vsrachel

No one has mentioned Pink Pearl, which is a Vancouver institution for dim sum. It's big, it's busy, and the food is good. Located at 1132 Hastings Street East, (604) 253-4316.

I have a DOV reservation for Chambar on Wednesday, Feb 1 at 8 pm that I cannot attend. Please PM me if you are interested in taking this reso, and I can give you the name it is booked under. First come first served.

Further upthread, Fraser Meats is recommended as a good place to buy a pig. It is, unfortunately, now closed. A friend is hosting a pig roast in the next couple weeks, and is looking to source a 20-30 pound specimen (victim). Does anyone have any suggestions for butchers, etc? Thanks!

I was recently visiting a friend in London, and she offered me a Muller brand yogurt "Fruit Corner". This is a single serving of plain yogurt with a separate corner of fruit topping to be mixed into the yogurt. It was absolutely delicious. http://www.muller.co.uk/ I have not had any luck finding this product in Vancouver, and was wondering if anyone can send me in the right direction!

I realize this thread was specifically for Spring specials, but will be heading to Whistler shortly and was wondering if there are any Winter deals to be had?

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions; I have booked lunch at West for next week. I will repost to let you know how it went!

Hello: Our office is currently planning for our annual Christmas lunch. We are a group of 6 people, and we typically have a late wine-sodden lunch on a December friday to lead into the weekend. In the past we have gone to Diva, Il Giardino and Circolo, and are looking for something in the same vein. Ideas tossed around include Nu and Chartwell's. Any comments or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thanks for the recommendations. I am staying near the Van Gogh Museum and would be grateful for any other suggestions you may have! Specifically, a good bar to check out and a place for lunch after cruising some museums. Rachel

Hello: I am visiting Amsterdam for the first time next week, and am looking for some insight on the best places to find both traditional Dutch fare, or just a fabulous dining experience (anything from coffeshop to bar reco's would be welcomed). Thank you!

Hello: I will be in London from Oct 24th to 28th. I am seeking your top picks in the following categories: -fine dining -gastropub -afternoon tea -snack fare Please keep in mind that I will be visiting for only a very short time, and that I have never been to your fair city before. Looking to pack in as much memorable eating as possible - food, drink and friends, can't wait! Thank you!

Hello: I am heading to a concert at the Pacific Coliseum tomorrow night, and would like some pre or post concert dinner options in the nearby area. Any suggestions would be welcome, price is not a factor... just a decent place for a date! Thanks

Having lunch at Rangoli is the highlight of a day shopping on S. Granville. I often take my mother, and we always have a great meal with a couple glasses of wine. I have always been impressed with how gracious a host Vikram is, and truly enjoy the food. My only quibble: please bring back the lamb saag!!!

I had dinner at Burrowing Owl two weeks ago. I believe that they were offering 2 or 3 wines by the glass from another local winery, and the remainder were from their own vineyards. I did not notice any beer. The restaurant is situated overlooking a valley filled with vineyards and orchards, and has a wraparound balcony affording a fabulous view. Throw in a sunset and balmy wind and you have the start of a great meal. They are currently building a small inn, which would make a great weekend getaway spot. I started with Duck liver parfait with a prune sauce, garnished with pickled cherries made in-house. The cherries were soft and tart, and were a great companion to the triangles of what was basically a dense foie gras. Had a glass of their ubiquitous Pinot Gris. Next: Pan Seared Duck Breast seasoned with Jamaican spice, ribbonned with a rum scented reduction & garnished with mission figs and corn fritters; glass of Burrowing Owl Syrah. This came with a very generous dish of fresh local vegetables sweated in some butter; my favourite was the starchy licorice of the fennel. Highlight: sopping up the remaining rum reduction with the figs! Finally: East Indian Chai Infused Creme Brulée served with a lavender short-bread cookie. I really did not have room for this, but that is an old story! Oddly enough, my favourite part of this dessert was the cookie, which was speckled with lavender flowers and filled my mouth with their scent. I would guess the flowers were sourced from across the way where there is a very pretty lavender farm. This was a favourite meal in a week of meals from Osoyoos to Naramata!

my personal favorites include: ouisi bistro - crab cakes topped by chipotle hollandaise.... yum! elixir (opus hotel) - have had very pleasant brunches here. hollandaise not a particular standout but good nonetheless. pastis - thumbs up to the smoked salmon eggs benny. nice rich hollandaise, perfect for coating your roast potatoes. fireplace, and good selection of brunch-type cocktails make this my favourite. r

Ouisi Bistro (3014 Granville Street @ 14th~ 604-732-7550) is my recommendation. great cajun/creole fare, and well priced.

thank you everyone for the great ideas... i now have several weeks worth of new dining options!

On a typical mon-fri lunch, I head to Urban Sushi on Dunsmuir for a bento box, or the food fair on Hornby. Where do you recommend for a quick and cost effective meal in the business district?

hello...initial post for me. i walk almost the same route to work each morning, and occasionally stop into the artigiano on hornby for a coffee and a.m. snack.