PaoPao

While we we're in Richmond Sunday we tried a place called Northern Dynasty located at 8391 Alexandra Road. I believe the owners of this place also own Tropika. Anyway we had two orders of the xiao long bao with pork, one order of the crab, wontons in Spicy Sauce, and shredded chicken with glass noodles. Everything was delicious. We got there about 2 pm or so and there were only 3 other tables eating. I guess we just missed the big rush. Food, service, and atmosphere were all tops.

Hello All. I just stumbled on this thread and thought I would post about what my wife and I did last Sunday. We bottled 12 different Smirnoff Vodka Infusions and 1 Cachaca Infusion. This is our first time doing Infusions and was spurred by my wifes recent attendance at a chocolate truffle making class. In the class she made some Liquor infused Truffles with Cranberry / Vanilla Vodka. The Truffles were excellent but she was actually more excited about Infusing some Vodka. Who am I to complain? So we bought a case of clear 750 ml bottles from one of those do it yourself winemaking shops, hit the Grocery Store and Liquor Store and started production. For the Vodka's we have brewing: - Cantaloupe / Bing Cherry - Cucumber / Apple - Pineapple / Raspberry - Mango / Mint - Blood Orange / Mint - Blueberry / Lemon - Rambutan / Lemon - Passion Fruit / Rambutan / Plum - Vanilla - Pineapple / Blueberry - Peach / Raspberry - Pear / Raspberry / Kiwi The Cachaca flavor brewing is: - Bing Cherry It was alot of fun doing this and we are hoping to have made some interesting combinations of flavors. I'll report back in a week or two to let everyone know about the taste results.

^ Oh man, a Meat Loaf Melt? When I read that I came so close to canceling my plans tonight to go and try that!

I'm starting to feel faint. ← My buddy and I finally got up the courage to tackle Taco Tuesday .... I'm proud to say a Sombrero featuring Pao Pao and the # 12 now adorns the ceiling forever immortalizing that I will never, ever, do that again. Good Taco's though!

What is a Patty Melt? An open-faced burger? ← Ahh Lee, your in for a treat you Baron of Burgers. On her menu she has a Grilled Ham and Cheese sandwich. She uses fresh bread that she bakes there, stuffs it with cheese and Ham and Grills the whole thing in Butter to a Crispy Golden Crunchy Brown. While awesome as this is I like Hamburger better than Ham so I asked if she could just throw one of her burger patties in there to replace the Ham. A short while later, what they had called a "Patty Melt" was delivered to my table heaping with Fries and Slaw. It was delicious ...... ← Funny you should mention the ham and cheese - that's what I had last week! It was pretty good, but a little overcooked for my taste and a little thin (issues I suspect are due to the much-talked-about growing pains). A burger-grilled cheese combo???? My arteries are shrivelling up just thinking about that! Did she make a wider, thinner patty than the usual ones? The burger I saw was seriously thick, i.e. way to thick to fit well in between two slices of cheese, no matter how much gooey melted cheese there was in between to hold it all together! lol You didn't happen to snap a photo, did you? ← I believe she did flatten the patty a bit to get everything stuck together. Unfortunately no pictures, sorry. This isn't good ... I'm starting to get "Diner" brain as I have already planned my next meal there: The same Patty Melt but with Bacon this time and Coke with Tiramisu bringing everything home. Coincidently today I was reading about a new Medical procedure that actually scrapes out the inside of your arteries. Good to know!

What is a Patty Melt? An open-faced burger? ← Ahh Lee, your in for a treat you Baron of Burgers. On her menu she has a Grilled Ham and Cheese sandwich. She uses fresh bread that she bakes there, stuffs it with cheese and Ham and Grills the whole thing in Butter to a Crispy Golden Crunchy Brown. While awesome as this is I like Hamburger better than Ham so I asked if she could just throw one of her burger patties in there to replace the Ham. A short while later, what they had called a "Patty Melt" was delivered to my table heaping with Fries and Slaw. It was delicious ......

