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kurtisk

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Posts posted by kurtisk

    Karen Barnabay wants to save our kids!

    in Western Canada: Dining

    Posted

    I don't have an issue per se - I am a fan of Karen as is pretty clear from my post.  But she is big into low carbs - I watched on City Cooks cooking from her cookbook Low Carb Gourmet.  and the cooking seemed very Atkins to me (Splenda appears in alot of the desserts).  Regardless - all I am saying is that there needs to other nutritionists involved whatever actual process comes from this.

    And I'm sure there would be, I was just referring to the question of her being the figurehead of the whole thing.

    And of course she was strictly doing low-carb appearances when she was pushing her low-carb book, but Dude!, she also has 7 other titles out there that ain't low-carb.

    k.

    Karen Barnabay wants to save our kids!

    in Western Canada: Dining

    Posted

    I like Karen Barnaby - her cook books are fun and usable and she has great food voice.  My only issue is I think that she is all about the Atkins diet.

    Actually, I think she's fond of low-carb dieting, as opposed to being a full-fledged Atkins pimp. Plus, it's a personal choice of hers and while there have been low-carb options at The Fish House, there were always plenty of (ahem) higher-carb options to be had as well.

    She's great for championing this, widely recognized, an awesome character, and full of passion, talent, charm and whimsy. In fact, some of those dishes on the show had carb-content so I fail to see where you see an issue...

    k

    Avian Flu

    in Western Canada: Dining

    Posted

    As an interesting side note, and something I'd not thought of, my wife (Media Relations @ Tourism Vancouver a/k/a Wendy) had to put together an Avian Flu Q & A for TVan that is currently highlighted on their website's front page ( full link @ http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/faq_avian ). They get many calls and concerns about this, you could only imagine how each news story translates to lost tourism revenue for the city. This after one damn bird and nothing for the public to be in fear about. The ripple effect is quite awe-inspiring...

    k.

    Best dish you've had this year

    in Western Canada: Dining

    Posted

    Top 3:

    ~ I really love the (as I've said before) Fried Oyster, Beer Valve-palooza at Nu.

    ~ The CROQUE - MONSIEUR EGGS BENEDICT (black forest ham, gruyère and sundried tomato butter on foccacia) at Provence Marinaside.

    ~ Fuck it! I LOVE the House Made BC Venison and Fennel Sausage - braised with sunchokes and cabbage in Merridale cider at Aurora Bistro.

    Mmmmmm-boy!

    k.

    Lumiere

    in Western Canada: Dining

    Posted

    I hope he decides to share his experiences when he gets back, either through you and Luciano or get him to post himself.

    If you're curious as to the Trotter stage drill, you can always follow up with Tina Fineza (ex- Bin 942, George) who recently did one there at the the same time that Mark McNeil (Sommelier at Provence Marinaside) did a stage on the floor.

    I'd tell you their stories, but I don't know what's on the record & what's off the record...

    heh! :wink:

    k

    Vij's

    in Western Canada: Dining

    Posted

    I kind of fondly remember (kind of) waiting in line for Stephos back in the day before they reno'd their place to add way more seating. Now that i'm older and presumably wiser i'm not into waiting in line (who is?) ... so I hear that 5:30pm opening for Vij's is in order?

    Anybody care to volunteer a favorite dish off their current menu?

    First of all, there's a big difference between waiting for a table at Vij's, and standing in the pissing rain on Davie. At Vij's, you're guided toward the back lounge which is gorgeous and (I think) part of the whole experience. Upon sitting in the lounge, you'll be given warm chai and be able to pick from platters of warm 'starters' that float around the room. Boom! No table yet, but you've already received warm hospitality with complimentary food and drink. Gonna be a tad longer for the table? Have an IPA on tap or a glass of wine from their small, well-chosen wine list.

    I don't feel there's a need to dart to Vij's immediately after work, or to dine at a time that may be a little early for you. Just be ready for the experience, make an evening of it, and soak it all up. Sometimes it's not about how fast you can get in and get out. This is why the Slow Food movement is quite contagious. There's a lot to be offered at Vij's, the more you open yourself up to, the better time you'll have.

    Oh, and order anything that appeals on the menu. You really can't go wrong. It's all made with the same energy and heart.

    Enjoy!

    k.

    Today's Courier - Vancouver's The Real Deal

    in Western Canada: Dining

    Posted

    I agree - don't offer a special and then somehow put the onus on the customer to spend more (and then be displeased when they don't).  To the diner it will feel like a switch and bait.

    I'm really flabbergasted at how common this view seems to be. Fuck whatever a restaurant wants you to order, if they offer something, it's fair game. It's complete bullshit to have any other expectation.

    k

    Whistler Cornucopia 2005

    in Western Canada: Dining

    Posted

    Damn website is up and then it messes up again. Egads.

    In any event, I've had some fun today. Bumped into Keith Nicholson from Nu setting up for the Canadian Heroes tasting of B.C. and Ontario wines. Tom Doughty is up here, too (as are Gismondi and Pawsey). Haven't seen Jamie Maw but did a twirl around the trade tasting with the lovely and talented lauraf.

    I really wanted to have lunch at Apres, but they weren't open. Same with Umbertos, Quattro, and Araxi. Ended up chowing down on Kung Pao at Earl's which was totally packed with a gortex crowd of nubiles all rosy-cheeked and lovely. I'm now dangerously over-carbed and araring to get silly.

    I'm back at the Chateau now. The hotel is getting swamped with some serious weekend traffic. The snow has been falling like mad so there are lots of people carrying boards and skis about. I'm always underdressed for every occasion, and I've failed miserably as far as winter gear is concerned. I'm wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, and desert boots. Smart.

    Crush starts in a couple of hours, and then over to Bearfoot and Araxi. I'll report back here afterwards if I am sober enough.

    Wish you were all here.  :smile:

    <sigh>

    k.

    Today's Courier - Vancouver's The Real Deal

    in Western Canada: Dining

    Posted

    Second, if Vancouver is so inexpensive, why do we need all these "deals"? Are we that cheap, or are there that many great choices?

    A very good question, Arne. I've started writing a kind of Year in Review piece and I can't get away from the fact that 2005 was the Year of the Prix Fixe. After 5-10 restaurants kept their $30 menus up and running after Dine Out, it started to snow ball in the Spring. After a bit of a dip in the summer, they have returned with a vengeance all across the city. It's a smart idea, but an intriguing conceptual dogpile. Anyone care to venture an answer to the why?

    I've always figured it's because we have a glut of great restaurants in the city and only (x) amount of people to support them. This isn't the kind of town where people dine out only on weekends, so things have to be made accessible to encourage more returns and ventures. Also, the prix-fixe in many places isn't so much a 'cheap' menu, but more of a re-working of portion-to-price ratio. Generally, our food/liquor cost remain the same...

    k

    Openings and closings (2004–2005)

    in Western Canada: Dining

    Posted

    A few things...

    ~ I'm very excited about the new Banana Leaf opening in the old Sausi's spot on Broadway. Jamie, do you anticipate Bruno opening another spot, or is it time for him to finally sit back?

    ~ Further east on Broadway, by Oak(ish) there's a new "Argentinian Cusine" place whose name escapes me. I'm trying to reflect on what cuisine made Argentina particular (from the rest of S.A.), I only have spent time in Buenos Aires but who knows, maybe I missed somethin'. Anyone got details on the place?

    ~ Rumour has it that Habit's a go on November 14th. I hear they're gonna be open 'til 2. If that's true, we'll see y'all there after work!

    k.

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