I can't speak to another person's experience but I have consistently found Vij's to be my favourite eating experience in Vancouver over the past three years. I would not classify it as "cheap eats" but I have found the food consistently delicious and the service amongst the best and most consistent in Vancouver. On the topic at hand: Parkside (West End) - Fantastic new restaurant opened by chef Andre Durbach formerly of Etoile and numerous other establishments. 20 dishes under $20 and 60 wines under $60. Exquisite food, perhaps the best in Vancouver at any price point, beautifully chosen wine list, great patio (very Manhattan) and very pro service. The single best meal I have eaten this year. Memphis Blues (Commercial Drive or Broadway and Granville) - Southern BBQ - huge portions, reasonable price - high quality meat and a great little wine selection. The Royal India - located in Gastown which is generally to be avoided when it comes to good food, this place makes the best butter chicken I have ever had. Great naan bread as well. Shawarma King (Denman Street) - for $5.95 (CDN) I can barely finish the absolutely delicous chicken shawarma plate that comes heaped with beautifully seasoned chicken, homous and tabouleh. Feenie's or the Lumiere Tasting Bar - (West Side) - Forget the concerns with TV programs, attitudes or anything else, what fantastic, world-class food at a next to nothing price. Drinks are better priced on the Feenie's side. East is East - (West Side) Afghani take out in the form of Roti's. Fill yourself on beautiful organic meat for under $10. Wow, and tasty too. New City Restaurant (West 4th Avenue) - Two people, $19.95, no MSG, very tasty egg roll, sweet and sour soup (despite the corn starch thickener), rice, two dishes and fortune cookies. Phnom Penh - (Chinatown) - located in a very tough neighbourhood , but what unbelievable Cambodian/Vietnamese food. If you are brave enough (take a cab so you don't have to worry about your car; if you are American do not worry as random violent crime is not a problem in Vancouver). Must orders are the hot and sour soup with prawns, "Grandma's Squid" and the anchovy beef. Happy Eating.
