appreciator

I'm happy to note that my list has shrunk a bit too - even with a few new additions. Some of the deletions are due to a change of interest (just a couple), some a sad demise, most are due to finally eating there... yah! Amacord Aurora Bistro Ba Guo Bu Yi Szechuan Blue Water Cafe Bravo Bistro Brix Cafe Artigiano Cafe D'Lite Cassis Central Bistro Ch'i Cioppino Circolo Cru Diva Elysian Room Go Fish Gotham Gramercy Grill (I believe someone from Herald Street Cafe runs this place) Hapa Izakaya Henry's Kitchen Hermitage Horizon's (the view's gotta be worth something) House of Selassie Il Nido Japone Kirin (I'm hoping that the dim sum here will finally convert me) Le Gavroche Lift Liliget Feast House Living Room (now that it's changed hands) Long's Noodle House Maurya Modern Club Montri's Nemoto Cafe Nickie's & Lola's Nu Okada Parkside Phat's Phnom Phen Raincity Grill Rangoli Relish Rodney's Sausi's Saveur Savoury Coast Shiru Bay Spice Islands Indonesian Restaurant The Pear Tree The Reef Tojo's Totoyo Umami Vintropolis Watermark (if not for the food, then at least for the view) West Wild Rice William Tell Still an awful lot of catching up to do!

I third this recommendation.... practically the best service in the city and the food is classic goodness. (hah... just about typed classic godness ) Or.... for something a little different you could try either Pair Bistro on 10th and Alma or Baru on Alma between Broadway and 10th. Neither particularly “fine dining” but both present extremely interesting and well-executed food. One caveat.... Baru gets a little noisy at times, due to concrete floor I'm guessing. Though someone must have heard us old farts muttering about this as they did turn the volume down a bit after a while. Anyhoo.... just a thought for a couple of places that are a bit more unique and somewhat off the radar.

^ Okay.... so someone has to ask... is this a particular chardonnay you are looking for? Or, have you noticed that all 2002 chardonnays have mysteriously disappeared off the market? EDIT: Oh and P.S. if anyone has any Note Bene they don't need, please PM me (I know this is gigantically off topic but I thought I'd throw it out there all the same)... slap my hand and all that

I've been to a lowly 6 spots too... must get out more! : biggrin: As to places that I believe are flying under the radar: Tamarind Bistro owned by the same folks who ran Rubina Tandori for years and years. I've only had dinner there once and we were in a great rush to get to the theatre but as I recall the food was fantastic. Service was a tad off but it's still relatively early days for them and they'll soon learn how to handle a crowd. Another place that surprised the heck out of me recently is Bogart’s Chophouse. Used to be Carnegies for many years. I had very low expectations going in and was pleasantly surprised. The maitre 'd is a total charmer for starters... and the food was surprisingly good. Now... perhaps that shouldn't be a surprise but to me it was.... don't know what I was expecting exactly but I was definitely pleased. Wine list is okay... a few interesting bottles to choose from... a few ho hum, but I suppose I've been spoiled lately by some places with really great lists. After all, it's really a matter of taste. Interesting martini list as well. And another place that may, or may not, be flying under the radar is Jolly's on West 4th, just before Macdonald. I haven't been myself but I know people who go quite often and really like it. Food is Indian and really, really cheap. Dinner, including entree and accompaniments, plus a glass of beer is something like 10 bucks. I keep meaning to try it and will do so eventually to report back. If it is good.... they are definitely flying well under the radar

Well I would think that Steve aka Stovetop could weigh in on this area as he is in Port Alberni isn't he? But we haven't heard from him in a while so perhaps he's moved. Oh well. No doubt someone will be driving up to Tofino in the not too distant future and will dutifully check out J&L.... for the good of all

Deborah, I think you misunderstood my point. I am not questioning the value of our meal in any way shape or form... would have gladly paid more than the “entry fee” for the scallop dish alone (well, maybe not quite but you get the drift). However, I do think that there may be (and probably are) a number of EGers out there for whom $40 would simply be too dear. I was merely suggesting that, maybe, we could look at a way of establishing a slush fund of sorts that would enable more of the membership to participate. That’s all.

