Guy Fieri in Vancouver - I'm sure you've all heard! [moved from BC]

[foodsnobz]

http://www.vancouversun.com/entertain...

[othervoice]

When it comes to Guy, you all need to lighten up!!!!

[Puffin3]

Remember when B. Flay jumped up on his cutting board during his appearance on ICA?
If given a choice I'd rather eat razor blades smothered in cottage cheese than watch G.F.

[grayelf]

Ha, that was the first time I recall seeing Bobby Flay and I distinctly remember being repulsed by that shoes-on-food-surface moment. What self-respecting chef would diss their kitchen that way, thought judgey me?

[grayelf]

Fieri may have eschewed it but You Gotta Eat Here is featuring the Argo on the Feb 3 episode.

[vandan]

I watched that show once and never again it's a horrible rip off of triple d

[LotusRapper]

I admit it lacks Guy's overtness and pragmatism. *And* John C. lacks a cool 'rod !!!

Apparently he also visited The Tomahawk:

http://www.foodnetwork.ca/ontv/shows/...

[grayelf]

I've never seen YGEH but I do loves me some Argo so I give them props for featuring it.

[vandan]

Fair enough

[grayelf]

I just clicked on the link, LR -- I may have to tape some of these eps just because I've been to the places featured! Kinda like I will watch pretty much any show on TV that is taped in Vancouver or SF just to go "hey, I recognize that street/view/whatever" ;-). BTW, I've only watched the DDD bits on Vancouver and skipped over the other places, cuz he kinda annoys me.

[fmed]

Haha - yeah. He's pretty annoying. I can't bear watching it. (But then again, I can't watch Food Network at all).

[kav23]

From what I've seen of You Gotta Eat Here, it's totally a Triple D clone.

YGEH is featuring The Argo Cafe, Topanga Cafe, Tomahawk Restaurant, Fraser Park Restaurant, and places on Vancouver Island (John's Place in Victoria, Floyd's in Victoria, Pagliacci's in Victoria, Mrs. Riches in Nanaimo, Rock Cod Cafe in Cowichan Bay).

[Googs]

I finally saw an episode of YGEH. The Tomahawk one as it happens. I figured it couldn't be as bad as everyone was saying. It was. The cloned music and graphics are low points in Canadian television production. The host is awful showing only that he understands he's eating food and nothing more. As for the content, they totally miss the point of D,D,&D. It isn't just about large portions. It's about bringing creative twists to the table. More homework and less copying please.

[Quattrociocchi]

The selfish part of me wishes he hadn't chosen Peaceful....I like to think that it was MY hidden gem.

[a213b]

I know what you mean; during my three months in Vancouver I fell HARD for Peaceful. I am visiting family in Louisiana right now and would almost KILL for it.

[peter.v]

Selfish? I think you speak for a lot of us. Peaceful is already busy enough and it hasn't even aired on DDD in Canada yet. I'm sad because it's my local lunch/dinner spot as I work on the very same block.

[flowbee]

"Burrand"?!?!

[kav23]

Heads up, Food Network Canada is airing the first Triple D featuring Vancouver on Friday December 2. The episode is titled "Old to New" and it will air at 11 am and 7 pm.

[Jzone]

Sweet! Thanks for the heads up. Been looking forward to this.

Cheers.

[kav23]

Tonight's Triple D featured Jethros Fine Grub. Anyone been there and can vouch if it is Triple D worthy?

[grayelf]

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/732013

Some thoughts from my one and only trip to Jethro's 19 months ago, FWIW. They had been open less than 6 months at the time IIRC. That particular breakfast was not really CH worthy (I don't know enough about DDD to comment in that regard, having watched it only for this clip last night). I would have returned to try something else but the brunchtime lineups always put me off -- it is quite small -- and I presume they will be worse after the airing of Guy F's show.

[Quattrociocchi]

Did anybody see it? I was out of town :(

[grayelf]

I only watched the Jethro's clip on Friday. I suspect it will be repeated so keep an eye peeled on Food Network.ca website (it's listed on the US one but no address, feh: http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/old-to-new/index.html) Ep is called Old to New. Or you can watch the relevant segment in a grainy clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXwGj-GBf6I

With all due respect, I found GF to be a tad grating, though I'd prolly watch again if he was featuring an area destination. Perhaps we will see more as it has been reported he visited a bunch of other places: http://www.followmefoodie.com/2011/09...

and our own LR saw him heading across the Lions Gate bridge in his red car :-).

