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Posts Tagged ‘Best’

Best Restaurants for the Kids

November 15th, 2012 admin

If you have kids or are an Aunt or Uncle like me, you may be curious as to where you can take children, there are cafes and restaurants around Vancouver that welcome children as well as their accompanying adults! Here are some of those places!

Note: these places are in no particular order.

Sweet Salt Bakery Café

1)    Sweet Salt Bakery Café

Located at 3497 Fraser Street in Vancouver, open Tuesday – Saturday from 8am – 5pm.  They feature German baked goods and delectables and they offer a Playscapes area for children. You can find them on the web at http://sweetsalt.ca/ or on Twitter: @SweetSaltBakery

2)    Little Nest

Located at 1716 Charles Street in Vancouver, open from 9am to 4pm – 7 days a week! Their kitchen closes at 3pm daily, they are still open for coffee, tea and sweet things until 4pm. Parent-friendly cafe and play area with toys and games for the kids. You can find them on the web at http://www.littlenest.ca/ or by Phone at  604-251-9994.

3)    Rocky Mountain Flatbread

They have Two Vancouver Locations: 4186 Main Street & 1876 W 1st Avenue, open daily for lunch and dinner.  Every Sunday & Monday, bring the kids who can make their own pizza from 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm for $6.95.  Pizza making involves rolling out the dough, spreading tomato sauce and adding your favourite toppings. There is also a play kitchen for kids to enjoy! You can find them on the web at http://www.rockymountainflatbread.ca/ and on Twitter @Flatbreadco

4)    Kokopelli Café

Located at 4593 Dunbar Street in Vancouver. Open daily for lunch and dinner. There is a play area for kids and all kid menu items come with carrot sticks, not fries. You can find them on the web at http://kokopellicafe.ca/ or phone them at 604-228-0818.

5)    Café du Soleils

Located at 2096 Commercial Drive in Vancouver, open daily from morning until late night. By day they welcome families. There is a large stage area where kids can play and draw with chalks on the black board. You can find them on the web at http://www.cafedeuxsoleils.com/ or by Phone at 604-254-1195.

6)    The Outpost Café

Located at 3992 Fraser Street in Vancouver, they are open daily from 9am onwards. Children are welcome here where they will find a big rug on the floor, toys and children’s books.  You will also find a kid-friendly menu with kid’s mac and cheese, covers on the electrical outlets, and a fold-out change table in the bathroom. You can find them on the web at www.theoutpostcafe.ca and on Twitter @TheOutpostcafe

7) Fray Restaurant

Located at 3980 Fraser Street in Vancouver. Open Tuesday – Sunday. You will find crayons and activity sheets on each table, with pop art gags like colouring in Henry Rollin’s tattoos or draw on the hairstyles of Arcade Fire. You will also find stacks of board games in the corner, including Jenga, Settlers of Catan and many other classics. They also offer a small menu for the kids including soup, steamed veggies, beef burger, pasta, mac and cheese, plus homemade ice cream. You can find them on the web at www.fray.me or on Twitter @FrayonFraser

8)  Café Du Soleil

Located at 1393 Commercial Drive in Vancouver. Open Monday – Friday from 8am – 4pm and on weekends from 9am – 5pm. Offers a play area for kids. You can find them on the web at http://www.cafedusoleil.ca/ or by phone at 604-254-1145.

 

Have I missed any of your favourite places in Vancouver that area Kid-Friendly? Feel free to add your comment here and name the place and their location, and why you think they are the best!

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, The BEST List Tags: , , , , 1 Comment »

Vancouver Foodster Best Burger Challenge

November 5th, 2012 admin

Welcome to the 1st ever Vancouver Foodster Best Burger Challenge. I have invited restaurants from all over the city to enter their burger into this challenge, some restaurants have their burger on their menus and others have created a special burger just for this challenge. Their  burger creation could be simple to fancy, using unique and innovative ingredients, any type of meat (such as beef, bison, lamb, chicken, turkey or other) or fish or even veggie! Each restaurant will be featuring their burger from November 5-30th, if you don’t see it on the menu just ask the Manager or Chef and they will make it for you.

Get some friends together and make a night of it, visit 3 restaurants or more to share and taste the different burgers or go solo or with a friend – just remember to visit http://vancouverfoodster.com/burger-challenge/   come back to VOTE for your favourites between November 28-December 3rd.

Voting criteria -  some things to help you judge your favourite burgers – keep these things in mind: originality, creativity, uniqueness, traditional, non-traditional, price, value and most importantly taste.

Tweeting: Include our twitter address and hashtag whenever possible in your tweets.

@VanFoodster #BestBurgerChallenge

Here are the 29 Burgers in this challenge, listed in no particular order other than when they were received by us.

 

Hidden Restaurant 

Hidden Burger

Hidden Burger

Main Protein: Angus Beef

Description:  A Certified Angus Beef patty topped with crispy smoked bacon, aged white cheddar, caramelized onion, tomato and butter lettuce served on a whole wheat kaiser bun with roasted garlic aioli. Served with your choice of fries or salad.

