Posts Tagged ‘Pasta’

LA GHIANDA

January 28th, 2011 admin

2083 Alma St, Vancouver

Tel: 604-566-9559

Web: http://www.laghianda.ca/

Twitter: @La_Ghianda

Advice: Each day from 5-6pm they offer one dinner to eat-in or take-out, it sells out daily, line up early or call them for the feature of the day. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m

With its rustic décor, it’s as if I was having lunch in the alpine area of Trentino in Italy near the Austrian border. I have always loved La Quercia which is owned by the same people as this nearby restaurant kitty corner to La Ghianda that also specializes in Italian food from the Trentino region. I have already been in a few times and on each visit I was more intrigued than the last. Each day there are 3 pastas, 3 sandwiches and 3 entrees on the blackboard all are priced the same at $10, then there are sides for $6 and desserts for $4.

Vitelli Tonnato

Penne Ariabiata

Cauliflower side dish

I have had several dishes over the visits including the Vitelli Tonnato ($10) panini delicious crusty bread, ham, tuna sauce;  Penne Ariabiata ($10) penne in tomato sauce ; Spaghetti Alla Botarga ($10) with fish row; Milanese & Crauti ($10) veal sandwich; Quiche ($6) and a delicious Cauliflower side dish ($6) with raisins, capers, lemon. I have yet to have the desserts that I am saving for my next visit. This is Italian cuisine at its finest, the bread is rustic, crunchy and so delicious, the food is simple and you will be wanting to visit over and over again.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Point Grey Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

Q4 AL CENTRO

January 24th, 2011 admin

780 Richards Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604.687.4444

Web: http://q4restaurant.com/

Twitter: @q4restaurant

Advice: The Focaccia is not on the menu, you must order it as it is the best in the city. Complimentary valet parking at both lunch and dinner.

It’s no secret that I love Italian cuisine, it’s been my favourite for years, this is the latest gem from Patrick Corsi, his family has been cooking Italian cuisine in and around the city for many years. My friend Ian joined me for dinner in this hideaway in the centre of the city, located in the L’Hermitage Hotel this is no hotel restaurant, the room is beautiful with wood paneling throughout, high ceilings, an open kitchen, with a stylish forno oven.

They have an extensive wine list, I had a glass of the Antinori – Pinot Grigio 2007 ($10) Tuscany, Italy and Ian had a glass of the Jean Bousquet – “Organic” Malbec 2007 ($8) Mendoza, Argentina.

Focaccia Fatta in Casa

"Rucola" Arugula Balsamica

Polpette al Centro

We started off with the outsanding Focaccia Fatta in Casa ($6), I could have eaten the focaccia alone all night, we then shared the “Rucola” Arugula Balsamica ($12) Wild arugula, honey glazed walnuts, goat cheese, port soaked cranberries, aged balsamic vinaigrette. I then had an order of the delicious Polpette al Centro ($12) House made meatballs, smoked caciocavallo, marsala basil pomodoro ragout, tuscan crostini.

Pastore

Branzino alla Crosta

We then shared a pizza, the crust is crispy and delicious, I had this one before and had it again, Pastore ($15) Smoked caciocavallo, grilled lamb sausage, marinated portabello, we were both sharing most of the dishes as it gave us an opportunity to taste more, next was the outstanding Branzino alla Crosta ($34) Pistachio crusted BC sablefish, roasted red pepper succotash.

Chocolate Tart

Berry Pavlova

Dessert was a must and I had the delicious, Chocolate Tart ($8) filled with oozing caramel and my friend had the Berry Pavlova ($8). The service was wonderful too, looking forward to my return visit and for some more of that delicious Focaccia!

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

VIA VENETO

December 4th, 2010 admin

656 West Broadway, Vancouver

Tel: 604-708-3300

Web: http://www.viavenetovancouver.com

Advice:  Delicious basket of Focaccia bread served complimentary to begin the meal.

My friend joined me for lunch recently at this Northern Italian restaurant, a great fine dining addition to this neighbourhood.

Minestrone alla Contadina

Carpaccio all’ Emiliana

Insalata alla Caprese

Caesar Salad

We began our lunch with the delicious and full of flavours, Minestrone alla Contadina ($5.95) made from the finest vegetables and fresh herbs; where we both had this dish.  We then shared the Carpaccio all’ Emiliana ($8.95) prime Alberta beef tenderloin with Parmigiano reggiano, Arugula, Capers and Extra virgin olive oil. I then had the next dish on my own, Insalata alla Caprese ($8.95) fresh Bocconcini, Roma tomatoes, caperberry, fresh basil and Extra virgin olive oil and my friend had the traditional Caesar Salad ($6.95).

Veal Paillard

Astice alla Veneziana

We then shared the light and tasty Veal Paillard ($13.95) grilled milk-fed Veal scallopine with salsa verde and then we both shared the outstanding house specialty Astice alla Veneziana ($39.95) fresh whole Atlantic lobster prepare with a traditional Venetian recipe, served on a bed of savory spaghetti.

Zuppa Inglese

Since I love desserts, especially Italian desserts I had the delicious Zuppa Inglese ($7.95) Chocolate and almond frozen crusted mousse with pistachio and vanilla sponge cake. They have a very nice wine list although we both opted for sparkling water during our lunch. The service was gracious and inviting, you can see how all the staff work so well together it is as if they are one big family. I am looking forward to a return visit one night for dinner and for another slice of the Zuppa Inglese!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in West Side Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 3 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 »

TRAMONTO

June 14th, 2010 admin

8811 River Road, Richmond

Tel: 604.247.8573

Web: http://www.riverrock.com/dining/tramonto/

Twitter: @Riverrock

Advice: Private dining room that comfortably seats 16 guests. Park for free in the casino parkade.  Located upstairs inside the RiverRock Hotel & Casino.