I think the Argo would be a good fit for his show from what I can tell.

[fmed]

I heard recently that Argo didn't make the cut. He didn't visit despite the rumours.

[LotusRapper]

Actually it was his two lackies (ooops, production crews) who were in his Camaro. And what a nice car it is !!!

[LotusRapper]

Oh so it just dawned on me we're Guy's first "international" visit .....

Where's that strip that he drives off on at the ending ? W. 4th ?

[LotusRapper]

Watch a few clips, GE:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search...

IMHO, from the places I've been to in Metro Vancouver (likely far fewer than most of you CH's have been), prolly very few other than places like The Tomahawk Restaurant, Hilltop Cafe Diner or Hogshack can compare to the typical venues that DDD visits, in terms of food quantity and homemade-everything approach.

[ambiguoustraveller]

I have been there and I found it quite yummy. As for Triple D worthy, I think so, though it is a bit different in that it's not as "down home" (it's run by tattooed hipster types). However, the clientele is made up of all sorts, and they do offer really big plates (especially breakfasts), at a good price, and with a southern flare, all things which appeal to DDD. And the tattooed hipsters are kind of vintage Americana types, so that sort of work with the show as well.

[kav23]

I found the titles of the upcoming episodes of Triple D featuring places in Vancouver. Food Network Canada airdates are unknown at this time but these episodes are airing on Food Network in the US in December and January.

"Seafood & Sammies": Fresh Local Wild Food Truck

"Coast to Coast Classics": Tomahawk Restaurant

"Southern Staples": Red Wagon Cafe

"Scratch Made Classics": Save On Meats

"Meat Madness": Falconetti's East Side Grill

[kav23]

The next Food Network Canada airings of Triple D in Vancouver are "Seafood & Sammies" on January 6, 2 pm, and "Coast to Coast Classics" on January 13, 2 pm and 7 pm.

[LotusRapper]

Never been to Falconetti's. So what's the meat madness there ?

[kav23]

From the Food Network website description for the Triple D episode "Meat Madness":
"in Vancouver, British Columbia, the bar turned sausage joint stuffing, casing, and serving up links like the Thai chicken sausage."

[LotusRapper]

Well I gotta check Falconetti's out sometime. But I find the show's title a bit of a stretch, unless Falconetti's servings are HUGE. I mean, even the typical Triple D episode features places that serve up large, if not huge, portions of meaty dishes.

[fmed]

They make their own sausages. They are just OK. They are a bit of a neighbourhood hangout for many as they have beer and live music.

[kav23]

The Food Network website has listed two more episodes of Triple D featuring places in Vancouver. Food Network Canada airdates are unknown at this time but these episodes are airing on Food Network in the US in February.

"Family Matters": Peaceful Restaurant

"Old Faves, New Craves": Meat & Bread

[grayelf]

So to recap, DDD eps on Vancouver include:
"Seafood & Sammies": Fresh Local Wild Food Truck
"Coast to Coast Classics": Tomahawk Restaurant
"Southern Staples": Red Wagon Cafe
"Scratch Made Classics": Save On Meats
"Meat Madness": Falconetti's East Side Grill
"Family Matters": Peaceful Restaurant
"Old Faves, New Craves": Meat & Bread

[LotusRapper]

That's actually a LOT, isn't it ? His typical showcases per town/city is like 3-4 ?

[grayelf]

I don't watch the show so no idea but FWIW none of these episode titles are listed on the FN Canada website that I can find. On zap2it the eps that kav23 listed for tomorrow and next Friday appear to be a go.

[kav23]

Guy went to 8 places in Vancouver. For comparison, so far he's been to 9 places in Seattle and it's surrounding area (Big Star Diner, Bobby's Hawaiian Style Restaurant, Bizzaro Italian Cafe, Georgia's Greek Deli, Mike's Chili Parlor, Pam's Trinidadian-Caribbean Kitchen, Slim's Last Chance Chili Shack, Voula's Offshore Cafe, Southern Kitchen) and 8 places in Portland (Arleta Library Bakery and Cafe, Blueplate Lunch Counter and Soda Fountain, Bunk Sandwiches, Byways Cafe, Otto's Sausage, Pine State Biscuits, Podnah's Pit Barbeque, Pok Pok Restaurant).

[LotusRapper]

Excellent, thanks for that listing. Will help me plan my next trips to Seattle and Portland :-) (which I must visit Pok Pok, now planning trip for March spring break for kids):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajJkFg...