Price: $16.00

Created by: Executive Chef Matthew Richmond.

Offered:  both lunch and dinner.

Location: 433 Robson Street in The Westin Grand

Tel: 604-647-2521

Twitter: @HiddenVancouver

Web: www.hiddenvancouver.ca

 

 The Dockside Restaurant

Pork and Shrimp Banh Mi Burger

Pork and Shrimp Banh Mi Burger

Main Protein: Medium Grind Pork Shoulder and chopped Tiger Prawns

Description:  This burger has all the elements of a typical Bahn Mi sandwich. The patty is basically Pork Shumai filling with chopped prawns, it is fire grilled and served with pickled vegetable, cilantro and hoisin-soy mayo on a brioche bun.  The one pictured has a side of Dockside Warm Caesar Salad with Charred Lemon, but can be accompanied by The seven Leaf Salad of House Cut Fries.

Price: $16.00

Created by: Executive Chef Simon James McNeil

Offered:  11:00 am to 10:00 pm in

The Dockside Restaurant and The Dockside Lounge at the Granville Island Hotel.

Location: 1253 Johnston Street, Vancouver

Twitter: @eatdockside

Tel: 604-685-7070

Web: http://www.docksidebrewing.com

 

 BierCraft

BierCraft Burger

BierCraft Burger

Main Protein: Beef-fresh ground chuck

Description:  Fire grilled, house-made burger, toasted kaiser, crispy onions, lettuce, tomato, citrus aoli and your choice of fries or

salad. Served with Andelouse dip for fries.

Price: $12 at Lunch, $14 at Dinner

Created by: Chef Stephen Chadband

Offered:  This burger is regularly on our lunch and dinner menu

Location: 1191 Commercial Drive, Vancouver and 3305 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Twitter: @biercraft

Web: http://biercraft.com

 

 Black + Blue Steakhouse

The B+B Burger

The B+B Burger

Main Protein: PEI Blue Ribbon Beef

Description:  PEI Blue Ribbon Beef Burger with side salad or fries and a cup of the soup of the day.

Price: $14.00

Created by: Chef Jason Labahn

Offered:  Lunch

Location: 1032 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Phone: 604-637-0777

Twitter: @Glowbal_Group

Web:  http://www.glowbalgroup.com/blackblue/

 

Society Restaurant 

The Meat Sweats Burger

The Meat Sweats Burger

Main Protein: Prime Rib Beef

Description:  Prime Rib Beef Burger with bacon, aged cheddar, onion ring, pulled pork, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, society signature sauce; with side fries and house made ketchup.

Price: $16.95

Created by: Chef Thea Anderson

Offered:  Available Friday lunch and Mon – Sun dinner

Location: 1257 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Twitter: @Glowbal_Group #society

Web: http://www.glowbalgroup.com/society/

 

 George Ultra Lounge

The George Porchetta Burger

The George Porchetta Burger

Main Protein: In-house ground Alberta AAA New York striploin

Description:  A six ounce AAA beef burger on a house baked bun topped with paradise valley, BC pork porchetta, remoulade, spiced gherkin aioli and fire roasted roma tomato jam. Served with hand cut frites, a sweet gherkin and a salad of baby greens in a sweet shallot vinaigrette.

Price: $18.00

Created by: Chef Chris Bisaro

Offered:  Offered at dinner from 5pm Monday – Saturday

Location: 1137 Hamilton Street,  Vancouver

Tel: (604) 628-5555

Twitter: @georgelounge

Web: http://georgelounge.com/

 

 Dunns Famous

Reuben Burger

Reuben Burger

Main Protein: Heritage Angus Ground Chuck, no filler and Montreal Smoked Meat

Description:  Using ingredients from an original recipe, the Reuben Burger is piled high with a 100% no filler 6 oz. angus burger, warm sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on a brioche burger bun.  The Reuben Burger is served with fresh hand cut fries, Dunn’s original coleslaw & dill pickle.

Fries can be substituted for a house salad or feature soup for no additional charge

Price: $13.50

Created by: Chef Alex Brown

Offered:  for Lunch & Dinner, 11am-12pm Sunday-Thursday, 11am-1pm Friday & Saturday

Location: 827 Seymour Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-682-8938

Twitter: @DunnsFamousBC

Web:  http://www.dunnsfamousbc.com

 

Establishment Tapas & Lounge

Bison Sliders

Bison Sliders

Main Protein: Bison

Description:  Three tender and juicy bison sliders  topped with port-wine cheddar cheese, cranberry onion relish, and a fresh beet aioli, served on a sweet brioche bun.

