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For my 550th shot here on TrekEarth I thought I'd introduce you to one of my favorite restaurants; 'Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House' on Vancouver's trendy Robson Street.

In 1885 seaman, Seraphim “Joe” Fortes arrived by ship to Vancouver and took jobs as a porter, a handyman and a bartender at the Bodega Saloon in Gastown. The burly ex-seaman quickly became one of Vancouver’s most popular citizens when he settled in a small cottage on English Bay Beach, by Stanley Park.

Joe's life became English Bay. He hosted picknickers, chaperoned courting couples and protected the area from unsavoury characters. He also taught hundreds of children to swim and saved many lives. In 1904, the City names Joe a "Special Constable" and had his cottage moved up beside the bandstand in the park for as long as he should live.

In 1923 Joe passed on, and Vancouver's longest funeral procession escorted him to his final resting place. To futher honour Joe, a monument was erected near the site of his home, from funds largely donated by children, which reads "Little Children Loved Him." Joe Fortes truly is a Vancouver Legend.

Joe Fortes is known as the best Oyster Bar in Vancouver, and has gained some fame over the years- not just just for celebrity sightings but also for the champion oyster shuckers whom call Joe Fortes home.

So next time your in Vancouver, take a stop by Joe's and let me know what you think...

Cheers!
- Dan

P.S.- Try the crab cakes!

www.joefortes.ca