Posts Tagged ‘Vegetarian’

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 »

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 »

ALVIN GARDEN

November 9th, 2011 admin

4850 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC

Tel: (604) 437-0828

Web: n/a

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Make sure you tell your server what spice level you want. Dishes are made for sharing.

Happy to have discovered this popular spot specializing in Hunan style Chinese cuisine. As popular as it is amongst those that are in the know it’s also quite difficult to find. I dined with a group and we many dishes were ordered for us the spice level was 1/5 of the usual spice levels and it was plenty hot for us, I can only imagine what the regular spice levels would be like for those that dare.

Tea Smoked Duck

Spicy Shredded Chicken

BC Prawns & Scallops with Vegetables

Tofu and Vegetables

Alberta Beef with pickled green

Spicy Chicken with peanuts

Spicy Green Beans

I especially liked the BC Prawns & Scallops with Vegetables, Alberta Beef with pickled green, Spicy Chicken with peanuts, and Spicy Green Beans as they were flavourful and not too spicy. Hunan cuisine is known to be spicy and while years ago I enjoyed spicy food, I now prefer a lesser heat level.

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 »

PAJO’S AT THE WHARF

August 28th, 2011 admin

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 2nd place.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

THE PORCH RESTAURANT

August 28th, 2011 admin

6179 248 Street, Langley, BC

Tel: (604) 856-5757

Web: http://www.krauseberryfarms.com/

Twitter: @KrauseBerryFarm

Advice: located at Krause Berry Farm, check website for hours. Place your order at the counter.

Corn Pizza

Blueberry Milkshake

Strawberry Milkshake

Blueberry Shortcake

As part of my Field Trip to Krause Daily Farms, my friend Nikki Caine and I had a wonderful lunch on the farm during our visit. We sat on the outside patio overlooking the children’s playground and orchard on this spectacular sunny day. I had a slice of delicious house-made roasted Corn Pizza ($3.99) that was topped with their own yellow corn, artichokes, assorted bell peppers, and cheese; as well as a Blueberry Milk Shake ($3.99), Nikki also had a slice of the Corn Pizza as well as a Strawberry Milk Shake ($3.99). For dessert we shared the tasty Blueberry Shortcake with vanilla soft ice cream, their version of a Shortcake is a sweet biscuit and fresh berries. You will also find other in beverages including Berry Lemonade, Smoothies and Shakes; as well as home-made desserts that include their Fruit Pies, Shortcakes, and more!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

PHNOM PENH

August 21st, 2011 admin

244 E Georgia Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 682-5777

Web: n/a

Twitter: n/a

Advice: The line-up is worth the long wait, take along a book to read while you wait.

I am probably the last person in the city to dine at this long standing eatery in Chinatown, at least I can say that I have had the pleasure to eat their popular and delicious Garlic Fried Squid on a few occasions at catered events. Last Sunday while walking around Gastown and Chinatown I happened upon the restaurant and with a minimal wait was seated at the sharing table. I knew what I should order based on what almost every chef in town had told me, so I decided not to order those two dishes which were the Garlic Fried Squid and their Chicken Wings. The restaurant was packed even at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon, after looking at the menu in detail which was almost fully segregated into Cambodian Favourites and Vietnamese Favourites, I decided to choose one selection from each.

Spicy Garlic Prawns

Trieu Chau Special Vegetable Bun

I had a half order of the outstanding Spicy Garlic Prawns ($8.50) and the Trieu Chau Special Vegetable Buns  ($7.95) along with a complementary glass of hot tea. There is a reason as to why this restaurant has been serving customers for so many years and to where there is a constant line-up. Looking forward to my next visit to try more dishes.

Review By: Richard Wolak

 

Posted in Chinatown, Strathcona Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »
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