Posts Tagged ‘Wines’

MCLEAN’S

July 27th, 2010 admin
200 – 332 Water Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-669-1112


Twitter: @Mcleansgastown

Advice: Reserve for the upstairs dining room.

Fior de Latte

Grilled Humbolt Squid

Had dinner recently with some media friends and shared several of the different dishes. We sat in the downstairs lounge, though next time I would prefer to dine in the beautiful dining room upstairs. To begin the meal, I tasted a couple of Appetizers that included the tasty Fior de Latte ($10) over roasted cherry tomatoes drizzled with a balsamic reduction & Spansih extra virgin olive oil with fresh basil; unfortunatley the Grilled Humbolt Squid ($12) with chorizo lime and sansho pepper aiolli was not too my liking.

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

Free Range Chicken Breast

Queen Charlotte Halibut

AAA 10oz Ribe Eye

For the main dishes I enjoyed my Queen Charlotte Halibut ($28) pan seared filet with pommes puree, green asparagus, & sauteed wild mushrooms finished with a lemon beurre blanc. I also tasted and liked the Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli ($21) in a white wine cream sauce, with sundried tomatoes & Italian parsley, finished pecorino pepato; the Free Range Chicken Breast ($21) was in a tasty pommes puree with seasonal vegetables. My favourite of all the main entrees was the AAA 10oz Ribe Eye ($29) the meat was delicious and perfectly prepared with pomme frites, balsamic glazed green asparagus, finished with a truffle demiglace.

Bread Pudding

Creme Brulee

Beet Sorbet

Chocolate Mouse

As full as I was I had to try some of the desserts, all of the ones that I sampled were quite good including the Bread Pudding ($8), Creme Brulee ($8), Beet Sorbet ($8) and the Chocolate Mouse ($8).

Review By: Richard Wolak

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ADESSO BISTRO

July 12th, 2010 admin

Outside Garden

1906 Haro Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-9975


Twitter: @AdessoBistro

Advice: Make an advance reservation and request to be seated on the patio.

Crispy Mozzerella, Mediteranean Salad

Watercress and Goats Cheese Salad

Focacia

I had dinner on my favourite patio in the city last week with a friend, it was a warm summer night and ideal for the Italian meal that was too follow. The location is one of my favourites for a restaurant in thie city, it is a wonderful hideway well situated in the West End in close proximity to Stanley Park. I was very much looking forward to Chef Sean Sylvestre dishes as he is a well known master behind the scenes. Our dinner began with a couple of Antipasti, I had the outstanding Crispy Mozzerella, Mediteranean Salad ($9) Crostini and my friend Alexei had the Watercress and Goats Cheese Salad ($12) black olive vinagrette and candied pecans. The complimentary Focacia was warm and topped with a little course salt with a very good olive oil for dipping.

Linguine Genovese

Risotto al Radichioe

Next up was a couple of small appetizer size Pasta dishes, I had the Linguine Genovese ($12 Small) pesto, green beans, new potatoes and my friend had the Risotto al Radichioe ($14 small) gorgonzola, walnuts. We paced our selves well and enjoyed the flavours of each dish, their menu is from the Ligurian region in Italy.

Rack of Lamb

Pacific Halibut

Crushed Potatoes and Olives

Chickpeas braised in tomatoes

For our Secondi, I had the tender and full of flavour Rack of Lamb ($25) with white beans and ragout; and my friend had the perfectly cooked Pacific Halibut ($22) all Acqua Pazza, olives and cherry tomatoes we then shared a couple of Contorini and both thought this very simple side dish was one of the best we have had in a very long time, Crushed Potatoes and Olives ($5) and our other dish was the Chickpeas braised in tomatoes ($6).

Affogatto

Mirtillo

One thing that I always do before dining at any restaurant is that I check their dessert menu, Adesso was no exception as I reviewed their dessert menu a couple of times before making my reservation and well I was right, the Pastry chef is also a wizzard in the kitchen and is creative in his dessert creations. I had the outstanding delicious Affogatto ($8) made with espresso semifreddo, hazelnut praline, chibouste; my friend had the light Mirtillo ($8) fresh and poached blueberry, yogurt panna cotta, almond nougatine. The restaurant has a nice wine list as well as a well thought out after dinner drinks list, my friend enjoyed a Blueberry Tea for his nightcap to end the meal. Adesso is lucky to have a talented culinary team of passionate chefs in the kitchen, looking forward to my return visit.

Review by: Richard Wolak
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SWEENEY’S

July 10th, 2010 admin
1091 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-689-4505


Twitter: @SweeneysYT

Advice: Try a different sandwich each time you visit.

