Posts Tagged ‘Foodies’

BETWEEN TWO BUNS

1271 Homer Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-336-4103

Web: http://www.betweentwobuns.ca/

Twitter: @BetweenTwoBuns

Advice: Have a creative twist of a sandwich that you would like to see on their menu, then tweet it to them and tag it #sandwichlab

Jerk-it

It’s all about the sandwiches, and the fillings are one notch above the last great sandwich you have had. The menu is pretty simple though the names of the sandwiches are far from ordinary, take names such as “The Maniac” which is all about the bacon, or “The Cheeky” which is all about the pork cheeks, or “The Hot Chick” and I know what you are thinking but that one is about a chick pea patty. I have been in a couple times in the past week, the first time I had the “Jerk-it” ($9) with jerk chicken, crispy yam and cream coleslaw. and the second time I had the “Jerk-it” see the trend, this sandwich is so good, and as the saying goes once you find something you like stick with it!

You will also find a selection of sides to choose from such as Spicy Fries, Coleslaw, Poutine and 5 pounds of Poutine, and more! I’d say you are going to get hooked and want to try all the unique sandwich concoctions these guys are coming up with!

Review By: Richard Wolak

THE UNION BAR

219 Union Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-3230

Web:  http://theunionbar.ca/

Twitter: @TheUnionBar

Advice: No reservations.

In this stylish room, this is a South East Asian eatery with a very hip look and feel. Located at the entrance of Chinatown, you will find communal tables and a bar that is filled with tropical ingredients to shake and stir those refreshing cocktails that go so well with some spicy eats.

Peanut Noodles

Bubur Cha Cha

I have always been a fan of peanut sauce or peanut anything for that matter, I had the outstanding and flavourful Peanut Noodles ($13) spinach, shiitakes, charred eggplant, sambal ginger peanut sauce followed by a very different type of dessert which is common in Asia and less common here, the Bubur Cha Cha ($7) caramelized sweet potatoes, yams and tapioca in coconut milk.

The menu is filled with an array of snacks and bowls, covering all of the regions in South East Asia, from Malaysia to Indonesia to Thailand as well as Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches; along with salads, greens and desserts. The bar menu is filled with all sorts of unique cocktails along with beer and wine.

I can’t wait to return to try the Cha Ca Fish as well as their Green Papaya Salad.

Review by: Richard Wolak

VIA TEVERE PIZZERIA

1190 Victoria Drive, Vancouver

Tel: 604-336-1803

Web: http://viateverepizzeria.com/

Twitter: @ViaTeverePizza

Advice: No reservations, closed on Mondays.

From the moment I walked in to Via Tevere I was captivated by the warmth of the room, it’s as if the restaurant has been in the neighborhood for years. From the cool ambience to the top notch service to the outstanding authentic Neapolitan pizzeria I can assure you I was impressed.

Salsiccia e Rapini Pizza

I had the outstanding Salsiccia e Rapini Pizza ($15) with fior de latte, Italian sausage and broccoli rabe. The crust is key here, it was perfect from the texture to the appearance, both on the bottom and top, along with the cheese and other ingredients this was one tasty pie. The menu is quite simple, they offer pizza as well as some antipasti selections as well as a few desserts, keeping it simple is the way to go and it’s working here.

Already looking forward to my next visit.

Review By: Richard Wolak

TRAFIQ CAFÉ & BAKERY

4216 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-648-2244

Web: http://www.trafiq.ca/

Twitter: @TrafiqCafe

Advice: Custom cakes available (call ahead)

This café is a magnet for drawing in neighborhood regulars and others that commute across town for a taste of Paris. I adore the communal tables where people can enjoy sandwiches or baked goods along with coffees. I have visited a couple of times recently and love the ambiance as well as the delicious eats and sweets.

Lemon Chicken Ciabatta & Roasted Yam Soup

I have had the Lemon Chicken Ciabatta ($7.95) with lemon aioli, tomato, lettuce, chicken breast along with a soup of the day which was the delicious Roasted Yam Soup ($5.95).

