Pourhouse restaurant/pub

Hi! Yes, we were fortunate enough to get 4 tickets for this concert. Can hardly wait! Actually though, now we are staying at the fairmont waterfront because they had a very good deal for today. So, now wondering if anybody has any ideas for restaurants around this hotel that would be suitable for our family. (One of which is a huge carnivore, favorites being ribs and steak). Unfortunately not too willing to try new things.Thanks for any ideas.

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Pourhouse restaurant/pub

Hi! My husband and I along with 2 boys, ages 17 and 18 are going to the Roger Waters concert in December. Thinking of staying and the delta hotel which appears to be close to the Pourhouse. Just wondering if there's a legal age you have to be to go there and if it would an appropriate place to go for a meal perhaps after the concert or the next evening.(Only in Vancouver for 2 nights unfortunately).Thanks for any info on this place or any other suggestions you folks might have.

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Pourhouse Restaurant
162 Water Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2, CA

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ISO Recommendations For The Tofino/Ucluelet Region

Hi! Enjoyed eating at many Tofino area restaurants this past summer but our favorite was the Spotted Bear. I had halibut and my husband had a steak. Both were very good. The service was friendly and the whole meal enjoyable.

Also went to Norwoods in Ucluelet. It was good too, but we had such a great time at the Spotted Bear the night before, it seemed a little disappointing. Also, some of the other diners seemed kind of stuck up. A family with teenagers couldn't be bothered to say please or thank-you. Kind of took away from the ambiance of the place. There was kind of a wine bar area near the back of the restaurant that I would try to sit at if we ever went back. The fellow working back there was very knowledgable in regards to b.c. wines, area oysters, etc.

The fish chowder at Sobo's was very good. Just had a roasted beet and goat cheese salad at Shelter. Was pretty good.

We had lots of fun at the Weighwest pub. Just had snacks there.(chicken wings and calamari.) The usual pub fair, but o.k. I think the jugs of beer were the special for 10.00. Definitely a great deal!

Hope you have a wonderful time in Tofino and definitely try the Spotted Bear if you have a chance.

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Another Vancouver recommendation

Thanks for your feedback. Sam Salmon, your recommendations are great as I've never heard of either place.

Island girl: Thanks, La Brassiere will be a choice for sure.

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Another Vancouver recommendation

Hi! I know there is a thousand posts already on Vancouver restaurants but just want a few recommendations if possible.

We are staying in west end on harwood street. Probably would like to go somewhere close, especially our first night.(only there for 3 nights total). We like bistro kinds of places, nothing too fancy that requires my husband to dress up too much. We enjoy live music and wine. I enjoy seafood but he usually doesn't, but eats fish and chips and halibut.

Have looked at going to Adesso, raincity cafe, le bassiere, le quierca,(although not sure if Kitsilano is too far away.) I don't think we'll go to Richmond but hubbie really likes Chinese food.I like sushi so have looked at bluewater cafe but maybe it's too fancy for us?

Of course plan on going to Granville island, Stanely Park etc. so anything in those areas would be good as well.

Also going to Tofino for 6 nights so if anybody has any recommendations for that area, it would be appreciated as well.

Thanks!

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Kelowna - suggestions?

Hi! Ate at Quail's Gate last Friday. We were a group of 4 girls, varying ages. We decided to just have appetizers/small plates that included oysters on the half shell, carppaccio, crab cakes, mushroom risotto, rabbit gnocci,spinach salad and scallops. We shared some chardonnary and rose wine. Everything was fresh and tasty and we left satisfied but not bursting. The place was busy but the service was very accomodating and friendly. Will return next time we are in Kelowna.

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Recommendations for dinner in canmore please

Hi! My son and I are going on a quick, last minute ski trip this weekend to Canmore. Since he's my favorite foodie guy, looking for a good place for dinner. Have gone to Trough, Crazyweed, Murietta's, Grizzly pub and the flatbread pizza place in the past. Has anybody eaten at O Bistro? The Quarry sounds like it has had good reviews since it reopened but there's no menu available on-line yet. How about Tapa's? Can't assess their web page either for some reason. (Don't know if we don't have the right flash drive or something.) He also really likes Japanese food so maybe the Chef's table? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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O Bistro
626 8 St #2, Canmore T1W 2B5, CA

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Edmonton restaurant review of the month - November: ideas discussion

Hi! Irie foods sounds good. Or if somebody wants to draw that sounds O.K. Haven't made it to Karmel yet. Had very good intentions on Friday, but my son had to be back in class an hour earlier than I thought. Thinking of going tonight.

