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Archive for the ‘Eastside’ Category

MAGDA’S RESTAURANT

April 7th, 2013 admin

6345 Fraser Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-322-1001

Web: www.magdasrestaurant.ca

Twitter: n/a

Advice: No reservations.

Some of my friends and I often get together on Sunday mornings for breakfast at various eateries around the city, each of us takes turns on suggesting restaurants in our respective neighborhoods or places that we had been to previously. My friend Alejandro suggested Magda’s for a recent breakfast gathering as he had enjoyed a dinner their previously, Jason and I joined to try some of the authentic Venezualan specialties.

Arepas

Carnegie Mechada vegetarian

Pupusas

Dulce de Lechoza

I had the Arepas ($7.95) with chicken & cheese, a delicious Venezuelan specialty 100% corn flour bun that is grilled and baked and is gluten-free as well; Alejandro had the Carnegie Mechada vegetarian ($7.95) Vegan Shredded Beef and Jason had the Pupusas($7.95) which is a Salvadoran specialty not listed on the menu, you have to ask and they will make it for you. We then shared the Dulce de Lechoza ($3.95) a caramelized papaya dessert.

Dining here was quite a wonderful experience, we discovered that all the tables were numbered which is great if you ever forget where you are seated, we met people sitting at the tables around us who talked up their dishes which tempted us to try more on a future visit. The menu is filled with Latin American specialties which is the star of this restaurant, I would suggest you over-look the Westernized dishes such as the hamburgers, sandwiches and omelets and try the traditional specialties that makes this restaurant a hidden gem that is worth your discovery

Review by: Richard Wolak

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ROUNDEL CAFÉ

March 30th, 2013 admin

2465 E Hastings Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-253-2522

Web: www.roundelcafe.com

Twitter: n/a

Advice: No reservations. Breakfast is served until 4 pm weekdays and 5 pm on weekends.

Sometimes it can take years to visit a restaurant which has been around for years, the Roundel has been serving the East Village neighborhood for over 49 years. I visited for the first time with a group of friends for Breakfast, it’s a fun place especially on a Sunday morning. They make everything from scratch using wholesome ingredients in this fresh food diner.

Tofu Veggie Scramble

I had the Tofu Veggie Scramble ($8.50) which was delish filled with vegetables, potatoes and salad, my friends Alexei, Alejandro, Jason and Yaniv had a variety of egg dishes including the Benny, Omelets and such as well a couple ordered raspberry milkshakes which are made with 4 scoops of ice cream.

They have got burgers for lunch as well as rolled tortillas, salads and sandwiches and at dinner you will find a selection of Mexican dishes such as the Mango Brie Quesadilla which I can’t wait to try on my next visit.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

CHAU VEGGIE EXPRESS

October 22nd, 2012 admin

5052 Victoria Drive, Vancouver

Tel: 604.568.9508

Web:  http://www.chowatchau.ca/veggie/mural_menu.pdf

Twitter: @chowatCHAU

Advice: Go light on the tableside satay sauce if you are not a fan of spice.

Coconut Shake

Night Market Stroll

Rickety Rickshaw Ride

Located off the beaten track, yet in the middle of the city is an oasis of veggie delight and dishes full of wonderful flavours. I was so happy to finally visit Chau, it took me 8 months to visit for the first time and then a few days to visit again. There is a large communal table which is perfect when dining solo or with a friend. On the first visit I had the delicious Night Market Stroll ($7) Papaya salad, shredded apple, carrots, herbs, peanuts, tofu, with a lemongrass citrus dressing along with a Coconut Shake($4) Fresh coconut, coconut water and crème and on the next visit I had the outstanding Rickety Rickshaw Ride ($8.25)  Mungbean spring rolls, shredded bean curd, peanuts, crispy shallots, pickled vegetables, greens, herbs and rice vermicelli.which is my friend Alejandro’s favourite dish so we both had the same dish on this visit.

The dishes are creative, inventive and all veggie, served in big bowls with condiments such as their spicy home-made satay sauce which you can add at your discretion. You will also find beer, wine and some desserts to put the finishing touch on your meal.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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SAL Y LIMON

May 3rd, 2012 admin

Unit #5 – 701 Kingsway, Vancouver

Tel: 604-677-4247

Web: n/a

Twitter:  @Salylimonvan

Advice: order the home-made potato chips over the tortilla chips, visit the complementary salsa bar. No reservations.

Finding an authentic restaurant serving delicious Mexican food has often been a challenge to find in our city, that is until now. Last night, my friend Ajay Masala Puri joined me for dinner to discover this hidden gem. Some would say it’s off the beaten track, and I’d say it’s in the heart of EastVan’s new restaurant row. The décor is simple and you aren’t here for that anyway, you are here for the authentic Mexican dishes. A couple of families run the place together, having been in the restaurant business back in their home country of Mexico.

Super Vegetariana Huaraches

Cordero al Cilantro (lamb) Huaraches

Home-made Potato Chips

Salsa Bar

Brownie con Lechara

I had the Super Vegetariana Huaraches ($8.75) a home-made corn tortilla topped with delicious black beans, vegetables, panella cheese and more goodness. I made my dish a combo for an extra $2 (you have a choice of soup, coleslaw, potato chips or tortilla chips) which included home-made potato chips and salsas from the salsa bar along with a Horchata sweet cinnamon-flavored milk which was also very good. Ajay had the Cordero al Cilantro (lamb) Huaraches ($8.50) and his was a combo as well. We both then shared the one and only dessert, Brownie con Lechara ($3.75) which was Yum.

You will find an extensive menu featuring many Mexican favourites including Sopes, Tacos, Burritos, Huaraches, Quesadillas and Tortas along with very friendly service and reasonable prices. I am already looking forward to my next visit to try the Smoked Chicken Huaraches!

