190 replies to this topic

[Mooshmouse]

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

Liquid Sunshine!

Okay, you're right. I was being overly optimistic before checking The Weather Network.

But you never know. Start sun-dancing y'all.

And Arne, tsk tsk tsk for withholding that photo of a glorious Lee's doughnut! Honey-glazed old-fashioned is one of my faves.

[*Deborah*]

Oh, am I jealous of that cheesecakse, it looks like my favourite, creamy kind!

Arne, I think you and Shiro were separated at birth: not just your heads, but your smiles are so similar!

And thanks for the Cioffi reminder, I don't get over there often enough.

[Ling]

That cheesecake! Could you tell us what sets Pappagallo's cheesecakes apart from others you've eaten? And what's that in the case underneath the strawberry cheesecake--it looks like a banana cream pie cheesecake to me! I might have to make a trek out to Burnaby....that thick graham crust looks so tempting.

(And I'm bringing cookies to share at our "al fresco" lunch tomorrow )

Edited by Ling, 18 March 2005 - 12:22 AM.

[Daddy-A]

Good morning. I've had a number of requests in this blog to discuss my kitchen. Chef Neil and I were discussing this the other day ... the whole question of "what does a professional kitchen designer do for their kitchen?", is much the same as "what does a chef have for dinner?". Often it's pretty ordinary. Functional, but ordinary.

But before we begin ...


All hail the Altar of Java


An overview shot of the whole kitchen. Materials we used: Cabinets: Laminate (Tawny Satinwood), Countertops: Corian (Tumbled Glass), Backsplash: Tile From DalTile (2x2 Mosaic - Almond w/ Bottle Green inserts), Flooring: Forbo Marmoleum (Desert w/ Bottle Green inserts)


Our range Probably the biggest change in the kitchen as we went from electric to gas. Range: Dacor RSD30 (Dual Fuel), Hood: Rangemaster 36" 850 CFM. This shot also gives a good look at the backsplash. The green insert pattern is repeated on the floor.


This is what "J" refers to as "The Bridge" (think Star Trek). The raised bar is 1.5" thick maple butcher block. The bar stools are from Sears (of all places!). Dishwasher: Asko 1400 series.


This wall is opposite the sink, 90 degrees right of the range. The fridge is a Maytag (forgot the model number) with a bottom mount freezer. This is a good example of experience dictating my choices. I've been suggesting bottom mounts to clients for years. After seeing them in finished projects, and hearing feedback from clients, this decision was a slam dunk.

The section to the right of the fridge is sort of a snack/bar area. Behind the glass doors above the microwave are all our wine glasses, martini glasses, etc. What's really cool is how they open:


Of course, the whole area is lit up like a Christmas tree. Looks really cool when the other kitchen lights are off.


The Sink: Corian (872 in Bisque), Faucet: Grohe Ladyluxe Cafe. The window is new as well. Notice how the tile fills in the opening around the window. We wanted the kitchen to "fit" into the 1950's feel of the home ... that's a technique that would have been used. The cabinetry above the sink houses lighting, and is also available for storage ... we usually hide the candy there after Halloween.


I wanted to show this picture for two reasons: first, the pull-out is pretty cool. We use it to store oils, vinegar and rice. Second, the curved cabinet is a direct copy from the original kitchen. There is another pantry in the kitchen that also has curved doors.


Finally, my butcher block! Not only usefull for cutting, but a nice backdrop for eGullet Dinner! photos!

So there it is ... I hope you enjoyed the tour. Coffee anyone?

A.

[Daddy-A]

That cheesecake!  Could you tell us what sets Pappagallo's cheesecakes apart from others you've eaten? And what's that in the case underneath the strawberry cheesecake--it looks like a banana cream pie cheesecake to me! I might have to make a trek out to Burnaby....that thick graham crust looks so tempting.

Pappagallo's cheesecake is just very creamy and rich. Like I said, I really prefer the German style of cheesecake (where you kinda chissel pieces off it?) but Pat's cheesecakes are a more than acceptable alternative.

I can't remember what else he had in the display case ... I do know they make a really good tirramisu (sp?) and their biscotti are fantsatic (raspberry, white chocolate and black pepper!!!).

Make sure you call me for directions Ling ... don't want you getting lost on Burnaby Mountain!!

A.

[Susan in FL]

Your kitchen is gorgeous. I adore it. I want it!
I have intentions to get black appliances, but unfortunately can't afford a plan for when yet. Nevertheless, I've been looking at black refrigerators. I would also like to have a range much like yours and your photos helped visualize for me what it would look like in that scheme.

But your kitchen is so clean...!?

