barolo

Buddy's is the one by Terra Breads - at least that is where there is a big empty space today.

I agree.

More accurate reflection of their value

I'm old enough to remember the the Tom Campbell days too. In fact I was babysitting for some people who got caught in the Gastown riots. They were pretty serious Baptists, so the whole thing was a major trauma for them. Maybe I'm just too old to appreciate the paper - I just look at the food section and the arts stuff, I never bother reading the rest.

Well actually I am surprised at how many people see the Straight as anything more than an entertainment weekly, but that is a reflection on me, I suppose. I would guess that the vast majority who pick up the Straight are looking for the reviews and entertainment listings (surely not the ads for the sweetest transexual in the West End). The juxtaposition of advertising with content in many Vancouver periodicals is chuckle inducing - found art indeed.

The Golden Plates don't seem all that bad to me. They are what they say they are - the places that Georgia Straight readers cast their ballots for. The opportunity for ballot stuffing aside, by their nature they will reflect businesses that are well known and/or have lots of outlets. Clearly lots of people buy Cobs bread and McDonald's fries - you don't need Golden Plates to tell you so any more than you need them to tell you that Starbucks sells lots of lattes. I can't disagree that having so very many categories seems to serve the selling of ads, but it also seems that restaurants benefit from the recognition - many of them post their awards in their windows and on their websites. After all, they are businesses and it never hurts to be given a public thumbs up by the people who actually come in to spend their money. Even if places like Lumiere and Tojo's are recognized for their reputation rather than the voters' dining experience, that in itself tells us that those are the places the voters likely will choose when they get that promotion or celebrate an anniversary. And the chefs and owners have evidence that their reputation remains intact. And after all, it provides evidence to those who see themselves as more savvy that they are, in fact, staying ahead of the crowd. As for what is "independent", well there's lots of other categories, aside from coffee, where you could make the same distinction and argument - just more awards to hand out and more ads to sell. The West Ender and Vancouver Magazine also have People's Choice awards, it seems like a relatively harmless practice to me.

Another vote for CellarTracker.

I hope it is a temporary close, otherwise, my friends and I be utterly devestated. ← I believe they had a visit from the Health Inspector that resulted in a lot of requirements. Vancouver Coastal Health

There was an "Opening Soon" episode about this restaurant that was pretty entertaining: Opening Soon - Afterglo. There was the chef trying to understand what the owner meant by "beauty cuisine" and the psychic hired to drive out evil spirits residing in the space.

Yes, Jespersen's is right there.

Link to Dock 503 website, map and menus on the site. I echo the recommendation.

Godiva's won't be renewed, according to this story in the Globe today.

Our last class was Monday, featuring crab cakes with pinapple salsa and chili sauce, sun dried tomato crusted halibut, roast duck and creme brulee. The halibut dish was demonstrated by Dave, one of our classmates and a very accomplished cook who is featured in the Vancouver Sun food section today. He won a recipe contest run by the BC Chef's Association with the halibut recipe and one of the prizes was the Serious Foodie class. It was a great way to end the class - the student becomes the teacher. Thanks to Tony, the culinary students, the staff and my fellow students for making the classes so successful!

We did have professional students and staff setting up and prepping some of the ingredients as well as helping us with equipment and techniques, but the dishwasher was not a student as far as I know. But yes, it is a bonus to not have to do the dishes after cooking.

Well they were probably thinking "I hope I'm still going to restaurants like Chambar when I'm 92!".

Raincity Grill is closed for renovations from March 12-19.

Yes it is, here's a link: Dinnerworks. I haven't heard from anyone who's actually been in to check it out. ← Dinnerworks sounds like fun but am I wrong, it seems I'd actually have to do the cooking, which is exactly what I'm trying to avoid - not 'cause I don't love cooking, but because I'm not supposed to be active at all. I'm not even supposed to type using my left hand right now ... ← Dinnerworks has a takeout option as well as the "make your own". Click on "Questions?" and then "Pick up and Delivery". I'm looking forward to your reports.

Yes it is, here's a link: Dinnerworks. I haven't heard from anyone who's actually been in to check it out.

Waiterblog posted a link to the newsrelease and I see that Cousins is actually a co-owner now, as well as Executive Chef. From a read of the newsrelease, I conclude a few changes are in the works.

Pan-o-Pan is worth a try: Pan-o-Pan Fine Foods 253 E. Broadway. Not quite westside but close.

Here's the scoop on him: Banned city promoter makes Forbes list (Vancouver Sun)

Here's a link to the story: Hey, Che, it's a new Century

Here's a few ideas, nothing earth shattering. Tortellini with a few dipping sauces, cheese baked olives, a small cube of cheese, a grape tomato separated by a folded basil leaf, fruit and cubes of cake alternating, grapes coated in a mixture of cream cheese, goat cheese and herbs, felafel, little kibbeh, stuffed dates.

Jane Mundy gave them a good review in the latest EAT magazine as well. Perhaps the longer daylight hours will help to increase the late afternoon/evening business for them. Is it really that dead on Railspur Alley? It never seems that way when I am there.

March/April 2006 Edition is out. Contents include: A story on the food stylist from Godiva's Shelora on harrisa, chocolate, beef and more Thoughts on food and wine pairing Reviews of Saltlik, Abigail's Party, Railspur Alley Cafe and Bistro, and Curious in Vancouver. Review of Fili's Bottego in Courtenay Review of Queen Mother Waterside Cafe in Victoria A primer on Vietnamese Restaurants Cookbook publishing Visiting Portland Food from Singapore Breathing new life into pasta A taste test of chicken - organic to basic supermarket and much more.