Posts Tagged ‘Bar’

THE RUMPUS ROOM

February 12th, 2012 admin

2689 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-839-5780

Web: http://www.rumpusroom.ca/

Twitter: @RumpusRoomMain

Advice: Bring a small group of friends as opposed to a large group. Limited complimentary parking spots in front.

It appeared as it was games night as I entered this funky room, on one side I saw Jenga and on the other Scrabble. My friend Joe Leary joined me for some comfort food, that was not only playful and reminiscent of the 1970’s, it’s all made in house.  The room has got character and kitsch, novelty items, photos and posters inspired by the 1970’s goes hand in hand with the 1970’s inspired dishes.

Deep Fried Pickles

Chicken Wings

We started off sharing the outstanding Deep Fried Pickles ($6) Served with their homemade tartar sauce; followed by the Chicken Wings (6 for $5 or 12 for $9) and my favourite was the honey garlic and this was served with a homemade ranch dip.

Chicken & Waffles

Meatloaf

For our entrees, I had the delicious Chicken & Waffles ($12) boneless chicken marinated in their secret recipe and then deep-fried to a crispy delicious perfection. Served on top of a fresh made waffle and served with real Canadian maple syrup and butter. Joe had the delicious Meatloaf ($13) Two slices of secret recipe meat loaf smothered in home-made gravy, served with mashed potatoes and a side of peas and carrots.

Deep Fried Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Although I am not a huge fan of deep fried desserts, we both shared the Deep Fried Reeses Peanut Butter Cups ($4) is our guilty pleasure!

Before, during or after your meal you may want to invite a table mate to join you in a game of scrabble or challenge all your friends in playing one of the other games in the board game collection.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Main Street Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

NOVO PIZZERIA

February 8th, 2012 admin

2118 Burrard Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-736-2220

Web: http://www.novopizzeria.com

Twitter: @NoVoPizzeria

Advice: Located in the 5th Avenue Cinema complex. One hour free parking in the underground parking garage.

I am so there when it comes to eating at a new Italian resto, I had dinner recently with my friend and fellow writer Sarah Rowland to do some damage. Our version of damage was to taste our way through several dishes off the menu, since we were both lovers of Italian cuisine.

Burrata

Sicilian Meat Balls

To begin, we shared the tasty Burrata ($13) with olive oil, sea salt and balsamic; followed by the Sicilian Meat Balls ($8) currants, pine nuts, regianno, marinara.

Mushroom Pizza

Verdura Cotta Pizza

Next we shared the Mushroom Pizza ($17) truffled mushrooms and fontina with a tomato sauce base along with the Verdura Cotta Pizza  ($16) goat cheese, onions, artichokes, roasted peppers, fior de latte with an olive oil base. Their pizza here is Napoletana style which follows the standards for this style of pizza with the ingredients used as well as the correct type of oven and cooking methods.

Gnocchi

Sausage Orecchiette

Next we shared the Gnocchi ($18) pan fried in sage butter with mushrooms; along with the flavourful Sausage Orecchiette ($18) with home-made sausage and fennel pollen.

Nutella Calzone

Tiramisu

For me dessert is always the best part of a meal, and the Nutella Calzone ($10) is a crispy pizza dough that is filled with a warm Nutella and hazelnuts mixture, this dessert that Sarah and I shared was heavenly. So, so good it should be on the menu, it is not on the printed menu, if you want it just ask your server and they will make it especially for you.  The second dessert that we shared was the delicious Tiramisu ($10) which was good, but it was the dessert that wasn’t on the menu that as had me wanting to return for more!

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

ANATOLI SOUVLAKI

February 8th, 2012 admin

5 Lonsdale, North Vancouver

Tel: 604-985-9853

Web: http://www.anatolisouvlaki.com

Twitter: @AnatoliSouvlaki

Advice: Take a long a friend or two and share a variety of dishes.

I decided to create a couple of Greek Nights for my own personal indulgence recently and to visit a couple of long time restaurants who have been around for years. This was my first visit to Anatoli, a wonderful family run restaurant that has been serving fine Greek cuisine for over 30 years.

