190 replies to this topic

[Abra]

Last summer we spent several days on Granville Island, in the nice (and too expensive) hotel there to celebrate our anniversary. I'll tell you, walking out the door and into the Granville Market for breakfast was almost as good as being in Paris. We had coffee each morning from the little JJ Beans there, and it was excellent coffee, with super-nice people who remembered us by the third day. The food, the fruit and flowers, it was all glorious. I recommend staying there, to any eGer who's headed north. It's a foodie paradise, that little island.

Hey, I love that Neus olive oil too!

[LindaK]

Next stop was in West Vancouver to see a couple clients.  One lives just above an area of West Vancouver known as Dundarave.

okay, it should be the sushi or coffee descriptions that catch my attention but i see this photo and i see FLOWERS. You mean to tell me that you're further north than I am (Boston MA) and you have daffodils already? Where's the snow? I have plenty in my front yard if you need some.

[Daddy-A]

Yaletown.

People that live in Vancouver seem to either love this district it or hate it. Over the past 10 years or so Yaletown has become the place to be, and be seen. Downtown loft-living, trendy boutiques, and chic restaurants are everywhere. In my line of work, some of the best cabinet companies have showrooms there ... with price tags to reflect their overhead!

One store that stands out for me is Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks.

Further to our coveration on culinary tipping points, this store provided me with one of mine. About 7 years ago I was shopping for a gift, and Barbara-Jo suggested I purchase something for myself as well. It was a copy of A. J. Liebling's Between Meals. My life hasn't been the same since reading that book ... nor has my girth! I'm sorry if this comes off sounding like a plug, but I have met very few people with as much knowledge and passion for their work as Barbara-Jo.

Yet, as trendy as some may say Yaletown is, ask anyone in the Vancouver forum where to eat when you come to town, and at least a couple recs will be in Yaletown. The food here is really amazing. For lunch today, it had to be "The Hammie"


For those who don't already know, the Hamilton Street Grill is owned by eGullet member nwyles (Neil Wyles). It was home to The Big Night where many Vancouver eGulleters met for the first time, and is where many of us get our fix of gingerbread and hanger steak. The HSG was also where I had my first taste of the results of Chef Fowke's Great Pastrami/Smoked Meat Experiment. (That thread is legendary btw ... read it when you have a chance). The pastrami was what I was after today:


Those of you with great memories will recall the bread being from Red Square. The fries are Neil's wonderful yam fries, that's chipotle mayo on the right ... and the salad in the back? Inconseqential. The pastrami had just the right amount of fat in it ... enough to keep the meat moist, but not so much as to distract from the seasoning and texture of the meat. Don't be looking for this on the menu though. You gotta know da man

I don't normally have dessert at lunch. But today, for you my eGullet friends, I took one for the team:

This is not, as I said earlier, what gingerbread wants to be when it grows up ...
This is what happens when gingerbread goes to Heaven!

How was that Neil??

If you ask nice, Neil may post the recipe ... but if you make it at home, it won't be the same, unless you get the ice cream recipe too The ginger & pumpkin (one scoop of each) ice cream provides perfect relief from the richness of the gingerbread. Truly awesome ... and cause for a nap (if only I had time )


Your gracious host, Chef Neil Wyles (now get the hell outta my kitchen!).

A.

[Daddy-A]

You mean to tell me that you're further north than I am (Boston MA) and you have daffodils already? Where's the snow? I have plenty in my front yard if you need some.

If you really want to get uptight over something, go back to the beginning of this thread. We've got cherry blossoms as well!

We did get some hail this afternoon if that helps.

A.

[Daddy-A]

I am the proud father of two sons. Matthew is 13 and Ryan is 11. They live with their mother in Pitt Meadows which is about a 30 minute drive east of our house. They are probably the biggest reason I discovered cooking. Before I met "J", cooking for them was the closest thing I had to looking after someone. While I don't get to see them as much as I like, I see them as much as I can.

Wednesday is typically father-son day. We'll go swimming and then out for dinner somewhere ... catch up on stuff.

Me: So what did you guys do at school this week?
Boys: (in unison) Nuthin'

We're very close

Today Matthew had Rugby practice, so Ryan and I went to watch:



Ryan's sign says "Go Matt!".

Of course after a hard afternoon of rugby, a kid's gotta eat right? Tonight will be my one "lazy night" when it comes to dinner.



Tonight's selections were Roasted Chicken, Sweet Onion Teryaki and the Classic BMT. We had cookies for dessert. Of course the big thrill for the boys was being a part of the foodblog. Look how nicely they posed for me:



Like I said, we're close.

Tomorrow we'll stay a little closer to home and visit some of our local faves in Burnaby.

A.

[bloviatrix]

That looks amazing. Thanks for making the sacrifice of eating dessert.

