Posts Tagged ‘Seafood’

BALILICIOUS

3488 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-709-8150

Web:  http://www.baliliciousrestaurant.com/

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Order a few dishes to share with friends.

Corn Fritters

Roti

Coconut Chicken

Located in the heart of Cambie Village, this South Asian neighbourhood eatery serves a delightful array of Indonesian dishes that are full of flavours. To start I had the Corn Fritters ($5.25)  pan-fried corn fritters with a side of their peanut sauce; this followed with some Roti ($2.25) pan-fried flat bread and then their delicious  Coconut Chicken ($12.95)  with tender white chicken with fresh mixed vegetables in coconut sauce. Their menu is filled with a selection of satay skewers, soups, Indonesian small plates, salads, curry & coconut dishes, rice & noodle dishes, seafood, and lots of vegetable dishes.

Review By: Richard Wolak

DUNDARAVE FISH MARKET

 

2423 Marine Drive West Vancouver

Tel: 604-922-1155

Web: http://www.dundaravefishmarket.com/restaurant-octo.html

Twitter: @fishmongerkim

Advice: You will want to sit upstairs for a cozy hideway dining experience or a seat on the outside patio.

Part fish market, part restaurant, this locale is a busy neighbourhood spot serving some of the finest seafood on the North Shore. On the fish market side you will find fresh fish from the sea as well as their crab cakes all done up and ready for you to cook up at home. On the restaurant side you will find lots of seating along with an extensive menu of seafood favourites and so much more.

Halibut Fish & Chips

Crackin’ Crab Cakes

Lemon Bar

I visited recently joined by my friend Nikki for some delicious fare. We both had the Halibut Fish & Chips ($14.95) 1 pc Halibut, round potato fries, sassy sesame slaw, tartar sauce & Baja sauce; as well we shared the outstanding Crackin’ Crab Cakes ($14.95) w/ peach chutney at Dundarave Fish Market and then for a refreshingly light dessert we shared the Lemon Bar.

Review by: Richard Wolak

 

 

GO FISH BROADWAY

1521 West Broadway, Vancouver

Tel: n/a

Web: http://www.gofishvancouver.com/

Twitter: @gofishvancouver

Advice: Ask for a side of the dark ponzu sauce and drizzle it on your fries, and coleslaw. They offer takeout all day just not during the dinner hour unless you order it in person. Closed Sundays.

I used to frequent their seafood shack at Fisherman’s Wharf where I enjoyed the fresh fish and seafood creations. This second location steps it up a bit, first of all it is a sit down restaurant that is inside with comfortable booths and blue tables around the room, along with art on the walls that was created by Gord. Just as Chef/Proprietor Gord Martin always does, his latest Go Fish still serves their notable Fish & Chips and other favourites by day, and by night their dishes get a bit more snazzy with inventive dishes and wonderful flavours.

Salmon Meatball

Halibut Fish & Chips

I had dinner recently as I was on a Fish & Chips mission, started off with a delicious Salmon Meatball creation that Chef Martin had cooked up! Then I ate through their Halibut Fish & Chips ($13) 1 piece of halibut, fries, pacific rim coleslaw, tarragon tartar sauce and lemon wedge; the outstanding Salmon Fish & Chips ($10) and the Cod Fish & Chips ($9) all with same condiments. They use the Red Truck Lager in the beer batter cause it is a local brew and just gives the fish a clean and delicious flavour. I’ve been hooked on their dark ponzu sauce ever since eating at Go Fish in the early days, hint you may want to drizzle some on your fries and coleslaw!

Okanagan Black Cherry Ice Cream

For dessert I had their home-made Okanagan Black Cherry Ice Cream that was topped with fresh mint, wonderful and refreshing. This location is licensed with many craft brews on tap!

Review by: Richard Wolak

FRESH LOCAL WILD

SE corner of Hastings and Burrard, Vancouver

Tel: n/a

Web: http://freshlocalwild.com/

Twitter: @freshlocalwild

Advice: Monday to Friday lunch. Dinner by reservation. Follow them on twitter for updated opening times.

The name says it all, here it is all about using Fresh, Local and Wild. This is a one and only mobile restaurant type of food truck that has a patio at the rear that seats 4.

Chicken Fried Oyster Sandwich

Albacore Tuna Melt

Wild Northern Coho Fish & Chips

I have visited a few times already and have eaten my way through the whole menu, my favourites are the Chicken Fried Oyster Sandwich ($10) served on a soft bun with a spicy aioli; the very unique and tasty Albacore Tuna Melt ($10) and the Wild Northern Coho Fish & Chips ($12) Tempura style battered salmon with slightly salted hand cut fries.

