Tel: 604-566-9770

Web: http://ensembletap.com/

Twitter: @ensembletap

Advice: Watch for monthly beer dinners and other special events.

This is the second restaurant from notable Top Chef Dale Mackay and don’t be fooled by the name, Ensemble Tap is for serious beer lovers and all those who want to know more about craft brew!

This dark room is spacious with a larger area of tables and seating on the main level along with the long bar, upstairs is smaller and quieter and the ideal spot if on a date or in with a client for a social meeting. There are 15 beers on tap and the selection is a bit different than most of the other bars in the area. In addition they feature another 42 beers by the bottle, here you will find some local brews along with brews from the USA, Canada as well as Belgium.

My friend Joe Leary joined me for some comfort food which as we discovered had an International twist to the good old comfort food you may have had in other pubs.

Thai Chicken Wings

Popcorn Prawns

Asian Vegetable and Green Salad

To Start we shared the delish Thai Chicken Wings ($12) served with a Thai dipping sauce which goes hand in hand with one of 15 brews on tap. Next up we shared the tasty Popcorn Prawns ($13) with sea asparagus and spicy mayo. The next appetizer was refreshing Asian Vegetable and Green Salad ($12.50) with enoki mushrooms, cashews and black sesame seeds.

Bangers and Spaetzle

Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta

Corn Bread

For our mains, I had the Bangers and Spaetzle ($17) house made sausage, tarragon spaetzle, mushroom-onion pan gravy and onion slaw. Joe had the Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta ($17) with tomato sauce, penne pasta, chorizo and mozzarella cheese. I also had to try an order of the Corn Bread ($5) which is one of the sides.

Apple Crumble

For dessert, I had the Apple Crumble ($7.50) with bourbon raisins and vanilla ice cream while I was eyeing the Root Beer Float on the nearby table. Joe had the Key Lime Pie ($8.50) Chantilly, toasted coconut and lime zest.

The servers are up on the selection of brews, don’t be afraid to ask them for suggestions!

Review By: Richard Wolak

1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Phone: 604-647-7559

Web: http://www.leonidaswaterfront.com/

Twitter: @LeonidasChocola

Advice: Located on the wharf towards the water, outside of the new Vancouver Convention Centre.

Dark Hot Chocolate

Chocolates and Truffles

As a chocolate enthusiast, I am always searching out chocolate indulgences and recently visited this world renowned chocolatier café. I had their delicious signature Dark Hot Chocolate as well as a selection of chocolates and truffles that included the Buche Massepain Pistache Dark — Dark chocolate, pistachio flavour marzipan; Truffe Champagne – White and milk chocolate ganache with real champagne, coated in white chocolate powder; Truffe Noisette – Milk chocolate ganache with chopped hazelnuts, coated in hazelnut powder; Manon Café Fondant – Dark chocolate praliné with coffee butter cream and a whole hazelnut; Louise White – White chocolate praliné with caramelised nuts and the Giamanda – The creamy smooth Gianduja from Leonidas flavoured with chopped California almonds.

For chocoholics you will find chocolate beverages as well as chocolates and truffles flown in fresh from Leonidas in Belgium, you will also find pastry creations made locally specifically for them.

The café is off the beaten path but well worth your discovery when you are looking to escape for a chocolate indulgence!

Review By: Richard Wolak

1032 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-637-0777

Web: http://www.glowbalgroup.com/blackblue/

Twitter: @glowbal_group #Black+Blue

Advice: For many of the steaks you can order by the ounce, they have two private rooms upstairs for larger parties.

I love the stunning gold lights that shine from the ceiling in this three-level dining room. The meat cooler’s Himalayan Rock Salt ‘Wall’ where the salt acts as a canvas for the aged and cured meats on display is a stellar showpiece in the restaurant as well.

B+B Cheese Bread

Tomato Salad

My friend Joe Leary joined me for dinner last week and we began our meal by sharing the B+B Cheese Bread ($2) with chive oil served in a cast iron pan, this was followed by the Tomato Salad ($13) heirloom tomatoes, herb oil with Buratta, red onion, balsamic reduction.

