CAFE SPORT San Francisco diner well worth the lineup GIVING restaurant recom- mendations in a travel col- umn can be a risky business. For that matter, even local res- taurants can come under new management before the ink is dry, and the columnist comes off look- ing like a nerd. A litle over a year ago, on a visit to San Francisco, I discovered a@ remarkable place to eat —- the Cafe Sport on Green Street. The food is Sicilian (absolutely the best style of food in Italy) and the presentation unique. The meals are served in two ‘sittings’? —- at six and nine p.m. and the customers mill around on the street until they're let in. The staff is trained to be rude. Honest! It’s all part of the game. The interior design isn’t. Some- one ciearly visited Sicily and retuned with a cargo of local handicrafts and gave them to a Grade | class to hang on the walls. The food at Cafe Sport is worth a return ticket to San Francisco, even if you mever lay eyes on a cable car or the Golden Gate. The servings are huge, prices moderate. As I meationed, making restau- rant recommendations can be risky, but in this case we’re lucky. A friend of mine makes frequent business trips to San Francisco and every time he goes he returns to the Cafe Sport and brings back a reassuring report. In fact, the Management has begun to recognize him as a regular. On one visit he was chatting with his ‘‘rude’’ waiter and men- tioned that be had first come to the restaurant at my suggestion. To his surprise — and mine — the waiter was well aware of the original column —- semeone from here had brought in a copy, and he remarked, ‘‘Yeah, that lady sent us lots of business!” As of last week, the Cafe Sport is unchanged. Don't miss it if you’re headed for San Francisco, but be sure to make reservations. In fact, if F were planning a short visit to the city, I'd phone from here before I left. They're BUSY. Cafe Sport: (415) 981-1251. wat On his last visit to San Fran- cisco, my friend found himself “bumped” from his return flight on Canadian Airlines International due to overbooking. He was any- thing but pleased. And, he said so. SLIDE SHOW! (For ages 18-38) Robson Sq. Media Centre 800 Robson St., Van. Tues., Mar. 7 at 8:00 p.m. $3.00 at the door. For iefermetion en this ond wpcorning shows call: WastCaa Treks Worldwide Rawat Specialists emes 1965 West 4th omemm 734-1066 tol free 1-800-663-5132 As a result, he found himself rebooked on Cathay Pacific — and the best flight of his life. I’ve flown with Cuihay and have to agree with Mike — it’s a class act all the way. travel wise Barbara McCreadie Just for curiosity, I called both Cathay and C.A.L. and learned that their absolute lowest price for a round-trip to San Francisco is identical — $223 plus tax. Simiiar regulations for advance booking and a Saturday night stayover app- ly. Cathay is more liberal about the days you may fly — Monday to Friday while Canadian limits you to Tuesday and Wednesday. For the business traveller, Ca- nadian’s regular fare is $396 if confirmed and $408 if not. Cathay is $434 (add tax to all prices). eee A neighbor called me with an in- teresting question. Friends from the USA were planning a visit here to attend her son’s wedding and, naturally, bringing a wedding gift. What are the Customs regulations regarding this? I didn’t know but found out. Americans entering Canada may bring gifts up to the value of $40 per item, duty and tax free. This excludes alcohol and tobacco pro- ducts which are governed under the same ruling as returning Cana- dians. Have you noticed the attention suddenly being focused on the senior citizens market? For a long while, the ‘‘yuppies’’ were the target and a lot of attention was being paid to the youth — ‘‘almost yuppie’? — n:arket. One of the most recent market lures for the over-60 group is by British Airways and called the “Privileged Traveller Program.” If you’re in the right age bracket and plan to do any airline travel, better look into it. Some of the benefits include: *No penalties for pre-trip cancellation or changes in itineraries © 10 per cent savings on fares and many land arrangements * Your own personal file with the airline — they keep records of your preferences as to seating, food, assistance required. This is especially handy for any- one with special dietary needs — how often do you forget to pre- order something special such as a diabetic meal until it’s too late? Also, the seniors’ privileges are extended to any travelling compa- nion over the age of 50, which can be a nice bonus. Membership is free — all you need to do is fill out an application form and provide a copy of proof of age such as a birth certificate or passport. Call British Airways (687-7373) for more information. aaa Most of us think that because of our immunization program in North America polio is ancient history. Seo Polio Page 30 SEA LION | SPECTACULAR Newcastle-De Courcey Islands nature cruise Join us for a 4% hour nature tour of the hundreds of sea lions and eagles around Gabriola Island Adults $25.00 Under 16 $17.00 922-2176 § Weekend and Weekday Trips WINGS ’N THINGS NATURG TOURS LTD. , SECOND HONEYMOON Recapture those romantic moments when you escape to your own luxury, ocean-front condominuim. Whether it’s a walk on the sands watching soaring eagles, a crackling fire as you listen to the waves outside your door. or an intimate dinner; it's all waiting for you at Madrona Beach Resort, just south of Parksville on the Island Highway. ES nn i RONA Special rates now in effect. Call toll free for reservations: 1-800-663-7302 MaADROr ancouver tslead Secluded Beachfront Fully equipped private Condos Midweek packages 29 - Sunday, March 5, 1989 - North Shore News China & Trans Mongolian Railway! A special one time engage- ment featuring int'l guest speak Robson Sq. Media Centre 800 Robson St., Van. Fri., Mar. 10 at 8:00 p.m. $3.00 at the deor For information on this and upooming shows call: WestCan Treks Worldwide Travel Specialist mey hy) toll free 1-800-663-5132 “NORTH SHORE oe KENYA SPECTACULAR SAFARIS 26 day luxury satari - all inclusive Booking now for August 1, 1989 September 12, 1989 departures 54,995° SUMMER SPECIALS Deluxe Camping Safaris July 18, 1989 departure $3,995 Call Barbara Sutherland now at: Laisure Connection Tours 644-7843 Sai! from Vancouver on June 2nd June 9th and June 16th on the STARDANCER a Watch grey whales with all the @ comfort and security of a full size Coast Guard certified ship... | The Lady Selkirk & * Overnight Deluxe accommodation in Tofino 8 * Narrated whale cruise through sheliered waters : * Long Beach, Cathedral Grove, eagles and more 4 1G87-6033 y TRAVEL CUTS. Featuring: R41 | [Prieta | 086-1877 A ' ESCORTED R Return bus direc! from Vancouver § ONLY “per person double Occupancy. one night Plus, prizes galore! SENIOR SPECIAL 4 ed: rl occupancy. one night Insight Tours of Britain & Europe Date: Wednesday, 15 March Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Place: Gleneagles Golf Course Admission: $3.00 per person including light refreshments BCAA Travel E&® Please call for details