1626 W Broadway, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 730-1678

Web: http://suika-snackbar.com/

Twitter: @SUIKA_IZAKAYA

Advice: Make a reservation as its often busy, bring a friend as sharing is a good idea to taste more dishes.

Sometimes the wait is worth it and after 11 months I finally visited for a very tasty supper. Specializing in Japanese Izakaya, Suika is quite different than their sister restaurant Kingyo, though the flavours are similar. This is a place to socialize over great food and drink, in a lively room that’s fairly noisy with chatter. I loved the ceiling collage of lights as well as the tempting menu and good service.

Snowcrab Sushi

Beef Filet Fried Rice

Corn Kakiage

Grilled Black Cod Cheek

Matcha Brulee

I shared a few dishes with my friend, starting off with the Snowcrab Sushi ($13.80) followed by the flavourful Beef Filet Fried Rice ($11) and the outstanding and crunchy Corn Kakiage ($4.80). Unfortunately the Grilled Black Cod Cheek ($9.80) was disappointing as it was difficult to eat and wasn’t as tender as I had expected. The outstanding frozen Matcha Brulee ($4.80) was the perfect finish to the meal.

Review By: Richard Wolak

1102 West Broadway, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-9001

Web: www.masalachai.ca

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Order one of the curry specials. Most of the food is soy free.

Vegi Curry

Gulab Jamun

I was happy to visit Chef Roy Abhishek’s recently opened Indian snack bar and that I did a few days ago with a stop in for a late lunch. You will know Chef Roy from his other restaurant Atithi. The menu on the chalkboards here are fairly simple, featuring a few vegi and meat curries, snacks such as samosas, chicken rolls, jackfruit pakora and more, after all this is an Indian Snack Bar. I had the Vegi Curry — ($7.84) Beans, Pumpkin & Carrot in a delicious Black Pepper Curry served with rice, roti, and side salad, afterwards I ordered the delicious and warm Gulab Jamun ($3.50) 3 gulab jamun balls, I was then served a complimentary cup of Chai which was a perfect complement to the Gulab Jamun dessert. On the beverage side you will find a couple of different chai, a couple of lassi, and coffee.

By: Richard Wolak

656 West Broadway, Vancouver

Tel: 604-708-3300

Web: http://www.viavenetovancouver.com

Advice:  Delicious basket of Focaccia bread served complimentary to begin the meal.

My friend joined me for lunch recently at this Northern Italian restaurant, a great fine dining addition to this neighbourhood.

Minestrone alla Contadina

Carpaccio all’ Emiliana

Insalata alla Caprese

Caesar Salad

We began our lunch with the delicious and full of flavours, Minestrone alla Contadina ($5.95) made from the finest vegetables and fresh herbs; where we both had this dish.  We then shared the Carpaccio all’ Emiliana ($8.95) prime Alberta beef tenderloin with Parmigiano reggiano, Arugula, Capers and Extra virgin olive oil. I then had the next dish on my own, Insalata alla Caprese ($8.95) fresh Bocconcini, Roma tomatoes, caperberry, fresh basil and Extra virgin olive oil and my friend had the traditional Caesar Salad ($6.95).

Veal Paillard

Astice alla Veneziana

We then shared the light and tasty Veal Paillard ($13.95) grilled milk-fed Veal scallopine with salsa verde and then we both shared the outstanding house specialty Astice alla Veneziana ($39.95) fresh whole Atlantic lobster prepare with a traditional Venetian recipe, served on a bed of savory spaghetti.

Zuppa Inglese

Since I love desserts, especially Italian desserts I had the delicious Zuppa Inglese ($7.95) Chocolate and almond frozen crusted mousse with pistachio and vanilla sponge cake. They have a very nice wine list although we both opted for sparkling water during our lunch. The service was gracious and inviting, you can see how all the staff work so well together it is as if they are one big family. I am looking forward to a return visit one night for dinner and for another slice of the Zuppa Inglese!

Review by: Richard Wolak

3420 Dunbar Street, Vancouver

Tel:  604-569-3441

Web: http://www.jethrosfinegrub.com/

Advice: If you don’t finish your meal, don’t be afraid to ask for a box to go as it’s common practice here.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread French Toast

Friends had been nudging me to visit Jethro’s, each time I drove by there was always a line-up, yesterday I went early and was seated within minutes and pondered the extensive menu selection, I couldn’t decide if I should have the Espresso Chocolate Chip Pancakes which I knew even I wouldn’t be able to finish, or to have one of their Omelets such as the Baked Potato Omelet that was loaded with hash browns, bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream and scallions. I decided on the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread French Toast ($9) topped with caramelized bananas and whipped cream served with syrup on the side as if you needed the syrup. The menu is vast with many omelettes, egg dishes, ginourmous pancakes, French toast along with sandwiches, salads, burgers and bowls for lunch. Next time I am coming for lunch to try the Red Headed Step-Child.