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okanagan restaurants

Just returned from a quick 4 day jaunt to the penticton area. Ate at some good places. Had lunch at the bench deli in Penticton. Quaint little place with a small selection of groceries. Local cheeses and such. Deli with selection of olives, salads, and some sandwiches to go. The day we went, their daily special was some kind of chicken curry. I wasn't that hungry so I had the onion, bacon and spinach quiche. Quite nice. My daughter had a chicken panini. It looked good and fresh. Also, a coffee bar that has lattes, etc. Friendly staff.

The next day we took a trip down to Osyoos and on the way back stopped at an Indian restaurant called Best of India. It was a great small town restaurant. A very friendly man was waiting tables. I had lamb curry and the daughter had butter chicken. The naan was very good. Had vegetable pakora served with some kind of dipping sauce. There was quite a large display case with many choices of Indian sweets. We had some kind of carrot squares, a square made from chickpea flour, some some balls that looked like timbits and another small piece of cake that looked sort of like fruit cake. It's Diwali this weekend so our server said there would be many sweets this week. If anyone is ever in that area, I would make it a point to stop there.

On our third day we had lunch at a Amante bistro in Penticton. They serve kind of a mediterranean menu with small plates as well as salads ,etc. The day we were there the special was a piece of grilled salmon coated with a mustard seasame rub/marinade. My daughter had that and it was very moist and flavorful. I had 3 small plates consisting of tomato boccacini salad, grilled squid and grilled veggies.(peppers, zucchini and eggplant). Nicely presented and good flavor, especially the veggies. Nice decor and atmosphere. Had a glass of blue mountain pinot blanc. Very good. Friendly waitress.

Our last lunch was at Victoria Rd. deli and bistro in Summerland. Again, very nice decor and friendly people. The owners are a younger couple and it appears the husband is the chef, he was also the waiter the day we were there. We had panini sandwiches with a wonderful parsnip, pear and curry soup. Everything was very tasty . I had a glass of lake breeze pinot gris. My daughter said she had met people from the area who raved about this bistro. It was very good and we'll make a point of going there for dinner next time. The deli had the usual deli items as well as some of Vij's frozen takeout dishes. I didn't look to see what they were but I thought that was kind of neat.

So the days went fast, we did some wine tasting at a few of the vineyards. Many will be closed for the season after this week. It was just their fall wine festival, so we stocked up on some of the medal awarded wines. A few that we had liked from our summer visit were already sold out. Guess we'll have to wait until next year.

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Edmonton restaurant review of the month - October (Karmel)

Bob Mac:
I wouldn't have regrets either if I was going to Vancouver Island. Have you ever been to Cherry Point vineyards? We were there this summer but unfortunately didn't have a chance to eat at their little bistro. They have a very good pinot gris, though. Didn't try out too many restaurants as we had my elderly parents with us. We did enjoy good fish and chips at beacons landing in Sidney. Hope you have a wonderful holiday and looking forward to your reviews.

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Edmonton restaurant review of the month - October (Karmel)

Thanks cleopatra,

Just e-mailed my son. Hopefully he'll be up for it next week.

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Vita Bella Italian Edmonton

Raidar: found your cool food blog when looking for an e-mail address. Should anyone that's interested go to your blog then e-mail from there? Does Karmel sound like a good idea to you? Looks great to me.

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Vita Bella Italian Edmonton

Hi Cleopatra:
Maybe just a general consensus in the next few days about who might be interested and if they have any ideas. I have a few that I am wanting to try.
Karmel- east African, I think on 118ave
Zaika Indian Bistro- ellerslie area
Blue Pear(maybe next month for anniversary and friends birthday)
Culina Highlands
4th and vine
Axis cafe

I think you might of had a review on Culina Highlands. Is there anything new that you have wanted to try something you've been to and could suggest?

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Vita Bella Italian Edmonton

Yes, I was thinking of people individually reviewing the same restaurant for a month. Maybe for the month of october it could be Vtia Bella and then next month another agreed upon one. I am not from Edmonton but come up there at least twice a month. If someone knows of something new opening or had an opinion kind of like cleos that it might be good, maybe not. Just that kind of thing. After a month and a few different people's opinions, you could probably get a better idea of things like service. If bad service one night was unusual or if it's the norm. Nothing too serious, just something to have fun with.

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Vita Bella Italian Edmonton

It would be kind of fun to have a review panel of chowhounders. Maybe desiginate a particular week or month such and such a restaurant is going to be reviewed and anyone could put in their two cents. This one was a good one, especially since mars got his/her back up. Itwillmaketurd was being quite polite for a change. I myself thought cleo's review was good. It was her opinion, so that has to be respected.

