Posts Tagged ‘Breakfast’

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 »

THE PERCH

June 5th, 2011 admin

1701 Powell Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-3877

Web: http://www.eatdrinkperch.com/index.html

Twitter: @eatatperch

Advice: Play Bengo on Thursday nights, it’s like Bingo but named after Ben so it’s Bengo.

Pesto Flatbread

Thin Crust Pizza

I had high hopes for this vegan focussed restaurant when having lunch with friends recently. The room is quite funky on two levels with lots of light escaping from the large windows. My friends and I sat upstairs and ordered the Pesto Flatbread ($5) for us all to share that was too hard to eat. Since pizzas appeared to be quite popular with 2 tables surrounding us having ordered them, I decided to join them and had the Thin Crust Pizza ($11) with vegan cheese, yam, arugula, cashew on a gluten-free crust that looked good was a fairly good size for the price, though was quite bland in taste. Both of my friends had Omelettes ($7) with various fillings that again were of a good size and lacking in flavour. The music was blaring too loud for our liking, this was a restaurant not a nightclub, and it shouldn’t have taken us three requests to have the server turn down the music alas it did.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

AMERICAN GRILLE

May 31st, 2011 admin

7571 Westminster Highway, Richmond

Tel: 604-232-2804

Web: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/yvrsa-vancouver-airport-marriott-hotel/

Twitter: @marriottyvr

Advice: Solo dining is popular here and they are very accommodating. Located inside the Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel.

Scillian Gnocchi

Fraser Valley Greens

Pan Seared Halibut

It was a must for me to visit since I hadn’t eaten there in over 8 years, it’s one of those eateries that’s been consistent in serving locals and visitors. Since I was dining solo and had an appetite to try some of the dishes, I had them serve me an appetizer size of the delicious Scillian Gnocchi ($8 for appie size or $16 reg) pan seared potato gnocchi, basil, French beans, caramelized onions, olive oil, black pepper, diced tomato. Then I had the rather large Fraser Valley Greens ($6.50) mixed local Fraser Valley greens, julienne carrot, candied cashews, goat cheese, tomatoes, cabernet vinaigrette. For my main, I chose a healthy option and had the tasty Pan Seared Halibut ($23) Citrus glaze, sautéed julienne vegetables, herbed risotto.

Knickerbocker Glory

When it came time for dessert I wanted to try something different and went with an old standby that had a unique name and a story, Knickerbocker Glory ($7) a tall dish filled with scoops of gelato, hot fudge, topped with bananas, strawberry sauce, merengue, whipped cream and a touch of spearmint. Make sure that you ask the server to tell you the story on how this dessert got its name!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

THE RED WAGON

May 29th, 2011 admin

2296 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-4565

Web: http://www.redwagoncafe.com/

Twitter: @redwagoncafe

Advice: Expect to wait in line awhile during weekend brunch.

Brunching is a favourite past time for most, I like to explore different neighbourhoods and one of the best ways to do this is to go for brunch in a different neighbourhood and to then walk and explore the hood.

Pulled Pork Pancakes

I had heard about the house specialty and had to try it, the Pulled Pork Pancakes ($12) are 3 buttermilk pancakes layered with pulled pork smothered in Jack Daniels maple syrup, heavenly and well kind of filling too. You’ll find some traditional brunch fare with a twist from Benny’s to a Chicken Confit Chilaquiles chicken confit, two eggs, corn tortilla chips, salsa verde, feta, crema, and red onions and more. The lines can be long as I discovered, the wait is worth it, bring a book to read or bring your kids who can draw, they will find crayons in the red wagon!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

HIDDEN TASTING BAR

May 26th, 2011 admin

433 Robson Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-647-2521

Web:  http://starwood.webcanada.com/restaurant/?rid=5190

Twitter: @hiddenvancouver

Advice: Go with a friend and share the dishes. Located inside the Westin Grand Hotel on the 2nd floor.

Hidden off of Robson, off the hotel lobby is a somewhat secluded room awaiting your discovery. My friend Nikki joined me for dinner the other night, to enjoy some of their Libations, Hops and Cravings. First of all the menu is very well thought out, it is about having fun and amusing your palate.

