PaoPao

You all Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you sooo much!

Last year while staying in Central Florence we came across the large Mercato. A very large structure with Street Vendors lining the streets on the outside and a complet farmers market in the inside. While perusing the isles we came across a bakery where they sold "Appolinas". Basically it looks like a miniature croissant that’s been baked a bit too long so it's crunchy. Then they cut it in half and fill it with either Nutella, or a lemon or vanilla crème. These were so good that we literally spun around on our heals to go buy more after walking off and taking the first bite. In the four days we stayed there I think I gained 5 lbs. on these little suckers. It's funny, before we left for our 6 week Europe trip everyone said we would loose weight because of all the walking. Heh, not us, I think we gained probably 15 lbs. each and that's including walking the Cinque Terre! I've talked to almost every Italian baker in my town and have done searches on the Internet with no luck. Would anyone here know of these, someone who makes them, and/or a possible a recipe? Mille Grazie!!!!!!!!

We went for a looong walk one Sunday awhile back and ended up going around the entire seawall. As we we're coming back home it was about 5:00 in the evening or so and we we're passing Gotham. Had to try it. They we're all full but they said that their entire menu was available in the lounge. No one was there and we found a great cozy spot on an overstuffed sofa by the window. We then ordered the biggest Filet Mignon they had along with asparagus and potatoes to share. When it came out they had presented it on a medium sized platter with all the sides. It was a thing of beauty. Best steak we have had here in Vancouver. But for my absolute all time favourite Steak was actually on a cruise ship. Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Sea to be exact. On board there is the regular main dining experience that is included in your initial fare. But for $15 pp more, plus a reservation you could eat in a very special on board steak house or Italian Bistro. To start with when you arrive they take you to your seat and bring your requested libation. Then you start perusing the very short menu, but before that they come over with a cart and show you the cuts of beef that are available that night. While presenting them the Waiter is doing an amazing job describing the marbling, where it was from and how it was raised. I am in utter awe at this point. After that we decide on the appetizer, salad, and entree with a beautiful pairing of wines. Now we are sitting by candle light, huge pane window to our side with the ocean waves and an amazing sunset. The food, the service, the atmosphere, everything was beyond belief. My beautiful bride was stunning as usual and was equally in awe of our dinner. Then comes the dessert cart with an incredibly decadent freshly made selection. I say this in all seriousness, that meal made the entire cruise for us! The ship was impressive, but that meal was legendary. The ship sails out of Vancouver to Alaska and we plan to be on it this summer. Every night for dinner will be in either the Steak House or the Italian Bistro. Actually I don't really care if we get off the boat as long as we can do that!

Best Burgers I ever have had are at a place called "Dicks" in Seattle. Yes, that's really the name. Anyway, they are the epitome of simple. A bun, patty, ketchup, mustard, and a few pickles. In High school I would eat lunch there every day and eat 6 of these for $3.00 . They have these greasy amazing fries as well. I think now there are all of .75 cents each.

Most of the local haunts in our Yaletown "hood" do takeout very well. Capones, Cioppinos, Rodney's, Samurai Sushi, Cactus Club, Banano's, etc... My heart though leaped when I saw that Vera's now delivered! This euphoria lasted a whole two minutes until they told me that we are two blocks outside of their delivery boundary?!?! We are maybe 6 blocks away so it's not that big a deal to hoof it up there, but damn that stung. BTW, anyone tried the Cactus Clubs "Rib Ends"? They are sooo good. A bit overcooked so they are crispy and chewy. Yummy, a perfect late night snack after drinks.....

Recipe as follows: 1 Plate Handfull of cornchips A slab of Chedder Sliced peppers 1 min in the microwave Washed down with a Stella

This is terrible but I'm glad to hear that he and his family are safe. A few years back when the earthquake hit south of Seattle, our home was only a few miles from the epicenter. Quite the experience seeing the walls in our house become like rubber. Anyway, since then i've thought it's always a good idea to have a Survival pack ready in case of a quick evacuation. Here's a good website that I have ordered quite a few things from: http://www.bepreparedathome.com/ Haven't tried the MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat), but it makes me feel a bit more secure if there was a disaster we wouldn't be scrambling for supplies. I've found that expecially living in a metropolitan area that most people are not ready for disasters. Chef Fowke sounds like he was definetly on the ball taking care of his family and pets. Hopefully other people will consider preparing themselves better before unlikely events happen.

