Posts Tagged ‘Kitsilano’

The Bibo Italian Restaurant Opening

March 17th, 2011 admin

Lorenzo Bottazzi (r), Salvatore (m) and Andrea Bini (r)

On Tuesday night March 15th, I attended the opening party for The Bibo Italian Restaurant in Kitsilano.

Salvatore - the pizza maker

Once inside a wide selection of Antipasti was being served to the invited guests and media, red and white Italian wines poured Montepulciano Dabruzzo Cantina Tollo, Italy, vintage 2006 and Soave Classico San Michele Ca Rugate, Italy, vintage 2008 were served.

Focaccia

Focaccia, Salads, Antipasti

The owners are Lorenzo Bottazzi and Andrea Bini and both are passionate about serving the best Italian Wine and Food to their guests. Lorenzo spoke and welcomed everyone telling the story of why they opened Bibo here in Vancouver. I spoke with Lorenzo who told me they bought the restaurant specifically for the Fire Wood Pizza Oven so that they could make their Napoletana Pizzas.

Gnocchi in Pesto sauce

Margherita Formula One

Crudo

Afterwards, more of their delicious food was served and I ate my way thru the wonderful pastas and pizza. I loved all the three pastas that I tried, including the BiBo Matteo – Spracci, wide pasta paired with flavorful Italian Porcini mushroom sauce;  Gnocchi pasta served with Pesto sauce and Rigatoni Alla Norma a Sicilian recipe, tomato, basil and maccheroni pasta served with grilled eggplant and seasoned salt ricotta cheese (very rare and unique). I tried a selection of their pizzas and absolutely loved the Margherita Formula One – San marzano tomato DOP, buffalo mozzarella from campania DOP, basil which is their house specialty, I also enjoyed the Capricciosa -Tomato, mozzarella, cooked ham, mushrooms, artichokes, black olives, capers; Quattro Formaggi- Mozzarella, provola, gorgonzola, parmesan; and Funghi Porcini – Tomato, mozzarella, porcini mushrooms.

Tiramisu

Bounet

Just when the guests including yours truly were feeling quite full, a spectacular selection of Italian desserts arrived to the table. I love desserts and I was in heaven with their creamy Tiramisu – made of Italian savoiardi biscuits dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of egg yolks, italian mascarpone and flavored with liquor and cocoa; the delicious Bounet is a traditional Piemontese pudding made with amaretti and cocoa and their Chocolate Pizza – a pizza dough baked and smothered with a rich melted chocolate cream. I also tried the Panna Cotta “cooked cream” was served as a chilled dish. I had some of the Crème Caramel – a custard dessert with a layer of soft caramel on top. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a stylish bar, large kitchen, a showcase area for live entertainment and an open pizza kitchen and oven. Lorenzo told me that they brought Salvatore their Pizza maker in from Naples, he is one of best pizza makers in the world he sees pizza making as a work of art and the pizza is his masterpiece.

The Bibo Italian Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:30am, located at 1835 West 4th Avenue in Vancouver and online at www.thebibo.com, phone 604-568-6177.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Openings Tags: , , 2 Comments »

Atithi Celebrates 2 Years

February 11th, 2011 admin

Chef Harbinder Singh (L) & Chef Roy Abhishek (R-chef/owner)

On Monday February 7, I attended the 2nd Anniversary Multi-Course Bengali dinner hosted by Atithi Indian Restaurant in Kitsilano. They invited some media friends to a 7 course tasting menu to celebrate their anniversary.

Chef Roy Abhishek welcomed everyone and described the Bengali meal we were about to enjoy. He described the ingredients and provided origins of the spices and vegetables. Each dish was unique and delicious, the flavours weren’t anything we have been accustomed to in this area.

Banana Blossom Cutlets with masala mayonnaise

The meal began with the 1st Appetizer, Banana Blossom Cutlets with masala mayonnaise.

