Posts Tagged ‘Comfort Food’

THE MAC SHACK

January 24th, 2012 admin

5395 West Boulevard, Vancouver

Tel: 604-267-4225

Web: www.themacshack.ca

Twitter: @the_mac_shack

Advice: If you are going with a friend and having any of the Mac & Cheese dishes then share a medium size or get 2 smalls and share.

West Coast Salad

Having a Mac & Cheese growing up was never as fun as my recent visit to The Mac Shack for dinner. My friend Cassandra Anderton joined me to indulge in Mac & Cheese oooey gooey cheesy goodness! We started with some greens and each had a small West Coast Salad ($5) with tossed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, mushrooms and honey roasted pecans served with a light raspberry vinaigrette.

Lobster Mac

The Ultimate

Build Your Own

Bread Dippers

Next, we shared 3 of the Ultimate size of Mac & Cheese, all were served in large cast iron pans, the first was the outstanding Lobster Mac ($18) with asiago & Canadian cheddar, lobster meat, oyster mushrooms, lemon, dill, truffle oil and roasted garlic in a cream sauce. The second was The Ultimate ($16) with bacon, bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, with Mozzarella and Gruyere cheese in a tomato sauce. Third, was a Build Your Own ($16), which I built using the healthiest of ingredients on offer, ours had Aged cheddar and Asiago, along with whole wheat pasta, broccoli, caramelized onions, and mushrooms in a tomato sauce. We also added an order of Bread Dippers ($ .90) that perhaps was adding more carbs into the mix that we could have done without.

The Squish

The Skillet Brownie

We both thought dessert was in order to round up our comforting meal. We both shared The Squish ($4.75) double chocolate chip cookies filled with vanilla ice cream with a raspberry coulis, however it was the 2nd dessert that was the clear favourite for us both, The Skillet Brownie ($5.90) double chocolate brownie warmed in a skillet topped with vanilla bean gelato and drizzled with raspberry coulis.

The Mac Shack has taken Mac & Cheese to a new level, with the best cheese and quality ingredients this is surely Mac & Cheese that you are going to want to eat time and time again.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Kerrisdale Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

ENSEMBLE TAP

January 17th, 2012 admin

990 Smithe Street, Vancouver

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

Posted in Downtown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

HOUSE GUEST

December 14th, 2011 admin

332 Water Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-699-0249

Web: http://housexguest.com

Twitter: @housexguest

Advice: Open Wed – Sun, downstairs bar opens at 10pm. DJ spins nightly when open.

I felt like I was at my best friends dinner party, and I was the house guest that loved the food, music and the vibe and never wanted to leave. This was my experience dining here last week, when Flip Flop designer Robbie Bernstein joined me for dinner.

Green Eggs and Ham

We were served an Amuse, which was a play on “Green Eggs and Ham” that the chef created. Robbie and I decided to then share all of the dishes except for dessert as we both had a sweet tooth and dessert was our heaven.

Fish Tacos

Burger Royale & Fries

The Poutine with Short Rib & Red Eye Ketchup

Arugula, Feta & Crispy Shallot Side Salad

We began with the Fish Tacos ($14) soft shell crab, chillis rellenos, Radish cucumber slaw, avocado pico de gallo. Next was the very good Burger Royale & Fries ($16) bacon crusted chuck patty, apple wood cheddar, onion marmalade, béarnaise burger sauce, crab tater tots. The Poutine ($8) with Short Rib & Red Eye Ketchup (extra $5) was outstanding; the Arugula, Feta & Crispy Shallot Side Salad ($5) was also really good.

My dessert platter

We both thought the desserts were not only creative in thought but also playful. You get to choose any 3 desserts for $12 (out of 6 choices). I had the Churros – fried churros, spiced sugar, dolce de leche, red velvet sauce; Frost “hot” Chocolate – chocolate ice parfait, vanilla bean marshmallow, ginger crystals and the Donuts – caramelized apple donuts, butterscotch creme, maple citrus glaze, cinnamon crumble.

Robbie's dessert platter

and Robbie had the Smore’s – vanilla bean marshmallow, basil ganache, banana and graham cracker crumbs; Churros – fried churros, spiced sugar, dolce de leche, red velvet sauce and the Donuts – caramelized apple donuts, butterscotch creme, maple citrus glaze, cinnamon crumble.

The walls are filled with paintings and unique objects that owners Justin and Matthew gathered to decorate the room, the tables perfectly arranged, a dj station who spins an awesome music selection is located near the kitchen and upstairs bar.

This is a dinner party you are going to want to be a house guest at!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Gastown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

THE AMERICAN CHEESESTEAK Co

November 7th, 2011 admin

781 Davie Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-681-0130

Web: http://americancheesesteak.com/

Twitter: @thecheesesteak

Advice: Order a small as its big enough for one, order a large to share with a friend.

The Cowboy

Onion Rings

In Philadelphia it is a tradition to eat cheese steak sandwiches, it’s what the city is known for when talking food. Last week I visited this stylish meat paradise that claims to be purveyors of authentic cheese steak sandwiches. In for lunch, I ordered a small (6”) which was actually pretty large, The Cowboy ($10) shaved prime rib, crispy fried onions, homemade spicy bbq sauce, bacon mayo and aged white cheddar which was tasty and filling with high quality ingredients. The server suggested I add an order of fries, I opted instead for a small order of Onion Rings ($4) thinking how could I go wrong with the Onion Rings. I have had lots of tasty onion rings in the past, and most were better than these which were far to ordinary for a stylish place like this that’s striving to be a notch above great.

