Archive for the ‘Yaletown’ Category

HAMILTON STREET GRILL

April 3rd, 2010 admin

1009 Hamilton Street,Vancouver

Tel: 604-331-1511

Web: http://www.hamiltonstreetgrill.com/

Twitter:  @nwyles

Advice: Check in advance for their Sunday Night Service family style dinners at the long table.

Beef Prime Rib, Mashed Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes, Carrots, Brussel Sprouts

I dined here last Sunday night with some friends for the inaugural “Sunday Night Services” meal, family style at the long communal table in the dining room. This dinner at the long table seated 24 people (must reserve in advance), 5 of my friends joined me and we all joined the table for a wonderful night of eating ‘family’ style and mingling with other folk. This is a great way to spend a Sunday night and it gives you a chance to meet some new people. As we were seated a basket of bread and butter arrived to the table followed by plates of generous portions of pre-carved, slow-roasted Certified Angus Beef Prime Rib. Plates of Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes, Carrots & Brussel Sprouts, mini Yorkshire Pudding, Creamed Horseradish, and a big pot of gravy followed and were passed around at the table, you could take as much or as little as you pleased. Pints of R&B’s Bohemian Lager were served after the food was served on the table.

Mashed Potatoes

Yorkshire Pudding

Carrots & Brussel Sprouts

Chef Neil Wyles greeted our table and welcomed us to his family table. Growing up his family used to have big family style dinners and this was on of the reasons he had decided to begin this new Sunday Night Services special in his restaurant. Call ahead to find out about the next Sunday Night Services dinner, and look for the meal to include different types of meat from Lamb, to Roast to Turkey.

Gingerbread Pudding, with Pumpkin & Ginger Ice Cream

The meal including one beer costs ($18) plus taxes and gratuity. While dessert is not included in the actual meal, I had to have their house specialty warm Gingerbread Pudding, with Pumpkin & Ginger Ice Cream ($8) served warm and drenched in a rich caramel sauce.

The restaurant also offers an extensive menu featuring steaks, seafood and more inside this cozy restaurant or outside on the heated patio.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Yaletown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

LUPO

March 17th, 2010 admin

869 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-569-2535

Web: www.luporestaurant.ca/

Twitter: @luporestaurant

Advice: They can accommodate large parties of 12 people in the Nook located in the main floor dining room or larger parties upstairs. Advance reservations are suggested. If you wish to pair wines with your meal ask Michael to either select for you or ask him for advice.

Lupo Focacia

Winter Caprese Salad

Tortelli

I loved the ambience of both the upstairs and downstairs dining rooms, my friend Thu and I had dinner at Lupo last week and were lucky to be seated downstairs close to the brick fireplace. This delightful turn of the century Heritage House, has a contemporary kitchen with Chef Julio Gonzalez Perini it the helm serving fresh reinventions of Italian classics in a cozy, neighborhood environment. We began our dinner with the wonderful Lupo Focacia ($5) which was an ideal size for sharing, From there we had the Winter Caprese Salad ($15) over dried tomato, pesto and saba; then for the appetizer we had the outstanding Tortelli ($15) (is a Ravioli but half moon shape), stuffed with lobster, Mascarpone and onion confit, served with a tomato coulis, and fennel butter. This dish was a daily special that should be on their daily menu (we hope they will add it).

Braised Beef Short Ribs

Pizzetta -Margheretta

The main course was next and again we were shared a couple entrees, the first was the tantalizing Braised Beef Short Ribs ($26) on bed of soft marscarpone and polenta; and since we both had to try the pizza we went with a simiple, Pizzetta -Margheretta ($10) crispy crust, tomato and basil, fior di latte.

