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Posts Tagged ‘Patio’

The Roof at Black+Blue Opening

April 25th, 2013 admin

Executive Chef Jason Labahn (L) & Co-Owner Emad Yacoub (R)

Yesterday I attended the opening party of The Roof Black+Blue on Alberni Street in downtown Vancouver.  Having been to the opening party of Black+Blue in 2011, this new outside eatery is the crown jewel that Proprietors Emad Yacoub and Shannon Bosa Yacoub have created to continue their passion for classic-style dining outside! A private, glass-walled elevator transports guests to The Roof. The BOX Interior-designed space features standout décor elements, including a custom bull head sculpture which greets guests upon arrival and airy, bronze light fixtures suspended over the bar. The 120-seat space offers a mix of seating options, including comfortable curved booths, banquettes, and cozy bench seating. Two fireplace walls running the length of the space create warmth and dramatic flair.

Executive Chef Jason Labahn slicing steaks

Emad showing me the Josper Charcoal Broiler

Josper Charcoal Broiler in action

Appointed with its own kitchen, The Roof features a state-of-the-art Josper Charcoal Broiler Oven by Wood Stone – the first of its kind in Canada. Currently there are only 20 of the rare ovens being specially-made for select steakhouses in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The unit combines the features of an enclosed oven with the traditional characteristics of charbroiled cooking. The Jopser reaches internal temperatures of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking steaks to perfection in minutes.

Guests were treated to flowing cocktails that included Mai Tais, Sangria, Pimm’s Cup, Mojitos along with Champagne. I enjoyed tasting the beef and Yorkshire pudding, some of the freshly baked forno flatbreads along with the Prawn Gazpacho Shooter, Tuna on Corn Pancakes and more.

The Roof is open seven days a week, 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, with weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday.

The Roof at Black+Blue located at 1032 Alberni Street (3rd Level) in Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

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

LIFT Bar and Grill

March 11th, 2013 admin

333 Menchions Mews, Vancouver

Tel: 604-689-5438

Web: http://liftbarandgrill.com/

Twitter: @Liftbarandgrill

Advice: Reservations suggested. Sit upstairs on the outside patio in season.

Chorizo & Patatas

Grilled Octopus & Basque sauce

Finding a culinary paradise in Coal Harbour, Lift recently got a lift when Chef Jefferson Alvarez took over the kitchen giving this restaurant a lift in Latin American and Spanish flavours. With its spectacular view of the harbour and mountains, the restaurant is featuring unique dishes that are full of flavour. Once seated I had the pleasure to peruse the offerings on their individual ipad menus which offered wine pairings with each of the courses, this is a clever idea for many that may not be versed in wine expertise. I began the meal with a couple of their bar snacks, the outstanding Chorizo & Patatas ($8) along with the Grilled Octopus & Basque sauce ($8).

Rice Crusted Scallops

Wild Mushroom Risotto

Bison Short Ribs

My dining partner and I then shared the Rice Crusted Scallops ($16) with a Uni Coconut Foam and Forbidden Rice, loved the crispness of outer scallops. This was followed by a couple of mains, the Wild Mushroom Risotto ($30) with Wild mushrooms, arborio rice, parmesan, and truffle oil was outstanding and perfectly done! The last dish was the Bison Short Ribs ($35) with seasonal vegetables. We added one side which was the outstanding Crispy Truffle Fries ($6) with truffle mayo in a cute basket.

Black Forest Liquid Dessert

Almond Chocolate Bar

Their dessert offerings are best when in the liquid form, we both loved the Black Forest Liquid Dessert ($11) with vanilla gelato, chambourd, Kahlua, Aztec Chocolate Bitters, Creme de Cacao followed by the Almond Chocolate Bar ($8) in a Delish Cardamon infused dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate parfait.

Visit soon and let Chef Jefferson Alvarez take you on a culinary journey through Latin America and Spain! I am looking forward to visiting again next time for brunch!

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Coal Harbour Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

TAP & BARREL

August 20th, 2012 admin

1 Athletes Way, Vancouver

Tel: 604-685-2223

Web: http://www.tapandbarrel.com/

Twitter: @tapandbarrel

Advice: Sit on the upstairs patio on a sunny day or sit in the upstairs library or at the long bar downstairs.

The Library

From the minute I walked up to the door I knew this was going to be a very cool and unique restaurant. First of all the location has one of the best views of the city along with two large outdoor patios, one on the main floor and the other upstairs. Inside the bar on the main floor is a stunning centrepiece that features an extensive selection of beer and wine on tap. They even have a lending library full of books which works on an honour system, come by and find a book you like and read while you are eating or drinking or take the book home.

Upstairs Bar

There are over 23 beers on tap along with an extensive selection of beer by the bottle, there is also well over 15 selections of wine on tap as well as an extensive wine list. You can even bring in your own wine bottle and pay the corkage for the privilege.

