12351 3 Ave, Richmond, BC

Tel: 604-272-1588

Web: http://www.pajos.com/

Twitter: @Pajos_fishchips

Advice: Seating outside on the patio and upper deck.

This is a popular hangout for residents and tourists alike when visiting the historic fishing village of Steveston. The mainstay here is the Fish & Chips and that is the draw for many, they also offer burgers and hot dogs too.

Fish & Chips

Coleslaw

Mushy Peas

Crab Cakes

I shared the Fish & Chips ($14.99) with 1 piece of salmon, halibut and cod along with fries made with Kennebec potatoes that was served in a paper cone; along with a side of Coleslaw ($1.59) and a side of the delicious Mushy Peas ($.99); and an order of the tasty Crab Cakes ($6.99) which had a rather flat appearance and were good value for the price.  My favourite fish was the Halibut by far with Salmon running in 2^nd place.

Review By: Richard Wolak

#115- 3900 Moncton Street, Richmond

Tel: 604-284-5126

Web: http://www.rocanini.com/

Twitter: @rocanini

Advice: Have a seat at the large Communal Table.

This is one of those cafes that I would frequent if I lived nearby, it would probably become my office or my living room! Impressive stylish room, large and spacious with lots of seating including the communal table.

Cappuccino

Espresso Macchiato

I was in Steveston for Fish & Chips, first stop was for coffee and not just any coffee. I had an Espresso Macchiato ($2.85) and my friend had a Cappuccino ($3.10) both were very good. They roast their own coffee at their roastery in Vancouver so their coffee is fresh which is important. The baristas behind the bar are passionate on making the perfect cup of coffee. One of the star attractions here is the Syphon Coffee as well as their Drip coffee, there are choices for the type of coffee to savour!

I love the layout of the café, there is also a selection of fresh baked goods, sandwiches and desserts in the case to tempt you to indulge!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Tel: 604-207- 7107

Web: www.carversdining.com

Twitter: @CarversSteak

Advice:  3 course special for $38 or add a wine pairing for $14 extra. Hand grated Bolivian Salt table-side is a nice touch.

Cranberry bread and Garlic bread

Off the beaten track, adjoined to a hotel is a steakhouse that isn’t ordinary by any means. It’s the special touches that make this dining experience a stand out, recently blogger Mary Sheridan joined me for dinner in search of indulging in a great steak experience. To begin we were served an Amuse of Scallop ceviche cooked in lemon juice along with a complimentary basket of house-baked Cranberry bread and Garlic bread.

Asparagus & Arugula Salad

Carver's Salad

We then shared a couple of salads, the Carver’s Salad ($8) Spinach, Crisp romaine lettuce, Blue cheese dressing, Apple wood smoked bacon, Harrison Farms eggs, Cherry tomatoes and the delicious and refreshing Asparagus & Arugula Salad ($8) Arugula, Asparagus, Sun dried tomatoes, Lemon herb vinaigrette, Toasted almonds, Shaved parmesan cheese.

Tempura Calamari & Shrimp

Pacific Shrimp and Dungeness Crab Cake

Filet Mignon, 10oz

We then had the outstanding and unique Tempura Calamari & Shrimp ($11) Lemon marinated, Asparagus, Red pepper, Jalapenos, Lemon chipotle aioli, Tzatziki Chef Boban’s creation. The next dish was my least favourite, the Pacific Shrimp and Dungeness Crab Cake ($12) Soy reduction, Pineapple salsa which was small and lacked flavour. The star dish of the night was the perfectly cooked medium well Filet Mignon ($31) a 10 oz Centre cut filet, tender and full of flavour, the finest grade available and specially selected certified Angus Beef. Their steaks are aged for a minimum of 28 days and marinated for a week in cold pressed olive oil blended with their Chef’s secret spices.