You can choose from the Traditional Cheesesteaks line-up or from the Decadent Specialty Steaks which I opted to do. Then you choose the size small or large, if you go with the Traditional then you can choose the type of cheese from the four on offer. They are licensed and you may want to have a beer to round out your meat eating experience. Be forewarned this is heavy food!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Westend Tags: , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

FRAY ON FRASER

November 2nd, 2011 admin

3980 Fraser Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-569-3317

Web: http://fray.me/our-menu/

Twitter: @Frayonfraser

Advice: Colouring pencils at each table for kids or adults to colour away a great added touch.

This is one of those not so ordinary places that I am happy is just that. Last week my friend and fellow writer Cassandra Anderton joined me for dinner where we were happy to find a creative, passionate chef who supports local farms on the east side. Chef Antonio Martin has created a fresh, flavour focussed menu with dishes chock full of local farm grown veggies and other local fare.

Portobello Fries

F-Bombs

To start we both shared the addicting Portobello Fries ($8.95) A Jenga tower of breaded mushroom fingers, fried and served with truffle aioli; we then shared their F-Bombs ($7.95) a variation on Devils on Horseback, this is a share plate of Fraser Valley bacon-wrapped fresh figs with a balsamic reduction.

Lamb Pasta

Vegetarian’s Delight

For our Mains, we shared both the outstanding Lamb Pasta ($17.95) Braised lamb with vegetables on fresh tagliatelle that was full of flavour, as well as the ever so tasty Vegetarian’s Delight ($10.95) fresh market vegetables roasted and served on a bed of the most delicious cauliflower cous cous with chick peas and a curry vinaigrette. Although they list the Vegetarian’s Delight as one of their mains we both thought it would be better off being a side dish for two to share.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Banana Spring Roll

For dessert, we shared the delicious and simple home-made Vanilla Bean ice cream ($4) with extra virgin olive oil and maldan salt; along with the Banana Spring Roll ($6.95) Served with homemade vanilla bean ice cream and local fireweed honey.

Looking forward to my next visit which will be for Brunch, must try their French Canadian Toast!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Eastside, Latest Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

GERARD LOUNGE

October 11th, 2011 admin

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

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, Downtown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

THE RED WAGON

May 29th, 2011 admin

2296 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-4565

Web: http://www.redwagoncafe.com/

Twitter: @redwagoncafe

Advice: Expect to wait in line awhile during weekend brunch.

Brunching is a favourite past time for most, I like to explore different neighbourhoods and one of the best ways to do this is to go for brunch in a different neighbourhood and to then walk and explore the hood.

Pulled Pork Pancakes

I had heard about the house specialty and had to try it, the Pulled Pork Pancakes ($12) are 3 buttermilk pancakes layered with pulled pork smothered in Jack Daniels maple syrup, heavenly and well kind of filling too. You’ll find some traditional brunch fare with a twist from Benny’s to a Chicken Confit Chilaquiles chicken confit, two eggs, corn tortilla chips, salsa verde, feta, crema, and red onions and more. The lines can be long as I discovered, the wait is worth it, bring a book to read or bring your kids who can draw, they will find crayons in the red wagon!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Hastings Tags: , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

SLICKITY JIM’S CHAT ‘N CHEW

May 8th, 2011 admin

3475 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-873-6760

Web: http://www.slickityjims.com/

Twitter: @SlickityJims

Advice: write your name on the sign at the door for your chance to wait in line until it is your turn to be seated.

It is an iconic breakfast spot for me, I began to frequent the place when they first opened in the Soma area of Main back in 1999, I would often do breakfast or brunch with friends on the weekend. In 2009 after the building burned down Slickitys was suddenly gone, hearing they were going to open a couple months ago I was ecstatic. I had breakfast on a Sunday morning recently with my friend Jason, dining in the back overlooking the park, this eatery is larger than its former, its kitchy and bright.

The Honey Man City Butter

The Morning Yearning

I had my ‘usual’, The Honey Man City Butter ($9.75) -Three slices of multigrain French toast with an effervescent cinnamon and honey-butter sauce, served with fresh fruit atop roasted potatoes and Jason had The Morning Yearning ($9.75) Two free run eggs any style with bacon, chorizo, grilled tomato, and veggie chilli, served with multigrain, rye or sourdough toast.

This is the kind of place which is one of a kind, each dish is cleverly named and the specials even more so. For breakfast you will find the classic egg dishes, from omelettes to French toast to The Benedictions. For lunch you may want to try one of their Sammie’s such as the Denizen of the Deep ($10.50) another favourite of mine that is a wild salmon fillet blackened with Cajun spices in the heat of a stark meeting between fish and pan, topped with salsa on baguette or one of their big burgers. I hear a dinner menu is going to happen soon if it hasn’t happened already. So happy that Slickity Jim’s is back!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Main Street Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »
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