Coffee Glazed Dry Ribs

Sticky Yam Fries

Local Wild Mushrooms Hand Tossed Pie

Beer Bratwurst

I enjoyed some of the food offerings on my visit starting with the Coffee Glazed Dry Ribs ($8) along with the outstanding Sticky Yam Fries ($8) with burnt marshmallow fluff, this is one dish that is best shareable even though its one you are going to want to devour on your own. Next was the Local Wild Mushrooms Hand Tossed Pie ($15) which is basically a really good flatbread topped with wilted arugula, mushrooms and truffle cheese; and the last dish being the Beer Bratwurst ($18) Two Rivers brats, scallion mash, sauerkraut, and grainy mustard sauce.

There are so many dishes on the menu that I want to try such as the Spiced Rubbed Roasted Chicken scallion mash, market vegetables, ale reduction; PB & J Burger as well as the Stout Milkshake, must get back there soon!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Olympic Village Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

WIN a $75.00 Gift Certificate to the #PopUpPatio

July 11th, 2012 admin

The #PopUpPatio at The Westin Grand, Vancouver

Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm-9pm starting July 5

Perched above the bustling intersection of Homer and Robson Street is the sun-drenched poolside terrace of The Westin Grand. Every Thursday and Friday this summer the space will be transformed into the #PopUpPatio, a bustling rooftop patio lounge. Unwind after a hard day of work in this relaxed atmosphere with soft seating, green gardens and live DJ music.

Executive Chef Matthew Richmond has designed a light menu served from a BBQ action station, while the bartenders from Hidden Tasting Bar & Social Lounge will be crafting cool cocktails and a refreshing beer and wine list.

Open every Thursday and Friday (weather dependent) this summer. Keep your friends in the know on Twitter with @TheWestinGrand #PopUpPatio. For more information call 604.602.1999.

CONGRATULATIONS Lina Caschetto winner of the contest (drawn at random.org)

Now for The Contest

Follow these 2 steps:

1) Write a comment below, tell us what your favourite drink is when lounging by the pool.

2) Follow @vanfoodster and retweet the following on twitter:

RT to win a $75 gift card for the #PopUpPatio at @TheWestinGrand via @VanFoodster http://bit.ly/N3K4bq

All submissions will be entered to win for the random draw. The winner of this contest will be announced via twitter and posted.

Contest will run until 11pm on 7/17/12 You must enter your full name and twitter address if you have one and register with your email address when entering the contest.

Vancouver Foodster is @vanfoodster on twitter and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/vancouverfoodster and on Google+

Posted in Contests, Latest Tags: , , 47 Comments »

GOTHAM STEAKHOUSE

June 25th, 2012 admin

615 Seymour Street  Vancouver

Tel: 604-605-8282

Web: http://www.gothamsteakhouse.com/

Twitter: @GothamVancouver

Advice: Reservations suggested, sit on the hidden patio.

Dungeness Crab Cake

Dungeness Crab Cake

Establishment is one of the best words to describe this well-known steakhouse with its high ceilings, elegant wood paneling throughout, comfy chairs and booths and waiters who are all dressed in their white coats. I have dined here on a few occasions in the past for dinner and been to a few other events. On this visit I was in for lunch with a friend and we shared some dishes, many of which were new to the menu. To start we shared the Dungeness Crab Cake ($17.95) with lemon dill mayonnaise.

Gotham Chopped Salad

Halibut

For our entrees we both shared the huge Gotham Chopped Salad ($15.95) which was full of many different kinds of vegetables; along with the delicious  Halibut special.

Pecan Pie

To end of lunch I had a slice of their popular and delicious Pecan Pie ($11) which was a fine ending to a businessman’s lunch inside the dining room. You can dine inside or outside when having lunch, if it is a nice day why not eat on their outside hidden patio.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

KI MODERN JAPANESE RESTAURANT

May 23rd, 2012 admin

1121 Alberni Street  Vancouver

Tel: 604-609-0600

Web: http://www.kijapanese.com/

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Go with a friend or two and share some plates.

Amuse

The restaurant is hidden off of Alberni Street and upstairs and it is situated next to the Shangri-La Hotel. Once inside the restaurant is large and spacious, featuring an elegant dining room, a spectacular hidden patio outside and an upper area of seating with the sushi bar. I had dinner here last week for the very first time and enjoyed the wonderful service and fine Japanese cuisine, my friend and I were served an Amuse to begin along with some hot towels.