Calcutta Khati Roll stuffed with paneer with English cucumber salad

The 2nd Appetizer was the Calcutta Khati Roll stuffed with paneer with English cucumber salad

Bitter Gourd with sweet organic squash sabji

The 3rd dish was the first of 4 entrees, the Bitter Gourd with sweet organic squash sabji

Mahi Mahi in mustard curry

The 4th dish was the Fresh Mahi Mahi in mustard curry

Chicken in Yogurt Curry with lentil cake

The 5th dish was the Chicken in Yogurt Curry with lentil cake

Bengali style Goat curry with mashed taro roots

The 6th dish was Bengali style Goat curry with mashed taro roots

Mango Mousse with sweet paneer and a Cardamom Cream Brulee Chocolate

We ended the meal with 7th dish, a Mango Mousse with sweet paneer and a Cardamom Cream Brulee Chocolate

Atithi Indian Restaurant is located at 2445 Burrard Street (near Broadway) and online at http://www.atithi.ca

By: Richard Wolak

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

Las Margaritas Don Julio Pairing Dinner

December 14th, 2010 admin

On December 7th I attended this tasting dinner pairing Don Julio Tequila with a menu prepared by popular Mexican eatery Las Margaritas in Kitsilano.

Cider House Rules

Mini Toastas Con Frijoles

As people were seated they were served the Cider House Rules Cocktail made with the Blanco Tequila along with Mini Toastas Con Frijoles.

Don Julio’s representative was on hand to introduce each of the Tequilas and he provided sipping notes which were quite helpful for most of the diners.

Scallop Ceviche

First Course: Scallop Ceviche served with flour tortilla chips paired with the Don Julio Blanco.

Chicken Mole

Second Course: Chicken Mole served with white rice and frijoles paired with the Don Julio Reposado.

Crapas Con Cajeta

Third Course: Crapas Con Cajeta crapes with Mexican Caramel sauce paired with the Don Julio Anejo

To end the meal, we were served a taster of the Don Julio 1942.

It is difficult to pair Tequilla with a meal, my favourite dish was the Chicken Mole and that one seemed to be paired the best of all. For most of the guests being able to enjoy the Don Julio Tequilla was a real treat.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Tastings Tags: , , , No Comments »

Breakfast at Rocky Mtn Flatbread

November 21st, 2010 admin

Suzanne Fielden -Co-Owner Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co

Do you love eating pizza for breakfast ? Now you don`t have to feel guilty, you can start your day right with a selection of breakfast pizzas topped with scrambled eggs, steak, wild boar bacon, chocolate and bananas.

Executive Chef Oliver Zulauf - Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co

Rocky Mountain Flatbread co is a progressively minded pizzeria featuring all-natural, handcrafted cuisine, an idea was born recently when they had a thought of making scrambled eggs for breakfast, and since they are a pizzeria why not top the pizzas with scrambled eggs, wild boar bacon, steak or shrimp, heck they ended up going the full gamut and besides pizzas they are making omelettes, yukon gold potatoes, fruit, granola, muffins and fresh squeezed juices too!

I was in for breakfast recently and tasted a slew of great pizzas, omelets, potatoes, muffins and fresh juice! Here are a few selections of their tasty breakfast treats:

Rocky Mountain Flatbread is now open for breakfast during the weekdays beginning at 8:15am and 9am on weekends. They are located in Kitsilano at 1876 West 1st Avenue and online at www.rockymountainflatbread.ca

By: Richard Wolak

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

Summer Time at Q4

July 27th, 2010 admin

Q4 recently launched their summer menu with a brand new pizza oven firing off traditional thin-crust pizzas every night. They also have great summer specials including an Antipasto sharing platter and prosecco on the new patio. A friend joined me for a wonderful dinner tasting some of their new dishes as well as some old time favourites.

Dungeness Crab and Arborio rice Croquetta

Baby Arugula Salad

Spaghetti Quattro & Garganelli

Pistacchio crusted wild Alaskan black cod & Pan seared Pacific halibut

Cherry Tart, Fudgey Brownie & Tiramisu

To begin we shared the Dungeness Crab and Arborio rice Croquetta ($14.95) which is a bit too dense for me with a caper and lemon aioli served with a shaved fennel salad. We then shared the very tasty and refreshing Baby Arugula Salad ($8.95) with julienne of pear, shaved parmigiano reggiano, pink peppercorn and honey vinaigrette. We then shared a couple of half portion pastas, we both loved the Spaghetti Quattro ($17.95 for full portion) and the Garganelli ($19.95 for full portion) with tiger prawns, fresh avocado in a light lemon cream. For our main entrees, we shared the outstanding Pistachio Crusted Wild Alaskan Black Cod ($32.95) with a fire roasted red pepper sauce and the Pan Seared Pacific Halibut ($32.95) found this a bit too dry, with a plum tomato, shaved garlic and olive, caper ragout. We were both quite full but had to try some of their desserts so we had 3 of them and loved the outstanding Cherry Tarte ($8), the gooey Chocolate Brownie ($8) and the Tiramisu ($8).