[kav23]

You missed the first episode, "Old to New", featuring Jethros Fine Grub, which aired on Food Network Canada in December.

[grayelf]

Whoops, shoulda included that one!

[kav23]

Today's Triple D featured Fresh Local Wild. Has anyone tried their food?

[fmed]

It's not bad. A bit inconsistent. It is one of the better carts. The best thing on the menu is their chanterelle poutine, then the oyster po'boy. I had a small taste of their salmon fish and chips, but I believe deep frying salmon is a crime.

[grayelf]

I really liked the chef's attitude but I can't say the idea of seafood chowder poutine appeals either...

[Tinfoilhat]

Really like the po'boy. Very good oyster flavour and a decent size for lunch. Messy though. Eat sitting down with a bunch of napkins.

[kav23]

The next Food Network Canada airings of Triple D in Vancouver are "Coast to Coast Classics" on January 13, 2 pm and 7 pm, and "Southern Staples" on January 27, 2 pm and 7 pm.

[kav23]

Today's Triple D featured Tomahawk Restaurant. Is the food as good as it looked on the show?

[grayelf]

I've never had anything worth writing home about at the Hawk (mind you, I've only had hangover brekkies there) and the coffee is brown crayon water. It's always been more about the atmo than the grub for me, and a nostalgia factor. The Yorkshire puds did look tasty but I make pretty good ones so can't really see ordering them at a resto. I did love how the chef called himself "Mr Bling" though :-).

[kav23]

The next Food Network Canada airings of Triple D in Vancouver are "Southern Staples" on January 27, 2 pm and 7 pm, and "Scratch Made Classics" on February 3, 2 pm and 7 pm.

[kav23]

Heads up, the next episodes of Triple D featuring Vancouver are "Southern Staples", January 27 at 2 pm and 7 pm; "Scratch Made Classics", February 3 at 2 pm and 7 pm; "Meat Madness", February 10 at 2 pm and 7 pm.

[kav23]

Red Wagon Diner was on Triple D today. Has anyone had the items featured on the show?

[grayelf]

I finally got a chance to try the pulled pork pancakes and the pork belly (yes, they serve them both on a breakfast platter for $14.50). It really was very good, perhaps as good as the hype. We tried to go the day before and were put off by the huge Sunday line. Ended up at Deacon's for a pulled pork pancake with meat from Peckinpah that couldn't compete. I would consider lining up to eat that Red Wagon dish again. And that is saying a lot. But I'd prolly just go on a Monday again instead!

Still keeping my DVR tuned for the Peaceful and Meat and Bread eps of DDD, which don't appear yet on the FN sked as far as I can tell.

They are also repeating some of the Vancouver features in the next while if anyone is interested: http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/diner...

[kav23]

The next episode of Triple D featuring Vancouver is "Family Matters", on Friday March 2 at 2 pm.

[grayelf]

Thanks kav23, you are dialled in!

[kav23]

The last Vancouver episode of Triple D is "Old Faves, New Craves" and Food Network Canada is airing it on Friday March 9 at 2 pm.

[Googs]

Gosh, we here in Toronto were all jealous that DD&D hit your city and not ours. Good to see you guys eat your own too. I feel less pressure now.

For the record, I like the show. This is the way most people eat and he's highlighting the best of them. No shame in that.

[LotusRapper]

For me part of the fun of watching Triple D is the vicarious consumption of excess calories, fat & cholesterol ....... all between 10pm and midnight (or later) when the show is on Food Network Canada ! :-D

[curiousgeo]

The article said he visited Save on Meats. I thought I read somewhere that it closed down? Did it re-open or was I mistaken? Still serving steaks? Thanks.

[grayelf]

It did reopen quite recently and they are trying to preserve the old menu, more or less, from what I've read. Still haven't made it down to try their breaky sammies...

[tdeane]

I've noticed from photos, that Save on Meats' club sandwich only has two slices of bread. Does anyone else think that is just wrong? It's not a club sandwich without 3 slices of bread, no?

[LotusRapper]

Agree. Atkin's version ? [grin]

[fmed]

They are also Saving on Bread.

[tdeane]

Good one!

[LotusRapper]

OK this could be weird.

I'm going NB on the Lion's Gate Bridge this morning around 10am. On the causeway I see this beaute of a red ('67 ?) Camaro SS convertible. It has Calif plates. Two young guys are in the front, the passenger has a large video camera over his shoulder and is taping the drive down the road and onto the bridge. All this time they stay in the center lane. Somehow I see the car (I'm a car buff) and Guy Fieri comes to mind. Could it be their production crew ? Where's Guy without his car ? Maybe they're headed up to Tomahawk and is taping the drive up there.

