Take out tango (Vancouver)

[grayelf]

Van Hounds, I have a bit of a challenge. My SIL just had a baby (first niece, yeah!) and the SO and I are doing drive bys with food every coupla days. I'm trying to alternate home cooked and take out to keep things interesting but not too stressful.

Here's the question: what are your favourite take-out places on the way to or near Strathcona (Kits, downtown, Main, Commercial) that do items that will travel well and survive sitting for a bit. It's not always possible for the new 'rents to drop everything and chow down the instant the food wagon arrives :-).

Any and all suggestions gratefully accepted with the one caveat that we're trying to keep hard-core fast food to a minimum (eg) burgers. Although I did notice a Fatburger just east of the Georgia viaduct... never tried them... could be an excuse!

[im_hungry]

Congrats, grayelf! :-)

Ok, this might be a bit on the heavier side, but I'll throw it out there, anyway. Stewy soupy stuff from Burgoo on Main? BBQ from Memphis Blues on Commercial? The pulled pork or beef brisket make great sandwiches.

For one-handed eating, how about sandwiches from Au Petit Cafe? Only thing is, you need to buy the sandwiches early in the day. Sandwiches from the deli at So.cial or pizza from Sciue on Pender?

[fmed]

On sandwiches - I'm liking toutefrite's rec on JN&Z - buy a collection of charcuterie there; cheese (and perhaps quince jam) at La Grotta and some bread at Fratteli's and you have yourself a portable Salt Tasting Room.

[grayelf]

Thanks, all -- have compiled a good list but keep em coming!

[fmed]

Congratulations grayelf!

I immediately thought Fujiya for takeout sushi and bento.

Not sure if Chinese food constitutes hardcore fast food...but there are a number of joints nearby. My favourite old-school Chinese restaurant in Chinatown is Gain Wah which does good takeout. There are a bunch of Chinese BBQ and bakeries there too of course. Do they have a rice cooker? Chinese BBQ and fresh steamed rice is a standby at my house.

Tony's Deli (Commercial) for reliable sandwiches, etc.

Pizza - for inexpensive takeout - Megabite on Commercial Dr has good takeout and delivery. I usually ask for "thin crust" and "less cheese" to simulate NY slice goodness.

Ba Le on Main and Georgia does good banh mi (though I prefer their Kingsway and Fraser location).

Another option is frozen dim sum. Pick up a couple of bamboo steamers (cheapest at Tinland in Chinatown) and a few packages of frozen dumplings, etc and you are good to go. T&T, Hon's, et al. sell them frozen in bags. It only takes a few minutes of steaming.

[grayelf]

I've been thinking about Malaysian and Mexican (Jonker Street and Salsa y Agave are on our route, not sure about portability on the latter though), and maybe some Indian from Akbar's. I'm also going to see if Kayan does takeout -- a meze-style Middle Eastern dinner could be a nice change. So far we've done sushi (from our neighbourhood cheap and cheerful), pizza (from Firewood), Thai (from Wimaan) and Splitz Burgers.

Gain Wah might fly although new mom is a bit iffy with Chinese at the moment. I think the BBQ would work, and I could do rice at home for that. Sandwiches for dinner? Why not? Kingway and Fraser is not too far out of the way. I wonder how late Tony's is open... I'll look into Quince. P LeBeau is a go-to for us but I hadn't thought of it in this context. For some reason, none of us have ever got our heads around congee (texture issues? wimpy gwailo palates?) which is a drag because it would be perfect. I have several bamboo steamers that could be pressed into service, so the frozen dimsum would work too.

All good ideas, folks -- thanks, and keep 'em coming!

PS being an aunt rocks!

[toutefrite]

Is Rangoli out of the way? Just had it again last night, and loved the food, but also the snip corner off bag, squirt contents, heat and eat. Is your SIL iffy with Chinese because of spiciness or anything?
The women in my family being chronic breeders :), this is what I have gleaned: they like things that can be eaten with one hand because they are CONSTANTLY (their adjective) breastfeeding and cannot negotiate a knife and fork. So in that vein: New Town steamed buns, quiches (not bad cold either) from PL, muffins and scones from Liberty, bagels and lox, cold cuts from JN&Z for quickie snacks, spanakopita (I can't remember the name of the store on Commercial, they also have a meat pie).

[fmed]

>>spanakopita (I can't remember the name of the store on Commercial, they also have a meat pie).

It must be Mediterranean Specialties.

Good tip on the one hand eating.

[grayelf]

Your post made me remember that I have done the spanakopita with homemade horiatiki but it might be time for a repeat, maybe with the meat pie option from Med Specs.

The Chinese food thing seems to be an issue of potential greasiness/oiliness.

The steamed bun idea is good, and made me think of the Kolachy Shop as another idea.

I've never had the quiche from PL as it always looks overdone. May have to give it a try...

And how could I forget the ever-popular bagels for supper option? We get the kippered salmon from Seven Seas, some good cream cheese, a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Maldon salt and fresh ground pepper and instant feast. Good one.

I've never made it to JN&Z <hangs head in shame> but maybe this will get my butt over there.

I hear you on the one handed eating thing -- all my friends with kids do this and the wee ones don't seem to mind perpetually having crumbs on their heads, as long as THEY get fed promptly :-).

[toutefrite]

Yes, I am always anticipating a trip to emerg for a whole almond wedged in the infant ear canal. Is there a particular kolachy from that shop that you like and recommend? After a couple of really dry ones, I haven't been back. THe fillings were tasty (bbq beef and another?) but I found the dough kind dry yet heavy.

[grayelf]

I haven't been since a year ago last spring when I was having meetings nearby. I had a few that were quite good, all savoury as I recall. I seem to remember that the place changed hands somewhere along the way, and I note they now have three locations. The menu appears to have changed also as I don't recognize any of the ones I had. They also used to have some tasty soup, which is still available. If I make it by I'll let you know what I find...

[toutefrite]

Haven't been there myself, but Quince does take-out with organic stuff? This might be amenable to reheat at will meals?
Patisserie Lebeau for waffles, perfect breakfast/3am feeding snack
I don't mind Vietnamese subs out of the fridge myself
Congee Noodle House for.... congee. I get this once a week to have for a snack in the fridge
and congrats on becoming an aunt.