Okay, deep breath and here I go.... Hello everyone, I'm Lise and this is my first post. I found you all in February while looking for information on Dine Out Vancouver, and have been a devotee ever since. I figured it was time to come out of the shadows and say hello. It's been really helpful reading all about the awesome eating establishments Vancouver has to offer. As a result I have begun to expand my dining horizons, as I'm tiring of the ho hum tri-cities offerings. To share my last three dining spots, they include Flying Fish, Casa Bella and Senhor Rooster. Flying fish used to be my favourite seafood restaurant in Port Moody, located in the heart of St. John's street. It also sells fresh seafood so usually the quality is great. The past two visits were lacklustre - actually ever since their bid for the contract to open a restaurant at Rocky Point Park was passed by - I've experienced overdone salmon and very floury clam chowder. Plus they were out of most wines we tried to order! Casa Bella, IMHO is a wonderful secret jewel. It's located on Brunette Avenue in Coquitlam across the street from Woody's pub. Bella's is a rustic establishment, reminiscent of an old 80's italian/greek restaurant, with the old style archways (sans the vines). I swear this place has the best pizza and pasta I've had in a long time. Last time we were there it was souvlaki night. THe hummus blew me away! And the lamb souvlaki was so tender and flavourful, it melted in my mouth. I am continuously more impressed every tiime I go there and try something new. I should warn people away from the house salad though. And the rice and potatoes that came with the souvlaki was pretty mediocre. But what do you expect for 7.95 on thursdays? It has a pretty small wine list, but the standard australian wines are a steal. Lastly, Gary and I headed out to Senhor Roosters early on a friday night. How could I not, after reading so much about it here? We arrived at 5:30, and saw there was one other group of 6 people. They seemed to know their way around the menu quite well, and I think they overheard my reply to Daniel as he came out to greet us, asking us if we've been there before. As I replied I heard about him on EGullet, they all turned around and smiled. (I tried to see if they wore special decoder rings) lol Daniel had a server helping him out that night. Agusto says he used to own a restaurant in Deep Cove, (The Savory?) and misses the business, so he helps out when he's in town. I think he got more than he bargained for though, as my piri piri sauce in the plastic containers exploded all over me, our table and the table next to us (thank god no one was using it at the time), and he had to re-set the half the restaurant! And this was after warning me about them! The cornish game hen was wonderful, Gary loved his ribs, and as we at the place began to totally fill up. Daniel was out chatting with the diners every chance he got, it seemed, and there was a definite familiarity going on. I could see how people would want to make this a regular haunt! My only suggestion would be to get in some portugese beers and more wine selections. We were told there was only a red and a white (Dominini, I think). Overall, I think that was the most fun I've had dining in a long time, piri piri explosion and all! Anyway, sorry for this long initial post. I promise to keep future posts more succinct, so don't go running when you see my name! I look forward to participating in future posts, and slowly become part of this great community. Now off I go to research Las Vegas eateries for my first trip in August...... Regards, Lise