Posts Tagged ‘Desserts’

MAHONY & SONS

1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Tel: 604-647-7513

Web: www.mahonyandsons.com

Twitter: @MahonyAndSons

Advice: Many different areas of seating for larger and small groups alike. Reservations needed for large parties.

Sitting at the foot of the harbour overlooking Canada Place, this Irish public house not only offers great views of the North Shore and Burrard Inlet, they also offer a bustling dining area.

Irish Beer Sampler

Cheddar Jack Nachos

I have dined here on a few occasions, most recently I had their Irish Beer Sampler ($8.75) featuring 4 6oz glasses of each of the Guinness, Kilkenny, Smithwicks and Harp to have with their huge platter of Cheddar Jack Nachos ($21.90) tomatoes, jalapenos, pico de gallo salsa, sour cream and guacamole.

Irish Stew

Braised Short Rib Sliders

Gnocchi

I love the outstanding Irish Stew ($19.95) slow simmered lamb shank and vegetables in a Guinness demi-glaze with mashed potatoes. I also have enjoyed the tender Braised Short Rib Sliders ($13.95) with garlic aioli and crispy onions; as well as the delicious Gnocchi ($14.95) handmade gnocchi, basil mushroom cream sauce, truffle oil and parmesan cheese.

Butterscotch Sticky Date Pudding

I have only had one dessert as I am often quite full after dining here, I loved the hearty Butterscotch Sticky Date Pudding($7.95) with vanilla bean ice cream. You’ll find an authentic Irish experience along with Irish food, drink and music!

Review By: Richard Wolak

BONETA

12 Water Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-684-1844

Web: http://www.boneta.ca/

Twitter: @bonetavan

Advice: Hidden off of Water Street in the back of the courtyard, reservations in advance are suggested.

Deep Fried Octopus Chips

Side Local Green Salad

Hidden off the beaten track of Gastown is foodie heaven, food lovers unite at this very well run establishment of exciting flavours whether it be for food or drink. The menu ever changing always offers wonderful dishes and flavours. In for dinner recently with a friend, I had the outstanding Deep Fried Octopus Chips ($6) thinly sliced Octopus with Thai Chilli & Lemon Dressing and my friend had the Side Local Green Salad ($6) & lemon Dressing.

Angus Beef Short Ribs

Duck Breast

For our entrees, I had the delicious Angus Beef Short Ribs ($24) Cauliflower Puree, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Kaniwa & Walnuts and he had the Duck Breast ($22) with Brussel Sprouts and Potatoes.

Jamieson Whiskey Butterscotch Pudding

Chocolate Trio

Of course dessert is a must to end my meals, and this dessert was heavenly, Jamieson Whiskey Butterscotch Pudding ($7) and my friend the Chocolate Trio ($7) chocolate ganache, chocolate ice cream,  and chocolate.

Review by: Richard Wolak

ROMANA PIZZA

4660 Hastings Street, Burnaby

Tel: 604-298-7252

Web: http://www.romanarestaurant.com

Twitter: @romanapizza

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

For over 38 years the family has been cooking fine Greek cuisine at this locale, known for their pizza which I have enjoyed previously, this visit was to eat Greek. I brought along a couple of friends Jonathan and Emmy and we embarked on a tasting and sharing adventure.

Dip Platter

Greek Salad

Kalamari

We started off the meal with the large Dip Platter ($13.50) pita, and a selection of dips the homous, spicy feta, garlic eggplant and tzatziki; followed by a wonderful Greek Salad ($10) fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, and feta; followed by the delicious Kalamari ($10) deep fried and served with tzatziki.

Spanakopita

Saganaki

Roasted Potatoes

Mousaka

Lamb Kleftiko

Chicken Thessaloniki

Next was the outstanding Spanakopita ($8) Spinach, feta, egg and dill wrapped in filo & baked; this was followed by another outstanding dish, the Saganaki ($10) Pan fried mountain sheep cheese done with a touch of ouzo. This was followed the delicious Mousaka ($16) layered ground beef, meliziano, and béchamel sauce, along with a plate of roasted potatoes. The next dish was the tender Lamb Kleftiko ($19) casserole along with the Chicken Thessaloniki ($19) tender chicken breast topped with steamed spinach, roasted vegetable sauce, feta and mozzarella.

Dessert Platter

We finished off our meal sharing a dessert platter with my favourite Eckmek and Bougatsa, both were delicious and were the perfect ending to our Greek night.

By: Richard Wolak

REVOLVER COFFEE

325 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-558-4444

Web: http://revolvercoffee.ca/

Twitter: @revolver_coffee

Advice: Choose from a couple espressos on offer, seating is limited as its often full so ask to join others and meet some fine folk.

I have always loved cafes, especially ones that excude coolness, a place that people can enjoy the best coffee while being inspired and lost in thought. Having visited on several occasions, this is one of those cafes that takes top bill in our city.

Espresso Macchiato

Each time I have had an Espresso Macchiato, as it’s my go to espresso beverage of choice. I have eaten cookies as well as muffins on various visits, they have got sweets and coffee and that pretty much sums it up along with some tea!

They are smart about their coffee choices, customers have the choice of two for their espresso based drinks where you can choose from Ritual Coffee or Phil & Sebastian. They also have different roasters coffees available (always changing) with five brewing methods to choose: steel filter; Aeropress; siphon, clever or French press.

Review by: Richard Wolak

NOVO PIZZERIA

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

ANATOLI SOUVLAKI

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

WEST

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

THE MAC SHACK

5395 West Boulevard, Vancouver

Tel: 604-267-4225

Web: www.themacshack.ca

Twitter: @the_mac_shack

Advice: If you are going with a friend and having any of the Mac & Cheese dishes then share a medium size or get 2 smalls and share.

West Coast Salad

Having a Mac & Cheese growing up was never as fun as my recent visit to The Mac Shack for dinner. My friend Cassandra Anderton joined me to indulge in Mac & Cheese oooey gooey cheesy goodness! We started with some greens and each had a small West Coast Salad ($5) with tossed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, mushrooms and honey roasted pecans served with a light raspberry vinaigrette.

Lobster Mac

The Ultimate

Build Your Own

Bread Dippers

Next, we shared 3 of the Ultimate size of Mac & Cheese, all were served in large cast iron pans, the first was the outstanding Lobster Mac ($18) with asiago & Canadian cheddar, lobster meat, oyster mushrooms, lemon, dill, truffle oil and roasted garlic in a cream sauce. The second was The Ultimate ($16) with bacon, bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, with Mozzarella and Gruyere cheese in a tomato sauce. Third, was a Build Your Own ($16), which I built using the healthiest of ingredients on offer, ours had Aged cheddar and Asiago, along with whole wheat pasta, broccoli, caramelized onions, and mushrooms in a tomato sauce. We also added an order of Bread Dippers ($ .90) that perhaps was adding more carbs into the mix that we could have done without.

The Squish

The Skillet Brownie

We both thought dessert was in order to round up our comforting meal. We both shared The Squish ($4.75) double chocolate chip cookies filled with vanilla ice cream with a raspberry coulis, however it was the 2nd dessert that was the clear favourite for us both, The Skillet Brownie ($5.90) double chocolate brownie warmed in a skillet topped with vanilla bean gelato and drizzled with raspberry coulis.

The Mac Shack has taken Mac & Cheese to a new level, with the best cheese and quality ingredients this is surely Mac & Cheese that you are going to want to eat time and time again.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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