Snake River Wagyu Rib Eye

Selection of Steak Sauces

Potato Cakes

Broccoli

Onion Rings

On to the mains which were the star attraction of our meal, I had the Snake River Wagyu Rib Eye ($100 for 10 oz steak) and it was the best I have had in Vancouver in recent memory, perfectly cooked, juicy and flavourful. This steak was priced at $10 per oz. Joe had the P.E.I. Blue Ribbon Beef Tenderloin ($42) for a 10 oz steak. Steak is obviously the showcase here and the range of offerings is impressive with an extensive selection of prime cuts available – from Wagyu to US and Canadian Prime. We both then shared some sides including the tasty Potato Cakes ($7) horseradish cream; Broccoli ($8) provençal style that could have had a bit more flavour; along with the very good Onion Rings that were beer battered ($7) served with a spicy mayonnaise.

Crepes Suzette

For dessert, I had the Crepes Suzette ($12) prepared tableside, with Cointreau, whipped cream along with an added scoop of vanilla ice cream. Joe had a bowl of Cassis Sorbet.

I found the service to be a bit off the mark as I expected the very best all-around experience. Hopefully the service side will improve as the months go by.

Review By: Richard Wolak

1070 West Georgia, Vancouver

Tel: 604-692-0071

Web: http://www.urbantea.com/

Twitter: @urban_tea

Advice: You can choose from one of their pre-set menus, or have an Afternoon Tea Service and add a lunch entrée.

I have had a few delightful Afternoon Tea experiences here in the past, a lunch menu was added recently. I sat in their elegant Tea Salon to indulge in a tea infused lunch. Each of the dishes are either infused with one of their teas or has something to do with enhancing your tea experience.

I enjoyed a couple of teas from their vast selection of over 250 teas during my holiday lunch, began the meal with the Singapore Breakfast Tea.

Lamb Press

Orange Scone

I had the Lamb Press ($16) braised lamb with Moroccan Mint Coulis and steamed baby beets for my entrée, followed by one of their delicious Orange Scones ($4) with devon crème and strawberry jam.

Red Christmas Creme Brulee

For my dessert tea I had the Holiday Spirits, which was followed by dessert, I had the outstanding Red Christmas Creme Brulee ($8) that was tea infused with their Red Christmas Tea.

There are many choices of entrees along with a good selection of Signature Tea Sandwiches to accompany one of their TWG Teas. Looking forward to my return visit and to experience another unique tea.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Tel: 604-602-7788

http://www.metropolitan.com/diva/about_diva.htm

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Offers tasting menus. Located inside the Metropolitan Hotel.

Over the years I had dined on weekend breakfasts at Diva, a couple weeks ago I followed one of my favourite chefs to his new abode for dinner. Executive Chef Hamid Salimian is a master of artistry and creation and his Tasting Menus are always an enchanting experience.

Black Olive Marshmallow

Cotton Candy Pizza

Piggy Puffs

Baked Potato and Chives

To start some snacks, each snack beautifully showcased, Black Olive Marshmallow, followed by Cotton Candy Pizza, followed by Piggy Puffs and then a Baked Potato and Chives.

Carbonated Grapefruit

To refresh the palate, Carbonated Grapefruit reminded me of Pop Rocks!

Sturgeon with house made salmon caviar and ash scallop

Tuna and Dungenous Crab Cannelloni

Beef Tartare

Fois Gras with fig molasses

Brioche

Next was the Sturgeon with house made salmon caviar and ash scallop followed by the Tuna and Dungenous Crab Cannelloni, next was the Beef Tartare (which was actually cooked) topped with beef tongue powder. Each dish had unique flavours, the next dish was the outstanding Fois Gras with fig molasses with pickled green strawberries and walnuts, with their housemade brioche.

Roasted Chantrelle Mushrooms

Ling cod with eggplant stew

Fesenjoon

Duo of Lamb

Next was exquisite Roasted Chantrelle Mushrooms followed by the delicious Ling cod with eggplant stew, squid noodles and chips. Next was Fesenjoon (Persian specialty)  duck, pomegranate, kale, Muscovy nuts followed by the Duo of Lamb with a study of Pemberton carrots with a Balsamic Lamb Jus.

Slow cooked Apple, yam pudding & Gingerbread cake, maple cotton candy

For dessert, Slow cooked Apple, yam pudding & Gingerbread cake, maple cotton candy.

