Jeffy Boy

Had the laksa at Prata Man (Garden City & Capstan Way, in Richmond). It was good, bigger than the laksa at Curry House in Yaohan. I found the broth a little thin, and not quite as flavourful as at Yaohan. That's OK though, there's plenty of other dishes at Prata Man to keep me coming back.

I'd go to Boston Pizza rather than White Spot - I think it would be a bit more fun. (The White Spot down in White Rock is crawling with grannies. I think they pre-chew the Triple "O" burgers). You could also just go to the food fair at the mall. That way they can get what they want.

Interesting article here (pdf): From Wallet to Waistline: The Hidden Costs of "Super Sizing". Presents similar data to that discussed in the movie, and for many of the biggest fast food eateries. Check this out: a 16 oz "Gulp" from 7-11 costs 89 cents, but for just another dime you can double the size. Double it again for another 27 cents. That "best deal" 64 oz Double Gulp (assuming Coke) contains 600 calories.

Geez, I forgot all about my Galliano post - didn't realize it would induce so many flashbacks. Just had a taste out of the old bottle - and it tastes just fine! Wasn't even all crusty under the cap, like I thought it would be! Here's a link to a picture of the bottle. I think Splificator must be right - it had to be invented way before 1986. I'm sure my dad had a bottle when I was a kid. Why else would I get a bottle for my "first bar"? I don't even LIKE Harvey Wallbangers!

I also saw this film yesterday. Several parts were quite humorous, particularly when they asked if he wanted to supersize it and he enthusiastically responds "well yes, I think I will!" I'm actually surprised how infrequently they actually asked him that - I seem to get asked more often than not. The contrast of his girlfriend being a vegan chef was quite interesting. She wasn't nearly as rabid as I thought they all were! On whole, the movie certainly made me think about the crap I eat (which really isn't all that much). In the lobby of the theatre, there is a Burger King outlet. No nutritional information posted, and looking at the menu I was struck by how little extra it actually cost to add bacon and/or cheese to your double whopper. I could only shake my head. We later went out for Thai food, where I found I was more aware about what I was ordering - nothing deep fried. I'm curious to know what other peoples' first meal was after seeing the movie, and if they think their choice was affected.

I was all over Red Stripe on a trip a while ago to Jamaica. I thought "so this is where they shipped all our stubbies"! (along with our 70's-era GM cars...) Unfortunately Red Stripe really isn't a very good beer. Helps put out the jerk fires, though!

Just got back from a weekend in the Okanagan, for our annual resupply mission. Spent a couple nights at the Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa. It's a great looking place, nice and quiet, but I think they put the word "Heritage" in the name to justify why the rooms are so small and have only a couple of hard wooden chairs for furniture. The beds are very comfortable, though. Got the best sleep I've had since Christmas. Spent Friday evening in the Cobblestone Wine Bar at the Inn, where we had a terrific bottle of Blue Mountain Pinot Noir, along with a few very nice, very reasonably priced dishes. Great live entertainment by "Bad Parkers", a local band. I was afraid from the name that they'd be C&W, but it was mostly classic soft rock. Also had lunch on the terrace at the Mission Hill winery, which was excellent, and a dinner at Sumac Ridge's Cellar Door Bistro, which was a bit of a disappointment compared with our experience there a couple of years ago. The food just wasn't the same. Picked up about as much wine as the Mazda could haul back along Hwy 3: notably some Red Rooster and Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris', Sumac Ridge Meritage, Gehringer Bros Pinot Noir, Summerhill BlauFrankisch, and an assortment of fruit wines from Elephant Island. Also dropped about a hundred bucks in the slots beside some blue haired ladies at the casino in Penticton. Great coffee at Hog's Breath cafe!

Unless it's the movie "Strange Brew", for which I believe the stubby won best supporting actor.

I think you need to write what you mean. From your first post, I was certainly led to believe the waiter never brought you garlic cloves. Must have been this statement you made: And your assertion that the bill was $617 was pretty specific. As it was obviously NOT $617, I'm afraid your credibility level registers pretty low.

The oldest thing in my bar is a bottle of Galiano. I think it's just turned 18. I'm afraid to drink it now, but since it's a skinny bottle it's not taking up so much space that I should throw it out. Since I don't have the patience to cellar my wine, I think I'll see how long I can keep it.

My favourite hole-in-the-wall Indian places are All India Sweets (49th & Main) and Mahek (94th & 120th in Surrey). I never do the buffet at any of these places.

Link for Chilliwack Airport pies, including menu, here: Airport Coffee Shop - Chilliwack

I was having a cold one today on my patio (unfortunately, from a LONG NECK bottle ), and was thinking of the good old days when all beer came in those nice, rounded stubby bottles . I thought to myself "if someone came out with beer in stubby bottles again, they would make a killing". Have any Canadian breweries tried going back to stubbies, or are the logistics involved too much to overcome? Or was there a law passed, banning them forever, that I don't know about?

I've never been myself, but I've heard people rave about the pies at the Chilliwack Airport. Apparently, pilots will literally fly there to get them.

Manitoba: wild rice Ontario: peaches NB: lobster (from Shediac) PEI: definitely potatoes

I can't believe nobody has mentioned Fanta Shokata!

I think once you start ordering wine in a restaurant, you're into the league of big spenders. You can't be a cheapskate and start skimping on the tip.

I always tip more at lunch, and even more at breakfast. 15% on a $6.95 breakfast is only a buck, which is mighty stingy. I usually go 15% for dinner, 20% for lunch and 30% for breakfast.

I think Blue Water is a good choice based on the description of what you're looking for. I've had very good experiences both times I've been there. If the weather cooperates, and in May your chances start improving dramatically, they have outdoor seating as well that is quite pleasant. The location (Yaletown) is within easy walking distance of endless sources of trouble to get into. I highly recommend the miso crusted sablefish!

Some great stuff in this rant, Keith! I'm glad someone else finds those Crappy Tire spots as painful as I do. I think the guy in those ads is the long lost brother of Mr. Keating (Michael J. Fox's) dad from the Family Ties series. I wanted to smack him too....

You're right. The series has degenerated into a tiny piece of crap. I wait all week for this?? Why don't they just run a picture with the caption "Small. Cheap. Good."

Oh, you mean Coffee Mate! I used to keep some Coffee Mate around for when I was so freakin' lazy on a Saturday morning that I'd have it with instant coffee, because making regular coffee was "too much work". Mmmm, that's a charming combination. Instant coffee with non-dairy creamer...

Great idea. Need general location info too, though. Otherwise I won't know which hole in which wall. My nominee: Prata Man. Malaysian, in Richmond (Garden City & Capstan)

I saw that piece in the Sun too, and I'm looking forward to more installments. There have got to be hundreds of really good, undiscovered gems out there.

I love Prata Man! It's my secret hole-in-the-wall place that I'm hoping nobody else discovers. I've never had the laksa there, but I love the Mee Goreng. The food is great, and I absolutely cannot believe how inexpensive it is. The first time I went, I figured that with the low prices the portions must be small. So I think I ended up ordering enough to feed a family of four.