They have put together a simple menu that features delicious, local and sustainable food to the people on the street at great prices! Their products are sourced from local Fishermen, ethical farms and sustainable wild harvest of seasonal bounty. With another first Fresh Local Wild has launched the only mobile dining patio where Chef Josh Wolfe is cooking for a private table of four. Finished in beautifully stained western red cedar and complete with music this is the smallest restaurant in Vancouver and four of the hottest seats. For an extra serving of goodness, make sure you allow some time to chat it up with Chef Josh Wolfe!

Review By: Richard Wolak

PINK ELEPHANT THAI

1152 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604.646.8899

Web: http://www.pinkelephantthai.com/

Twitter: @pinkethai

Advice: Go with friends and share the dishes.

Loved the pink theme of the bright and spacious room with high ceilings and decorative light fixtures. Specializing in Thai street food with inventive dishes that will wow your senses.

Spicy Butterfly Butter Jumbo Tiger Prawn

Floating Market

I was in for lunch this week and ate my way through a variety of dishes, to start the Spicy Butterfly Butter Jumbo Tiger Prawn ($6) with butter, swirled egg, curry leaves and peppercorn. Next the Floating Market ($7) was flavorful, spicy and wowed my palate, deep fried spinach tempura and tiger prawns served with a spicy Thai applesauce which has much more than apples in the sauce.

Keang Panang Pia

Pad Thai

Coconut Curry

Pia – Salmon

For the main dishes I shared several and these were my favourites the delicious Keang Panang Pia ($12) Panang curry with salmon; the Pad Thai ($11) with tamarind and soft shell crab; the Coconut Curry ($12) with braised ox-tail and pumpkin; and the delicious and refreshing Pia – Salmon ($12) seared salmon with fresh lemongrass, lime juice topped with cashew nuts and sliced apples.

Pineapple Surprise

Of course dessert is a must for any of my meals as I always enjoy a sweet ending, I had the outstanding and simple Pineapple Surprise ($5) grilled Pineapple topped with vanilla ice cream. My beverage of choice was the cool Thai Iced Tea!

You’ll find the menu to be adventurous and full of flavours from tapas to soups, curries to garden greens, veggies to wok and more!

Review By: Richard Wolak

CARDERO’S

1583 Coal Harbour Quay, Vancouver

Tel: 604.669.7666

Web: http://www.vancouverdine.com/carderos0experience.aspx

Twitter: @carderos_van

Advice: Make an advance reservation and request a window table or a spot on the patio.

Located in Coal Harbour on the water with one of the most spectacular views in the city. In for dinner last week, my first time back in over two years and was as good as I remembered.

Croistini

Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

Cedar Plank Salmon

Black Cod with lobster

Started off with some Olive, sundried tomato and chorizo sausage croistini as well as Smoked salmon and onion croistini as an amuse to tempt our palate. Then to begin the meal I shared the delicious Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow) with hot mustard, chili sauce ($10). My dining companion had the Cedar Plank Salmon ($24) baked on the plank, brown sugar, soy, lemon and I had the Black Cod ($26) with 1/2  lobster 1/2 Atlantic lobster ($19) that was shelled which became a very small serving.

Torta Milano

Warm Chocolate Nut Brownie

To finish off the meal we shared two of their desserts the outstanding Torta Milano ($8) milk & dark chocolate mascarpone mousse; and the Warm Chocolate Nut Brownie ($8) vanilla bean gelato. You’ll find a large array of seafood selections and wonderful patio!

Review By: Richard Wolak

ENSEMBLE RESTAURANT

850 Thurlow Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604.569.1770

Web: http://www.ensemblerestaurant.com

Twitter: @EnsembleVan

Advice: Portions are fairly small, order a few dishes or order the 4 course tasting menu.

Some would say this restaurant is on a hidden corner as its shadowed behind bustling Robson. Once you have found it, you are in for a treat of fine cuisine at Chef Dale Mackay’s abode. My friend and fellow writer Sarah Rowland joined me for dinner the other night to explore and take our tastebuds on a journey, we began our culinary journey together starting off with a couple of drinks.

