Visiting Vancouver - What Are the "Can't Miss" Experiences?

[OCKevin]

Hello Hounds,
My wife and I are spending a couple of days in Vancourver and staying in the West End. I've read every guidebook ad nauseum looking for the best food, but I thought I'd go straight to the local source and ask: what are the great culinary experiences I should not avoid in Vancouver? I'm specifically searching for good (1) seafood: I'd like to try the Blue Water Cafe; (2) locally grown and made food: Raincity Grill sounds intriguing just from the standpoint that it serves local food (e.g. the 100 mile tasting menu); and (3) the city's best burger joint. Thanks for your help!

[gourmet wife]

For locally gorwn and made, try Bishops on 4th. A little out of the way but not too far from downtown. Another good restaurant is Market by Jean George at the Shangri-La. Definitely worth a visit. If you can't make it there for lunch or dinner, have dessert there. They serve it in the lounge/bar area as well.

[grayelf]

Good call on Bishop's, gw. I just posted a positive report on it here http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/638646

It doesn't get as much love here as places like Fuel and I've often wondered why. Maybe its very longevity works against it?

I'll fourth the rec for Fuel over RCG...

There are a couple of recent "best burgers" threads here the OP could slog through -- like so many "bests" it's pretty subjective :-).

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/109177

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/563154

[ck1234]

Kevin, if you like oysters, I highly recommend going to Joe Fortes for them. If you're going in summer, the patio is great to sit on, but inside is beautiful as well. Their blue plate lunch specials are a great deal. The shrimp cocktail, while pricey, has the biggest shrimps I've ever seen!

[OCKevin]

CK, what I like about Joe Fortes - in addition to oysters - is that it's only 5 blocks from the hotel. Thanks for the tip!

[PolarBear]

Happen to know if Oyster Bob is still shuckin' there? He was a wealth of information, not to mention tasty oysters.

[Dan G]

For local, I think you'd have a far better experience at Fuel than Raincity.

[fmed]

Agreeing with Dan G. Fuel for sure over Raincity.

You will get many answers to "3". My favourite are the burgers at Market Grill at the Granville Island Public Market.

I have been hearing great things about the fresh ground burgers (using trimmings from their esteemable steaks, etc.) at Hamilton Street Grill in Yaletown. You can order it pink there if that strikes your fancy.

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Stock Market
1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H3R9, CA

[fmed]

The HSG link didn't stick....trying again....

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Hamilton Street Grill
1009 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R9, CA

[OCKevin]

Thanks, FMed! Market Grill definitely sounds like a viable lunch option. Whenever I'm in Canada, I usually make a pilgrimage to the local Harvey's, but the closest one appears to be a few kilometers away from where we're staying.

[felix the hound]

Is there a price difference between Rain City and Fuel?

[fmed]

They are in the same league....mains run at around $28 avg for both.

[felix the hound]

Thanks

[OCKevin]

Dan, thanks for the tip! From looking at Fuel's website (www.fuelrestaurant.ca), I'm very intrigued. Not to mention that they seem to have a better wine list than Raincity.

[peter.v]

I'd say Fuel is a can't miss experience. All around excellent food, wine and service there.