Q4 Restaurant is located at 2611 West 4th Avenue in Vancouver. You can reserve by phone at 604-734-4444 or at www.q4restaurant.com

By: Richard Wolak
Posted in Restaurant Promotions 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 »

Nimby Burger Opening

May 21st, 2010 admin

Milkshakes

Last night was the opening party for Nimby Burger in Kitsilano, a late night party outside on the deck across from Kits beach. This new burger joint is a take out spot that has burgers, fries and milkshakes.

Fries

My favourites were the Cheeseburgers, Chocolate and Vanilla Milkshakes.

Nimby Burger is now open at 2210 Cornwall Avenue in Kitsilano.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Openings Tags: , , , No Comments »

An Indian Tasting Dinner at Jolly’s

January 30th, 2010 admin

Jolly Kumar - Chef - Jolly's Indian Bistro

I dined with a group of media friends recently at Jolly’s, a wonderful restaurant in Kitsilano that is a purveyor of fine Indian cuisine. Although we had a select menu, we were often surprised to see more and more dishes making there way from the kitchen where Chef/Owner Jolly Kumar worked his craft. This dinner turned out to be quite the flavourful feast.

APPETIZERS

Samosa – Potato and peas wrapped in light pastry served with peas and chutney

Lamb Boti Kabab (Spicy) – Marinated lamb cutlets in chilies and rare

spices tandoori  oven roasts served with a small salad.

Pakoras – Bite size pieces of mixed vegetable, crisp fried in chickpea flour batter

Dosa with Paneer – South Indian Crepe stuffed with paneer served with daal and chutneys

Mango, Mint and Yoghurt sauces

Naan stuffed with chicken

Samosa

Dosa with Paneer

Lamb Boti Kabab

Naan stuffed with chicken

ENTRÉES

Goa Fish Fry – cod fillet marinated with spices and lemon juice brought to perfection with onion sauce

Delhi 6 Daal – Black lentils simmered slowly with kidney beans, and brought to

perfection with desi ghee ginger and garlic taka

Kashmiri Lamb Rogenjosh – Leg of lamb pressure booked with rare mixed spices and mint

Butter Chicken ala Jolly – Boneless chicken breast marinated with yoghurt and

tandoori masala, roasted and infused with light cream sauce.

Mumbai Chicken Masala – Stuffed chicken breast with spinach and paneer

with tomato and mushroom chutney

Butter Chicken ala Jolly

Goa Fish Fry

Kashmiri Lamb Rogenjosh

Mumbai Chicken Masala

DESSERTS

Ras Mala – Indian cottage cheese flat dumplings in pistachio, rosewater and saffron infused milk

Carrot Cake – Exotically spiced carrot cake with real cream cheese icing

Chocolate Cake – chocolate cake served with whipped cream

Chocolate Cake, Ras Mala, Carrot Cake

BEVERAGES

Pina Colada – Light rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream

Indian Temple – Grenadine, orange syrup, seven up and whiskey

Indian Temple

This was a wonderful night which gave me a chance to taste a variety of Indian dishes for the first time at this restaurant. Jolly’s has been in the neighborhood for several years, recently moving a couple of blocks west to a larger more elegant space. I very much enjoyed the hospitality during the evening, of course I had some standout dishes and these included the Samosa, Dosa with Paneer, Kashmiri Lamb Rogenjosh and the Butter Chicken.

I hope you have enjoyed the journey and I encourage you to visit Jolly’s Indian Bistro at 2928 West 4th Avenue in Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Culinary Adventures, Stories Tags: , , , , No Comments »
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Sponsors

  • General Info

Switch to our mobile site

echo get_option('motion_footer') . "\n";