I didn't get the opp. to pull beside them and ask, traffic was a bit gnarly. But you never know .......

Found this pic online. Imagine Guy not in the car, and that's what I saw on the causeway and bridge :-)

http://www.motortrend.com/features/au...

.

[LotusRapper]

I know this was a year-and-half ago, but I never did post the clip where my car (white Subaru Outback wagon in the right lane of the causeway) could be seen in the first 3 seconds of their video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHQbr...

I promise despite my newly-found celebrity fame I won't let my head grow nearly as big as Guy's .....

[LotusRapper]

I KNOW next time I'm down in Portland I'm going to pig out at Pok Pok, and thanks to Guy and 3D did I even hear about this place:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajJkFg...

And hey man, seems to me Pok Pok is "off the hook !" ;-)

[PolarBear]

Hey LR, thanks for something constructive, can always count on you Vancouver hounds.

Cheers,

Dave

[Delucacheesemonger]

+1 for Pok Pok

[flowbee]

I loved Pok Pok but we went there right after eating at Apizza Scholls. I wish I had two stomachs!

[LulusMom]

Went to Pok Pok while visiting Portland on the advice of a friend and it was amazing.

[vandan]

look exactly 1 post down

[Sam Salmon]

Never heard of him and somehow I doubt I'm missing much.

[bill_n_opus]

Bad, blonde spiky hair, sunglasses turned around and worn on back of head, says "dude" alot ...

[brokentelephone]

He is the worst of the food network celebs, including Rachel Ray!

That being said, I definitely want to try that Tomahawk cafe -- it looks awesome!

[tdeane]

Don't waste your time. It sucks.

[eatrustic]

Don't think Tomahawk quite sucks but definitely living on it's glory days. Not worth the trip across if you live in Van. unless it's for nostalgia.

As for Fieri, if only my remote had a "tone it down 80%" button I'd be a lot more interested. (yeah, I know the formula works but not for me).

[lominator]

It does pretty much suck - overpriced and I swear their hashbrowns are the frozen variety. Just another old restaurant with all the hype but when you go there it's rather a disappointment.

[LotusRapper]

Guy has better culinary, and restaurant operations and management experience than Rachael (who has none of the above).

[tdeane]

Rachael is still less annoying.

[vandan]

Okay Guy annoying yes BUT what about obedient ingredient Mooking what a tool) and those two moronic eat shrink and.... sisters . I can at least ,in small doses , watch Guy, the other 2 must turn channel immediately !!

[starlady]

I'm with you Vandan! At least we know Fieri has been in the industry for a long time before becoming a TV star!

[anewton]

Thing about Guy is that his show (DDD) goes to some really great places. Sure, they're not all great, but there is almost always at least one place per show that looks great. I'm not fond of all his "dude-isms" (i.e. "that's off the hook") but I do appreciate that he gives exposure to some deserving (and some not-so-deserving) greasy-spoon type places.

I remember that one diner he visited in Cleveland made absolutely everything from scratch (well, maybe not the ketchup). Michael Symon had a cameo on that episode and the place looked so incredible that it made me want to incorporate a side-trip to Cleveland on a vacation.

[vandan]

Fwiw there are WAY nicer places to vacation than Cleveland that also have great food. :)

[foodsnobz]

You're absolutely right!

[Kelli2006]

That is Lucky's Cafe in Cleveland.
Ive been there and thought that it was meh.

[tdeane]

Oh man, you picked some good ones!!! Obedient ingredient......that is so annoying. And Eat Shrink and be Merry, that is one of the worst shows on TV. Have you ever noticed that they win every single competition? Give me a break. Nothing worse than Bitchin Kitchen though.

[Claudette]

Agreed, but my Santa Rosa friends tell me that his restos aren't very good. i think he's funny even watching all that diner food gives me a tummy ache.

[PolarBear]

Sorry, would have to offer up Bobby Flay for that honor, out of control ego, can't deny the skills, but can't put up with the fluff.

[LotusRapper]

Can't say I'm a fan of Bobby Flay's TV persona. And Throwdown ...... gratuitous self-promotion ('tho it seems to me he loses more than he wins).

Always wondered who that Stephanie is ...... quiet but easy on the eyes.

[vandan]

She is his business manager

[operagirl]

Are you talking about his wife, Stephanie March? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephani...

[vandan]

no his assistant Stephanie Banyas