Posts Tagged ‘French’

FAUBERG

December 12th, 2010 admin

2156 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-266 2156

Web:  http://www.faubourg.com/

Twitter: n/a

Advice: The restaurant is located behind the café.

This Parisian caffe is the perfect addition to the Kerrisdale neighbourhood, I have been by a few times already and have enjoyed tasting some of their baked goods and most of all their coffee which is smooth and delicious.

You will find a French pâtisserie, bakery, cafe and restaurant all in one offering customers an exquisite selection of french pastries, buttery almond croissants, chocolate twists, pain au chocolat and sandwiches, along with an array of speciality coffee beverages. They also bake breads here including Campagne and Traditional baguette.

Chocolate Twist

Espresso Macchiato & Almond Croissant

I have had the Chocolate Twist ($2.55) a delicious pastry that was quite light, an Almond Croissant ($2.90) along with an Espresso Macchiato ($2.10). Next time I will visit for lunch in the dining room for one of their French specialty dishes and I would also like to visit for Afternoon Tea.

I could sit here all day long and people watch, each time in I have run into friends and if you stay awhile you will no doubt make new friends. The room is warm and inviting with a large seating area, the service was wonderful as well.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

STEEVE RAYE PASTRY

November 27th, 2010 admin

UPDATED 3/4/12 BUSINESS HAS CLOSED

2836 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 778.789.4455

Web: www.steeveraye-pastry.com

Advice: Go early for the breakfast pastries as they come out of the oven.

I love French pastry, since visiting the pastry shops in Paris and around France, I have always loved the aromas, and delicious array of sweets! As soon as I heard that this delightfully authentic French pastry shop in Kitsilano had opened, I was there.

Working in the fine tradition of French pâtisserie, Steeve offers customers an exquisite selection of fresh pastries, beverages and specialty lunch items. From delicate, buttery almond croissants, to sweet macarons and pain au chocolat, he showcases his unique flair and dedication to quality and authenticity.

Espresso & Orange Marmalade Vol-Au-Vent

On this visit, I had the Orange Marmalade Vol-Au-Vent ($2.55) a delicious pastry that was quite light with orange marmalade along with an Espresso ($2.25). Next time I will visit for lunch to try one of their sandwiches!

The room is warm and inviting with a large seating area, the service was wonderful as well. Steeve gained invaluable experience working in Michelin starred restaurants across Europe. His work along side such greats as Joël Robuchon in London and Olivier Bajard in Perpignan has provided Vancouver’s newest pastry chef with savoir-faire and an unwavering commitment to excellence, look for more sweet treats in the coming days.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

LE GAVROCHE

October 6th, 2010 admin

1616 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-685-3924

Web: http://www.legavroche.ca/default.asp

Advice: Advance reservations a must.

Finally made it in for dinner to this ever so charming 2 story restaurant in a Victoria style house which has been cooking classic French for the past 30 years. The owner is a wine connoisseur with exquisite taste and you will find one of the most comprehensive wine lists in the city. On the food side, their menu is devoted to the classics and the other side is to creations and you can most certainly mix it up if you wish. Although I didn’t have it this time around the Caesar Salad is served table side and is one of their longstanding French classics.

Coquille St-Jacques

Duck Confit

Rack of Lamb

To begin after the Amuse Buche, I was served a delicious Coquille St-Jacques ($15) dry Vermouth this was then followed by Duck Confit ($15) pecan flour crusted, creole spices, spinach salad, Cassis sauce, and then Rack of Lamb ($39) Mustard Crusted, Mint Gnocchi, Rosemary Garlic Jus.

Okanagan Peach

The dessert selection has many classics as well such as their popular Crepes Suzette, I chose one of their creations instead and had the fresh Okanagan Peach ($8.50) vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, pineapple, and whipped cream.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

Bretagne/Normandie Menu at Bistro Pastis

June 25th, 2010 admin

The other night, I dined with friends at Bistro Pastis, Vancouver’s own authentic French bistro where you can enjoy French regional summer dinners – a traditional three-course table d’hôte for only $35. Located on France’s northwest coast, this areas specialties include shellfish, apples, apple cider, thick cream and of course crêpes.

