Daddy-A

We live in northern half of Burnaby, cleverly referred to as North Burnaby For those interested in universities, Simon Fraser University is near us. The shopping district is called The Heights, and features shops that have been around since the 1940's. My grandmother used to take me up to The Valley Bakery as a kid. It was bread for her and for cookies for me! Two of our regular shopping haunts. La Salza, if you're ever in town, is run by a family from El Salvador. They make the best home made salsas, pepusas, pesole, tamales. Service is not always "quick" but the food is fresh and the people are friendly. A couple doors down is The Pear Tree, one of the finest restaurants in the lower mainland. Chef Scott Jaeger is representing Canada at the 2006(?) Bocus d'Or competition. Unfortunately for us, it wasn't in the blogging cards this week. But if you find yourself in Vancouver, PM me for the details. The Pear Tree is worth the cab ride from downtown! I've saved the best for last: Cioffi's Meat Market & Deli. A good old fashioned Italian deli complete with narrow aisles, cured meats hanging from the ceiling, and soccer posters! North Burnaby has a very high percentage of Italian families, so the selection has to be good. The picture on the left is the cooler with all the parm reg, bocconcini, and other cheeses that don't fit at the deli counter. On the right is the oil and vinegar selection. The butcher here is another highlight. An great selection and a bunch of guys with knives who know a thing or two about meat. Those are two pieces of pork shoulder I will be smoking on Saturday. My first attempt at real barbecue and you're coming along for the ride In addition to the pork, I picked up some cured brisket from Neil yesterday. Meat anyone? I also picked up a few deli items for "J" and I to have tomorrow night ... grilled artichoke hearts, eggplant & tapenade. Friday night is our cocktail evening ... but tomorrow is something a little special. The Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival has been running this week, and we're attending the LARGE festical tasting, as well as a dinner later tomorrow night. We've booked a room at The Pan Pacific Hotel so there will be no DUI ... just lots of tasting! Swirl, spit ... swirl, spit ... This was my coffee break on the way into the office: Thanks to Kew & Tepee for the inspiration! A.

Time to catch up ... My coffee stop this morning was the subject of one of my first posts on eGullet. Il Pappagallo Cafe is our "local" and serves really good espresso. Honestly the coffee isn't why we go there, although it is really good ... it's the owner and his family and the way they make us feel at home. Pat and his family have been running Pappagallo for alomst 15 years now. They were in a neighbouring strip mall until about 2 years ago when *$'s decided they wanted into the mall, and they forced Pat out. Luckily Pat has made many many friends in the community and soon had a new space to lease. The funny thing about it all is that the majority of Pat's regulars from the mall now make the trek across the street to his new location rather than support the Green machine. You may have noticed the sign that boasts "The Ultimate Cheesecakes." When I explained to Pat why I was taking the picture, he insisted on showing off: Guess what we're having for dessert! I don't know what qualifies as "ultimate" in the cheesecake department, but my guess is that this is pretty damn close. A.

As I was reading that I said to myself "I wonder if he had them upside down?" Don't worry, I have installers that do the same thing! Dean, you must be thrilled! This is always my favorite part of a remodel ... after weeks of looking at bare walls, things finally start to take shape. How soon after your cabinets are in are the countertops being done? A.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I'm afraid that's about as Irish as I'm going to get today. Long gone are the days where I can sit my ass down in a pub on St. Patty's Day and drink away the afternoon. However there will be an Irish Stout at dinner tonight All hail the Altar of Java! (Do I detect a pattern here?) I did break with routine this morning outside of our standard coffee. Every now and then I get the urge for poached eggs, and thanks to eGullet I have perfected the technique and have been able to bannish that damned poaching pan to the Garage Sale pile forever! This will be as close to a kitchen shot as I'll do in this blog ... need to keep things on topic you know! I promise I'll get a full set of pictures up in another thread. The range is the Dacor Preference Dual-Fuel ... a step below Marlene's new range ! Cabinets are a laminate called "Tawny Satinwood" ... very durable and easy to clean ... countertops are Corian "Tumbled Glass" ... flooring is Forbo Marmoleum. Two farm-fresh eggs from Avalon Dairy... a local farm right in the middle of the city. Very cool. Eggs are free-range & organic ... ... and taste fantastic on top of some left-over baguette, camembert and a little dijon. Fans of Ringo & Gromit will be glad to know they got a taste for their breakfast Weather today is supposed to be a mixed bag, but this morning it wasn't raining, so I stepped out onto the back pation to show you the view: This is looking south from just below the Capitol Hill area of Burnaby. The towers you see on the horizon on the right are part of the Metrotown complex. Essentially, shopping mall, office towers, and chain restaurants. It's Burnaby's version of "downtown." Today I'm off to The Heights to pick up some snacks for something special we'll be doing tomorrow night. A.

