Temptation beat virtue

in my lunch choices today.  I worked very late last night, slept late, worked some more, and then headed over to the Vancouver convention centre to register for TED.  Every step of that very short process reflected a level of white-glove treatment I've rarely experienced.  In moments, I had my badge and basic materials and was on my way.

I spotted a nearby food court and walked into it to seek lunch.  I skipped the Thai noodle place, the Fatburger, and many other temptations, opting instead for an egg salad sandwich on wheat bread--to which the young woman making it added cucumber slices, always a welcome touch--and a small bowl of fruit.  So far, so good.

I was in the mood for something sweet, so I wandered through a Tim Hortons, eyed the donuts, and left, content in my resolve.

On the way back to my hotel, I chose to take a different route so I would see a bit more of the area.  After rounding a corner, I came upon this sight.

Click an image to see a larger version.
As luck would have it, Bella Gelateria is a lovely, award-winning shop with some of the best gelato I've tasted.  As I was surveying the flavors, a man approached me and began telling me about each flavor, how they made it, the sources of the ingredients, and so on.  He proved to be James Coleridge, the owner.  I tried a small cup with amarena cherry and dulce du leche, and both were delicious.  I recommend this place highly.

Tomorrow, I get my TED gift bag, go to two sessions of TED Fellows talks, and then the main TED talks begin!