Posts Tagged ‘Neighborhood eating’

WEST

January 29th, 2012 admin

2881 Granville Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-738-8938

Web: http://www.westrestaurant.com/

Twitter: @westrestaurant

Advice: Be adventurous, try some of the Elements dishes or have the multi-course tasting menu.

Since Chef Quang Dang is on my top chefs to watch in 2012, I just had drop in for dinner to try his new Elements menu that I had heard was recently launched. I hadn’t eaten at West in over 6 years and was due for a return visit. This wasn’t any ordinary visit this was gastronomic heaven. The Elements menu is made up of 4 sections if you will, from sea, starch, pasture and vegetable and it makes for simpler dining, if you are dining solo or dining with friend as I did, you can experience so many more dishes and flavours by ordering a few of these and a few of those without having to follow the routine of ordering appetizers, entrees and desserts. Gerry and I did mix it up a bit, ordering some dishes off the Elements menu and others from the regular menu.

house baked rolls

Amuse

To begin we were served a complimentary plate of house baked rolls and an amuse arrived to the table to whet our palates.

Charred Vancouver Island Octopus

Salish Sea Sockeye Salmon

Marinated Scallops

Albacore Tuna

To start we had 4 dishes off the #elements menu – Charred Vancouver Island Octopus ($11.50) with Barigoule Vinaigrette followed by the exquisite Salish Sea Sockeye Salmon ($11) mountain berry cured, Ikura; then the Marinated Scallops ($5.50) with Granville Island sake and lime emulsion followed by the Albacore Tuna ($9) with ponzu gel and shiso.

“The Float” Tenderloin Soup

Chef Quang Dang surprised with a dish not yet on the menu to see our reaction, it was a brilliant idea and was delicious. “The Float” Tenderloin Soup cooked as served at the table, with dried rice noodles.

Cauliflower Soup

Hand Picked Biodynamic Greens

I then had the delicious Cauliflower Soup ($13) with wild salmon caviar, crème fraiche, truffled croutons and chives; while Gerry had the Hand Picked Biodynamic Greens ($12) with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Forraged Mushrooms

Honey Mussels

Chick Pea Croquettes

Gnocchi

Overnight Braised Short Ribs

North Arm Farm Beets

 

Brussel Sprouts

Next we had another 7 dishes off the #elements menu, starting with unique in presentation and flavour, Forraged Mushrooms ($11) ‘en Papillote’ thyme and confit Garlic; along with the outstanding Honey Mussels ($2.50 each) crispy stuffed mussels with spinach and lemon puree; Chick Pea Croquettes ($9) with mint dill yogurt. Then the outstanding Gnocchi ($18) with sage brown butter and parmesan; along with the tender and flavourful Overnight Braised Short Ribs ($14) with red onion marmalade; with the North Arm Farm Beets ($8) with hazelnuts and parsley pistou; and the Brussel Sprouts ($9) with shallot crumble.

Pineapple Brioche Tartin

Chocolate Tasting

For dessert, Gerry had the Pineapple Brioche Tartin ($13) with coconut macaroon Ice Cream and I had the heavenly Chocolate Tasting ($14.50) it was 3 individual desserts in one, warm Chocolate Cake filled Profiterole and toasted cocoa meringue; Raspberry Chocolate Almond Cake with milk chocolate semi freddo and a 75% Chocolate Ganache with raspberry compote and ice cream.

Ginger Chocolate Truffles

For the perfect ending to our outstanding dinner we were served Ginger Chocolate Truffles, a sweet finish!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in South Granville Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

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 »

CHEWIE’S STEAM AND OYSTER BAR

January 19th, 2012 admin

2201 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-558-4448

Web: http://www.chewies.ca

Twitter: @ChewiesOysters

Advice: Shuck & Suck Oyster Happy Hour 5pm-7pm daily.

Buttermilk Biscuits

I loved the open kitchen where guests can sit and watch the chefs at play, the room is long and on a split level featuring the bar and oyster bar in the rear. The restaurant is vibrant, energetic and its inspiring to see servers enjoying themselves and serving up some fine Creole cooking! Over a couple of visits I have eaten my way through many of their dishes, I have had the moist, flakey Buttermilk Biscuits ($3) herb and honey butter drizzled on both occasions.

Southern Fried Chicken

BBQ & Shrimp and Grits

Fried Okra

Cheese Grits

Their Southern Fried Chicken ($16) 2 day marinated buttermilk fried chicken, Cajun honey butter drizzle, mash & beans is an outstanding dish, as is their BBQ & Shrimp and Grits ($15) New Orleans style beer & rosemary BBQ sauce, parmesan cheese grits. I have also had the very unique and tasty Fried Okra ($5) Creole remoulade as well as their Cheese Grits ($5) parmesan, and corn meal.

French Quarter Beignets

They offer 3 very different desserts and I have had the shareable and oh so heavenly French Quarter Beignets ($6) Café Du Monde style classic beignets, chicory coffee anglaise.

Looking forward to my next visit for brunch and to trying their Chicken & Waffles!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

NOTTURNO PANINOTECA

January 3rd, 2012 admin

280 Carrall Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-720-3145

Web: http://www.facebook.com/NotturnoPaninoteca

Twitter: @NotturnoGastown

Advice: The locale could easily be missed, go and find it.