The Sustainability Luncheon at “C” was, in all honesty, one of the best functions/luncheons/events that I’ve ever been to. The food was extraordinary… I agree with Keith Talent (though I can’t believe I missed the opportunity to meet such a legend amongst the egullet glitterati – you were the dude in the shades in the sunshine yellow shirt right? ) regarding the crispy oyster with the shot of GI lager - totally amazing; the slow roasted salmon – never tasted salmon so moist; the sablefish collar –melt-in-your mouth sublime (though personally I found the hazelnut bubble to be a bit surreal - the flavour was good, texture, somewhat unexpected); the seared Kagan bay scallop with roasted pork etc… the stuff of legends; and last but not least, the fromage frais cheesecake with rhubarb salad, praline and organic maple syrup. After the scallop dish, I didn’t think things could get any better, but that cheesecake was certainly worthy. (Side note: my first visit to "C" certainly not my last) The speakers were very informative, though I too would have liked to have had a bit more time hearing what they each had to say. A longer discussion time perhaps – maybe next time each one of the “experts" could actually sit at different tables…stand up to present their piece to everyone then proceed to have more “round table” type discussions with the people sitting at each table. Maybe participants could even rotate seating between courses. The conversation at the table I was at was lively and engaging. I enjoyed meeting some new (to me) EG participants: Sasskitty, Annanstee, Chloe, Zucchini Mama, Angela (whose EG nickname has slipped from my mind) and Bob, whom I don’t think has an EG name… perhaps he lurks: laugh: (hope I didn't miss anyone ) Anyway…a great day… great food, great conversation, great wine, great learning, great company, great weather…what more can you ask for (aside from another word besides “great” ). My gratitude to all involved: Jamie, Arne, Harry, Leonard, Rob - squared, Tom, Sue, all the speakers, the servers, etc. A brilliant afternoon. Very much looking forward to the next “sustainable” event. Though one thing I'll just throw out there. I wonder if there is a way for this type of event to be accessible to people who do not have quite so much discretionary income. Personally, I would be willing to chip in a few more bucks to enable someone who would not otherwise be able to afford an afternoon such as this, an opportunity to attend. Not sure how that would work but just wanted to throw it out there. I don't believe these type of events should be only for the "elite" (well, not that I qualify but I'm sure you all know what I mean).

^Big fan here..... Why do you dislike it so.... TFA?

Season's Hilltop Bistro is in Queen Elizabeth Park. Horizons Restaurant is on Burnaby Mountain.

You are thinking of Jordon Robinson and his column Chop Chop. Looks like this ended some time in 2000 though, as he then wrote about clubs for a while and in 2001 wrote a column called Mr. Robinson's Neighbourhood. It was definitely entertaining reading.... not sure what happened after 2001, but no doubt Jamie can provide further details.

Eddy.... these are good points.... why don't you and seanw, who made a similar though less explanatory point much earlier in another thread, lead the way. Sometimes it really helps to have an example of what a detailed critique / review might look like so that others can follow. Care to start? Oh and P.S. to be back on topic.... I've eaten at Lumiere once and Feenie's once. Loved Feenie's for brunch and was disappointed with dinner at Lumiere. Both meals were some time ago (though brunch at Feenie's, I wrote about somewhere in this forum) so will not elaborate much further. I will say that the dinner at Lumiere was at least 4 years ago, and I would absolutely give it another go, especially as the people with whom I dined enjoyed their meals. Sometimes it all boils down to taste, what you choose on any given night from the menu and the luck of the draw. That being said, $300 smackaroos is a lot to shell out for a disappointing meal, no matter how you slice it.

^ Now, now TFA, you are being purposely difficult aren't you? 3WC makes it clear what he is looking for in his post here: here: and here: He's obviously looking for a restaurant that is using "fresh" from the garden ingredients that are in-season right now. As to recommendations, while I have yet to eat dinner at Aphrodite's Organic Cafe, their direct link to organic produce may satisfy your quest 3WC. Also Bishop's, if I am not mistaken, use only/mostly seasonal produce as well. P.S. just found this thread which may be of interest (even though it was started in April) as well: Vancouver restaurants, seeking fresh, local, seasonal...

Oh dear gawd! I was zipping by on Friday night and just caught a blinding glimpse of red out of the corner of my eye and wondered what could possibly have sprung up. Moxies.... a blight on our palates if ever there was one. Oh well.... as it seemed to be hop, hop, hopping around 11:30 on Friday... they obviously have their fans.