Chef Hamid is one of those extraordinary chefs whose cuisine should be experienced in fine dining style!

Review By: Richard Wolak

845 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC

Tel: 604-682-5511

Web: http://www.vancouver.suttonplace.com/restaurant/Lounge_Menu.htm

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Drop by for lunch, dinner or a late night drink.

Known as an old classic, Gerard is one of the most notable lounges in the city for the business crowd and visiting celebrities. I had lunch a couple of weeks ago joined by my Actor friend Kenji Maeda, it was the first time we had both visited for a meal. The room is well appointed dark wooden bar, matching tables and comfortable leather chairs.

Albacore Tuna Tataki

Spicy Fried Salmon Tacos

To start we shared the delicious Albacore Tuna Tataki ($14) wakame & shitake salad, green horseradish mayonnaise & lemongrass sambal dipping sauce; along with the outstanding Spicy Fried Salmon Tacos ($15) served with tomatoes, guacamole, chipotle crème fraiche & spicy coleslaw.

Beef Sirloin Burger

Sutton Clubhouse

For our mains I had the Beef Sirloin Burger ($17) white cheddar, bacon, mushrooms, Portuguese bun, horseradish aioli & red pepper relish and Kenji had the Sutton Clubhouse ($16)  house -smoked & roasted turkey breast, potato artisian bread,  traditional condiments & caciocavallo cheese as well as fries on the side.

Review By: Richard Wolak

W. Georgia & Hornby Streets (in front of Vancouver Art Gallery)

Tel: n/a

Web: n/a

Twitter: @MangalKiss

Advice: Follow them on twitter for daily open hours and location.

Imagine that you are somewhere in the Middle East and are craving some of their regional flavours. Now transport yourself downtown Vancouver to the center of the universe as we know it. Specializing in mid-east barbq, these flavours will delight your tastebuds! One of the owners, Mark Cohen is a Welder by trade and he custom designed and built this food truck. The other owner Phyllis Cornacchia is a chef by profession who designed the menu. Between the two, they are serving up a tasty wrap to spice up your tastebuds and fill you up with healthy, yummy goodness.

Chicken Shishlik

I had the Chicken Shishlik ($7) a large wrap filled with Rossdown Farms grilled Chicken skewers on taftoon, a traditional soft Iranian flatbread filled with deliciousness with hummus, tahini and tabbouleh along with Moroccan spiced carrots, beets, and some pickled vegetables, sauces and spices imported from Israel.

These Shishliks come with chicken or beef, you will also find a home-made Limonana ($2) which is their version of a Lemonade. Personally I love the concept as well as the flavours and truly hope they will expand their menu offerings. In case you were wondering as well, Mangal means Barbq in Hebrew.

Review By: Richard Wolak

820 Homer Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 568-6500

Web: www.footocroissant.com

Twitter: @FootoDelights

Advice: Watch for their daily Croissant specials.

Specializing in Croissants, Footo “Fresh out of the Oven” makes just that plain and filled croissants all day long! Owner Brenda Yip learned her craft at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver where she studied pastry. The open kitchen allows for all to see the Croissants going in and out of the oven, you will also find house-baked macarons, everything is made using natural ingredients and having no artificial flavours, preservatives or chemical additives. The menu also features Croissant sandwiches, along with desserts that include panna cotta, tiramisu, chocolate and fruit mousse, strawberry tuxedos and frozen yogurt.

Almond Croissant

Cheese Croissant

Macarons

I had a tasty Almond Croissant ($3.25) as well as a Cheese Croissant ($3.25) filled with mozzarella and Cheddar. I also tried their Macarons ($3.25 for a 4 pack) and had a Lemonade ($2.50)

Their menu also features 5 kinds of hot chocolate which will be the favourite go to drink once the dark and cool days begin.

Review by: Richard Wolak

1059 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 608-6870

Web: http://www.thierrychocolates.com/

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Snag a spot on the outside patio. You can purchase the Macarons individually, in a pack of 7 or 12.