I'll leave the recipe issue up to Neil. We may have to wait for RecipeGullet to get back on-line. As to the cooking ... it often depends on who gets home first. I'd say we're about 50/50 except on weekend where we have the kids. Then I tend to do more of the cooking. This week is also an exception. Tuesdays & Thursdays I get home late from work so "J" usually cooks, but because I'm blogging I've taken that job this week. The World Championships are in Victoria, BC ... next week I think? Besides, curlers drink more than they eat A.

I am the proud father of two sons. Matthew is 13 and Ryan is 11. They live with their mother in Pitt Meadows which is about a 30 minute drive east of our house. They are probably the biggest reason I discovered cooking. Before I met "J", cooking for them was the closest thing I had to looking after someone. While I don't get to see them as much as I like, I see them as much as I can. Wednesday is typically father-son day. We'll go swimming and then out for dinner somewhere ... catch up on stuff. Me: So what did you guys do at school this week? Boys: (in unison) Nuthin' We're very close Today Matthew had Rugby practice, so Ryan and I went to watch: Ryan's sign says "Go Matt!". Of course after a hard afternoon of rugby, a kid's gotta eat right? Tonight will be my one "lazy night" when it comes to dinner. Tonight's selections were Roasted Chicken, Sweet Onion Teryaki and the Classic BMT. We had cookies for dessert. Of course the big thrill for the boys was being a part of the foodblog. Look how nicely they posed for me: Like I said, we're close. Tomorrow we'll stay a little closer to home and visit some of our local faves in Burnaby. A.

If you really want to get uptight over something, go back to the beginning of this thread. We've got cherry blossoms as well! We did get some hail this afternoon if that helps. A.

Yaletown. People that live in Vancouver seem to either love this district it or hate it. Over the past 10 years or so Yaletown has become the place to be, and be seen. Downtown loft-living, trendy boutiques, and chic restaurants are everywhere. In my line of work, some of the best cabinet companies have showrooms there ... with price tags to reflect their overhead! One store that stands out for me is Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks. Further to our coveration on culinary tipping points, this store provided me with one of mine. About 7 years ago I was shopping for a gift, and Barbara-Jo suggested I purchase something for myself as well. It was a copy of A. J. Liebling's Between Meals. My life hasn't been the same since reading that book ... nor has my girth! I'm sorry if this comes off sounding like a plug, but I have met very few people with as much knowledge and passion for their work as Barbara-Jo. Yet, as trendy as some may say Yaletown is, ask anyone in the Vancouver forum where to eat when you come to town, and at least a couple recs will be in Yaletown. The food here is really amazing. For lunch today, it had to be "The Hammie" For those who don't already know, the Hamilton Street Grill is owned by eGullet member nwyles (Neil Wyles). It was home to The Big Night where many Vancouver eGulleters met for the first time, and is where many of us get our fix of gingerbread and hanger steak. The HSG was also where I had my first taste of the results of Chef Fowke's Great Pastrami/Smoked Meat Experiment. (That thread is legendary btw ... read it when you have a chance). The pastrami was what I was after today: Those of you with great memories will recall the bread being from Red Square. The fries are Neil's wonderful yam fries, that's chipotle mayo on the right ... and the salad in the back? Inconseqential. The pastrami had just the right amount of fat in it ... enough to keep the meat moist, but not so much as to distract from the seasoning and texture of the meat. Don't be looking for this on the menu though. You gotta know da man I don't normally have dessert at lunch. But today, for you my eGullet friends, I took one for the team: This is not, as I said earlier, what gingerbread wants to be when it grows up ... This is what happens when gingerbread goes to Heaven! How was that Neil?? If you ask nice, Neil may post the recipe ... but if you make it at home, it won't be the same, unless you get the ice cream recipe too The ginger & pumpkin (one scoop of each) ice cream provides perfect relief from the richness of the gingerbread. Truly awesome ... and cause for a nap (if only I had time ) Your gracious host, Chef Neil Wyles (now get the hell outta my kitchen!). A.

