Daddy-A

The latest Gill review takes aim at Nu and Rare. Now, I have nothing against differing opinions, but in the case of Rare I have to wonder if she's even eating at the same Rare that I have. Her comments are so contrary to my personal experiences it has me questioning her motives, as rediculous as that sounds. Is she a jilted ex-lover? Did chef tease her in high-school? Help me out ... I'm looking for an explanation. She's much kinder to Nu. But the gist of the article is that both restaurants are not worthy of their recent accolades from en Route magazine. Perhaps Ms. Gill would be happier if no awards were handed out if she deemed none of the new restaurants worthy .... A.

Why locally made Anne? If not for the local aspect, I'd suggest Cook Works and such places. Otherwise, you may want to contact Paragon Manufacturing in Richmond. They typically do entire countertops, but may be able to help with the cutting boards. A.

I'm so glad to hear you say that. J & I have been there 3 times, and each time I keep wondering what I missed (after reading all the glowing reports here and elsewhere). Good to know I'm not alone ... about Spinnakers, and about Brasserie. Re: Bengal Lounge ... last visit to Victoria, we were looking for a lounge to pass away an afternoon in ... a la Bacchus at the Wedgewood. Apparently the Bengal is no longer such a place? If so, are there other options? (big leather chairs a plus ....) A.

Agreed! How hard would it be to locate an un-used warehouse in this city? Or does the market have to take place in East Van? A.

Aparently, neither can Deborah.

I usually pick mine up at Save-On or Safeway ... wherever I am when I remember I need bitters. HERE is a previous thread on the subject of bitters. Enjoy. A.

Not sure about the "deliscious bass" ... but I can think of a number that offer Sablefish. Mmmmmmm ... smoked Sablefish A.

You mean having an address and seeing the word "Pho" on the storefront isn't enough? Wow, I thought I was directionaly challenged Something I've been noticing at my usual Pho haunts is a decrease in the amount of Thai basil and bean sprouts served. Even at Kim Phung ... last time I ate there with my wife and a friend and they brought out a small plate that was supposed to serve all 3 of us. Anyone else experiencing this? Is it because they were over-serving us before? Are the ingredients becoming difficult to find? A.

AWESOME! What a way to start the week! Thanks dude! A.

"Be afraid, be afraid" : George W. Bush (anytime in the last 6 years) A.

Kaplan's isn't kosher. I can't remember where, but this was already asked and answered ... and then I asked the next time I was there for pastrami ... and they said no ... but it was still really good ... and consider I'm not Jewish, not at all a big deal. A.

Agreed, her track record speaks for itself, but do you know this for a fact? I still find it ammusing the assumption we have that all food writers should be reviewing for the altruistic "good of the dining public." Last I checked, the goal of most publications is sales. Libel aside, pretty much anything that generates sales is fair game in the reviewers world. Taste is subjective, so I'm not sure how a restaurant reviewer can help me decide if I'll like a dish or not. Ultimately I have to go and taste it for myself, right? So other than letting me know a given restaurant exists, I'm not sure what role the reviewer plays, apart from entertainment. Do we judge movie reviewers or sports writers as harshly? A.

Any word on what's happening with the bar/lounge space upstairs? A.

Best piece of advice I've read so far ... I may be a bit biased as I am a member of the NKBA and a CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer) as well. The NKBA web site (www.nkba.org) is a good place to seek out members in your area. A CKD would be able to help. Part of our training is in barrier-free, or what they now call "universal design." A.

I saw the humour, but failed to find it amusing. ← Hell, I was just lumped in with the likes of Maw and Morrison! Red-letter day for me! A.

Was quite sure, but I double checked, and found that indeed The Laughing Bean does serve JJ Bean coffee. It's a great place too! ← You are correct sir! A.

at least A.

The new Bosa is a little ways away from the 2nd Narrows (I can't get used to calling it the Iron Workers' Memorial) ... but they do have a coffee bar. The Laughing Bean is a pretty good little coffee spot as well. The serve Bean around the World IIRC and have the usual assortment of Saran-wrapped baked goods. Pho 99 is up Hastings (near Boundary). They've been drive-by-shooting free for months now but serve the nest pho in the area IMO. Or was it just coffee you were looking for? Cuz there's also a JJ Bean at Victoria & Venables. A.

Are you hinting at a West Coast visit??? I'll alert the troops. A.

Love it!!! Especially the pictures! If I were thinking of smuggling food across the border (and I'm NOT because that is like so wrong ...) Daniel is one of the first people I would think of consulting You've obviously never read one of Daniel's "Road Trip" blog's. This visit to Montreal was awesome Daniel! I need to get back there soon. A.

Well ... (he says sticking his neck WAY out there) ... I charge $1,500 for my design services, and I'm nowhere near the most expensive designer I know. I'll be honest; the design fee is used partly to pay for my time, and partly to act as a qualifier. Thanks to the Home Depot's and IKEA's of the world, many folk expect services like mine to be free, and they value my time accordingly. Clients who pay the $1,500 (what I call a "retainer", and credit back to the customer if they hire me to do their project) understand the value I am adding to their kitchen design. I agree with Henry ... hire an architect to design a house, hire a kitchen designer to design a kitchen. We're a lot less expensive (for now! ) and with all due respect to the architects of the world, we know more about kitchens than they do. Keeping up to date on appliances alone is a full time job! So, to answer the question, $500 is not unreasonable. In the long run, it's a small price to pay for a professional service. A.

Gill, re: the aforementioned Mr. Butler: Maybe he should've stuck to death metal ... A.

I think you are mistaking the intent...tiny tiny bit of a joke, you see. An homage, in fact.Wow! BCinBC has his own PR agent! Nice spin Deborah. A.

Actually, I meant for Memo not you. You'd trade Paul in for the dog? A.

Dude, you and that Chiwawa need a column! Now THAT I would read. A.