White and Dark Chocolate Terrine

Duo of Vanilla Beans, Ginger Crème Brule and Espresso Creme Brule

For dessert we shared the delicious White and Dark Chocolate Terrine ($9) Tart raspberry sauce, Almond wafer and the Duo of Vanilla Beans, Ginger Crème Brule and Espresso Creme Brule ($8).  Not only did Mary and I have a delightful time we were both enchanted with the spot on service too!

Review By: Richard Wolak

7571 Westminster Highway, Richmond

Tel: 604-232-2804

Web: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/yvrsa-vancouver-airport-marriott-hotel/

Twitter: @marriottyvr

Advice: Solo dining is popular here and they are very accommodating. Located inside the Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel.

Scillian Gnocchi

Fraser Valley Greens

Pan Seared Halibut

It was a must for me to visit since I hadn’t eaten there in over 8 years, it’s one of those eateries that’s been consistent in serving locals and visitors. Since I was dining solo and had an appetite to try some of the dishes, I had them serve me an appetizer size of the delicious Scillian Gnocchi ($8 for appie size or $16 reg) pan seared potato gnocchi, basil, French beans, caramelized onions, olive oil, black pepper, diced tomato. Then I had the rather large Fraser Valley Greens ($6.50) mixed local Fraser Valley greens, julienne carrot, candied cashews, goat cheese, tomatoes, cabernet vinaigrette. For my main, I chose a healthy option and had the tasty Pan Seared Halibut ($23) Citrus glaze, sautéed julienne vegetables, herbed risotto.

Knickerbocker Glory

When it came time for dessert I wanted to try something different and went with an old standby that had a unique name and a story, Knickerbocker Glory ($7) a tall dish filled with scoops of gelato, hot fudge, topped with bananas, strawberry sauce, merengue, whipped cream and a touch of spearmint. Make sure that you ask the server to tell you the story on how this dessert got its name!

Review By: Richard Wolak

140 – 3866 Bayview Street, Richmond

Tel: 604-275-7811

Web: www.bluecanoerestaurant.com

Twitter: @bluecanoeresto

Advice: has an extensive craft beer list, beer pairings can be added to your meal for an additional cost. Tasters of beers ranged in price by the type of beer.

Salt Spring Island Mussels

Located on the waterfront with a patio that overlooks the marina in Steveston Village, I came with an appetite for seafood, had dinner on the heated patio with a great view of the boats and the sun setting in the West. To start off my meal I had the fresh and tasty Salt Spring Island Mussels ($12) with Red Racer Extra Special Beer, mint, dill, basil, lemon zest and grapefruit oil in the broth, topped with thin crispy French fries, they paired the dish with a taster of the Red Racer ESB as well as a taster of the Paired with Anchor Steam Beer.

Halibut Collar

Local Salmon in a Jar

Sous-Chef Kylo Hoy then prepared his house speciality Halibut Collar ($15) with a delicious citrus drawn butter with pickled garlic, a speciality dish that isn’t always on the menu. The Halibut was paired with a taster of the North Coast Le Mere, a farmhouse ale. Next up was a dish that I had eaten on my last visit, unique and delish is the Local Salmon in a Jar ($13) it is course salmon pate served with caper and tasty almond biscuits, paired with Red Racer white ale.

Beef Braised Chili

Beef Short Rib

Chef suggested that I try another speciality which was the outstanding and perfectly paired Beef Braised Chili ($17) served with lime salted corn chips and corn bread topped with a dollop of sour cream, this dish paired with Angry Boy Brown Ale (Baird Brewery of Japan). The next dish was the delectable Beef Short Rib ($11) Ale braised, mustard and chilli mash, house made onion rings; paired with Driftwood Ale.

Peanut Butter Pie

Although quite full from the delicious meal I had a half slice of their Peanut Butter Pie made with peanut butter ice cream for dessert.

You’ll find an extensive menu of seafood favourites including fish, shellfish, oysters, as well as steaks, and social plates for sharing. The beer list has over 47 beers on their ever evolving menu. The chefs are creative and full of ideas to create unique dishes, service is exceptional and the bartenders are knowledgeable in their craft, I’m already looking forward to my return visit.

