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

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 2^nd 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

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

221 Carrall Street  Vancouver

Tel: 604-569-2215

Web: http://corkandfin.ca/

Twitter: @corkandfin

Advice: Have the Chef’s Tasting menu.

As we all know it’s often difficult to eat at every new restaurant that opens in our food loving city, often we miss those gems that we should have visited much earlier on. It took me close to a year to visit Cork & Fin, Juliane Siu joined me for dinner, she won the SFU Marketers Night contest awarding her dinner with me. We both had the multi-course Chefs Tasting Menu ($50 per person or $75 per person with the wine pairings) that was prepared by Chef Elliott Hashimoto, I had the wine pairings and Juliane had the non-alcoholic pairings that were prepared for her by Doug Stephen to match each course.

Amuse Bouche Oyster & Crab

Ahi Tuna Carpaccio

To begin our meal, the Amuse Bouche Oyster & Crab paired with Pasqua Prosecco, Italy, NV for me and Yuzu-ade for Juliane. For our second course we had the most unique presented and delicious Ahi Tuna Carpaccio, truffle aioli, micro greens, crouton paired with the Teillery Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile 2010 and Virgin Pamplemousse for Juliane.

Lobster Bisque

Grappa & Lemon Granite

For our third course we were served the delicious and light tasting Lobster Bisque with lobster meat, chive cream paired with the Laughing Stock Chardonnay, Naramata, 2009 for and Iced Earl Grey Latte for Juliane. For our fourth course which was the Intermezzo I was served the Grappa & Lemon Granite and Juliane was served the same without the Grappa.

Sabelfish ‘Toro’

Short-Ribs

For our fifth course, the melt in our mouth Sabelfish ‘Toro’. Maple glazed daikon & carrots paired with the 8^th Generation Pinot Noir Okanagan, 2010 for me and the Chamomile Sour for Juliane.  For our sixth course, the crispy braised Short-Ribs, pommes fondant, caramelized onion jus paired with Plan Pegau, Rhone Valley, France, Lot #2009 for me and Smoked Cassis for Juliane.

Chocolate Truffles

To finish our amazing meal, for our seventh course, house made Chocolate Truffles paired with the La Frenz vintage port Shiraz, 2010 for me and the Hot Dark Chocolate for Juliane.

I loved the exposed bricked room, and wonderful music playing in the background, and the gracious service. Aside from the Chefs Tasting Menu, they also have quite an extensive seafood selection, oysters, fish and meats as well as an impressive wine list.

Review By: Richard Wolak

1551 Johnston Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-682-6681

Web: http://www.ediblecanada.com/bistro.php

Twitter: @ediblecanada

Advice: Located across from the Public Market on Granville Island.

I love art and more so love art on a plate, visiting for lunch recently I indulged in both. Having had dishes created by Chef Jennifer Dodd and Tom Lee at off-site events it was a must that I dine in their restaurant.

Chicken Taco

Smoked Alberta Bison Shortribs & Frites

Since I was dining solo, I had to choose wisely, to begin I had a delicious Chicken Taco that was served open face on a crispy flat taco, topped with chicken, fresh herbs and edible flowers. I then had the outstanding Smoked Alberta Bison Shortribs & Frites ($16) with red apple, spiced pecan salad and fresh horseradish. Not only was the dish flavourful it was also colorful on the plate with an artfulness character at play and I loved the crispy fries that were cooked in duck fat.

Triple Chocolate Brownie Mousse Cake

For dessert which was the perfect finish to my meal, I had the delicious Triple Chocolate Brownie Mousse Cake ($8) with caramel, grapes and nuts.

There is an open kitchen, great bar set-up, a pantry to buy all sorts of edible goodies, along with a large amount of seating both inside and out. They also have a private space within the restaurant where they offer their market dinners when featuring visiting chefs. Already looking forward to a return visit to try some more inventive dishes!

Review By: Richard Wolak

4120 East Hastings Street Burnaby, BC

Tel: 604-299-2772

Web: http://www.peartreerestaurant.net/

Twitter: @PeartreeBurnaby

Advice: Closed Sunday and Monday. Advance reservations are a must.

I finally had dinner recently at this oh so humble fine dining restaurant in North Burnaby where many of the finest chefs in Canada have apprenticed in this kitchen under Chef Scott Jaeger. So many chefs that I have met have worked here and many of those have competed in the notable International cooking competition Bocuse d’Or along with Scott.