Price: $16.95

Created by: Chef Victor Bongo

Offered:  Offered during dinner service, Tuesday through Sunday, 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Location: 3162 West Broadway, Vancouver

Twitter: @EstLounge

Web:  http://www.estlounge.com/

 

 The Whip Restaurant

Holey Chuck Burger

Holey Chuck Burger

Main Protein: Certified Angus Beef

Description:  Black Angus beef brisket and ground chuck patty with a Napa Valley cabbage coleslaw, grilled corn beef and melted Swiss on a freshly baked sesame poppy seed brioche. Served with your choice of French fries, yam fries or mixed greens.

Price: $14.50

Created by: Chef Andre Tremblay

Offered:  Available Lunch and Dinner.

Location: 209 East 6th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-874-4687

Twitter: @WhipRestaurant

Web: http://TheWhipRestaurant.com

 

The Fray

Triple Threat Burger

Triple Threat Burger

Main Protein: Beef

Description:  7oz all lean ground beef patty with our secret seasonings layered with Monterey Jack cheese, sautéed mushrooms, battered and deep fried banana pepper rings, crispy onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo and our chefs top secret jalapeño and pickle relish. All this rests on a custom made cobs bakery bun. Comes with your choice of salad, hand-made rosemary crisps or fries.

Price: $14.95

Created by: Head Chef Kelly Maley

Offered:  Lunch and Dinner.

Location: 3980 Fraser Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-558-FRAY

Twitter: @FrayOnFraser

Web:  http://fray.me/

 

Max’s Burgers

The Local

The Local

Main Protein: Beef

Description:  70/30 grass fed/finished ground beef from the Honest Butcher and herb smoked bacon from Woodland Smokehouse, served with side of fries.

Price: $15.00

Created by: Chef Travis Redpath

Offered:  All the time.

Location: 521 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-873-6297

Twitter: @MaxsBurgersVan

Web:  http://maxsburgers.ca

 

Ceilis Irish Pub

Belfast Burger

Belfast Burger

Main Protein: Alberta pasture grazed grain finished cattle raised with no hormones and no antibiotics ground beef.

Description:  Spring Creek, Alberta half pound, hand pressed beef with no hormones or antibiotics and is a gluten free patty. Maple peppered bacon, sautéed mushrooms, stout & ale onion ring, melted Canadian aged white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, garlic aioli, homemade roasted red pepper relish, and a pickle spear served on a sesame brioche bun with shoestring french fries. (Can be substituted for a gluten free bun)

Price: $16.75

Created by: Chef Tyler Goddard

Offered:  offered all day and night!

Location: 1774 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-697-0990

Twitter: @CeilisKitsilano

Web:  http://www.ceilis.com

 

Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant

The Mistress

The Mistress

Main Protein: Beef and Pork

Description:  Burger Bun made specially by La Baguette  on Granville Island for the Blue Canoe all other ingredients made fresh in house, served with house cut kennabec fries. Served with a glass of Red Truck Ale, brewed in North Vancouver.

Price: $15.00

Created by: Executive Chef Danilo Ibarra

Offered:  All day

Location: 140-3866 Bayview Street, Richmond

Tel: 604-275-7811

Twitter: @bluecanoeresto

Web:  http://www.bluecanoerestaurant.com

 

The District

The Barnyard Bites Back

The Barnyard Bites Back

Main Protein: AAA Beef

Description:  The animals are back with a vengeance. Our house-ground beef tenderloin burger topped with creamy goat’s cheese, crispy Capicola ham, rich duck confit, a fried hen’s egg, caramelized red onion, pickles, artisanal greens, and a delectable cranberry & bacon aoli all piled atop a toasted Kaiser bun. Served with choice patat friet or salad.

Price: $19.50

Created by: Chef Kenny Kyle

Offered:  Dinner, starting at 4PM

Location: 13 Lonsdale Avenue,  North Vancouver

Tel: 778-338-4938

Twitter: @districtsocial

Web:  http://www.thedistrictsocial.com/

 

Street Meet Food Truck

Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich

Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich

Main Protein: Fraser Valley Pork Shoulder, that has been brined overnight and roasted for 8.5 hours.

Description:  Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich, Local Apple Chutney, Coleslaw and Dijon Aioli. Comes with our homemade potato chips

Price: $10.00

Created by: Chef Alessandro Vianello and Chef Mike Carter

Offered:  Lunch and Events, whenever we are open.

Location: Burrard  & Pender Street

Twitter: @StreetMeetTruck

Web:  www.streetmeettruck.ca

 

Dundarave Fish Market

Ocean Wise Halibut Burger

Ocean Wise Halibut Burger

Main Protein: Ocean Wise Halibut

Description:   Ocean Wise Halibut, prosciutto, house made tomato relish, onion rings, organic baby greens, tomato & mayonnaise

Price: $15.00

Created by: Chef Lawrence Phillips

Offered:  Offered all the time!

Location: 2423 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

Tel: 604-922-1155

Twitter: @DFishMarket

Web:  http://www.dundaravefishmarket.com/

 

Bob Likes Thai Food 

Bob’s Slopping Burger

Bob’s Slopping Burger

Main Protein: Pork

Description:  Stir fried minced pork with Thai basil, green bean, chili, garlic, onion on wheat bun with organic greens, tomato with deep fired taro roots. Topped with mayo and house made plum sauce and chili.

