SBonner

I'm thinking Aurora Bistro would be my best bet for "fresh" ingredients. Stephen

So called semi- privatisation of the drinks industry really does not work. These shops get low discounts from the BCLDB so they mark their products up to achieve a 30-35% profit margin. I would agree most are a joke. Maybe the government wants us to see this model so we reject full out privatisation. Outside of Liberty or Marquis ( both have outstanding selections and knowledgeable staff) I never shop at any other private stores. I want selection, staff knowledge, and ambiance when shopping for drinks. Cheers, Stephen

Thank you for tip. I'm going to be in Australia for two weeks in November and will give this place a try. How is their wine list? Thank you. Stephen Bonner Vancouver

I never got to taste the churros. In Spain we have always had them served at room temperature which works well when dippng them in the chocolate. I'd like to try the filled ones...something I have not seen before. WORD OF WARNING the Chantico at Starbucks is horrid. It is sickenly sweet and not too chocolatey. Give it a miss. I needed to drink a bottle of water after to get rid of the sweetness that stuck in my mouth. Stephen

The Joie B&B/Culinary School is on the top of my list. Check out their website at: www.joie.ca Stephen Joie web link

We got there late last night after the Fiction dinner. I had the Chocolate (no churros left). The chocolate had a similar flavour to what we have had in Spain but less textural. I think in Spain more cornstarch is added to the blend so you have that dreamy sensation of drinking liquid chocolate mousse. I'll have to try the churros next time. Stephen

Sit at the bar at Umami's on Davie. The female servers and Hiro (chef and Sommelier) will treat you well. Great Japanese inspired tapas and a lovely wine list. The room is peaceful and you will be left alone ( unless you what to chit chat with the servers). A great solo location. Cheers, Stephen

Keith, For that many bottles I'd look at the wine storage facility in Yaletown; link below. We live in a small loft in Gastown and use a Kitchen aid unit that holds 70 bottles ($500) The rest of the wine hides under the stairs, under the bed, and my mum's home in the burbs. Cheers, Stephen wine vault website

With regards to the cardamom bread...is it filled in any way, like with almond paste or is it just a sweet yeast bread with cardamom added? ←

I recently tried some of the breads from the Swedish inspired Halso Bakery on Arbutus. The Cardamon bread is very tasty. Pop some in the toaster first thing in the morning and the whole house smells like spice. Any other e-gullet comments on this bakery? Cheers, Stephen bakery website

I'll have to try this out. My wife and I enjoy those artery clogging churros for breakfast every morning when we are in Spain. I wonder how the chocolate is made? I've never had hot chocolate outside of Spain that tastes the same as back home. Thank you for the tip...I'm there this weekend. Stephen and Helen PS Churros and chocolate taste great with a shot of Brandy

I can't think of any reason to go to Cloverdale in terms of food. keep on driving to White Rock and you will find some decent restaurants with waterfront views. I use to ride horses as a child and would not find anything redeeming about a rodeo, budwiesser, or Coors. Cheers, Stephen

I really enjoy The Canoe Club restaurant and brew pub. Aussi inspired cuisine with great in house made beers and a stellar wine list (the best I've ever seen in a brew pub). Hugo's is also interesting. The Picasso for decent French food and service is recommended. Stephen

I believe the charm of the place lies not only with the host (Sean) and his staff but also the ambiance of the place. Where else in Vancouver do you get the architecture of the Irish Heather along with street scape (cobblestones, antique lighting fixtures, and tree line) along with the fact he is the only Irish gastropub that does not have TV's everywhere which in turn fosters chatting amongst the locals and visitors. The food is also a notch above any other pub in the city. I'm looking forward to the green away planned for Carrell Street and patio seating outside the Heather (now that's going to look and feel very European). Stephen

The lunch bartender at one lounge is great; he knows my regular tipple and lunch favourites. Bucky at the Irish heather also knows my drinking habits and always has something inciteful or provocative to talk about. Helen and I enjoy dining on the wood; you meet great diners, usually get a "miss-poured" drink, and hear all the trade gossip. If dining solo you always make friends. In London, the drinks team at Bluebird, always have great bottles of Champagne open and tasty mosels they recommend from the restaurant above. Stephen

I nominate the fridge. Where else could I have access to ice cubes, chilled bottles of wine, ice cold vodka, along with frozen and fresh meats, ice cream, and temperature intolerent foods. Ours is a six year old stainless steel model that looks nice, is virtually silent, and has never broke down. Stephen Vancouver

I remember the menu at Wild Garlic on Broadway did some interesting things with garlic including desserts with chocolate and garlic. Stephen

I would look at Rain City Grill...great view on their patio, and the last time I was there on the mains menu they had Ness River Salmon, local trout, and seabass available. Cheers, Stephen

ah... this thread never goes away... anyway my favourite local is my home away from home (approx. 35 metres nw). In there today for a great cheese plate two pints (real EC pints) of Strongbow... Thank God (the C of E one) I'm not banned. Cheers, Stephen Bonner

I'd look at Aurora as well for 100% B.C. wine and food as well as Fiction Wine Bar and Vintropolis (wine flights). Cheers, Stephen

It is owned by the same people as the two Incendio's. It will be opening within the first fortnight of June. The focus is on small plates, Euro-beers, and cocktails. Cheers, Stephen

are there any pub staff with any opinions on this? maybe the same old menu is just the path of least resistance. i know that pubs are supposed to be casual and down to earth, but does this mean that the people who go to pubs don't want creative food? in the u.k. they have gastro-pubs where you get the full pub vibe but also get an interesting menu. is this an idea that could work here? ← The whole gastro-pub concept is truly British in nature and design with young and talented Euro trained chefs leaving the confines of the London market place and heading off to the country (cheaper real estate, declining local pub cultures etc..) and opening restaurants within pubs with gourmet food and great wine and beer. Unfortunately here in Vancouver most pubs still do not look at wine as part of the "gastro" concept. Good food not only needs great beer but also a wine culture. The best example of a Gastro pub would be Spinnakers or the Canoe Club in Victoria. They both have great beers, a decent wine list (by the glass), and creative food beyond the usual pub fare. I would love to see more here... Stephen

Hello eatglobally.... Yes I do take care of the drinks at the WaaZuBee Cafe. Thank you for remembering me. I would agree with some of you that this venue is not the best place to hold a business lunch but you are more than welcome. They also have free wireless internet connections and if the music is too load just ask a server or manager to turn it down. In regards to quickness; the cafe is very busy for lunch Wednesday to Friday, so just ask for a "rush order". If you drop by I now have created a new wine list with 28 wines by the glass. Cheers, Stephen Bonner

My local literally, it's less than 100 metres from my flat, is the Irish Heather. I'm a regular for either a Strongbow or Guiness several times a week usually accommpanied by a nice cheese plate or the hearty Irish breakfast. Nothing works wonders after a night of wine tasting/drinking than their breakfast ( scrambled eggs, white and black pudding, lean bacon , sausages, fried tomato and grainy bread). After being a patron from day one to this afternoon...! it's been a great local for seven years. Please stay out of my seat just under the painting On another local I've got familar with is the Cow in Notting Hill. My wife and I always go there for Guiness and their house made pate on each of our visits and the Italian staff always remember us and our favourite seat. Cheers, Stephen

My wife and I frequent Imperial Seafood restaurant in the Marine Building on Burrard street. It has great dim sum and multi-lingual staff. Service is what you would expect in 3-5 star restaurant. Stephen Bonner