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BCinBC

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Everything posted by BCinBC

  1. I'm not the planter either, my wife is - but from what I've seen of our oregano, rosemary and sage over the winters, they seem to be able to survive anything. Frost, cats, birds, maintenance men tossing wood scraps onto them from the deck above... Short answer: I think some things can go in now (as they have in our garden), while other sunlight-sensitive stuff (like basil) has to wait / start indoors. What the hell is a coldframe?
  2. The place I was talking about upthread is: Delta Nursery 12573 72nd Ave Surrey Last year the herbs were hearty and cheap, no reason to expect less this year. Try not to drown if you're outside planting this week!
  3. I also caught last night's Chef at Large co-starring Mr Maw and Chef Moreno. In addition to learning a little about Moreno himself and his kitchen (I did not know they were all so young!), I agree the focus on the review process was (for me) very informative. The way he surveys the room for service, the timing aspect, the conditions of the premises, the first dinner's review to the chef... interesting process. Also the image of Jamie tapping away at his laptop at 8 words per minute will be the one I forever associate with his posts on eGullet.
  4. When we'd just finished school, we spent the entire summer in the Fringe where we sat at the bar drinking Ugly Boy ale (and smoking these terrible bidi cigarettes that my friend brought back from India) till all hours. It developed quite a string of regulars, plus I was in love with the waitress, so most definitely there was a welcome feeling, knowing that you would have a good night once you stepped through the doors. My regular place, when I walk through the doors, I instantly feel welcome. The room is warm with decor and with life, the staff flash smiles of recognition upon seeing you, there is a background buzz of conversation going on (but not enough to force you to speak above a normal tone in conversation)... If we still lived in the neighborhood, we'd probably be regulars at Fiction (just down the block from the Fringe too, what a natural progression). If this place was in Coal Harbour or Yaletown, you know it would be filled to the brim with yuppies (or D.I.N.K.s), but in it's current state it has a very relaxing - and welcoming - vibe. Peppyre (or others), are there any places like this on Main?
  5. Sat dinner Fiction on Broadway @ Trutch Finally (!) made it to Fiction, and may I say it is a fine establishment that I'm sure Mr Sherwood is quite proud of. I had just finished playing hockey and was not in tip-top shape fashion-wise, but the staff didn’t seem to mind – they treated me like I was dressed in head-to-toe black, just like every other person in there. The room was warm, the bar cool, and the little staging area for the wines in the back an especially nice touch (I assumed there was a larger “cellar” elsewhere on premises). Shared the taster trifecta with my wife: we chose the phylo beef Wellington, stilton soufflé, and scrambled eggs with truffles on brioche (my favourite was the eggs, though the soufflé was just a nose behind). Then she had mussels Provincial (what a broth!) and I had the BBQ ribs (which, Mr Maw, were indeed falling off the bone) with a frites and chili aioli accompaniment. All of this plus a beautiful ½ litre of Mandolin pinot noir made for a really delicious meal, and like I said above, thanks to Jade the service topped off the experience. I’ll be back. Fri lunch Chutney Villa on Broadway @ Main Lunch with Moosh’s eG lunch army. Once again I’m amazed at this pleasurable dining experience with what is essentially a table of strangers (okay I sat with Canucklehead at Adesso so we’re old friends). We all shared onion baji and chicken 65s to start, along with 4 types of chutney (mint, ginger, tomato and coconut – the last was my favourite, but I think popular vote went to tomato). Then I had the lamb curry special, with parata and more chutneys, and raita (cucumber yoghurt fire extinguisher). Really decent portion, I didn’t even finish all of my rice – was too busy scooping up curry with my parata. Also I ordered “medium” as I usually like it spicy, and it was definitely a good heat. Others reported the fish curry to be milder, even at the same setting. A great lunch, but next time I’m getting the dosa that Arne got because it looked delicious and it was, in the lilt of Mike Myers, “friggin ‘uge”!
