Vancitygirl

Katie, For your wedding, DO NOT DO city park. The city park in Kelowna is far from beautiful. I am going to recommend that you get married in one of the local wineries. If you had the wedding at Quail's Gate (Westbank) you could also do the dinner there at there restaurant. It is in a beautiful setting. Okanagan Lake Resort is on the Westside of Kelowna, not close to downtown. It's romantic though, and Quail's Gate is also on the westside. Just a thought. Also FYI Fresco's is more regional (very good) and Bouchon's is French. I'll pm you with more. How exciting! Edited to add: Cheese in Kelowna at Carmelis Artisan Goat Cheese Phone: (250) 764-9033 It's out in the Mission, so you could do a nice trip through Summerhill Winery, Cedar Creek and St. Hubertus and then to the Cheese Farm (not 100% sure if they're open for touring).

I've had success at Tomokasu - really I have. I'm borrowing the quote from Discover Vancouver http://www.discovervancouver.com/forum/top...?TOPIC_ID=27598 "Tomokasu, W. Broadway. Excellent raw fish selection, including oysters, beef tantaki etc. Very fresh, top notch service."

Andrew - I am freelance so don't "represent" the Sun, but regardless I'll get to my views soon...... It goes something like this....... On a Friday night what do the cool people do? Having removed myself from that category after my second round of braces, I made an attempt to jump back in last week with a trip out to West Vancouver to the new “hot spot” – the Ocean Club.

FROM VITAMIN V TODAY TOO! (online newsletter) Making Waves Once you’ve scored the last set of Frette linens at Winners, found the perfect pair of sale jeans at Oliver Barrett, and stocked up on organic cheese twists at Whole Foods Market, where’s a girl to rest her weary shopping feet in West Van? We suggest The Ocean Club restaurant and lounge, just opened beside Park Royal South. With its oyster-coloured ultra-suede sofas nestled up to chic low-slung white granite tables, the room’s got an L.A. vibe (low furniture means better people watching). Servers wear chocolate brown mini dresses and proffer glam stemless water goblets and sleek chocolate brown linens. The delicious prime rib burger ($14) came topped with braised short ribs and caramelized onions on a perfect little soft bun with a side of sweet potato fries. And the wine list has a few well-chosen bargains, like Hugues Le Juste Viognier ($28). A palm patio is being built for summer, and a long double-sided bar that runs the length of the room is certain to be the catalyst for some saucy spring flings. Now how long will it take before it gets dubbed “The OC?” The Ocean Club, 100 Park Royal, West Van, 604-926-2326. GUESS THEY DIDN'T KNOW IT ALREADY WAS CALLED THE OC FYI - Mia Stansby reviewed it in the Van Sun yesterday and said thumbs up. I wouldn't have been as generous.

Two things not if my favor: "The magazine says that Ayre likes to be seen with attractive women and is driven around San Jose in a black Hummer by a chauffeur..." I might not be his type. I don't like those cars. I'm not typing the word because it would led to confusion. If you know what I mean.

Here is my first restaurant review I did while in the UBC Food Writing Class - Baru Baru could still take the Gold Baru Latino Tapas Lounge 2535 Alma St. Tel: 604 222 9171 Baru Latino Tapas Lounge appeared on the scene, riding the wave of the tapas trend, early in 2002. Focusing on mainly Ecuadorian dishes, first time restaraunteurs Carolos and Nicole Fonnegtra, and Pablo Rogras promptly took the Gold title for Best Other American in the Vancouver Magazine 2002 awards. How does the lounge rate 2 years later? We challenged the restaurant with a large group on a busy Wednesday evening. The room is funky/sexy, lots of fashionable swimming pool tile, well done. Decorations such as a full-size kayak suspended on the wall and tractor seats at the bar compliment the eclectic menu. An insistent Latin beat completes the mood. Initial glances at the menu revealed tempting and original martinis ($7) and cocktails ($6). We were torn between a “tamalino” (tamarind, lime, vodka) and the mojito (rum, lime, fresh mint). Ordered the tamalino stole a sip of the mojito from another. Both very vibrant, the mint in the mojito is overwhelmingly refreshing. But, please invest in some glass wear. Steel glasses look cool, but the taste is similar to chewing tinfoil. Tables were set with deep-fried yam and plantain chips, an interesting twist from the usual corn tortilla chips and salsa. A bit oily, but hey, we’re going Latino here. Starters included a variety of ceviches ($12) tiraditos (similar to carpaccio) and a sampling of dishes, such as smoked duck with steamed clams and cheesy empanadas. Soups and Salads included typical Latin ingredients. Tough choices. Our group had a set menu, starting with the decision between a mango salad or sopa blanca, a white bean soup. Presentation was well thought out, the ingredients blending well to create unusual flavours that transcend the usual Latin/Mexican restaurant experiences Vancouverites are often limited to. Ordered the salad, preferred the complex layered flavour of garlic, mushroom and bean in the soup. For mains the choice was impossible, so we had to share. Steak Chimichurri was cooked exactly as requested - how rare. An eight-ounce strip loin with red and green chimichurri, an Argentinean sauce of fresh parsley, herbs, lemon and oil, with a side of mashed potatoes and sliced beets. The Chicken Poblano was nicely spiced and topped with crushed maple peanuts. Seafood choice was Cazuela Baru, definitely the favorite. Caribbean tomato coconut bouillabaisse with prawns, halibut, clams and squid was paired with fluffy coconut rice. All main dishes are decently sized and priced between $17 and $21. By this point we were feeling complete, but were “forced” to at least try dessert. A chocolate lava cake was suggested, however, it was disappointingly rough in texture. The only culinary failure of the evening, however, the dish is commonly at the end of many menus, so there is tough competition. Wines can be challenging to pair with Latin Cuisine. The Baru list is limited, all from Argentina, Chile and Spain. Some reserve Chardonnay’s and descent Merlots stand out, but we liked the cocktail suggestions best. So has Baru stood the test of time? Our vote? Still worthy of a Gold in the food department. We will be back, but earlier in the evening when we will not be told that the restaurant is “really busy right now” when making a simple request of the somewhat flustered wait staff.

