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Posts Tagged ‘Seafood’

MOSAIC BAR & GRILLE

May 16th, 2013 admin

655 Burrard Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 639-4770

Web: http://vancouver.hyatt.com

Twitter: @HyattVancouver

Advice: multi-course tasting menus, you can ask to have the chef create you a customer tasting menu.

 

Windset Farms Fresco Cucumber Gazpacho

Chilled Dungeness Crab Cannelloni

With a star chef at its helm, my friend Nikki Caine joined me to explore and enjoy the chef’s tasting menu as I knew we were in for a culinary journey. Chef Thomas Heinrich is the visionary culinary master who is creating artful masterpieces on the plate. Our 1st course was the Windset Farms Fresco Cucumber Gazpacho in refreshing ginger coconut gelee. The next course was the outstanding Chilled Dungeness Crab Cannelloni with English pea, meyer lemon and mint where the presentation was perfection.

Spring, Green Garlic Grits with Scallop

Pan seared Branzino

Galbi marinated Pork Jowl

Slow Roasted Lamb

The journey continued with the next course, a taste of Spring, Green Garlic Grits with Scallop which was delicious, this followed by the Pan seared Branzino with celery noodles and carrot reduction with an oregano citrus emulsion served to us on a mirrored slab. From there the flavours exploded with the Galbi marinated Pork Jowl with Asian pear, fiddle heads, lotus root and edible flowers, the sauce was heavenly. On to the 6th course it was another stunning plate with the the delicious Slow Roasted Lamb with mustard and fennel streusel and a pomegranate gastrique along with edible flowers.

Braised Rhubarb

We finished off our impressive meal with the Braised Rhubarb with white chocolate meringue, ginger and pink peppercorns and green strawberries, this dessert was the perfect ending with more stunning flavours. I am looking forward to many return visits and to follow the seasons with Chef Thomas Heinrich leading the way.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

FINEST AT SEA

April 28th, 2013 admin

4675 Arbutus Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-266-1904

Web: www.finestatsea.com

Twitter: @FinestAtSeaVan

Advice: Located in a strip mall, no reservations.

With my love for fish, I had missed eating at one of the city’s notable seafood boutiques. I can’t believe it took me so long to visit for the 1st time and I returned within a week for more of their delicious fish. The seafood boutique as they call themselves is part fresh fish store and part fish & chips stand within the store. You get a bit of the best of both worlds when visiting, they also have a large deli case of home made prepared foods of which were calling my name as I was waiting for my fish & chips to go.

1 Piece Halibut & Yam Fries

2 Piece Halibut & Yam Fries

On the first visit I had the Halibut & Chips and substituted the chips for Yam Fries which were absolutely delish! On the 2nd visit, which was purely to have more of the delicious halibut, I ended up getting a 2 Piece Halibut & Chips with more yam fries and while waiting I also took a selection of dishes home including a delish polenta, gnocchi, some of their house smoked salmon candy as well as their black cod candy which were both outstanding.

If you love fish and seafood, this is a boutique you are going to want to visit repeatedly. It’s like going to the beach without actually going to the beach.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in West Side Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

SIDDARTHAS INDIAN KITCHEN

April 18th, 2013 admin

2066 Commercial Dr, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 215-7556

Web: http://siddharthaskitchen.com/

Twitter: @ChefSiddharthas

Advice: Share dishes with friends.

The Drive as it’s often described to the locals is a neighborhood which is filled with a variety of ethnic eateries. You can eat all sorts of different foods from the many cultures represented in the city, one of which is Indian and this was a great spot for a visit. I had heard about Chef Siddartha and his eatery by way of another wonderful chef who owns another Indian restaurant on the West side of the city, knowing how good his food was, this was a must try for me.

Naan

Vegetable Korma

Chicken Tikka Masala

Watermelon

I was sharing some dishes with a friend over lunch starting off with delicious Vegetable Korma ($10.50) and the spicy Chicken Tikka Masala ($10.99) which was served with a warm basket of freshly baked Naan. To end our meal they served us a refreshing complimentary dish of watermelon balls. There are many dishes on the menu that I look forward to trying on a future visit, including the Peshavvari Naan, Chicken Haryali,  Grilled vegetables with Makhni sauce, and Tiger Prawns Coconut Curry.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

THE GENERAL PUBLIC

April 7th, 2013 admin

3289 Main Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 558-4676

Web: coming

Twitter: @GPSushi

Advice: Reservations suggested. Bring a friend to share some sushi rolls.

There are sushi joints and then there are sushi joints, while the city is filled with sushi eateries on almost every block, there are few that standout in décor, vibe and food. This eatery is related to the Eatery located in Kitsilano and this one is quite different when it comes to the décor and the type of people who is patronizing them, here it is hipster and family central. Funky decor with a wilderness lodge theme adding to the bizarre decorated room, loved the 74 white masks that adorn the room. With a vast selection of items, the star attraction here are the named sushi rolls and other Japanese favourites which are ideal for sharing. My friend Jonathan Yee joined me to do just that, share a variety of items so that I could try as much as possible.