  6. Hey thanks for the tip on Arroy D, Peppyre. Is it the same deal as Thai Away Home - are they sit down and take out only?
  7. We still stop by every once in a while for take out red pumpkin curry and swimming rama or garlic brocolli. Haven't had the pad thai. I think the prices are reasonable; definitely cheaper than getting delivery from somewhere else (Chao Phraya is our other stand-by), though if you factor in the convenience of delivery, the delivery guy's time, etc... I've seen their lunch specials on the board, but have never actually been for lunch (too far away). Isn't there one where you choose 2? different "mains", served with rice? Plus it's a pretty good portion for $6, non?
  8. BCinBC

    Epic

    That's funny D-A. Although I like the food at Epicurean, about the only time I've gotten it is when I felt especially lazy. Yes the sausages and marinated mushrooms are tasty, but they're also kind of expensive for what they are. If I'm in the area looking for a quick bite, usually I'll end up getting a cornish pastie or something from Pane.
  9. Depending on what your definition of "too heavy" is, a lunch at West or Cru followed by dinner at Parkside might be, well, too heavy? Don't get me wrong, both are excellent establishments (okay I've never been to Cru but it is currently #1 on my list!), so you'll have to decide for yourself. Are you staying for one day only or are you looking for several days? Some other posts on this board point give good suggestions: Memphis Blues BBQ on Broadway just east of Granville has some good eats if you're into that style of food. It's also right beside Cru. A couple people have also mentioned Picnic on Granville and 14th?, which I like as well. Nice staff! Both of these options are a little more casual. As you mentioned, Rangoli - and Vij's for that matter - are there. So is Tamarind, which is on Broadway just a block and a bit west of Granville. I've never been but I believe it made it into VanMag this year, so Jamie probably knows more (or someone else on this board). I haven't been to Fortune Garden for years, but has appeared recently on this board too. Same block as Memphis and Cru. If you want good French bistro food, as Deborah mentioned, my favourite Salade des Fruits is on 7th just west of Granville. Then for chains there's Cactus Club right beside Chapters, and then Earls another block west. The possibilities are quite numerous in the area, so I hope you have time to try a few. And of course be sure to post your impressions!
  10. This ban of foie gras by the City of Chicago seems so ridiculous. I understand that governments already walk a fine line as they allow some things, control the sales of others, and ban others... But how does one reason that foie gras should be banned?? If City Council is in an ivory tower, why not ban MacDonalds? What's next, prohibition?!?
  11. I have played with this dish a bit recently because I decided to introduce it to my wife, who loves tomatoes but unfortunately doesn't like beef (I'm working on it... ). Rougly: I use either fresh tomatoes or canned, marinated ground turkey instead of beef (worchesh... the W sauce... does wonders), sugar (white but yes it makes so much sense to use brown; also extra sugar if they're fresh tomatoes), no other veg, no ketchup!, and to finish I try to do the egg drop thing for colour variation, but sometimes it doesn't work so well and ends up just thickening the dish (Ben I see you do this intentionally). From reading this thread I'm going to try using ginger and of course brown sugar. My question is, does the egg drop thing seem weird? It's a touch I added, wasn't present when served to me in my youth. But someone mentioned adding strips of fried egg, so maybe not. Also, how the heck do you do the egg drop successfully every time? Thanks in advance!
  12. BCinBC

    Good fish recipes

    Thornado, I read your thread-starting post and had the same reaction as most, if not all, responders here: you are probably not eating fresh fish. Scordelia is correct, most fresh fish does not smell "fishy". That "fishy" smell usually indicates that something has started to go. Just out of curiousity, where are you located? There are a couple of rare/med-rare recipes mentioned here as well; great responses to "good fish recipes", but it is possible that you might not want to start with these. People who don't like fish because they don't like the flavour, sometimes actually don't like it because of the texture. I'm not saying this is the case with you, but it might be. If you think this might be true, start with halibut or something with a similar "meaty" texture - perhaps this will make the transition from beef (or pork or whatever) to fish easier? Also go for a bigger meat-to-bone ratio first, because one might be discouraged from eating fish because of all the work avoiding pin bones etc. And yes absolutely use lemon or lime; in fact, if you really want all of the benefit without any "fishy" taste, drown the bugger in citrus as this will overpower the flavour. Okay, finally, my own recipe suggestion, and it's an easy one: take a fillet of sole or something similar, dredge in flour, egg, then panko (or crushed breadcrumbs or crackers or even more flour) seasoned with salt, pepper and dill (or other herb you like), panfry in 1/2 butter 1/2 olive oil. Finish with a splash of lemon. Hope you do overcome your aversion, because if you don't eat fish, you're missing out on a huge chapter of culinary possiblities! Good luck!