Next stop was in West Vancouver to see a couple clients. One lives just above an area of West Vancouver known as Dundarave. It's a quiet little collection of shops and restaurants about two blocks long. A couple of our local eGulleters live around here, so I'll let them fill in details if they like. My purpose was COFFEE: Delaney's has 3 locations in the Lower Mainland of which I am aware. The others are in Edgemont Village (North Vancouver) and on Denman Street in the West End (Vancouver). Nothing amazing. Consistently average ... but the extra shot is always free. I needed it this morning! A couple more clients, then it's lunch! That plus dinner with the kids will be posted this evening ... thanks for your patience. ***NEWSFLASH*** Just got word from my beautiful wife "J" that there will be a hockey game in this blog! How's that for Canadian Content?? A.

A quick blog entry before I go to see my kids ... In preparation for lunch today, I promised nwyles (Neil Wyles of Hamilton Street Grill fame ) I'd pick up some Dark Russian Rye from a small bakery in South Burnaby. It's called "Red Square", and its founder, Russian ex-pat Mark Tsemak, is a firm believer in the philosphy of living right through healthy eating. His website gives all the sorted details, but suffice to say, to Mark, flax is king! He sells over 80 different products, including vereneki, piroshki, breads, kilbasa, flax cereal, breads ... but the best thing he carries is the Red Square Flax cookies. IIRC he told me he has over 16 different varieties, and is just in negotiations to have them distributed through Whole Foods (you can already find them at the WF in West Vancouver). Here's the man himself ... kinda like a Siberian Tom Vu. His energy level is incredible! Once I told him why I wanted to take his picture, he insisted on giving me a tour of his plant, and the "lounge" where he entertains clients (essentially a pool room with a big screen TV ). We shared a vodka (at 9 in the morning!) and he told me of his plans for world domination through flax. Try the cookies if you find them ... they're really tasty. A.

Ringo (black & white - male) runs and hides when he sees the raincoats coming out! Wimp! Believe me, if they could, they'd tear the coats to shreds! Ringo is 8 and is the father of Gromit, who is a little older than 4. That's what I love about our local eGulleters ... always there to help! Thanks Irishgirl! I'll go mango shopping tomorrow ... City Square is just down the street from my office. Ask your brother if he knows Malcom "Magic" McMillan. Malcolm was one of the managers at Longliner when I was there. He left to work at the Lonsdale Quay when Longliner opened there, and then later went to The Salmon Shop.. He now owns his own shop in Port Moody - Newport Village. Thanks everyone for your comments and feedback! A.

Yes the sorted tale of the kolachy. We were all quite addicted there for a while. The madness has subsided a bit, but I still jones for a Reuben kolachy every now and then ... Okay, now I'm jealous ... mangoes? You're right about the strawberries ... not quite there yet, but a nice treat. I paid $2.50 a pound for the ones I got at the market. Not outrageous, but about a buck apound more than they'll be in season. Just wanted to show you this in comparison to yesterday: Yes, those are raincoats ... and they hate me when I make them wear them! Back later this afternoon! A.

