Foodie in Vancouver

The epitome of dumbed-down Starbucks has to be the SB situation in NYC. There are 384 SBs in NYC and proof of what happens when you expand to that degree is how terrible the drinks and the service are in NYC. By sheer chamce we stumbled on a newly opened coffee bar in the village (Blind Tiger) and had a good cappucino which had to tide us over until we got back. Otherwise, it was nigh impossible to get what we in Vancouver consider good espresso. I can only hope we don't lose the quality we have come to expect from CA. But if it does happen - maybe that opens the door of opportunity for someone else?

Good - then it must be that they look really, really closed during the day.

Don't know if it has been noted previously or if I am correct but I thought that George looked a bit 'shuttered' when I walk by the other day. Looked like there was nothing in the space and the sign was absent - or so I thought. Too bad - it was a great place for great drinks and right across the street from good and valued client.

I have the Alligator, both the large and the small. I use the small one to chop garlic cloves into small bits and then I put them into the mortar/pestle in lieu of the garlic mincer. The flavour is much better - sweeter and without bitterness. I use the larger one for onions - I slice the onions and then whack them in the Alligator to produce perfect diced onions in the wink of an eye! Another gadget? Perhaps, but I find the convenience of having diced onions all the same size in seconds quite worthwhile. And as for the garlic, I have simply never mastered the skill of mashing it with using a chef's knife so used a garlic mincer which was a sacrifice on flavor.

Cru catered our 10th wedding anniversary (at our home) which was a huge success so I can definitely recommend them. And I think the restaurant is a good option - it is small and intimate and doesn't really feel like a restaurant. Ironically, I have been asked to host and cater a wedding rehearsal dinner the week after Christmas for about 25 - 30 people. The bride and her family are also coming from out of town. So, I too am thinking about the same topic - but from the perspective of what I should serve.

I like Cito which is on Davie directly across from Urban Fare. My Triggiano experience is reasonable but overall I like the Cito beverages a lot more. I order an extra dry, non-fat cappucino so the shots are what's important. The problem with any of the milk-based beverages at SB is the fact that the re-heat the milk over and over and over. One of the reasons Artigianno tastes so clean is the fact that they steam milk by the beverage and don't reheat old milk. One of my clients is directly above the Latte Lounge on Mainland - I have never tried it and don't know why. I just always head for Cito. Any experience with the Latte Lounge - am I missing something great right under my nose, so to speak?

I have to agree with Neil - it is just OK in my experience. When there with others some would have a good meal but the majority of the meals were either under the mark in terms of either flavor (bland) and temperature (too long on the pass?). And the service can best be described as perfunctory. Nothing really wrong, but nothing that makes you forget that your omelette is devoid of flavor. On the plus side, my daughters like the smoothies. As a local place, it is fine - just not a destination worth searching for a parking place.

Are you looking for a particular wine or vintage? PM me if there is something specific you are looking for.