Opening Soon - do we know when the opening soon episode is? I looked on the food network site, but no mention yet. Thank you someone.

Oh I am in a nasty mood today. Sorry I have to inflict it on you all, but........here goes: Let's hope they hire an entirely different kitchen staff than Steamwork's. Here's the nice mood - Love the concept though.

I think the attitude from these two last sentences sum up the review rather accurately. ← Or maybe the pun was just too good to pass up, "An easy habit to break." Serously though, panning a restaurant based on one visit is just really bad form. Although that's how it reads, I hope she has been more than once. That's precisely the reason you don't find many negative reviews on my site, if I go once and it sucks I won't write a review based on that because it could have easily been an off-night. But then again, I can't afford to revisit places I don't like. The result: almost no negative reviews. ← Why would one go back to a place that was truly dissapointing. Ms. Gill went, she described her experience, and reported on it. I think it is perfectly reasonable if she only went once. That's what the article is about - her one visit. I went and had perfectly cold fish cakes. Will I be back to give it a second chance? No. Why? Because there are so many good places to go that get it right everytime. Just my humble thoughts.

Press Release: RARE one restaurant Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00pm - 11:00pm 1355 Hornby Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W7 604-669-1256 www.rarevancouver.com A new restaurant concept by Executive Chef/Proprietor Brian Fowke and Restaurant Director /Proprietor Tim Keller. Why they opened Rare, well that’s another story…Their philosophy, “we take our food seriously, but not ourselves”. Rare is about rare wines, rare cooking techniques and rare cuts of steak, fish, oysters and seafood. Rare is about tasting something in its rawest form, uncluttered and untouched, then tasting it again with the touch of a master chef. Rare is about searching for sustainable and wild stocks, local and regional ingredients and sometimes taking the domestic and turning it into a rare gem. Rare is about letting you make the choice about how you eat. Menu items are available in half portions, priced at half price. The upper portion of the restaurant offers oysters and prime grade striploin by the ounce, bar items, small tasters and more casual dining. Summers will see a small urban courtyard patio. The dining room has the best chairs in the city… Rare is about warm welcoming staff, passionate chefs, a comfortable atmosphere. An elegant, small dining room. Greys, creams, earth tones. Riedel glassware, diffused light and whimsical art. Rare has been running soft openings for the past 10 days including an “Opening Soon” dinner for e-gullet members, a fundraising dinner for the Children’s Heart Fund, an evening with suppliers and a friends and family night. Rare is open 5 nights a week. Same kitchen team, same front of house team every night. Rare is now open to the public - (Wednesday, March 1st, 2006) RARE one restaurant Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00pm - 11:00pm 1355 Hornby Street (between Pacific and Drake) Downtown False Creek, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W7 604-669-1256 – Valet parking in effect every night www.rarevancouver.com Advance reservations by www.opentable.com Contact: Chef Brian Fowke brian@rarevancouver.com Restaurant Director Tim Keller tim@rarevancouver.com

We were sitting to your left at Bearfoot - two women with curly hair. We had amazing pheasant parpadelle, but watched you receive your burger and wished we had ordered it!

Pearl on the Rock is excellent as is the Harbour House in Crescent Beach.

Quail's Gate winery is open. http://www.quailsgate.com/old_vines_patio_restaurant.html We had a great lunch there over Christmas.

