Brenda

I am one of the few posters who did NOT like MoLe. I had fritters that were raw in the middle with a weird sauce, the music was too loud, and the tables were too close. Maybe I just ate the wrong thing. I'd go for Willie's Bakery myself or one of the other suggestions.

I'd go with Don Mee's. It's pretty basic dim sum. Van Isle isn't known for having a large number of Chinese restaurants, unfortunately.

Ummmm Memo, thanks for the pics. I remember having that Grand Marnier Souffle at the Deep Cove Chalet about 115 years ago. It was unctuous. Good old fashioned French cuisine still has its place.

Re Herald Street Caffe I hate to say it, but I think they're keeping the name so as to capitalize on tourists who have old dog eared copies of "Northwest Best Places" that state Herald Street is the place to be in Victoria.

Re The Herald Street Well I have to say it has been going downhill for years. Last time I ate there was about 4 years ago, and their smoked salmon latkes were cold and greasy, the crabcakes were odd tasting and the service was poor as well. And I never did like their chairs! In its heyday, it was great. Hmm - will there be a restaurant taking over? Or another interior design store?

RIP Herald Street Caffe? It's closing?

I can certainly understand the Mastercard/Visa thing if they actually took reservations as a matter of course. I would say, though, that $200 is way out of line ($400 - unbelievable). That's too bad. I really like the food and vibe at Wild Rice.

I'm a little confused. Where exactly were you eating these meals, Matt? The Oak Bay Marina Restaurant?

Oh you mean "Prince Dorian"? He's quite famous among some younger Nanaimo women or so I'm told!

The plug is fine. Actually, that's not a bad idea. You're open on Sundays?

Ok Egulleters, I need help. I have a foodie coming to Nanaimo. On a Sunday, no less. And he wants to go out to dinner in Nanaimo that night. The Wesley Street is closed Sundays which is too bad as it would have been right up his alley. Where else can I get good food in a place that's NOT a chain and that's not Glow ? (Sorry, but the food there is really not very good.) Oh and I don't want to have to drive for miles. Does anyone have any ideas? I live here, and I feel as if it's a foodie desert. Sigh....

I was there in July, so I don't have an up-to-date opinion. I didn't hear the pounding music Mr Whiting refers to (which is a blessing). The service was good, friendly but not overly so. The risotto with pea puree and truffle was particularly delicious. So too was the porkbelly with langoustine. A goat's cheese salad with beetroot was absolutely ethereal (my description cannot do it justice, plus it was six months ago !). Most of the dishes are tiny and delicate but definitely not tapas ( I had read somewhere they advertised this as a feature). Nevertheless, we (there were four of us) shared tastes. It is a rather austere room. We asked for a tour of the kitchen; they were happy to oblige, and I must say I was impressed with the operation. There is a chef's table there available for around 600 pounds an evening. We also finished with the passionfruit trifle. It was OK. The final flourish was being served with individual baked alaska's on toothpicks. We all thought it was fun! I would recommend a visit.

Oops messed up there. Sorry folks McTee, about your comments re: Tapastree, that's why a few of us mentioned it would be a good candidate for the TV show "Restaurant Makeover."

Did you see either of the chefs? Your review was wonderful. Gail. It felt as if you were channeling M.F.K Fisher as you wrote about your meal. It also made me feel sleepy, very sleepy... but in a good way.

I also immediately thought of Tapastree. The food is good, but the decor is really dated and too "busy." It's also the right size for that show.

Doesn't sound meh at all, sounds delicious, excellent combination! What kind of sauce do they use? ← It was a mildly spicy tomato sauce. I think it had a hint of cinnamon in it. They didn't slather it on though.

The last three places were The Bengal Lounge at the Empress for their curry buffet. We took my husband's sister, brother-in-law and niece out for lunch as they have just moved to Victoria and hadn't "done" the Empress yet. It's still a great room, the buffet was good (lamb, chicken, tandoori, daal, assorted condiments and chutneys with mango mousse cake for dessert). For those of us who didn't like curry, the sandwich plate with shrimp mousse, salmon, chicken, cucumber and other assorted sandwiches was delicious. Yes, it's overpriced, but they LOVED it. Being there on Remembrance Day right after the ceremony with the place full of veterans and their families added to the occasion. Ali Baba Pizza in Victoria - I'd never ordered from them before - nice crisp, not too thick crust and intriguing toppings (smoked salmon, artichoke,and spinach for example - sounds meh but is surprisingly good). Eugene's in Victoria before heading back up island. My husband had to get his calamari fix, but the portion size has gone way down! Not sure if this is a one time problem or not. Have to hit Zambri's next time I'm down.

I know, I know. I'm really NOT a charcuterie freak! I like sushi, salads, pasta, and green stuff. Just so happens I'm hitting the deli's lately. Will try to check out The Queen's Tables soon - haven't heard of it before; I'll do some sleuthing.

I have just tried the new Nestvog (sp?) Meats here in Nanaimo. It's in Terminal Park beside the vacuum store. It's a German style deli with a full butcher. They say their sausages, cured meats, and pates come from the Black Forest Deli in West Van. Has anyone in Vancouver gone there? I bought the cranberry rum and country pates for a party last night. Both were a hit. I'm trying the Italian sausage tonight. It looks nice and spicy.

We had a good lunch this summer at "The Mall Tavern" just off Kensington Church street. I had a lovely rocket salad with pecorino and hearts of palm, and chips with aoli and tomato chili jam. My husband had sausages and some sort of roasted vegetables. It was quiet and pleasant.

I certainly enjoy Jamie Maw, and I do like Alexandra Gill. Because I am on the island, I don't get a chance to read the others so much. I no longer bother to read Joanne Kates in the Globe. Jamie said it best: "professional victim." Remember when they used to send her "out to the provinces"? I think she hit Vancouver and Calgary before they killed the idea. What a disaster. A.A. Gill is a hoot, although the reviews are all about him really. I also used to read Deborah Ross in "The Spectator" for a quirky psuedo working-class take on London restaurants. I don't think she writes there anymore. Years ago, I liked David Rosengarten when he did reviews for Gourmet. So who am I missing in Vancouver? What mags should I pick up when I'm there to read good reviews?

Brenda I can't resist a good pun. Are you sure that wasn't from her groan children? Cheers Baconburner ← Ha!

"Jello salad (orange, with carrots and pineapple)." I'll never forget the Thanksgiving that my Mum, who was in the kitchen getting the desserts ready, said plaintively "Oh, I forgot to serve the jellied salad!" A great cheer went up from her (grown) children. Luckily, she has a sense of humour and laughed and laughed. And jellied salad has not made an appearance since then