Basil Caiphirina Cocktail

Lobster Iceberg Salad

Flat Bread

Hamachi

Warm Spot Prawns Cocktail

I had the Basil Caiphirina Cocktail ($12) Cachaça, lime, simple syrup, basil and Sarah had a glass of bubbles. We started by sharing the outstanding Lobster Iceberg Salad ($17) with Lobster Caesar Dressing, Pea shoots, Bacon, Crispy Shallots; and the simple yet tasty Flat Bread ($10) topped with Bacon and Onion. The next dish didn’t wow me, Hamachi ($15) Tofu Puree, Grapefruit, Sesame Seeds; the following dish did wow me immensely Warm Spot Prawns Cocktail ($11) Romaine, Lemon, Avocado.

Beef Shin and Fritz

Poached and Crispy Chicken

Potato Gnocchi

Five Spice Pork Belly

We had originally intended to have our own entrees, however this idea had quickly transformed us into sharing the mains as well. The first dish was moist and delicious far more so than I was expecting, Beef Shin and Fritz ($12) Celery Root Puree, Watercress; next up was the Poached and Crispy Chicken ($14) Chicken Veloute, Black Trumpets, Carrots; follow me the most delicious Potato Gnocchi ($10) Tomato Butter Sauce, Rocket, Olives; after eating this dish I resisted but so wanted to lick the plate, it was that good. To end off our mains, Sarah really wanted to try this dish so we did and it looked better than it tasted, Five Spice Pork Belly ($13) Smoked Miatakis, Brussels Sprouts, Pear, Cashews.

Pavlova

Chocolate Sundae

Chocolate Fondant

To finish our meal, it was indeed a sweet ending, we shared 3 of their desserts loving them all, specifically the one of kind Pavlova ($8) with Fresh Citrus Fruits was refreshing and the Chocolate Sundae ($9) Bailey Ice Cream, Biscotti Crumble and lastly the Chocolate Fondant ($10) with Hazelnut-Nougatine Ice Cream.

It’s no doubt that the location is off the beaten path, the food here is the draw as is Chef Dale Mackay who I had the pleasure to interview this year for Gold Medal Plates.

Review By: Richard Wolak

HIDDEN TASTING BAR

433 Robson Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-647-2521

Web:  http://starwood.webcanada.com/restaurant/?rid=5190

Twitter: @hiddenvancouver

Advice: Go with a friend and share the dishes. Located inside the Westin Grand Hotel on the 2nd floor.

Hidden off of Robson, off the hotel lobby is a somewhat secluded room awaiting your discovery. My friend Nikki joined me for dinner the other night, to enjoy some of their Libations, Hops and Cravings. First of all the menu is very well thought out, it is about having fun and amusing your palate.

Fancy Nancy

The Hef

Inukshuk Onion Rings

Cantaloupe Salad

It was the Libations aka cocktails first and she had the Fancy Nancy ($11) chambord, raspberry vodka, orange, cranberry, pineapple, lime; I had The Hef ($10) vanilla vodka, ginger liqueur, triple sec, pineapple, fizzy stuff. Then it was on to sharing a couple of their starters, we had the Inukshuk Onion Rings ($6) with a delicious smoked ketchup and a refreshing Cantaloupe Salad ($11) with goats cheese, tarragon & crispy prosciutto.

Lobster Poutine

Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich

Baked Sautéed Bay Scallop Mac ‘n Cheese

Seared Black Cod

We then changed our liquids direction and went into the Hops, Nikki had the Fruili ($7) strawberry, belgian fruit, (Belgium) beer and I had the Kronenbourg 1664 ($7) white beer (France). Then it was on to sharing a few more dishes, we had the Lobster Poutine ($10) made with thick potato wedges, cheese and chunks of lobster; then the most delicious Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich ($12), with short rib and cranberry purée; followed by the Baked Sautéed Bay Scallop Mac ‘n Cheese ($15) this dish although tasty had me a bit confused, the scallops served on the side should have been inside the Mac & Cheese; and the Seared Black Cod ($13) with an outstanding brown butter cauliflower puree, asparagus and fennel salad, lemon caper vinaigrette.

Oreo Cookie Cheesecake

Orange Infused Chocolate Tart

To finish our meal and further tempt our tastebuds we shared a couple of house-made desserts the Oreo Cookie Cheesecake ($8) and a stellar dessert that ranks high up on my favourite desserts list, Orange Infused Chocolate Tart ($8) topped with a maple gelato which was divine.

There is an ever evolving craft brew list that is global inspiring, a large wine list and inventive cocktail list and great music beats in the background. Go exploring and check out this hideway!

Review By: Richard Wolak

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