barolo

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.

By "other reviews" do you mean reviews of Habit, or reviews by Gill? Both would be correct mind you ... A. ← I meant other reviews of Habit which have been pretty positive.

I stopped in to Century too last week to check it out before the early reviews and Opening Soon epsiode aired. Count me as another fan of the room - it has respect for the past, but the murals and soft colours make it modern, elegant and warm. I was also glad to see that there were enough soft surfaces around to suggest that the noise level might be bearable for those of us who like to talk in restaurants. Ron was behind the bar and I put myself in his hands. As an early arrival, I had lots of time to chat with staff as they finished setting up. By the time I left, I felt like part of the family. I started off with a Fidel’s Choice (amber rum and blackberry liqueur with muddled cranberries and brown sugar) while I looked through the menu. Hot grilled flatbread with a light cumin flavour arrived along with some olives - very good - and a red pepper dip. Ron recommended the BBQ Baby Octopus, Spanish Lubina or the Braised Shortribs and Beef Cheek Adobo. A copy of the menu is here on Waiterblog. I decided to go with the Spanish Lubina and Ron recommended a Malbec to pair with it. I wouldn't normally choose a Malbec but Ron thought it was a natural with olives in the dish and gave me a taster to let me decide for myself. I kept faith with Ron and ordered a glass of the Malbec. The fish, which was wrapped in potato and cilantro, was good, but the house cured olives that came with the dish stole show. The Malbec with its soft tannins worked well. I decided I might as well try a dessert too and needed no guidance from Ron - the Century's Blend, a coffee flan with coconut foam and three cayenne truffles on the side was my choice. This came in a huge portion, but I had no problem devouring it. The truffles had just the right touch of chile heat and the flan was cool, rich and velvety. The fresh coconut foam added a delicate contrast to the flan. A decaf Americano was last on my list. By now the room was filling up with lots of wine festival-related folk in the crowd. I outed myself to Sean on leaving and we managed a quick chat. The staff were all attentive and friendly but I have to give my special thanks to Ron for good conversation and advice. There's lots more on the menu that I want to try, and those olives are calling to me, so I'll be back. I'm looking forward to Century opening for lunch as it's just a few blocks from my office.

Oh, and Alexandra Gill has a review of Habit in yesterday's Globe. She doesn't find much to like about it, in contrast to most of the other reviews so far.

Jamie Maw provides his take on Main Street dining in the March 2006 Vancouver Magazine.