Neil, would you please share your recipe??? Pretty please? And for the ice cream, too? I love the idea of pumpkin ice cream.

[Ling]

Ooohhh...how I love that gingerbread pudding! It comes to your table warm, gooey, and with a nice amount of spice. The pumpkin ice-cream is soooo good!

[appreciator]

Great blog Daddy-A! Even though I live here, it's always nice to see the place through someone else’s eyes.

Oh, and as an aside, I too can confirm the yummy goodness of the gingerbread pudding I think that Neil is going for world domination via g-bread pudding.... and he just might get it!

[peppyre]

Poor Neil, he's now going to be inundated with eGulleters from all over. It's bad enough that on given day there is at least one Gulleter looking for Gingerbread.

I have some in my fridge at this very moment.

That pastrami.......Oh...looks so good.....

So what's for dinner? Any hints about food plans for tomorrow?

[Safran]

Oh Arne, and Neil!!!
I, too, would love the recipe for that dessert, including the recipe for the two ice-creams. Wow!!!
Arne, you're a true blogger, ordering dessert for us...!
Am really enjoying this blog! Now, what's on for tonight??? Do you and your wife both share cooking or is that your area?

Edited by Safran, 17 March 2005 - 05:52 AM.

[therese]

***NEWSFLASH***
Just got word from my beautiful wife "J" that there will be a hockey game in this blog!  How's that for Canadian Content??

Hockey, beer, yeah, that's Canadian Content. But what about something really Canadian? Like curling.

[Daddy-A]

Neil, would you please share your recipe???  Pretty please?  And for the ice cream, too?  I love the idea of pumpkin ice cream.

Oh Arne, and Neil!!!
I, too, would love the recipe for that dessert, including the recipe for the two ice-creams.  Wow!!!
Arne, you're a true blogger, ordering dessert for us...!
Am really enjoying this blog!  Now, what's on for tonight???  Do you and your wife both share cooking or is that your area?

I'll leave the recipe issue up to Neil. We may have to wait for RecipeGullet to get back on-line.

As to the cooking ... it often depends on who gets home first. I'd say we're about 50/50 except on weekend where we have the kids. Then I tend to do more of the cooking. This week is also an exception. Tuesdays & Thursdays I get home late from work so "J" usually cooks, but because I'm blogging I've taken that job this week.

Hockey, beer, yeah, that's Canadian Content. But what about something really Canadian? Like curling. 

The World Championships are in Victoria, BC ... next week I think? Besides, curlers drink more than they eat

A.

[Daddy-A]

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm afraid that's about as Irish as I'm going to get today. Long gone are the days where I can sit my ass down in a pub on St. Patty's Day and drink away the afternoon. However there will be an Irish Stout at dinner tonight


All hail the Altar of Java! (Do I detect a pattern here?) I did break with routine this morning outside of our standard coffee. Every now and then I get the urge for poached eggs, and thanks to eGullet I have perfected the technique and have been able to bannish that damned poaching pan to the Garage Sale pile forever!


This will be as close to a kitchen shot as I'll do in this blog ... need to keep things on topic you know! I promise I'll get a full set of pictures up in another thread. The range is the Dacor Preference Dual-Fuel ... a step below Marlene's new range ! Cabinets are a laminate called "Tawny Satinwood" ... very durable and easy to clean ... countertops are Corian "Tumbled Glass" ... flooring is Forbo Marmoleum.


Two farm-fresh eggs from Avalon Dairy... a local farm right in the middle of the city. Very cool. Eggs are free-range & organic ...


... and taste fantastic on top of some left-over baguette, camembert and a little dijon. Fans of Ringo & Gromit will be glad to know they got a taste for their breakfast

Weather today is supposed to be a mixed bag, but this morning it wasn't raining, so I stepped out onto the back pation to show you the view:

This is looking south from just below the Capitol Hill area of Burnaby. The towers you see on the horizon on the right are part of the Metrotown complex. Essentially, shopping mall, office towers, and chain restaurants. It's Burnaby's version of "downtown."

Today I'm off to The Heights to pick up some snacks for something special we'll be doing tomorrow night.

A.

[stovetop]

Daddy-A; great foodblog:

Two farm-fresh eggs from Avalon Dairy... a local farm right in the middle of the city. Very cool. Eggs are free-range & organic ...

If I may add one of only three independent dairies left in BC and the oldest independent dairy in BC. Go Avalon!!!
steve

[Daddy-A]

Time to catch up ...

My coffee stop this morning was the subject of one of my first posts on eGullet.


Il Pappagallo Cafe is our "local" and serves really good espresso. Honestly the coffee isn't why we go there, although it is really good ... it's the owner and his family and the way they make us feel at home.


Pat and his family have been running Pappagallo for alomst 15 years now. They were in a neighbouring strip mall until about 2 years ago when *$'s decided they wanted into the mall, and they forced Pat out. Luckily Pat has made many many friends in the community and soon had a new space to lease. The funny thing about it all is that the majority of Pat's regulars from the mall now make the trek across the street to his new location rather than support the Green machine.

