Arena eats: anything out of the oridinary at the United Center?

These are wonderful suggestions, thank you so much. Bombon is definitely striking a chord, but if we're aiming for post-Game, then I think we'll be out of luck given their hours. Mexican (street fare and higher end) and pizza are both on my must hit list while visiting, and I think I'll be sampling a variety of both throughout the trip depending on where I'm standing when hunger strikes.

That said, I'm keen to try some excellent thin crust pizza (not a fan of deep dish) because there is a frightening shortage of excellent pizza in Vancouver. I still dream of the piping hot thin crust I had at Remo in Testaccio (Rome). My preference is a simple white pizza, with minimal, fresh ingredients, and a bubbling (charred in some places) thin crust. Do you think Coal Fire fits that bill? More so than Spacco or Sapore? If so, I'm sold.

sf toronto in Chicago Area

Seeking Recs for a Budget-Conscious "Guy's Weekend" in Vancouver

If the boys' hipster vibe overrides their cactus club tastes, I thought of two other spots that might strike their fancy: Six Acres (ground level, right across from the Diamond) and Hoko's (for cheap sushi and karaoke).

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Seeking Recs for a Budget-Conscious "Guy's Weekend" in Vancouver

WHAT?! My childhood is being stripped away from me venue by venue. I think I remember hearing about this ages ago and was too depressed to let it register. I think I have to go for a beer tonight or tomorrow (are they still open tomorrow?) to pay my respects. I still reel over the Town Pump closing... a venue that I used to sneak into many MANY years ago. Cobal... RIP.

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Seeking Recs for a Budget-Conscious "Guy's Weekend" in Vancouver

2 more options if the boys' hipster consciousness beats out the budget: Hoko's for cheap sushi, alcohol and karaoke; and Six Acres (stones throw from The Diamond) for huge beer selection, shared plates (nothing mind blowing) and an artiste scene...

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Seeking Recs for a Budget-Conscious "Guy's Weekend" in Vancouver

I totally second Falconetti's. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with the Ivanhoe, or with the Cobalt for that matter! A dive, is a dive, is a dive. If the weather is nice, you could saddle up to an outside table at the Cambie for some nachos and a pitcher. I used to frequent it around the same time as I was hopping b/w LA and Graceland, but if you go during the day, you should be able to avoid the nightmare evening-type clientele.
Alibi room is quality... Wise Hall and a couple of the legions might also be a good bet... although not for food.

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Seeking Recs for a Budget-Conscious "Guy's Weekend" in Vancouver

You guys are killing me with the LA/Graceland references. Now you've got me thinking about the chocolate/strawberry milkshakes that I used to have a doll n penny's post clubkid nights... mmm and they were served in the tin no less.

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Seeking Recs for a Budget-Conscious "Guy's Weekend" in Vancouver

Some may recall my ordering a vodka soda at the Alibi CH event. I apologized in advance of the order, but sometimes you just really need a strong cocktail, you know?

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Arena eats: anything out of the oridinary at the United Center?

Thanks for the heads up, mlc66. Here I thought people on the board must think I'm crazy for even suggesting that there might be something worth chowing on at a stadium. But you know what I'm saying, right? Some venues have really done wonders with their offerings (dosas, roti, sushi, mexican...). I was at Safeco Field a couple of months ago and I searched what I thought was every level looking for something decent. When I finally settled on something abysmal, I found out that I'd missed an amazing sushi spot that was on a level I hadn't explored.

As for the UC, I figure I'll hit Avec after the game or maybe grab some pizza. Do you know if any of Nick & Vito's, Spacca Napoli or Sapore di Napoli are close to the venue?

And yes, you're bang on: I'm hoping to enjoy at least one hockey game (Avs, Flames, both?!) while I'm in town. I have yet to see a game (or even a show) at the UC, so I'm really looking forward to it.

sf toronto in Chicago Area

purple potatoes- where to purchase in Vancouver

Saw tons of them today at the Capers Whole Foods on 4th.

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

where to buy peppermint oil in Van

Finlandia Pharmacy on West Broadway. I'm pretty sure that the Capers/Whole Foods on 4th carries it as well, although I'd call just to be sure.

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Arena eats: anything out of the oridinary at the United Center?

Fellow CH'ers: I'm a west coast Hound headed to your amazing city in a couple of weeks. I'll be catching a game at the United Center and want to know if there are any great food stands that I should check out (realizing, of course, that it's an arena). I've seen enough venues to know that some can actually do a half decent job. I'm a sucker for enjoying dinner and a beer in my seat, so please let me know if there's anything worth searching out, or whether I should keep it together long enough to grab a proper dinner post-game.

I'll no doubt be asking for some more tips regarding my itinerary before I arrive.

Many thanks in advance!

sf toronto in Chicago Area

Visiting Vancouver Next Week - - Appreciate Assistance with Itinerary

thanks for the heads up on Chicago eats! I'm definitely going to try Avec as I've heard so many great things. I've got a list going at the moment, but I'll certainly check in with you later. I dream of Bongo Room pancakes.

