SBonner

I tried a refreshing Champagne cocktail in London. Here's the simple recipe: 1 oz vodka two slices fresh ginger Shake in iced shaker Pour into a flute and top up with Lanson Brut. Tasty!

Has anyone tried this new bistro? It is my understanding that they have gone with a B.C. theme for ingredients and wines. I also believe it is speared headed by a couple of ex-Rugby Grill employees.

Has anyone heard of the opening date for this much awaited restaurant?

Cna anyone enlighten me to the use of regional logo's for proof of origin for Indian teas. I'm in Canada and have not seen this as of yet.

I do some management consulting to a couple of restaurants and I advice that you charge a cake cutting fee $10 to off set costs (plates, silverware, and cleaning). I personally think bringing a cake to an establishment is TACKY. When we celebrate a special occasion I like the restaurant to supply the desert. Oh well it is casual Vancouver after all!!!.

Thank you Bond Girl. Being the restaurant is just 30 seconds walk from our flat we will try it out. The foam thing still seems to be hot. It was the thing to do when we were there three years ago.

My wife and I will be staying in a flat just around the corner from Commec 24. Any comments on the restaurant that seems to get alot of overseas press. Thank you

If you love gin and ever visit Vancouver you should check out the WaaZuBee Cafe on Commercial Drive. They have a gin list with over a dozen gins with detailed tasting notes. It is my understanding that it is the best gin list in Canada. The most interesting gin I tried was the Hendrick's from Scotland which is infused with rose petals and cucumber along with the usual botonticals.

I was looking for some comments on the Wine Wharf Wine Bar near the Borough Market and Vintropolis. What are the the most popular or new wine bars worth visting when in London. Thank you.

I've just purchased this unusual Vodka from a small New Zealand. The aromas reminds me of wintermint and I'm curious for martini or drink ideas.

The Lotus Land Gewurtraminer is acceptable but other that that I am not impressed with these wines. On a positive note when I visited the vineyard in Abbotsford it seemed the organic route was still their passion. Great re-branding for this property.

I recently tried 13 premium New Zealand wines in Vancouver at a tasting hosted by Neil Empson in a new trendy wine/tapas bar called Vintropolis. My favourites by a long short were: 2003 Pegasus Bay Riesling approx. $39.95 Cdn$ Stelvin closure. Straw yellow with intense Rose's lime cordial aroma. Medium-bodied, richly textured, and full of lime and apricot flavours with a long lingering finish of honeycomb. ***(*) 3.5 stars out of 4. 2002 Pegasus Bay Sauvignon/Semillon approx. $39.95 Cdn$ Pale straw with complex aromas of mineral, smoke, and gooseberry leaf. Full-bodied, concentrated, and complexly flavoured with smoke, hints of malo, zesty acidity, and minerally gooseberry fruit. ***(*) 3.5 stars. Stephen Bonner Vancouver, Canada