Tuna Tataki Sandwich

Vegetarian Meatball Grinder

It is as close to a gourmet sandwich emporium as you are going to find in this area, their menu of sandwiches has been well thought out. I have been in for lunch a couple of times since they opened and I have enjoyed both of the sandwiches that I had which were the Tuna Tataki ($8.50) togarashi spice, watercress-lemon dressing, avocado on a baguette as well as the Vegetarian Meatball Grinder ($7.75) vegetarian meatballs cooked in Sweeney’s tomato sauce, baked on a torpedo bun with provolone cheese. The sandwiches are not your traditional sandwiches, love and creativity in a bun would be one way of describing them. In addition to the inventive sandwiches they have salads, soups and baked goods. Good and beer wine selection too!

Review by: Richard Wolak
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DELILAHS CONVICTION

July 7th, 2010 admin

1789 Comox Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-687-3424

Web: http://www.delilahsconviction.com

Twitter: @delilahsmartini

Advice: Try to get one of their cozy booths.

I dined here again recently while they were filming “Conviction Kitchen” a reality tv show set in a restaurant, in Delilahs Conviction in fact. Luckily one of the top chefs in North America, Chef Marc Thuet had been guest chef here during the filming of the tv show, so we were able to savour the flavours of each dish the chef created. I have been eating at Delilah’s ever since they opened their original location on Haro, the years have passed but the food and drink has been stellar to this day. It’s my hideaway that serves delicious westcoast cuisine in comfy chairs with a bit of romanticsm ambience.

Chilliwack pea froth with Qualicum beach scallop, coconut foam

Pflutta braised Fraser Canyon Rabbits

Bass River Sockeye Salmon

Brooks Peninsula Ling Cod

My friend Alejandro joined me, to begin we both had a glass of wine (you can get a glass of almost any of their bottled wines as with a minimum of 2 glasses purchased or a glass from the selection of featured wines). We both had the outstanding Chilliwack pea froth ($13) with Qualicum beach scallop, coconut foam, we then shared the rich tasting Pflutta braised Fraser Canyon Rabbits ($21) and morels topped with 4oz of Seared Fois Gras ($12 extra charge). For our mains, I had the Bass River Sockeye Salmon ($28) with ragout of chorizu, clam and mussels with gnochi and he had the Brooks Peninsula ling cod ($22) poached in olive oil, crushed fingerling potatoes, Nicoise olives, we also shared a couple of sides, the Grilled seasonal vegetables ($6) and Creamed Potatoes ($6).

Chocolate coulant served with a tarragon anglaise

Beignets mini sugared donuts in chocolate sauce

The desserts sounded so good, so we shared a couple of them to finish off our meal and went with the light Chocolate coulant ($8) served with a tarragon anglaise and the dessert special of the night a more rich Beignets ($8) mini sugared donuts in chocolate sauce.

I was happy to see that Delilahs still has their extensive martini collection as people have made this their martini destination of choice for so many years. The tables are candlelit and it is quite romantic and enchanting place to dine.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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SIDECUT

June 29th, 2010 admin

4591 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC (located inside the Four Seasons Resort)

Tel: 604-966-5280


Twitter: FSWhistler

Advice: Make an advance reservation for dinner.

Bread Basket

I went on an excursion to Whistler recently and to have dinner at Sidecut, the server brought us the menus and the Somelier served us a complimentary glass of the Blue Mountain Brut to welcome us to their restaurant. Toasting to new friends and connections we then browsed the menu along with the extensive wine list which offers more than 200 bottles of wine and 30 wines by the glass. Although there is a large selection of International varietals on the list, several boutique British Columbia wines are also available. We ordered the starter and eventually the rest of the dishes. A basket arrived to the table with cheese buns which were kind of like mini brioches along with Bannock bread, this was a real treat and one that I enjoyed throughout the meal having the basket refilled a couple of times.

Qualicum Scallops

Steakhouse 'sushi' Kobe Roll

Maple Bourbon Cured Fois Gras

Belgian Endive & Watercress

Artisan Lettuces

My appetizer arrived, I had the Qualicum Scallops ($12) a beautiful presentation of celiriac, black garlic, and crispy apple chips, my dining companion had the Steakhouse ’sushi’ Kobe Roll ($32) a dish that was made to look like sushi, this outstanding beef was grilled rare, served with avocado, dried tomato and sweet soy. We were then treated to another appetizer one of their house specialties, it was the Maple Bourbon Cured Fois Gras ($19), the Fois Gras was served in a round in the centre with the grilled house marinated pork belly in squares around, with tasty figs in a solera elixer. After a little break, our salads arrived, I had the Belgian Endive & Watercress ($12) with shaved ‘montana’ cheese, spicy pecans, backed apple, lillooet honey vinaigrette. My friend had the Artisan Lettuces ($11) with roasted pear, half an avocado, and blackberry vinaigrette.

