Posts Tagged ‘Mediteranean’

MIS TRUCOS

1141 Davie Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-566-3960

Web: http://mistrucos.ca/

Twitter: @MisTrucos

Advice: Bring a friend or two along and share some dishes.

Coca

Crispy Bread Wrapped Wild Prawn

Loved the cozy room even though I felt like I was sitting in Ikea, as the décor is very Ikea like from the tables and chairs to the lamps. My foodie friend Mijune of Followmefoodie joined me for dinner last week and we both shared a variety of dishes. Our meal started off with a couple Tapas, we had the Crispy Bread Wrapped Wild Prawn ($2.50) & Alioli which was quite flavourful; and the Coca (Catalan flatbread) with Chorizo & Anchovy ($4).

Pine-nut, Raisin, Spinach & Parmesan dip with crostini

White Truffle & Lobster Risotto

Next was a Share plate where we had the Pine-nut, Raisin, Spinach & Parmesan dip with crostini ($7). For the Main we had the White Truffle & Lobster Risotto ($18), topped with herbed creme fraiche.

Molten Chocolate Cake with Coffee Ice

Hazelnut Pannecotta

To end this delicious meal we shared a couple desserts, my favourite was the Molten Chocolate Cake with Coffee Ice Cream ($7) and the crunchy topped Hazelnut Pannecotta ($7). This is a great place for late night tapas with friends.

Review by: Richard Wolak

LA TERRAZZA

1088 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-899-4449

Web: http://laterrazza.ca

Advice: Attend one of their winemaker dinners and have yourself a wonderful experience.

La Creazione

La Creazione

I have had some outstanding meals here including one of their winemaker dinners which was an extraordinary experience. You will find an extensive collection of wines as the owners are passionate about wine and offering the best to their customers. They have one of the most beautiful private rooms in the city, your party can dine in their own private dining room and be serviced by your own waiters. The main dining room is also well presented by comfortable chairs for dining. The menu features a wide variety of Primi such as the Mozzarella Di Bufula ($14.88) buffalo mozzarella and vine ripened tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil  and Secondi such as Manzo ($37.88) grilled AAA beef tenderloin finished in a sangiovese reduction, capponata and potato gratinato   and the Scaloppine Di Vitello ($29.88)  seared grain fed veal finished in a red wine-herb emulsion, white truffle gnocchi . End the meal with some Dolci, my favourites here include the La Creazione ($11.88)- warm white chocolate cheesecake, wrapped in layers of phyllo, topped with sour cherries and the Torta D’Amore ($11.88) – warm decadent chocolate cake, smooth lava like center, topped with vanilla bean gelato. If you prefer a set menu of courses they offer four of these ranging from $55.88 to $95.88. The décor is stunning both in the lounge and in the restaurant.

Review by: Richard Wolak

CANTEEN MITRA

Mitra

3034 Main Street, Vancouver
Tel: 604-874-9820

Web: n/a

Advice: Cash only. Ask for whole wheat pita, if you don’t want hot sauce make sure you tell them.

The Chicken Shawarma wrap ($6) is a lunchtime favorite of mine made with wholewheat pita, spiced chicken breast, lettuce, tomatoes, the sauces (without the hot sauce). They have a limited menu selection of Chicken Tajine ($7.75), Lamb Shank, Falafel Wrap or plate along with samosas, baklava and non alcoholic drinks by the bottles or cans. It is a bustling place at lunch with nearby workers and students and it is really fast. If you are in the area and looking for some inexpensive tasty fare you know where to go.

Review by: Richard Wolak

MACFALAFEL

Macfalfel1

3685 W 10th Ave, Vancouver
Tel: 604-739-4403

Advice: cash only.

Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma

This west side spot has some delicious chicken shawarma around and they have great hours from lunch thru late night daily. I had the #9 Chicken Shawarma plate ($5.99) with the most delicious Tzatziki sauce that was drizzled over the chicken and rice, also includes a green salad with your choice of dressing. I had mine without the hot sauce but it is included if you wish. You can also order a side of pita bread for only $ .50. The menu features 10 different entrees such as the Shawarma, Falafel, Donair and other middle eastern specialties; they also have salads, lentil soup, and feature one dessert Baklava for $1.79. You can have your shwarma as a wrap or served with rice and salad. You can’t beat such good food for these inexpensive prices. If you are in the area and looking for good value and for some mediteranean comfort food this is the place to be.

Review by: Richard Wolak

NUBA

Nuba

1206 Seymour Street, Vancouver

Tel:  778-371-3266

Web: http://nuba.ca/nubaseymour.html

Twitter: @nubatown

Advice: Call ahead for takeout. The hot sauce is great and it is not to hot.

