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Posts Tagged ‘Italian’

LOMBARDO’S

May 20th, 2013 admin

1641 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Tel: 604-251-2240

Web: http://lombardos.ca/

Twitter: @LombardosPizza

Advice: Make reservations for eating in, call or visit for take-out.

Chicken Pesto Pizza special

Alla Panna

Sometimes it can take awhile to visit a long standing, popular eatery, in this case it’s taken me an eternity to visit this pizzeria which has been serving pizzas and pastas in the neighborhood for over 25 years. I’m happy that they are still going strong on the drive and that I was able to indulge in some of their pizza pie. The restaurant is hidden off the beaten track of the drive, situated in the back of the indoor shopping plaza where the chef’s making the pizzas in their open kitchen. I opted for take-out having their Chicken Pesto Pizza special along with their classic Alla Panna Pizza topped with mozzarella, quark and parmesan cheese. The pizzas come in 2 sizes, medium & large and you can chose from over 20 pizzas, there is also a good selection of pastas and sauces on offer along with popular favourite pasta specialities. You’ll also find appetizers, salads, soups and more rounding up the menu and I’m pretty sure you have either beat me to the punch or I hope you will be visiting soon.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Commercial Drive Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

IK 2GO

May 20th, 2013 admin

1328 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-685-4569

Web: www.ik2go.com

Twitter: @Glowbal_Group

Advice: Counter service.

This is second location of the Italian Kitchen spin-off featuring a casual self-serve counter and seating for 40, offering take-out or leisurely dine-in meal. There is a large communal table for solo diners or others who want to eat with friends. They offer freshly baked scones, pastries and breakfast sandwiches to start off the morning along with a coffee beverage line-up. Lunch and dinner menu options include a variety of antipasti, charcuterie, salads, soups, specialty paninis, and strombolis.

Meatballs

Pine Nut Tarts & Fruit Croistata

Apricot Croistata and other pastries

I have dined in and had take-out on a few occasions and have tried several of their dishes including their notable Meatballs, Couscous, Farro, Tuna Sandwich, as well as several of the baked goodies.

They also offer hearty pastas and an array of traditional meat, seafood and poultry dishes, such as Veal Milanese, roasted chicken and salmon.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

TAVOLA

May 13th, 2013 admin

1829 Robson St,  Vancouver

Tel: (604) 606-4680

Web: http://tavolavancouver.com

Twitter: @TavolaVancouver

Advice: If eating solo or not, snag a spot at the communal table.

Hidden off the beaten track in the West End is spot that fills up fast nightly with fab service and divine modern Italian fare. The large communal table is the star in the center of the room and it’s the table that guests all want to be seated.

Lamb Ragout Pasta

Sticky Toffee Pudding

I had the house special outstanding Lamb Ragout Pasta ($18) that the server highly recommended followed by the Sticky Toffee Pudding topped with vanilla ice cream in a pool of toffee caramel sauce that was delicious.

The menu features a selection of Mozza Bar favourites along with Croistini’s, share plates, pastas, big plates and desserts. The wine menu is equally impressive featuring a selection of white and red wines from Italy along with a few Pacific Northwest reds and whites. I’ve got my eye on the Brick chicken, and the Brown Sage Butter Gnocchi, I will be back soon.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

New Dishes Tasting at Cafe Il Nido

April 17th, 2013 admin

Visited Café il Nido last week to taste some new dishes on their spring new menu.

1st Dish:

Prawns Gamberoni

Prawns Gamberoni sautéed in olive oil, with chili flakes on a bed of avocado puree

2nd Dish:

Funghi

Funghi – field & forest mushrooms w/ truffle lemon oil & thyme

3rd Dish:

Butternut Squash Tortellini

Butternut Squash Tortellini with walnut marjoram pesto and ricotta cheese

4th Dish:

Caprese on grilled soda bread

Caprese on grilled soda bread w/ vine tomatoes, Fior di latte cheese

5th Dish:

Bison in a peppercorn sauce

Bison in a peppercorn sauce perfectly seasoned with vegetables

6th Dish:

Butternut squash Agnalotti

 Lobster stuffed agnelotti served with red pepper, almonds in tarragon cream sauce

7th Dish:

Blood Orange Sorbetto

House made Blood Orange Sorbetto

My take:

Loved the flavours and presentation of the Prawns Gamberoni sautéed in olive oil, with chili flakes along with the texture of the bed of avocado puree. The Caprese on grilled soda bread w/ vine tomatoes, Fior di latte cheese was nice and light and an alternative to a salad version. My favourite of the pasta dishes was the Lobster stuffed agnelotti served with red pepper, almonds in tarragon cream sauce. The House made Blood Orange Sorbetto was a refreshing finish after a Delish meal!

