eastvillage

Just to add a few more to the list, here are a couple of fun, casual places in Gastown that you might be interested in checking out. This is more for hanging out on the patio, people watching, having a couple of pints and some good share plates or pub food. - Six Acres (203 Carrall Street, behind Gassy Jack) - Chill Winston (across the street from Six Acres) - The Black Frog (108 Cambie Street)

Actually, the recipe that I've used for years (and my mom also has used forever) is the one off the back of the Bird's Custard Powder can! It's a really easy recipe and makes awesome nanaimo bars You can get Bird's at your local grocery store (Save-On, Safeway, etc.).

I think it was a Subway, actually!

My favourite thing ever at the PNE is a "whale's tail" - kind of like Beaver Tail. Fried bread, butter, sugar and cinnamon. What's not to like? The Whale Tail stall is right by the Agrodome. I skip the mini-doughnuts and go for one of these to end my visit at the PNE every year

Hear, hear, Stephen! I've lived in Gastown for 7 years now and as you say, the changes in that time have been astounding. The last year or so has brought even more positive changes, with welcome additions such as Six Acres, Chill Winston and of course, Salt. I've always loved Gastown for the history and character of the neighbourhood, and seeing businesses such as these making investments in Gastown makes me very glad we decided to purchase here in the first place, and ensures we won't be moving any time soon. On to my review of Salt! I went with my husband and parents-in-law last Tuesday, and we had a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The room was about half full when we arrived at 6:30 and even more so by the time we left a few hours later. The decor and ambience very much reminded me of being in Europe - concrete, cool walls, warm wood, big open front window. I really like the look of the place - stark, yet beautiful. I'm hard pressed to think of a place that's similar in Vancouver, and that ambience, in addition to the menu and location, make Salt a truly unique destination. Many of you have already commented on the food, and I will just add to the chorus to say that we all really enjoyed what we had. My husband had the "The Best of BC" tasting plate and it the pairings were excellent - highly recommended. I created my own tasting plate and asked our server to add wine tasters for me - the wines that were chosen were very good and I would try that route again. Our server was excellent, despite suffering from a pulled muscle in her back, she was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about all the food and wines on offer. She graciously went through every item on the menu for us, explaining the origin of the food as well as the taste, letting us know her personal favourites. She definitely added to our positive experience at the restaurant. All in all, we really enjoyed the entire evening at Salt and will absolutely return. It's true the "back alley" may be off-putting to some, however those with a sense of adventure will find the reward waiting at the end well worth it. And once inside, you're in a world of your own.

Tried a couple of new places these last few days... (Edited to clarify - new places to me! I know a couple of these restaurants have been around for a long time ) Thursday night had an early dinner at The Shaughnessy Restaurant at Vandusen Garden. Since the company was paying, I went for all three courses and had some nice wine to boot . I had... Starter: Tuscan Salad, a hearty salad with cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, pinenuts, capers, kalamata olives, and the best croutons I ever had (grilled pesto). The greens were very fresh and served with a light vinagrette. Main: Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Medallions with scalloped potatoes, and a warm sage scented apple sauce. Served with baby carrots as well. This was excellent - full of flavour and cooked to perfection. Dessert: Black & White Callebaut Chocolate Pyramid with a milk chocolate & pistachio mousse center. This was pretty good, though the hard chocolate on the outside was a little too hard and difficult to break into without fearing I'd shoot it across the table! But once cracked open, the mouse was light and very chocolately. The pistachio added a nice crunch to the texture. I had a Washington Cabernet Sauvignon and darned if I can remember the name of it. I think it was Columbia? All in all, enjoyed the dinner very much - it's not somewhere I'd normally go (I'm more into the trendy casual restaurants) so this was a nice change. On Saturday, we tried brunch at Fet's on Commercial Drive and wow, was it good. I love diner-style brunch and this was great. Loved that I could have the "best of both worlds" - fried egg, hashbrowns AND a slice of French Toast. Perfect for indecisive folks like me! Saturday night we checked out the new Jimmy's Tap and Grill (on Homer, under the Westin Grand) before heading off to another event. The room is nice, the service was really good, though the drinks seemed a bit on the weak side. The cocktails were okay, the martini was better. We shared a Chicken Quesadilla which was packed full of veggies, and really hearty. Served with okay french fries. Prices were good, and it acted as a great starting point to our night. I'd go back for drinks if I could snag a spot on the patio!

Friday: Celebrating my mom's 70th birthday at The Cannery. Hadn't been there for a long while, but the views are as amazing as always, and the food very very good. I had the Salmon Wellington and it was fantastic! Also, the service was excellent - they did a special insert in the menu for us for my mom's birthday and it just thrilled her. Sunday: Started with appies and drinks at Chill Winston - the new spot in Gastown by Gassy Jack. Great wine list and well priced drinks. We shared the vegetable tempura which was a nice little snack - the dipping sauce was excellent. We wanted to have the pizza, but they were out of it Pretty slim menu there - I think they need a few more "share plates", but that's just my two cents. I like the space at Chill Winstons and will definitely be back -it's a very comfortable room, and the patio is awesome. After our drinks and nibbles, we headed to the Alibi Room and had a wicked good hamburger. Monday: Brunch at Teresa's on Davie Street. Always good, always cheeeep, and always served with a smile

Saw a bit of building action in Gastown at the old One Restaurant location. They've (wisely) removed the film covering the windows and have stuck some words to the windows ("warm and cozy"). They've so far kept the One signage, so no idea if there's a new name coming. Hopefully they'll have better luck in that spot than the last place did!

That's great news!! Thanks for the info, Stephen

Been seeing a lot of action in Gastown in the old Honey's/Characters space where Water Street starts and Alexander ends. Looks like there is potential for a cool new restaurant - they have huge signs that advertise "eat" "sip" "lounge" (I think?). There is an email address to contact if you're interested in working there - something @sojojo.com. Checked out the website, but couldn't find any info about the new restaurant. Anyone got the scoop? It would be fantastic for something cool and trendy to go into that space. With summertime coming up, it would be great to have a nice patio to hang out on

Aaahhh, yes, you are very right! That's an important distinction! It reminds me of the Deniro's ---> Section Three ordeal from years ago. It will be interesting to see what the outcome of this is. And actually, I really like your "1984" suggestion - not only does it have the appropriate overtones, but it also goes with the retro/funky vibe of the place

Comment re. New Restaurant in Gastown I wandered by one of my new favourite hangouts in Gastown the other day, Moonshine, and saw they are being asked to change their name by the liquor board! Wonder what they'll call it now? What a pain in the neck for them to have to go through all that re-branding. But maybe they can swing it to get a bit of extra publicity? At any rate, if you haven't checked out the restaurant yet, I highly recommend it. Lots of good, inexpensive wines, tons of beer by the bottle and an interesting and unique tapas menu. The small platters are wonderful for sharing and the atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the Gastown vibe. They're located just behind Gassy Jack's. Here's a link to their microsite: http://www.gastown.org/microsite/moons001