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Whatever we can do to support our local business The internet may be a medium full of speculation and uninformed opinion (such negativity again), but on a positive side it's full of people around the world connecting and sharing their experiences whether it be food, disease, cars, air mileage, etc. I disagree with this and if you have ever had a chronic medical condition, you probably know that the experiences of other people with the same condition who do research looking for answers and have tried many treatments are almost always more well informed than a GP. Paul, when would you feel comfortable to lable someone credible? Every chef I've spoken with has always told me that you never know who you can learn something from. I learned something even from Mr. Heather.

Very unfortunate this happened to you, but I don't think it's the norm although the first time I went there one of their fryers was down so they suggested we don't have the fries. It bothers me they didn't tell their customers there were problems especially if the oil wasn't hot enough...you can't deep fry in 'warm' oil. I, too, don't think the fish and chips are fantastic, but their oyster burger sure is (grilled). I always tell people to have the oyster burger.

Since I haven't been back it was great to hear an update, but still am confused which means they have succeeded as this seems to be their intention. The order made sense to you, Lee, but it still doesn't to me. It's all about the name, isn't it.

Having a perfect lunch at Feenies last week and this message, I think I'm becoming a fan. As a child, the perfect lunch was at White Spot.

You are not alone I'm sure...start the thread on General Cooking, I'll try to participate. Maybe you did already, haven't checked.

Add Octopus' Garden to the list...they had to open up their small partially enclosed patio. Nothing like hearing and watching traffic passing by while eating Japanese food. (Just pretend you are in Tokyo now.) I'm not quite sure the reason, but something about being able to see the diners from the street. Perhaps they need to make sure maguro isn't being snorted, no one is smoking nori, nor injecting uni shooters. July 1st, Canada Day celebration at City Hall, I have a barbecue on wheels.

[quote=surfer_dream,Apr 20 2005, 10:18 PM] Went their this past weekend on Sunday for Brunch and I must say the food was average and resonably priced. Service on the other hand was absolutely horrendous - had to repeat our drink order 3 times - 3 coffee 2 oj and 1 tea - don't understand how you can mess that up - is this not typical brunch beverage? The eggs benny was good but for all the hype this place gets I expected a little more... as per the dessert had to ask twice for menus... when we received the bill the 3 coffees were forgotten about and when we brought it to the servers attention we received the 'thats right' response. I guess I should also mention we were a party of five without a reso but we were in the area so why not try it. Behold we really received the humms and hahs as supposedly they were fully booked and had to see if they could 'squeeze' us in somewhere. Just wanted to know what the problem was and when we stated it was our fault as we did not reserve, a table was promptly given to us. To our observance the room sat 1/3 empty till our departure. Never will understand these restaurants... the details need to be reviewed asap as it will be a while before I go back. My last visit was on business for lunch and had to wait almost 20 minutes for a drink and then we just dropped names to get attention, how desperate! ←

Excuse me, 5 or 6 members are not the majority of this board. Let's keep discussing instead of pointing fingers.

The mini croissants at Secret Garden are worth the trip. Does anyone know if anyone else sells these?

Last fall, I ordered $100 worth of meat from Jay's Spring Lamb and received packages of chops, a roast, sausages, a shoulder cut, and more. This week I simmered the bratwurst in a pot with onions, butter, and beer for about 20 mins and then grilled them on the barbecue. Very Yummy! Here's their website if you are interested. www.jayspringslamb.ca

Back to Eat! I went to it in its first year and the first celeb I saw was (drum roll) Jaimie Maw introducing a mother daughter combo who demonstrated making a strawberry shortcake. Unfortunately, they forgot how warm it can get with spotlights, the whip cream never did peak. I'm sure by now they have all the tech difficulties worked out. As a newbie to the foodie world it was fun. The highlight was Christine Cushing and Juan, but I wasn't a regular Food Network viewer. so this act was new to me. This was followed by Rob Feenie and although I enjoy his food, I remember him not being a very engaging public speaker. It didn't help being distracted by a child across the aisle from me doing a Linda Blair imitation (how can so much vomit come out of such a small body) with a panicked father and not one volunteer or staff there to help or clean up. I bet just one hour prior to this the father was thinking what a great deal this show was with all its giveaway food. I remember a Sanelli knife booth that was interesting, the ice carving demos, and various useful and ridiculous kitchen tool vendors. Not sure if I would like it this time as it's not so new to me anymore, but going with other e-gulleters probably would put a nice spin to it. I think they could give the heckling Mr. Talent and Andrew a stage to liven up this tradeshow.