You may have noticed the sign that boasts "The Ultimate Cheesecakes." When I explained to Pat why I was taking the picture, he insisted on showing off:


Guess what we're having for dessert! I don't know what qualifies as "ultimate" in the cheesecake department, but my guess is that this is pretty damn close.

A.

[rjwong]

Pat and his family have been running Pappagallo for alomst 15 years now.  They were in a neighbouring strip mall until about 2 years ago when *$'s decided they wanted into the mall, and they forced Pat out.  Luckily Pat has made many many friends in the community and soon had a new space to lease.  The funny thing about it all is that the majority of Pat's regulars from the mall now make the trek across the street to his new location rather than support the Green machine.

Ohhh, now I get it! It took me a while to figure out that sentence. Pappagallo instead of *$'s, ehh? Brilliant!!

[Pam R]

Daddy-A: Great blog so far!

I was in Vancouver for the first time on a business trip last November. I wish I had been more aware of eG and all you Vancouver egulleters then... I've missed out on so much! I'm taking notes for the next trip.
Thanks.

[Daddy-A]

We live in northern half of Burnaby, cleverly referred to as North Burnaby For those interested in universities, Simon Fraser University is near us. The shopping district is called The Heights, and features shops that have been around since the 1940's. My grandmother used to take me up to The Valley Bakery as a kid. It was bread for her and for cookies for me!



Two of our regular shopping haunts. La Salza, if you're ever in town, is run by a family from El Salvador. They make the best home made salsas, pepusas, pesole, tamales. Service is not always "quick" but the food is fresh and the people are friendly.

A couple doors down is The Pear Tree, one of the finest restaurants in the lower mainland. Chef Scott Jaeger is representing Canada at the 2006(?) Bocus d'Or competition. Unfortunately for us, it wasn't in the blogging cards this week. But if you find yourself in Vancouver, PM me for the details. The Pear Tree is worth the cab ride from downtown!

I've saved the best for last:



Cioffi's Meat Market & Deli. A good old fashioned Italian deli complete with narrow aisles, cured meats hanging from the ceiling, and soccer posters! North Burnaby has a very high percentage of Italian families, so the selection has to be good.



The picture on the left is the cooler with all the parm reg, bocconcini, and other cheeses that don't fit at the deli counter. On the right is the oil and vinegar selection.

The butcher here is another highlight. An great selection and a bunch of guys with knives who know a thing or two about meat.



Those are two pieces of pork shoulder I will be smoking on Saturday. My first attempt at real barbecue and you're coming along for the ride In addition to the pork, I picked up some cured brisket from Neil yesterday. Meat anyone?

I also picked up a few deli items for "J" and I to have tomorrow night ... grilled artichoke hearts, eggplant & tapenade. Friday night is our cocktail evening ... but tomorrow is something a little special. The Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival has been running this week, and we're attending the LARGE festical tasting, as well as a dinner later tomorrow night. We've booked a room at The Pan Pacific Hotel so there will be no DUI ... just lots of tasting! Swirl, spit ... swirl, spit ...

This was my coffee break on the way into the office:



Thanks to Kew & Tepee for the inspiration!

A.

[Dejah]

How about some Tim Horton's or Timbits, eh?

Love that oil and vinegar section.

[mizducky]

Heh. As a former resident of Seattle, I always feel like I have to offer karma-preserving apologies to the universe for the unleashing of the Starbucks blight upon the world. In fact, on one of my past jaunts up to Vancouver from Seattle, I was shocked and slightly mortified to see two *$'s on opposite corners of the same intersection. Even in Seattle itself, they're not quite that out of control (although IIRC, there are at least a couple of downtown Seattle outlets within two or three blocks of each other).

Definitely enjoying your blog. I recall, on another Vancouver visit, discovering a whole neighborhood of Indian/Sikh stores, restaurants, etc.--am I remembering that right? Would you by any chance be taking a visit to that area? There were whole bunches of Indian sweets on display that I didn't get a chance to sample, and want to torture myself by experiencing vicariously ...

[Daddy-A]

Two more meals to go today ...

Many of you have asked for Japanese food. While there are many many excellent choices in Vancouver, I selected one of my regular lunch@work haunts; Shiro Sushi (3096 Cambie Street). I've only ever eaten dinner there once ... lunch at least once a week. I went with the owner of Paradigm Kitchens (the company I work with) who's not very adventurous with Japanese even though his wife is Japanese



This is Bento Box "A" Deep fried scallop, tempura, sashimi ... and the gomae from Justin's lunch that he never eats

The bill is always accompanied by dessert:



Today the Pocky had chocolate and coconut!

