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I just looked at my curriculum from culinary school and we did a venison steak that was hung in our walk in weeks prior to that day. Do hanger steaks only come from beef? I'll be seeing my chef instructors today so I will ask about this. They also may be interested in getting "onglet" whatever that may be. I'm a bit confused on this subject. This is what we did with it, after its hanging, it was dry rubbed with crushed juniper berries, mignonette pepper, coriander seeds, touch of sugar, salt. Rendered 1 rasher of bacon to sear steak at low temp. We served it with a blackberry sauce, a roasted garlic flan, and turned carrots. I remember it being quite delicious.

Hi Eden, I'm assuming that you prefer something better than casual fare and unfortunately, as far as I know, there isn't a restaurant in the area within walking distance that I know of or can recommend. Yaletown is possibly the closest area, but in case of rain or your attire you may not want to walk. Perhaps another member can suggest something. If you are willing to take a taxi, I can suggest all kinds of places. Which opera are you seeing?

Personally, I don't care how cheap or good the meat is there because I don't feel comfortable in that neighbourhood. I have a friend who works with the addicts down there and she advised me not to wander around there either... based on "wrong time, wrong place" theory. I'll pay an extra dollar to eat a hamburger somewhere else. I confess ever since butchering lessons at culinary school, I too look at cows in a field in a whole different light. Friends think I am a freak. Perhaps my e-gullet friends are my true friends.

Glad the "dress" for the night has been cleared up. Sounds like a lot of queens are coming without their tiaras and all manscaping will be done. Only 3 more sleeps to go.

I couldn't agree with you more montrachet and peppyre. I forgot to mention that I usually don't eat sushi there and I have only been there for lunch. I prefer the hot food. The agedashi tofu is delicate and the tempura, fresh and crispy. Mmmmm. Will try a dinner at the counter and let you know. As for the service, yes, we went just after it opened and an article appeared about them in a newspaper (can't remember which one) and they definitely didn't expect the crowd. We probably waited more than 45 minutes for our food. We weren't working that day, but for the people who were taking a lunch break from work it was very obvious they weren't happy campers. Regardless of the service, I love it in my neighbourhood (the best hood in Vancouver!)

I am happy to report that we now have our own neighbourhood Japanese restaurant; Toshi. Also, love Octopus Garden near Kits Beach. Their Mr. Bean is addictive. I lived in Japan for 7 years and the first time I bought sushi in Tokyo it was at a convenience store similar to 7-11 and it was paired well with a cold Asahi beer from a vending machine on the street. Don't have a problem with gas station sushi as long as the quality is there (the rice is so important). Instead of Starbucks with sushi, I would prefer to see a good sushi place with Mondo gelato.

You have all got me so hyped up for this e-gullet event at HSG I'm sad I might miss it. I haven't asked for the day off yet because I just started a new job, working in a kitchen. I'm going to attempt to ask this coming Monday, and then, hopefully, I'll be calling you Neil and Daddy-A to give you my moneyand possibly volunteering my time. I have to admit I'm not a big AB fan...he scared me to death after reading his books and before entering the culinary field. It would be hysterical if he in person isn't the man we know of. I don't know if anyone would be remembered for dying trying to drink this man under the table...or would they? What a cool and unusual headstone though!

Thank you so much for that hilarious reply, Jaimie. I had a bad day at work yesterday and was having a little pity party this a.m. I'm much happier now after reading your post. This is the second time I have heard of a bad outcome of "picking up a pre-made" turkey dinner...is there a third, anyone (3 strikes it's out), because the cost and effortlessness of it all sounds so reasonable, unless, of course, you get food poisoning. There is no guarantee this could not happen at my mother's house. (She thawed the last turkey in the basement, uncovered, and found the ends of the legs chewed off. My visiting cat had a wonderful feast. And, of course, vomited later all over my mother's carpet. Kitty is no longer welcome at her house.) No plans for Thanksgiving yet. Will probably support my local chefs and eat out in peace.

Yesterday, drove down to the wharf to check out Go Fish. It was pouring rain and it didn't look open. Is it? (Too lazy to get out of the car to ask.) Went to Vera's Burgers on Davie St. Initially went to the one on Cornwall, but they claimed their washroom was out of order (it's somewhere in the kitchen, I think) and my husband desperately needed one so we left. It really doesn't look like they have a washroom for their customers there. Don't all food places need to have a washroom? Anyway, the one on Davie is much bigger and cleaner which makes the burgers taste better, IMO. Tropika takeout...Mee Goreng and Terung Udang Kering (eggplant dish). Always very satisfied with the food. (Cambie and 14th) Secret Garden Teahouse in Kerrisdale for lunch. Nice fresh soups and sandwiches. Had their tomato soup and a roasted turkey sandwich on multigrain with cranberry relish.

Have been to Kalamata on Broadway and Cambie for takeout. Had the calamari dinner (not a good choice for takeout) and it was good, but don't know if it is "authentic" as I have never been to Greece and am not sure what the food is supposed to taste like. While I was waiting for my order I was observing the staff and the service seemed really good. Have also tried the new Maria's on Denman (just okay) and Stepho's (double yuck). Am also curious to know where to get the good stuff.

Villa de Lupo it is. I keep hearing good things about this restaurant and keep forgetting about it. Thank you all for the suggestions. Manlio at Amarcord tweaked my interest too, not only for the debate, but haven't ever had good gnocchi except the ones I had made by my chef instructor at school. Villa de Lupo is first though. Thanks again.

Am having a craving for Italian food? Want a place where the pasta comes "al dente" and the service isn't, "How are you guys doing?" Have been to Marcello's, Lombardo's, Il Giardinio, and Cipriano's. Are Cin Cin and Bis Moreno, high on everyone's lists? Suggestions? Thanks.

Wow, I live in Vancouver and I didn't know Yaletown was THE only place to hang out. I agree with nwyles, "You can't go wrong in any area..." Recently I have enjoyed dining at Coast, Hapa, Vij's, Indie Grill on West 4th, Provence, Parkside, The Reef on Main St. for breakfast/brunch, and an all time favourite for Japanese, Octopus Garden on Cornwall. It really is hard to decide when we have so many great places to eat.

I'm a newbie on this board and hope someone here can provide a few answers for me about Yaletown's Shiru Bay. I wasn't very impressed with the food or service and was wondering if I just went on a bad night. Usually I'm willing to give a place a second chance, but a little hesitant on this one. What exactly is it that they are trying to do? Who is their market? It was busy, however. Am I missing something? What is all the hype? The only positive thing I can say about it was the presentation was nice except for the one dish that had wilted lettuce leaves with brown edges on it. I didn't think the flavour of the food even came close to the presentation. Has anyone had a good experience there? If so, maybe I'll give it another try. Thanks in advance for your replies.