Chef Metcalf

Whole Foods (new high-end super market opened at Park Royal in West Van) Stencilled Chocolates...made by...they didn't know. Names of the chocolates...one was Lemon Thyme, the other had gold leaf but they didn't know what it was called...tasty though, chocolate ganache with gold leaf?. Only open since Tuesday, so I'm sure product knowledge with increase as they get used to their new jobs and surroundings. Incredible store...along the same lines as Urban Fare in Yaletown...but more impressive. There is a wood fired pizzeria, high end bakery, gourmet take out counter, stunning vegetable displays (about 95% organic), seafood department with just about any type of seafood you can imagine (for a price of course), organic meat department (mostly from Australian I think, but don't quote me on that). They will be ordering in more and more BC products once they get a bit more organized. Down side, the place has been a zoo ever since it opened. I popped in to get pastries today and after seeing the 8 deep line ups at the check-outs, changed my mind. Should calm down in a week or so once their grand opening is over. Grouse Mountain Observatory Restaurant We had company from Europe and it was a sunny day. Had heard that the menu had been brought up to pare with the view so we made reservations for dinner. The ink squid risotto quenelles resembled something quite unappetizing and tasted about the same. The scallops were delicious, but the sauce killed it, tasted like it had vinegar in it....and I don't mean balsamic. Rack of lamb came with the inch high fat cap still in place. I had a bite of my son-in-laws pheasant and that was the best of the bunch. Never going back. Tojo's Had the $75.00 tasting menu, excellent as always. Fresh Toro was astounding, albeit a little pricey at $79.00 for eight buttery slices. Ouch!

Hiroyuki San I can't thank you enough! I'm sure that's the one from the map they included. We used to go there often and you could walk out very satisfied for about 5000 Yen. They had great O-Toro too. Thanks again for helping out! CM

When I lived in Tokyo, we used to go to the Sushi-Sei location in Akasaka Mitsuke. I think if was up from the train station about two blocks and over a block or so. Just wondering if anyone knows if it is still there? We may be going to Japan next year and would like to visit again. Can someone help us out? Thanks CM

These may help... http://www.pacificrestaurantsupply.ca http://www.russellfood.com/ http://www.puddifoot.com/ CM

Sunshine Coast Restaurants Food critic,yes...restaurant reviewer and writer, no...but as promised, here are my notes from the Sunshine Coast. The Blue Heron, phoned ahead, tried to get a reservation but they were fully booked for a rehearsal dinner. Then off to the Creekhouse...closed down as the place is up for sale....strike two. Getting pretty hungry by this point and settled for the Wharf Ichiban for sushi which was close to our accommodation. If you like fruit fly's swarming your sushi, this is the place to go! Actually that isn't entirely true....I think they were hovering around the sake more then the sushi, but the constant swatting really puts you off your food....which we got to go after too many swats. Note to owners.......could it be all those grapevines outside? Managed to get a late reservation for the Ruby Lake Resort on Saturday night and we're escorted by the friendly owner to a lovely table outside looking over the lake. I ordered one of the night's specials "Penne con Funghi" with an assortment of fresh wild BC mushrooms in a light cream sauce. Nice mushroom flavour, but as the mushrooms were minced I had no idea what types they were (my memory had waned from when the waiter had described the dish to me 30 minutes earlier). H enjoyed his Veal Scaloppini which was one piece encompassing the entire plate except for a small garnish. The entrees ranged from $14.95-$22.95, friendly service and a nice view over the lake on the vine covered porch (sans fruit fly's I might add). While I wouldn't call it outstanding by any Vancouver measures, it was a pleasant night and we would definitely go back. Met up with friends after that at the Garden Bay Hotel pub and were still full from our Italian at the Ruby Lake resort so we didn't order any food. I talked to several people who had dinner in the restaurant (separate from the pub) and they all claimed it was the best food around. I took a peak at one of their restaurant menus with entrees ranging from $18.00 for Tiger Prawns in Coconut Curry Sauce to $32.00 for the Rack of Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic served with a Jack Daniels Portabella Mushroom Sauce. Desserts looked interesting too and they also had the best wine list we had seen in our travels. Next time we go, this is where I will make reservations (604-883-9919) and hope that it lives up to the rave reviews. Daddy-A, if you get the time to check this one out, let us know. Or vice versa if we get back there before New Years. We hiked to Skookumchuck Rapids Provincial Park the next day. Don't miss this one, the hike in is easy and the old growth forest is astounding Skookumchuck Info. Remember to check the tides before you go though for the best viewing times. Just as we were entering the park on the road/trail, we came across a bakery, although the name escapes me you won't have any trouble finding it as it's the only one on the trail. The organic coffee and baked goods were varied, fresh from the oven and the Dutch Indonesian owner very friendly. A great way to start the hike and end our weekend. Please ignore all typos, appalling grammar and spelling mistakes. CM