As we were leaving, I asked Shiro (owner) if I could take his picture:



He says to everyone in the restaurant, "He is my brother!" and points to our heads!

A.

[Daddy-A]

Daddy-A: Great blog so far!

I was in Vancouver for the first time on a business trip last November.  I wish I had been more aware of eG and all you Vancouver egulleters then... I've missed out on so much!  I'm taking notes for the next trip.

Drops us a line ... I think you'll find us quite ... ummm sociable! Just wait until the weekend and you'll see more on the blog!

A.

[Daddy-A]

Definitely enjoying your blog. I recall, on another Vancouver visit, discovering a whole neighborhood of Indian/Sikh stores, restaurants, etc.--am I remembering that right? Would you by any chance be taking a visit to that area?

You're probably talking about the Punjabi Market ... Main - Fraser, 41st - 49th. I'll try to drop by this weekend, probably Sunday. I could use a couple samosas!

A.

[barolo]

Great blog Arne. They are all interesting, but it's especially interesting to see reactions to Granville Island and other Vancouver spots that we take for granted.

[Daddy-A]

Dinner tonight was the result of the shopping I did at Granville Island at the beginning of this blog.


Fresh halibut fillets marinading in miso, lemon and EVOO. One of the best things that resulted from my time working at Longliner Seafoods was a pretty good working knowledge of how to cook fish. This marinade was suggested to me by a customer almost 20 years ago, and I still use it!


On the grill are red, orange and green peppers, and thin slices of Japanese eggplant ... all are brushed with EVOO and then s&p.

Vinaigrette for the salad ...


... made with grapeseed oil (the recipe calls for EVOO, but I like grape seed oil in dressings better), red wine vinegar (big jug on the right ) garlic, orange peel, pine nuts, s&p. Turn a hand blender on it to get this:



I'd like to take credit for that recipe, but it's from "Moosewood Cooks at Home", still one of my favorite cookbooks.

If you'll indulge me for a moment:


On eGullet, we often discuss how food and family are closely linked, which is why I've been telling you about my family ... kids, dogs, "J" (who has yet to make an appearance in this blog ). The pepper mill above belonged to my grandmother. It was the one kitchen "tool" she would let me use when I was a kid. When we were going through her belongings after she passed away, it was the first thing I asked for. And best of all, it's the best damn pepper grinder I've ever owned!

Now onto dinner!


One of the great things about halibut is how durable it is. If the fillets is about 1" thick it'll hold up on the grill just fine. Anything thinner and I'd have some foil underneath to keep it together. My kids give me a bad time about making the grill marks cross (on everything you do Dad!) but I like the way it looks


The eggplant is plated beneath the halibut, and the peppers are julienned and served on the salad. The rice is basmati. And since it's St. Patty's day today, "J" & I shared a bottle if Granville Island Irish Stout. Halibut is Irish, right?

No guesses as to what we had for dessert:



Tomorrow ... wine, cheese and lunch al fresco. Pray for sun!

A.

[Daddy-A]

How about some  Tim Horton's or Timbits, eh?

Timmy Ho's?? You know Dejah, ever since Winnipeg lost the Jets, you guys have just been mean!


Now THAT's a donut! A honey-glazed old-fashioned from Lee's on Granville Island. On Monday, I'm gonna show you something called a Rolly-Polly that'll make even this donut look anemic.

A.

[Mooshmouse]

Halibut is Irish, right? 

No guesses as to what we had for dessert:

Tomorrow ... wine, cheese and lunch al fresco.  Pray for sun!

Yeah, about as Irish as I am!

Dinner looked tasty but, true to form, it's dessert that I'm salivating over!

See you at lunch tomorrow. And don't worry: it'll be blue-sky gorgeous.

[peppyre]

I have a feeling there may not be sun, but hey, it's Vancouver, it's only water.

Liquid Sunshine!

That Halibut looks fantastic. Grilling fish is something that I just can't get to work. I tried it once and the fish just shredded. Did you oil the grill?

[Tough Cookie]

Great pictures! I now have a HUGE craving for a doughnut, and I'm not usually one for sweets.

The halibut looks awesome. Could you tell us the recipe for the marinade?

[Daddy-A]

That Halibut looks fantastic.  Grilling fish is something that I just can't get to work.  I tried it once and the fish just shredded.  Did you oil the grill?

Yes, oiling the grill is important. So is a hot grill. My grills are cast iron so they hold the heat really well. Once the grills are hot, put the fish on (helps if the fish is at room temp)m leave the grill open, and drop the heat. Let the fish cook for about 5 minutes (lid closed) before you try to move it, using a wide spatula. If the fish looks too flakey, just leave it. It'll still cook all the way through, it will just take longer.

There are only two fish I can grill successfuly on this grill ... halibut (filets & steaks) and salmon (steaks, or filets w/ skin-on). The filets in each case need to be quite thick.

A.