Susan, you've just made my wife's day! She was a little nervouse about letting "the world" into our house this week Breakfast this morning: The Altar of Java ... all praise Java! Raisin Bran with some California strawberries I picked up at the market yesterday. Strawbs were okay ... they're still a little early so I shouldn't expect too much. Those of you feeling a little jealous of our spring-like weather can take comfort in the fact that the typical Vancouver rains have returned today. Unfortunately it looks like they're going to stay for a while so some eating plans may have to be altered a bit. Off to walk dogs! A.

A long day today. Here's the net result from today's excusion to Granville Island: On the right are the beers from the GI Brewery. Saving those for St. Patty's Day ... yes I know the Scottish Ale is sacrelidge. Deal with it! MEEEEEZ! My CONSTANT companions in the kitchen while I cook. Tomato, boconcini salad with basil. Aside from the cheese, nothing was "in-season" but I was feeling a little spring-like today, and this is one of my favorite things to eat. Not bad, but in a few months it will be awesome. Two of my favorite things in the kitchen: on the left is a bottle of Neus olive oil from France. 100% unfiltered Arbequina olive oil On the right is the ONLY way I can use tomato paste now. Everything should come in tubes! Dinner is served! Fresh fettucini with tomtato/pancetta sauce. Baguette from La Baguette (sorry, no pics) and the aforementioned salad. Wine was a 2002 Tinhorn Creek Pinot Noir. Can I go to sleep now?? Tomorrow: what Gingerbread wants to be when it grows up. A.

A while back, our own Chef Fowke released upon us a baked item that would consume our lunch times like no other. The whole sorted tale is here. Since then, The Kolachy Shop has become one of the Vancouver eGulleter's favorite lunch time meeting places. A Kolachy, for the un-initiated, is a bun of sweet dough, filled with various and assorted things. They're suitable for breakfast, lunch and dessert ... and many of us have attempted all three in one day Left: Brother Keith dishing out the Mushroom-Pecan soup for my lunch. Right: Brother Jason filling Chicken Club Kolachies. Keith and eGulleter Mooshmouse Dessert Kolachy with Apricot. The Lunch Special Kolachy today was Lamb. Deliscious and inexpensive. After lunch, I was off to work ... then home for DINNER! Stay tuned ... A.

In fairness, it was a little chilly this morning (sorry Dejah! I suppose it's all relative) Not yet Jen ... just the Scottish Ale & Killarney Stout in the proto-taps. The IPA and the Nut Brown are next, and then the Robson Street Hefeweizen comes in the summer. Check out their website here. A.

Okay, dogs are walked, dinner dishes are done ... port is in hand Forget what all the tourist books tell you about Granville Island. True, it's a great place to go shop and eat and watch buskers. It's all those things. But for Vancouver, it's so much more. In the Vancouver forum, we've been talking about the Culinary Tipping points for our fair city ... what were the crucial moments in our culinary history that led us to where we are today. The development of Granville Island Public Market topped many of our lists. Plenty of produce ... of course, not too much is local right now. More than just a few produce vendor;s here. Stuart's Bakery was one of the original vendors in the Market. Fantastic cakes! There are 3 seafood vendors in the market. For three summers I worked for the Mooreheads at Longliner Seafoods ... my culinary tipping point. Youngest son Dave packing some halibut for Thursday dinner. Actual sign as you leave the safe confines of the market Me, tempting fate with a brownie from Terra Breads. One of the helpful staff at Oyama Sausage ... one of my "must-see" places. If you're looking for pate, confit, rilletes as well as charcuterie and assorted cheeses, this is the only place to make the one-stop-shop. Pancetta for tonight's dinner was my only pruchase, but not without some huge restraint on my part. Duso's for pasta & bocconcini ... also for dinner. Two more of my "must-see" places. The Stock Market, for all your stock and soup needs. I usually make my own stock, but these guys make it better. Now if they could only make it as inexpensively as I do ... Lee's Donuts is another of the original Market vendors. Places like Lee's is why Krispy Kreme and Tim Horton's will continue to struggle in this market. Varmint was complaining earlier I hadn't mentioned beer yet. Unforunately, I was on the Island at about 9:30, and they don't open for tasting tours until noon. So that, it a very brief nutshell is Granville Island Market. I haven't done it justice, but I hope I've given you a taste. In addition to the Market, you'll find The Net Loft for crafts and other assorted shopping, restaurants, and more pottery shops than one city should be able to support! When you come, plan at least a day. For a different, local view of the Island, check out this thread. Locals sure find a lot to complain about! While I agree there are things to work out, Granville Island is still one of my favorite places anywhere. Up next ... Kolachy! A.