  13. True words Keith. Then again, what are about 80% of the items you're eating at dim sum. (And I'm not trying to imply that dim sum is haute cuisine, though it can be expensive and sought after.) All of these things fall into the blanket category "dumplings" and all cultures have them - what they're stuffed with and how they're presented is what separates them from comfort food or home cooking to bistro to whatever. Peppyre, don't start the "Who invented 'pasta'" debate!
  14. Deborah, I have not been there - nor have I been to the Latin Quarter. I've also heard that Havana has live music once in awhile, but I don't know where / how they would pack them in. In any case, I'm curious too. Admission: I'd go but I have a fear of being dragged into the dancing. Moshing okay, even busting a couple moves to Crystal Method yeah sure, but if it requires any sort of grace then I'm definitely lacking! Jazz works, you sit and drink and nod your head. I can do all three.
  15. Here's a link I found. The one's I've been to: Rossini's in Kits - decent pasta and music, but the bar clientelle is a little cougarish. I've never eaten here (the link says you can), but I've definitely drank at the Jazz Cellar on Broadway just east of Alma. Or perhaps you can send the folks over afterwards, as the music doesn't start until 8:30-ish. I've been to others on the list, but not for jazz or food. Also, there are a couple of dinner & dancing clubs around town, one being on Broadway near Arbutus. (Sorry I am terrible with names!!) Don't know what type of music if is though.
  16. Dinner Fri: All Indian Sweets on Main First time I've been despite having lived in South Van for a year. I used to be able to do some serious damage to an all-you-can-eat buffet (best of all time was the Bellagio in Vegas, BTW), but ye gads I think this one actually beat me. One heaping platter and a kind of half-hearted platter later, I was absolutely stuffed. Agreed Keith, I liked the pickled carrots, but see Tropika below. Also bottomless Chai is nice. Total cost < $20 for two painfully full bellies. And if you really want, you can pick up some samosas at 2 for $1 for later. How do you say "gluttony" in Punjabi? Breakfast Sun: Risty's in Marpole 3-egg Denver omlette for me, clubhouse on brown for N. Damn, I love breakfast so I always order it given a choice between it and lunch, but their clubhouse is really good. Made with real chicken (ie not "deli meat" chicken). Also, hooray for bottomless diner coffee. I'm serious. Dinner Tues (last night): Tropika on Cambie Mom and Uncle in town, so we went to the old standby - which IMO is a good one. Two starters: fried prawn cakes (great w/ sweet chili sauce) and chicken curry puffs (I was expecting the big flaky pastries so I was a little disappointed, but only had myself to blame; they tasted fine but weren't what I wanted). Mains included stir-fried clams w/ sambal (yum), Indonesian BBQ pork ribs (a bit dry but very tasty; don't know why they were "Indonesian" tho), Hainanese chicken (okay, best part was the pickled daikon and carrot garnish, much better than AIS), whole fried ?? fish w/ salt fish (first time in my life I can honestly say that I enjoyed the fish's skin; NOT for the uninitiated tho, the smell of salt fish is probably one step above the smell of durian), sambal bunchies (spicy beans w/ prawns), and mee goreng (tomato fried noodles). And two bowls of white rice. Dessert was fried bananas w/ ice cream (always good) and a new one, "pulut hitam" - which is sticky black rice served with coconut milk and mango. I really liked it, it's definitely different - tastes like rice pudding but has the consistency of unrefined brown rice all glued together. Also I'd have preferred pineapple to mango because the texture just didn't stand up to the rice, but still it was enjoyed. And it removed that smouldering sensation from my mouth. How do you say "gluttony" in Malay? Oh yeah the best part, thanks to the Mom delivery service, I finally took posession of my two bottles of La Frenz montage. (Which came from Spinnakers in Victoria, thank you James for the tip.) I shall consider this my 100th eGullet posting prize!
