appreciator

Dudes, someone lend me $780,000. Nice to see a post from you, Sean. I spoke with Terry Storey last month about it, the concept sounds interesting. Another daring location. Fall is shaping up nicely. ← So what does that $780,000 get you? I am assuming that, at that price, you get the whole shebang... building, licenses, equipment, neon, trade secrets etc. Is this considered a reasonable outlay of cash for what you get? Just curious as I've been looking at the cost of restaurants on one of the Gulf Islands (at this point, it's pure speculation/research/whathaveyou) and am wondering what constitutes good value and what does not. BOT: .... any more news about that place on West Fourth that took over Il Ducato? I wonder how they are fairing so close to Bimini's (seemed like direct competition if I recall correctly).

Far better than both. They are good options, but Mo:Le goes further in giving us the Island on a plate. I worked at John's for two years as a waiter, and though I love them to bits they simply aren't playing in the same league. Demitasse is wonderful, too, but again there are too many degrees of separation to make it a contest. When you stand a free run omelette with organic oyster mushrooms, Galloping Goose Boerewors sausage, Violet's organic spinach, and French brie up against the green onion and pepper paradigm of every other contender (complete with layered lattes), it's a knockdown. Blue Fox is good, too. And so is Willie's. But Mo:Le is the current king of Victoria's weird fixation on breakfast. ← Thanks alot Andrew (well, not really ) I guess I just have incredible memories of Demitasse from about... umm, 20 years ago, that my allegiance has never wavered. Their steamed eggs on croissants and the latte with the orange peal twist... chatting w/ my gal pals while listening to classical music..... ah... memories..... like the colours of my mind... misty water coloured memories.... oh never mind Mo:Le sounds great.... I really am going to have to get my butt back to the old 'hood one of these days.

What about Demitasse and John's Place (for breakfast that is)? Or am I totally dating myself?

Where abouts is Pan-O-Pan? Sounds like a good place to check out. Also, must definitely try Seb's one of these days, especially after all these glowing reviews and viewing photos on Mooshmouse's blog! Yum!

Here is a link to the thread you are referring to.... I think that "Stovetop" (aka Steve) has the most extensive list we've seen here. In a somewhat ironic twist, "Vancouver" (aka M...-D....) references the dmoz website as a place to check for links!

Hah.... I knew it would be you blogging this week (okay, you or Brian that is ) Looking forward to it. And heh... about Shadow... how 'bout renaming her, Puddin'?

I just want to thank everyone for sharing this adventure with all of us... it's been fun and enlightening to watch, read, and enjoy this event vicariously through your words and photos. Definitely makes me want to venture south for the next “Occasional Pig Pickin’”

Tess.... if you click on the blog link at the bottom of her message above yours she has been diarizing her situation.

We actually had a topic like this a while back.... over under discussing those restos that were overrated and those that were a bit off the radar.

One of your choices above is Mona's and I had a great meal there several months ago so can definitely recommend them. One thing to watch though, is, the bill. We were a group of four and had a 15% grat added to it w/o noticing. Therefore, we tipped on top of this and our server received just over a 30% tip. While the service was good.... I would not have put it in the leagues of West, Le Crocodile etc. where one might actually tip that high due to exceptional service. When we discovered this anomaly (several days later), it was too late to bring it up so we let it pass. Probably a mistake... no doubt.... but one worth keeping an eye out for. Their web site discusses a pre-set grat for parties over 8 if I recall correctly. As far as places in the entertainment book go... you might want to check out this thread which has a number of reviews. As others have stated above...... most restaurants in this day and age can come up with a decent vegetarian option, especially if given a day or so's notice. Enjoy.

This is a beautiful blog.... thank you for sharing your part of the world with us. Your photos are extremely evocative, one can almost smell that chowder cooking away....

