Archive for the ‘Bar & Cafe Reviews’ Category

FOOTO DELIGHTS

September 7th, 2011 admin

820 Homer Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 568-6500

Web: www.footocroissant.com

Twitter: @FootoDelights

Advice: Watch for their daily Croissant specials.

Specializing in Croissants, Footo “Fresh out of the Oven” makes just that plain and filled croissants all day long! Owner Brenda Yip learned her craft at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver where she studied pastry. The open kitchen allows for all to see the Croissants going in and out of the oven, you will also find house-baked macarons, everything is made using natural ingredients and having no artificial flavours, preservatives or chemical additives. The menu also features Croissant sandwiches, along with desserts that include panna cotta, tiramisu, chocolate and fruit mousse, strawberry tuxedos and frozen yogurt.

 

Almond Croissant

Cheese Croissant

Macarons

I had a tasty Almond Croissant ($3.25) as well as a Cheese Croissant ($3.25) filled with mozzarella and Cheddar. I also tried their Macarons ($3.25 for a 4 pack) and had a Lemonade ($2.50)

Their menu also features 5 kinds of hot chocolate which will be the favourite go to drink once the dark and cool days begin.

Review by: Richard Wolak

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, Downtown Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

THIERRY

September 6th, 2011 admin

1059 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 608-6870

Web: http://www.thierrychocolates.com/

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Snag a spot on the outside patio. You can purchase the Macarons individually, in a pack of 7 or 12.

I have always had a sweet spot and a love for visiting spots for sweets. Ever since I did a Behind the Scenes interview with Chef Thierry Busset I have been a fan of his Macarons, and now a fan of so much more. Located in close proximity to Robson, is Thierry a modern shop, café and atelier that is ever so sweet. The Curved walls of palmwood tambour imported from Europe are highlighted by flowing Castore lights playing off marble floors and Thonet bentwood chairs that evoke classic Parisian cafés. You will not only find beautiful desserts showcased in the temperature controlled pastry case you will also find the Macaron showcase featuring 8+ different macaron flavours daily as well as pastries, chocolates and more.

Raisin Brioche

Hazelnut Pithivier

Macarons: Maple, Gianduia, Blackberry and Strawberry Rhubarb

 

Espresso Macchiato

House Liquid Chocolate

On my most recent visit I indulged having a Raisin Brioche ($3.45) and the most delicious Hazelnut Pithivier ($4.95) along with a selection of macarons:  Maple, Gianduia, Blackberry and Strawberry Rhubarb ($1.75 each). I also had a Espresso Macchiato ($2.95) made with the organic Thierry Espresso Blend coffee designed exclusively for them by Casa Del Caffé’s Vincent Gentile and then to finish off a 2oz taster of the House Liquid Chocolate ($7.45 if 8oz pour).

The shop is filled with homemade ice creams and sorbets, coffee and other packaged goods to go. This is paradise and I am looking forward to indulging when that whim beckons.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, Downtown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

NELSON AND THE SEAGULL

August 26th, 2011 admin

315 Carrall Street, Vancouver

Tel:  (604) 681-5776

Web: http://www.nelsontheseagull.com/

Twitter: @gastownseagull

Advice: Have a seat at the communal table and meet other folk.

This is the living room we all once lived in, or want to escape to now. I have visited a few times over the summer and love the high ceilings, open kitchen, the large communal table and of course the living room. The café is large, spacious and inviting, it is also a great people watching spot too!

The café has become the new spot for the community, for the creative people who live and work inside and outside of the Gastown area.

Avocado on Toast

Espresso

Lemon Tart

Chocolate Lava Cake

On my last visit I had the Avocado on Toast ($5) and previously an Espresso ($2.50) along with one of their delicious Lemon Tarts ($3.50) that oozed with sweet lemon along with the Chocolate Lava Cake ($3.50). Asides from the coffees on order, they bake bread and not just any bread, it’s a Ciabatta which is moist and chewy on the inside and crunchy on the outer crust, all of their sandwiches and toasts are on this wonderful bread.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, Gastown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

CAFE BRIXTON

August 21st, 2011 admin

212 East Georgia Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 568-8200

Web: n/a

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Sit at the communal table or at the window.

Slightly secluded as it is off the beaten track of bustling Main Street in Chinatown/Strathcona, the café is well worth your discovery. First of all it is spacious and has that sort of NY feeling to it with its exposed brick walls, open 15 ft beam ceiling, distressed looking wooden tables and chairs. Secondly, there is a large communal table for sharing  while studying or working.