Peace River Rack of Venison

New Zealand Rack of Lamb

Double Dipped Onion Rings

Steakhouse Sauces

I left the wine selection up to Somelier David Foran to serve me the best matched wine to my Venison and that he did a glass of red, Les Brunnelles Rozes Hermitage 2006 from France. Moving on to the stars of the dining experience, the entrees, I had the Peace River Rack of Venison ($36) made with Chef Edisons Blueberry Hill rub served with truffled white beans, this was an outstandingly flavoured dish and quite large. It was accompanied by their 6 signature sauces of which I enjoyed the Wasabi Mustard and the Mushroom Bordelaise for dipping. My friend had the New Zealand Rack of Lamb ($34) another large dish that was delicious. We ordered along some sides, perhaps we ordered to many, as our eyes took on their own pleasing role. A side of Aged Cheddar & Potato Gratin ($6), Creamed Spinach ($6), Roof Top Carrots ($6) and the Double dipped Onion Rings ($6) stack served, these rings were awesome! I was rather full after this flavorful eating experience, however since dessert is my passion as well as the passion of my dining companion we both thought we must try. Sidecut is a new restaurant having recently opened and their concept is to offer the best meats, poultry and fish. Their beef and game is aged for 40 days and then grilled at 1800 degrees on an infrared grill, they are recognized for their unique spice rubs and rich flavours. All cuts are served a la carte with a selected rub and accompanied by all six sauces.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

4 Cheesecakes

For dessert, I had the signature Pineapple Upside Down Cake ($11) served with Pink Peppercorn Sorbet and a cliantro/lime sauce as well as a caramel sauce. Of course I had to also have a scoop of their popular Maple Bourbon Ice Cream that is made with Makers Mark Bourbon. My friend had the 4 Cheesecakes ($12) served on a platter with 4 mini cheesecakes, I tasted a couple and my favourite was the Skor Cheesecake – Yum! After dinner I finished off with a nightcap, a glass of Penfolds ‘Grandfather’ fine old tawny from Australia while my friend had a Chamomile Tea.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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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

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ACME CAFÉ

May 27th, 2010 admin

51 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-569-1022

Web: www.acmecafe.ca

Twitter: @acmecafe

Advice: Sit at the counter, make sure you save room for some pie!

High-falutin’ Grilled Cheese

Strawberry Custard Pie

When I was a little kid I used to go a café nearby that had a cool old time counter and stools, the things we remember from childhood seem to come back again later in life. Over at Acme Café they have the same old fashioned counters that were custom built for them along with comfy booths and those cool counter stools. The room is large and spacious with high ceilings, I like the décor and I like the café. This is a friendly neighborhood eatery that serves up delicious food at great prices and the service is wonderful. I had the very tasty High-falutin’ Grilled Cheese ($10.00) with cheddar, swiss, brie, Grand Marnier–cranberry relish on a Ciabatta panini grilled, that was served with broccoli almond slaw and potato chips. For dessert I had a slice of the Strawberry Custard Pie ($4.25). You’ll find breakfast favourites, great tasting sandwiches, soups, salads, and main plates that include a Crock Pot supper feature that changes daily. Everything is made fresh, and their pie selection is outstanding, they usually have 6 different pies on daily with a rotating selection, make sure that you have some pie and just like the old days add a scoop of ice cream too! I can’t wait for my next visit and I am going back to try their Espresso Milkshake and another piece of pie!

Review by: Richard Wolak

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CHARM MODERN THAI

May 14th, 2010 admin

1269 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-688-9339

Web: http://www.charmmodernthai.com/

Twitter: @charmmodernthai

Advice: Brown rice is available for an extra charge, let them know what level of spice you would like.

Prawn Wonton & Tom Yum Soup

Chicken Panang Curry

Vanilla Tapioca, Mango Panacotta, Chocolate Chili Torte

In for lunch the other day for one of their Lunch plate specials, for ($10), my first course included the Tom Yum Soup and Crispy Won Ton, this followed with the flavourful Chicken Panang Curry with steamed rice and vegetables. I ended off the meal with a dessert sampler of the Vanilla Bean Tapioca, Mango Panecotta and the Chocolate Chili Torte ($4.50). For lunch the $10 special is vast and options abound including your choice of curry or stirfry or noodles/rice. The menu also features an extensive selection of appetizers, soups and seafood entrees such as the Thai Styled 3 Flavoured Fish that I must try on my next visit. The service was wonderful and the decor is rich in red and modern on the inside with a great patio on the outside.

Review by: Richard Wolak

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