This is one of my favourite places in the city for Falafel, it is not only delicious and fresh it is also organic. Most of the food at Nuba is organic, it is Lebanese hearty comfort food at its finest and this location is considered their café as opposed to their larger restaurant on the other side of downtown. My favourites here are the Garden Falafel ($6.25) falafel with avocado and humous; the Falafel Plate ($9.50) organic chickpeas, fava beans, veggies and spices; the Deluxe Toasted Veggie ($9) with falafel, baba, macedonian feta, taboulleh, and caramelized onions. There are Pita wraps, Mezze (appetizer size of most items) and Plates (the works with brown rice or potatoes along with veggies and pita), soups and salads. If you have a large appetite or some friends with you then you may want to share the “La Feast” a two course vegetarian metza platter for 2 ($26). They have fresh squeezed juices, pop and authentic Turkish Coffee ($2.75).

Review by: Richard Wolak

GAIA BISTRO

Gaia1

2055 W. 41st Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-5022

Web: http://www.gaiabistro.ca/

Advice: Closed Sundays

Trio of tasting salads

Trio of tasting salads

Chicken Shwarma plate

Chicken Shwarma plate

I had heard about a restaurant serving Israelli cuisine and I had to visit. The décor is colourful in this Kerrisdale eatery specializing in Mediteranian & Israelli cuisine. I had intended to get my food to go, however after a few minutes, I quickly changed my mind and opted for a table for a delightful lunch which was delicious. Before my entrée arrived I was served with a complimentary trio of salads which were very tasty. I had the Chicken Shwarma plate (11.95) pomegranite marinated chicken with hummus, roasted potatoes, tabuleh, carrot salad and warm grilled pita and I loved it, the flavours were so tasty and it was so delicious. Everything on the menu looked great, and ever so tempting, I haven’t had Israelli cuisine like this since I last visited Israel. You can taste the flavours in the dishes here, fresh and inspiring. I then ordered the Luna Puff Pastry ($4) savoury pastry filled with feta, swiss and parmesan cheese and fresh herbs and ended up having this at home for dinner. There dishes are wholesome and made with organic ingredients whenever possible, other items that looked good and ones that I want to try is the Jerusalem-style Kugel, Imam Bialdi, and the Latkes. The desserts also looked amazing from the Pear tart to the Ricotta Lemon Cheesecake. Next time I am going back to try their special Saturday morning brunch!

Review by: Richard Wolak

THE MAIN

TheMain

4210 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-709-8555

Web: http://www.themainonmain.com

Twitter: @TheMainonMain

Advice: Call ahead to place your take out order.

Hawaii Five-O Pizza

Hawaii Five-O Pizza

I have been a regular here at this Greek restaurant for many years, it is a family favorite as we know that they make delicious food. My favourites here are the Chicken Souvlaki ($16.50) skewered and grilled chicken served on a bed of rice, roasted potatoes, greek salad and satsiki; Hawaii Five-O Pizza ($16.50) with mushrooms, pineapple (and I get it without the ham); Spanakopita ($6) spinach, leeks, feta, fresh mint and fresh dill, wrapped in filo pastry; Briam ($12.50) zucchini, eggplant, red and green peppers, potatoes, tomato, garlic, and onions baked in olive oil and tomato sauce, topped with feta.

There is lots of seating inside as well as a patio the runs around front to the side of the building, the bar is well stocked and there is live music many nights of the week. The Main on Main is located in a good neighborhood and is fortunate to have established customers who come for their flavorful Greek and southern Mediteranean cuisine.

Review by: Richard Wolak

CIOPPINO’S

1133 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-688-7466

Web: http://www.cioppinosyaletown.com/

Advice: Make an advance reservation, if you have a large party then ask to be seated in the wine room.

“Brasato al Barolo” braised beef short ribs

“Brasato al Barolo” braised beef short ribs

This is one of my long time favourite restaurants that I visit as often as I am able too, it is one that my family has taken cousins or friends who have visited Vancouver. One of the reasons this restaurant is so successful is due to the Chef/Owner Pino Posteraro who is well trained in Italian cooking and is so passionate in taking care of his customers. I have many favorite dishes and here are some of them, Linguine with half lobster ($35) tomato cream lobster sauce, “Brasato al Barolo” braised beef short ribs ($30) in red wine with seasonal vegetables, Queen Charlotte Island Halibut Fillet ($40) roasted garlic-Sicilian capers sauce, Venetian style lemon risotto ($32) roasted spot prawns and 25 years old Balsamico. In addition to the regular menu there are always several appetizer and main specials, the dessert menu is always tempting and the dessert specials are always stellar, I am often full by the end of the meal but end up having dessert too. The service is the very best and many of the waiters have been here since the restaurant opened over 10 years ago.

Queen Charlotte Island Halibut Fillet

Queen Charlotte Island Halibut Fillet

He has one of the largest wine lists in the city and quite the cellar, the menu is full of stellar choices of the best wines around.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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