Feedbag

Thanks for that wonderful description -- and endorsement. Question: when you say it was noisier than you expected, was that noise music or people yammering? Also, as for "expensive," would you say comparable to, say, Chambar, C, Raincity, all the other high-end restaurants? I know lamb is traditionally a higher end item, and since the pasta had lobster, I imagine that was top dollar too. I tried their website and they don't list their menu and prices, so any insight that you can recall would be most appreciated. Oh, one more: would you consider the room to be romantic? Since yours is the only reply to this, can I assume no one else frequents this place anymore? (And as I recall, that is Menghi's Porsche parked in the alley, no?)

Is it just me or has Umberto's been conspicuously absent from this board's discussion threads? I thought about that when I was looking for a really romantic restaurant for a special occasion and recalled Il Giardino fit that bill. Otherwise, hadn't thought about that place in years. I've been to some industry events there in the bar, but table service, if I remember correctly, was great and the atmosphere cozy. Has anyone been lately? Is it still good? I've been once to the Gastown venue but it was so long ago I can't remember anything about it, let alone the name. The Whistler outlets are insanely crowded and noisy and I wouldn't go back, but I'm curious about Il Giardino. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!

I've been surprised at Save-On's bakery, too. The cheesecakes are outstanding, particularly the chocolate swirl.

I saw the Global segment last night too and thought "Hear, Hear". Good to see the coverage. I knew about most of the verboten fish (sea bass, sob! -- although I STILL want to know why Granville Island is selling it. should the initiative not extend to mongers as well??) Didn't know about red snapper being a no-no, and that BC spotted prawns are the preferred prawn. I did not know, also, that swordfish, which used to routinely clock in at 150 kg, are now on average 49 kg. And that a staggering 90 per cent of the world's fish six feet long and more are gone. GONE! All the more important the "fissue" stay in our faces.

Hey Cat and other Seb's fans, I think I read in the Straight that the place has game nights (as in wild game, not hockey game). Has anyone ever tried this? Or a meal other than breakfast, for that matter. Just curious.

More great suggestions, thanks! I'd been to Afghan Horsemen 100 years ago and couldn't remember what I thought of it. I have been to Banana Leaf but as I recall always a lineup. Maybe if we go midweek. I just might have to go to all the suggested places on a dry run....

Finally made it to two places that have had an abundance of coverage here, good and bad. First, Watermark. Yeah, yeah, I know: What was I thinking? Well, we had been walking in the area and the spousal unit insisted we try it out. Proximity, rare sunset in October, in need of suds, blah, blah, blah. I dutifully informed him of the negative backlash here and he said, yeah, well, what do they know? Reluctantly, I followed him up the stairs. It was, what can I say, great.... Alright, full disclosure, we just had a couple beers and the prawn rolls and pot stickers, how can you go wrong, right? But they were delicious, the service friendly and efficient, the view, well, words will always fail there. The place was packed by the time we left, so the poop from here has obviously not affected them. Next day, Vera's. I confess, I'm a Vera's virgin and they were gentle with me. Just a simple cheese and mushroom with fries and root beer. So good I felt like a cigarette after, and I don't smoke. Black Tuna on Denman. This place is becoming one of my faves, so much so my usual haunt, One Man With A Wok, as I call him, next door (Won More Szechuan) is becoming unusual. I just like all the little plates you can share and everything is so fresh and flavorful. Never been disappointed. Only fear is, even on a Saturday night, the place is sparse with diners, so it may not last, unfortunately, but it really is a steal. We stuff ourselves with terrific sushi along with two of those big bottles of Sapporo and rarely rack up more than $50. Amazing.

Well if this isn't the most eerily coincidental thing that's happened in a while. I sat down at the computer, fired up egullet, while munching on a pomegranate. As I was enjoying those little ruby red pearls bursting in my mouth, I wondered, I wonder what else you can do with pomegranate seeds? I recalled hearing the juice makes a wonderful glaze for pork or lamb, so I thought I'd first search on egullet to see if anyone's ever mentioned this, and if not, post the question myself. Then, yikes!, this thread. Wow. Anyhoo, thanks for the link to the recipes, but there's nothing noted for pork. Can I assume you can use roast pork in place of lamb in those particular recipes?

Great recommendations, thank you all! Martini's, right, had forgotten them. Used to go all the time when I had business in the area. Don't recall the food to be outstanding, but the martini's were good -- and reasonably priced. I'll have to check out the new room; didn't realize they'd been renovating. Cheers.

I use veal chunks. Most tender, flavorful stew results ever, with half the simmering time of any other meat. It's super-lean but never seems to dry out. Lamb chunks are also good, for Irish Stew, 'course.

Thanks, you guys. I'll give both some consideration. I had thought of Cru but believed it to be too expensive (one in our group was hit with a real estate disaster and can't afford much right now...). But I did just check the website and the $36 prix fixe menu seems quite reasonable. Wonder if it will still be available in December. In any event, I'll put it forth to the group -- which, by the way, is really only 4 -- and see what they think. Sorry, eatbc, I don't know how to respond to your instant message. Thanks, though, for bringing my attention to Cru. Cheers.