Definitely don't miss the Cantaloupe Martini, it's one of Yummy's favs. New menu item tonight is Steamed Mussels with a homemade role to sop up the juices. My dinner was a Patty Melt which was awesome, served with Fries and Coleslaw. It's not on the menu but damn it was good.

We were just in again on Friday night, this place is picking up steam fast. I had the burger which was delicious and my wife had the Penne w/ Rose sauce, sweet Sausage, and peas which was excellent as well. Loved the new fries they serve with the burger, nice and crispy with a peppery sole slaw. Dessert this time was the Lemon Tart and the Choc. Soufflé. Both of which were damn yummy. I had wanted to try the Tiramisu but unfortunately they were out that night. Service and food (including the timing for getting the plates to the table) were good but I could see the stress mount as the place quickly filled. I think at one point they had more people than Lilykate and Coast combined. Heather and the staff are really giving it 100% working out opening kinks. With a review from Andrew coming out shortly I just hope they do this quickly before they really get swamped. Nevertheless it's a fantastic addition to the 'hood and has fast become a regular spot for us.

We were just there again last night. Diner's phone # is 604-444-4855. But this time it was for a close friends B-day. We arrived just after decimating an Elvis Platter with extra ribs at Memphis Blues. For dessert we all went to enjoy Heathers culinary expertise at Diner. She made a special Coconut / Blackberry cake for us that was SINsational. Probably one of the best cakes I have ever had. Amazingly moist, still warm from the oven with Blackberries adorning the center. We also ordered and collectively tried her Chocolate Soufflé that was just out of this world great. Top all that off with a round of Kahlua Milkshakes and Whisky, we were all very happy campers. This place is over the top great, Monday I will be adding another 20 min of Cardio now to my workouts just because of all the great things I still want to try. Heather and her staff are super friendly and took care of us like family.

Yesterday for lunch we headed to a new place located at 8718 Granville St. called Casa de Amigos Cafe. Owned and ran by a great fellow named Larry, he opened it 3 months ago to fulfill a need for some good Mexican food in that area. While the food is nothing that knocks your socks off, it's pretty good. Tuesdays are $1.50 Taco specials and if you eat 12 or more you can write your achievement and name on a Sombrero and they will staple it to the ceiling. He was saying on Tuesdays they are selling from 700 to 1000 Taco's! Their menu is pretty basic with Taco's, Burrito's, Enchilada's, and Nachos but unfortunately all they are serving right now is near-beer. When talking to Larry he said that some of his customers call ahead for take out and they go and stand on the curb for a quick food/$ exchange. I don't think I would drive all the way from Downtown again for a meal but if I am in the area and hungry, it will definitely do the trick.

Tonight we ventured the long distance across the street from our place to try Diner tonight with a neighbour friend. Have to say that I agree with the above positive remarks about the place. It's cozy but stylish, kind of like the food. Our friend upon stepping in the front door looked around, smiled, and said "I think I'm going to be spending alot of time here." It has an honest look to the place that lacks all the uber-ness of Yaletown, which is a breath of fresh air. Upon sitting we started off with a few beers and a Cantaloupe Martini with Vodka they have been infusing. They have a very appetizing selection of menu items written above in chalk ranging from Grilled Ham'n' Cheese to Chicken Schnitzle. Entree's ordered for the table were Braised Lamb Shanks for my sweetie, Grandmother's Meatloaf for me, and the Pork Rib Special for our friend. After about 15 minutes out came some very generous portions of what we had ordered. Everything looked, smelled, and most importantly tasted very good. I think next on my radar there will be the Burger. We found out the Owner/Chef is a former Pastry Chef from New York. Coincidently this was just as she had put out a Coconut Mango Cake. Now, this being right next door to LilyKate, and having had many pieces of their Coconut Cake next door I felt prepared to do a comparison. Have to say I like the Diner version better. Very moist, with a nice array of fruit in the center and a creamy white frosting. The service was excellent and very friendly. Yaletown has needed something like this for a long time and I am really happy to have them in my 'hood. Prices are very reasonable with the most expensive entree's topping out at $15. Good food at a good value is what a Diner should represent, and this place IMO has done a great job living up to that.