Ahhh, your right Ling, good catch! The restaurant that we went to is called La Terrazza located at 1088 Cambie St. Here's their website: http://www.laterrazza.ca/pages/archive.html

Haven't been yet, but some friends of ours have. While they say the food was disappointing the Antipasto plate is supposed to be excellent. Another Antipasto plate that we like very much is at Capones. Along with a large Bacon Spinach Salad, their yummy bread, some vino, and good Jazz? Yeah baby, they hold a special place in my heart..... ← Update and Retraction ...... After the amazing Whisky and Cheese event, my sweetie and I went to La Terraza. Among other delicious dishes, we tried the Oso Buco which was just amazing. Everything we tried form the salads, pastas, and main courses we're very fresh and extremely tasty! Unfortunately they didn't have the Antipasto Plate available except in the bar. Very good service and a cavernous wine selection we're also very much appreciated.

Have a look at this link: http://www.nwfolk.com/vegvan.html

Haven't been yet, but some friends of ours have. While they say the food was disappointing the Antipasto plate is supposed to be excellent. Another Antipasto plate that we like very much is at Capones. Along with a large Bacon Spinach Salad, their yummy bread, some vino, and good Jazz? Yeah baby, they hold a special place in my heart.....

Another Costco Accolade .... Last time we we're at the Richmond Costco I bought a box that contained two cooked and marinated Lamb Shanks. After the beautiful dinner last night at Villa del Lupo and ordering the Osso Buco, I thought I would throw these in the oven for dinner and try 'em out to compare. Have to report they were very tasty and tender! On the box is the company name Cardinal. Super easy to cook as well and as I remember approx. $17. Cooking time was only 30 min. So check them out if you like this type of dish .... Our two, 3 month old puppies are now enjoying the reminents, which is an added bonus by giving our moulding a break from their teething.

And???? What did you think? Aparently you and your wife didn't finish the meal ... but did it measure up? Back to looking for two platypae and two giraffes and two crocodiles ... A. ← Great, just what I'm in the mood for, a smart a** who wants more info but can't ask for it nicely. Just for you Daddy-A, we thought it was very ! Or G-O-O-D since that gives you trouble. If your asking did it measure up to our meal in Rome? No, that was still much better.

Tried Villa del Lupo last night. We ordered the Cream of Artichoke soup, their baby romaine with crispy procuitto, two orders of Osso Bucco, French beans, Garlic mashed potatoes and a Bread Pudding to share. It was too much so we could only finish about half of everything and took the rest home. We also heard a rumour that Section (3) has a marrow dish. We will investigate....

Can't say I even ever heard of Modern Australian Cuisine before, so I googled it and found and interesting site: http://www.upfromaustralia.com/ausfavfood.html Would you have some other web links that could familiarize us more with these types of recipes? I have to say my curiosity is peaked with the mention of Cantonese stir-fried kangaroo meat ......

Ling, you should try Ikea. When I was buying stuff for our new place I got trapped in their kitchen section. While I'm no authority on cookware, I found and bought some really great items at Ikea prices! This was in the Po Co location.

Thanks sweetie! Just found it.

Just ate at Tojo's last night. We had the $100 version of the Omakase (Chefs selected menu), Beef Sashimi, Assorted Sushi, 3 different rolls, and of course Sake. While probably not the typical diners in what we ordered, after tax and tip we left there paying about $300 for the two of us. Was it good, yes. Was it better IMO than Samurai on Davie for 10% of the price? No way. Had to try it though .......

While on Commercial the other day getting my Gelato fix after an amazing Korean meal at Jang Mo Jib, my wife was talking with the owner of Dolce Amore. I'm telling ya, if you haven't been, you need to! Anyway, my cutie was asking her what were THE places on Commercial Drive that had the best Italian fare. The following list was given to us by her: Fredericos Baci Arriva Lombardos Marcellos Haven't tried any yet, but they are on our "List". Buon appetito!