I am glad you had a better experience at Joey's than we did. The food, as you noted is quite blah and not suited to the room nor the location - so close to so many other great dining options. Here is what happened to us: We were offered a seat in the lounge because the wait was at least 30 minutes. We went to said lounge where there were many open seats. Once we had ordered our drinks we were ordered out of the lounge - neither of my daughters had their ID with them (when you are in your 20's you leave your wallet at home when the parents are paying!). We exited the lounge to the embarressment of the daughters and the father was dispatched home post-haste to retrieve the wallets and ID. We were eventually shown to a table for 4 for our group of 6. And told that we would have to wait at least an hour for anything else. So we sat down. The two of us sitting on the banquette sat on a very, very wet seat and subsequently had wet bums for the remainder of the evening. When we went to order several items were unavailable but we weren't told so until after the orders were placed. So menus were brought back and 2 of us had to choose again. Fair enough but still a theme was developing. Once dinner arrived only 5 of us were served. Because so many people acted as expediters it took us a while to flag someone down to ask where the missing meal was. I had ordered the curry and asked for a glass of Riesling with dinner. The waitress informed me that the Riesling wasn't available by the glass. One thing I always notice is wine lists. So I pressed my point and insisted that it was. She held her ground and told me firmly that it wan't and that I had to choose a different wine - perhaps I wanted the Chardonnay. It's good she said. I refused and demanded the menu and pointed out the Riesling by the glass. At the same time the daughters asked for another drink. Fatal flaw. Said drink was brought to the table and promptly poured all over the father. Now he too was soaked. (Probably why he refused to pick up the bill - he had already been soaked). The waitress scurried off and returned, eventually with a wad of paper napkins. And a new drink. The mood at the table has turned from celebration to endurance -"Can we finish without further incident?" from the younger of us and from the more senior members we are taking bets on when someone from management will show up to apologize and offer dry cleaning and to comp the meal. Neither group won. The waitress trys to make amends and offers us free desserts. We don't want them but after a vote agree that it was a gesture on their part and we should at least take them up on it. We order the apple pie which arrives but by this time a bus boy has cleared all our utensils. By the time we flag someone down the ice cream is a puddle. But of all the items we ate, the apple pie was the only thing I can say was worth eating. Finally at the end of the meal the manager on duty arrives to ask us how things went . I asked him if he really wanted to know because the list was long. He thought about it, took a breath and said yes. At the end he apologized and said that they had given us free desserts but he wanted to make sure we would return. And then he came back with a $25 gift card. Chances we will use the $25 gift card? Less than zero. But I did the noble thing and gave it to the daughters and told them to have a drink on me. The bill for dinner was $275 which seems steep given that neither of the daughters had a main course. The food was unremarkable, service left a lot to be desired but I assure you, it will be long remembered as a memorable family dinner. So they win in the entertainment factor category. Granted this occurred in the first weeks after they opened but service aside the food just didn't hit the mark. It was without flavour and there was nothing creative or interesting on the menu that carried through on the plate. Too bad because the location and the room have real promise.

If/when you are in Oliver I recommend a lunch on the deck of the Burrowing Owl Winery. Other vineyard eating opportunities include: Quail's Gate and Cedar Creek. And all of these have wine that should be tried. While at Cedar Creek ask for directions to Carmelis cheese. In Vancouver, a great food experience at a reasonable cost is Go Fish at the entrance to Granville Island. Then head into the Island and go to Edible British Columbia's retail outlet to get a sense of the food bounty in BC. And if you take Daddy A up on his offer of a glass of Pinot Noir - make him bring you to our garden and we will make sure you get more than a single glass.

I have heard rumors that Finest at Sea is close to securing a retail location on the West Side. Ian Angus produces what is, in my humble opinion, the finest smoked sablefish and a salmon mousse that has no comparison. If these are any indicators then the best fish monger in Vancouver will be easy to determine. I am looking forward to further news - perhaps soon?

With all the openings and closings can't we get some decent restaurants in Kerrisdale? Let's hope Adesso (or son of) can come up with something. I vote that they take over the Sleep Country Canada storefront.

I second the comment about the chairs at Nu - love the food but I'm scared of the chairs. Actually - correct that to say love the food and love the drinks. And depending on how much of the latter - I'm terrified of the chairs.

Pan: I think I mislead you - what I was trying to say that I had never even imagined that my posts were read by the staff at restaurants so was quite startled to receive feedback from a restaurant. As for posting about the negative experience the other night, I declined as I felt the restaurant in question is not trying to be more than it is. A small neighbourhood joint with no pretensions to providing excellent food etc. Where that is the case and my experiences are different I do give my opinion precisely for the reasons you state - the emperor is not always fully clothed. And I think it is useful to read a different perspective. Just as on Amazon, I find the negative reviews can be quite revealing and often help me make my evaluation as to the worth of the book. (My favorite was the person who was furious that the book Execution by a former GE executive was about business and not capital punishment.) I hope this is a bit more cogent than my previoius post; I have finished my wine so it might well be.