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Koutouki taverna-southside edmonton

My daughter and I went for lunch at Koutouki taverna at the gateway bld. location a couple days ago. It was about 1:30 on Monday afternoon and there was not one other person in the restaurant. The waitress was friendly and gave us the daily special items right away. There was a chicken donair, a greek lasagna, and some kind of chicken casserole. They were all served with greek salad. We then looked at the menu and were quite shocked at how expensive it was! I think the souvlaki was over 20.00. That might be o.k. for dinner, but for lunch we thought that was a bit much. My daughter then asked, what were those specials again. 15.00 dollars appeared to be the least expensive thing on the menu. I ended up ordering the chicken donair with lemon potatoes and my daughter the chicken casserole. The waitress brought out the greek salad first. It was good. She then asked if we wanted some pita and hummous. We ordered that as well. I'm not really sure why we did because after we had our salad and some of the pita and hummous we were full. Our entree's arrived soon after. The chicken donair had alot of tazaki in it, but was tasty. Quite lemony but not overbearing. The lemon roasted potatoes were really good. I just had a bite but took the rest home for my husband. My daughter's chicken casserole looked good. It was 3 big pieces of chicken cooked in some kind of tomato sauce served on rice. She said it was good but could only muster a few bites. She took the rest home for lunch the next day. The decor of the restaurant was "greek" with plants hanging from the ceiling and rustic looking tables and chairs with old fashioned kinds of table clothes. It was nice and clean. Yanni and his wife were there. We recognized them from their stint on family restaurant on the food network. Another couple had come in after us and the lady was trying to talk to him but he seemed kind of snobby. Shook her hand but walked away when she was still talking to him. I thought it was kind of rude. There are many pictures of the family with numerous oilers and the like. For some reason that didn't impress me, especially after Yanni was kind of rude to that lady. The food was good and the ambiance kind of cool, but I don't know if I'd go back.

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Culina Millcreek

The bottle we had was a gewurtz from sumac ridge. I'm pretty sure I can buy it at superstore for around $14. It was $37 at Culina. I love those B.C. wines!

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Culina Millcreek

Went for lunch yesterday, to Culina Millcreek. Very enjoyable. 3 in our party had the steak sandwich, one had the seafood ravioli special and I had the wild salmon with orzo. Portions were a decent size and very flavourful. Service was good. Wine was marked up about 2 and half times what it costs in the liquor store. It was the first time we had been there, but I would return, maybe next time for dinner.

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Western Canada Foodie Tour—Best New Spots?

Hi! Recently in penticton and enjoyed meals at 3 wineries. We took part in the festivities at the lobsterfest at Hillside winery in Penticton/Naramata. We have also eaten in their barrel room restaurant on a couple other occasions. Beautiful view and good food. Have to agree with balini on the lunch at Burrowing Owl. Again, a nice spot with a lovely ,modern restaurant. Also had lunch at Sumac Ridge.(Near Summerland) Again, very good. But, how can you go wrong in such a beautiful environment drinking B.C.wine?

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Crazyweed - Canmore

Glad to hear the Banff Springs was better. We have never eaten there but maybe we'll check it out next time we're in the area.

I guess talking to management wouldn't help probably given the situations with staffing in Canmore. Maybe lots of young folk just come for ski season and by the time they are adequately trained, they go back home. I always think if I ran a restaurant, I would like to hear what the shortcomings are so I could work on improving them.

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Culina Highland's first artist dinner

Hi! Received an e-mail from Cindy at Culina Highland's last night announcing their "first artist dinner." It is February 26 @ 6 p.m.and costs 75.00 for a four course meal with cocktails and wine pairings. Ian Craig is their featured artist. I couldn't find any info on their website, but if you e-mail Culina Highland I'm sure they'll send the info. I don't know if we'll go, but it sounds like lots of fun.

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Crazyweed - Canmore

Anomay,

I am so sorry to hear you had a bad experience at Crazyweed. (Especially after I said how good it was.) You said the food was good, but the service was awful. Was it because it was busy or was she just all around terrible? Do you ever contact the restaurant following to let them know you haven't been pleased? I never have, but I think if I was really disappointed, I would. Hope your next experience, wherever it may be, is better.

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Crazyweed - Canmore

Hi!

We were there last April, not too long after they'd moved to their new building. We thought the food was wonderful! Mind you, maybe we're not huge food snobs. I enjoy almost anything if someone else cooks it!

Seriously, though, it was awesome. The service,the evening we were there ,was phenomonial. My sister showed up somewhat unexpectedly , so we had already ordered. The waitress did her best so all of us would get our meals together, and we did. She was very friendly too, and the place was very busy.

The room at that time was pretty bare. But, they didn't have any of their pictures up. It might not be the most romantic place, if that's what you had in mind, especially for Valentines.

Another option would be The Trough. The food there too, is wonderful and it might be a tad more romantic. Service there is over the top. Your water glass is never even half empty and they give you some little tasters of wine and appies, which are kind of nice.Hope you have lots of fun wherever you go!