Thanks to every one for the great info on where to dine on the Sunshine Coast. It's much appreciated and we will definitely post notes when we return. The first night we are staying in Sechelt and Saturday, very close to Ruby Lake as they was no availability at Ruby Lake. Sp my advice so far is to book way in advance in high season. This was a last minute business trip so we have had to take what we can get. We are pretty sure that it will be the Ruby Lake Resort on Saturday night, and perhaps the Blue Heron on Friday if we aren't too bagged (read middle-aged boring people). This is such a great website forum...instant gratification on food related questions and a great resource for learning. I have been reading through the baking forum trying to pick up all the info that my training lacks, and it's really helpful. Chef M PS I get my knives sharpened by Knifex. They come to me at whatever location I am at, do a great job and only charge about $17.00 for five knives. My current fav is a cheapo I picked up in Europe last year called Durol Gummo (stop laughing ). Only available in Europe unfortunately. I far prefer it over my Tridents. Time to go knife shopping I think, so you never know, maybe my next set will be from Sechelt...lol

Can anyone give us any recommendations for places to eat on the Sunshine Coast? Or is it a wasteland of Mom and Pop restaurants and Denny's? Anyone been to the Wharf Ichiban in the Bella Inn? Friday we are in Sechelt, Saturday near Egmont. Any input would be greatly appeciated! CM

Save-On-Foods now has spelt flour in the bulk section. Don't know the cost, but I think it was pretty reasonable. CM

Chef Fowke Burger King tasty.....that's a pretty desparate measure..... Here's the location for 3P... 3P Poultry Map

hehe...excellent observation Keith. Aunt B

The floor......I agree....I slipped on it actually. But the food was a truly fabulous French display of well done reductions. My Coq au Vin only had about 5 tablespoons of sauce in the bottom of the dish (with slightly over cooked chicken), but I would order it solely to savour the five tablespoons of intense flavour anytime. Well done! Note to first timers.....entree portions are very big...save room for dessert.

3P Natural and Exotic Meats 103-223 Mountain Highway North Vancouver, BC, British Columbia 604-986-5606 You would probably never go into this strip type mall with the flagship being Burger King . You probably drive by it every day if you live by the Seymour River, but there is a Chiropractor, 3P Poultry and Sushi Place ect. Paul, Wendy and crew are very helpful and if you fax in your order they will have it ready for you upon arrival. Coming from Seymour, take a right onto Mountain Hwy, then a sharp left into the mall. They do retail, and wholesale to restaurants. Also organic products and great non-chemical sausages. Chicken breasts are good quality and tasty with very reasonable prices versus say Capers Organic type cyro-packed meats (although those are good quality too). Looking forward to your review. Ciao

Hi Newbie here at egullet......sorry to change the subject.... 3 P Poultry in North Vancouver (Main and Mountain where the Burger King is). Great quality non-medicated meats (sans valium or anti-depressants ) that are far tastier and worth the extra price over supermarket meat and poultry offerings. The staff are very helpful with friendly advice. Best of all, I can be assured of flavourful and high quality beef and poultry...along with buffalo burgers and the like (however, my craving for Koh Samui buffalo burgers at three AM is over.....thank god). Must have been the water.