Carrot Cake

Espresso

I had the moist and tasty Carrot Cake ($2.95) with vanilla bean cream cheese icing and an Espresso ($2.75) made with 49th parallel coffee. The menu also includes baguette sandwiches, baked goods and beverages. They also offer an extensive brunch menu which I will get to trying one day soon.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, Chinatown, Strathcona Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

PINKBERRY

August 14th, 2011 admin

860 Main Street, Park Royal Village, West Vancouver

Tel: n/a

Web: www.pinkberrycanada.com

Twitter: @pinkberrycanada

Advice: The line-up is worth the wait.

I first discovered Pinkberry years ago in Los Angeles where this LA based Frozen Yogurt shop was born. From what I remember they offered 2 flavours the Original and Green Tea along with a huge variety of toppings. A month ago the first Pinkberry in Canada opened in West Vancouver and it’s the same as I remember and then some. I visited recently and tasted all of the 6 flavours before deciding on the Coconut and Chocolate served side by side in a Medium dish ($6.25).

Frozen Yogurt and lots of toppings

Then the fun began choosing which of the toppings from the 30 selections to choose from, I knew that I could choose as many toppings that would fit around and on top of the Frozen Yogurt dish. I topped it off with raspberries, chocolate chips, mocha, chocolate flakes, captain crunch, heath bars, and then finished it off with a drizzle of caramel.

Pinkberry provides a social experience that indulges the senses with distinctive flavors that are expertly crafted to complement its daily fresh-cut fruit and premium toppings that together offer an incomparably refreshing taste. They have several different sizes by the dish or the cone and your kids can even get a childrens size. I have already been back for my 2nd visit having the Mango topped with more of the Captain Crunch along with more toppings!

Review by: Richard Wolak

 

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, West Vancouver Tags: , , , , No Comments »

ROCANINI

July 19th, 2011 admin

#115- 3900 Moncton Street, Richmond

Tel: 604-284-5126

Web: http://www.rocanini.com/

Twitter: @rocanini

Advice: Have a seat at the large Communal Table.

This is one of those cafes that I would frequent if I lived nearby, it would probably become my office or my living room! Impressive stylish room, large and spacious with lots of seating including the communal table.

Cappuccino

Espresso Macchiato

I was in Steveston for Fish & Chips, first stop was for coffee and not just any coffee. I had an Espresso Macchiato ($2.85) and my friend had a Cappuccino ($3.10) both were very good. They roast their own coffee at their roastery in Vancouver so their coffee is fresh which is important. The baristas behind the bar are passionate on making the perfect cup of coffee. One of the star attractions here is the Syphon Coffee as well as their Drip coffee, there are choices for the type of coffee to savour!

I love the layout of the café, there is also a selection of fresh baked goods, sandwiches and desserts in the case to tempt you to indulge!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, Richmond Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

CAFÉ FOR THE CONTEMPORARY ART

May 23rd, 2011 admin

140 East Esplanade Avenue, North Vancouver

Tel: (778) 340-3379

Web: http://www.cafeforcontemporaryart.com/

Twitter: @cafca140

Advice: Check out their website for their events calendar.

Anytime I am on the North Shore I stop in for a visit to this wonderful café that has an art gallery inside the café. The idea for the art gallery is to showcase local artisans and to provide customers with an escape of sorts, to walk through the exhibits while sipping espressos and other café beverages. The café is beautiful, spacious and well-layed out and has baristas who are passionate about making great coffee.

Espresso

My beverage of choice here is an Espresso ($3) that is always served with a bite size cookie. You will find a complete beverage menu of coffees, tea, and juice along with sandwiches, scones, cookies, muffins and more.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, North Vancouver Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

W.E. COFFEE

April 10th, 2011 admin

1696 Robson Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604.566.6888

Web: http://www.wecoffee.ca

Twitter: @WECoffeeInc

Advice: If you want a waffle sandwich as opposed to a regular sandwich on offer, just ask to see if they can make it with their waffles.

 

Smoked Salmon Waffle Sandwich

Espresso Macchiato

 

This stylish café is decked out in all black and white, with seating throughout this neighbourhood café. My friend Avelino and I visited for lunch to indulge in their waffles, specifically for their savoury waffles. I had them custom create a Smoked Salmon Waffle Sandwich ($8) with the (waffle substituting the croissant) served with a side green salad and Avelino had the same. We both had an Espresso Macchiato ($3) and were so very tempted to finish of the meal with one of their sweet waffles topped with ice cream, though we held back on this visit.

Known for their signature waffles, you will find a good selection of savoury as well as sweet waffles. Here they custom roast their coffee beans in the café for their coffees, world renown Mariage Frères teas are featured and you will also find a fine selection of delectable cakes, and other delicious desserts to savour. Looking forward to my return visit to indulge in their Ice Cream Parfait Waffle that looks divine.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Bar & Cafe Reviews, Westend Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »
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