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Posts Tagged ‘Neighborhood eating’

CHICHA RESTAURANT

May 22nd, 2013 admin

136 East Broadway, Vancouver

Tel: 604-620-3963

Web:  http://www.chicharestaurant.ca/

Twitter: @ChichaVancouver

Advice: Take a friend or two and share dishes.

I absolutely adore seeing passionate chefs open an eatery who are adventurous with a sole purpose of throwing us all in to a new direction. The two chefs behind Chicha are not only experienced having worked for years in other kitchens around the city, they also both share a love for unique flavours, stunning presentation and deliciousness. Peruvian is not a cuisine known to many around this part of the world, it is however a food culture that I am curious about and hope that food lovers in this city will embrace and follow the culinary journey that Chef Shelome Bouvette and her partners Chef Allison Flook and friend Kumiko Umeno have begun. Peruvian is best described as Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, and indigenous flavours, methods and traditions.

Causa

As I began my dinner experience, the first dish was a selection of Causa a classic Peruvian dish that is whipped potatoes in an array of colours which is made with various vegetables and are crowned with a variety of toppings. The ones I had were the delicious Atun (Spicy Albacore Tuna), Cangrejo (Crab Salad) & Verduras (Lima bean).

Locro de Zapallo Empanadas

Las Papas Fritas

Novoadean las Verduras Fritters

Anticucho de Pollo

Next was the very good Locro de Zapallo Empanadas filled with kale, corn, roasted butternut squash, and salsa topped with the traditional pieces of red onions. The Las Papas Fritas were lightly seasoned and served with a Peruvian tartar, truly addicting fries. The Novoadean las Verduras fritters which happen to be gluten-free and vegan, were made with cauliflower, spinach, zucchini, corn, quinoa and served with an outstanding passion fruit sauce.  Finally the Anticucho de Pollo (chicken skewers) Amarillo chili, brown butter potato, trio of ajis (sauces) was another very good dish.

Peruvian Lucuma Pisco Cheesecake

For dessert I had the delicious Peruvian Lucuma Pisco Cheesecake in a raspberry sauce which is made with a tropical fruit with a delicate flavor, native to Peru.

The menu appears vast, though the chefs say it is a small representation of many dishes to come. This is a culinary journey that I can-not wait to continue and I know these chefs will not disappoint, visit, eat, enjoy and embrace their creativity.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Mount Pleasant Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

ZAATAR

May 20th, 2013 admin

809 Davie Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-800-8489

Web: www.zaatarhummusbar.com

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Closed Friday night and Saturday (daytime). No reservations.

The Bomb – Hummus, Tahini, Mushrooms, Falafel and Pita

Red Beet Hummus

Mediterranean style Fries

I have always loved Hummus, which is pretty much a staple in a variety of cultures around the Mediterranean including Lebanon, Israel, Syria and other areas. Locally I’ve tried Hummus in many eateries around the city and some of the best I have had was at Zaatar. The cuisine here is mostly Israelli and the dishes are representative of the Mediterranean region, healthy, simple and delish. I visited recently with my friend Noam Dehan who now resides on the other side of the world, we went for dinner to his favourite which was Zaatar. I had The Bomb ($11.95) outstanding Hummus on the plate with tahini, mushrooms and falafel served with pita. I also shared a taster of their Red Beet Hummus made with local red beets, this was something I have never tried before and it was fresh and delicious. We also shared their Mediterranean style Fries ($3.75 -small) which would have been better had we ordered a dip or two.

If you love Hummus as much as I do, then a visit to this eatery should be in your plans! I’m looking forward to trying their Green Hornet on my next visit which is made with their Green Tahini, Hummus and Mushrooms!

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

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 »

BURDOCK AND CO.

May 16th, 2013 admin

2702 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 879-0077

Web: http://www.burdockandco.com

Twitter: @BurdockAndCo

Advice: Try to snag a spot at the bar overlooking the open kitchen.

As a fan of talented Chef Andrea Carlson, I had long awaited the opening of Burdock & Co to experience Andrea’s new abode, this is her own restaurant and she nailed it from the get go. I was on a solo visit recently, sitting at the bar which gave me the best view in the house of the open kitchen. I watched all the cooks as they created stunning plates one after another, this is heaven for any food writer.