Price: $11.00

Created by: Tai Keattivanichvily

Offered:  All day

Location: 3755 Main Street & 1521 West Broadway, Vancouver

Twitter: @boblikethaifood

Web: http://www.boblikesthaifood.com/

 

EBO Restaurant

Classic EBO Burger

Classic EBO Burger

Main Protein: House Ground Chuck

Description:  House Ground Chuck, Gelderman Farms Double smoked bacon, Brie De Meaux, Onion and Mustard jam, Fresh brioche, Hazelemer Farms Organic Russet Potato Crisps, Yeti’s BBQ spice, Truffle Aioli.

Price: $12.00 including accompaniment

Created by: Chef Dan Craig

Offered:  All day and night.

Location: 4331 Dominion Street, Burnaby

Twitter: @EBOrestaurant

Web:  http://www.eborestaurant.com/

 

Hyde Restaurant

The Tokyo Burger

The Tokyo Burger

Main Protein: Beef

Description:  Beef burger topped with shoe string yam tempura, chopped nori, wasabi mayo, pickled ginger and traditional lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickle on brioche bun. Served with choice of fries or house salad.

Price: $11.00

Created by:

Offered:  burger is offered during all open kitchen hours

Sunday, Monday: 3pm-11:30pm, Tuesday – Thursday: 4pm-12:30am, Friday: 12pm-12:30am, Saturday: 11am-12:30am

Location: 2960 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-709-6215

Twitter: @hyderestaurant

Web:  http://hyderestaurant.com/

 

Luke’s Kitchen

Luke’s Veggie Burger with Fried Pickles and Peppers

Luke’s Veggie Burger with Fried Pickles and Peppers

Main protein: Veggie burger with main ingredient being quinoa.

Description: Our signature home-made veggie burger topped with our famous fried pickles and jalapeno peppers, with caramelized onions, B.C. white cheddar, wild mushrooms, dill pickle, arugula, tomato and bang bang mayo, on a brioche bun.  Served with Yam Fries.

Price: $14.99

Created by: Chef Megan Martin

Offered: Every day lunch and dinner.

Location: 2996 Granville Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-733-5699

Twitter: @LukesGranville

Web:  http://www.lukescornerbar.com

 

Ace Burger Bar

Ace Coffee Rub Burger

Ace Coffee Rub Burger

Main Protein: Beef

Description: Our signature beef patty spiced with a coffee rub topped d with butter thyme onions and smoked gouda.

Price: $10.99

Created by: Chef Steve Green

Offered: all hours we are open.

Location: 550 Nelson Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-566-9949

Twitter: @aceburgerbar

Web: www.aceburgers.com

 

The Rumpus Room

Breakfast Waffle Burger

Breakfast Waffle Burger

Main Protein: Free range Beef

Description:  Breakfast waffle burger is a delicious house made hand pressed 6oz free range beef patty. Smothered in real cheddar cheese and topped with bacon, tomato, lettuce, house aioli and an egg served sunny side up. All between two gorgeous waffles. Served with a side of hash browns and syrup.

Price: $14.00 with side

Created by: all the staff

Offered:  Daily before 4pm. And usually if you know about it you can ask for it any time ;)

Location: 2689 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-839-5780

Twitter: @RumpusRoomMain

Web:  http://www.RumpusRoom.ca

 

Gramercy Grill

Gramercy Grilled Cheddar Cheese Beef Burger

Gramercy Grilled Cheddar Cheese Beef Burger

Main Protein: Beef

Description:  with lettuce, tomato, red onion & chipotle mayo served with house cut Yukon Gold french fries.

Guests may add mushrooms, bacon or a fried egg $1.25 each.

Price: $14.00

Created by: Chef Dennis Huang

Offered:  during all of our regular business hours.  We are open 11 am everyday except Sundays we are open at 10 am.  Last seating for Dinner is 8:30pm Sunday thru Thursday and 9pm Friday & Saturday.

Location: 2685 Arbutus Street,  Vancouver

Tel: 604-730-5666

Twitter: @gramercygrill

Web:  http://www.gramercygrill.ca/

 

Fish Cafe

Blackened Salmon Burger Extraordinaire

Blackened Salmon Burger Extraordinaire

Main Protein: Salmon

Description:  a fillet of blackened salmon on grilled potato scallion focaccia shmeead with house made tartar sauce and mixed greens, sliced tomato, grilled mushrooms and caramelized onions and a pile of crispy hot fries.

Price: $15.95

Created by: Chef Marcus Stiller

Offered:  lunch and dinner

Location: 2053 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-267-3474

Twitter: @FishCafe

Web:  n/a

 

Catch 122

The Red Eye

The Red Eye

Main Protein: Burger patty consisting of sirloin, short-rib, chuck, and bacon.