Review By: Richard Wolak

#2150 – 8391 Alexandra Road, Richmond, BC

Tel: 778-297-7381

Web: http://www.deliziafusion.com/

Twitter: @DeliziaFusion

Advice: Bring a friend or two and share some dishes. The take out menu is different than the dining in menu, if you are interested in a dish that is not on the menu, ask the chef.

Lobster with handmade noodles

Beef in Basil Sauce

Located in the heart of ‘food street’ is a modern stylish eatery all decked out in red that I had the pleasure to have dinner at recently with my friend Erica. This was my second visit and Erica’s first, previously I tasted some of their more traditional dishes, on this visit fusion took the stage. Erica joined me in sharing the delicious Lobster with handmade noodles (house special), followed by the Beef in Basil Sauce with a side of Jasmine rice. Their menu is vast, you will find a large selection of traditional Chinese dishes as well as Western dishes that have been infused in Asian culture most from China, Japan and Korea. Chef/co-owner Eddie Li is the master of the kitchen with a knack for creating.

Apple Pie ala Mode

I had my heart set to try one of their Asian desserts, however our server suggested that we order there popular Apple Pie ala Mode ($6.95), a thin almost tart topped with vanilla ice cream.

Review By: Richard Wolak

#105 – 3757 Jacombs Road, Richmond

Tel: 778-297-4757

Web: http://www.noochsnackandchill.com/

Twitter: @noochsc

Advice: Located behind Ikea, a hideway that is worth your discovery.

Roast Chicken Panini

Tandoori Chicken Sandwich

Quinoa Spinach Salad

Passion fruit Ice Tea

Loved the big red couch in the center of this stylish restaurant that has been dressed in red and white, the eatery is spacious with lots of seating. Having experienced their delicious food at a catered function recently, I made it a mission to scout their locale in east Richmond for lunch and had my friend Gio Levy join me. On the lunch menu there is a large selection of panini, sandwiches, salads and drinks, I had the Roast Chicken Panini ($8) tender pieces of whole roasted chicken, herbs ‘n’ spice, lemon aioli, tomato, and cheddar served with a side salad and potato chips and Gio had the Tandoori Chicken Sandwich ($10) fresh chicken breast marinated in garlic and tandoori spice, lemon aioli, lettuce, tomato and cucumber. We both then shared the healthy Quinoa Spinach Salad ($9) with pineapple, papaya, feta cheese, strawberries, almonds, spinach and more. For our beverages we both had a refreshing Passion fruit Ice Tea ($3.50)

Must get by one day for breakfast and to try the fruit topped Fresca vanilla waffle!

Review By: Richard Wolak

160-3900 Bayview Street, Richmond

Tel: 604-272-7264

Web: www.hogshack.ca

Twitter: @hogshackca

Advice: Share one of their BarbQ platters if you dine with friends so that you can try all of their BarbQ. They specialize in Kansas City style of BarbQ.

Poutine

Mammoth Platter

Cornbread, Yam Fries, Potato Wedges, Coleslaw, Baked Beans

I have always loved BarbQ especially when travelling in the Southern USA, I recently dined with my friend Julie Ovenell-Carter who is a travel writer and one who loves good BarbQ as well. We were both impressed by their Craft Beer list and our server Joana who was well versed in the beer on hand and which beer would be best with their dishes. at the Hog Shack. We took our servers lead, Julie had the Immortal IPA (India Pale Ale) from Seattle’s Elysian Brewing and I had the Tree Brewing Cut Throat Pale Ale. We then shared an order of their Poutine ($7) hand cut potato fries, cheese curds and gravy, and then it was time to dig in to our sharing feast. All eyes were on the table when our Mammoth Platter ($45.50 serves two) arrived featuring a selection of their Dinosaur Beef Bones, Smoked Beef Brisket, Baby Back Ribs, St. Louise Side Ribs, Pulled Pork and Chicken Legs that was served with a selection of sides which included their delicious house made corn bread, yam fries, potato wedges, coleslaw and baked beans. They have a vast menu of all sorts of dishes such as Tacos, Schnitzels, Sandwiches, Burgers, Pasta, Salads and Seafood, however BarbQ is the focus and that is what you should order.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Tel: 604-303-6565

Web: http://www.westinvancouverairport.com/dining

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Complimentary valet parking available, offers a 5, 7, and 9 tasting menu. Located inside The Westin Wall Centre Vancouver Airport Hotel.