Those photo's, as much as I would like to take credit for posting such delicious pics, were done by Canucklehead. Mmmm, thinking about going there for lunch today ......

We headed to La Casita for lunch today and we're not disappointed. This place is now my new #1 Mexican Food joint in Vancouver. My amigo and I had a large Ceviche with slices of Avocado and home made chips. Then we both ordered the Beef Burrito that comes with Rice, Black Beans and a Salad. This all paired very nicely with a Dos Equis. I ate every bite, the whole meal was fantastic. This is a sorely needed oasis of pretty damn good fare in an ocean of Vancouver’s Mexican food mediocrity. Ole'

The other night we we're in need of some Latin Dinner fare and Banano's was already queued in my speed dial. Fifteen minutes later I was at their front door awaiting my take out goodness. Two orders of Bandeja Paisa (traditional Columbian dish) which include: Ground Beef, Rice, Beans, Fried plantains, a fried egg, sausage, avocado, pork puff, and an arepa. Then an order of their beef Nachos and a fresh Banano's Salad. Everything extra spicy of course. IMO this place rocks and is better than any other Mexican / Latin restaurants around. Located at 1223 Pacific Blvd.

You've piqued my curiousity: where have you eaten? ← The two most notable Japanese places we've been to are Toshi's at 16th and Main and Bistro Sakana on Hamilton. As it is not to often we return to the same place twice just because of the plethora of places to try, these places got my attention immediately and have held it. A close runner up would be En on S. Granville. But since this is a Tojo's thread I'll not digress too much.

IMHO the accolades about Tojo's are overrated. Just a different strokes for different folks disclaimer. My wife and I ate there about 5 years ago when we we're just visitors from another land. At time we we're seriously under-whelmed with the hype compared to the reality. After we moved to Vancouver we decided to try it again, embarrassingly forgetting we had already eaten there. (3-4 restaurants a week for 3 years it's understandable) We had the tasting menu and arrived at the very same conclusion as before. We have had Japanese cuisine at IMO far superior restaurants than Tojo at a fraction of the price. Nothing wrong with peoples opinions of greatness, but every time I see the gushing about this place I always scratch my head.

Don't even worry about it, knowing her it's a statement Mom would be proud of...... Big props to Lee for arranging such a treat of an evening ... lets do it again!

Have to say that HSG is an oasis in the sea of Yaletown Uber hangouts. Last night after dinner with a freinds birthday party the only place we could think of within walking distance was HSG for some comfy atmosphere and good food. Service was Stellar, drinks hit the spot, and the desserts we're nothing short of on the mark. Thanks again Barret and Neil....

Interesting. My wife and I we're taking odds on how long Umami would be around. Not because of the food or service ( both we concure we're very good), more so of the proximity of space and casual observations of patronage on our nightly walks. A favourite over Shiro Bay anytime, we really we're crossing our fingers for the success. Hopefully the new owners can persuade the market to come in and give them a try.

I gotta second that one Pan! Fer cryin' out loud ... you go to the effort of performing a poultry labotomy and don't even enjoy the spoils?? What gives? Sorry I had to miss that meal ... and the Druckers. Moosh always knows how to get the eaters together! A. ← Actually she did eat the brain (alot like tofu) but she draws the line at eating the whole head if thats what you're whining about.

Ahhh Joie, we all have such high expectations knowing your fine Culinary / Literary / Photographic talents! Now that's pressure, eh? My hats off to you doing this blog now with such a full plate. I've enjoyed it so far and look forward to the follow-ups.

