Xando Head

I think that Ellen is on hiatus through August, unfortunately...

FWIW, I didn't say "Chinatown" -- I was, as others have pointed out, talking about the amazing Chinese culture that is abundant throughout the city -- not JUST in Chinatown. And too bad about not having the squash courts LOL.

I agree with you, eatrustic. I am a big fan of No Reservations, and especially of Tony's writings and observations, but I was disappointed with the Vancouver episode. Perhaps it's true that the hardest to please are the locals, but as you said, while Tojo's, Sooke, Cioppino's and Vij's/Rangoli are certainly worthy, covering them is certainly nothing new, and Tony's friendship with the chefs wasn't a unique enough angle to make it interesting in that "you couldn't find this on your own, throw-the-curtains-back" way that I love about No Reservations. I actually remember the unfortunate July week when the crew was in town, because I had friends visiting who had flown in on the same flight -- and it was a terribly miserable stretch of seven or so days of cold, pouring rain. Very unusual for July. But why would they even plan to go skiing/snowboarding in Whistler in July in the first place? (Also, that ziptrek place has been publicity gold since it opened -- I swear it's in every show I've seen about Vancouver/Whistler for the past few years. Lucky them, I guess.) I know, you can't have everything. But I really wish less time had been spent on the Uwe Boll/EA-type segments which really don't say much about the flavour of Vancouver. Yes, the film industry employs a lot of people (well, at least for now). Yes, EA's gym and squash courts are cool, but... I mean, I love Vikram Vij. Just thinking about his lamb popsicles makes my mouth water. And those scallop-stuffed tempura zucchini blossoms by Tojo? Wow. But what about the non four-star restaurant scene? The Chinese night market or the hole-in-the-wall Asian places that give the city its flair? The vibrant gay scene? I could go on and on.

Funny, Pao Pao, we must have just missed you as we just got back from a dinner at Lucky Diner. We were quite impressed with both the service and the food. It is, for sure, not typical diner fare. I would call the cuisine "diner-inspired." For me, my personal preference is to leave a restaurant satisfied and not stuffed. But definitely to each his own. Perhaps it comes down to expectations of the word "diner." In any case, as we walked home our collective agreement was that we were impressed and satisfied, given it's their second night. When we first arrived we were greeted in a friendly matter -- and quickly -- and while there were only 3-4 other tables in the house, based on our past experiences here this felt darn near revolutionary. During the meal, our server was friendly, attentive and refreshingly forthcoming when unsure the answers to 1 or 2 of my questions -- going to the back to ask. We started with the onion rings, battered with cornmeal, which had a fresh, unexpected flavor -- but not so "far-out" that it competed with the very idea of diner onion rings. For mains, partner had the deconstructed chicken and mushroom pot pie, which I did not taste but he definitely enjoyed. I had the meatloaf, which was so moist I almost had difficulty keeping it on my fork. I did find the mashed potato presentation amusing -- I called it the "Michelin Man" potato -- but that touch of whimsy was neither a positive nor negative in my mind. Partner also had the pecan pie but I didn't taste it so can't comment -- he finished it with a smile on his face, though. The room is still somewhat the same, with the booths moved and an extended bar area created. I understand that some other cosmetic changes will be made, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the room evolves. I'm also anxious to see their brunch menu. In our minds, a good start. And yay! for service!

Just walked by Lucky Diner with my dog and had a peek -- looks like a lot of hard work going on in there. Good luck -- I live in the hood and will certainly be by this week.

As recently as two days ago, yes they are.

Agree with Deborah. Every time I go in there I marvel at the unique and beautiful wedding cakes on display.

Finally made it to Senhor Rooster's for the first time today. Learned that they will be moving hopefully sometime in September -- to 850 Renfrew I believe -- a larger venue with live music and as described, "fine dining."

That would be great! Unfortunately, I can't find a listing for it. I checked both TLC and CTV Travel. In the regular NR timeslot on CTVT, the listings show the Malaysia episode. Do you have more info on how we can see this episode in Canada? I have Bell ExpressVu, fwiw. ← SPIRO -- it's going to be on TLC at 10PM tomorrow (in place of The Messengers). Apparently, the schedule change was just made yesterday morning, so the listings folks haven't updated their listings yet. TLC is the same in Canada and the U.S. It WON'T be on CTV Travel.

For anyone north of the border, I believe this TLC airing on Weds (the 30th, right?) will be the first time it's aired in Canada...

From what I can see from the street, it looks pretty much the same.

Anyone at the Bardot's opening last night? I walked by all the beautiful people last night sweaty and tired on my way home from the gym. Wondering how it was, though likely hard to tell amid all the red carpet hoopla. . . . (This is purely a personal note, but man I wish this neighborhood could support a more "down-home" venue without the glitz ... a pub would be perfect. Do we really need another plastic people hangout in Yaletown? Evidently, we do. Maybe I just need to move...)

