butter

Where have all the penguins in Stanley Park gone? The otters? Tinned, who knew? Are they packed in water or their own juices? I just saw a news clip last night on Global about closing down the petting zoo and they wondered what they are going to do with all the animals? This is taking fusion a bit too far, I'd say.

I haven't been to Adesso yet, but the last time I was at that location it was Da Pasta Bar. I have an opinion about this location and I'm hoping Adesso will prove it wrong. Or perhaps my superstitious mind will help with a somewhat expensive renovation on the part of the owners; the reason I'm writing this message is only to help. Although feng shui is not supposed to be based on any superstitious nature I can't help thinking about what I have read in the Feng Shui books that started appearing a few years ago and that fact that my husband went through a stage believing everything he read and making sure we didn't travel at certain times of the year etc. (luckily (or not) that phase of his life is over). I'm more of a realist than how I appear in this message, but occasionally when walking under a ladder or when a black cat crosses my path I wonder whether I'll have bad luck or not. My point is that it's supposedly bad feng shui to have an entry door on a corner and it would be better if the door was either on 1st or on Yew. Not to mention I remember when entering Da Pasta Bar you are faced with a bathroom door. Luckily when I was there it was closed and had an "out of order" sign on it. If it was open (according to feng shui) the money coming into the restaurant (via customers) could easily flow into the bathroom and down the toilet. So, I'm wondering for those of you who were there on Tuesday night, is the door still on the corner and is there still a bathroom when entering? My curiousity abounds and whether feng shui works or not I think it's something to consider...design logistics if you may. I personally don't like seeing a bathroom door when entering a restaurant. (The same goes for the location where the newly moved Juliet's Cafe on Cornwall is re: their entry door.) Is there a successful business that anyone knows of with corner doors in Vancouver? To the Adesso owners, when taking over this site, did you consider this when creating the design? Just curious and look forward to the replies.

Will someone here try the India Grill on the North side of W. 4th just off of Burrard for me? I've been a few times and sometimes get takeout from there and am wondering how it fairs to other Indian food in the city? I don't think it is anything great, but serves the cravings and is close by. Please let me know what you think. (P.S. the butter chicken seems sour to me.) Most of the other restaurants mentioned in these posts I have been to and I also found them just okay...nothing wowed me though. (Rubina, Tandori King, Maurya's, Dosa Hut, Akbar's Own) I have to agree that the best Indian food I've had is by someone who brought their home cooking to work to share.

Wow, I have missed so much and now have used up my time reading this thread. Have to go to work soon...in a kitchen where the heat is, but safe from the customers who are "always right" I, too, am happy this thread happened as it's what I come to e-gullet for: to hear opinions from all sides, diners, servers, chefs, and owners. I wouldn't enjoy a board as much if its members were only professional food critics (one or two are okay though, ahem). I, too, have not tried the Irish Heather, but will, despite what has been said here. Chances are I would never have heard of the place without this board. No business will be lost (unless the food and service really do suck) and when reading reviews by members here, we all are very aware, that they are only opinions, and just like movies, relate to some, but not all. Go forth, praise and rant whoever you are!

Yes, Zakkushhi, does their yakitori right, not overcooked or dry, but juicy and tender. It wasn't busy the night I went so I'm wondering when the place is full, can they keep up with such a small barbecue? For me, it's a place to go when eating late, not for dinner. BTW, has anyone been to the African place right next door?

I'm posting this for a brighter outlook...last night a server came to the kitchen to request just a scoop of raspberry sorbetto for his diners, "If that's okay because they are too full to eat the dessert off the tasting menu." Anything that shaves a few seconds off my time is very well appreciated.

Try Coast. A friend of mine just made a last minute reso for 3 people there for tonight. www.coastrestaurant.ca

Another little thing I like to do with no shows is call ad leave a message - "Hi , this is Neil from HSG, I have been holding your table for two hours and I just wanted to check and see if I was mistaken and had you down for the wrong night. Can you call me back and let me know either way. Thank you. " I know it is petty but it is my special way of telling you you are an asshole ! I am the only one who gets pleasure out of it. Some might think it a little short sighted but I really use my extra special phone voice, extra sweet ! I then gently hang up the phone and strut around the restaurant like I just gave someone a major ass whoopin' - Who is the Man !! ←

Now I know how all those people who missed the AB dinner felt after reading our posts. Just sitting here having a "pity party" that I missed out on this West event.

Harlo's is on Cambie, but closer to 18th, not 41st. I went there when it first opened, but can't remember if it was good or not. Someone said they liked it, but didn't like the bun b/c he believes a hamburger bun should be neutral and not have any herbs in it. Perhaps you can request herbless buns if you so desire. I haven't had a chance to read all the posts so I'm kind of out of the loop on this burger club, but if you go when I'm not working I'd love to participate.

Or maybe even Il Terrazzo, which boasts one of the best italian wine lists I've seen this side of the rockies (thanks to sommelier Rob Scales). Do you mean La Terraza on Pacific? I was there a couple of years ago and I thought it was a beautiful d/r to eat in and the portions were big and delicious. (My dining partner was a concierge from a hotel so everything was being comped and perhaps they gave us better service than usual???) I don't hear much about them and am wondering was my only time there unusually good? Anyone been lately? IMO, Lombardo's isn't bad except for its location and Marcello's food is pretty good, service very bad.

