http://www.chow.com/boards/57 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:58:21 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/573414#4184735 I'm willing to travel anywhere in the city for them. Actually i'm somewhat familiar with that area since i lived near Banff Trail before. I'll make sure to call ahead to confirm that they're available before i go. Thanks. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:23:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573414#4184735 http://www.chow.com/topics/573095#4184706 Cobre Bin 941/942, though harder to get a spot for a big group Trattoria Italian Kitchen any of the izakayas are fun Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:08:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573095#4184706 http://www.chow.com/topics/573403#4184664 I recommend Parkside and Il Giardino (both in the high-ish end). Another potential rec is Five Sails in the Pan Pacific hotel. Chambar is great...but it does get noisy at times. (Too bad Rare is gone....along with the food and service, I found the acoustics great for conversation.) Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:48:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573403#4184664 http://www.chow.com/topics/569482#4184399 Sounds like you know the industry a little, eh? I guess I'm the troll, but man, the high end joints here are so spoiled by endless oil bucks and low expectations... As the proverb goes; "May you live in interesting times." Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:04:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/569482#4184399 http://www.chow.com/topics/572602#4184207 Right, I remember some recs for Pine Lake on this board! I've had some too-greasy dinners at Pine Lake. Which dim sum would you recommend? (And are there any to avoid?) Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:49:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572602#4184207 http://www.chow.com/topics/573037#4182210 Famous Foods had Junket Rennet in stock the last time I was there. Info on how to use it, just in case you need it: http://biology.clc.uc.edu/fankhauser/cheese/rennet/rennet.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:56:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573037#4182210 http://www.chow.com/topics/521279#4182137 Another vote for doing it at home, and maybe for seeing if you can get lobster delivered fresh from one of those places on the Atlantic (just google). I'm from the East, and lobster in Alberta is usually kind of pitiful. Billingsgate might be the best. At any rate, pick the feistiest-looking lobsters in the tank -- they should be waving their antennae around and climbing on each other, not lying there looking half-dead. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:10:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/521279#4182137 http://www.chow.com/topics/410673#4182020 Nho Saigon I had my first really positive experience at El's Japanese Fusion last week- the problem with that place is the menu is too huge (SEVENTY maki) and hit or miss, but I went simple: Ebi gyoza, one spicy tuna roll (not called that on the menu- the plain toro roll, I think, add $1 for spicy) and a really delicious avocado roll which comprised one whole avocado... $20 for dinner. Hours are now- get this- 1pm to 9pm and closed Sun (I think)- who opens for lunch at 1? BUT having had a really nice dinner there was a pleasant surprise. Kaffa is coffee and a Mexican-lite menu. It's more than nachos and I wonder at the disposable income of anybody who would call it "stupid expensive" but I shouldn't judge. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:18:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/410673#4182020 http://www.chow.com/topics/573080#4181450 I bet Parthenon on Broadway has it. http://www.vanmag.com/retailer/parthenon Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:19:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573080#4181450 http://www.chow.com/topics/572573#4181042 Not a coffee shop, but Oolong Tea House in Kensington is open until 11pm, Midnight Fri-Sat. I believe they have wifi as well. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:25:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572573#4181042 http://www.chow.com/topics/494886#4180216 Thanks for the update & congrats to your Dad :) Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:29:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/494886#4180216 http://www.chow.com/topics/530133#4180199 Funny, I was by there on Thurs and took a quick peek too - lots of work going on, banquets (sp?) were being installed - looks like it won't be too long now :) Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:25:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/530133#4180199 http://www.chow.com/topics/571697#4180174 Under the reply box, there is a "Link to a place" tab. You can search for the restaurants and add a link. Thanks! New places to check out next time I'm in Surrey! And then there's that new Malaysian place in Fraser Heights. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:17:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571697#4180174 http://www.chow.com/topics/445042#4179868 Ooh, I love the canolis at the Italia Bakery. The Italian Cultural Center some some good ones too but unfortunately it's not always available. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:38:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/445042#4179868 http://www.chow.com/topics/356476#4179670 Correction to my previous post; I meant to say that Shine Cafe in Victoria has very solid breakfasts (NOT Sunshine Cafe, which probably doesn't even exist!) Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:27:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/356476#4179670 http://www.chow.com/topics/571951#4178927 Red Door @ 2996 Granville Street has Shaking Beef. I haven't had it, but I have heard it's good. menu: http://reddoor.ca/dinner.pdf Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:20:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571951#4178927 http://www.chow.com/topics/569527#4178852 Thanks for all the suggestions. We had a great time and visited these 8 stops: Shanghai River - excellent XLB, beef in sesame pastry, green vegetables in tofu roll Beard Papa - cream puff perfection in Aberdeen Centre Japadog - excellent oroshi and terimayo dogs Phnom Penh - butter beef carpaccio was as memorable as ever - what a dish that is. Salt and pepper fried chicken wings with Tsingtao... wonderful. I'd drive up again just for these two dishes. Salt - highlights were the pate, cotechino, and foie gras Boneta - bison beef carpaccio, beef tartare Cobre - excellent duck tacos, wow! The only disappointment was the scallop ceviche; it was the worst dish of our trip, inedible to me. Zakkushi - daikon salad (refreshing), grilled pork-wrapped asparagus, grilled squid Thanks again for all the suggestions - can't wait to come up for another visit soon. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:44:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/569527#4178852 http://www.chow.com/topics/570791#4178244 You poor thing, you must be overwhelmed. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who has to go to ten places to do all my shopping. Here's my suggestions: Urban Fare and Nestor's: $$$$, and nothing's ever on special. Capers and Choices: expensive, but they do have sales, and they're your best bet for organic, natural stuff etc. I go elsewhere for produce unless I just need a few things, as they're overpriced. Meat is limited and pricey at Capers but okay variety at Choices. West Valley Market on Bute and Kin's on Davie are good for produce. I avoid Safeway and Super Valu (low quality), but there is a new supermarket on Denman that's part of the Superstore family and is super low-budget and no-name. Might be good for canned and dry goods. IGA's all right as an overall supermarket. TNT I sort of avoid as possibly sketchy and there's NO organic produce, but it's sort of fun to go see all the variety and pick up a few Asian items sometimes. Commercial Drive, Granville Island etc are all fine choices, but if you're stuck with the bus like I am, I doubt you'll want to hit them up for your regular shopping. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:37:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570791#4178244 http://www.chow.com/topics/544041#4178242 FYI Tenshi Sushi opened this weekend. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:36:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/544041#4178242 http://www.chow.com/topics/571921#4178137 Thanks for the GoFish tip. I'm not good w/ lines, enough so that I think I'll make reservations everywhere they'll let me. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:35:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571921#4178137 http://www.chow.com/topics/534986#4178099 Great Lo Mai Gai Found!..... just not in E'ton. Found in Calgary. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:12:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/534986#4178099 http://www.chow.com/topics/560709#4177755 It is going to be a wine bar. It is being run by a fantastic Sommelier who has great restaurant experience aswell. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:52:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/560709#4177755 http://www.chow.com/topics/383580#4177647 You may find them in globalchocolates.com koppers page. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:55:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/383580#4177647 http://www.chow.com/topics/489158#4176950 I don't like The Noodle House. The pho is just bland and doesn't have any flavour. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:43:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/489158#4176950 http://www.chow.com/topics/571557#4176671 Yep, that's the one. I'm no aficionado of Korean food but it was pretty tasty to me. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 01:01:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571557#4176671 http://www.chow.com/topics/571163#4176665 Thanks, I know La Belle Patate -- cholesterol city, but fun! I hate to be the bearer of more bad news, but the French Cafe in Langford has also closed -- helas! Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:58:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571163#4176665 http://www.chow.com/topics/572201#4176509 Homemade rye bread ticks my box, I saw it from the car on the way into town. As for what kind of Asian, an authentic Szechuan would be fantastic as would be a great, fresh dim sum place. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:33:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572201#4176509 http://www.chow.com/topics/570977#4176418 Sushi Hibiki is quite good. But the wait is a bit long. I had their Tonkastu Ramen (sorry for the spelling error...) which I think is one of the best ramen in Calgary. It's a well liked place, a lot of people go there and it gets packed quite easily since it's small. The sushi is also very good there too, I think you should try it. Their appetizers are also very good- cheese stick and octopus balls are delicious. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:46:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570977#4176418 http://www.chow.com/topics/572236#4175680 CourtJ: Sorry, unable to recommend anything...not much of a breakfast eater and usually end up in one of the "big box" chains you mentioned for lunch like Earl's, Joey's, Boston Pizza and the like. Cannot think of anything interesting across Henday. There is a thai place in the strip mall that houses Safeway's, a Japanese bisto and a taco chain along with a DQ and the aforementioned BP in another which has the Save ON but I cannot think of any family operated spots. Hope we both get some suggestions Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:45:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572236#4175680 http://www.chow.com/topics/568847#4175296 Piedmont is so IN right now. It's almost obnoxious. But I completely agree with you on regionality. Spinasse just opened up in Seattle and I had dinner there when I was home for Halloween/Election Day. Menu is Piedmont-inspired. Wine list is Piedmont exclusive. Loved it. Pasta was a touch on the thin side-- but then again, I've never been to Piedmont. Rabbit was superb. Sorry, that was slightly tangential. Look forward to Campagnolo. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:18:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/568847#4175296 http://www.chow.com/topics/571993#4175286 Agreed. For unique you should avoid Chill Winston, (the new version of) Irish Heather, and Stella's. For Yaletown Section 3 is the OK, but most everything is bad IMO. Vancouver's izakaya scene is unique for Canada I think and very fun. I like Guu on Thurlow. Chambar is more of a restaurant but has great drinks and great food. One area I forgot to bring up that is pretty unique to Vancouver due to the fairly crazy licensing regulations are all the unlicensed places. That would be a good story. Find some kids and ask them to take you to the Sweatshop or the Emergency room. There is also an unlicensed jazz club that is supposed to be quite good. I can get you details if you would like. What places did you end up checking out Jennie? Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:39:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571993#4175286 http://www.chow.com/topics/569861#4175280 Funny you say that because the whole time I lived in New York I CRAVED Kintaro. Should have checked out Ippudo. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:30:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/569861#4175280 http://www.chow.com/topics/572211#4175260 They wre open for lunch in the summer only on Friday's for FU Friday's now they are open all week long (don't think weekend's though) for lunch. ALthough they may have new Christmas hours. Come to think of it, I believe they do have new Xmas hours..... damn now I have to call and ask... Sat, 15 Nov 2008 07:39:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572211#4175260 http://www.chow.com/topics/572323#4175119 A friend of mine goes to the Calgary airport to meet the producer from Ft. Mcleod when they load the weekly cargo plane to Holland. He pre orders and then just picks up his meat at the ramp. It is more common in Europe, that's for sure. The quality is very good. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:38:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572323#4175119 http://www.chow.com/topics/537150#4175105 interesting to hear the Sanbiki rec. when they first opened, a coworker took his wife, who is japanese. she was not pleased. i never bothered to check it out, but now its been a few years and this is the second recommendation ive gotten in the last few weeks. anything you would recommend there? Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:25:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/537150#4175105 http://www.chow.com/topics/555490#4174916 If you want some good Roti, you have to try Rehanah's Roti in Port Moody. About 9 -11 bucks for a roti, mashes anything from the reef. . Be aware her hours are a little weird. She also serves doubles, haven't tried them. I just went to Rehanah's the other day for lunch and put up pictures on http://www.vancouverslop.com If you want Patties get a hold of hibiscus foods, I think he has the best in the city. The other thing is to wait for Cari fest and eat there. Great Ox tail. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:22:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/555490#4174916 http://www.chow.com/topics/571826#4174855 Now that you mention it, the breads and rolls did look quite nice...maybe if I hadn't needed a sugar fix I'd have paid more attention! Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:44:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571826#4174855 http://www.chow.com/topics/459380#4174690 I hear you. Doesn't make sense sometimes..but yeah I agree with you..we are canadians. I too would go there more often if they lower the price just a bit. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:15:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/459380#4174690 http://www.chow.com/topics/557498#4174407 I didn't like the decor. Kind of 70's James Bond. The service was fine, perhaps a little stuffy. Food was fine. Not really amazing, which I thought it should be for the price. The wine was overpriced as well. Not sure I get or care about the water thing. It does suit the overinflated egos of the o&g crowd though so I am sure they love it. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:25:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/557498#4174407 http://www.chow.com/topics/572043#4173533 Do you know if they plan to extend their hours throughout Nov-Dec or were they just open late last night? (couldn't make it last night so I was thinking I'd go tonight/next week...) Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:56:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572043#4173533 http://www.chow.com/topics/571837#4172348 Personally I am not upset about this. I did not like the food there, overpriced and a little odd...potatoes in the rice bowl?? Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:21:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571837#4172348 http://www.chow.com/topics/561601#4171383 If you like Sunbake, be sure to try their "Lebanese pizza"! They are made fresh, to order and you can have either spinach/cheese or beef/tomato. The mixture is spread on hand flattened pita dough and then baked in their oven. They are sooooooooooooo delicious, particularly with lemon juice and hot sauce over it, then rolled up to take and go. Best part? They're 1.50 a piece and VERY filling - although I've been know to get one of each ;) Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:44:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561601#4171383 http://www.chow.com/topics/558022#4170436 I'm eager to see what Kingsway has to offer, it does sound like we might be overwhelmed with our short 2 day trip. Looking forward to hear about the new dish you had in SF and the pho you had on Larkin St. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:21:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/558022#4170436 http://www.chow.com/topics/571830#4170062 "...Looks like a knock off of OPM..." kazzy: Thank you for the "heads up". I have been off on holidays for awhile so have not been downtown in quite some time. Living in the "burbs" I do not expect to get to Kai Asian Grill or the Hat anytime soon but appreciate teh update. Hope Kai turns out to be better than OPM. I do not know what your impression of the latter was/is but after an initial good reaction I have been disappointed. The cynic in me noted that almost anything that had an asian influence from the appetizers of Earl's/Joey's ended up on their menu but that was not necessarily a bad thing. Then it seemed anything I enjoyed ended up being dropped and when I inquired, was advised that they were lower/slower sellers, i.e. Szechwuan charred ribs, deep fried or steamed dumplings, etc. Good original wine list which then was pared down, i.e. no more Burrowing Owl pinot gris. Ultimately, found that I was paying a lot for fairly mediocre food although I did enjoy the steamed basa with garlic and ginger. The garlic fried snap peas were delicious but at their price you can buy a large number of peas and garlic...oh well, c'est la vie I guesss Let us know what your reaction to the food is at the Hat if you do go back. I expect that with the holiday season upon us, I'll be getting out of downtown earlier than later to avoid the $30 taxi rides.... Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:35:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571830#4170062 http://www.chow.com/topics/519473#4169664 Are you talking about the place at Times Changed or about Don Pedro's? Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:06:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/519473#4169664 http://www.chow.com/topics/570097#4169485 Okay- was surprised to find that it's buffet at night (every night? not sure). So as candidate dinners go, this was pretty damn cheap- 4 dined for $80, incl one coke, one mango lassi (a REALLY nice mango lassi) and one Kingfisher. Idli were quite nice, moist, and sambar was decent. Dosas- not great, sad to say, but would almost certainly have been better ordered off the menu- we go a basket of pretty good naan and a plate of these little masala dosas that were less than crisp. Idli were at the buffet table- I also had two veg curries, one a cabbage one that was the high point for me, great deep flavour, could have eaten a plate of this with some very, very good rice too. Also a green bean curry (not long beans but fat green beans, almost like snap peas) was nice and something I've never seen before. Lots of chutneys. Not great were fish pakoras and aloo pakaoras- both were sort of cold and the aloo tasted of almost nothing but dough, cold dough at that, pass on that if you see it. Fascinating desserts- a sort of rice pud but with vermicelli instead of rice, a thing that looked like a creme caramel but that I didn't get to taste, and a really killer carrot halwah that was, I must say, the best I've ever had, but I've never liked carrot halwah so YMMV. I'd like to order off the menu some time, of course, but as dinner goes this was a very good deal and food that ranged from a bit disappointing to quite good. And it's nice to have a south Indian option downtown. For a Weds night in a part of downtown- 6th Ave and 7 St SW- that is DEAD after work hours, business was quite good. Nice to see. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:57:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570097#4169485 http://www.chow.com/topics/544152#4169451 The rueben sandwich on the lunch menu is fantastic. Apparently the wild boar they sell in the store part is great too. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:38:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/544152#4169451 http://www.chow.com/topics/571594#4169253 Muse has a lovely quiet, subdued and relaxed ambiance. Elegance with a capital E. It has a mix of guests, from business expense users to couples seeking romance. If I remember, there were fireplaces, and the building is quite lovely. Large comfy chairs and a lot of wood. We sat upstairs, if that makes a difference. The food was outstanding. I don't think it would be lost on a someone who doesn't consider themselves a foodie, but just to use my mom as a barometer, the prices might put her off. The food and mood are totally worth it, though, in my opinion. When we visited, we drove specifically from Edmonton for the tasting menu and walked from a friends house, who also lives in Kensington. I remember finding the walk to and from the restaurant (in my post-tasting and wine pairing haze) to be almost as enjoyable as the meal. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:47:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571594#4169253 http://www.chow.com/topics/571707#4169051 I have to agree egon, as the so-so reviews have delayed me from visiting. Let us know what you choose cleo. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:22:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571707#4169051 http://www.chow.com/topics/571684#4168312 God, I agree with you YB. I have no fallback Chinese place to go to now on a semi-regular basis. Although I have yet to try Golden Happiness (I think that's the name) and Dragon Dynasty that other people have recommended here. Part of the problem is I don't read Chinese that well although I can speak it well enough. That's why Cheung's Garden was great along with T. Pot and Peking Garden - gotta love the English menus to confirm what a dish actually is :) Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:53:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571684#4168312