Description: Sunny-Side-Up Egg on a Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Sirloin Burger, with Guacamole and Hot Sauce, served with Fries

Price: $15.50

Created by: Chefs Chris Hogan and Sean Jackson

Offered:  Brunch and dinner

Location: 122 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

Tel:  604-731-3474

Twitter: @Catch122

Web: http://www.catch122.ca/

 

Hub Restaurant

Border Run

Border Run

Main Protein: Beef

Description:  A juicy 8oz lean ground beef a chorizo patty grilled and served on a toasted pretzel bun with black bean salsa, creamy cheese blend and fried pickles.

Price: $16.00

Created by: Chef Bret Hewitt

Offered:  All day

Location: 1165 Mainland Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-696-0400

Twitter: @hubrestaurant

Web:   http://hubrestaurant.ca/

 

Portland Craft

Portland Craft Burger

Portland Craft Burger

Main Protein: Beef

Description:  House made 6oz organic patty with aged cheddar, basil and pickled beets, as well there is a frozen puck of herb and garlic butter that infuses the burger as it cooks.

Price: $14.00

Created by: Chef Zach Poole

Offered:  Dinner only

Location: 3835 Main Street, Vancouver

Twitter: @Portland_Craft

Web:   http://www.portlandcraft.com/

 

Whet 

Whet Burger

Whet Burger

Description of burger: House-made 7oz patty,  fries, chimichurri.

Main protein -  ground chuck 7oz patty

Price: $15.00

Created by: Chef Peter Gray

Offered: 11AM to 10PM daily

Location: 1517 Anderson Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-696-0739

Twitter: @Whetkitchenbar

Web:  http://whet.ca/

 

 Tap & Barrel

PB&J Burger

PB&J Burger

Main Protein: Beef

Description:  signature potato bun, DHG patty 7oz CAB chuck, chipotle peanut butter, bacon jam, lettuce, tomato, onion topped with a fried dill pickle.

Price: $15.00

Created by: Chef Rob Holland

Offered:  Lunch and Dinner daily.

Location: 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver

Tel: 604-685-2223

Twitter: @tapandbarrel

Web:  http://www.tapandbarrel.com

Make sure you pick up one of the Burger Challenge postcards available at each of the participating restaurants and keep a record of your favourite burgers. Remember to Vote for your favourites from November 28-December 3 at http://vancouverfoodster.com/burger-challenge/

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Challenges, Latest Tags: , , 5 Comments »

Best Hidden Patios in Vancouver

May 16th, 2012 admin

Vancouver is fortunate to have some great restaurants with outdoor patios that are secluded and hidden off the beaten track. This list represents some of the Best hidden patios in the city that you are going to love.

Note: these places are in no particular order.

Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

1)    Reflections in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Located at 801 West Georgia Street on the 4th floor by the side elevator from the lobby. Open daily from noon til late. For reservations please telephone 604.673.7043 and for menus and more information visit www.rosewoodhotelgeorgia.com

2)    Ki Modern Japanese Restaurant (updated – note: this restaurant closed in 2012)

Located at 1121 Alberni Street next to the Shangri-La Hotel, entrance off of Alberni Street, up 1 flight of stairs to the restaurant, the secluded patio is on the left side. Open daily Mon-Fri and nightly Sat-Sun. For reservations, please telephone     604-609-0600 and for menus and more information visit www.kijapanese.com/

3)    Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

Located at 615 Seymour Street through the restaurant on the main floor. Open dail. For reservations please telephone 604-605-8282 and for menus and information visit www.gothamsteakhouse.com/

4)    Gurkha Himalyan Kitchen

Located in the rear of the restaurant, entrance is inset then up the stairs at 1141 Davie Street, through the restaurant to the patio. Open daily. For reservations, please telephone 604-565-7965 and for menus and more information visit http://gurkha.ca/

5)    The Keg Yaletown

Located at 1011 Mainland Street through the restaurant and upstairs to the top level. Open nightly. For reservations, please telephone 604-633-2534 and for menus and more information visit www.kegsteakhouse.com/

 6)    Joe Fortes Restaurant

Located at 777 Thurlow Street inside through the restaurant and upstairs to the top level. Open daily. For reservations, please telephone 604-669-1940 and for menus and more information visit www.joefortes.ca/

7)    Adesso Bistro

Located at 1906 Haro Street inside through the restaurant and off to the side. Open nightly. For reservations, please telephone 604-568-9975 and for menus and more information visit www.adessobistro.net/

8)    CinCin

Located at 1154 Robson Street up the stairs inside and through the restaurant. Open daily. For reservations, please telephone 604-688-7338 and for menus and more information visit www.cincin.net/

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, The BEST List Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Poutine Challenge 2012 Winners

May 7th, 2012 admin

The first Annual Vancouver Foodster Poutine Challenge was a huge success featuring 29 poutine from 29 restaurants around Vancouver, North Vancouver and Richmond. Each restaurant featured their poutine from April 11-30th, and then the public voted between April 30th – May 6th. The poutine dishes ranged from the traditional to non-traditional.