Chunky Monkey

Killer Brownie

I have also had their outstanding and heavenly Chunky Monkey ($3.25) think bananas, chocolate and brioche as well as the Killer Brownie ($2.50) that is full of chocolatey goodness.

Walnut Coffee Cake

Dulce Croissant

Vanilla Éclair

On another visit I had the moist and delicious Walnut Coffee Cake ($3.25) as well as Dulce Croissant ($2.50) filled with dulce cream along with the Vanilla Éclair ($2.75) topped with chocolate and filled with vanilla cream.

Espresso Macchiato

Baked goods always go well with an Espresso Macchiato ($2.70) and their coffee beans are from Los Beans Trading Co a local roaster.

The French-inspired patisserie also bakes their own rustic, naturally leavened breads by the ‘dough boys’ as they are known, the breads are offered fresh from the oven each morning at 9. The ʻcake ladiesʼ as they are known are baking beautiful and sumptuous cakes including a Confetti cake for the kids and adults alike.

Review By: Richard Wolak

CADEAUX BAKERY

172 Powell St. Vancouver

Tel: 604-608-8889

Web: http://cadeauxbakery.com

Twitter: @cadeauxbakery

Advice: Custom cakes to order in advance.

Mixing the best of both worlds Cadeaux features Chef Eleanor Chow’s dessert creations with espresso based beverages in her own bakeshop café. Joining me for a delightful afternoon chat were friends Avelino Santos @Food_Wine_Lover and Ali Hui @FoodWineFinder talking all things food and wine.

Sticky Bun

Espresso Macchiato

I had the outstanding Sticky Bun with yummy toffee throughout the bun as well as an Espresso Macchiato, Avelino had an Apple Danish and Ali had a Croissant.

I love there open kitchen concept where you can see all the cakes being made from the batter to the decorating you get a nice peak into their ever evolving scene. In the midst of our conversation, I stared into the pastry case looking at all the wonderful brownies, croissants, scones, chocolate truffles and most of all the London Fog Layer Cake which is my must try treat on my next visit.

Review By: Richard Wolak

SALMON & BANNOCK

1128 West Broadway, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 568-8971

Web: http://www.salmonandbannock.net/

Twitter: @SnBVancouver

Advice: Be adventurous and try some of their native dishes.

Bannock

Salmon Sampler Platter

I recently embarked on an aboriginal culinary adventure at a truly one of a kind restaurant that excels in serving home-made Aboriginal cuisine. My friend Sepy Bazzazi joined me and we began our meal with BC Nk’Mip Cellars wines along with their outstanding house-baked Bannock ($2.50) with Saskatoon berry jam, to follow we had the tasty Salmon Sampler Platter ($12.50) with indian candy, lox roll, barbeque salmon mousse, pickled wild sockeye and bannock crisps.

Wild Pacific Salmon

Bison Tacos

Our culinary adventure continued, I had the delicious Wild Pacific Salmon ($24) with creamy dill sauce with Ojibway wild rice and Sepy had the very unique Bison Tacos ($14) topped with organic greens, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream and red onions.

Berry Bannock Bread Pudding

Mixed Berry Apple Pie

Since dessert is always a must after any of my culinary adventures, we both then shared the outstanding Berry Bannock Bread Pudding with ice cream as well as the delicious Mixed Berry Apple Pie with vanilla ice cream.

Review By: Richard Wolak

MATCHSTICK

639 East 15th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-558-0639

Web:  http://www.matchstickcoffee.com/

Twitter: @MatchstickYVR

Advice: Sit at the communal table and meet others.

As many of my friends know, one of my favourite past times is visiting cafes both near and far. My friend and fellow coffee aficionado Alejandro and I visited Matchstick recently to not only people watch as much as catchup over some fine coffee and sweets.

Espresso Macchiato

Apple Walnut Cookie

I had my usual Espresso Macchiato with a delicious out of the oven Apple Walnut Cookie, Alejandro had an Americano along with a muffin. You’ll find a simple menu of fine espresso based beverages, tea as well a selection of house-baked goods. You’ll also find minimal design in the décor with ambiance that will have your mind wandering and this is a café you are going to want to frequent!

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

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