janevm

I've been to underground restaurants in Vancouver and wrote an article for Vancouver Magazine commenting on a few; yes, they do exist but one owner-- who must remain anon or he'll come after me with his cleaver -- is worse than the soup nazi in determining who gets in. http://thewriteword.ca/recentarticles/chefsborders.htm

Is that a joke?

Does anyone know where to get the best Mac and Cheese in town? Feenie's comes to mind...anywhere else?

it starting to read like the Times-Colonist. Seriously. you mean is starting... sorry, just had to do it. * reading downthread and not taking bait * -- Matt. ←

yikes I screwed up again! I mean Matt R...sorry ← ←

oops sorry, that comment was intended for Mark R and his comment about EAT needing a proofreader. Feel free to criticize my sloppy posting... ←

complaining about typos is quite funny when you just made one in your remark... (hope you can find it)

Hi James, we have it on the agenda for the new year and I'll remember to get your POV Jane

I agree that the money raised is going to a worthy cause, but this year, possibly to due the gorgeous location and sunny day, there were so many people that most of the time was spent lining up for a thimble of wine or a bite of so-so food --the majority seafood. Why seafood? To showcase the appropriate restaurant, such as Joe Fortes, famous for oysters. But wait a minute, isn't this supposed to be from the field? A few people sliced heirloom tomatoes, but compare to past events and those on Van. Island, it was rather disappointing, and I heard some grumbling, not just from my stomach. Ah... but what about the fresh scallop seviche with scallions and citrus zest served on a sesame seed tuille from Le Gavroche? Surely... you did not find that to be bland? The above noted scallops were among the highlights for me..... as was the shrimp crepe that Max has mentioned. I have more highlights that I will add later..... though I'm very much wishing that I had a digital camera to record everything, as I see now that, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, and anything I say about the food at this event will simply not do it justice. Not to mention the spectacular setting..... ←

shiru Bay, a.k.a chopsticks, has a very good sake list, separate from cocktails and wine list. with several premim brands

and there's the G spot room. As Babs would say: "How many girls become a sinner while waiting for a roast beef dinner?"

the new place on Main is going to be called Habit, and they (Tangerine owners) plan to have their doors open by the end of September. A great addition to the street and the neighbourhood.

Although Watermark's General Manager David Richards is proud to point out that it is a non-smoking restaurant, both inside and out, some people are apparently above the law. The night we were there, some of our city's finest, in full regalia, had their Harleys parked just outside the front door, puffing away on their fags, smoke wafting upstairs to diners on the patio. Wonder if they were on overtime policing Kits beach, or simply enjoying the new hang out? One cop was there for at least two hours. I actually saw him smoking when I arrived and when I left. Unless of course the non-smoking patio is above the smoking patio. It reminds of the days when you had smoking and non-smoking sections on a plane. Yes, it really made a difference sitting in non-smoking...in the row BEHIND the smoking section ←

Critic's choice caterers is fabulous and former sous chef from Paprika's in Victoria and Lumiere is creative with appies, entrees great and the price is right. I've recommended them to seveal people, all were impressed. www.criticschoicecaterers.com

Al Porto in Gastown (and probably the only decent restaurant in that area) but I don't think they have any booths.

Hi Shelora, actually it didn't really work that way -not quite whoever showed up. It took me about two weeks to get them on board and there wasn't room for everyone so it was a difficult decision - I think I got all the "mainstream" in however. Everyone showed who I asked excepting Denis at Bishops. cheers, Jane The call went out, for a time and place, whoever showed up got their picture taken. I believe it might be that simple. How to identify chefs with names? What an excellent question! Stay tuned for the next issue of EAT magazine. ←

did you hear the one about the Australian food critic who wrote a bad review about a Sydney restuarant and was sued by said restaurant? apparently the restaurant won!

I agree - Kaplans is terrific. I reviewed them for The Eating and Drinking Guide and they have the best pastrami this side of Montreal. cheers, jane

and another for Chambar. Bartender David Fesq is the guy to pair Belgian beer and food (in his own words: "Wine, I'm so over that").

thanks everyone, you've been a great help. I forgot about most of them such as the Slocan, Helens...now I'm craving a big fat juicy burger or slice of meat loaf and mashed, eggs and bacon....

SOBA in Tofino - the catering truck that gained so much fame last year in many magazines including EnRoute. they make a mean fish taco, and the truck is now parked in the Tofino Botanical Gardens I believe.

thanks for these - you've come up with many diners that had slipped my mind -- like the Slocan. The list may be longer than I had planned but please keep them coming!

my definition of authentic diner means real vinyl and formica, most likely pre 60s or older, and probably easier to find in rural areas. Legendary greasy spoons, mom & pop operations and above all, unpretentious atmosphere... Does that help?

I'm compiling a list of BC's authentic diners worth visiting and hopefully they serve something in particular that is memorable. I can only think of a few in and around Vancouver and one in Courtenay. Know of any?

So just what do you consider a bad tip? Less than xx ...... what percentage? Okay... now before my hand gets slapped for being off topic.... I just picked up this latest issue - May/June - and, WOW, I am impressed. You (Gary, Carolyn, Shelora, Jane etc.) are more than giving CityFood a run for the money, I'd say. It's a splendid issue. Looking forward to reading it in detail. ← thanks for the thumbs up! I'll pass your message on to Gary, and please pass the magazines on to your friends...