The Winners are:

1st Place: Hidden Tasting Bar for their Butter Poached Lobster Poutine

Hidden Tasting Bar - Butter Poached Lobster Poutine

Created by Head Chef Matthew Richmond

433 Robson Street in The Westin Grand, Vancouver

Tel: 604.647.2521

Twitter: @HiddenVancouver

2nd Place: Society Restaurant for their Ultimate Poutine Supreme

Society Restaurant - Ultimate Poutine Supreme

Created by Chef Alfred Contiga who is on twitter @AlfredContiga

1257 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-629-8800

Twitter: @Glowbal_Group #society

3rd Place: The District for their The Full English Breakfast Poutine

The District - The Full English Breakfast Poutine

Created by Chef Kenny Kyle who is on twitter @kennynotkyle

13 Lonsdale Avenue  North Vancouver

Tel: (778) 338-4938

Twitter: @districtsocial

4th Place: Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar for their Rogue Poutine Trio

Rogue Kitchen - Rogue Poutine Trio

Created by Chef Cory Chapman

601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604.678.8000

Twitter: @roguewetbar

Honorable Mention:

Out of the 29 Poutine there were 4 restaurants featuring their Traditional and the first place winner from the Traditional poutine goes to Tableau Bar Bistro.

Thank you to all the chefs and restaurants that accepted my invitation and featured their poutine on the menu for the past few weeks during this challenge.

I encourage you to visit the winning restaurants to try their poutine!

Looking forward to the 2nd annual Poutine Challenge next year where I challenge chefs and their restaurants to concoct more exciting poutine dishes!

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Challenges, Latest Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments »

Best 30 New Vancouver Restaurants in 2011

December 22nd, 2011 admin

I have dined at a lot of new restaurants that have opened in 2011. These are 30 of the Best NEW Restaurants in Vancouver that newly define how we eat, drink and play.

Note: These are not in any ranking order.

 

House Guest

332 Water Street, Vancouver

Great Comfort food, music and vibe.

The Bibo Italian Restaurant

1835 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Authentic Neapolitan Italian Pizza and Pasta!

Chewie’s Steam and Oyster Bar

2201 West 1st Avenue

Delicious taste of New Orleans – Creole cooking!

Edible Canada at the Market

1551 Johnston Street, Vancouver

Art on a plate, inventive dishes, best in local.

Boneta (the new one)

12 Water Street, Vancouver

Creative dishes, flavourful, foodie paradise.

Ensemble Tap

990 Smithe Street, Vancouver

International Comfort food at play with Beer.

Hapa Umi

909 West Cordova Street, Vancouver

Modern fusion Japanese cuisine.

Black + Blue

1032 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Best steak in Vancouver, and table side classics.

Fray on Fraser

3980 Fraser Street, Vancouver

Fabulous Comfort Food with a playful spin.

Revolver Coffee

325 Cambie Street, Vancouver

4 passionate brothers who share a true love for the bean.

Go Fish Broadway

1521 West Broadway, Vancouver

Upscale Fish & Chips, inventive dishes and wonderful flavours.

Rocky Mountain Flatbread

4186 Main Street, Vancouver

Handcrafted flatbread pizzas, local and organic ingredients.

Cosca Restaurant

1118 Denman Street, Vancouver

Delicious pasta dishes.

Lanna Thai

775 Denman Street, Vancouver

Flavourful Thai dishes, a hidden gem.

Nicli Antica Pizzeria

62 East Cordova, Vancouver

Authentic Neapolitan Pizza.

The Flying Pig

1168 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Canadian Bistro, inventive dishes that are full of flavour, you will want to eat every dish.

Nelson and the Seagull

315 Carrall Street, Vancouver

Great cafe to escape, large sharing communal table.

Thierry

1059 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Chocolaterie patisserie that is divine and stunning, then there are the exquisite desserts and macarons!

Pizza Farina

915 Main Street, Vancouver

Really good pizza, that is it!

Hawksworth Restaurant

801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

Exquisite dishes, outstanding presentation and creative cocktails.

The Oakwood

2741 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Canadian bistro with inventive dishes and great flavours, craft brews on tap with a beautiful communal dining table.

Tableau Bar Bistro

1181 Melville Street, Vancouver

French bistro with delicious food, inventive cocktails and great people watching.

Pink Elephant Thai

1152 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Flavourful Thai dishes, beautiful modern decor.

Ensemble Restaurant

850 Thurlow Street, Vancouver

Exquisite food and presentation and full of flavour.

Big Lou’s Butcher Shop

269 Powell Street, Vancouver

Great tasting sandwiches with flavour in an old fashioned butcher shop.

Meat & Bread

370 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Love the communal table and the room as well as the great sandwiches!

Bob Lkes Thai Food

3755 Main Street, Vancouver

Authentic Thai, and it was very tasty, wonderful flavours and wonderful service.

Via Veneto

656 West Broadway, Vancouver

Northern Italian food, gracious and inviting.