Fancy Nancy

The Hef

Inukshuk Onion Rings

Cantaloupe Salad

It was the Libations aka cocktails first and she had the Fancy Nancy ($11) chambord, raspberry vodka, orange, cranberry, pineapple, lime; I had The Hef ($10) vanilla vodka, ginger liqueur, triple sec, pineapple, fizzy stuff. Then it was on to sharing a couple of their starters, we had the Inukshuk Onion Rings ($6) with a delicious smoked ketchup and a refreshing Cantaloupe Salad ($11) with goats cheese, tarragon & crispy prosciutto.

Lobster Poutine

Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich

Baked Sautéed Bay Scallop Mac ‘n Cheese

Seared Black Cod

We then changed our liquids direction and went into the Hops, Nikki had the Fruili ($7) strawberry, belgian fruit, (Belgium) beer and I had the Kronenbourg 1664 ($7) white beer (France). Then it was on to sharing a few more dishes, we had the Lobster Poutine ($10) made with thick potato wedges, cheese and chunks of lobster; then the most delicious Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich ($12), with short rib and cranberry purée; followed by the Baked Sautéed Bay Scallop Mac ‘n Cheese ($15) this dish although tasty had me a bit confused, the scallops served on the side should have been inside the Mac & Cheese; and the Seared Black Cod ($13) with an outstanding brown butter cauliflower puree, asparagus and fennel salad, lemon caper vinaigrette.

Oreo Cookie Cheesecake

Orange Infused Chocolate Tart

To finish our meal and further tempt our tastebuds we shared a couple of house-made desserts the Oreo Cookie Cheesecake ($8) and a stellar dessert that ranks high up on my favourite desserts list, Orange Infused Chocolate Tart ($8) topped with a maple gelato which was divine.

There is an ever evolving craft brew list that is global inspiring, a large wine list and inventive cocktail list and great music beats in the background. Go exploring and check out this hideway!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

CAFÉ FOR THE CONTEMPORARY ART

May 23rd, 2011 admin

140 East Esplanade Avenue, North Vancouver

Tel: (778) 340-3379

Web: http://www.cafeforcontemporaryart.com/

Twitter: @cafca140

Advice: Check out their website for their events calendar.

Anytime I am on the North Shore I stop in for a visit to this wonderful café that has an art gallery inside the café. The idea for the art gallery is to showcase local artisans and to provide customers with an escape of sorts, to walk through the exhibits while sipping espressos and other café beverages. The café is beautiful, spacious and well-layed out and has baristas who are passionate about making great coffee.

Espresso

My beverage of choice here is an Espresso ($3) that is always served with a bite size cookie. You will find a complete beverage menu of coffees, tea, and juice along with sandwiches, scones, cookies, muffins and more.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

SLICKITY JIM’S CHAT ‘N CHEW

May 8th, 2011 admin

3475 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-873-6760

Web: http://www.slickityjims.com/

Twitter: @SlickityJims

Advice: write your name on the sign at the door for your chance to wait in line until it is your turn to be seated.

It is an iconic breakfast spot for me, I began to frequent the place when they first opened in the Soma area of Main back in 1999, I would often do breakfast or brunch with friends on the weekend. In 2009 after the building burned down Slickitys was suddenly gone, hearing they were going to open a couple months ago I was ecstatic. I had breakfast on a Sunday morning recently with my friend Jason, dining in the back overlooking the park, this eatery is larger than its former, its kitchy and bright.

The Honey Man City Butter

The Morning Yearning

I had my ‘usual’, The Honey Man City Butter ($9.75) -Three slices of multigrain French toast with an effervescent cinnamon and honey-butter sauce, served with fresh fruit atop roasted potatoes and Jason had The Morning Yearning ($9.75) Two free run eggs any style with bacon, chorizo, grilled tomato, and veggie chilli, served with multigrain, rye or sourdough toast.

This is the kind of place which is one of a kind, each dish is cleverly named and the specials even more so. For breakfast you will find the classic egg dishes, from omelettes to French toast to The Benedictions. For lunch you may want to try one of their Sammie’s such as the Denizen of the Deep ($10.50) another favourite of mine that is a wild salmon fillet blackened with Cajun spices in the heat of a stark meeting between fish and pan, topped with salsa on baguette or one of their big burgers. I hear a dinner menu is going to happen soon if it hasn’t happened already. So happy that Slickity Jim’s is back!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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