Or, perhaps, you'll sea what you might find, including sea asparagus! Lame, I know... it's late

Well, I wasn't really disputing that Connie's may indeed do something right, I just haven't experienced that via delivery as of yet, which was kinda the point. I'm curious Ducky, have you had delivery from Connie's and enjoyed the same food as you have when eating in? Seems like TFA has so perhaps this phenomenon I'm suppositioning is purely a matter of taste.

^ so TFA, to summarize your experience of Connie's it seems that other than service and decor, you've not noticed any appreciable difference between dining in and getting take out. Is that correct? Quite contrary to my own experiences elsewhere. How intriguing. Perhaps a few other peeps will weigh in. Sushi Cat? Anyone.......

^^^^ Brian..... glad to hear you had, what appears to be, a mostly positive dining experience at Mosaic. I really do think it is one of those places that is just not quite catching on... for whatever reason... and I think that's a shame. Like you, I'm not a big fan of restos in hotels but there are always exceptions. As an aside, for those who have an entertainment book.... Mosaic is - coupon A243 - so you may want to give it a try that way and save yourself a few bucks. I know that I will be heading back before the year is done.

Instead of starting a new thread (don't want Neil barking at my door ) I thought I'd revive this one, because.... I'm wondering about the difference between eating in at a Chinese restaurant and getting take out. Recently, I have read several people extolling the virtues of Connie's Cook House on West 4th Avenue. I've never sat down to eat there but have had delivery on two occasions and frankly, not been impressed. Another place on 4th that I think is called "Great Wok" however, sometimes I get this confused with the "New City" on the opposite side of the street. Anyway... point being, I've ordered delivery a couple of times and not been impressed but then, one day I met up with some friends for a sit down dinner and low and behold, we had a great meal. I just don't get it. If you can pull something pretty decent off for a dine-in experience, why can't you do the same for delivery? And speaking of which, I finally found a place that does delivery that I quite enjoy (they have northern style chow mein which is a big fav of mine and seems to be somewhat scarce in this fair city ). Szechuan Chili, 802 West 6th Avenue, 604-874-3737. Mind you, I've never tried to have table service there so perhaps that would prove disappointing. Who knows.... I would be curious to hear if anyone else has had similar experiences though.

I am curious as to which restaurant they have replaced on the north side of the street. The only Italian restaurant I can think of in the 2000 block is/was(?) Il Ducato and that is/was(?) on the south side I do believe. Can you recall whom the neighbouring businesses are? Guess I could go look for myself one of these days.... it's more or less my 'hood as well.

Well that's helpful Or... are you perhaps letting us know that you can hook us up if we're looking for the good stuff?

I wonder if you mean crawfish ÉTOUFFÉE linky Something I've always wanted to try so perhaps I'll have to cruise past Ouisi to see if they still have it on the menu. Thanks for the heads up!

^ how about scallops? Edited because last time I checked, scallops (or any other form of seafood for that matter) were not considered members of the vegetable family If you want to stick solely to a vegetarian menu and yet avoid tofu, it's most likely going to need eggs, lentils or beans of some description. A lentil tagine can be quite delish.

Ideas for mystery basket (Evil laugh: heh, heh, heh.... ) SPAM Tater Tots Frozen peas Garlic powder Canned mandarin oranges Dill pickles Cool Whip OR..... Squab Quinoa Zucchini Leeks Rhubarb Radishes Mascarpone Enjoying this blog very much...... what a great idea

The other day, I was in Surrey. It's been awhile and my-oh-my, a lot has changed. However, I did spot what appeared to be an "authentic diner" on King George Hwy.... somewhere relatively close to the Surrey Central Skytrain Station. Would that be between 134th and 136th perhaps? Sorry, I seem to obliterate the particulars from my memory as soon as possible upon returning to the city, even though, I confess, I did grow up on Panorama Ridge Anyhoo... point being that there was some sort of diner spotted along the highway, possibly between 134th and 136th, not sure of the name though I do believe the word "diner" was distinguishable amid the neon.

Wow... what a lot of great ideas. Thank you. I am definitely making something other than the recipe in Oprah now.... just have to figure out which one.