Went there on Tuesday with a friend who is a regular for lunch. Had the eggplant lasagne and it was fantastic with a generous amount of tasty slightly spicey tomato sauce! I usually don't do vegetarian dishes, but with this I didn't miss the meat at all. Big portion so didn't get to the dessert. Had a cappucino that tasted more like milk than coffee. Friend had a roast beef sandwich and soup...she took 1/2 of sandwich home. Nice cozy feel to the place, but don't plan on lingering during the lunch rush.

With Brazilian music playing in the background by a Japanese guy.

Went to Zakkushi Izakaya on Denman, just off Robson, the other night. Perfect atmosphere for anyone who wants to be transported back to Japan for an izakaya experience. Service was kind and although it was busy, very efficient. Delicious too and I'm hard to please. I'm sure E-Gulleters would be welcome as loud drinking and picture taking is embraced. (I felt sorry for Tama, the server, of a large table who had to take group shots with about 10 cameras.) Other atmospheres I like are Parkside, Pastis, and I want to say Hamburger Mary's around midnight, but I hate the techno music that is usually playing.

It's all about the layers. I think you are right about the timing, the layers must collapse after awhile which makes the croissant denser. I usually pick up a croissant from La Petite France in the a.m. and it's really good. I'm going to tell my physiotherapist that going to her is fattening...the clinic is near La Petite France.

And I blame all fish for not being smart enough to stay out of the nets or traps.

Last week, I turned down the special of Chilean Sea Bass that was REALLY being pushed. Perhaps I should put this in the thread about language barriers because when I told the server I didn't want it because it was close to being extinct he continued to describe what kind of fish it is and all the ways they could prepare it for me. I don't know how close it is to becoming extinct, it's just not one of my faves. I just wanted to test the waters and see what the reaction would be. Some people might think I was intentionally being ignored, but I have a feeling the server didn't understand the word extinct. Obviously, the chef of this restaurant isn't concerned about sustainability.

Better than La Petit France...they must be good. I want to know when you break open the croissants at your favourite places, do you see layers or do you see holes?

I also lived in Japan for 6 years so this made me laugh. You are not kidding when you say the washing machine has started singing. In Japan there truly are singing machines. I'm excited to read the rest of this blog.

Salade de Fruits, En, Cru, or West.

I am also enjoying this thread especially the posts from Sam, Faustian, and Oyster Guy as they are educational more than emotional. I don't lean to either side, am in the middle. Don't you mean "convenient to do so"? Am I not reading this right?

Interesting...I have to try Zacchary's again b/c although I thought the crust was good on Firewood's I thought it was thicker and I prefer thinner (I might be mistaken on this one...) As well, the Firewood pizza was lacking in tomato sauce so I'm not sure if it's better in flavour or not. I wanted more sauce less cheese and toppings. I agree it is all about crust and sauce. I really love cracker like crusts. I think if I compare the two side by side it will be easier. Next time, when the craving hits.

Uni (sea urchin) shooter with pureed mountain potato from Octopus Garden.

Why doesn't Lee's burger have any tomatoes or lettuce? Because, as he replied to me, "I want a burger, not a salad." I ordered the Vera's Burger with hot sauce, tomato, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, and mustard with a side of heart clogging onion rings (very delicious). I should have taken a photo b/c I think mine looked more delicious than Lee's, less sloppy with more colour. My bun wasn't torn up like his was. Charred on the outside and slightly pink inside. For the price ($5 something) I would rate it better than Feenie's although the patty was smaller. I also like the way they wrap the burger with paper so you can eat it holding onto the paper instead of the bun. The place was full and service was fast. I'll let Dave tell you about what made us laugh before leaving Vera's. BTW, Lorna, where were you?

I am quasi cognizant BECAUSE OF the media and tv documentaries reporting on the subject. I think it is very serious, but most importantly is the #3 question, "What should be done about it?" It frustrates me because not even the experts seem to be able to find solutions or agree on them. Arne mentioned the simple solution of contained pens and I wonder why isn't it being done if it's that simple? I know this sounds awfully passive, but how many battles can one individual take on? I'll do my best to avoid eating the ones on the list. Surprised to see sea urchin is still okay. Is that right?