Café Il Nido is located at 780 Thurlow Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-685-6436

Full Dinner Menu: http://www.cafeilnido.net/Menu/dinner-menu.html

Twitter: @cafeilnido

By: Richard Wolak

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

Brunch with Aamer Haleem at The Bibo

April 13th, 2013 admin

Brunch is a favourite past time shared by many and should be an extraordinary experience, one that you will cherish. Vancouver has some wonderful places for brunch. Each of the places I visit is unique for what is offered along with the type of service and selection of dishes. I am on a journey around the city to find these extraordinary places and, at the same time, I will be joined by a notable personality who may be a Film Producer or Director, Musician, Arts Festival Director, Actor or other well-known individual for Brunch at restaurants in and around Vancouver.

Aamer Haleem

For my forty first brunch in this series, I was joined by CTV Morning Live Co-Host Aamer Haleem at The Bibo in Kitsilano talking Television, Music, Eating and more.  

Aamer Haleem was born in London and raised in Ottawa and Toronto where he attended the University of Toronto and the School of Journalism at Humber College. His first job was as an associate producer at TSN Inside Sports. He also hosted a music video program at Hong Kong’s Channel V in 1996, but returned to Canada the following year after the transfer of the sovereignty of Hong Kong to host VTV Breakfast on Vancouver television station CIVT-TV (then known as “VTV”).

He was a host of programming on VH1 in the United States, including Bands Reunited and VSpot Top 20 Countdown. He has hosted the weekday afternoon current affairs program The Point on CBC Radio One, until it was canceled on June 26, 2009. He has been a co-host of the Vancouver edition of CTV Morning Live since 2011.

You can follow Aamer on Twitter @AamerHaleem

Have you always wanted to be a TV Host?

Yes it was a split between being in television or a lawyer. Originally planned to be a sportscaster as I started with TSN. Started as an intern through school (Journalism at school through U of T).

What type of music did you listen to growing up?

Everything but learning towards Led Zeppelin and the Beatles as a kid “John Lenon’s” give peace a chance. Then (grew up in Ottawa) U2, Human League, then moved to Toronto and listened to the Depeche Mode, Smiths and New Order. Indie and alternative music.

Tell me who some of your most notable guests that you have interviewed on your shows over the years?

  • U2 – multiple times, 1st time in LA
  • Paul McCartney
  • Madonna
  • George Clooney
  • Paul Rudd
  • Richard Branson
  • Emma Thompson
  • Emily Blunt
  • Jada Pinetti Smith
  • Chris Cidad

What are some of your craziest experiences you have had on your tv shows?

1)    On CTV Morning Live – Richard Branson cut my tie on the show

2)    Flight attendants from Virgin Atlantic came on the show – sent a t-shirt with a tie cut in half printed on the shirt – signed by Branson.

3)    Flying with U2 – I had a U2 notepad with me and the guitarist drew a photo of a sunflower and I was in a photo with him, that now is framed at home on my wall.

4)    Bands Reunited – that show was crazy –traveling and would have to surprise musicians from known bands that we wanted to reunite.

If you could guess how many tv shows you have hosted over the years, how many would that be?

Thousands –can’t even imagine. Just celebrated our 350th show at CTV Morning Live.

Do you come from an entertainment family?

No, but my brother is a reporter for CBC in Winnipeg.

How did you get into doing Voice Overs?

A natural off shoot from what I do everyday. It’s easy enough to do now.

Who are some of your favourite people that you have co-hosted shows with in the past?

  • Rachel Perry at Much Music –co-hosted the Top 20 Countdown
  • VTV Breakfast – Tamara Taggart, Coleen Christie, and Nicola Crosby

You have interviewed Woody Allen, Madonna and Queen Latifah to name a few, was their anything striking for you when interviewing these unique personalities as opposed to all the other interviews you have done?