Tomato Amuse Buche

I dined here recently with a friend with a table by the window that had a wonderful view of Sea island and the planes landing at the Vancouver International Airport. This elegant room offers extraordinary gourmet dining and is a great escape when heading to a show at the RiverRock or before or after a visit to then casino. We shared a bottle of Mission Hill Family Reserve Chardonnay ($40) along with a very tasty Amuse Buche grilled Tomato dish courtesy of the chef.

Crab & Scallop Appetizer

Fois Grais

Caprese Goat Cheese Salad

Pan Seared Halibut

Wagyu Steak

To begin the meal, I enjoyed the Crab & Scallop Appetizer ($17) and my friend had the Fois Grais ($21). I followed my appetizer with the light Caprese Goat Cheese Salad ($13), for my entrée I had the Pan Seared Halibut ($35) with clams and Tomato Rissotto, while my friend had the Australian Wagyu Steak ($59) in a delicious Barolo reduction served with Truffle spaghetti, morel mushrooms and asparagus which she graciously shared with me it was outstanding.

Dessert sampler: Chocolate Bar, Strawberry Shortcake & Pannacotta

For dessert, we had a sampler of their spectacular Chocolate Bar, the Strawberry Shortcake and some Pannacotta (desserts on their own are $11).

The menu features the freshest local ingredients and authentic Italian delicacies. The wine list is extensive with selections from BC, Italy and around the world by the glass, half or full size bottles.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

NAT’S NEW YORK PIZZAERIA

May 7th, 2010 admin

1080 Denman Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-642-0700

Web: www.natspizza.com

Advice: Pizza by the slice or by the pie. Garlic and roasted garlic is always free for toppings.

5th Avenue

Known for their pizza by the slice, these are no small time slices, think big wedges of very thin crust topped with fresh toppings baked in a NY style. My favourite here is the 5th Avenue ($3.25 slice) topped with spinach, fresh tomatoes, sweet onions and feta cheese. They make many other types of pizzas all with unique NY inspired names, an extensive selection of the usual toppings. They also have Footlong Heros, Pasta, Salads, Soup, side dishes and cold beverages.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

LUPO

March 17th, 2010 admin

869 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-569-2535

Web: www.luporestaurant.ca/

Twitter: @luporestaurant

Advice: They can accommodate large parties of 12 people in the Nook located in the main floor dining room or larger parties upstairs. Advance reservations are suggested. If you wish to pair wines with your meal ask Michael to either select for you or ask him for advice.

Lupo Focacia

Winter Caprese Salad

Tortelli

I loved the ambience of both the upstairs and downstairs dining rooms, my friend Thu and I had dinner at Lupo last week and were lucky to be seated downstairs close to the brick fireplace. This delightful turn of the century Heritage House, has a contemporary kitchen with Chef Julio Gonzalez Perini it the helm serving fresh reinventions of Italian classics in a cozy, neighborhood environment. We began our dinner with the wonderful Lupo Focacia ($5) which was an ideal size for sharing, From there we had the Winter Caprese Salad ($15) over dried tomato, pesto and saba; then for the appetizer we had the outstanding Tortelli ($15) (is a Ravioli but half moon shape), stuffed with lobster, Mascarpone and onion confit, served with a tomato coulis, and fennel butter. This dish was a daily special that should be on their daily menu (we hope they will add it).

Braised Beef Short Ribs

Pizzetta -Margheretta

The main course was next and again we were shared a couple entrees, the first was the tantalizing Braised Beef Short Ribs ($26) on bed of soft marscarpone and polenta; and since we both had to try the pizza we went with a simiple, Pizzetta -Margheretta ($10) crispy crust, tomato and basil, fior di latte.

Meyer Lemon Tart

Chocolate and Raspberry Tear Drop Mousse

. I always have to save room for dessert when I am in an Italian restaurant, so to end our meal we had the refreshing Meyer Lemon Tart ($8) with a hint of passion fruit,and lemon – yoghurt gelato along with the Chocolate and Raspberry Tear Drop Mousse ($9), a tear drop shaped chocolate shell, stuffed with raspberry flavoured chocolate mousse

The restaurant has an impressive wine list, delicious food, outstanding service and made me feel like being at home.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

BERT’S RESTAURANT

March 6th, 2010 admin

 

UPDATED 3/4/12 BUSINESS HAS CLOSED

2904 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-876-1236

Web: http://bertsrestaurant.com/

Advice: Sit anywhere you feel like sitting.

Wholewheat French toast

Pan Fried Potatoes

This is one of those long time places that has become an institution in the city, since 1948, Bert’s has been serving breakfasts to loyal customers who know good food and value. Their large collection of bobbleheads and of famous people too sits above the front counter drawing customers with their cameras in hand. Love the counter for solo dining, lots of seating throughout the restaurant. I was there for breakfast and had 2 slices of Wholewheat French toast ($5.50) along with a side of Pan Fried Potatoes ($3.25). One of my friends eats there regularly 2-3 times a week for breakfast, he always orders something different to make his visit memorable. This restaurant has been serving customers for over the past 60 years because the service is ever so friendly and people can drop in and sit anywhere they would like. Asides from the extensive selection on the breakfast menu they also serve a wide variety of items on their lunch and dinner menus including hot and cold sandwiches, salads, gourmet burgers, pastas, chicken, greek dishes, steaks and seafood. Make sure you leave some room for dessert or one of their popular milkshakes after your lunch or dinner.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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