Fresh oysters finger line caviar

Halibut

The Fire Roasted Green Farro

I began my journey with refreshing Fresh oysters finger line caviar ($15), French breakfast radish, chickweed , apple & verbene sorbet, Kasu emulsion. Next was the outstanding Halibut($17) braised spring radish and hop shoots, pine mushroom and burdock tea, fried burdock, hop salt such unique local ingredients melding together in this beautiful dish. The Fire Roasted Green Farro ($10) came with spruce tips, black garlic, sorrel another dish with unique ingredients, one of which was the Korean black garlic, wow!

Salted Caramel Apple Pot Pie

Cookies

For dessert, I had delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pot Pie ($8) which was topped with lavender ice cream with gluten free crust. This was followed by a box of their Cookies, a great idea in both presentation and perfect to end a meal.

This is one of those special restaurants where what’s in season will evolve in the dishes and I am looking forward to many visits to come.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Main Street Tags: , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

LE GAVROCHE

May 14th, 2013 admin

1616 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-685-3924

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

Twitter: @legavroche_

Advice: Advance reservations a must.

With a change to modern French cooking this long standing restaurant is now owned by Chef Robert Guest and David Auer who have both completely transformed the dining room and dining experience. The dining room now features Canadian artist Vince Dumoulin paintings on the white walls which provide a stunning artistic presence which equally match the beauty created on the plates.

North Arm Farms Carrot Juice

Bacon & Eggs

My friend Joe Tong joined me for dinner and both had the Degustation Menu a 7 course tasting menu with French wine pairings.  To Start we were served a beautifully presented North Arm Farms Carrot Juice followed by their version of Bacon & Eggs.

Ocean in the Pot

Ocean in the Pot

Sturgeon

The next course was very cool, Ocean in the Pot cooked in the ocean at the table. The Sturgeon was cooked in the glass jar, from the ocean to the table.

Thiesen Farms Pheasant

Rhubarb sorbet w/ herbs

Venison Tenderloin in a chocolate sauce

The next course featured Thiesen Farms Pheasant with carrot purée and edible flowers another beautiful dish which was followed an interactive palate cleanser where they poured Liquid Nitrogen on herbs table-side before adding Rhubarb Sorbet. Interactive and very refreshing taking local to another level – Nitrogen prepared Rhubarb sorbet w/ herbs!  The next course was the perfectly cooked and outstanding Venison Tenderloin in a chocolate sauce with local vegetables.

Garden Creme Brûlées

Our last course was the beautiful Garden Creme Brûlées – Lavender rhubarb and carrot to finish off the meal.

The chef has his own fruits, herbs and vegetable garden on the roof where he is growing as much as he can seasonally, these creative folk are taking French cooking and mixing with molecular gastronomy creating one of a kind dining experiences. I am looking forward to a return visit to try more dishes as the seasons change.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Coal Harbour, Westend 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 »

Scandilicious

May 8th, 2013 admin

1540 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Tel: 604-879-7226

Web: www.scandilicious.com

Twitter: n/a

Advice: There is take out window as well as inside ordering.

As a dessert lover, the waffle brings on a whole new playing field of options to the plate. The menu board at Scanadlicious is filled with many different spreads, toppings, fruits, chocolates, jams, syrups, drizzles, creams and yogurts, nuts and lots of other stuff and that is just on their Sweet waffles. They have savoury waffle creations as well with equally as many different types of savoury options.

Vaffler Waffle with Dulce de leche & dark chocolate drizzle

Liege waffle topped with Peanut Butter Caramel spread

Milk Chocolate stuffed Brussels Waffle topped with vanilla ice cream

I visited twice over the past week with a couple of different friends, my friend Sid and I shared the Vaffler Waffle with Dulce de leche & dark chocolate drizzle which would have been amazing if the Dulce de leche was warm. I visited again last night with my friend Josh, he had a Liege waffle topped with Peanut Butter Caramel spread, I had the Milk Chocolate stuffed Brussels Waffle topped with vanilla ice cream which would have been delicious had the type of chocolate been one that would have melted and oozed, I found the waffle cold with bits of hardened chocolate and ice cream that didn’t melt over the waffle. On the beverage side they offer a full range of espresso beverages, tea and other favourites. After a couple of visits, Scandalicious falls flat on the experience level and could use a dose of love.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Commercial Drive Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment »
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