No – I approach my interviews exactly the same way I research everyone I am about to interview and recognize the time and effort it takes to do it. I’m prepared for anyone I am interviewing.

Where was your most recent trip?

My wife and I went to London, Paris and Germany. Ate at a great Italian restaurant in Paris.

What is your favourite foods?

  • Aburi Sushi
  • Pizza –authentic Italian
  • Stack of pancakes
  • Indian
  • Moroccan
  • French
  • Chinese
  • Malayasian
  • Thai

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

  • Vij’s
  • Bistro Sakana
  • Finch’s
  • Banana Leaf
  • Niccli
  • The Bibo
  • Terra Breads
  • Thierry
  • Sala Thai
  • Hawksworth
  • YEW

Custom Baked Sandwich

Melanzane Alla Parmigiana

Formula One Pizza

Aamer had a custom baked Sandwich with buratta, chicken, fennel and eggplant with tomato sauce, Richard had the Melanzane Alla Parmigiana and then Aamer and Richard shared the Formula One Pizza.

What are some of your favourite restaurants outside of Vancouver?

  • Café Mogador in New York
  • Humus Factory in LA
  • Gratzie in Toronto
  • Shinto Sushi in LA
  • Claridges for High Tea in London
  • Levant in London –middle eastern

What do you do in your off time?

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Hangout with friends
  • Reading
  • Going to the movies

Who inspires you?

My wife for sure, upbeat, positive outlook, my parents moved to Canada for a life –for the benefit of all of their kids.

What has inspired you lately?

Malala Yousafzai –a 15 year old girl – who was shot in the head and neck in an assassination attempt by Taliban gunmen while returning home on a school bus. She is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee; youngest in history. She started a foundation to give girls the opportunity to be educated. On 1 January 2013, she received the “2012 Tipperary International Peace Award” for her courage and determination to speak out in support of equal access to education for every child.

Is there anything you want to do, that you haven’t done already?

  • Host an Interview based show
  • Continue traveling, to visit Australia and Africa

What’s next for you or what’s on the horizon?

I want to increase our footprint with CTV Morning Live

Time-shifting – people watching our show across the country

Style: A La Carte

Attire: Business Casual

Time: Saturday & Sunday 11:30am – 2:30pm

The Bibo

1835 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604.568.6177

Web: http://thebibo.com

Twitter: @TheBibo

Stay tuned to my next guest Interview along with the next Brunch in and around Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Brunch with Celebrities, Latest Tags: , , , , , No Comments »

THE PARLOUR RESTAURANT

January 16th, 2013 admin

1011 Hamilton St, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-3322    |

Web: www.theparlourrestaurants.com

Twitter: @ParlourYaletown

Advice: They offer take out and delivery for all of their pizzas.

As a pizza lover I am always yearning to visit the new pizza joint on the block or in this case in the Yaletown neighborhood. With only weeks under their belt so to speak, there is now that spot, a good  pizza oriented restaurant with an open concept kitchen serving comfort food dishes. The lounge area features chocolate-hued leather booth seating, high-tops and a striking 20 foot-long reclaimed wood bar that emulates a giant cask.  The Parlour’s decor features plenty of heirloom pieces, old-fashioned curiosities, unique custom artwork and salvaged CN rail-ties transformed into a statement making wine rack.

Salmon Tartare

Caesar Salad

Brocco

Paulina Taylor was my dining companion for the night and we shared many dishes together. To start we had the beautifully presented Salmon Tartare ($14) Steelhead, Seaweed, Bonito, Sesame Seeds, Macadamia Nuts, Ponzu Aioli, and Micro Cilantro; followed by the Caesar Salad ($9) Maple Bacon, Roasted Garlic, Butter Croutons, Parmesan; and the Brocco ($9) Garlic, Shallots, Jalapeño, Pine Nuts, Sweet Soy Sauce.