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Disappointed at Characters - EDM

Wow! That's terrible when a meal that cost's that much isn't great. Kind of leaves a pit in your stomach, doesn't it? What do you think one should do in that situation? Phone back later, and speak to the manager or send back some of the food, like the vegetables that were inedible? How much did you tip for lackluster service?

I have never been to Characters but considering your honest review, I don't know if I'd bother. Is it a place you used to prefer for special occasions, etc? I hate it when you pay an astronomical amount for a nice meal and feel you could have done just as good or better at home.

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Canmore restaurant reviews

Hi! Our family was in Canmore for a few days this past week. We ate at Sage Bistro, Rocky mountain flatbread company, and The trough.

Sage bistro is a very nice rustic log cabin, that has a very homey feel to it. Nice waitress, very accommodating and friendly. My husband had a pork tenderloin dish, my 2 grown up kids had the lamb shanks and I had a chicken breast stuffed with gouda,spinach and roasted red pepper. Everything was nicely presented. Flavors were good. Wasn't a "wow" experience, but enjoyable all the same. I would recommend it. The prices were o.k., around 110.00 for four entrees, a beer and a glass of wine. One interesting note was that wine was retail plus 8.00, quite fair compared to some places.

We had lunch at the Rocky mountain flatbread company. Interesting building, garage theme with garage doors for windows. Would be neat in the summer, I imagine you can open them up and have a patio experience. Had a little corner for kids with toys, etc. Nice family vibe. We had 3 pizza's, a sun dried tomato with artichokes and goat cheese, a plain pepperoni, and a chicken pesto ,with something else but I can't remember. All were quite good. The chicken one had a vanilla taste to it, but it must have been some other kind of flavor, why would you put vanilla in pizza! Anyways, it was good. The crust was between real thin and a more traditional thicker type. Hubby thought it was "buttery". We also had a plate of antipasto. Breaded goat cheese, thin flatbread with an olive oil, balsamic dip, the usual meat, roasted peppers, marinated mushrooms, etc. About 45.00 for the four of us, so certainly reasonable enough.

Our big treat was dinner at The Trough. Definitely the highlight. Rustic, classy kind of place. Not stuck up or anything. Brought us a complimentary glass of an italian muscat to begin with. Nice touch. They then came with a taste of smoked salmon gravlax,with a horseradish mayo and a slice of cucumber, on a ceramic spoon. Yummy too. Next came some grilled soft flatbread with a lemon olive oil dip. We ordered a pizza appetizer from the special's board. Consisted of roasted tomatoes, grilled beef, pineapple, poblano peppers and cheese. This was my favorite. Smokey, and a bit of sweetness from the pineapple. I'll have to try to make something like it at home, though I'm sure it won't be near as good. The boys had ribs, which had a jerk mix seasoning on them. They described them as quite sweet with a little bit of sour. My daughter had the beef tenderloin, done perfectly medium rare and I had chicken tikka. Very good. For dessert, we were all very full but my son ordered a biscotti with four small truffles and espresso. The bill was around 180.00 for all of the above plus 2 beers, and one glass of wine. Service was top notch. Would recommend this place in a minute for any occasion.

We also went to Banff one afternoon and stopped in at Tommy's pub for a jug of alexander keith's pale ale. I bet that place can get hoppin' some nights. Nice young man waited on us, quite entertaining too. The jug was only 14.00 which we thought was a real bargain. So we had a wonderful time in Canmore and can hardly wait to go back!

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rocky mountain food and wine festival

Hi! Did anyone attend the rocky mountain food and wine festival in Calgary last weekend and are many planning on attending the one in Edmonton this weekend? I have to work this weekend so unfortunately I can't go. What are your opinions of it?

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purchasing alberta lamb in edmonton area

Hi! Have only cooked lamb twice, both times purchasing it at costco. Bought the lamb chops that were quite thick. Maybe I didn't cook them long enough, but they didnt' taste like the lamb I order in restaurants. Any ideas where to buy alberta lamb in edmonton area, that is the thinner, lamb chop cut? (Sorry I don't know all the proper lamb "parts" Thanks in advance

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culina highlands in Edmonton

Hi! Thinking of going to culina highlands for our anniversary next week. Anyone been there yet? Or any other suggestions. Thanks in advance

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Yokozuna's experience

Bob Mac:

Yes, it wasn't the greatest but maybe we just ordered the wrong things,too. And they were really busy with those two huge parties of people. But,we are in no hurry to return. We are from out of town, but 2 of our kids go to the U of A so we do try and go out for a meal once in a while. Do you have any suggestions of kind of casual, different restaurants that offer tasty food? We have recently been to viphaly, sofra's, and the Keg. Thanks

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