Thanks peppyre.... I can never remember exactly when they ready. Thanks Zuke... will investigate things up at UBC Farm. I keep meaning to go there but just can't seem to get by butt in gear on Saturday morning's

Just a few quick thoughts.... I know next to nothing about Chinese food and/or dim sum in this city so will leave comments on that to he experts. Wine stores.... Marquis is great... they have a fantastic selection and extremely knowledgeable staff. If you are in Kitsilano, you may also wish to check out Kitsilano Wine Cellar on W. 4th and Broadway International Wine Shop on W. Broadway. Granville Island is definitely worth a visit.... Oyama, The Stock Market, J.J. Bean, etc.... well worth the trip. As to breakfast.. well, if you are downtown, many have raved about Provence Marinaside and also Cafe Artigiano. If you venture into the Kitsilano neighbourhood.. i.e. West Broadway..... then I highly recommend Feenies. Their eggs benny with smoked salmon is beyond compare. For Indian food, you might want to try Tamarind Bistro at Broadway and Fir. Run by the folks who owned Rubina Tandoori for years, and if my last visit is any standard, the food is excellent and unpretentious. Other spots to try for a local feel are Aurora Bistro and Pair. Both include many local ingredients and sport BC only wine lists. Enjoy.

Has anyone seen scarlett runner beans at any of the markets? My dad used to grow them and I am having a nostalgic desire to eat them again.

For all you fish taco fans, they are on the menu at the Galley Kitchen (I think that's what it's called) at Jericho Sailing Centre. Noticed them the other week when I was there but didn't try them.

^ Looking forward to seeing the photos! Glad it was such a wonderful experience, I hope they do it again next year. And heh... Happy B'day Arne

This debate is fascinating to me, particularly in that we have the "die hard Vij's fans" versus "those that are not quite so impressed". Seems that the fans want to quash the comments of those who have perhaps, enjoyed a less than stellar meal... part of that potential due to all the hype. Really, it is a matter of taste, isn't it? What it really boils down to is ... some people love Vij's... some don't... it's really okay to disagree... Don't you think? We don't have to be one big love-in happy family all the time......

We had quite the discussion about this awhile ago.... here's the link.

I've finally chalked up another 3 meals out in recent enough succession (mostly this is necessary for me to remember what I ate ) to post in this thread. Well, two meals were at the same place but on different days - that still counts right? Last week I popped over to Central Bistro for a late lunch. I'd never been to the previous incarnation - The Brass Monkey - so I can't say how the decor has or has not changed. They have an nice outdoor patio which I am sure will be extremely busy during the rest of the summer (and when the new patio furniture comes in ) After scanning the menu, I decided to order the Cobb Salad. I am a huge fan of these salads and the one at Central did not disappoint. In fact, it was one of the best Cobb Salads I've had in a long time. I especially enjoyed the generous amount of blue cheese.... yum! Had a chance to have a bit of a chat with Harry (chef proprietor) which was nice... he is a very gracious host. My waiter was a cheery delight as well. Next up was lunch over the weekend on Salt Spring Island at La Cucina. As I mentioned elsewhere in the forum, I was astonished at how many restaurants were closed on a holiday weekend Sunday.... but luckily for us this one was open. We sat outside in the bright sunshine (memo to self - always wear sunscreen in the summer, no matter what the forecast) and had a lovely view of the harbour. There were 3 of us dining and we all had the panini sandwiches, 2 chicken, one mushroom and goat cheese; 2 served with "a nice little green salad" and one with soup. I convinced my friend Ilse to split the panini with me so I got to try the chicken and the mushroom and goat cheese one. While I don't really think of these sandwiches as classic paninis (they were on small submarine sandwich type buns and not flat) both were quite flavourful. And last night, a return visit to Central Bistro with the folks noted above in Deborah's post. It was a lovely evening and I enjoyed the company very much. Our waitress was excellent and Harry was able to spend some time with us all as well which added a very nice personal touch to the evening. On to the food... as Deborah noted, we started off with an amuse of tuna tartare in a sesame oil-wasabi glaze on a bed of shredded cabbage? ( I actually thought it was lettuce but heh... what do I know ) I then had the fresh pea and chive cream soup which was lovely and "pea-y" if I can say such a thing... though for some reason, I had thought it would be cold. No matter, it was delicious. Next up was the nicely done Salmon Wellington, wrapped in filo pastry for a more delicate touch. This was served with a yummy (yes, yummy) spinach salad dressed with I believe a sweet and sour dressing. Reminded me a dressing that my Mum used to make which I loved. (second note to self - must see if it's in her recipe files ). Back to last evening... for dessert, I enjoyed the pineapple carpaccio, served with a ginger semi freddo on top. It was light and refreshing. The three gals at my end of the table managed to polish off 3 (yikes!) bottles of Hawthorne Mountain Riesling which worked nicely with our food. Though it does explain the sluggish start this morning. Overall, a most enjoyable evening: great company, great food, great atmosphere and great hospitality. Thank you so much to Deborah for organizing, to Harry and crew for hosting/feeding us and to my fellow dining companions for providing such lively repartatee. Must do it again soon! Edited about 5 times because I apparently can't spell worth shit!