Four friends accompanied Yummy and I to Lolita's Friday night. If there we're just the two of us we could have gotten inside in about ten minutes. But because we we're a larger group we waited about 40 minutes. No problem, it was a nice night and the waitress served us some drinks while we waited. The space is really warm and inviting and the staff was excellent. We had the Sangria (half 7-up / half wine and some fruit) which was decent. Yummy and I ordered between the two of us: Guac and chips, the Jalapeño and Corn soup which came with cornbread, Caesar Salad, Beef Taquitos, Beef and Chicken Tacos, and the Steak. All in all I thought everything was just ok. Nothing really stood out to me as a "Wow" type dish. Probably if I had to pick, the steak was the best thing followed by the Taquitos. Not that these we're really a standout type dish compared to other restaurants, just out of what we ordered. To me the taco fillings we're tough and without much flavour, the Guac and chips had mostly bean dip with a mound of Guac on top, and the caesar was soggy. It also bugs the hell out of me to pay for Chips and Salsa in a Mexican Joint. Would I go back? Probably not when I could choose Banano's or Topanga instead for IMO much better food.

First on the list is from Vera's : The G-Money (2x patty, 2x cheese, 2x fried mushrooms) plus my add on's: Hot dog, bacon, and an egg . Accompanied by large fries and a Sprite. Good thing I only get this craving about 1x per month or Roto Rooter would have to be on call for my arteries. Second on my list though ( and much healthier ) is the Hainanese Chicken w/ rice at Cafe D'Lite . Last is the Tropical Carrot Cake at Picnic . Damn, now I'm hungry ......

We decided to try having dinner at George on Hamilton. This place is beautiful. Great bar and the Yaletown Brick and Beam type modern decor. We chose to eat on their patio and enjoy the summer evening. We ordered 3 items, the Foie Gras which came with cherry compote and a banana / ginger bread type croutons. The second plate was the Wild Game plate that had a selection of three meats of which the only one I remember was the duck. The third plate we ordered a potato gratin. All 3 we're delicious, cooked just right. It was a really nice evening sharing drinks with my sweetie. I will be back but probably more for the drinks and atmosphere. The 3 tapas style dishes with two drinks came to a bit over $100. While delicious, I was still pretty hungry for what we paid. The following night we had take-out from Capones located right next door to George. We have our favourites there which consist of mainly the large Spinach and Bacon salad, and their antipasto platter for two. Decent value and a very tasty light dinner for us. Brunch Sunday before my wife dragged me with her to get pedicures (ok, I admit I liked it) was at PHAT on Mainland close to Nelson. I had the Phat Turkey Club on Challa Bread with Avocado and the Challa French Toast. My wife had a nice portion of Smoked Meat with two poached eggs and a chocolate croissant. This place is my hands down favourite brunch place. Great portions, really tasty, and a nice little sunny patio to enjoy it on. Washed down with a couple large fresh squeezed OJ's, it just can't be beat. Better than Provence and Glowbal any day IMO. Last night was an impromptu get together with our neighbour friends. By 10 pm everyone was getting a bit hungry so a decision was made for Tsui Heng Village window takeout on Davie and Granville. You know, for $4.50 a dish its a pretty good deal. We ordered the Black Pepper Beef, Curry Beef, BBQ Pork, and the Teriyaki Chicken. Brought it back and fed about 8 people with leftovers. Definitely a good choice after we put a nice dent in a bunch of beer in my fridge. The treat of the evening was when a good friend brought over a bottle of 1973 Bertani Amarone Classico Superiore. Probably not the best pairing with Tsui Heng but it was absolutely amazing.

Friday Night we decided to order in from Gloden Szechuan. We finally wanted to try twice cooked pork. Gotta say it wasn't what we had expected. The picture I had in my head was something more along the lines of a spicy pulled pork. This was more like under cooked bacon in veggies. Is the way it's supposed to come?