Dip Tasters

Greek Salad

I began the meal with the delicious Dip Tasters ($9) home-made pita, and a selection of dips the homous, eggplant and tzatziki; followed by a wonderful Greek Salad ($8) fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, feta & olives.

Spanakopita

Garithes

Saganaki

Paidakia

Kleftiko

Next was the outstanding Spanakopita ($9) Spinach, feta, herbs wrapped in filo & baked with mint – yum! This was followed by another outstanding dish, Garithes ($14) prawns and vegetables in white wine with tomato, feta and ouzo sauce.  The next dish was a known favourite that I had to try, a specialty in Greece, the rich and delicious Saganaki ($11) Pan fried mountain sheep cheese done with a touch of brandy. Next was to try the first of two lamb dishes, the Paidakia ($31) juicy flame grilled lamb chops followed by the Kleftiko ($23) another lamb dish, Shoulder of lamb braised until it melts off the bone and it was delicious.

Dessert Platter

Who could resist finishing the meal with some Greek sweets, I enjoyed all three as I savoured my way through the Veriko, Baklava and Ekmek.

The restaurant is quite large with seating throughout and very hospitable staff. Don’t take as long to visit for your first time as I did, I am looking forward to a return visit soon!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in North Vancouver Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

WEST

January 29th, 2012 admin

2881 Granville Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-738-8938

Web: http://www.westrestaurant.com/

Twitter: @westrestaurant

Advice: Be adventurous, try some of the Elements dishes or have the multi-course tasting menu.

Since Chef Quang Dang is on my top chefs to watch in 2012, I just had drop in for dinner to try his new Elements menu that I had heard was recently launched. I hadn’t eaten at West in over 6 years and was due for a return visit. This wasn’t any ordinary visit this was gastronomic heaven. The Elements menu is made up of 4 sections if you will, from sea, starch, pasture and vegetable and it makes for simpler dining, if you are dining solo or dining with friend as I did, you can experience so many more dishes and flavours by ordering a few of these and a few of those without having to follow the routine of ordering appetizers, entrees and desserts. Gerry and I did mix it up a bit, ordering some dishes off the Elements menu and others from the regular menu.

house baked rolls

Amuse

To begin we were served a complimentary plate of house baked rolls and an amuse arrived to the table to whet our palates.

Charred Vancouver Island Octopus

Salish Sea Sockeye Salmon

Marinated Scallops

Albacore Tuna

To start we had 4 dishes off the #elements menu – Charred Vancouver Island Octopus ($11.50) with Barigoule Vinaigrette followed by the exquisite Salish Sea Sockeye Salmon ($11) mountain berry cured, Ikura; then the Marinated Scallops ($5.50) with Granville Island sake and lime emulsion followed by the Albacore Tuna ($9) with ponzu gel and shiso.

“The Float” Tenderloin Soup

Chef Quang Dang surprised with a dish not yet on the menu to see our reaction, it was a brilliant idea and was delicious. “The Float” Tenderloin Soup cooked as served at the table, with dried rice noodles.

Cauliflower Soup

Hand Picked Biodynamic Greens

I then had the delicious Cauliflower Soup ($13) with wild salmon caviar, crème fraiche, truffled croutons and chives; while Gerry had the Hand Picked Biodynamic Greens ($12) with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Forraged Mushrooms

Honey Mussels

Chick Pea Croquettes

Gnocchi

Overnight Braised Short Ribs

North Arm Farm Beets

 

Brussel Sprouts

Next we had another 7 dishes off the #elements menu, starting with unique in presentation and flavour, Forraged Mushrooms ($11) ‘en Papillote’ thyme and confit Garlic; along with the outstanding Honey Mussels ($2.50 each) crispy stuffed mussels with spinach and lemon puree; Chick Pea Croquettes ($9) with mint dill yogurt. Then the outstanding Gnocchi ($18) with sage brown butter and parmesan; along with the tender and flavourful Overnight Braised Short Ribs ($14) with red onion marmalade; with the North Arm Farm Beets ($8) with hazelnuts and parsley pistou; and the Brussel Sprouts ($9) with shallot crumble.