Let me say at the outset that while I find Ms. Gill petulant and tiresome, knowing how irrelevant her views will be to the pleasure I might have at a particular restaurant I am grateful as it saves me from having to even consider reading her reviews. There is only so much time after all. If only Christy Blatchford would do the restaurant reviews - now there's a woman who can write. Now to the point at hand. Negative restaurant feedback. It is definitely not an easy thing to do and having posted quite a few negative reviews of restaurants held in very high esteem in our (small) town (Vancouver) I did so because I felt that my experience was valid and more importantly, was at odds to the other generally very positive reviews. Unlike a critic, my negative criticism was almost always posted after only one meal and for that I have often felt somewhat remorseful. Perhaps I should have withheld my comments - it might have been an off night. But I only have so much cash to spend in restaurants and it seems difficult to justify a return engagement when there are other options. But in reflection (after wading through this thread), I realize that my negative reviews have only been posted about the more prominent restaurants at which I have had a meal not worthy of the hype. And that is what gives me pause. Just the other evening I had a truly dreadful experience - indifferent service, in fact we timed it. 20 minutes until we had a glass of wine and then after having to make 3 different selections as they were out of just about everything. Humorous note - they were offering a 2005 BC Cab Sauv! When I pointed out to the waitress that there might be an error on the wine list (I was being petulant) she told me to not bother telling her - she didn't like wine and didn't know anything about it. The food was a match for our waitress and her personality - devoid of anything of interest, tasteless and frankly cold. We had gone to the restaurant because of reviews on eGullet and left shaking our heads in wonder at having spent $85 on 2 glasses of wine and 2 truly awful bowls of pasta from a restaurant that had been so highly touted. But I didn't even think of posting about my experience - it is a small neighbourhood restaurant and isn't trying to make a statement about food (local, sustainable etc) and I assume that neither the staff nor the chef could conceivably care that I had a bad experience. So why do I post about a bad experience at a top-name? Because as has been pointed out up thread, in those establishments I truly believe there is someone who cares. But why don't I call the restaurant and speak with the owner? Wouldn't that be more appropriate? Somehow, it seems so much easier to sit down at the keyboard and give the feedback this way. I guess at heart I am a real coward. Because on reflection, it does seem inexcusable that I wouldn't give my criticism in person. In one instance I have had a response via PM from the restaurant. I was quite taken aback initially but then realized that perhaps the ability to tell the restaurant when things hadn't been quite right was a good thing after all. Because without eGullet they likely wouldn't get that feedback and maybe it is that feedback that ensures they have a way to check on their performance. After all management can't be everywhere, all the time. So I will continue to post reviews of meals that don't make it as well as those that delight me to bits. I can assure you I am not about to flounce into the kitchen and denounce the Tuna Melt so telling about the good and the not so good in a public place does have its place. And for the record - I truly loved my meal at Rare. We were delighted with our meal and we will go back. But if it turns out that at a subsequent meal, things aren't so great, I will feel quite comfortable in saying honestly - things weren't what they should have been.

And the freezer section at Stong's.

We will be in Palm Desert feasting on Costco wine bargins! But in honor of burger club I promise to go by the In 'n Out for a burger that day. (Don't think we can manage wine with that burger!) Have fun.

Our favorite for great quality Japanese sushi is Ajisai which is in an unusual location - in a mews between 41st and 42nd Avenue off East Boulevard. The most notable local landmark is the London Drugs on 42nd Avenue. Find the LD and you can't miss Ajisai. They are open for lunch and dinner (closed Mondays) and expect lineups as there are a very limited number of seats (about 15 at the tables and about 6 at the sushi bar) but the lineups are well worth it. Fabulously fresh and great variety, terrific selection. Only downside is the lack of a deep fryer so no tempura. Personally, I see that as a positive but the daughters miss yam tempura, one of their favorites. They do a very inventive dynamite roll. using cornflakes to substitute for the 'crunch' of the tempura prawn. But this is all sushi, all the time.