I felt like I was back in Italy having lunch at the home of a friend who was serving up simple grilled Panini with quality ingredients, yet I was in Gastown about to enjoy the same! The narrow room was nicely decorated with pictures on the wall, an open kitchen to see the chef making the Panini in front of me, chandeliers, black top tables and seating to enjoy the sandwiches and small plates with friends.

Blu Fico Panini

I had the Blu Fico ($9.50) which became my own version as I substituted the blue cheese for taleggio cheese and figs that was served with a side salad. There is a good selection of panini, as well as salads if you care to go gluten-free without the bread.

Very soon you will be able to stop in at night for a glass of wine or beer to go along with a Panini or share plates.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

CENTO NOTTI

December 12th, 2011 admin

350 Davie Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604 642 0557

Web: http://centonotti.com/

Twitter: @CentoNotti

Advice: Take a long a friend and share some dishes.

Burrata

This Italian themed restaurant is the latest pop-up at the Opus which is all done up in gold. Italian influenced pop-art is served up with comfort food that they call Twisted Italian. My friend Joe Leary joined me for dinner last week and we began our meal by sharing the house made Burrata ($13) hannahbrook greens, okanagan quince and house pickles.

Seared Qualicum bay Scallops

We were then each served a delicious amuse of Seared Qualicum bay scallops, lobster ravioli, house smoked bacon, carrot butter.

Platter with Three Cheese Garlic Bread ,Spaghetti Bolognese, Lobster Agnolotti, Steamed Asparagus, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables

Then as we were about to share our entrees a massive platter arrived to our table that was filled with the Three Cheese Garlic Bread ($8) along with the delicious Spaghetti Bolognese ($16), Lobster Agnolotti ($27), roasted lobster bisque, pea shoots; Steamed Asparagus ($8) and Roasted Seasonal Vegetables ($8).

Platter with frozen Tiramisu and Lemon Tart

For dessert another platter arrived with the outstanding Frozen Tiramisu ($8) and the refreshing Lemon Tart($8). Loved the room from the golden walls to the gold sparkling ceiling, its an elegant atmosphere with attentive service!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

ANATOLIA’S GATE

November 25th, 2011 admin

7084 Kingsway, Burnaby

Tel: 604-525-2519 ‎

Web: www.anatolias.ca

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Go with a friend or order a couple of dishes so that you are served the larger Lavash bread.

Lavash Bread

On a hunt for authentic Turkish cuisine, I headed out to Burnaby on a mission after hearing great things. Happily discovered a family run gem serving traditional Turkish dishes in a very homey atmosphere. With each of our dishes, Lavash bread was included, normally if dining alone you get a small bread, if 2 people are dining together they serve a large Lavash, this is Turkish bread. We chose the Whole Wheat Lavash which arrived to the table hot and puffy served with tzatziki.

Chicken Shisha

Beef Iskender Kabob

I had the delicious Chicken Shisha ($11.95) Grilled Chicken Breast Chunks served with salad, rice & yogurt sauce, my friend Gerry had the Adana Kabob ($11.95) Freshly Ground Beef grilled skewer w/yogurt rice & salad.

They have many different dishes from pide’s to kebabs and even pizzas, you will also find a limited offering of traditional Turkish desserts. Since I wrestled with ordering the dish that I did vs the Cheese Lovers Pide, I know what I will be having on my next visit!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Burnaby 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 »

COSCA RESTAURANT

October 20th, 2011 admin

1118 Denman Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-683-8485

Web: http://www.coscarestaurant.com/

Twitter: @coscarestaurant

Advice: Sharing platters are a great way to taste more dishes.

Funghi Selvatico

Calamari Livornese

Malanzane Arrosto

Focaccia

It’s no secret that I love Italian, my friend Avelino had been raving about the pasta dishes at Cosca for quite some time. I had been invited in for a media dinner recently and I knew this was one that I could not pass up. It was a wonderful evening of meeting other passionate foodies, we shared several appetizers that included the Funghi Selvatico ($11) Wild mushroom medley, pecorino – romano; Calamari Livornese ($10) Tender sautéed calamari, tomatoes, garlic, capers, olives; and the delicious Malanzane Arrosto ($11) Roasted eggplant, basil marinara, smoked mozzarella. Complimentary house baked Focaccia was served along with balsamic and olive oil for dipping.

Pappardelle Boscaiola & Linguini Pesto e Gamberi

For the main, I chose Avelino’s favourite pastas as I knew I couldn’t go wrong and since he had been raving about two of their pastas, I had them prepare a Pasta Platter ($16) featuring 2 different pastas – the tasty Linguini Pesto e Gamberi Shrimp, sundried tomato, pesto-cream sauce and the outstanding Pappardelle Boscaiola Fresh egg pasta, wild mushroom ragu, smoked mozzarella, truffle oil .

Chocolate Torte, Tiramisu & Apple Cake

We then had a Dessert sharing platter featuring all 3 of their desserts including the Chocolate Torte, Apple Cake and the deliciously light Tiramisu. I love Italian restaurants not only for the savoury hearty dishes but for a beautiful sweet finish, Cosca won me over with their pastas but failed to win me over in their desserts.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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