Archive for the ‘Downtown’ 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 »

HAWKSWORTH RESTAURANT

August 8th, 2011 admin

801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-673-7000

Web: http://www.hawksworthrestaurant.com/

Twitter: @hawksworthrest

Advice: the restaurant is located inside the Rosewood Hotel Georgia and advance reservations are recommended.

Salted Herb Bread

The star attraction at Hawksworth is the cooking from notable Chef David Hawksworth whom the restaurant is named. I have savoured David`s food over the years from when he cooked at West as well as at numerous events. Chef David is a perfectionist like none other, he has a well-executed style of cooking and is passionate about food.

I dined with my friend and fellow writer Sarah Rowland last week, we were seated in the Pearl room in close proximity of the stunning wine room as well as being next to the centre piece chandelier which graces the dining room. This was my second visit but the first for a sit down meal and it was wonderful to enjoy a fine dining experience with top notch service. We began with an order of their Salted Herb Bread ($4) with olive oil that tasted so good. Curious thought as to why a restaurant of this calibre would charge guests for bread, my only thought on that rationale would be to have the guests focus on the dishes rather than filling up on the bread.

Apple Beet Salad

Seared Weathervane Scallops

Dungeness Crab Salad

To start, we shared a few dishes including the outstanding and refreshing Apple Beet Salad ($11) chevre, walnut, dill, caramelized honey; the xo in the Seared Weathervane Scallops ($16) was the perfect spice for that dish which is also had xo, beech mushroom, edamame; and rounding out the starters the tasty Dungeness Crab Salad ($18) watermelon, mint, ver jus.

Beef Tenderloin

Black and White Truffle Risotto

For the mains, we both had the same dish which was divine the medium well preparation was perfectly done,  Beef Tenderloin ($34), smoked marrow, wild mushroom , cauliflower and chimmichurri. Additionally we shared the house special Black and White Truffle Risotto which was outstanding. I enjoyed my Beef Tenderloin with a glass of the Foxtrot `08 Pinot Noir (BC).

Valrhona Milk Chocolate Mousse

Dark Chocolate Cremeux

Macarons

For me, a creative dessert menu is an indication of a well thought out menu and the perfect ending to a meal. I had very high expectations for the desserts here at Hawksworth and even more so than the starters and mains as I knew David Hawksworth had created that part of the menu. The Pastry Chef is Wayne Kozinko he is also quite experienced having been the pastry chef at one of my other favourite restaurants YEW. The dessert selections that we ordered looked stunning, however in the end I was a tad disappointed with the flavours. We shared the Valrhona Milk Chocolate Mousse ($8) passion fruit, caramel ; the Dark Chocolate Cremeux ($8) sweet potato sorbet, and a hint of maple along with a plate of assorted Macarons ($12) .

After Dinner Mignardises

To end our meal we were served a complimentary plate of Mignardises, another little sweet to round out a fine meal. I will be back ton continue this culinary journey and to partake in Sunday Brunch one day soon!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Downtown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

O’DOUL’S RESTAURANT

August 2nd, 2011 admin

1300 Robson Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604 661 1400

Web: http://www.odoulsrestaurant.com

Twitter: @odoulsonrobson

Advice: Offers jazz most nights, check their online jazz calendar for details.

Often visiting for some late night jazz, I turned it up a notch this year and had dinner here with my brother during the TD International Jazz Festival. This past year I had the opportunity to interview Chef Chris Whittaker here at O’Doul’s who is a master of the kitchen, for our dinner I left the menu up to him.

Bread Basket

Theissen Farm Duck “Prosciutto”

Lois Lake Steelhead Tartare

Heirloom Salad

Okanagan Goat Cheese Fritters

We began our meal with the Theissen Farm Duck “Prosciutto” ($14) duck confit and cherry arancini, arugula, rhubarb chutnea, then I had the Lois Lake Steelhead Tartare ($13) in a cold “pesto“ soup, gold beets, potato lattice, micro green while my brother enjoyed the Heirloom Salad. Next was the Okanagan Goat Cheese Fritters ($13) roast pepper olive tapenade, heirloom tomatoes, balsamic gelée, olive oil.

Citrus and Maple-cured BC Sablefish

Beef Short Rib with Oxtail Ravioli

On to the mains, we both loved the outstanding Citrus and Maple-cured BC Sablefish ($29) crispy rice, pacific seaweed, cultivated mushrooms, radish, dashi broth, which was our favourite, rarely do we enjoy a dish in unison. Next was the Beef Short Rib with Oxtail Ravioli to round out the savoury portion of our dinner.

White Chocolate Mousse and a Strawberry Lassi

For dessert we enjoyed the White Chocolate Mousse and a Strawberry Lassi ($9). While we were finishing up our dessert; The Tony Foster Quartet were playing near the bar, they were the performers of the night  as part of the TD International Vancouver Jazz Festival, this trio was made up of a pianist, bassist and drummer.

Review by: Richard Wolak

 

 

Posted in Downtown, Great Ideas Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

FRESH LOCAL WILD

June 22nd, 2011 admin

SE corner of Hastings and Burrard, Vancouver

Tel: n/a

Web: http://freshlocalwild.com/

Twitter: @freshlocalwild

Advice: Monday to Friday lunch. Dinner by reservation. Follow them on twitter for updated opening times.

The name says it all, here it is all about using Fresh, Local and Wild. This is a one and only mobile restaurant type of food truck that has a patio at the rear that seats 4.

