bill_n_opus

Well, we felt like meat ... so I figured that we would take heed to all that advertising on the Team1040 telling me to go to the Kansas City BBQ Shack in Burnaby. Actually, we went on a Monday (I think) and stopped by Senhor Rooster but it was closed unfortunately. Now that I know where it is i'll have to stop by again. I was disappointed but what can you do? So, we headed off to the Kansas City BBQ Shack and found out that it was situated within the Brentwood Bowling center adjacent to the fitness club/raquetball club. It's fairly non-descript with the usual BBQ motif and pictures of blues greats adorning the walls. Nothing special. The salad bar looked pretty bad actually. I was thinking that I was in Mister Mikes all of a sudden. The sign said to seat ourselves and we did. There was only one server on that evening and she was busy. She later told us that it's not usually that busy on a Monday evening. She was trying hard and seemed nice. Lots of tats on her too. Interesting presentation. We looked at the menu and it was standard fare. We decided to go for the Chief platter which was supposed to feed 4 people. I should have taken a pic with the cel phone but forgot (sorry eGullet!) but basically it consisted of: - pork ribs (not bad - standard stuff) - pulled pork (pretty good, then again i'm a sucker for this stuff) - bbq chicken (not bad tasting, a little dry though) - two types of sausage. One was chorizo for sure. The other was something or other. Pretty good actually. - ham (actually, very good, even better the next day) - fries (standard) - brown beans (good) - rice (adequate) - coleslaw (not bad - not great) - table consisted of 3 different types of bbq sauce. When the platter was brought out we thought "no problem, we'll finish this off" even though we were three guys and the description said "for 4 people". Alas, the description was right. It was quite a bit of food and priced at 44-45 bucks would make it ~ just over 11 bucks a person before taxes and tip. Not bad value. I've had worse. Then again, there's only so much meat a person can handle. Would I go back there again? Sure, but i'd try out other places first. I

It used to be Octopus' Garden ... well, still is I guess but we don't get out much at all nowadays. Kids you know ...

Wow, 300 bucks for omakase. Unfortunately, my wallet and value system cannot handle that kind of eating expenditure unless it's once a year - or something to that degree. I'm glad that I stumbled onto this thread as Jamie and others have mentioned Sada at Octopus' Garden on Cornwall. I've gone to see Sada ever since he first showed up and he consistently puts out good food. I've had Japanese friends who were somewhat foodies and they were impressed with his offerings. He's changed the menu and the restaurant in the last couple of years from more simple, bright and funky with very accessible prices to more sophisticated, darker and medium-ish prices but with bigger dish sizes. I haven't seen Sada much in the last couple of years but the time I did go I was very happy with his food. Always order his Chicken Karaage. The best in the city!

Well, it's time for an update. I managed to have some time off and I was in the area on a rainy mid-morning (is there any other type of day here in Vancouver, i'm sorry I don't remember what "sun" looks like) and I hit Chinatown for a moment in search of Newtown Bakery. I was chatting with my Dad awhile back and mentioned my mini-quest to sample some apple tarts and mentioned Newtown and he gave me the exact location (thanks Dad!). I parked, walked up Pender (I think) and entered. Saw rows of baked goods that had come from the recesses of my childhood memory. I saw the magical tray labelled "apple tarts" and my first impression was "hmmmnn ... they are a little bigger and fatter than what I remembered." "Well, of course", I thought, "This place isn't the old Hong Kong Cafe so don't expect identical products" I waited my turn and then apologized to the nice staffer that my Cantonese was embarassingly absent and she was kind, offered a big smile and said that her kids were the same way. Feeling better about myself (!) I ordered 2 dozen apple tarts, 2 Chinese donuts and 2 of those awesomely greasy Taro "balls" - the ones that are deep fried, stuffed with taro paste and chicken/pork/whatever. Thanked the staffer, walked back to the car and immediately stuffed an apple tart into my gaping maw. My impressions: - really "buttery", way more buttery than what I remembered from the Hong Kong Cafe which were much more delicate, fluffy, appley and tasty. - however, the basic reaction was the same. I'm glad that I picked them up. - brought some to my parent's place and they had similar reactions. My bro exclaimed "Man! These are way different!" but stuffed one down his face anyways. - the wife brought the other dozen into work and they threw them into the oven to crisp them up again and they really liked them ... but these were mostly gwai lo's so I thought that they would be easy to please (just kidding!). - the taro "ball" is pretty much exactly like the ones you get at dim sum. In other words, heart attack on a plate-type stuff but delicious as hell. They are so good. - the chinese donut were the same as I remembered them. No congee to wash them down with unfortunately. In any case, i'd buy them again or definitely try another joint that makes a similar version. I'd buy those taro "balls" again of course and i'd save the Chinese donuts for times I know i'm going to get/make congee. I'd also try the other usual products that I didn't get this time around. A note fot the the deal-seeking. The sign on the door said "50% off pastries after 5pm" or something to that effect. Hope you enjoyed reading this.