  17. Thanks for the clarification Jamie!
  18. One of the handful of places in the world where I've been nervous about what I'm eating! Some places in the dungeon are better than others; I used to consider the pho the safest. I haven't worked downtown for over a year, but I also used to frequent the Bentall food court, near Rex. It's at its best in the summer, when you can sit outside. Same goes for the Pan Pacific FC. Third FC I frequented was on Hornby just south of Hastings, beside the ESL school. Dark and cave-like, but has cheap Chinese. Fujiya is good and cheap. There's also another sushi place right beside it that I like even better, can't remember the name but it is the little hole in the wall at the imaginary right angle between Fujiya and the Korean-run diner (where you can get some soup and a burger if you're into it). Still more good cheap takeout sushi immediately to the west of Artigano at Thurlow and Pender. I just realized what a rut I was in when lunching downtown. Wish I knew about eGullet back then! Edited to add: 100th post, why isn't there free eGullet stuff falling from the ceiling? At least give me the hat!
  19. BCinBC

    VIPs

    Neil - I have to agree, this is the price of business. Any business. Sometimes one can afford to hit cruise control with some customers / clients; sometimes it pays not to, even if the "special treatment" is going up to them and saying, "You're special." (Or whatever.) The act is more important than the dollar amount involved. And yes there is also a distinction between being the Chef and being the Owner. PS: I like your scenario, tho I think the guests may have already been won over by "Bob"'s lobster ravioli. Would you like a happy dance with that? Grub - be thankful the zombie ain't after your brain and make her the damned crepes!
  20. M'd, I think chef koo would share your sentiment. My impression is that restaurants get slotted into some categories so that they don't end up competing in (or winning) all categories. Agreed Lumiere is not 100% French in the way Le Croc would be considered to be, and maybe it should be slotted into the "regional" category instead (assuming it isn't already). Same debate rages on these boards on Vij's - is it "Indian"? But (and I'm not critisizing) by giving out gold, silver and broze or "best of" awards, everything is getting labelled for the general public anyway, so what's a little more? On a similar note, if West is the restaurant of the year, then why is it only an honourable mention for best regional? Same reasoning I would think.
  21. Unfortunately I didn't see the latest episode, so I can't comment on the validity of the new Iron Chef's win (BTW, did she take someone else's place (and if so, please say Flay!!!), or is she the Kobe of ICA?). However, there are some interesting points made above. Commonality between ICA and ICJ - I watch mainly to see them cook. Difference - while I like watching the presentation and judgement portions of ICJ, I think it's more for the over-the-top silliness and weird dubbing (while the chairman continues in subtitled Japanese ). For ICA, I don't like the presentation portion because the judges' personalities are too dry for TV (or they're dumbed down by the network editing? I don't know), and judgement is even worse for reasons stated above - namely, comments and scores have no correlation! Having said that, I was still shocked but proud when Feenie won. (In that episode, Feenie did seem genuinely shocked when the judgement came. Maybe he thought the fix was in the other way?).
  22. Ducky, we too saw this sign yesterday while at HD looking at their herbs. We followed the arrows, found the sign with the balloons, but the place was abandoned! I was so disappointed. If anyone knows if this is a regular thing, please post and I'll head out again during the week. Thanks!