Witloof Salad

Orange Caramelized Scallops

As we began our meal we were served complimentary house-made Brioche which was flakey and delicious along with butter. This is a kitchen of perfection, that being said it was an honour for me to dine here knowing Chef Scott Jaeger was cooking my meal. To start , I had the Witloof Salad ($14) with watercress, Okanagan pear dressing, candied walnuts and aged Gouda; my dining companion had the Orange Caramelized Scallops ($16) with double smoked bacon risotto.

Braised 'Peace River' Lamb Shank

Pan Roasted 'Miracle Springs' Trout

For our mains, I had the deliciously tender Braised ‘Peace River’ Lamb Shank ($30) with seared scallops and roasted pear risotto; and my dining companion had the outstanding Pan Roasted ‘Miracle Springs’ Trout ($29) served with Pomme Dauphine and butternut squash.

Warm Spice Cake

Chocolate Ganache

For dessert, both were outstanding and a fine finish to each of our meals. I had the Warm Spice Cake ($11) with poached pears and almond coriander ice cream; and my dining companion had the Chocolate Ganache ($12) with a crisp nut base salted caramel and orange chocolate sorbet.

The dining room is well appointed and classy, and the food is well presented to perfection. This restaurant is a gem that has humble chefs creating fine cuisine worth your patronage!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

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

1032 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-637-0777

Web: http://www.glowbalgroup.com/blackblue/

Twitter: @glowbal_group #Black+Blue

Advice: For many of the steaks you can order by the ounce, they have two private rooms upstairs for larger parties.

I love the stunning gold lights that shine from the ceiling in this three-level dining room. The meat cooler’s Himalayan Rock Salt ‘Wall’ where the salt acts as a canvas for the aged and cured meats on display is a stellar showpiece in the restaurant as well.

B+B Cheese Bread

Tomato Salad

My friend Joe Leary joined me for dinner last week and we began our meal by sharing the B+B Cheese Bread ($2) with chive oil served in a cast iron pan, this was followed by the Tomato Salad ($13) heirloom tomatoes, herb oil with Buratta, red onion, balsamic reduction.

Snake River Wagyu Rib Eye

Selection of Steak Sauces

Potato Cakes

Broccoli

Onion Rings

On to the mains which were the star attraction of our meal, I had the Snake River Wagyu Rib Eye ($100 for 10 oz steak) and it was the best I have had in Vancouver in recent memory, perfectly cooked, juicy and flavourful. This steak was priced at $10 per oz. Joe had the P.E.I. Blue Ribbon Beef Tenderloin ($42) for a 10 oz steak. Steak is obviously the showcase here and the range of offerings is impressive with an extensive selection of prime cuts available – from Wagyu to US and Canadian Prime. We both then shared some sides including the tasty Potato Cakes ($7) horseradish cream; Broccoli ($8) provençal style that could have had a bit more flavour; along with the very good Onion Rings that were beer battered ($7) served with a spicy mayonnaise.

Crepes Suzette

For dessert, I had the Crepes Suzette ($12) prepared tableside, with Cointreau, whipped cream along with an added scoop of vanilla ice cream. Joe had a bowl of Cassis Sorbet.

I found the service to be a bit off the mark as I expected the very best all-around experience. Hopefully the service side will improve as the months go by.

Review By: Richard Wolak

1070 West Georgia, Vancouver

Tel: 604-692-0071

Web: http://www.urbantea.com/

Twitter: @urban_tea

Advice: You can choose from one of their pre-set menus, or have an Afternoon Tea Service and add a lunch entrée.

I have had a few delightful Afternoon Tea experiences here in the past, a lunch menu was added recently. I sat in their elegant Tea Salon to indulge in a tea infused lunch. Each of the dishes are either infused with one of their teas or has something to do with enhancing your tea experience.

I enjoyed a couple of teas from their vast selection of over 250 teas during my holiday lunch, began the meal with the Singapore Breakfast Tea.

Lamb Press

Orange Scone

I had the Lamb Press ($16) braised lamb with Moroccan Mint Coulis and steamed baby beets for my entrée, followed by one of their delicious Orange Scones ($4) with devon crème and strawberry jam.

Red Christmas Creme Brulee

For my dessert tea I had the Holiday Spirits, which was followed by dessert, I had the outstanding Red Christmas Creme Brulee ($8) that was tea infused with their Red Christmas Tea.

There are many choices of entrees along with a good selection of Signature Tea Sandwiches to accompany one of their TWG Teas. Looking forward to my return visit and to experience another unique tea.

Review By: Richard Wolak