Hi there, Looking for some ideas for a Christmas lunch, maybe dinner, for a small group. I was hoping to do Italian, but any other ideas would be great. The place shouldn't be too expensive, and it should preferably be between Main and Granville on Broadway. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

I like scooping peanut butter with a wedge o' apple, too. I just finished an awesome granny smith liberally sprinkled with salt. Am I the only one who likes that? Been eating them that way since I was a kid (and I rarely salt any other food!). Interesting about the debate over the best apple to use in a pie. I always hear it's the granny smith. Do most others agree? And why is that? Taste? Texture? How they hold up?

OK, I'll confess, I only scanned this topic as I'm in a hurry, so forgive me if it's been discussed. It's a stupid question, actually. What's a good way to use lamb sausages? I'm planning to put them in a pasta with diced tomates, garlic, onions and 'shrooms. Any other way I should consider? Thanks!

"Doing anything for Halloween? Nu's just announced their Masquerade Party. Details on the eGullet Calendar or on the Nu Web Site." Did you happen to notice who one of the special guest is? Rhymes with vil(ified)....

"Sharp-eyed readers" might also notice Jamie hasn't challenged that "enhanced experience" that Van Mag and WL enjoy. What's that all about? Reference to contra deals, per chance? Secondly, the "snifter" in the biz relayed that Gill was "drunk", which she often is. Libellous?

"Melt some Valrhona with half and half (or whole milk). Add sugar to taste. Sprinkle with some cinnamon. (And if you want to gild the lily, top with homemade marshmallows!)" Thanks, Ling, I was wondering if you could do that with Valrhona. I remember the best hot chocolate I've ever had was in Argentina where they gave us a steaming cup of whole milk with a bar of chocolate melting in it. OMG! I'd never had hot chocolate made with a chunk of chocolate before (I know, I'm remarkably clueless for someone who's been to nearly 60 countries!) Don't know what kind of chocolate they used for it; wish I'd remembered to ask. Anyhoo, I saw Callebaut for sale in the bins at Save-On Foods and I think, THINK, I saw Valhrona too. Can I be sure the quality is the same at a grocery store as at a specialty store?

Another, hassle-free way to ensure a moist, juicy turkey without going to the trouble of brining is to buy fresh free-range. Once you've tried it you'll never go back to frozen.

Caught that episode last night. Although some say the actual issue was brought up in a rather preachy, lecturing way by James Spader's character, nonetheless it turned the spotlight on it in a really fun but serious way (I know that sounds weird, but if you saw it you'd probably agree). Interesting that our "resident Canadian" Shatner's character was ignorant on the subject and initially disinterested in doing anything about it. Maybe that's the right way to handle it so it didn't come off as a "Canadian" issue. In any event, I'm glad it got such wide exposure, both here in Canada and in the US. Naturally, the farms are up in arms over it. How nice it would be if they'd simply stop defending the practices and actually acknowledge there's a problem and be a part of the solution instead. One can only dream, huh? The episode sure showcased BC nicely. Man, they had good weather for "Finding Nimmo". Wish I had the $2000-plus a night to check the place out myself....

Lees and Honey's, the best fried fat and sugar going! Also, Timmy Ho's chocolate bavarian in a pinch. By the by, someone asked about Timmy Ho's origin, it was started by a Canadian hockey player, no? The chain was sold to an American company a while back, much to the chagrin of devotees and his family.

FINALLY got to Go Fish on one of the last sunny days of the year. The halibut lived up to the raves, the chips, ehh, not so much. The salmon burger wasn't that great either, imo, and the sesame oil drenched cole slaw didn't move me. Glad to have tried it, though, and will be back for the exalted soups. [On a side note re fish, why is Longliner at GI still selling Chilean sea bass? It's my favoritest fish of all time but I thought I wasn't allowed to buy it, let alone mongers being allowed to sell it?? I would have asked them, but the lines were three deep so I passed.] Horrible horrible sushi at a place in Port Moody called Nagano. Suffice to say I felt like I'd injested a quart of WD-40 after. Blech! Hons, for the first time. Excruciatingly boring, I can't even remember what we had. Must. Have. Szechuan. Or Hunan....

So which one makes for a really rich, chocolately cup of cocoa when you want something special (not Fry's)?

Thanks for the link...

I'm down with the noise factor, too. And restaurateurs can't really tell patrons to shut their yaps, but they can certainly turn down the music. That's my biggest complaint when it comes to noise, that and the fact they rarely consider the clientele when choosing the tunes. 50 cent booming to a 50-plus crowd doesn't go over... Also hate the too-close tables. Nothing more uncomfortable than having your neighbours take sides in your private discussion. But my biggest peeve right now is re the "small plates". If they're meant to be shared, why the $#%@! do they give you FIVE of everything?? How stupid is that? That last little morsel just sits there staring up at us as we growl and snap at one another over who gets it. Sheesh, man, would it break the bank to cough up another prawn?

Hey Moosh, Lovin' the blog. Love your li'l area of our fair (fare?) city as well. I know of a few actors who live in your 'hood. Apparently it's still big with artsy types. Would love also to hear recommendations of some Filipino restaurants. Not a cuisine I'm really familiar with either. I think, like lotsa other cuisines, it's better cooked at home? Having been born and raised here (with a one-year stint on Saltspring but, alas, as a mere babe), I can't ever recall seeing a Filipino restaurant in Vancouver. As for your feline, I think you should keep Shadow, since, with his bulk, he casts shadows on everything/one he passes? What do you feed that thing???! Cheers!