  23. For the sake of the eGullet Vancouver chapter, N and I did a tour of Richmond yesterday in search of herb bargains. Here is a list of stops and impressions. Remember that it is still early in the season, so many of the varieties have yet to make an appearance. Prickly Pear No 1 Rd just south of Steveston Selection was limited so far, but they get shipments in every Thursday, and when the season really gets going (in a month or so?) they will increase to every Tuesday and Thursday. Nothing too "unusual" in stock (I consider rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, basil and lavender "the usuals", by the way). Large herbs $3.59, small $1.59. We picked up some small chives, but it's going to take some indoor care before we venture outside with them. Nice little place, but the smell of low tide limited our stay. Check the tide tables before you go! Green Tree?? on Steveston @ No 2 (forgot to note the actual name and address, sorry!) Looked like they were getting rid of their stock from last year, as everything was on sale at 20% off. Selection limited, most of it was woody rosemary and thyme, however we did manage to pick up really nice 4"+ curry and thyme plants for $3.50 total. I hope to check in again in a few weeks, as they seem to have a good operation here. Great orange, lemon and even grapefruit trees! Tim Chiang's Garder Center 8451 No 5 Rd just south of Blundell Another nice operation, lots of space. The herbs are quite hearty already (except the basil which was slightly yellow; will check back later), and there is good variety. Quite a few mints, plus parsleys, chives, and the usuals, all $1.49. Also a lot of veg's - the smell of onions is prominent - for $1.09. We picked up an Italian parsley and a really great starter crop of watercress (considered a $1.09 veg here). I thought this was the best of the places we visited. *Major husband / boyfriend brownie points alert* - a dozen red roses, in beautiful shape, were available for $8.99. Art Knapp beside Fantasy Garden Didn't see Bill or Lillian around, but did find a decent herb selection. The only problem is that they're spread out all over the place so you have to hunt them down. Prices are higher, ($2.99 large, $1.89?? small), but they carry, amongst others, two types of tarragon - French and Spanish! We were unsuccessful at finding any tarragon last year, so needless to say, we picked some up along with a new 4" rosemary. Home Depot on Sweden Way north of Bridgeport Very very limited right now; IIRC some thyme, chives, and catnip? One cool thing they have is rosemary bushes, literally like a small shrub, for $28 or so. Also, they have some great tomatoes and !peppers! for $0.97 each. We bought jalapenos and seranos, the only two varieties we've successfully grown (and borne produce from) on our patio. Sorry Jamie, I did see marjoram somewhere but forgot which place! Most likely Tim Chiang or Art Knapp, perhaps you can call ahead. No lovage or hyssop sighted. More reports as they become available. Happy herbing all!
  24. Ah, the annual search for reasonably-priced herbs... Thanks for the tip on the Prickly Pear Carol! The old "flea market" site on the corner of Kingsway and ?? is a place where in the past we have found a good selection of inexpensive herbs, in the range of 99 cents each (or maybe 2 for $3? Whatever it is, it's cheap). However I don't know if they will return this year. If you don't know the site, look for the empty Safeway style building on the south side of Kingsway, if they're there, they'll set up a large white tent at the side. Home Depot also offers a limited selection, sage and marjoram are probables, but lovage and hyssop are probably nots. But they are not too bad in pricing. The guy at Granville Island has a good selection, but pricing starts high and of course will escalate as you get into more mature seedlings. Right beside the Stock Market and the pie place. My wife has found some from local farms in Surrey too, I'll ask her if she can remember the specifics. Good luck Jamie, and in turn if you find anything good please post!
  25. Kits: Pane from Heaven, Cypress & 1st - grab a paper and head down for breakfast if you're free on a weekday. Sadly they nixed their brioche but there are many other selections to enjoy. Viva, Yew & York - honourable mention. Not so much for the food, but for the location & patio. Actually there's too much distraction here to get any real reading done (girls headed to the beach), but then again who cares. Marpole: Characters, Granville & 69th? - combined used book store and coffee shop. I love it here, but the only thing is, I don't know how the owners make any money as you can sit there and enjoy yourself for less than a dollar per hour! (Not that I do, but you know theoretically you can.)
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