Meyer Lemon Tart

Chocolate and Raspberry Tear Drop Mousse

. I always have to save room for dessert when I am in an Italian restaurant, so to end our meal we had the refreshing Meyer Lemon Tart ($8) with a hint of passion fruit,and lemon – yoghurt gelato along with the Chocolate and Raspberry Tear Drop Mousse ($9), a tear drop shaped chocolate shell, stuffed with raspberry flavoured chocolate mousse

The restaurant has an impressive wine list, delicious food, outstanding service and made me feel like being at home.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Yaletown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

GLOWBAL GRILL

February 25th, 2010 admin

1079 Mainland Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-602-0835

Web: www.glowbalgrill.com

Twitter: @glowbal_group

Advice:  Dine early on Sunday nights if you are planning to have the Prime Rib as they serve it until they run out. If you are looking to only have drinks then sit at the bar or walk through the back to the adjoining Afterglow lounge.

Tuscan Pumpkin loaf

Finding a great steakhouse, that isn’t priced sky high, and in a trendy part of the city hasn’t always been so easy here that is until now. My friend Lisa joined me here recently for dinner and we were both impressed by the delicious food and great service. The room has been redone with wood paneling, comfy seats along with a showcase signature round table towards the front, the table any large party will want to be seated at. Before we began our meal we were served a Tuscan Pumpkin loaf with rosemary and Hawaiian salted butter, this wasn’t any ordinary bread, this was heavenly.

Hamachi Crudi Satay & Lobster Satay (middle)

Beet Salad

Steak Tartare

We shared some appetizers that included the Hamachi Crudi Satay ($3.90) with pineapple ponzu and the Lobster Satay ($7.95) with curry butter and the Beet Salad ($12) arugala, pecorino, sherry & shallot vinaigrette. Lisa had the Steak Tartare ($18) 5oz prime beef tenderloin and focaccia crisps on her own as I’m not a fan of Tartare.

Ribeye 16oz Canadian Prime

Glowbal Onion Rings

Asparagus

It was then time to enjoy our entree, we shared the bone in Ribeye 16oz Canadian Prime ($39) with 3 salts a Peruvian rock salt, black smoked salt and Hawaiian salt along with a couple of sides to at least get some vegetables to go along with our meat dishes. After eating the Glowbal Onion Rings ($6) panko breaded and so delicious, I declared these the best onion rings that I ever had. The other side was the Asparagus ($7) with béarnaise sauce.

Chocolate Bailey's Bread Pudding

Frosted Beignets & Apple Fritters

We were both quite full after the meal but desserts at Glowbal are a must and we went full on into sharing two of their spectacular desserts. The Chocolate Bailey’s Bread Pudding ($8) bailey’s creme anglais with toffee crumble was my favourite and the Frosted Beignets & Apple Fritters ($8) Vanilla custard, salted butterscotch were a close second. My next visit will be for weekend Brunch as I hear they have one of the best brunches in Yaletown.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Yaletown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

HAPA IZAKAYA

January 25th, 2010 admin

1193 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-681-4272

Web:  http://www.hapaizakaya.com/

Twitter: @hapaizakaya

Advice: Be adventurous and take your servers recommendations. When you enter the staff will all yell “Irasshaimase” don’t be worried it means “come in”!


Izakaya is popular in Vancouver and Hapa Izakaya are the ones to credit for bringing authentic Izakaya (Japanese tapas) to the city. This is the third and most recent location and by far one of the stylish yet. The interior is dark black with a good selection of seats for a couple or for larger groups of diners and a great open kitchen to watch the chefs at play. My friend and I shared a bunch of different dishes all were unique in flavour and all were superb.

Summer Love Martini

Beginning a meal here may include ordering a cocktail from their inventive list such as the Summer Love Martini ($9) – soho Lychee liquer, vodka, strawberry puree, pineapple juice; or one of the Japanese beers.