[Lone Star]

Gorgeous kitchen!

[Daddy-A]

  But your kitchen is so clean...!? 

Confession: those are some promotional shots taken about 2 years ago, just after we finished. So, no, our kitchen isn't anywhere near that clean!

A.

[bleudauvergne]

I was just going to get worried about you, Daddy A, the kitchen being so clean. Those drawer racks are wonderful. All the wood and rounded edges, I just love that color you chose for the walls as well. What I really love is the way that same color is echoed in the patterns in your floor and also the wall tiles. Very subtle and it gives a very tasteful playful theme to the whole kitchen. Close to neutral and classic but at the same time, very contemporary.

[Susan in FL]

  But your kitchen is so clean...!? 

Confession: those are some promotional shots taken about 2 years ago, just after we finished. So, no, our kitchen isn't anywhere near that clean!

A.

Whew. I feel better now.

[Priscilla]

Your kitchen is beeyootiful, Daddy-A! So clean-lined and livable.

Have clients ever asked about your own kitchen?

[Daddy-A]

Your kitchen is beeyootiful, Daddy-A!  So clean-lined and livable.

Have clients ever asked about your own kitchen?

It happens all the time. And the other thing that happens is when friends have us over for dinner and I end up spending the evening talking about their kitchen! Or when my male friends learn what I do for a living they tell me to stay away from their wives lest I give them any remodeling ideas

... at least I think that's why.

A.

[nwyles]

Or when my male friends learn what I do for a living they tell me to stay away from their wives lest I give them any remodeling ideas 

... at least I think that's why. 

Hey, trust me buddy, that's why !

Edited by nwyles, 18 March 2005 - 11:40 AM.

[Daddy-A]

Next in my continuing series on coffee shops I frequent, I find myself sitting in The Elysian Room (1778 West 5th Avenue @ Burrard) looking longingly out the window at the BMW dealership across the street.


I'd never have started coming here if it weren't for eGullet. Granted I had visited a couple times after a movie at the theatre around the corner, but it just wasn't on my coffee radar. Then eGullet member hopkins (Alistaire) started posting in the Coffeehouse & Cafe Reviews thread for Vancouver. He runs The Elysian Room, and really knows his stuff! But when he started posting about "crotchless" and "naked" shots, well, I had to go try for myself ...



So ... ummm ... this is breakfast today. Cappucino and a slice of Decadent Chocolate Cake. The coffee is the real deal ... shots are rich with just a hint of bitterness (which I like btw Alistaire). The Elysian Room is a little small, considering it's just around the corner from a theatre, so you might not be able to get a seat. But for coffee fanatics, it ranks a consistent top 3 in the must-visit department.

I'm currently sitting in The Elysian room ... wireless internet! I may never leave! Got some work to do for a bit, then in 30 minutes I'm off to one of the best new places in Vancouver for lunch with more eGulleters. We're everywhere!

A.

[Ling]

Now that's my kind of breakfast! The "Decadent Chocolate Cake" pictured is my 2nd favourite baked good The Elysian Room carries...after the oatmeal raisin bars.

[nwyles]

then in 30 minutes I'm off to one of the best new places in Vancouver for lunch with more eGulleters. We're everywhere!

I am sooooo jealous - I have to go to the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival Buyers afternoon today........crowds one tenth the size of the regular nights - no people bumping into you, no one pushing past you to get their oz. of wine - what fun is that ! Only quasi civilized wine tasting !

Seriously, speaking of egulleters everywhere, there is not a day goes by that at least two are not in the restaurant - sometimes at the same time - Last night, myself and Chef Fowke, HKDave, Editor@Waiterblog, PaoPao and newbie, DiningDiva and I saw Daddy-A pressing his face up on the window in the morning - this is all on one day. I am starting to consider restraining orders.

[reesek]

... What I really love is the way that same color is echoed in the patterns in your floor and also the wall tiles.  Very subtle and it gives a very tasteful playful theme to the whole kitchen. Close to neutral and classic but at the same time, very contemporary. 

yes - i totally agree. and thank you daddy-a for pointing out the tiling around the window. i love hearing about the touches that make something feel perfect, but that are so subtle as to miss notice otherwise.

amazing blog. that italian grocery?? my gawd yum. do they house-cure? i love vancouver - or as i used to call it when US exchange was more favorable to me: vanshoever.

[Dejah]

QUOTE(Dejah @ Mar 17 2005, 08:26 PM)
How about some Tim Horton's or Timbits, eh? wink.gif
Daddy-A[QUOTE]
Timmy Ho's?? You know Dejah, ever since Winnipeg lost the Jets, you guys have just been mean! laugh.gif[QUOTE]



Well, I'm not one for donuts anymore. We just buy TH's coffee when we can't get "others".