Cento Notti

350 Davie Street, Vancouver

Italian food with a creative twist, pop-up restaurant.

Stackhouse Burger Bar

1224 Granville Street, Vancouver

Delicious burgers in a stylish room.

by Richard Wolak

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Best Foodie Events of 2011

December 21st, 2011 admin

Richard Wolak (Founder & Publisher of Vancouver Foodster) at the Miku Party

I went to a lot of different food events, openings and parties during 2011 in and around Vancouver and these are the standouts of the year.

1)    Chewies  Opening was the best restaurant opening of the year.

2)    Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown was the most entertaining event at the coolest venue that brought together some of the cities best chefs, restaurants and breweries.

3) Black & Blue Restaurant Opening was one of the most fun events of 2011 with cocktails flowing and appetizers.

4) 2011 Gold Medal Plates was the most amazing gastronomic experience.

5) Thierry Opening was the sweetest opening of the year with amazing desserts, wine and appetizers

6) Feast of Fields at Krause Berry Farms was the best afternoon of eating and drinking in the outdoors.

7) Chefs Table Dinner Party that Earls Hornby held for me and Vancouver Foodster contest winners.

8 ) Best of the West was the best food event in the best location imaginable on the wharf at Ambelside in West Van

9) Dish N Dazzle was the best food, wine and cocktail event from some of Vancouver’s finest chefs, and bartenders.

10) Summer Splash at Goldfish was the most fun event of 2011 with delicious food and festivities.

11) A Night at the Aquarium was the most incredible evening of food from some of Vancouver’s finest chefs and wine in the city’s most spectacular venue.

12) Spring Party at Miku Restaurant serving outstanding seafood.

By: Richard Wolak

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The BEST Chicken & Waffles

December 20th, 2011 admin

Chicken and waffles is a soul food dish combining waffles, a breakfast food, with (usually) fried chicken. The dish is most commonly made by serving fried chicken with a waffle, the waffle then typically being covered with butter and/or syrup. This unusual combination of foods is beloved by many people who are influenced by traditions of soul food passed down from past generations of their families. Originating in the Southern region of the USA this comfort food dish has quickly made it on to restaurant menus in and around Vancouver.

Note: The prices indicated exclude tax.

In ranking order, these are are the Best Chicken & Waffles in Vancouver:

 

1)    Tableau Bar & Bistro – FIRST PLACE

Tableau Bar & Bistro

The dish: Buttermilk fried chicken, maple syrup  & savoury waffle!

My take: The chicken was unbelievably good crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The chicken was brined for 3 days and then marinated in buttermilk over night. Personally I prefer white meat over dark and this version of the dish won me over not only for the chicken but for the savoury waffle combination as well.

Price: $15

Cuisine: French Bistro

On the regular menu: Yes on the Weekend on the Brunch menu

Chefs: Marc Andre Choquette

Location: 1181 Melville Street, Vancouver

Twitter: @tableaubistro

Web: http://tableaubarbistro.com/pdf/Tableau_Brunch_Menu.pdf

 

2)    Two Chefs and a Table – – SECOND PLACE

Two Chefs and a Table

The Dish: Polderside chicken, housemade waffles, pecan vanilla butter and syrup

My take: Even though it was a leg and a thigh, the chicken tasted very good, crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. The waffle was large and thick and the pecan vanilla butter with the maple syrup really made this dish.

Price: $13

Cuisine: Canadian

On the regular menu: Yes on the Lunch and Brunch menu

Chefs: Allan Bosomworth & Karl Gregg

Location: 305 Alexander Street, Vancouver

Twitter: @2chefsandatable

Web:  http://www.twochefsandatable.com/restaurant/brunch.html

 

3)    Hog Shack Cook House– THIRD PLACE

Hog Shack

The Dish: 3 pieces of chicken,, 2 waffles, Bacon bourbon maple syrup

My Take: Large portion of chicken, crunchy battered and fried. It was the savoury waffle with corn, scallions and cayene with the bacon, bourbon maple syrup that made this dish.

Price: $16

Cuisine: Southern Barbq

On the regular menu: No – call a minimum of 2 days in advance to special order.

Chefs: John Lim Hing

Location: 160-3900 Bayview Street, Richmond

Twitter: @hogshackca

Web:  http://www.hogshack.ca/

 

4) House Guest – FOURTH PLACE

House Guest

The Dish: bacon & pecan waffles, yogurt fried chicken, cream cheese maple syrup

My Take: The chicken was good but could have used a bit more crunch, the waffles could have been larger, there was no maple flavour in the syrup, so I would have added maple syrup on the side with the dish.

Price: $12

Cuisine: Comfort

On the regular menu: Yes on Brunch menu

Chefs: Kayla Dhaliwall

Location: 322 Water Street, Vancouver

Twitter: @housexguest

Web: http://housexguest.com/menu/

 

5) Hidden Tasting Bar  — FIFTH PLACE

Hidden Tasting Bar

The Dish: buttermilk battered fried chicken with watermelon relish and cheddar waffle

My Take: It was like a fusion version of Chicken and Waffles, I liked the cheddar waffle on its own but not with the watermelon relish. I also thought having maple syrup on the side would have been a good addition to the overall dish.