Amuse Niche Garden

The room was modern and colourful which was a node to the journey of culinary delights we were about to enjoy. Executive Chef Hamid Salimian is a master of creation, I am sure he once was a painter as all of his dishes are representative of beautiful works of art on a plate. My friend Denis and I were enchanted when each of the twelve dishes arrived to our table, it was a wonderful dining and tasting experience. We started off with the Amuse Niche Garden where the presentation alone was stunning.

North Arm Farm Sunchoke Soup

Side Stripe Prawn

Locally grown pickled winter vegetables

Puffed Quebec fois GRAS

Brioche for the Puffed Quebec fois GRAS

Pan Roasted Scallops

Atlantic Lobster Globe

Next was the North Arm Farm Sunchoke Soup ($9) followed by the Side Stripe Prawn ($16) dungeness crab croquettes, next was the Locally grown pickled winter vegetables ($16) pickled winter vegetables beets, black pudding, pine mushroom veal marrow, almond vinaigrette. As the evening progressed I felt as if we were in the National Art Gallery roving the various rooms, the next dish was the Puffed Quebec fois GRAS ($16) house preserved cherries, candied walnut, beets sherry gastrique followed by the delicious Pan Roasted Scallops $16 spiced basmati rice, shaved pineapple, cilantro coconut curry froth and then the Atlantic Lobster Globe ($17) truffle scented potato gnocchi, king oyster mushroom shellfish emulsion.

Pacific Provider Salmon

Duck Confit in a Pomegranite Walnut Sauce

Lamb Duo

At this point our palates were dancing, the next dish was the first of the entrees, the Pacific Provider Salmon ($25) provencal tart, sun choke, basil, braised fennel split coriander vinaigrette. Followed by my favourite dish of the night the Duck Confit in a Pomegranite Walnut Sauce ($17) outstanding spiced duck confit pomegranate, walnut, orange, kale along with the Lamb Duo ($17) braised lamb israel couscous, red bean puree, grilled scallions dry lime parsley foam. We both knew that dessert would be nothing less than extrodinary as it would be the final act in what had been an amazing picturesque meal.

Shattered Baklava with pistachio ice cream

The Apron Chocolate Bar

For dessert we had the Shattered Baklava with pistachio ice cream ($10) broken down baklava saffron pistachio ice cream, cardamom dates, rosewater honey and The Apron Chocolate Bar ($10)  salted caramel ice cream, almond crumble, coco crisp.

The chefs use as much regional and local ingredients as they can source as they strive to create each of their dishes! If you want to experience innovative, creative local cuisine a visit to The Apron is a must and I for one am looking forward to return visit to continuing this culinary journey.

Review By: Richard Wolak

3778 Sexmith Road, Richmond

Tel: 778-296-3779

Web: http://www.gmenramen.com/

Advice: Don’t go with a large group, best to dine solo or with one other to ensure you get seated in a reasonable amount of time. Closed Wednesdays.

Tonkatsu Shio Ramen

Tonkotsu Ae Soba

One of the more popular ramen restaurants in this area, if you know of Gyoza King on Robson, then you will be happy to discover G-Men their sister restaurant which specializes in ramen noodle soups. The restaurant is fairly small, the tables are too close together and its very busy, that doesn’t stop people from coming, in fact it encourages them. Out of the several different ramen soups that arrived to my table, these were the only two that I liked, the Special Tonkatsu Shio Ramen ($8.00) and the Tonkotsu Ae Soba ($8.50) (soupless) and I enjoyed the noodles far more than the soups. They also have a good selection of Donburi and snacks.

Review by: Richard Wolak