Back in the day in university we used to live at the Octopus' Garden. I still have one of their cool T-shirts that everyone used to ask me about. Sada, the owner and chef is a very nice guy. Had a cool, funky ambience back then, if a bit "bright". Prices were reasonable and they were one of the first ones to bring Dynamite Rolls to the lower mainland. Their Chicken Karaage is the best i've had! However, a couple of years ago they changed their course of business. Higher prices, more involved menu and slightly bigger portions. That way it was less busy but not necessarily less for business. Certainly, it was less pressure on the staff. Now that we have kids we've only been there once in the last 2-3 years or so and it was very good but a different vibe. I'd certainly go there again. That's one restaurant that I associate my 20's to and it will always hold a place in my heart and mind. So, if you have a chance to go to the Octopus' Garden i'd urge you to check it out and say HI! to Sada for me.

Sounds interesting. A good friend of mine who's a chef once told me that you "learn how to cook out of one pot" as his way of dealing with cooking at home. I think he was too tired on his days off to even go out and eat.

That's a tough corner to do business it looks like. I used to go to the old Fogg 'n Sudds there and I have to say that their hot wings were decent but if you got the right server you could get a ton of their blue cheese dipping sauce of which I was addicted to. Man, it was so good. Never very busy there though. Think the only remaining Fogg 'n Sudds is probably the one over at Cambie and Broadway iirc. Never ate at BB Beltons/Stinking Rose.

My limited "upper end" bread experience only really includes Terra Breads and Ecco Il Pane. I used to buy from those guys back in the day when they first opened and I was single so I could actually take the time to roam around trying stuff out. Now that i'm married with three small kids my wife buys bread from Costco and i'll pick up the 1.50 Sourdough from Superstore (okay, someone shoot me already!) because the kids like it toasted. I'm sorry, i'm not to going to buy on a regular basis a 5 dollar quality loaf from Ecco and have my kids thumb their nose in the air and say "No Thanks". Once in awhile when i'm in the area (like Granville Island) i'll hit Terra and pick up something decent for a change. In any case, I used to pick up the Sour Cherry Chocolate Loaf and Roasted Roma Tomato from Ecco Il Pane and the Sourdough baguette from Terra and maybe the Olive Loaf for my parents. That Roasted Roma Tomato toasted with a bit or a ton of butter was awesome! Didn't last long.

That's unfortunate. I was following this thread thinking "I'm gonna do a whole pig this summer!" ....

Hey, thanks for all the replies. Being married with 3 monkeys ... errr, kids, it's difficult to get out and about. But it certainly looks like a trip to Newtown is in order for sure. Maybe i'll take a "Newtown" stop-off to pick up some when I take the kids to Scienceworld. Awesome.

Oh, by the way, Merry Xmas to you and your family(s). Does anyone remember the old Hong Kong Cafe in Chinatown? I used to go there with my parents many moons ago when we hit Chinatown for some biweekly shopping. They used to make in limited quantities these wonderful, incredible, apple "tarts" but more really like a round-ish puff(y) pastry filled with semi-sweet apple filling. The outside of the pastry was lightly coated in a sugary crust. They were sooooo good and I regret not being old enough to afford to buy my own 2-3 dozen at that time so I could scarf them down at my own pace. Unfortunately, they've been closed for at least 15-20 years now. So, my question is for all you knowledgeable foodies ... (I'm sure Jamie Maw might remember that establishment) - does anyone know any local Chinese pastry shop that makes a fair rendition of this dessert? Because if you do i've got my car keys in hand and my wallet full of money ready to rock. Thanks.

Dang, wrote a long piece and then my fast reply was tossed out due to not being logged in. *sigh* Coles notes: Kasuga Sushi on 6th and 6th. Decent stuff, always busy so food is usually fresh. Probably best Japanese in New West which is about equal to decent Japanese in Vancouver. Burger Haven is really good for burgers. 2for1 coupon makes it a good deal. Farm Cottage Bakery in New West Quay makes great pies (peach and strawberry! Yum.) and awesome cheesecakes! Best thing about the Quay. Other than that there's not that much apart from the regular fare.

I'm looking forward to trying Diner. Good way to support the family. She's worked real hard to get the place up and running as I understand.

Was Crime Lab the one that was co-owned by whatshername from the Xfiles? Gillian Anderson? ← Are you thinking of the Alibi Room where she was one of many investors? ← Yes, you're right. The Alibi Room ... think it was on Alexandra St near Chinatown. Wonder if it's still there.

Was Crime Lab the one that was co-owned by whatshername from the Xfiles? Gillian Anderson?

And did you? k. ← Oh, not yet. Not 'til early December. I'm building up to it though! I'll definitely revisit this thread or the other dining thread with my experience for sure and update ya. I'm going to do stomach stretching exercises ... practice like that 130lb Japanese eating champion does for the Nathan's Hot Dog championships. That way i'll be able to take in Vij's full on baby!