It is with severe regret that we just had to cancel a reservation at Il Giardino for 8 people on the 22nd at 7:30 PM. I'm sure they will have no problem filling it but I wanted to let everyone here know first for a seat to a Friday night table.

Tom & Gerry's on Hastings???? God, how the mighty have fallen! A. ← After tasting his Jambalaya at the Taste of Vancouver, we decided to go check out Tom & Jerry's for some Cajun cuisine. They have a "Big Al's Buffet" for $12.95 that includes: Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya, Fried Chicken, Rice, Breaded Catfish, Meatballs, Ribs, and pork (I think). My first instinct is to compare it with the amazing dishes we had while in New Orleans. Can't do that, wouldn't be fair to Al all the way here in Vancouver. But I'll just say I've had MUCH better. If you’re out E. Hastings and you just NEED some Jambalaya, it'll scratch the itch. We besides one other couple we're the only ones there tonight so they had complimentary pizza and grape Jello as well. Who knows, maybe that'll nudge you off the fence to go? I wish that I had a chance to try his place before it shut down to make a worthy comparison. Any other Cajun places around that are good? - ← Try the Ouisi Bistro on Granville - I have not been in a while but it was very good a few years ago. ← Been there many times. I really enjoy their Alligator Starter and Spicy BBQ Ribs Dinner with a cold beer. It's probably my favorite in Vancouver for Cajun so far......

Tom & Gerry's on Hastings???? God, how the mighty have fallen! A. ← After tasting his Jambalaya at the Taste of Vancouver, we decided to go check out Tom & Jerry's for some Cajun cuisine. They have a "Big Al's Buffet" for $12.95 that includes: Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya, Fried Chicken, Rice, Breaded Catfish, Meatballs, Ribs, and pork (I think). My first instinct is to compare it with the amazing dishes we had while in New Orleans. Can't do that, wouldn't be fair to Al all the way here in Vancouver. But I'll just say I've had MUCH better. If you’re out E. Hastings and you just NEED some Jambalaya, it'll scratch the itch. We besides one other couple we're the only ones there tonight so they had complimentary pizza and grape Jello as well. Who knows, maybe that'll nudge you off the fence to go? I wish that I had a chance to try his place before it shut down to make a worthy comparison. Any other Cajun places around that are good?

Marie Sharps has a great blend of just the right heat and saltyness which I really like. Originally given to me from someone who said it was too hot, it's become a favorite.

Great topic! Ever tried Mediterranean Grill on Denman close to Davie? Small place, just a few seats inside and out. You can get very tasty Greek Lamb, rice, potato, and salad for about $6.00. The plates and servings we're so big last time we went that my wife and I just got one plate and split it. More than enough. So, dinner for two, tax, tip, and a pop for $10.00 ..... but the date with my beautiful bride ..... priceless!

My experience in restaurants is more limited to the patron side so take my comments for what it's worth. I've lived and travelled in big, small, wealthy, and poor cities. It always comes down to the quality of the food, at least the appearance of good value, fast and friendly service, and a good and interesting menu. When these things are managed successfully .... there are always line-ups no matter what time of year. Word or mouth will flood or kill your place. I've seen this from up-scale restaurants to street vendors. Success being much easier said than done I realize that there are probably a 100+ things going on I'm probably not even aware of while eating. But IMO busy restaurants and the ones we usually leave saying "I can't wait to go back" are that way because they have figured out and proven their own success recipe. But again, my tastes are different than most. I have been to most of the "more popular" being raved about by the egulleteers here in Vancouver and I would say that about half we're "ok" at best. Not a repeat experience. I'm not saying that in a snob way, but more my/our satisfaction level upon leaving the establishment with or without Chef recommendations. Actually one of the reasons we moved to Vancouver about 2 years ago was because of the amazing divergent food be prepeared all around the city! I'm hesitent to say that to people we know because I usually get the puzzled dog look from them. But it's true, and we continue every week to be more amazed by the things we find to eat around here ......