Edamame

Ebi Avocado Salad

Yaki Kamo

Saba Yakisakana

Ebi Mayo

Yaki Udon

Chan Chan Yaki

To start we had the Edamame ($4.35) marinated chilled soybeans; then the refreshing Ebi Avocado Salad ($8.95) prawns and avocado with organic greens in a citrus dressing; followed by the Yaki Kamo ($11.95) roasted duck breast, grainy mustard, miso pickled beets and cauliflower a great suggestion by our server; the Saba Yakisakana ($6.25) with ponzu and salt was something very different, I have never had Saba before and again the server strikes gold in convincing me to try it; next was my favourite Ebi Mayo ($7.75) tempura prawns tossed in a spicy mayonnaise sauce and here it was done to perfection lightly tossed in the sauce (without all the extra mayo that many of the other Izakaya places do); this then followed with the Yaki Udon ($8.50) thick udon noodles, stir fried with chicken and vegetables; Chan Chan Yaki ($9.50) local spring salmon, rice, miso mushroom sauce (daily Ishiyaki), I loved this dish, oh how I loved this dish.

Black Sesame Ice Cream

Matcha Brulee

For dessert, we had 2 selections that included the delicious Black Sesame ice cream ($4.50) and the Matcha Brulee ($6.25) topped with a goose berry.

Each day there is a fresh sheet with daily specials to go along with the regular menu, order a few dishes with your friends, share and enjoy!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Yaletown Tags: , , , , , , No Comments »

BUZZ CAFE

January 4th, 2010 admin

901 Homer Street, Vancouver

604-732-9029

Web: n/a

Advice: great prices for their espresso.

Looking for some inspiration? This is a great place to visit not only for their 49th Parallel coffee, if you are in need of a creative spark like I have been on a few occasions this is an ideal spot to go. The café is located inside the Harrison Art Gallery, and features wireless internet, comfy conches and seating throughout the café and into the gallery. In addition to the great coffee there is a good selection of teas along with baked goods and sandwiches. The service is friendly and the pace is relaxed, bring a book or bring your laptop and get creative.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

GOLDFISH PACIFIC KITCHEN

December 18th, 2009 admin

Don Julio 11.16.09 053

UPDATED 3/4/12 BUSINESS HAS CLOSED

1118 Mainland Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-689-8318

Web:  www.goldfishkitchen.com

Advice: Make reservations for lunch and dinner.

Crispy Tofu

Crispy Tofu

Whole Leaf Romaine

Whole Leaf Romaine

With a menu that is asian inspired, this sleek room offers up a wonderous aray of tasty dishes and amazing flavours. On my most recent dining adventure my friend and I shared our starters and then went in our own direction with the entrees. Our lunch, sharing began with the Crispy Tofu ($6) ginger crisped tofu with chile jam and spiced hoisin sauce was tantalizing along with the Whole Leaf Romaine ($5 half size) with creamy garlic dressing, crispy bacon, and five-spice sambal croutons.

Shanghai Noodles & Winter Vegetables

Shanghai Noodles & Winter Vegetables

Flash Seared Ahi Tuna Sandwich

Flash Seared Ahi Tuna Sandwich

For my entree I had the Shanghai Noodles & Winter Vegetables ($15) with chicken breast; my friend Jason had the Flash Seared Ahi Tuna Sandwich ($14) with sweet onion marmalade and sweet onion relish that was served with a side of fries and rocking garlic aioli that I had to try and try again.

White Chocolate & Jasmine Creme Brulee

White Chocolate & Jasmine Creme Brulee

For dessert we both shared their White Chocolate & Jasmine Creme Brulee ($8) with ginger short bread cookies. Sean was our server and he provided the most excellent service and guidance with exceptional knowledge of each of the dishes answering our every question with impromtu detail. I’ve dined here for dinners and other events over the years and always enjoy the unique flavours and dishes. They have an unparalleled wine list which is extensive for whites and reds as well as an inventive list of cocktails.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Yaletown Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment »

SALSA & AGAVE

December 5th, 2009 admin

SalsaAgave 003

1223 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver

Tel:  604-408-4228

Web: n/a

Advice: Take out is always an option if there are no available seats. No reservations.