Seaweed Salad

Organic Baby Greens Salad

Ki Spider Roll & Ki Beef Maki

We then shared a couple of salads including the refreshing Seaweed Salad ($9) with a sesame-ponzu dressing along with the Organic Baby Greens Salad ($6) with Ki ginger-apple dressing; this followed by a sushi platter featuring these delicious sushi rolls, the Ki Spider Roll ($15) soft shell crab, mango, perilla leaves, chives and the Ki Beef Maki ($15) teriyaki-glazed Canadian AAA striploin, scallions, sesame seeds, sweet potato tempura + asparagus.

Atlantic Salmon Kushi

Tofu & Eggplant

Next was the kushiyaki (skewers) and we shared the flavourful Atlantic Salmon Kushi ($16) and the subtle and delicious Tofu & Eggplant ($10) glazed with Aka-miso.

Black Cod

Jumbo Shrimp

Sweet Potato Wedges

This followed by a couple of Hot Plates, the melt in my mouth Black Cod ($19) saikyo-marinated + broiled with rapini, salmon roe + orange reduction and the tangy Jumbo Shrimp ($16) wok-tossed + tomato rayu-chili sauce along with one side of Sweet Potato Wedges ($8) with wasabi mayo.

Almond Asian Pear Cake

Lemongrass Chamomile infused Creme Brûlée

Chocolates

For dessert we shared the beautifully plated and delicious Almond Asian Pear Cake ($10) along with the Lemongrass Chamomile infused Creme Brûlée ($9) along with a glass of Nakano Shuzo Ume ($6). To finish the meal we were served a complimentary box of home made chocolates. The restaurant features one of the most comprehensive Sake lists in the city that I know of, where you will find Sake from Japan as well as locally brewed.

Review by: Richard Wolak

 

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

GURKHA HIMALYAN KITCHEN

April 16th, 2012 admin

Chef/Owner Shiva Marahatta

1141 Davie Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-565-7965

Web: http://gurkha.ca/

Twitter: @GURKHAca

Advice: Take a friend or two to share and try more dishes. Patio in the rear.

I have always had a curiousity about Nepalese cuisine, I was happy to discover Gurkha recently opening upstairs in the house that sits above Davie street. The interior is decorated with carvings from Nepal and the bar looks like a bamboo hut. As you enter you are greeted by gracious servers or Chef Shiva himself welcoming you to their house. Gorkha is a district of Nepal and where the term Gurkha came from, here you will have an authentic Nepali meal.

Potato Salad

Gurkha Platter

Taas

My friend Alvin joined me to share some of the Nepali dishes, he is vegetarian so I then shared some of his experiencing the best of both worlds, meat and vegetarian. We each started with the Potato Salad with crispy puffed rice and then I had the Gurkha Platter – Soybean salad, Kathmandu Sekuwa, (chicken & lamb) followed by the delicious Taas: Special Nepali snack prepared with grilled lean chicken/lamb meat and served with puffed rice, cucumber, pickle and spicy sauce.

Momos

Paalungo

I then enjoyed the Momos a Tibetan dish of steamed dumplings filled with diced chicken while Alvin had the delicious Nepali Paalungo – fresh spinach leaves sautéed in seeds (cumin, mustard and fenugreek), dry red chilli and fresh garlic cloves.

Gorkhali Khasi

Jhaaneko Daal

On to the entrees that were all priced between $10-$12 each, I had the delicious Gorkhali Khasi – goat in a Nepali curry while Alvin had the Jhaaneko Daal lentils soaked and cooked with Nepali spices and tempered with onion, cumin seeds and garlic.

Mango Lassi

Dudhbari

Chai Creme Brûlée

We both then had a refreshing Mango Lassi followed by a couple of traditional desserts to finish a wonderful meal. My favourite of the two was the Dudhbari followed by the Chai Creme Brûlée.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Photo Credit: Alvin Grado

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

TRUFFLES CAFE

March 16th, 2012 admin

5151 Oak Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-505- 4961

Web: www.trufflesfinefoods.com/café

Twitter: @trufflesfoods

Advice: Located inside the Visitor Centre at VanDusen Botanical Garden.

With its floor to ceiling windows over-looking Livingstone Lake and the Woodland Garden, this casual café is located inside the VanDusen Botanical Garden’s new ‘Living Building’ Visitor Centre. Small tables and chairs scattered about the room as well as comfy lounge chairs and a couch add to the café’s casual ambiance.

Half Sandwich, Pasta Salad and Coleslaw

Everything in Truffles is made from scratch with fresh, local ingredients. In addition to muffins and scones; breakfast fare includes croissants, breakfast parfaits and breakfast burritos. I was in for lunch sharing with a friend and had a half of a Baguette Sandwich ($7 regular size) along with a Pasta salad ($5) and their delicious Coleslaw ($5) that is made with a touch of coconut.

For lunch, they also offer a hot daily special and two fresh-made soups along with an array of assorted fresh salads, paninis, sandwiches, filled croissants, fruit salads and desserts. In addition to drip coffee, there are espresso beverages, juices and organic teas.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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