SBonner

H.P. Fruity for breakfast H.P. Bold for dinner Hoisin sauce Stephen

Just going over our kitchen inventory and thinking of salt. We currently have in use the following: Maldon, Red Hawaiian, and an organic Brittany. Any other gems out there I should know about and how are you using them? Stephen Bonner

When in Spain we drink Fino with it all the time. The nuttiness of the ham with similar flavours in the Fino are a wonderful compliment. Here in Vancouver....if I could get the ham I'd drink some lovely Spanish rose as well. Cheers, Stephen Vancouver

But would a discount card actually get you to go to the market more often? Is it enough of an incentive to drive all the way down there & fight for parking? Don't get me wrong, I'd be first in line for my card, but I'm one of the ones already going there. Would a discount card make you start going there? ← Most likely not but some people just can't turn down a deal even if it's going to cost them the savings in parking and fuel fees. The market is a great thing to have so any input the management gets from us hopefully will influence future marketing plans.

Hi Vancouver, I completely forgot about the 50 bus...maybe because takes 50 minutes to get there from my home by the time the driver kicks off the druggies and non-payers! I like the idea of a discount card... e-gullet readers send an e-mail to the market! The merchants there could also consider offering a downtown delivery service for a fee... the logistics would be a nightmare at first but I bet it would pay off in the long run. Stephen

As a downtown resident (Gastown) I find that we shop at Choices and Urban Fare... we can walk to them and bus or cab it back home if we are buying alot of items. I find GI just too touristy compared to markets in Europe. The chain supermarkets are now catering to gourmets (Whole Foods) with hugh selections of cheeses, organic produce (local and international) and everyday needs. When we do go to Granville Island we usually walk to Yaletown along the sea wall then hop on the Aqua Bus. Parking at Granville Island is awkward at best. I guess once more of the downtown core is built up we maybe able to lobby for a shuttle bus to run on weekends or several times day with a direct trip from downtown to the island for shopping. I love the idea of supporting family buinesses rather than shopping at chains but the times at Granville Island are not convenient if you work 9-5. They should open early on weekends 7am to attract residents who do not want to shop with the tourists. Stephen Bonner

I have had the same experiences on two occasions going solo and with a group. Give them a miss. Stephen Vancouver

We are usually in Barcelona once a year and always buy chocolate from Xocoa. Drop by the Origens 99.0% restaurant and gourmet shop. As the name implies the food is almost 100% Penedes in origin. They are located at vidriera, 6-8, in the El Born district just around the corner of the lovely Santa Maria del Mar cathedral. Enjoy the chocolate and churros...I'm envious. Stephen Vancouver Canada

As a Londoner and Vancouver resident I would recommend Smiths of Smithfields or Vivat Bacchus (for amazing cheese plates and South African wines), on a more casual note the Wagamama in Canary Wharf...lots of shops for a 20 year old. If truly adventurous try St.Johns, old school feel and unique animal parts On a Friday or Saturday drop by the Borough Market for vension burgers, Niel's Yard Cheeses, and great regional produce. It's like Slow Food live! Regards, Stephen Bonner If Indian is on the menu... Brick Lane is the place to go...way too many restaurants to recommend. If you feel like drinking some wine drop by the Wine Wharf next to Vintropolis Wine Experience. They have a great selection at great prices compared to Vancouver

Our place would have to be "C". We had our wedding reception and 5 of our 6 wedding anniversaries there. For less indulgence nights we frequent Umami where we have got to know the chef/owner/sommelier very well. Stephen Bonner

I'm a big fan of Monsoon. Great vibe, friendly staff, and interesting Asian fusion food; but my favourite restaurant has to be Aurora Bistro. Aurora has an all BC wine list and locally sourced ingredients. Try them for Brunch. The truffled scrambled eggs on puff pastry with oven roasted tomatoes is stellar!! Stephen

I've seen a couple out in the Fraser valley and White Rock area. I think they are a Surrey based franchaise. I have not been to one so no comment on the coffee. Stephen