There's also a comprehensive Dutch "store" in, of all places, New Westminster ... on 8th Avenue and 1st St in the mini-strip Mall right next to the Canadian Tire. That's where all my friend's of Dutch extraction get their fixes! Can't remember the name offhand ... but they have great prices on cheese.

Good choice. I've been going there for many years. I always chuckle when I walk in because the entrance is so basic. Good rotis. More "fat" than "massive is my description ... I should actually say that they are my favorite roti in the city, delicious ... but I don't want Rehannah's head to get too big if that comment came out and she heard it. If you like West Indian food another place to check out is Taste Nice. I'll pull up the info from mytelus.com since i'm such a computer nerd. Taste Nice Caribbean Restaurant 13448 108 Ave, Surrey, BC V3T2K1 (604) 581-2444 Up the hill when you get over the Patullo, hang a right at 108 (top of hill) and it's in the non-descript tiny strip-ish mall on the left. As for the topic at hand, I can only remember the last meal we had "out" - or rather "take out". McDonalds. 10 piece McNugget combo and a couple of cheeseburgers. The kids loved the McNuggets, fries and Diet Coke. What a surprise. They had bites of one of my cheesburgers. I had the other one. The only thing that i'll eat from Mickey D's with some regularity. It's because of my old soccer days. An association of good times and greasy food.

maxmillan, Why do you need cherry syrup? Is there some reason you don't want to use kirsch? Zuke ← I did use Kirsch to soak the frozen cherries. The recipe calls for Morello cherry syrup to top up the liquid to be added to the cream cheese, I guess to sweeten the sour cherries. I know I can probably substitute with other cherry syrup but I'm a purist who likes to start with the exact recipe and then substitute it from there. If anyone knows where one can buy Morello cherry syrup that would be fantastic. BTW, the last of the Costco air-chilled chicken is in the oven and I think I shall not eat another chicken for a long while, delicious as it may be. Bulk buying is not feasible for the lone diner. ← Have you called up dessert or chocolate shops/specialty stores? They may have the inside scoop on where to find that syrup ... or the Gourmet Warehouse?

The problem is that while your friends may be reliable and respectful when shown respect ... but there are countless shameless others that don't give a rat's behind. Those folks don't care about reservations. They will use it - and if it serves their purposes - will abuse the reservation system. I feel for businesses that have to deal with such "customers" and I don't have a problem with any business that makes a discretionary decision to not have one. If a business can survive without a reservation system then more power to them. If having a no-reservation policy hurts them in the end then it is the business that will pay the ultimate price in the end anyways. Back on the topic of Vij's - i'm intending to hit Vij's for my birthday dinner. Slightly sheepish to say that i've never been there despite the acclaim and so forth. My wife and I (and before I was married) have our own spots that we've frequented, know the menu and owners/servers and have felt comfortable. I kind of fondly remember (kind of) waiting in line for Stephos back in the day before they reno'd their place to add way more seating. Now that i'm older and presumably wiser i'm not into waiting in line (who is?) ... so I hear that 5:30pm opening for Vij's is in order? Anybody care to volunteer a favorite dish off their current menu?

38 bucks for a "standard" and 70 bucks for a "super" (quotations mine because i've no idea what dimensions those terms refer to) - seems like a very entry level price for a mandoline unless the quality/functionality is comparable to price asked. Last time I checked a good Mandoline was quite a bit more ... in the multiple hundreds of dollars. Might have to check out this product myself. Am going to Metrotown this afternoon for a moment (I think) anyways. Might zip down to the bottom floor, hit Ming Wo, and maybe grab some eats at T&T. *edit* did a quick search and this is what you're looking at approximately. Standard: http://www.sharpknives.com/gourmets_toolbo...able_slicer.htm 3 1/2" wide X 12 1/4" long Super: from what I gather is identical except for the dimensions at - 5" wide X 13 1/2" Long Here's another link: http://www.sharpknives.com/gourmets_toolbo...tion_shots_.htm

NTB also has really good "dai bow" (Big Buns). I like big buns ← and you cannot lie ← Other brothers can't deny! Mmmmnnnnn ... real pineapple in a pineapple bun. Unfortunately, i'm "adjusting" my diet for the moment. My recent bloodwork revealed that i'm all good ... except for my LDL. Slightly high (cholesterol) levels. Gotta ease off the bad stuff for awhile. I did have a Dan tat last week (iirc from T&T) and it was not bad.

Was listening to the radio this evening and heard a commercial for a rib joint on Lougheed. The name didn't stick with me but i'm pretty sure that it's relatively new. Anyone been there yet? In any case, this thread is making me hungry. The last time I had some decent ribs was at Fatzos on West Broadway some 5-6 years ago or more. I don't think it's there anymore. Someone needs to open a RUB franchise here in Vancouver. Righteous Urban Barbecue.