I for one won't miss Buddy's. They had a habit of short-changing you every single time. It was never much - 5 or 10 cents at the most but I resented the fact that I had to check my change and ask for the correct change everytime. I tired of the game pretty quickly and moved onto the vegetable purveyors in the middle, near Lee's and the dairy store or the one at the east end of the market. Slighty off-topic, we were at the market yesterday and happened upon a fellow selling homemade hummus in 3 flavours. Really tasty - fresh, clear flavours. Lime chipolte, roasted tomato and curry/currant. We will definitely be back for more. He was located across from the space Buddy's used to occupy.

I suggest you read the threads that compile the suggestions and then let us know what your choices are. Then we can give you feedback on what your choices are. But if you really want to get some ideas my suggestions for not-to-be missed dining experiences in Vancouver include: C for the seafood, Rare for the wonderful tasting menu and sheer passion of the staff, Cru for the great food/wine pairing and sheer comfort of the experience, Aurora Bistro because of the focus on local and the neighbourhood feel, West for the amazing food, wine and service, Feenies for the burger, Vij's for the innovative Indian food, Nu for the irreverent take on food and great cocktails, Chambar because of the great food, atmosphere and interesting approaches. My favorite sushi is out of the downtown area - Aji Sai. As for Asian, it really depends on what you want from the experience. Fun? Shiru Bay, the Guus or Gyoza King. Authentic - check the threads - there are amazing reviews from those who know or just plain inexpensive and good value? That's a start. Give us your thoughts based on what you read in the thread mentioned by mtigges and we will happily chime in with our opinions. Opinions are cheap and plentiful with this crowd.

I also second the Chambar recommendation but would like to toss in Nu. With Jay Jones at the helm of the bar, the drinks are simply outstanding and the food is fun and small enough to allow for lots of different options. I guess the other team must be worth seeing - the Canucks certainly haven't been inspiring as of late. (This is from someone who knows nada about sports so is probably a totally inappropriate and gratuitous comment)

Sorry to say, Urban Bites is no more. It was a favorite of ours. I am not sure what happened - if it was not a viable business or if they got tired of the business. Either way I miss them.

I recently was hosting an advisory panel meeting in North Carolina. I wanted to have a token of our appreciation (in addition to the usual cash type of thanks) and something that was not off-the-shelf so I had boxes of the Haas chocolates flown down. We gave each of the panel members one of those boxes with the trays that swing out and there are about 4 layers. First of all, the staff at Haas couldn't have been more helpful in arranging the delivery details. But most importantly, the chocolates literally stole the show. This was a room of surgeons, cardiologists and neurologists. They were so impressed; I even got THANK YOU notes. I have never, ever had a thank-you note from one of these meetings ever before. And I have done my fair share of them. I always try to think up something interesting to have as a welcome gift that has a least a sense of Canada or Vancouver. It is difficult to try and avoid the obvious (smoked salmon, maple syrup, native Canadian things) or the cliched. I know what I'm using in the future! And these chocolats really are amazing.

I read of Virginia's plight and I am dumbstruck. How is that someone with the expertise, passion and commitment can be essentially regulated out of business? What don't I get? I will be another person voicing my opinion to the boards of this and that. Totally unfathomable. I work in a regulated industry but at least the regulations make sense and clearly speak to public benefit and safety. Forcing farmers to only raise food stock in factory farms is just plain idiotic. (Just censored myself to save Arne the effort )

Quince! Unbelievable quality, variety, flavour and value. 604.731.4632 They are located at 1780 West 3rd (former Lesley Stowe). The owner, Andrea Jefferson, was a chef instructor at Dubruelle and it shows. Everything is sous vide and is either fully cooked, seared and seasoned, requiring some cooking to finish, or is marinated but not cooked. They also have baked goods. I am sure they would willingly create around your preferences and needs. Chef Metcalf! I haven't sampled her offerings personally but I recognize several of her clients from testimonials on her website. If she made them happy she must be exceptional. Good luck and let us know what happens to your neck as well as what you end up eating.