Back on topic, my recommendations for your party would be Coast or Parkside. Although it sounds like it won't be a "typical" bachelorette party (kudos to you) I think if your girlfriends are anything like mine, it can still get a little loud with the stories and laughing. Something you can get away with at both restaurants. I just went to Bistro Pastis, and the space is tight. Haven't been to C for a few years now, but as I remember, it was somewhat of a reserved atmosphere, and more expensive than my two suggestions. Hope this helps.

CM, you have to try the snack food I just became addicted to. You can pick it up at Fujiya (Clark and Venables) or probably the Kobinya on Robson. It's in a potato chip type bag, the picture on front is of deep fried flat, rectangular shaped chips topped with nori, and in the left top corner, it's says in hiragana "wasabi". These will definitely satisfy 10 years of craving with one bag. Wasabi knockout! Or you can also try the dish at Octopus Garden called "Oh Wasabi". It'll make you cry, or should I say sob.

I too have to put my 2 cents in. Mondo is the best with it's natural tasting flavours. We were thinking about starting a gelateria before the craze started here so my husband went to Sicily to check it out. It seems out of all the gelaterias here, the creamy texture is missing though. From what I saw in Italy they use a paddle instead of a scoop to swirl the ice cream onto a cone or into a cup. And when in a cone, it starts to drip down your hand even before the first lick. IMO, Mondo has more winning flavours (maple caramel is my fave, too), Mario's has a great vanilla, and La Casa is too watered down and artificial tasting. There's also a place called Bellagio on Main St. near 15th, tried it once and never went back. Maybe they've improved by now???? I guess I'm off to a Seattle trip soon to check out Gelatiamo. Address?

Noooooo, not tomorrow at noon. Grrrr. I have a hair appt. at 1. Can't go kolaching again. When will it be my turn? (Really, I do have a long awaited for hair appt.) Don't ask me why I just repeated that, it just seemed like such a bad girlie excuse.

I, too, agree with this one. Perfect if you are ever in a rush to eat before a movie. I also tried the one at City Square once, but it didn't taste as good as the one at Tinseltown. Although my husband disagrees, Rangoli's takeout, IMO, is fair value. Anyone agree? I also add Hamburger Mary's to my list.

Rats, my husband has the car...not to mention I'm still in my pjs (well appreciated day off) so I guess I'll miss the Kolachy swarming.

Another dessert night flop for me last night. My mistake in trying last night as I think most people are still in holiday mode. Took the journey across town to Trafalgars/Sweet Obsession at about 8 p.m. to find it closed. Swung by La Petit France, also closed. On my way home, there was a Bread Garden so I went in looking for the bread pudding Arne mentioned. No longer on the menu and ended up buying a chocolate square (similar to a date square). Awful, awful, awful! So bad that I feel like wrapping it up and sending it with a complaint letter to their head office. I swear the only chocolate in it is the tiny chips on the top. Picture this taste, oats, mixed with white sugar. some kind of cheap cocoa for colour, and shortening. My husband was so annoyed with my dessert affliction that he promised he will now buy desserts in advance and have them ready to eat at home. I knew this would work! lol Wanted to add I have tried Provence's dessert takeout 3 times. The last time I left without a dessert as I didn't get any service after waiting about 10 mins. Not even a greeting. This happened the first time too, but I let it go b/c they were busy, however the 2nd and 3rd time it was later in the night and not busy. I only give a place 3 chances and IMO that's fair. Perhaps their showcase is not really meant for takeout at night??? Next time, if Hiro doesn't follow thru on his dessert promise, it will be Trafalgars again and the other suggestions...Mix, Picnic, Yaletown Gelato. I hope they are open.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I'm going to try them all. Because I couldn't get dessert last night I went today and had a chocolate almond croissant from the Cafe Marseille on Cornwall and I have to report that it's going to be very difficult to not go there every day for one. Crispy exterior and buttery soft inside, with slightly warm not too sweet chocolate and almond filling. It was $3.70, but IMO worth it. Check it out.

It happened again. My husband and I wanted to pick up a good dessert to take home, but couldn't think of anywhere. Places like True Confections, Max's Deli, or Urban Fare are out (personal taste thing). We usually end up going to Mondo for gelato, but tonight it was just too cold. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is any place open after 6 p.m.? Also, IMO, it doesn't feel right to go into a restaurant for a takeout dessert otherwise I would have gone to HSG for the gingerbread pudding. Where do all of you go? Thanks in advance.

Just thought I'd let you know there was a coffee discussion about a month or more ago here with everyone posting their favourites. Not sure how you can find that discussion thread, possibly try a search and look at the Vancouver results???

Didn't Milestones used to be one tiny diner on English Bay originally? Why hasn't the same happened with The Only, Ovaltine, or Naam? Don't get me wrong, I don't want that to happen, just wondering?

Friends are holding their staff party there this Saturday. Will let you know what they thought.

[- they need a butler which is going to be me and I just found out this morning that I'll be working with a housekeeper their flying in from Britain named Peachy - ←