Brenda

This may be a bit OT, but there was a diner in Victoria that was definitely the real thing. It was called "Ian's Coffee Shop" and was near the Jubilee hospital in an old triangular building. Ian was a retired Navy Cook and a real character. He had all these signs up all over the place like "Toasted Chicken Salad sandwich with crisp pickle and french fries - Yummy good" and "Banana Cream Pie - mmmmmm" and the like. He was pretty gruff but kind of fun too. I think it closed about ten years ago - Anyway, it's the kind of place I think of when people say diner. Shelora, do you remember it? On topic - does The Normandy on South Granville count?

I'd go for The Crow and Gate in Cedar south of Nanaimo. No fries, no nachos, no caesar salad, no wings, no burgers, no fish and chips!!! Just old fashioned pub fare: Melton Mowbray Pie Chicken Pot Pie Steak and Kidney Pie Oysters Crab Cakes Ploughman's Lunch (Stilton or Cheddar) Smoked Salmon Plate Shrimp Sandwich And weird yummy grated potato salad with dill. Also bread pudding with brandy. On certain nights they even serve Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding. It has a great atmosphere. The food is simple and good (nothing fancy) It's just so refreshing to get away from that standard menu.

Hi SeAAttle I'm the person who posted on the Wild Ginger thread. If you like Wild Ginger do try Wild Rice - it's a much smaller establishment but might be fun for an interesting martini and some modern Chinese food. Otherwise, the other suggestions all sound great. Enjoy

Went to Bistro Taiyo in Nanaimo last night. The decor is the old Bistro Entre Amis decor from a few years ago. I had good tempura, shargai, and spinach with sesame. My husband had sushi - scallops, very good eel (uni?), spicy negitoro maki. Next time, I'll try the noodle bowls - they looked good. Nothing fancy but fresh and simple.

An addtion: As a Vancouver, B.C. visitor, I have also loved Wild Ginger. Is it still good? Last time I was there it was fabulous - Coriander/lime satays, wonderful curries and the Ginger martini was great. I liked the newer room as well (have been to both). Love Seattle

Sorry. Just added a reply that had nothing in it - getting used to this board. I have to agree with markk that Reichl's Gourmet is dull, although I like her writing. "There's no there. there," frankly. I used to buy Gourmet every month and archive it. I still have a few old (read 1985 to 2000) Gourmets that are packed full of info and wonderful recipes, travel articles, and musings on food. Now, I buy it once or twice a year and flip through it in 15 minutes. If Bon Appetit is more interesting, there's something wrong. I miss the old Gourmet. IMO

I was at Parkside last night. They are advertising a Mother's day lunch (not brunch) that looked good. It's described on the website parksiderestaurant.ca

Update We came over to Vancouver yesterday and enjoyed our time on South Granville. For one thing, the sun was out! Hit Meinhardts for some supplies (vinegars, chutneys), had a taste of some good red pepper/ almond dip at Picnic, but it was too early for lunch then so continued on our way. We ended up at Salad de Fruits (sp?) and liked it very much. However, it took us a little while to find it, as we were on the other side of the street, and they don't have a sign. Great bread in a delicious sandwich, good vinagrette on the greens and lots of people scarfing down Moules et Frites. So - thanks to everyone who gave suggestions. We also LOVED Parkside. My gnocchi with my main course were like little satin pillows and the Hot Pineapple Tarte tatin with toffee sauce and Pineapple sorbet was out of this world. Next time - Cru

Thanks Hugh It must be in the Old City Quarter. I'll check it out soon.

Where is Bistro Taiyo in Nanaimo?

In Victoria. Brasserie L'Ecole, Temple, Cafe Brio are musts. The Curry at the Bengal room is fun just for the atmosphere. Rebar is good for vegetarian fare. The Noodle Box is yummy. In Nanaimo - The Wesley Street is back and good again. I haven't been to Glow in a while, maybe someone else will know. The Crow and Gate has loads of atmosphere. The Mahle House is quirky but delicious. Malaspina U-C's Discovery room has some good food from the students in the Chef program. As for cheap eats - I have to plug Delicados - the best Mexican wraps and fresh salads anywhere. They have a branch in Victoria as well. Just a few ideas to get this discussion started...

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have been to Tojo's several times, so I think we'll skip it this time. West does sound wonderful. I have read about the desserts elsewhere on this forum, and my husband and I intend to go there soon. I do think it might be too much to have Parkside and West in one day (perhaps not for me but my elderly mother might rebel and request White Spot or toast and tea!) Picnic, Cru, Velvet, and Salade Des Fruites (and the other suggestions)sound promising. I will post our impressions next weekend. We are also taking the Harbourlynx foot ferry from Nanaimo I'll let you know if the coffee and muffins are up to snuff. Thanks

I'll be over from the Island in the middle of next week and would like some recommendations for a good lunch spot on South Granville. Background: I'll be with my mother, and we're eating at Parkside that evening (my first time and I'm really looking forward to it), so we don't want anything too heavy. We'll also be on foot, so it really should be right on or near South Granville. I have been to Rangoli and liked it, but would like to try something else. Any suggestions?

Yes, the Bungey Zone is across the highway from Cedar. I guess you should bungey BEFORE oysters and stout!

Hi, First post here. If you are over on the Island any time this spring, you should really check out hazelwoodherbfarms.com. It's a beautiful place. They are in Cedar, south of Nanaimo, and have a wonderful selection of unusual herbs (definitely lovage and burdock and every kind of sage and basil imaginable). You can see a partial listing of their plants at the website. Unfortunately, they don't ship. If you go, combine it with the Crow and Gate pub (also in Cedar) for a charming lunch (a little stodgy, but it's nice to go to a pub that resolutely does NOT have fries, Caesar salad, or pizza on the menu. Think steak and kidney pie, oysters and Guinness and very good bread pudding). Hope that helps