Though I comment rather wryly above and have yet to try this now hopping joint (and most likely won't until things die down a bit in late September or October), I will note that their wine list is quite impressive. A good number of wines that appeal to me and at a reasonable markup (or so it seems) to boot. Hardly anyone has D'Arenburg's "The Custodian" Grenache on their list, and, as it's one of my very favourite wines, I think of this as a good thing.

Well... not exactly openings or closings but as both places have been discussed in this topic then I figure it's the one for the update. Unless of course we start a Gulf Islands thread.... In the meantime.... Salt Spring Island updates: Moby's... bought by Seattle Yacht Club. My understanding is that they will run this as a members only pub and marina from now on. Barb's Buns.... recently bought by someone... I know not whom... and now back up for sale you may need to scroll the page a bit. The current owners have re-named the restaurant part of the operation "The Glass Onion" and seem to have done some improvements. I will note however, that on this past Sunday of the long weekend, they were closed. The listing price is $349,000. No clue what might be fair but I'd definitely be curious to know what the previous (recent) purchase price was. Goodwill only survives for so long. And.... if my very brief conversations with a few locals is any indication.... then things, may, have lost a bit of their previous edge. Interesting that the owners wish to sell so soon after acquiring the business but then who knows what the circumstances may be. Funny thing about the island on Sunday.... many businesses were closed. I found this very odd considering it was long weekend. Would have figured that it would have been a really good weekend for business considering most island restaurants survive and count on their May through October volume to sustain them throughout the entire year. On another note.... a Salt Spring institution is also up for sale: The Vesuvius Inn In case you have a cool 1.5 + mil hanging around, and a penchant for island life, this might be just the thing for you.

Okay... I've eaten at Vij's exactly once so this is purely based on that fact, and also that the experience was a couple of years ago, so things may well have changed since then. However..... here goes: The atmosphere was great... we got there early to assure a table. Appetizers rocked though I can't tell you exactly what I had. Service was top notch..... Vikram is a consummate host. However, what sticks out in my mind to this day, is the amount of sliced ginger on my entree. Can't recall what it was but it was topped by many, many, many slices of fresh ginger. Simply covered the underlying course. While I am a ginger fan.... it was just too much. I recall that Vikram came around and asked me if I did not like ginger and I said that I did but just not that much. Not sure if things have changed since then or not. I have friends who swear by the place and eat there whenever they come into town. Personally, I enjoyed a recent meal at Tamarind Bistro more, however, there will always be different strokes for different folks and all that.

In recent memory... I've had a cheese plate at Ocean 6 Seventeen and also at Pair Bistro. Now... I am not going to be able to tell you what was on either plate..... but I will say that the one at Ocean 6 Seventeen was much nicer. Why?, you ask.... well for starters, the portions of cheese were a tad larger. Also, the presentation was quite artistic and the fruit compote was delicious and complementary to the cheese. Something (I think it was the compote as a matter of fact) on the plate had some nice cardamom kick if I remember correctly. As you will note... my memory is hazy.... too much wine no doubt I love cheese and am always on the lookout for a good after dinner offering..... Would, of course, try the Heather again but alas, banned for life and all that. Oh well, c'est la vie

edit.... oh just agreeing with Nondual1 above.... regardless of what others say if one is to interpret what is "allegedly written as law" then it would appear that BYOB is indeed a-okay. We'll have to get the old legal beagles out to investigate for certain. Although.... if it is not true, it's a shame, really. Of course taking your bottle of home-made plonk to a nice resto is gigantically off the mark if you have something lovely you've been wanting to save for a special occasion and the resto does not offer it on it's own wine list then why not bring it along, pay an appropriate corkage and everyone is happy. Lucky for "T" he has an in.... (care to share via PM???? )

Note.... cynicism alert......... While I do believe there needs to be some leeway granted as this place has just opened and they are, no doubt, still trying to find their footing, at the end of the day... even if the food sucks the big one, they will always be busy. Location, location, location.