On this menu, look for Bistro Pastis famed Sole Normande (with shrimp, clams, mussels in white wine sauce) or Poulet au Cidre (sautéed chicken, roasted apple, cider and cream sauce). Enjoy decadent desserts such asBeignet de Pomme Normande (with Calvados ice cream) or Crêpes au Citron (filled with lemon mousse napped with blueberry compote).

Artichaut Vinaigrette

Poulet au Cidre

Beignet de Pomme Normande

I had selected the Artichaut Vinaigrette as my 1st course which had a salty and rich taste. For my 2nd course I had the deliciously creamy Poule Au Cidre and for my 3rd course the classic Beignet de Pomme Normande.

Known for its extensive wine cellar, Bistro Pastis will also offer special wine pairings to complement each menu.

From June 22 to July 13, join John Blakeley as he leads you on a culinary ramble through France in the summer. At only $35 per person, it’s a très bon marché and more economical than a plane ticket to France.

Reservations are always a good idea and can be made by calling 604-731-5020 or on-line at www.bistropastis.com Full menus for each region will also be available on-line.

2153 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC

By: Richard Wolak
Posted in Latest, Restaurant Promotions Tags: , , , , , No Comments »

BISTROT BISTRO

April 25th, 2010 admin

1961 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-732-0004

Web: www.bistrotbistro.com

Twitter: @bistrotbistro

Advice: If you would like some bread, then order a half or full baguette from the top of the menu. 3 Course Price Fixe dinner Sunday -Thursday for only $27. Karma Tuesdays, 5% of sales go to support a local charity.

Shrimps Scallops Provencal

Lamb Shank

Pomme Alumettes

I finally visited this popular Kitsilano eatery, took my friend for some French cooking and we both loved the food, the service and ambience, the only drawback was that it was very noisy in this full restaurant. Our one mistake was wondering why no bread arrived to our table, finally realized the obvious as we left. To begin our meal we went right into the entrees, my friend had the very tasty Shrimps Scallops Provencal ($19) flambe pastis and I had the Lamb Shank ($19) with spiced apricots, tomato and white wine. To accompany our meals we shared the big bucket of Pomme Alumettes ($5) (French fries) with the mayo dip.

Profiteroles Ice Cream

Poire Belle Helene

Who could resist the tempting French desserts, after eyeing the Crepe Suzette being served to the table to next to us, it looked so delicious but too large, since we both like chocolate, we went a different route. My friend had the outstanding Profiteroles Ice Cream ($7) with chocolate and I had the delicious Poire Belle Helene ($6) the French version of a sundae with poached pear, vanilla ice cream, chocolate and whipped cream topped with cocoa. The flavours in everything we had were superb and I am looking forward to a return visit soon. There is a great looking wine list and you can enjoy by the bottle or by the glass!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Kitsilano, Restaurant Reviews Tags: , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments »

CORNER SUITE BISTRO DELUXE

April 6th, 2010 admin

 

UPDATED 3/4/12 BUSINESS HAS CLOSED

850 Thurlow Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-569-3415

Web: http://thecornersuite.com/

Twitter: @thecornersuite

Advice: Reservations suggested during dinner hours, dropping in late night without a reservation should be ok.

Crusty Bread

Duck Rillette

Bacon and Onion Alsation Tart

From a conversation about their cool blue chairs, my friend and I happened upon for some late night bites on a recent Saturday night to share a few of the items. Aside from the cool turquoise blue chairs and the black leather banquette booths, the interior is fairly dark. The menu was intriguing and looked promising, a basket of home made bread arrived to the table shortly after we ordered, we then shared the Duck Rillette, crostini ($6). Followed by the flavourful Bacon and Onion Alsation Tart ($16) sweetbreads, apple & fennel salad.

Flourless Chocolate Torte

We had originally stopped by to have dessert, after looking at the dinner menu we both were so tempted that we decided to have some bites first, but dessert was a must and we shared the delicious Flourless Chocolate Torte ($8) with vanilla ice cream. The menu is well thought out and features a good selection of appetizers, small plates, soups, salads, and larger plates. One of the highlights is their extensive Cheese menu, featuring well over 50 cheeses; The other highlight is “The Genuine Article” a very extensive 30 page cocktail list which again is very well thought out, perhaps a bit too extensive, though you are bound to find your favourite cocktail on the list or be adventurous and try something new!

