Any good traditional Italian in central Vancouver?

I've posted two other threads for recs on our pending weekend, this is the last one, I promise.

Again, we are staying in downtown, will have a car, but prefer not to use it if we needn't. Looking for some delicious, but mostly traditional Italian food...nothing too trendy or deconstructed. Medium price range $20-30 per entree. Good cannoli a major plus, but possibly just a fantasy as well! (I haven't had good cannoli since Boston!)

Thank you so much!

Vel in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Favorite Duck dish in central Vancouver?

Looking for anything to do with duck! Duck fat frites, duck confit, breast magret...what are your recs for a succulent duck dish in central Vancouver (downtown, Yale, Gastown, Granville Is).

Note: Doing dim sum elsewhere, so not looking for an Asian dish...

thank you!

Vel in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Vancouver Dim Sum Recs for Beginners?

Headed up from Seattle next weekend. DH has never done Dim Sum, and I have only been a handful of times with large group of co-workers in the ID. The place we went (I want to say House of Hong, but not positive) was push-cart, but my co-workers knew what to choose and how to request items off the menu.

I understand that Vancouver DS is much more authentic, both the food and the experience, so can anyone recommend a place for a couple of newbies to try? We will have a car and so can go to Richmond, but would prefer to stay downtown.

We love good food, but I think what's more important for us getting our feet wet is that the experience is navigable for us. Pushcarts might be easier than menus, and servers that are patient and perhaps speak a little English would be ideal. (That's not a criticism against non-English-speakers, by the way, just an acknowledgement of our own limitations!)

Thank you!

Vel in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Recs for a special champagne LUNCH

Looking for a rec for a special, celebratory lunch on a Saturday in December. We will be a group of 6 and are looking for something with a special ambience without being overly fussy or dramatic. Prefer Northwest or European style cuisine at a downtown or Cap Hill area, but definitely in-city or West Seattle. Thanks!

Vel in Greater Seattle

Vitello Tonnato served in Seattle?

@acgold7: Great idea--been needing a reason to head down to deLaurenti's anyway! Thanks so much!

Vel in Greater Seattle

Pork Loin "Vitello Tonato"

@Gingershelley: That is a perfect idea, thank you so much! I don't suppose you'd share your Tonatto sauce recipe? :-)

Vel in Home Cooking

Vitello Tonnato served in Seattle?

Any 'hounds aware of a restaurant in Seattle that serves Vitello Tonnato? We ate it at several French and Italian bistros in Europe this summer and I am craving some now! Barring a resto serving, any ideas where I can get cold, thinly sliced roasted veal to make my own?

Vel in Greater Seattle

Fried Flounder in Downtown/FQ?

I'm originally from the TX Gulf Coast and have been craving fried flounder for a couple of months, but no such goodness up here in Seattle. But I'm headed to NOLA in a couple of weeks and am wondering if your city has a restaurant that does such a thing? Fried flounder stuffed with crab meat is a Guido's of Galveston classic, and I'm looking for something like that!

Thanks!

-----
Gulf Coast Restaurants
1200 S Clearview Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70123

Vel in New Orleans

Have Specific Ideas in Mind--Hoping for Matching Recs!

Hey, thanks, everyone for such a great list of recommendations! I will do my research and try to pick the few we have time for...I wish we were eating more meals in NOLA! Thank you again,
Vel

Vel in New Orleans

Have Specific Ideas in Mind--Hoping for Matching Recs!

SO and I will be spending 1 and a half days in NO with his parents just prior to a cruise they are treating us to. We will have opportunities for 3 meals on Saturday and brunch on Sunday and would like to treat them to something special, but not extravagant, for either Saturday night dinner or Sunday brunch.

His folks are very casual, thrifty, and well-traveled. Dad is from France and they both love to try local cuisines, but dislike touristy places. We will probably be staying downtown, but we are all avid users of public transportation, so as long as the locations are accessible in that way, we are game for a bit of a trek via bus, etc. Also, we are going to be more interested in historic attractions than Bourbon Street.

What I'm hoping for is recs for the following:

Breakfast place with good beignets, coffee with chicory, etc., but nothing too touristy--where would locals get theirs?

Seafood or BBQ for lunch--something affordable($20 p/p) and the more atmosphere, the better. Authentic atmosphere, I mean, not just a plastic statue of an alligator and an owner with three first names, of which at least one is an adjective...you know what I mean? Maybe they don't have those places there, hopefully...

Dinner or Brunch --again, something special, but not extravagant, maybe$50p/p without alcohol, where a skirt for ladies and slacks for men will suffice. Prefer a cuisine specific to New Orleans, but not necessarily from a famous TV chef :-)

Thanks, Hounds! All replies welcome!

Vel

Vel in New Orleans

Need Portland Recs for Manly Birthday Dinner this Sat Nite

Staying at Hotel deLuxe, but have a car. SO's 35th bday, and he loves good food, being adventurous, but hates pretentiousness or "trendy" atmosphere. I can get him into a nice pair of dark-wash jeans and good shoes, but no jacket or tie!

