day. In preparation for my day, which had to be used early because of other plans each weekend leading up to Father’s Day, I bought a bottle of Sailor Jerry’s Spiced Rum, which has been missing from my bar for far too long.

My day off began with watching a Ron White comedy special on Netflix, over Burger King lunch and a pair of Spiced Rum and Cherry Cokes. Next up, was time spent on our balcony, listening to music and sipping a set of Bramble Gin and Tonics. This was followed by watching the Toronto Maple Leafs-Montreal Canadiens playoff game with Chinese dinner from Chan’s Garden and a Fernie Session IPA. With the game over and me elated the Canadiens extended the series (or at least that the Leafs lost), it was back onto the balcony for sunset. Once the weather got a little chilly, I hunkered down on the couch to watch a couple episodes of Dark Side of the Ring, with a couple Mandarin Orange Dark N’ Stormys. Selfishly, I can’t wait to have another of these respites.

I’m now back at work, but June has a few vacations on the schedule to look forward to. Exploring Whistler and Penticton should provide many drinking opportunities, all of which you’ll hear about in the next Sip Trips!