I have always had a sweet spot and a love for visiting spots for sweets. Ever since I did a Behind the Scenes interview with Chef Thierry Busset I have been a fan of his Macarons, and now a fan of so much more. Located in close proximity to Robson, is Thierry a modern shop, café and atelier that is ever so sweet. The Curved walls of palmwood tambour imported from Europe are highlighted by flowing Castore lights playing off marble floors and Thonet bentwood chairs that evoke classic Parisian cafés. You will not only find beautiful desserts showcased in the temperature controlled pastry case you will also find the Macaron showcase featuring 8+ different macaron flavours daily as well as pastries, chocolates and more.

Raisin Brioche

Hazelnut Pithivier

Macarons: Maple, Gianduia, Blackberry and Strawberry Rhubarb

Espresso Macchiato

House Liquid Chocolate

On my most recent visit I indulged having a Raisin Brioche ($3.45) and the most delicious Hazelnut Pithivier ($4.95) along with a selection of macarons:  Maple, Gianduia, Blackberry and Strawberry Rhubarb ($1.75 each). I also had a Espresso Macchiato ($2.95) made with the organic Thierry Espresso Blend coffee designed exclusively for them by Casa Del Caffé’s Vincent Gentile and then to finish off a 2oz taster of the House Liquid Chocolate ($7.45 if 8oz pour).

The shop is filled with homemade ice creams and sorbets, coffee and other packaged goods to go. This is paradise and I am looking forward to indulging when that whim beckons.

Review By: Richard Wolak

801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-673-7000

Web: http://www.hawksworthrestaurant.com/

Twitter: @hawksworthrest

Advice: the restaurant is located inside the Rosewood Hotel Georgia and advance reservations are recommended.

Salted Herb Bread

The star attraction at Hawksworth is the cooking from notable Chef David Hawksworth whom the restaurant is named. I have savoured David`s food over the years from when he cooked at West as well as at numerous events. Chef David is a perfectionist like none other, he has a well-executed style of cooking and is passionate about food.

I dined with my friend and fellow writer Sarah Rowland last week, we were seated in the Pearl room in close proximity of the stunning wine room as well as being next to the centre piece chandelier which graces the dining room. This was my second visit but the first for a sit down meal and it was wonderful to enjoy a fine dining experience with top notch service. We began with an order of their Salted Herb Bread ($4) with olive oil that tasted so good. Curious thought as to why a restaurant of this calibre would charge guests for bread, my only thought on that rationale would be to have the guests focus on the dishes rather than filling up on the bread.

Apple Beet Salad

Seared Weathervane Scallops

Dungeness Crab Salad

To start, we shared a few dishes including the outstanding and refreshing Apple Beet Salad ($11) chevre, walnut, dill, caramelized honey; the xo in the Seared Weathervane Scallops ($16) was the perfect spice for that dish which is also had xo, beech mushroom, edamame; and rounding out the starters the tasty Dungeness Crab Salad ($18) watermelon, mint, ver jus.

Beef Tenderloin

Black and White Truffle Risotto

For the mains, we both had the same dish which was divine the medium well preparation was perfectly done,  Beef Tenderloin ($34), smoked marrow, wild mushroom , cauliflower and chimmichurri. Additionally we shared the house special Black and White Truffle Risotto which was outstanding. I enjoyed my Beef Tenderloin with a glass of the Foxtrot `08 Pinot Noir (BC).

Valrhona Milk Chocolate Mousse

Dark Chocolate Cremeux

Macarons

For me, a creative dessert menu is an indication of a well thought out menu and the perfect ending to a meal. I had very high expectations for the desserts here at Hawksworth and even more so than the starters and mains as I knew David Hawksworth had created that part of the menu. The Pastry Chef is Wayne Kozinko he is also quite experienced having been the pastry chef at one of my other favourite restaurants YEW. The dessert selections that we ordered looked stunning, however in the end I was a tad disappointed with the flavours. We shared the Valrhona Milk Chocolate Mousse ($8) passion fruit, caramel ; the Dark Chocolate Cremeux ($8) sweet potato sorbet, and a hint of maple along with a plate of assorted Macarons ($12) .

After Dinner Mignardises

To end our meal we were served a complimentary plate of Mignardises, another little sweet to round out a fine meal. I will be back ton continue this culinary journey and to partake in Sunday Brunch one day soon!

Review by: Richard Wolak