He loves meat, seafood, spicy, not too picky--but not interested in "spring nettle foams" or the like.

All suggestions welcome.

Thanks!

Vel in Metro Portland

Recs for a summer produce box subscription (CSA)?

A few summers ago someone in my office arranged to have a farm deliver weekly boxes of produce to subscribers as part of a program called "Community Sustained Agriculture"...I didn't participate as I was traveling that summer, and now no one remembers who arranged it or through what farm/program.

Has anyone had success with a program like this that they would recommend? I have a list of local farms that participate, but it's quite long and I would prefer a personal recommendation as I understand some are better than others in terms of what they provide each week, local pick-ups, etc.

Thanks so much!

Vel in Greater Seattle

Best in Shoreline / Northgate

Our favorite in the Northgate area is Saffron Grill-great Indian from the former owner of Cedars, I believe. We love everything we've had there, especially the butter chicken.

Vel in Greater Seattle

Recs for a Nashville dinner and breakfast

Will be in Nashville for a night and morning, so looking for a "quintessential Nashville" dinner--prefer hearty traditional over "Haute" cuisine, but open to something involving local ingredients, new Southern, etc.

For breakfast, this might be tough, but we are heading east on I40, so something with easy access, esp around the airport, would be great. Looking for a true Southern breakfast, esp with smoked bacon/meats, biscuits, etc, although also open to specialty pastries, etc.

Any recommendations welcome.

Vel in Kentucky & Tennessee

Seattle New Year's Eve - Recs for Early Dinner Downtown

The SO and I are meeting up downtown on NYE around 5pm and plan to do a pub/bar crawl (a sophisticated one!) from Oliver's Lounge to the Space Needle in time for fireworks. We'd like to start off with a nice meal before we start clinking glasses.

Anyone know of any good downtown restos offering a special dinner on NYE? It doesn't have to be fancy, but atmosphere is good. We generally like Brasa, Maxmillien's in the Market, Le Piche, 94 Stewart when dining downtown, but would like to try something new.

Thanks!

Vel in Greater Seattle

Where can I find good chili powder?

I don't mean that weird orange powder they sell at Safeway...I am looking for the dark, almost black-red stuff that is slightly grainy and shiny--not necessarily super-hot, but just a robust roasted chili taste. And I don't want to pay an arm and a leg for it, so looking for a source maybe in a local Mexican market. Any suggestions?

Vel in Greater Seattle

Seattle's Most Underrrated Restaurants

Love the Broiler for stiff drinks and excellent steaks in the bar--the perfect way to unwind on a Friday nite, and while the menu is old-school, the food is always great. Love the cheese nips on the salad! And love the final bill even more--way reasonable.

I also agree with Brasa--their HH menu is fantastic--the Moroccan Steak sandwich is one of my favorite DT "dinners"!

Vel in Greater Seattle

Portland: Meander from DT to the Pearl--Breakfast, Brunch, Pastry, Lunch Recs

BF and I are headed to Portland for a quick getaway this weekend. We are staying at the Hilton on 6th in d/t (yeay, priceline!) and plan to make our way from there on foot/via public transpo as needed toward the Pearl District, exploring as we go. We plan to be at Fenouil in time for happy hour at 4pm, so in the meantime...any recs for breakfast, brunch, pastries, coffee or early lunch that would be on the way? We plan to hit Powell's as well. BF is a huge fan of hanging out at sidewalk cafes over coffee/wine, so anything like that would be a plus.

We plan to hit Pine State Biscuits on our way out of town Sunday, and aren't interested in the Saturday Market--been there, done that.

Thanks!

Vel in Pacific Northwest

Seeking Perfect Coconut Cake

I am looking for recs for the best, most elegant, bakery (take-away) coconut cake in Seattle. I want a round layer-style cake, with white or yellow cake, very moist, with a not-too-sweet frosting and lots of yummy shaved coconut. Filling is ok, as long as it is custard and not fruit.

Does this fantasy cake exist? I found a place called 60th Street Desserts, which claims to have a "signature" coconut cake, but it's frosted with something called "Italian meringue". I don't know what that is, but I hate the eggy stuff that goes on meringue pies...

Any suggestions, particularly from downtown to north Seattle would be much appreciated.

Vel in Pacific Northwest

Arlington Recs near Westin

Thanks evereyone! Great advice I will be sure to use!

Vel in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Arlington Recs near Westin

Looking for easy-access eats for both lunch and dinner near the Westin on N. Glebe. I will be there for 5 days/nights and may not feel like heading back into DC for meals every night. Moderate prices preferred, but will splurge for something special. Don't mind a metro stop or two away, either.

As for type of food, prefer something that reflects local flavor...coming from Seattle, I get lots of good Asian, so looking for something other than that.Thanks!

Vel in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Solo Dining Recs for Phoenix

Wow, thanks, everyone! Great recs and can't wait to try them! Much appreciation to you savvy and helpful locals!

Vel in Phoenix

Solo Dining Recs for Phoenix

Thank so much! Those menus look great!