Hello e-gullet readers... I just noticed a thread re: drinking on the drive. Just to let you know I am taking care of the drinks program at the WaaZuBee Cafe that was mentioned. It is interesting to see the comments and rest assured that the service has much improved but not at the pace of the new wine and spirit program that I am developing. I'll keep you all posted as I revamp the drinks lists and I'll organise an event for all of you to sample the new items. Cheers, Stephen Bonner

I've never been to "C" during Dine Out but my wife and I have always enjoyed the food and experience there over the last six years. It will be interesting to see what happens to the old Riley location now the "C" ownership has accuired it. Stephen

We are staying home... On the menu at Maison Stephen will be: Foie Gras with a half bottle of 1994 Sauternes (the year my wife and I met) Vension rack with 1998 Leasingham Shiraz (our wedding wine at C Restaurant) Chocolate and cardamon mousse with some undetermined Sparkling Shiraz. Have an enjoyable Valentines Day at home or away. Stephen

Try Fiction Wine Bar. The food from small plates to mains are in the price range you mentioned. They have a decent wine. martini, and whisky list. We were there last night with another couple. Our bill for two bottles of wine, a cheese plate, and two other sharing plates came to $150 with taxes. Cheers, Stephen

Hi Paul, I would seriously look at wine courses developed at restaurant schools or regional colleges. Having been the product of numerous programs I see so much wine education similar in both the WSET and Society of Wine Educator programs. In Vancouver I think we have too many sommeliers now entering the industry. I would recommend developing an in house program with some input from outsiders for a balanced and refreshing approach to wine. On a personal note. if you have time and the $ go to the U.K. and take your courses there. With a hugh number of MW's present you will learn so much more and experience a much greater selection of wines to taste and learn from. Stephen Bonner Vancouver

Bollinger 1979... what a shame and what amess. Dropped it while preparing for a Valentines dinner for my wife. Stephen Vancouver

The wine you picked is stellar! but give it some more time. It indeed has alot of oak and in my opnion still needs a few years of bottle age for all those flavours to merge into a glorious drop. What temperature and wine glass did you serve the wine in? just curious. Stephen Vancouver

Thank you to all who posted after my comments... All I can say is that I for one never go to DOV for all the reasons we read in these threads. People expect so much from a restaurant and DOV overwhelms many. In defense of the Irish heather I will say I've had some great meals there, I' m not impressed with their wine list, but overal it's one of the best gastro-pubs I've experienced and I've been to many having worked in the U.K. and Vancouver in both the wine and restaurant trade. Try them when DOV is not on. If I ever own a restaurant I would never take part in DOV. Hats off to all of you and your comments. Let's enjoy great wine, food, and service everywhere; but keep it in perspective. I'm curious as to what other restaurants ($15 DOV menu) you went to and how they compared to the Irish Heather. Cheers, Stephen Bonner

Wow!! If I'm not mistaken the DOV at the Irish Heather was only $15. I'm suprised at the number of comments complaining in this thread. You can drop $15 on a beer and a burger at most places. Do not forget that the Irish Heather is not West, Lumiere, or Coast. It is a casual gastro-pub with food far exceeding what most North American pubs are putting on the plates. Lighten up fellow readers! Where else are you going to get a cheese plate with Neil's Yard cheeses, over 100 whiskies, and good European service in a pub atmosphere???? For those of you who where there when it was extremely busy please note that at the same time myself and dozens of other wine people were showing up unexceptedly after the trade portion of the Australian wine fair ended at Storyeum just around the corner. Sorry for filling the place up Sean!! I should have known better during DOV. My rant of the day. Stephen Bonner

It's a great read! Even better to experience the restaurant next trip to London. Cheers, Stephen Vancouver

Many thansk to you all in regards to my first question comparing the culinary scene of Vancouver with yours...it opened a number of eyes of some Vancouverites as well. Thank you all for your input and I'm looking forward to my first visit to Australia later this Autumn. Cheers, Stephen Bonner Vancouver I'm just finising up a bottle of Petaluma Chardonnay then off to the local brew pub for some B.C. IPA

Try the WaaZuBee Cafe on Commercial Drive. They have a rum list with about 14 rums including some 10 and 15 year old Dominicans. Cheers, Stephen Vancouver

Earl Grey is stunning with dark chocolate ( 70%+ cocoa0. Try some strong long steeped oolong as well. Cheers, Stephen Vancouver