Review by: Richard Wolak

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HAI PHONG RESTAURANT

April 20th, 2012 admin

1242 Kingsway, Vancouver

Tel: 604-872-3828

Web: http://haiphongrestaurant.com/

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Take friends and share some traditional dishes.

Located in the heart of Little Saigon, is a hidden gem that has been serving neighborhood regulars for over 7 years. I have tried several dishes over the past couple of visits which has taken my tastebuds on a journey through Vietnam.

Garlic Butter Chicken Wings

Pho #5

On one of the visits I had the popular Garlic Butter Chicken Wings ($9.95) and one the next visit I had several dishes including their outstanding Pho #5 ($6.75 for small) Rare Beef and Beef Brisket with rice noodle soup.

Lotus Salad

Pan-Fried Shrimp Cake

Vietnamese Crepe

I shared the a small Lotus salad ($8.95) mixed with herbs and house dressing, topped with shrimp and pork, served with fish sauce; along with the delicious Pan-Fried Shrimp Cake ($9.95 reg size); as well as the Vietnamese Crepe ($9.95) a crispy pancake which is infused with coconut milk and traditional spices fried with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts.

Tamarind Crab

The highlight of both visits was their house specialty Tamarind Crab with a delicious sauce that covered the shelled crab, this is one dish that you must try.

Avocado Shake

I then had the deliciously filling Avocado Shake ($4) to finish my meal which is fitting for dessert but could also be a beverage to go with a meal. The menu has a vast selection of Vietnamese specialty beverages including their French style coffee and juices. You will also find many different versions of their Pho, salad rools, congee, hot pot and more.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

VIA TEVERE PIZZERIA

April 5th, 2012 admin

1190 Victoria Drive, Vancouver

Tel: 604-336-1803

Web: http://viateverepizzeria.com/

Twitter: @ViaTeverePizza

Advice: No reservations, closed on Mondays.

From the moment I walked in to Via Tevere I was captivated by the warmth of the room, it’s as if the restaurant has been in the neighborhood for years. From the cool ambience to the top notch service to the outstanding authentic Neapolitan pizzeria I can assure you I was impressed.

Salsiccia e Rapini Pizza

I had the outstanding Salsiccia e Rapini Pizza ($15) with fior de latte, Italian sausage and broccoli rabe. The crust is key here, it was perfect from the texture to the appearance, both on the bottom and top, along with the cheese and other ingredients this was one tasty pie. The menu is quite simple, they offer pizza as well as some antipasti selections as well as a few desserts, keeping it simple is the way to go and it’s working here.

Already looking forward to my next visit.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Eastside Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments »

PIZZA BARBARELLA

March 9th, 2012 admin

654 East Broadway, Vancouver

Tel: 604-210-6111

Web: http://www.pizzeriabarbarella.com/

Twitter: @PizzaBarbarella

Advice: Bring a flashlight to read the menu. Sit at the communal table if dining solo.

Since I have been a long time pizza lover, I am quite particular about my favourite pizza pie. I had heard a lot of hubbub about this spot in East Van and as much as I love East Van, I am hopeful another pizzeria will open that hits that mark! The room was dark, spacious and it was very difficult to read the menu, the candlelight didn’t cut it.

Funghi Pizza

Bianco Rosa

I was dining solo and my mission was to try more than one pizza, so I ordered two of them, the Funghi Pizza ($17) bechamella, fontina, oven roasted cremini mushrooms, parmigiano reggiano and white truffle oil, where the cheese and toppings had a good taste, my taste buds were jarred with the charcoal burnt taste from the bottom crust. The second pizza was the Bianco Rosa ($14) red onions, rosemary, pistachios, parmigiano reggiano and extra virgin olive oil; which was the best by far with its Pistachios that created a wonderful crunch and flavour.

Oh and skip the fork and knife and eat this pizza with your hands!

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

FRAY ON FRASER

November 2nd, 2011 admin

3980 Fraser Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-569-3317

Web: http://fray.me/our-menu/

Twitter: @Frayonfraser

Advice: Colouring pencils at each table for kids or adults to colour away a great added touch.

This is one of those not so ordinary places that I am happy is just that. Last week my friend and fellow writer Cassandra Anderton joined me for dinner where we were happy to find a creative, passionate chef who supports local farms on the east side. Chef Antonio Martin has created a fresh, flavour focussed menu with dishes chock full of local farm grown veggies and other local fare.

Portobello Fries

F-Bombs

To start we both shared the addicting Portobello Fries ($8.95) A Jenga tower of breaded mushroom fingers, fried and served with truffle aioli; we then shared their F-Bombs ($7.95) a variation on Devils on Horseback, this is a share plate of Fraser Valley bacon-wrapped fresh figs with a balsamic reduction.

Lamb Pasta

Vegetarian’s Delight

For our Mains, we shared both the outstanding Lamb Pasta ($17.95) Braised lamb with vegetables on fresh tagliatelle that was full of flavour, as well as the ever so tasty Vegetarian’s Delight ($10.95) fresh market vegetables roasted and served on a bed of the most delicious cauliflower cous cous with chick peas and a curry vinaigrette. Although they list the Vegetarian’s Delight as one of their mains we both thought it would be better off being a side dish for two to share.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Banana Spring Roll

For dessert, we shared the delicious and simple home-made Vanilla Bean ice cream ($4) with extra virgin olive oil and maldan salt; along with the Banana Spring Roll ($6.95) Served with homemade vanilla bean ice cream and local fireweed honey.

Looking forward to my next visit which will be for Brunch, must try their French Canadian Toast!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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