Vancouver Foodster » Commercial Drive

BUMP ‘N GRIND

admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:56:58 +0000

916 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-3362

Web: http://bumpngrindcafe.com/bump_n_grind/Bump_N_Grind_Cafe.html

Twitter: @bumpngrindcafe

Advice: have a seat at one of the large communal tables and mingle if you like or listen in on those great conversations.

Espresso

Espresso Macchiato

This is one of those cafes that I frequent for great coffee, passionate baristas behind the bar, great food and an amazing ambiance. On one recent visit I had a French Press Coffee ($2.50), on another visit an Espresso ($2.25) and on the most recent visit an Espresso Macchiato ($2.75) along with a delicious vegan Mukie. The owner formerly in construction exuberates his passion and love for the coffee that he serves in his café and does it with bang on precision. Doesn’t hurt to have a Synesso, one of the finest espresso machines in the world, coffee from 49^th Parallel as well as Social Coffee Co.

I love this place, from the layout of the café and its tables and seating to the black and white shows on the north wall, to the vast selection of fresh baked goods and desserts in the case to the vibe in the café.

Review by: Richard Wolak

DOLCE AMORE

admin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:03:38 +0000

1590 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Tel: 604-258-0006

Web: http://www.gelateriadolceamore.com/

Advice: Sample, sample, sample the flavours before you choose.

Coffee & Almond Cream Gelato Cone

I am proud to say this has been my favourite gelato spot in the city for the past few years and my favourite flavour is their Reeses Peanut Butter Cup! If I lived on the drive I am sure that I would be their daily it is good thing I don’t live on the drive. Recently I was in for a cone, they didn’t have my favourite flavour so I had a 1 Scoop Cone $3.95 made up of 2 flavours the Almond & Cream and the Coffee. The gelato is made in small batches on the premisses with many different flavours to choose from and you can order on the cone or in a dish. One scoop, Two scoops, Three scoops or more along with take home packs are available. They have Gelato Cakes and can make them in every shape, size and flavour for your special occasion. I’ll be back in line soon for my Reeses Peanut Butter Cup fixation!

Review by: Richard Wolak

LITTLE NEST

admin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:41:31 +0000

1716 Charles Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-251-9994

Web: http://www.littlenest.ca/

Advice: The kitchen closes at 3pm daily, open for coffee, tea and sweet things til 4pm.

Walking inside I glanced at the large blackboard near the door that featured today’s breakfast offerings, the menu excited my tastebuds as I saw fresh local berries, organic, homemade breads, and huge bread pudding muffins. I knew that I’ve come to the right place for my Sunday morning breakfast. At the top of the menu board it said, ‘Breakfast’ (while it lasts) and from breakfast you go right into lunch which is another menu board filled with all sorts of tasty sounding dishes from baguette sandwiches, salads and a daily Plough Hands Lunch special for $11. The energy inside the restaurant is creative and fun, there is a large communal table in the center that I sat at and tables scattered around with a childrens play area off to the side, there are even high chairs for comfy seating for your young children.

Brioche French Toast

I had the Brioche French Toast ( $11.50) topped with with local strawberries, raspeberries, toasted almonds, whipped cream, red currants and maple syrup on the side. You will also find kids size dishes and beverages and an array of espresso beverages for grown-ups.

Review by: Richard Wolak

RINCONCITO SALVADORENO RESTAURANT

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:15:15 +0000

2062 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Tel: 604-879-2600

Web: n/a

Advice: Order one of the authentic specialties if this is your first time.

Tortilla chips

Guacamole

Pupusas

Curtido

Tamarind drink

I was fortunate to have one of my friends be my guide into this authentic Salavadorian eating experience as he is from El Salvador. I took his lead and we ordered the Tortilla chips with Guacamole ($5), since this was my first Pupusas experience, I was delighted with the delicious and inexpensive Pupusas ($2.75 each – I had 3) frijoles y quezo — bean and cheese served with a spicy red sauce for dipping. We also ordered the Curtido ($1) a tasty Spanish coleslaw, and we both had the Tamarind drink ($2).

Platanos Fritos

Semita

For dessert we had the Platanos Fritos ($4) although this would have been better being a side dish with the savouries, we also had the Semita ($2) as the owner insisted that I try it.

The menu features many of the different Mexican and El Salvadoran specialties, in a very homey place where the service is as genuine as it would be if you were dining in El Salvador.

Review by: Richard Wolak

MEMPHIS BLUES

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 04:15:10 +0000

1342 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Tel: 604.215.2599

Web: http://www.memphisbluesbbq.com

Advice: The beans that are served as a side are made with pork fat, this is something you should know if you don’t eat pork. No reservations accepted.

Smoken Chicken Sandwich with fries

For authentic Southern Bbq, you can’t do any better than Memphis Blues here in Vancouver. These guys get it right with their delicious barbq sauce, tasty fries and large portions. Better get to the gym before or after your visit this bbq joint. My favourite dishes here are the Smoked Chicken Sandwich with fries ($7.50) and the Smoked Chicken on Greens ($9.50), and the Corn Bread ($3.50) is also really good that is if you have room to eat. The menu is full of all types of meats and all are barbequed for hours, slow cooked in the Southern style. They are licensed and they have beer on tap and wines by the glass or bottle.

Review by: Richard Wolak

BANDIDAS TAQUERIA

admin — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 06:04:43 +0000

2781 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Tel: 604.568.8224

Web: http://www.bandidastaqueria.com/index.html

Advice: Don’t be afraid to mix and match the tacos, weekend brunch can be quite popular and you can expect to wait awhile for a table.

With an eclectic array of customers this vegetarian Mexican restaurant was buzzing with diners tonight when my friend Alejandro and I visited. We both thought we would try something different and both ended up ordering the same dishes. We kind of mixed and matched and ordered the Estelle tacos ($6.50 for 3 tacos) Roasted pineapple, black beans, cheese, fresh red salsa, romaine & sour cream on handmade corn tortillas and the Ronny Russel tacos ($6.50 for 3 tacos) Roasted yams and onions, guacamole, black beans, green salsa, purple cabbage, & pumpkin on handmade corn tortillas. We also split an order of the tortilla chips ($4) and home made guacamole. For drinks I had the Cranberry Soda ($3) and he had Lemonade ($3). The food is fresh and good which matched the friendly service.

After our meal we were both still talking about the flavours and the roasted pineapple.

Review by: Richard Wolak