Pineapple Brioche Tartin

Chocolate Tasting

For dessert, Gerry had the Pineapple Brioche Tartin ($13) with coconut macaroon Ice Cream and I had the heavenly Chocolate Tasting ($14.50) it was 3 individual desserts in one, warm Chocolate Cake filled Profiterole and toasted cocoa meringue; Raspberry Chocolate Almond Cake with milk chocolate semi freddo and a 75% Chocolate Ganache with raspberry compote and ice cream.

Ginger Chocolate Truffles

For the perfect ending to our outstanding dinner we were served Ginger Chocolate Truffles, a sweet finish!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in South Granville Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

CHEWIE’S STEAM AND OYSTER BAR

January 19th, 2012 admin

2201 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-558-4448

Web: http://www.chewies.ca

Twitter: @ChewiesOysters

Advice: Shuck & Suck Oyster Happy Hour 5pm-7pm daily.

Buttermilk Biscuits

I loved the open kitchen where guests can sit and watch the chefs at play, the room is long and on a split level featuring the bar and oyster bar in the rear. The restaurant is vibrant, energetic and its inspiring to see servers enjoying themselves and serving up some fine Creole cooking! Over a couple of visits I have eaten my way through many of their dishes, I have had the moist, flakey Buttermilk Biscuits ($3) herb and honey butter drizzled on both occasions.

Southern Fried Chicken

BBQ & Shrimp and Grits

Fried Okra

Cheese Grits

Their Southern Fried Chicken ($16) 2 day marinated buttermilk fried chicken, Cajun honey butter drizzle, mash & beans is an outstanding dish, as is their BBQ & Shrimp and Grits ($15) New Orleans style beer & rosemary BBQ sauce, parmesan cheese grits. I have also had the very unique and tasty Fried Okra ($5) Creole remoulade as well as their Cheese Grits ($5) parmesan, and corn meal.

French Quarter Beignets

They offer 3 very different desserts and I have had the shareable and oh so heavenly French Quarter Beignets ($6) Café Du Monde style classic beignets, chicory coffee anglaise.

Looking forward to my next visit for brunch and to trying their Chicken & Waffles!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

ENSEMBLE TAP

January 17th, 2012 admin

990 Smithe Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-566-9770

Web: http://ensembletap.com/

Twitter: @ensembletap

Advice: Watch for monthly beer dinners and other special events.

This is the second restaurant from notable Top Chef Dale Mackay and don’t be fooled by the name, Ensemble Tap is for serious beer lovers and all those who want to know more about craft brew!

This dark room is spacious with a larger area of tables and seating on the main level along with the long bar, upstairs is smaller and quieter and the ideal spot if on a date or in with a client for a social meeting. There are 15 beers on tap and the selection is a bit different than most of the other bars in the area. In addition they feature another 42 beers by the bottle, here you will find some local brews along with brews from the USA, Canada as well as Belgium.

My friend Joe Leary joined me for some comfort food which as we discovered had an International twist to the good old comfort food you may have had in other pubs.

Thai Chicken Wings

Popcorn Prawns

Asian Vegetable and Green Salad

To Start we shared the delish Thai Chicken Wings ($12) served with a Thai dipping sauce which goes hand in hand with one of 15 brews on tap. Next up we shared the tasty Popcorn Prawns ($13) with sea asparagus and spicy mayo. The next appetizer was refreshing Asian Vegetable and Green Salad ($12.50) with enoki mushrooms, cashews and black sesame seeds.

Bangers and Spaetzle

Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta

Corn Bread

For our mains, I had the Bangers and Spaetzle ($17) house made sausage, tarragon spaetzle, mushroom-onion pan gravy and onion slaw. Joe had the Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta ($17) with tomato sauce, penne pasta, chorizo and mozzarella cheese. I also had to try an order of the Corn Bread ($5) which is one of the sides.

Apple Crumble

For dessert, I had the Apple Crumble ($7.50) with bourbon raisins and vanilla ice cream while I was eyeing the Root Beer Float on the nearby table. Joe had the Key Lime Pie ($8.50) Chantilly, toasted coconut and lime zest.