They started moving inside there this week. Paper went up over the windows yesterday. Looks like they're tearing the place up.

There is a stereotype aimed at African Americans (particularly those from the U.S. South). It originates (I believe) from old minstrel shows. I'm sure a google will bring up more information. I'm aware of this stereotype, but I'm not sure how the meal -- served to the masses in Vancouver -- is stereotypical in and of itself. I've certainly eaten more than my fair share of meals of fried chicken, potato salad and watermelon. It's a very common meal where I come from in southern Maryland. (And yep, we eat grits, black eyed peas and collard greens too). An interesting side note about Diner's fried chicken -- I'm quite certain they put Old Bay seasoning in the batter...

Me too, until I realized they've moved just a few blocks west. Can't remember what the cross-street is, but they now have a corner location.

Thought Chambar was closed on Sundays. Has that changed? Would also recommend Bin 941 on Davie for later meal/drinks.

Manlio at Amarcord will do private functions with notice. I think it's a perfect place for a 50th.

No need to be sorry -- it's fresh ... I get that!!! Plus, I've already been in and gotten my fix (twice!).

Oh I'd missed that. thanks Vancitygirl!

Two questions: Anyone heard anything about The Quay on Marinaside? Sign on the door still says "remodeling" and reopening in March. But I haven't really seen any activity in there since it looked like they were moving all the liquor, glasses, plates, etc. out. More curiousity than anything -- didn't really go there much, but live on the same block. Also, any word on the opening of the new Korean supermarket on Robson and Seymour? It's looked nearly ready for a while... Can't remember the name (which I believe is a letter or two). Thanks, Katherine

Stopped by today to welcome them to the neighborhood. All everyone has said here was right on the money -- they are both very enthusiastic about their product, their store ... and I think their very welcoming personalities will be a great fit for the community as well. They were completely out of the spicy hot chocolate and the kahlua truffles -- sold out today. Themis said they'd made 300 kahluas and they were all sold. He seemed both surprised and proud! Not being a fan of overly-sweet hot drinks (no sugar in tea or coffee), I had the lavender hot chocolate on their recommendation. It was brilliant. Neither flavor was overpowering ... both were quite subtle and the blend was deliciously smooth ... extremely enjoyable and drinkable. I also got a sampling of chocolates, including dark, dark matcha and the saffron truffle. I was quite impressed by their enthusiasm, passion and friendliness -- and above all, their product. (edited to fix typo)

Had two today -- a butter chicken AND a tartiere! Both were delicious... the butter chicken was milder spice-wise than I expected but still fabulous -- would definitely order it again. My fave of the two was the tartiere, tho. I had wanted to get a sweet (cranberry & lemon) for dessert later tonight, but unfortunately hit the store when all sweets except one lone apricot were out. Well, there's always this weekend!

As my husband and I don't usually celebrate Valentine's Day (it's Valentine's all year long!), I was planning to go out and have drinks with some of my girlfriends. When both of them cancelled on me at 5PM, I decided to head out to the gym. On the way, I walked past Amarcord in Yaletown, which is one of our regular haunts. Very sheepishly, I must admit, I decided to stop and ask host Anthony if there were any last minute late openings for two. I did tell him that I completely understood that it was Valentine's and they would likely not have a table, and that I felt a little silly asking him so last minute, but he very graciously booked us at 8:30. Manlio, as usual, had set aside a table for a regular walk-in, despite a very busy night for them. The meal was stellar. Husband had the lobster bisque starter and his usual beef, while I splurged and went for the lobster over pasta with savory tomato/white wine sauce, their regular special. And a lovely bottle of Sicilian red that I enjoyed so much I hate to admit I've forgotten its name this morning... While I would have completely understood if they had not been able to accommodate us (who asks at 5:45 for a table on Valentine's?!?! -- go ahead and laugh winegeek, I can't blame ya!), it made it even more special that they did so, and so sweetly. While not the flashiest place in town, Manlio's gracious attitude and their reliable, solid dishes are the main reasons Amarcord remains one of our favorites.

I was just about to say the same thing -- I googled but couldn't find a photo of a menu board at Chipotle's, but with the exception of no pork, it looks incredibly similar. Here's the wikipedia that describes their menu -- even the salsa choices are very similar, if not the same. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipotle_Mexican_Grill

As an American resident of Canada (who travels back to the States all the time for business), I don't notice any overwhelming difference in tipping between Americans and Canadians, to be honest. However, I think some people do a distinction between tipping at a social/personal meal versus a business dinner ... in the latter case they're more often than not spending the company's dollar AND trying to impress whomever they're dining with. Wondering out loud if many of the Americans who are dining at your various establishments in BC are, indeed, on business -- and thus a bit freer with their tips...? My father back in the States still to this day doesn't think leaving more than a dollar on the table is necessary. I've tried to educate him, but it hasn't worked yet...