Goldmember

#Swag (front) & Roasted (back)

The Dirty

Following our appetizers we conquered our pizza selection which was vast, we ordered 3 whole pizzas which are rectangle shape and fairly large (usually meant for 1 person). My favourite of them all was the Goldmember ($17) Caramelize Onion, Mushroom Duxelle, Yukon Gold Potato, Truffle Oil, Gruyere; followed by my second favourite the #Swag ($17) Ricotta, Roasted Pepper, Kalamata Olive, Caramelized Onion, Roasted Garlic, Golden Honey (we happened to get one pizza as a halfer, so the Swag went halfer with the Roasted); and the Roasted with Roasted Chicken, Roasted Garlic, Sundried Tomato, Basil, Chili Flake, Mozza. Lastly The Dirty ($17) Meatball, Xtra Pepperoni, Banana Pepper, Mozza gave us our fill of meat from all of the different pizzas.

You’ll find even more pizzas to try from the long list on the menu, you’ll also find an extensive selection of craft beer available on tap and by the bottle, inventive cocktails and both wine by bottle, as well as seven varietals on tap.

I’m heading back soon for a repeat and this time it’s going to be a whole #Swag pizza just for me!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Yaletown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

VICINO PASTARIA

October 29th, 2012 admin

68 East Cordova, Vancouver

Tel: 604-336-0042

Web: http://vicino.ca/

Twitter: @VicinoPastaria

Advice:  Closed on Mondays.

Gnocchi

Reginette

Agnolotti

Passion and craft are two words that best describe this wonderful gem which I discovered recently in Gastown. The food is beautiful and delicious, take a passionate owner as well as Chef Chris Picek who is both passionate in his cooking and a perfectionist at his craft. Then throw in a large open kitchen, a brick walled room, a deli case filled with home-made pasta, olives, beverages and desserts, a simple well thought out menu and friendly service. Now taste the food, I have dined here on a couple occasions with a couple of friends, on the first visit, my friend Kenji Maeda joined me. As we were seated we were served a bowl with a couple warmed rolls drizzled with olive oil for dipping, the rolls are also perfect to use to soak up any left over sauce in the pasta dishes. We shared the Gnocchi ($15) with plum tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil; as well as the outstanding Reginette ($14) with Saskatchewan chanterelles, olives and double cream. On the second visit I had the outstanding and ever so beautiful Agnolotti ($14) stuffed with pork shoulder, topped with fava beans, English peas and carrot butter.

Fruit & Almond Crostata

You must save room for dessert, I had the delicious Fruit & Almond Crostata ($7) with vanilla gelato on both visits and will have it again on the next visit! When you find dishes that you have fallen in love with you are going to have them time and time again!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

WIN a Pizzeria Experience at Cotto Enoteca

September 3rd, 2012 admin

I recently had my own pizzeria experience at the newly opened North Burnaby restaurant that has Executive Chef Alex Tung cooking up delicious Italian eats.

Cotto Enoteca Pizzeria, North Burnaby’s exciting and new modern Italian restaurant, focuses on authentic VPN certified Neapolitan pizza and updated Italian cuisine. Showcasing the best of BC and Italy, they have married the traditional techniques of Italy with the best of local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. Their extensive wine and beverage program is considerable and guaranteed to please. The dedicated and passionate team at Cotto Enoteca Pizzeria, look forward to welcoming you soon.

Cotto Enoteca Pizzeria  |  6011 Hasting Street, North Burnaby – you can follow them on twitter @CottoEnoteca

The Pizzeria Experience winner will receive:

$50 gift card

One winner will be randomly selected from all submissions, contest closes at 10pm on September 3rd

This is Contest #8 September 3, part of our End of Summer Giveaway Madness

To enter you must do the following:

1)       Enter the Cotto Enoteca Pizzeria Experience – submit a comment below, name 5 of your favourite pizza toppings

2) Retweet the following on twitter:

RT to Enter for a chance to Win a @CottoEnoteca Pizzeria Experience in @Vanfoodster End of Summer Giveaway Madness http://bit.ly/RSSDJv

3) Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vancouverfoodster

Contest ends Sunday September 3rd at 10pm

Fine Print: You must enter your full name and include your Twitter address if you have one, and register with your email address when entering the contest. * By entering your email address you will automatically become a subscriber to Vancouver Foodster to receive possible contests, specials or newsletter.

Winner will be drawn by Random.org

Vancouver Foodster is @vanfoodster on twitter and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/vancouverfoodster or by email [email protected]

Posted in Contests Tags: , , , 11 Comments »
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