Tuna Tempura

Tuna Sushi Bites

Salmon Tartare

Tunacado

Tempura Prawns

To start the meal we enjoy enjoyed a sampler of their house specialty Tuna Tempura which we both thought had good flavour and crunch. We then shared the yummy Tuna Sushi Bites that were topped on a rice cake followed by the Salmon Tartare served with large won ton type crisps for dipping. I loved the Tunacado so fresh and filled with avocado which also came with won ton type crisps. We also shared Tempura Prawns with tangy sweet sauce, battered for a good crunch .

Viva Las Vegas

San Francisco Roll

Dragon Roll

The Cucu’s Nest Cucumber Wrap

Next up we savoured some of their popular Sushi Rolls, starting off with Viva Las Vegas with cream cheese, followed by the San Francisco Roll topped with a bland salmon which was my least favourite of all & the outstanding Dragon Roll filled with crab and avocado as well as The Cucu’s Nest Cucumber Wrap filled with crab wrapped in a cucumber shell with mango.

It’s a good thing they don’t specialize in dessert, since their dessert offerings were minimal and since we were both utterly full, we ended our meal on a high note.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Main Street Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

PALKI RESTAURANT

March 21st, 2013 admin

1130 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Tel: 604-215-1130

Web: http://www.palkirestaurant.com/

Twitter: @PalkiRestaurant

Advice: Specify the spice (heat) level for the dishes you order. Share dishes with your friends.

Himalaya Blended Shake

I have fond memories of visits to London years ago and eating delish Indian cuisine, of all of the Indian restaurants that I have eaten at locally, Palki comes the closest I have found to the type of Indian cuisine I had savoured in the UK. This is one of those eateries you are going to want to have a friend or two along so that you can order a multitude of dishes just as I did. For me my dining adventure began with their delicious Himalaya Blended Shake with cardamom, pepper, pistachio and mixed nuts.

Onion Bhajia

Fish Pakora

I then had a few appetizers including the Onion Bhajia ($5.95) deep fried battered onion with Indian paprika which I loved along with the Fish Pakora ($8.50) another deep fried dish of Cod fish coated with batter with a delicious mint and tamarind chutney.

Kashmiri Naan

Coconut Naan

I then had an order of the outstanding Kashmiri Naan ($4) stuffed bread with dry fruit and I could have had at least another order just for me, it was that good. I also had an order of the Coconut Naan ($4) which I found to be dry for my tastes.

Prawn Coconut Curry

Chicken and Cashew Onion Curry

Saag Paneer

Navrattan Korma

Garlic Naan

Brown Rice

Next was the delicious Prawn Coconut Curry ($14.50) a unique combination of coriander and coconut curry that is full of flavour, my favourite dish of the night. My 2nd favourite dish was the Chicken and Cashew Onion Curry ($13.50) so good. The other main dishes that I had were the Saag Paneer ($11.50) Pureed spinach and paneer cooked with freshly ground spices along with the delish Navrattan Korma ($11.95) Vegetables cooked in a tangy tomato and cream sauce and mildly spiced. Added an order of the tasty Garlic Naan ($3) Indian style garlic and basil bread along with an order of Brown Rice that went well with the curries.

Mango Kulfi

To finish this fine meal, I had the house specialty delish Mango Kulfiwith Mango, Cardamom, pistachio. The menu is vast with many different traditional dishes, they have notations for dairy and gluten free which is helpful for diners looking for these options. I have been craving the Kashmiri Naan for days since my last visit and I am looking forward to my next visit to taste more dishes.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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

FISHWORKS

March 9th, 2013 admin

91 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver

Tel: 778-340-3449

Web: http://www.fishworks.ca/

Twitter: @FishworksLOLO

Advice: Located 3 blocks away from the Lonsdale Quay seabus terminal. Reservations suggested.

Pan Seared Scallops

B.C Honey Mussels

Halibut Poutine

Poached Pear

Escaping the city, I often enjoy the quick jaunt on the Seabus over to Lonsdale Quay to explore the market, then moments away to enjoy a wonderful meal. Specializing in fish and seafood, you can begin with flavourful dishes ranging from the appetizers to the larger entrees. On my most recent visit, I had the Pan Seared Scallops ($14) with Japanese eggplant, toasted cashews, garlic and ginger that was full of flavour and textures, and so good! The next dish was the B.C Honey Mussels ($13) in a delicious lemongrass coconut broth with a hint of Jalapeño and since I was dining solo I had them half the order. For my entrée, I had the outstanding and fairly healthy Halibut Poutine ($19) with Salt Spring Goat Cheese gravy, garlic confit, tomatoes and Pemberton frites. A sweet finish to email is often rewarding especially when you have a meal of wonderful and flavourful dishes. I had the Poached Pear ($8) in red wine reduction with house made vanilla Ice cream.