Review by: Richard Wolak

5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Tel: 604-261-0011

Web: www.shaughnessyrestaurant.com

Advice: Request a window seat overlooking the gardens.

Mushroom Tart

Scallop on Celleric

B.C. Wild Salmon

Lemon Tart & Chocolate Pyramid

Sitting in a spectacular setting this is a delightful restaurant for lunch, dinner or brunch before or after a visit to VanDusen Gardens. The dining room is bright, looking outside you are surrounded by trees and floral beauty. Inside the chef creates tasty dishes, I shared the Mushroom tart appetizer along with the Scallop appetizer both complements of the chef with my friend and then I had the BC Wild Salmon ($18) special on top of a bed of vegetables with mango salsa. For dessert we shared their Lemon Tart ($8.50) and the Black & White Callebaut Chocolate Pyramid ($8.50) milk chocolate & pistachio mousse center. The restaurant offers daily Afternoon Tea with an array of sandwiches and desserts from 3:00pm – 4:30pm as well. The restaurant as well as the gardens is a gathering place for many weddings and other social engagements.

Review by: Richard Wolak

2861 Granville Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-488-1326

Web: n/a

Advice: Breakfast served daily to 3pm.

Tuna and Chese Crepe

This Parisian creperie doesn’t only serve amazing crepes, you will find my favourite savoury crepe, Tuna with Swiss Cheese ($7.50) without mayo; and my favourite sweet crepes, Chestnut Crème crepe ($5.75), Nutella crepe ($5.75), Dark Chocolate with fresh strawberry ($7.75). One of their newest menu items and one that looks to rich for me to try was the Three Scoop Ice Cream Crepe ($6.85) with vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and coffee, sounds like 4 scoops to me, perhaps you get a bonus?

In addition to these wonderful crepes there are grilled Panini sandwiches, baguettes and breakfast specialities including omelets and egg dishes. If your thirsty then have an Illy espresso or cappuccino or a pint of beer. This café is one of a few within their locally based chain and this one has doubled in size from the previous café. Sit in one of their comfy black booths, love the burgundy walls and the twirling ceiling fans.

Review by: Richard Wolak

5775 Oak Street, Vancouver
Tel: 604-263-2625

Advice: Ask for lean or extra lean for any of the meat sandwiches.

This Jewish deli has been part of the community for many years, my friends and I have many long standing favourites, first of all they have the most delicious chicken soup, some would say the chicken soup will cure any illness or will cure your soul and others just love their soup, they have a few variations of the soup on the menu from clear broth to the Chicken Megillah Soup ($6.25) Chicken soup with kreplach, matzah ball and noodles to the Chicken in the Pot which is the ultimate works and includes chicken soup, with kreplach, matzah ball, chicken pieces, carrots and noodles ($12.75). The deli is known for its smoked meat, corned beef, pastrami, beef brisket monster sandwiches which include a big serving of meat, coleslaw, cheese and more (these sandwiches range in price from $12-$14) there is also chopped liver, herring, gefilte fish, lox and bagels, potato knishes and many other specialties. You don’t have to be Jewish to dine here, you just have to love this style of great deli food. Their Cinnamon Buns ($2.75) are the biggest buns in town and they come with or without raisins.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Web: http://www.labuca.ca

Twitter: @LaBuca

Advice: Make a reservation.

Pumpkin Ravioli

Desserts include: Blueberry tart,  Cheesecake and a cheese plate of Gorgonzola with apple.
The full wine menu consisted of some great wines from italy.

La Buca is a hidden gem. Hard to find but easy to remember.

Review by: Brian Hebb

3844 Oak Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-733-4912

Web: http://www.sabrakosherrestaurant.com

Advice: They are closed Saturdays. Call a day ahead for the whole wheat challah.

window of baking

This is Vancouver’s only Glatt Kosher Restaurant, they have a good falafel bar that features many different toppings such as tahini, carrots and spicy chug sauce.

Falafel Plate

They also have wonderful selection of Jewish baking which is superb. My favorites from their baking include chocolate, poppy and walnut rolls, chocolate babka, chocolate rugelach, and potato knishes. They make the best whole wheat and sweet challah in the city, this is a traditional bread for the sabbath. There is seating inside and outside and there is a full beverage line-up featuring espresso, lattes and cappuccinos as well as a full restaurant menu.

Review by: Richard Wolak