107785 Sat May 08 19:07:20 -0700 2004 6 24 Canada 0 582783 I'm, so sick of the hype around this place...Yes, the food is good, but we have so many other BETTER indian places (even if Vancouver Mag doesn't agree) So tell me, aren't places like Akbaar, Velvet and Maury better OR WHAT! Sat May 08 19:07:20 -0700 2004 0 Buddha Belly 1 582784 You know, Belly..you're right on! And who the hell needs to wait 2 hours for a seat..Akbaar is excellent Sat May 08 19:11:14 -0700 2004 582783 0 VanMan 2 582786 Tired of Vij's self-promo? Who else should he be promoting? I think the point is that Vikram has the whole package. Decor, service, consistency, training (look at the guy's resume!), intelligent wine list, and -yes- food. The quality of ingredients he brings in is superior to most local Indian places. And Velvet is a Vij's off-shoot. Yoo (the owner) worked under Vikram and bought the plave from him at his insistence, with her kitchen staff coming from you-know-where. Cynicism is easy, don't be contrary just because he's a success. The guy is a dilligent, intelligent hard worker who promotes BC at James Beard dinners and the like. It's from his success that others can benefit as well. He's opened a lot of eyes to Indian cuisine, people who may have been to timid to give it a go. Those people, in turn will explore elsewhere. Sun May 09 01:22:54 -0700 2004 582784 0 thatguy2seatsdown 3 582792 brilliant, well said. The only thing that develops the culinary scene is the insistent drive of a dedicated few who commit to a vision of excellence. Our food scene would not have the substance to support a site like this one were it not for people like Vikram. Sun May 09 22:22:10 -0700 2004 582786 0 David 1 582785 I don't think it's as special as people say, but it is very nice every time I go. Vikram has a discipline to his vision that is difficult to argue with. Where there is smoke, there is fire, and this place is clearly no stephos, the execution is there. If you are looking for an alternative. VELVET is outstanding. The owner is a tinkerbell-charming young lady with a singular passion for her restaurant. Situated in Vikram's original location on Broadway, VELVET has a cozy charm and honesty to it that makes it one of my regular spots. You won't be disappointed. MAURYA is big on budget, done in an imperial style, it almost feels like classic hotel Italian dining with and Indian menu. The food is excellent, the wine cellar is shared with La Terrazza and offers up many Italian Barolos and such. Open for lunch, the patio would be a welcome respite on an overcast day looking for the zip of a tangy curry. Sat May 08 20:47:50 -0700 2004 582783 0 David 2 582819 I think a lot of credit that is attributed to Vij's is his innovation - or more accurately, how he creates and packages Indian food for South Granville bellies. I've enjoyed my meals there, but I wouldn't automatically grant it Best Indian Restaurant of the Year award, like many others do. You mentioned Velvet Cafe, and I don't think I've ever heard a bad thing about that place. I've been there three times now and have never found the food to be that special. The curries are bland at best, especially the butter chicken. The appetizers sound nice but the execution tends to fall short. I can accept the possibility that I am one of the minority, but does anyone else think the same? Everytime I've been there, the people I dined with also felt underwhelmed by the food. Link: http://www.jackandjill.ca Wed May 12 14:34:20 -0700 2004 582785 0 Jack 3 582822 I'm with you Jack. I think you hit the nail on the head on Vij's and I give him lots of credit for what he does. I'm also with you on Velvet - only one visit but I was underwhelmed. Wed May 12 15:43:45 -0700 2004 582819 0 Anne, Vancouver