The servers are up on the selection of brews, don’t be afraid to ask them for suggestions!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

CORK & FIN

December 24th, 2011 admin

221 Carrall Street  Vancouver

Tel: 604-569-2215

Web: http://corkandfin.ca/

Twitter: @corkandfin

Advice: Have the Chef’s Tasting menu.

As we all know it’s often difficult to eat at every new restaurant that opens in our food loving city, often we miss those gems that we should have visited much earlier on. It took me close to a year to visit Cork & Fin, Juliane Siu joined me for dinner, she won the SFU Marketers Night contest awarding her dinner with me. We both had the multi-course Chefs Tasting Menu ($50 per person or $75 per person with the wine pairings) that was prepared by Chef Elliott Hashimoto, I had the wine pairings and Juliane had the non-alcoholic pairings that were prepared for her by Doug Stephen to match each course.

Amuse Bouche Oyster & Crab

Ahi Tuna Carpaccio

To begin our meal, the Amuse Bouche Oyster & Crab paired with Pasqua Prosecco, Italy, NV for me and Yuzu-ade for Juliane. For our second course we had the most unique presented and delicious Ahi Tuna Carpaccio, truffle aioli, micro greens, crouton paired with the Teillery Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile 2010 and Virgin Pamplemousse for Juliane.

Lobster Bisque

Grappa & Lemon Granite

For our third course we were served the delicious and light tasting Lobster Bisque with lobster meat, chive cream paired with the Laughing Stock Chardonnay, Naramata, 2009 for and Iced Earl Grey Latte for Juliane. For our fourth course which was the Intermezzo I was served the Grappa & Lemon Granite and Juliane was served the same without the Grappa.

Sabelfish ‘Toro’

Short-Ribs

For our fifth course, the melt in our mouth Sabelfish ‘Toro’. Maple glazed daikon & carrots paired with the 8th Generation Pinot Noir Okanagan, 2010 for me and the Chamomile Sour for Juliane.  For our sixth course, the crispy braised Short-Ribs, pommes fondant, caramelized onion jus paired with Plan Pegau, Rhone Valley, France, Lot #2009 for me and Smoked Cassis for Juliane.

Chocolate Truffles

To finish our amazing meal, for our seventh course, house made Chocolate Truffles paired with the La Frenz vintage port Shiraz, 2010 for me and the Hot Dark Chocolate for Juliane.

I loved the exposed bricked room, and wonderful music playing in the background, and the gracious service. Aside from the Chefs Tasting Menu, they also have quite an extensive seafood selection, oysters, fish and meats as well as an impressive wine list.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

EDIBLE CANADA AT THE MARKET

December 20th, 2011 admin

1551 Johnston Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-682-6681

Web: http://www.ediblecanada.com/bistro.php

Twitter: @ediblecanada

Advice: Located across from the Public Market on Granville Island.

I love art and more so love art on a plate, visiting for lunch recently I indulged in both. Having had dishes created by Chef Jennifer Dodd and Tom Lee at off-site events it was a must that I dine in their restaurant.

Chicken Taco

Smoked Alberta Bison Shortribs & Frites

Since I was dining solo, I had to choose wisely, to begin I had a delicious Chicken Taco that was served open face on a crispy flat taco, topped with chicken, fresh herbs and edible flowers. I then had the outstanding Smoked Alberta Bison Shortribs & Frites ($16) with red apple, spiced pecan salad and fresh horseradish. Not only was the dish flavourful it was also colorful on the plate with an artfulness character at play and I loved the crispy fries that were cooked in duck fat.

Triple Chocolate Brownie Mousse Cake

For dessert which was the perfect finish to my meal, I had the delicious Triple Chocolate Brownie Mousse Cake ($8) with caramel, grapes and nuts.

There is an open kitchen, great bar set-up, a pantry to buy all sorts of edible goodies, along with a large amount of seating both inside and out. They also have a private space within the restaurant where they offer their market dinners when featuring visiting chefs. Already looking forward to a return visit to try some more inventive dishes!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Granville Island Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »
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