Chips and Salsa

Chips and Salsa

Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas

One of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the city, this casual restaurant is not large by any means, the draw here is the consistently delicious food that brings in so many loyal customers from the neighborhood and from across the city. The menu features many of the different Mexican specialties, I have dined here many times and have tried several of the dishes, my favourites include the Mole Polano Con Pollo ($12) double chicken breast topped with mole sauce served with rice, beans and 3 soft corn tortillas; Chicken Enchiladas ($12) with red sauce, topped with melted cheese, served with Spanish rice and refried beans; and the Bean Burrito ($8). Since the restaurant is often full (limited seating) I have often gone the take-out route, calling in my order and then driving over to pick-up. In the Spring/Summer when the weather is good, their patio is an ideal spot for outside dining. Their daily specials are of great value which includes one of their popular entrees and a can of pop. Now that the restaurant is located down the street from Yaletown station it will be easier for people to commute to this area of the city if you are not able to drive. The menu includes soft Tacos and there is quite an extensive selection of fillings, Tortas, Tostadas, Sopes, Burritos, rolled Tacos along with soups and other more hearty Mexican dishes. Enjoy one of their sodas or juices from Mexico and if you have room for dessert then have their Crepas De Cajeta ($4) crepe topped with Mexican milk caramel.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Yaletown Tags: , , No Comments »

SOCIETY

November 20th, 2009 admin

Society Opening 10.29.09 022

1257 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-629-8800

Web:  http://www.society-grg.ca

Advice: Ask your server for drink and food suggestions and have fun.

Fernie Meatloaf Balls

Fernie Meatloaf Balls

Tomato & Buffalo Mozzarella salad

Tomato & Buffalo Mozzarella salad

A dining lounge that is upbeat, sophisticated, fun and glam with great food and drink to celebrate, downstairs dining is mostly table service where the upstairs is mostly for lounging on appies, drinks and desserts. Society is all about having fun and this goes all the way from the Candy Floss drinks to the food to the desserts, if you are with a group of friends you may want to order up the Junk Food Platter for dessert and share. The décor is mostly black with two bright pink chandeliers that are the star attraction of the room. The menu was chock full of dishes and so tempting that my friend and I ordered a variety of items some to share and some to devour on our own. Started off with a couple of drinks, I had the Chocolate Mint Milkshake ($8) and my friend had the Amaratta Manhattan Cocktail ($8). Our first appetizer was the Fernie Meatloaf Balls ($7) in a tasty tomato sauce. Next up was the Tomato & Buffalo Mozzarella salad ($8) a colorful array of tomatoes which was a good size for sharing.

French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup

The chef suggested we try his French Onion Soup ($10) which is made with veal bones for the stock, how could we pass up a suggestion from the chef, since we both wanted to try the soup we asked to him to serve the one portion into two.

Lobster Gnochi

Lobster Gnochi

BBQ Beef Ribs

BBQ Beef Ribs

Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower Gratin

Now it was time for the entrees and we had the Lobster Gnochi ($18) -1/2 Atlantic lobster, tarragon cream, Parmesan crust and the BBQ Beef Ribs ($18) with tomato cucumber salad, we added a vegetable side and went with the Cauliflower Gratin ($6) parmesan cream.

Maple Bourbon Bread Pudding

Maple Bourbon Bread Pudding

Rocky Road Brownie Parfait

Rocky Road Brownie Parfait

Doughnut Holes

Doughnut Holes

At this point my friend and I were quite full, so I had another friend join us for dessert, we changed tables and shared 3 of the spectacular desserts, we enjoyed all of them but the one that was a star was the Maple Bourbon Bread Pudding ($8) brioche, bourbon butterscotch, the other two we shared was the Doughnut Holes ($8) filled with white chocolate with a pink creme anglaise for dipping and the Rocky Road Brownie Parfait ($8) ice cream, marshmallows, brownie, prailine, chocolate sauce. Since it is fairly loud inside with music playing and the customers talking, if you are looking for a quieter more intimate dining experience then head outside to the heated patio.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Yaletown Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment »
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