Vel in Phoenix

Solo Dining Recs for Phoenix

Coming to Phoenix next month for the first time, on a week-long conference out at the Black Canyon Conference Center, which I understand is near a mall called Metrocenter. I gather this is North Phoenix, but don't really know what that means, other than tripadvisor.com reviews reference a lot of Chili's, Outbacks, and Olive Gardens. Save me!

I prefer to dine away from the hotel in the evenings, but will be on my own this trip. I will have a car and am willing to drive 20 mins or so in any direction. I'm looking for casual, delicious dining recs where a single woman won't attract attention by dining alone.

After 8 years in Seattle, and coming from the Southwest (TX, NM, OK) I would love to re-visit my love of Mexican, New Mexican, excellent BBQ, and--maybe stretching it here--a really good chicken-fried steak. You can't get any of that bad-for-you stuff up here in the land of sushi and salmon (which is not to say it isn't delish!)

And if there's something I just should NOT miss, please mention!

Thanks!

Vel in Phoenix

Girlfriends Weekend Reqs for hound-abees

Thanks, all, for the great tips! I'd love to hear more as we have a couple more months to plan, and if I leave our meals up to my gal pal, we will be eating at the pizza place across from our hotel every night!

Any ideas for North Beach Italian?

Vel in San Francisco Bay Area

Girlfriends Weekend Reqs for hound-abees

I am traveling to San Francisco for a Girls Getaway in October (Thur nite/Fri/Sat/Sun am)and am looking for some specific reqs. My friend is not a chowhound, and I'm probably just a hound wannabe: while I always make a point to read the boards and try the reqs when I'm in a new city, but I'm not the type to spend $100 to try a quail egg and nettle salad with fiddlehead fern foam on the side (no offense to those who do--I've just a much less sophisticated palate!)

My friend and I prefer a moderate budget for our meals--appetizer, entree and a glass of wine/cocktail for under $50 each for dinner, lunch under $30 each with a glass of wine, and breakfast under $20 each. But willing to spend more for the right place. We are old friends who see each other a couple of times a year and like to spend our time together in conversation. Consequently, ambience is a big part of dining out for us! We prefer quaint/quiet/charming to hip/loud/trendy.

Anyway, we're excited to see that we are arriving in time for the Fleet Week and Columbus Day Italian Heritage Parade festivities. As a result, we're interested in exploring the North Beach area one evening for a great dinner and maybe dessert somewhere else after, also in NB. I'd prefer a place we can make reservations for dinner, as I'm assuming the festivities will result in a huge crush of tourists like ourselves!

We also would like to have a meal in the Mission district that, while representative of the local cuisine, doesn't consist of a giant, sloppy burrito...I know, I know, it's tradition, but burritos just aren't my thing. I love Mexican food of all kinds...I just like to see and taste the individual ingredients. (Not trying to hate on burritos, though!)

Another area of interest for lunch would be a lovely bistro, preferably with outdoor seating.

Lastly, any good breakfast reqs within walking distance of the Bush/Powell area...preferably AWAY from Union Square.

We are staying at The Orchard hotel and are comfortable with public transpo after dark.

So, any recommendations?

Vel in San Francisco Bay Area

Mother's Day Brunch in Galveston/Clear Lake Area

Thanks so much for the responses! This really helps!

Vel in Texas

relocating to Seattle, eating-wise

I lived in Seattle for 5 years without a car adjacent to the Greenlake/Ravenna area, right off Roosevelt and 71st. The public transpo in that area was fabulous, because it was in the Northgate-to-UDistrict-to-downtown corridor (I work downtown), and the buses run thru there quite frequently and late into the night. Lots of decent, cheap ethnic food in the UDistrict, of course, not to mention Whole Foods and Trader Joe's on Roosevelt. Good neighborhood restaurants to be found and best of all, totally easy access to downtown, which gives you the ID, the Market, Belltown, and downtown itself. North of the Roosevelt area is Maple Leaf, which I think is a hidden gem, because it's still on that great bus corridor and not yet being condo-ized to death like Green Lake and Ballard. Good for families, and again, totally convenient bus service to downtown and university.

Vel in Pacific Northwest

Mother's Day Brunch in Galveston/Clear Lake Area

Looking for an upscale, special Sunday Brunch venue to take our grandmother for Mother's Day, May 11. She lives just across the bridge from the Island, so we are thinking the Galveston/Clear Lake/Kemah area. I haven't lived there in years (flying in from Seattle), so don't know what the latest "best bets" are without going into Houston metro area--she's kind of funny about that.

When I did live in Clear Lake, the Perry's family chain was quite good; I see online they do a regular Sunday Brunch at the Steakhouse. Kemah was a bit Landrys/tourist-centric when I last was there, and my family--being from Galveston--is particular about their seafood--we are foodies in general.

Back in the day, my grandfather used to take her to Guido's when it was the kind of place where they knew your name and what your drink order was, and served the freshest seafood on the Gulf Coast, but I'm not sure it has kept its reputation.

A buffet would be fine, as long as it is quality fare, but mostly I'm looking for a nice venue for a little 80-year-old Southern Belle/Grand Dame who has pretty high standards! Thanks!

Vel in Texas