With creative Chef Shallaw Kadir in the kitchen you are always in for unique and flavourful experience. I am looking forward to my next visit to try the Sockeye Salmon Wellington cranberry-almond crust in crispy phyllo, pistachio pesto which sounds divine.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in North Vancouver Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

ESPANA RESTAURANT

December 28th, 2012 admin

1118 Denman Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-558-4040

Web: www.espanarestaurant.ca/

Twitter: @espanayvr

Advice: Don’t go solo, best place to go with at least one or two friends and share some dishes. Open late nightly.

Crispy Chickpeas

Fennel & Orange Salad

I love everything Spanish and Espana took me and my friend Peter on a culinary adventure of flavours. Sharing is the way to go here and we ordered a selection of dishes from bar snacks to a salad, along with a couple vegetarian dishes and a couple of desserts. We began with the tasty Crispy Chickpeas ($4) hot and sweet paprika and mint; followed by the Fennel & Orange Salad ($7) with pomegranates, walnuts, watercress and manchego.

Crispy Goat’s Cheese

Patatas Bravas

The Crispy Squid

Next was the outstanding Crispy Goat’s Cheese ($8) with a hint of orange blossom honey, frisee and walnuts; followed by the Patatas Bravas ($6) fried potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, aioli. The Crispy Squid ($10) with chili jam, yogurt and mint was superb and was the perfect ending as we moved from savoury to dessert.

Churros

Crema Catalana

I fell in love with the Churros ($8) having both of the sauces (you have to ask them to serve both sauces as it is usually served with your choice of one) and loving both dark hot chocolate sauce as well as the housemade yogurt and dulce de leche (mix this sauce at the table). Their version of Crema Catalana ($8) custard was similar to a crème brulee with a smooth flavour.

With Chef Neil Taylor who is one of the owners at the helm in the kitchen, you are in good hands so to speak. You’ll find a selection of fine Sherry’s as well as Port to go along with the Spanish tapas, toasts, cheese and cured meats and you can dine late into the night.

Review By: Richard Wolak

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

KAYA MALAY BISTRO

November 19th, 2012 admin

1063 W. Broadway, Vancouver

Tel: 604-730-9963

Web: http://www.kayamalay.com

Twitter: @kayamalay

Advice: Go with friends and share a selection of dishes.

Ginger Citrus Soda

I had dinner with some friends recently in this warmly inspired colorful dining room, joining me was Emmy Moulechkova, Jonathan Yee and Joe Tong and this was our delicious Malaysian feast. Most of us enjoyed a refreshing Ginger Citrus Soda ($4) that was hand pressed lemon, lime and orange shaken with fresh juices & soda with basil.

Langkawi Coconut Prawns

Lamb Satay Skewers

Mini Soft Shell Crab

We started off sharing a selection of appetizers including the Langkawi Coconut Prawns ($10) deep fried prawns in a light tempura, flavored with shredded coconut; along with an order of the Lamb Satay Skewers ($1.50 per skewer, min 6 skewers per order) grilled marinated skewers with a spicy peanut dip; along with the tasty Mini Soft Shell Crab ($9) crispy soft shell crab sautéed in fresh onion, garlic & shallot with mild chili and fresh Indian black peppercorn.

Roti Canai

Whole Wheat Roti

To accompany our meal we had an order of the regular more traditional Roti Canai ($6) as well as the Whole Wheat Roti ($7) which I quite enjoyed. This was the popular hand-rolled layered flat bread with curry sauce, (2 pieces in each order).

Pumpkin Mixed Mushroom Curry

Seafood Bouillabaisse in Assam Curry Sauce

Halibut & Asparagus

Char Kuey Teow

One of my favourite dishes of the night was next, the Pumpkin Mixed Mushroom Curry ($11) with assorted mushrooms with pumpkin simmered in curry tamarind spice and coconut cream. The next dish that we all shared was the  Seafood Bouillabaisse in Assam Curry Sauce ($22) Prawns, fish, mussel, & cuttlefish in spicy turmeric coconut sauce made with tamarind, galangal, lemongrass, & ginger, this dish could have used a bit more spice, turning about the level a notch. The Halibut & Asparagus ($20) was outstanding and this was the 2nd time that I have had it, the halibut was stir fried with asparagus, ginger, & garlic. The last of the entrees was the delicious Char Kuey Teow ($10) fried flat rice noodle with sweet soy sauce, tiger prawn, fish cake, squid, bean sprout, & egg.

Banana Leaf Coconut Rice

Nasi Kunyit

Organic Five Grain Rice

None of us could decide on which bowl of rice to have to accompany our dishes, so we ordered these 3 rice dishes, my favourite was the Banana Leaf Coconut Rice ($2) Banana leaf wrapped rice cooked with coconut milk; followed by the Nasi Kunyit ($2) rice prepared with turmeric coconut milk; and lastly the Organic Five Grain Rice ($2.50).

Pisang Goreng

Kuih Dadar

For dessert we shared the Pisang Goreng ($6) Deep fried banana served warm with ice cream and my favourite of the two, the Kuih Dadar ($6) Hand-rolled crepes flavored with pandan juice, filled with grated coconut steeped in Malaysian palm sugar.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in West Side Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »
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