There's halibut on sale this week, but frozen doesn't look too appealing. Salmon fillet looked great so may do that on the grill . . . in the snow!

Love your kitchen!

Edited by Dejah, 18 March 2005 - 12:43 PM.

[Pam R]

There's halibut on sale this week, but frozen doesn't look too appealing. Salmon fillet looked great so may do that on the grill . . . in the snow!

Dejah,
We're Manitobans. We're not supposed to complain about bbq'ing in the snow. Just open your garage door like I do and bbq away!

And I have to say...the one week I spent in Vancouver in Nov... happened to be the one week when the weather was better in Winter Peg

I wanna see more pictures of pretty BC

[Daddy-A]

I wanna see more pictures of pretty BC 

Your wish is granted!




This is the Fisherman's Warf area .... just off Granville Island. At the end of the warf in the right picture is the Fisherman's Market. Just about any in-season fish is available ... and of course the obligatory BC smoked salmon. We're down here for lunch ...


This is Go Fish!, Gord Martin's (of Bin 941/942 fame) foray into the world of fish & chips. All seafood is sourced from the local fishers, so many of the menu items are seasonal. Last summer I had an amazing chowder made with local mussels. Today's chowder:


Chipotle/Coconut milk Fish chowder (I believe the fish was snapper). I come here quite often for the soups alone ... creamy with a nice heat. Perfect for a cool Vancouver day ... about 6 or 7 degrees Celcius.

I was joined by several local eGulleters, so we have a nice variety of meals to show you:



Left: Grilled spring salmon with spring greens (my lunch), Right: The best damn Fish & Chips in Vancouver. Coleslaw is amazing too!



Left: Oyster Po' Boy Sandwich, Right: Grilled Salmon Sandwich.


6 people who are able to sneak away from work to enjoy a really great lunch!From left to right: Lorna (Ling), Ian (Mooshmouse's hubby), Lee (Vancouver Lee), Joie (Mooshmouse), MY BEST FRIEND TRICIA (Peppyre), Kirsten (Butter).

So what do a group of Vancouver eGulleters do after a big lunch?? Look for dessert of course! On today's menu:


Patisserie LeBeau serves up some of the best Belgian pastries anywhere, but it's their waffles they're most famous for.


I picked up a couple stuffed waffles (rice pudding & spiced apple) and a couple flavoured waffles (chocolate chip & white chocolate w/ almond). No pictures right now ... we'll be enjoying those for breakfast!

The other reason for visiting LeBeau ... they're right beside Les Amis du Fromage. That visit on the next installment of Foodblog!

A.

Edited by Daddy-A, 18 March 2005 - 03:26 PM.

[peppyre]

HEY!!! What am I!?!

That's it "you're dead to me!"

[Daddy-A]

HEY!!!  What am I!?! 

That's it "you're dead to me!"

^Corrected! I AM SO SORRY! Blame it on the coffee!

A.

[Ling]

The fish and chips were great, but the soup was even better! I loved the strong lime flavour. (And this is coming from someone who doesn't really like soup to begin with.)

[peppyre]

HEY!!!  What am I!?! 

That's it "you're dead to me!"

^Corrected! I AM SO SORRY! Blame it on the coffee!

A.

Thank you

Really, it was just a great opportunity to use Neil's classic line. Thank you Neil

[Mooshmouse]

Blame it on the coffee!

A valid statement. You were virtually pinging after lunch today... hate to see the after-effects of that final macchiato.

Excellent soup, as always. Absolutely loved the Oyster Po'Boy. Now my favourite thing on the menu.

[Ling]

The waffles at Patisserie LeBeau were quite good too--the mango was my favourite, followed by the white chocolate almond, and then the apple custard. I loved the crunchiness of the pearl sugar inside the waffles.

[Laksa]

Man... Vancouverites sure know how to eat! Am enjoying this blog immensely, btw.

Daddy-A, your enthusiasm for coffee had me craving the stuff. I hardly ever drink coffee -- can't take the caffeine -- but I found myself enjoying a half-caf half-decaf today.

Blog on!

Edited by Laksa, 18 March 2005 - 04:36 PM.

[Jensen]

Could you please post a picture of the driving rain on one of those 400-inch days because all these photos are making me homesick.

Thanks in advance...

[ : emoticon with a single tear dripping out of the right eye : ]

[peppyre]

There really hasn't been alot rain Jen. If it's any consolation, it was raining while we were eating lunch

[johnnyd]

You guys rock!

What a great blog!

It's a total bonus that other eGers are present here! Very cool!