Price: $12

Cuisine: International

On the regular menu: Yes on the dinner menu

Chefs:

Location: 433 Robson Street, Vancouver

Twitter: @hiddentastingbar

Web:  http://www.hiddenvancouver.ca/

 

Apologies to other restaurants that I did not have a chance to visit for their Chicken and Waffles those are Phat Deli  and Rumpus Room!

Feel free to add your comment here with your favourite Chicken & Waffles in a Vancouver area restaurant and name the place and their location, the cost of each excluding tax and why you think they are the best!

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, The BEST List Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment »

The BEST Sticky Toffee Puddings

December 19th, 2011 admin

Sticky toffee pudding is a British steamed dessert consisting of a very moist sponge cake, made with finely chopped dates or prunes, covered in a toffee sauce and often served with a vanilla custard or vanilla ice-cream (source-wikipedia). It is considered a modern British ‘classic’, some of the versions that I had in Vancouver were twists on the classic.

Note: The prices indicated exclude tax.

In ranking order, here are the Best Sticky Toffee Pudding desserts in Vancouver:

1)   EBO Restaurant – FIRST PLACE

EBO Restaurant

The Dish: Warm Toffee, Chocolate and Date Pudding with walnuts and butterscotch, candy caramel popcorn, baked custard crisp, topped with brown butter ice cream.

My take: This was like eating a molten chocolate cake except for the inside was the sticky toffee (not chocolate) and it was absolutely heavenly.

Price: $10

On the dessert menu: Yes and its seasonal

Chefs: Romeo Maghirang and Dan Craig

Location: 4331 Dominion Street, Burnaby

Twitter: @eborestaurant

 

2)   Cactus Club – SECOND PLACE

Cactus Club Cafe

The Dish: Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Pudding  warm spice cake, brown sugar toffee sauce, topped with vanilla ice cream, hand whipped cream.

My take:  The pudding is served warm, infused with cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin. Drizzled over top of the vanilla ice cream is a sticky toffee that is unbelievable!

Price: $7

On the dessert menu: Yes and its seasonal

Chefs: Wendy Boys & Rob Feenie

Location: 575 West Broadway, Vancouver (multiple locations)

Twitter: @cactusclubcafe

 

3)   Fraiche – THIRD PLACE

Fraiche

The Dish: Sticky Toffee Pudding with toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream, fruits and gelee

My take: The presentation alone was spectacular, the sticky toffee pudding was delicious, moist, sitting in a pool of toffee sauce, and served with vanilla ice cream on the side.

Price: $9

On the dessert menu: Yes and its seasonal

Chefs: Kimberley Steele & Jefferson Alvarez

Location: 2240 Chippendale Rd, West Vancouver

Twitter: @fraichewv

 

4)   The Cascade Room – FOURTH PLACE

The Cascade Room

The Dish: Sticky Toffee Pudding with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce

My take: The serving was quite large for the price, the sticky toffee pudding was moist and delicious, the toffee sauce covered the whole pudding cake and the ice cream was the perfect accompaniment.

Price: $7

On the dessert menu: Yes

Chef: Travis Williams

Location: 2616 Main Street, Vancouver

Twitter: @cascaderoom

 

5)   The District — FIFTH PLACE

The District

The Dish: Sticky Toffee Pudding with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce

My take: It was more like a cake than a pudding as it was served in 2 large wedges, with the toffee sauce and ice cream on top. The combination of the cake, toffee sauce and ice cream tasted great.

Price: $9

On the dessert menu: Yes

Chefs: Paul Mon-Kau

Location: 13 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver

Twitter: @districtsocial

 

6)   Mahoney & Sons – SIXTH PLACE

Mahoney & Sons

The Dish: Butterscotch Sticky Date Pudding with vanilla bean ice cream

My take: The dates made it in this pudding, I would have preferred a little bit more of the sauce.

Price: $7.95

On the dessert menu: Yes

Chef: Paul Nguyen

Location: 1055 Canada Place (Vancouver Convention Centre) Vancouver

Twitter: @MahonyAndSons

 

7)    Biercraft  – SEVENTH PLACE

Biercraft

The Dish: Sticky Toffee Pudding - Warm toffee cake, sticky coconut topping, caramel, chantilly cream

My take: The pudding was more like a cake topped with the sticky coconut topping and caramel.

Price: $7.50

On the dessert menu: Yes

Chefs: Stephen Chadband

Location: 1191 Commercial Drive, Vancouver and 3305 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Twitter: @biercraft

Feel free to add your comment here with your favourite Sticky Toffee Pudding in a Vancouver area restaurant and name the place and their location, the cost of each excluding tax and why you think they are the best!

By: Richard Wolak

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