The rest of the day is coming! I promise! But Ringo & Gromit need to be walked. Back in about 30 minutes. Here's where we're off too next: A.

So, when we last left our intrepid blogger, he had just finished walking the hounds and was off in search of coffee. As Vancouver is quite close to the caffeine-meca, it's not tough to find. Finding good coffee is another issue. I drink a lot of coffee. Often in excess of 4 shots of espresso a day, in addition to the swill at the office. This week, I'm going to visit as many of my faves as possible. Today, it's the brand new location of JJ Bean. I like these guys a lot. Just look where the opened the new store! Takin' on the Green Machine! They're locally owned, beans are roasted in town ... and the new store is really "hip" inside: Quarter sawn white-oak paneling with glass mosaic tile for the bar fronts, and black slate for the floors. Yep, that's a 3-sided fireplace with cedar siding. Sorry designer-guy in me coming out My coffee this morning was a 4-shot americano with a splash of cream. No pastries. I have someplace better for that! A.

Sorry, I'm a bit of a stinker that way If it helps, it's supposed to rain tomorrow. We've been talking about that quite a bit lately in the Vancouver forum. I hate to admit it, but my knowledge of Chinese cuisines is really poor. Since joining eG I've been trying to educate myself ... but then I hear of regional differences and my head explodes! I will try and do something Chinese this week, but there are a couple big events in the itinerary ... maybe I'll need to enlist some help Kitchen pics coming soon. A.

Well .... I haven't posted pictures yet (this damn job thing keeps interfering) but I did manage to drop by the Granville Island Brewery this morning to pick up a couple of their proto-brews ... a little something for St. Patty's Day You know, you guys can always come for a visit. We have a spare room ...Teasers for tonight (when I can post my pictures ...): The first in a series of Vancouver coffee houses Granville Island and viscious seagulls What's up with Kolachies? A.

I was thinking more of "Cracking toast Gromit!" Yes, that's the source of the name. I'd wanted a dog named Gromit ever since seeing Grand Day Out ... and I can't wait for Curse of the Were-Rabbit! A.

Inasmuch as those details fit into the "food" aspect of the blog I'll give you a tour this evening when I cook dinner perhaps? The countertops are Corian. The "molding" to which you refer is in fact part of the countertop. My fabricator calls it "tile cove." It's like a regular seamless backsplash, but It's only about 1/4" high. Nice and clean, and keeps the inseam dry. People leave here, but they always come back I'll be "revealing" some local sources this evening when I post today's pictures. As for my renovation experiences ... today you wouldn't want to hear about them Let's just say I've been on my cell-phone far too often today! Back at yah Fritz! J & I love Portland and will be down for the Brewer's Festival in July! Just hope it's not as HOT as it was last year A.

Before I head out this morning, a few shots of the neighbourhood ... more reasons for you Easterners to feel envious My first pet shot ... that's Ringo on the left & Gromit on the right. This is my view most mornings, and the reason I am able to continue eating. It's not officially Spring yet, but don't tell the gardens & trees here! Now, off for some coffee! A.

That's been my problem ever since starting with eGullet! Me & Lord Stanley's Park? My name keeps popping up because I spend way too much time here! And now I'm blogging! I have the most understanding wife ... I'll try to stop by The Cannery for a photo ... it's still a landmark. And yes, Capers is still around ... there's one going in just across from my office in fact. A.