Chicken Fried Oyster Sandwich

Albacore Tuna Melt

Wild Northern Coho Fish & Chips

I have visited a few times already and have eaten my way through the whole menu, my favourites are the Chicken Fried Oyster Sandwich ($10) served on a soft bun with a spicy aioli; the very unique and tasty Albacore Tuna Melt ($10) and the Wild Northern Coho Fish & Chips ($12) Tempura style battered salmon with slightly salted hand cut fries.

They have put together a simple menu that features delicious, local and sustainable food to the people on the street at great prices! Their products are sourced from local Fishermen, ethical farms and sustainable wild harvest of seasonal bounty. With another first Fresh Local Wild has launched the only mobile dining patio where Chef Josh Wolfe is cooking for a private table of four. Finished in beautifully stained western red cedar and complete with music this is the smallest restaurant in Vancouver and four of the hottest seats. For an extra serving of goodness, make sure you allow some time to chat it up with Chef Josh Wolfe!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Downtown, Food Trucks Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

WILD SALMON

June 20th, 2011 admin

250 West Pender Street, Vancouver

Tel:  604-443-8352

Web: www.vcc.ca

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Located on the 3rd floor of Vancouver Community College, open Mon –Fri for lunch thru August 15, 2011.

Bannock Bread Basket

My family friend Sylvie joined me for lunch the other day, to begin we were served a complimentary basked of two types of Bannock bread – one fried, soft and tasty and the other baked and sliced.

It was like sitting in an art gallery with Aboriginal art adoring the walls, this setting was the beginning of a wonderful experience. The restaurant is located within the Vancouver Community College campus and is run by the Aboriginal Cultural Arts program lead by Chef Ben Genaille. The culinary students have studied all year and for their final 3 months of the program they operate this wonderful restaurant that further trains them in front of the house, serving, bartending and cooking. The restaurant is a gem and one of a kind in Vancouver, specializing in gourmet Aboriginal cuisine at prices that are at least half of what they would be if dining outside of the school.

Seafood Cake

Duck Salad

To start, Seafood Cake ($4) corn purée, milkweed pod fritters which was then followed by the refreshing Duck Salad ($4), pickled beet roots, apple leather, candied hazelnuts.

Pan Seared Ling Cod

Slow Smoked Bison Brisket

For our mains, we each had the Pan Seared Ling Cod ($11), squash noodles, duck jus, Rosemary pine nut oil as well as the outstanding Slow Smoked Bison Brisket ($11), squash salad, savory bannock bread pudding with a jus made from the bison that delectable.

Bannock Bread Pudding

For dessert we had the delicious Bannock Bread Pudding ($3) with Rosemary ice cream with a raspberry pave, a perfect ending to our meal! You will find well known BC Nk’Mip Cellars wines on the menu!

Review By: Richard Wolak

 

 

 

Posted in Downtown Tags: , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

NU GREEK STREET

June 9th, 2011 admin

Granville & Georgia Streets

Tel: n/a

Web: http://www.nurestaurant.com

Twitter: @NuGreekStreet

Advice: Follow them on twitter for daily open hours and location. At this time there are 2 locations located in the same proximity, the 2nd location is at Dunsmiur & Howe.

Chicken Souvlaki

I love Georgia Kambolis’s fresh baked pita that was once only available in the restaurant on the waterfront, now you can get this delicious pita on the street. I was by for lunch the other day and had the delicious meal in itself Chicken Souvlaki ($6.50) with housemade pita, local onions and tomatoes. In addition to the souvlaki and greek salad you can also get the same pita on its own naked, or with dips or just plain ‘ol grilled!

I was curious as to why successful restaurateur Harry Kambolis would open carts on the street, so I asked him, Harry said because it takes him back to where it all began, by English Bay, at a Souvlaki Place, a take-out stand where he worked when he was a teenager.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Downtown, Food Trucks Tags: , , , , , , No Comments »

TABLEAU

June 8th, 2011 admin

1181 Melville Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-639-8692

Web: http://tableaubarbistro.com/

Twitter: @tableaubistro

Advice: Try to get a banquette seat in front of the bar for best people watching or sit outside on the patio. Located inside the Loden Hotel.

The Moonlight Cocktail

Polynesian

Starting out the meal with some cocktails to refresh the palate, my friend Ajay had The Moonlight Cocktail ($11) while I had the refreshing Polynesian ($11) with rum, house made falernum, tropical juices, dash of pernod.

Braised Veal Ravioli

Mushrooms on Toast

Spot Prawn Cocktail

Taking our top notch server Ryan’s suggestions we began our dinner with the delicious Braised Veal Ravioli ($12) tomato sauce, padano cheese; and then the phenomenal Mushrooms on Toast ($10) creamy mushrooms & herbs. Ajay was craving Spot Prawns so he indulged in the Spot Prawn Cocktail ($16).

Beef Short Ribs

Frittes

Braised Veal Shank

For our mains I had the delicious and large Beef Short Ribs ($20) bbq sauce & creamy coleslaw and yummy frites; and Ajay had the Braised Veal Shank ($25) with creamy polenta, rapini, citrus herb gremolat.

Ice Cream Sundae

Chocolate Mousse

The beautiful room by local interior designer Franco Avignoni has already become a people watchers paradise, he has blended old world classic bistro elements such as custom brasses, solid wood panelling, marble and leather banquettes with original “pop art” elements including an upside down pool in the ceiling, its modern and dynamic.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Downtown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Sponsors

  • General Info

Switch to our mobile site

echo get_option('motion_footer') . "\n";