From 2004 Best of in the Georgia Straight Best trip to Mexico The Mouse and Bean Antojería Mexicana 207 West Hastings Street 604-633-1781 The Mouse and the Bean edges out its Hastings-strip neighbour, Mexico Sabroso (440 West Hastings Street). At the latter, the Spanish-language soaps on TV make the feel more authentic, but the Mouse and Bean still has that charmingly erratic Mexican service and wins out with its excellent food and especially good value. The $9.50 lunch special is unbeatable. From me: I have had some snacks from there at the Vancouver Mag restaurant reviews in 2004. I faintly remember enjoing something. Anyone else "bean" there?

The blog: http://www.butirmoth.com/blog/ This is a quote from the Butirmoth site: "Excellent food…Fine wine… Local and Organic food. Great design…Environmentally conscious design…beautiful, yet comfortable. Having an impact on the Downtown Eastside that encourages community development. If you are reading this and are also passionate about all of the above…I would be so happy if you would contact me. I would like some input, affirmation or assistance. Terri" Terri and all involved have taken on a huge project which will really benefit the area and bring something very special to Vancouver. Please show her some support in these difficult times by emailing her at: info@butirmoth.com I've only met her once, but she left a big impact and I think if we can somehow offer words of support and encouragement it will help the project move forward!

I did the same thing above and meant to stay Steamrollers - now changed. Steamworks is HORRID. I went there and had the soggiest piece of pizza ever. I was with Gord Martin and he cheakily wrote out a recipe for pizza dough.

I braved the roadworks along Commercial Drive to check out Red Buritto. I agree the menu was very limited and it really is nothing different from anything we have already. Steamrollers comes to mind. I did have a delicious chicken buritto though. The chicken was crisp (kinda scary because it had obviously rotated around of one of those gyros type of broilers that don't seem all that hygenic to me) and there was some flavourful rice and beans inside. The sauces were tasty. I added guacomole for an extra buck or two. I left smelling like I was mexican food. Not all that ventilated there. Edited because my speeling often sucks

David Bains column in the Vancouver Sun last week confirmed rumours that a sports bar is to be opened in the old Quay space. The owner of the Quay and the new bar owns Bodogs - an online gambling site. The new bar will be called Bodogs as well. Apparently he makes a ton with the site and just wanted the restaurant so he had somewhere to hang out. Nice. Wonder if he is single!

Westcoast Seaweed " The seasons frozen is pre-blanched and ready to ship. These one pound vacuum sealed packages and our new 100 gram package are a great way to experience early summer all year. I recommend our frozen product as a garnish with shellfish dishes. Thank you. " For more information or to order email us at info@westcoastseaweed.com Or call by phone. (250) 812 6691

Terra Breads has a very nice biscotti with some chocolate bits in it. It is hard though, but coffee dunking helps and adds to the fun of it all.

How does one travel to the Aberdeen mall? Let's say from Granville and Broadway.

TRIVIA - Rice under the golden arches The iconic McDonald's burger on a bun has been reinterpreted for a different ethnic clientele. Reuters reports that the 124 Singaporean outlets of the fast-food giant have joined 346 eateries in Taiwan as places where a Big Mac (or any other McD burger) can be ordered sandwiched between two rice cakes rather than a wheat-flour roll. No word on mustard and ketchup. Wonder if Vancouver will follow. I'm guessing unlikely.

www.capri19.net Has anyone been? I got this news release this morning. Capri 19 a Gastown Destination for Food Lovers Vancouver, B.C. - If you consider yourself as a food buff, or even if you simply want a good meal at a fair price, think about Capri 19. This Gastown restaurant located in Le Magasin at 332 Water Street is the place to begin a wonderful relationship. Well yes, with your dinner companion, and yes, with the restaurant, owned by two Seri Lancans. These two chefs are very familiar with the cuccina of Italy. Roger Rasia has had a career in kitchens throughout Europe and who eventually found his niche in Vancouver, with restaurateur Umberto Menghi. Today he oversees his own restaurant with chef and partner Setha Jeyarasa, whose credentials include a stint as sous chef at the Fish House in Stanley Park under esteemed chef Karen Barnaby. In the tranquil atmosphere of this heritage building enjoy a window seat with a view of Gastown, or cosy up in a circular banquette for a private experience. White table clothes and serviettes, rosemary-infused extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar are standard fare at Capri 19. And of course the daily made focaccia to begin your meal. Although Capri19 has an extensive menu of traditional Italian dishes available, owner chefs Roger and Sutha are always poised to create a tailored menu should you want to celebrate a special occasion for a group. Capri 19 also excels in party trays should the occasion be a stand-up cocktail-style party. Whatever the occasion, Capri 19 is ready to serve you seven days a week, and the kitchen is open until 10 p.m. Stop in for an after-theatre treat, or try one of the original cocktails the bar offers.

Oysters would make me particularly happy - all BC please. I would love to see a steady supply of Brent Petkau's courtesans. As I am voicing elsewhere BC oysters will indeed be VERY RARE unless we start supporting our local farmers and get eating the little treasures.

Thanks for the review. I have never been. I love Sakana, but live in Kits. I will definatley check it out.