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Posts Tagged ‘Solo Diners’

FINEST AT SEA

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

ROUNDEL CAFÉ

2465 E Hastings Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-253-2522

Web: www.roundelcafe.com

Twitter: n/a

Advice: No reservations. Breakfast is served until 4 pm weekdays and 5 pm on weekends.

Sometimes it can take years to visit a restaurant which has been around for years, the Roundel has been serving the East Village neighborhood for over 49 years. I visited for the first time with a group of friends for Breakfast, it’s a fun place especially on a Sunday morning. They make everything from scratch using wholesome ingredients in this fresh food diner.

Tofu Veggie Scramble

I had the Tofu Veggie Scramble ($8.50) which was delish filled with vegetables, potatoes and salad, my friends Alexei, Alejandro, Jason and Yaniv had a variety of egg dishes including the Benny, Omelets and such as well a couple ordered raspberry milkshakes which are made with 4 scoops of ice cream.

They have got burgers for lunch as well as rolled tortillas, salads and sandwiches and at dinner you will find a selection of Mexican dishes such as the Mango Brie Quesadilla which I can’t wait to try on my next visit.

Review by: Richard Wolak

HOLY PEROGY

Burrard St & Dunsmuir St

Web: http://holyperogy.com/

Twitter: @HolyPerogy

Advice: Follow them on twitter for daily open hours and location.

West Coast Salmon Perogies

I have fond memories of Uncle Bill’s Perogies from many years ago, those perogies were authentic and traditional. Fast forward to now, you can’t miss the bright blue Holy Perogy truck, there perogies are filled with your not so traditional fillings in the home-made perogies, you will find a unique twist on the traditional perogies. I had the West Coast Salmon Perogies ($10) which were filled with smoked salmon and topped with caramelized onions and drizzled with dill sour cream and capers, these were heavenly and delicious. You will also find a selection of changing menu items such as the Italian, Mexican, and their popular Potato/Cheddar variety, these are worldly perogies!

Review by: Richard Wolak

FISHWORKS

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

THE MIGHTY OAK

198 West 18th Avenue, Vancouver

Tel: 604-558-0722

Web: www.TheMightyOak.ca

Twitter: n/a

Advice: Closed Monday.

Off the beaten track, hidden away in the heart of a neighborhood is this small café on the corner. Inside you will find an espresso bar along with a selection of baked goods, for now they only bake their own scones, they also carry a selection of pies from Vancouver Pie Hole. You will also find a selection of food products on the grocery side which features many local producers including Earnest Ice Cream and others.

Espresso Macchiato and Cheese Onion Scone

I enjoyed my Cheese and Onion Scone along with an Espresso Macchiato, I had wanted a slice of pie which was my main reason for visiting however they were sold out. The room is small and cozy, so feel free to stand by the espresso bar and sip away while you indulge in one of their savoury or sweet treats!

Review by: Richard Wolak

SATORI FACTORY

5054 Victoria Drive, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 569-0420

Web: http://www.satorifactory.ca

Twitter: @mysatorifactory

Advice:  Closed Mondays

Rose Latte

Espresso Macchiatto

Situated next door to their popular Chau Veggie restaurant is a wonderful café with a large communal table that fills the centre of the room. I have visited on a couple of occasions each time visiting after eating noodles next door, I have had the Rose Latte ($4) as well as my usual espresso beverage Espresso Macchiatto ($2.75) the coffee is all from local Republica Coffee Roasters. You will also find Chef Maria’s popular Vegi Pate along with Macarons and other tasty treats.

This is a good spot to spend an afternoon, especially before or after a meal at Chau next door.

Review by: Richard Wolak

PIDGIN

350 Carrall Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-620-9400

Web: www.pidginyvr.com

Twitter: @pidginvancouver

Advice: Call for reservations, bring a magnifier glass and flashlight to read the menu.

Beef Tataki

Shishito Peppers

Humpback Shrimp

Chocolate Truffle Fritters

With a pedigree of star studded crew, the shining light here is spearheaded by Co-owner, Chef Makato Ono who heads the kitchen. The menu offers dishes that are a mix of Japanese, Korean, and French with unique flavours to brighten up our culinary scene. Almost each dish I had the ingredients were spellbound. I had the Beef Tataki ($14) with black garlic, Comte, wasabi, mayo, chips which was full of flavours & textures. The Shishito Peppers ($6) with Parmessan and pine nuts was a bit too bold in flavour as I hit the jackpot on the first bite with a severe hot pepper that had my mouth on fire for minutes. The Humpback Shrimp ($12) with citrus, celery and whipped roe was outstanding, where the citrus shines in this dish! To finish off I had the delicious Chocolate Truffle Fritters ($8) where the chocolate melted in the centre in a delicate form, accompanied by a matcha sauce.

You will find Sake on Tap along with Wine on Tap, a stunning room for dining and a menu that is unique, bold and quite different than you have seen in our city. This is a chef and kitchen team you are going to want to keep your eyes on!

Review by: Richard Wolak

LE TIGRE CUISINE

Various locations daily

Web: http://www.letigrecuisine.ca/

Twitter: @LeTigreTruck

Advice: Follow them on twitter for daily open hours and location.

Roasted Beet Fries

Steam Bun

Serving modern Asian cuisine on a food truck, owners Chef Clement Chan & Chef Steven Kuan are creating their own contemporary interpretation of classical Chinese cuisine. I first saw them last summer at the Richmond Night Market and then visited a few months later at their Georgia spot for some delish eats! I had the outstanding Roasted Beet Fries dusted with plum powder and spicy mayo along with the Steam Bun with bang bang sesame chicken, asian slaw, basil and cilantro.

There are offering new dishes all the time combining local seasonal ingredients with an abundant selection of high quality sustainable seafood and organic meats from B.C. They say it best, they want their customers to explore their culinary boundaries by pairing traditional Chinese offerings with new and refreshing flavours and textures. I would keep an eye out for this bright truck and for the new dishes these two chefs create.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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