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

AU PETIT CHAVIGNOL

January 1st, 2010 admin

845 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-255-4218

Web: www.aupetitchavignol.com

Twitter: @petitchavignol

Advice: Bring a friend or two along to share one of their fondues.

Grilled Cheese

Pommes Frites

I’ve got this Parisian feeling each time I step inside this eastside gem that appears a bit out of the way. This is a cheese lover’s dream, a wine bar and a restaurant that specializes in cheese and charcuterie. Love their Grilled cheese $8 made with their special cheesy mixture that they use in their Mac & Cheese, it was a secret blend I was told that is served with a side of quince paste (this is a sandwich you have to ask for as it is not featured on their printed menus). I shared the Pommes Frites ($5) with mayonaisse for dipping with a friend.

Espresso

Grand Marnier Creme Brulee

Ending a meal on tasteful note is as important as the beginning of the meal, loved the Espresso ($2.25) along with the Grand Marnier Creme Brulee ($7). Well known for their wine choices theirs is mainly a European list, with good selections from Germany, France, Portugal, and Spain. Many of the wines are available by the glass and this is a great place to try a wine and cheese pairing as the cheese selection is vast. The menu also features French favourites including raclette, croque monsieur, croquet madame, mac and cheese and fondues.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

VOYA RESTAURANT

November 15th, 2009 admin

Voya 034

 

UPDATED 3/4/12 BUSINESS HAS CLOSED

1177 Melville Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-639-voya

Web: http://www.voya-restaurant.com/

Twitter: @voyavancouver

Advice: Have the bartender or server guide you through the wine and cocktail list before you order.

Stout & Onion Soup Gratin

Stout & Onion Soup Gratin

Yellow Endive & Watercress Salad

Yellow Endive & Watercress Salad

Chicken Boudin Blanc

Chicken Boudin Blanc

Braised Lamb Shank

Braised Lamb Shank

In this stunning room, diners are treated not only to the spectacle of design but to the talents of Executive Chef Marc-Andre Choquette and his creativity behind the scenes in the kitchen. The menu was impressive and so tempting that my friend and I ordered a variety of items some to share and some to devour on our own. Our server was extremely helpful and most attentive in our Voya dining experience. We began with the Stout & Onion Soup Gratin ($12) which was on of the best I have had in our city, next up was the colorful Yellow Endive & Watercress Salad ($14) with fried spicy goat’s cheese, mango & honey vinaigrette. We then had one of the starters which was the Chicken Boudin Blanc ($15) house made chicken sausage, sautéed wild mushroom, toasted brioche. With a pause we savored the flavours of each of the dishes as we were about to move on to one of their popular mains the Braised Lamb Shank ($28) on a bed of Sugar Pumpkin Risotto, this was a rich dish that we both shared, the lamb was tender and delicious. Our server suggested the perfect red wine to complement this dish and its flavours and we each had a glass of the Liberty School Cabarnet Sauvignon, California 2006.

Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake

Chocolate Dome

Chocolate Dome

Lemon Tart

Lemon Tart

To end our meal we couldn’t decide on which dessert to have as they all looked fabulous, so we both decided to order three desserts and sampled are way through them all together. Each dessert presented different flavours and such creativity in the presentation, the desserts are freshly made daily by the excellent team of Pastry chefs. The first of the three desserts was the Carrot Cake ($9) cream cheese parfait, rum raisin puree, coconut gelato; the second was the Lemon Tart ($9) on a delicious crust with marshmallows and lemon ice cream and then our last dessert was the Chocolate Dome ($10) with a salted caramel center, bailey’s dulce de leche gelato. I suggest that you dine with a friend or a few friends so that you too can select a few different creations and taste together. The restaurant has an impressive wine list of bubble, white, pink and red to enhance your dining experience, the cocktail list boasts a lineup of Aspirations and Inspirations with inventive cocktails, this is the star in this boutique hotel at the Loden, a star that is shining bright with a talented culinary team of passionate people.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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