As for the cheap eats in Vancouver, where do you like to hang out in Chicago? Are you Bucktown/Wicker Park folks? If so, I would emphasize exploring Main Street (see grayelf's post) and Commercial Drive. I'm not saying they're anything like either of the two Chicago neighbourhoods that I mentioned, but they are really great for wandering, and snacking. Hitting those neighbourhoods will give you a mix of great people watching, atmosphere, and also food.

One of my all-time favourite cheap comfort food spots is Rinconcito Salvadoreno on Commercial Drive. Everything (including the pupusas for $2.50) are made fresh, with mom in the back, and pop serving up front. It's tiny, cheap, and licensed...always a good combo, IMO.

Also on the Drive is a little Italian deli counter/cheese shop called La Grotta del Formaggio. You can walk in, buy a made-to-order sandwich, grab a coffee and walk over a couple of blocks to Brittannia park and watch the bike polo players get roughed up on the courts on a weekend, or just have an impromptu picnic.

Japadog is a favourite spot to hit in terms of street food, and last time I checked, there isn't anything like it in Chicago. The carts are spattered throughout downtown (a couple on Burrard) and you can get everything from okra and nori on those dogs.

Will you be exploring Granville Island at all?

Also, some of the best dives in Vancouver are live music venues/watering holes. Not all have food, but some do... Let me know if you are looking for a great dive bar with food; or great food at a bar? ;)

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Vancouver - ISO early morning brekkies, great coffee and kid-friendly spots

The four legged monster and I jog past Artigiano every morning and it's definitely open early, as are Starbucks and Bean Bros (across from Artigiano). Bean Bros will also be a good spot to know if you're desperate for food late at night and want to keep things close to home.

If you're in a jam and the kids are up super early, the White Spot on West Boulevard opens at 6:30 am and is obviously extremely kid friendly (doing Pirate Packs etc). I may get looks of horror for having suggested it, but sometimes you need the good old institutional standbys to get you through a morning ;)

I definitely echo the recomendation for Golden Ocean. It's very good.

Another Kerrisdale institution is the Red Onion (just up from Golden Ocean). It's a diner that serves up shakes, fries and is popular with the high school kids at lunch, but it might be fun for a greasy lunch if that's what you're in the mood for.

Another little gem for breakfast in Southlands is McLeery golf course. You don't necessarily go there for the food, but it's where you go if you're in Southlands. You need to double check to see when it opens, but the great thing about it is that you can just walk there with the kids. It's cafeteria style in that you order at the grill and they'll call you when your food is ready, but it's got all the usual standbys, the staff are friendly, and its extremely casual (mix of regular diners, golfers, and kids who have just finished riding lessons).

Hope that helps!

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Looking for a stainless steel food dehydrator

Do you ever eat at Gorilla Food on Richards? It's a great raw food spot in town and I bet you anything they'd know where to send you.

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Visiting Vancouver Next Week - - Appreciate Assistance with Itinerary

My only advice would be on the sushi front. Blue Water and OG are my favourite high end sushi places in town. In fact, until a few weeks ago, I would have put only Blue Water in that category, but OG has blown me away, so they're now tied for first. I'd definitely recommend sticking to one of those two, although I'd lean towards OG only because Yaletown (where BW is located) is a total scene on weekends. And although you'll be dining early, you may not feel like dealing with the total ordeal that is Yaletown on a weekend. If you do decide to do BW, then curl up at the raw bar (still worth calling ahead). OG is a much cozier spot, IMO, and would be the perfect nook to tuck into if you're hungry, tired, in need of amazing sushi, and a quick cab ride home. Also, wouldn't hurt to make a reservation if you'd like to sit at the bar. You won't have a problem, but it never hurts.

Hope you enjoy your stay and let us know how it all goes. Btw, I'll be in Chicago from Oct 9-14 and can't wait!

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

The Crab was Flying at Sea Harbour: A Chowdown Report (Richmond BC)

Great write-up fmed, and man oh man, would you check out the photos ;)
Nice touch for giving a shout out to the missing steamed rice.
It's such a pleasure dining with the CH'ers as I'm bound to try so many wonderful things. I loved the geoduck and all that ginger - I kept thinking that it would have made the perfect cold-weather comfort food. And, as you say, the rock cod was mild and fresh.

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Anyone make it to Feast of Fields yesterday? Any favourite tastings?

The Gazpacho with the tuna sashimi in it? That was Italian Kitchen, I think... it was yummy.

I wasn't going to add the bad and the ugly, but seeing as you both mentioned it, Salmon House's offering was brutal. I managed to swallow it (and it was totally stale) but mom couldn't stomach it.

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Anyone make it to Feast of Fields yesterday? Any favourite tastings?

It was such a glorious day, and after making the crazy-ambitious decision to walk to the event, I worked up an intense appetite. UBC Farm is an idyllic venue, really. I wish I could spend every sunny Sunday lounging around on barrels of hay and eating smoked octopus - mmm thank you West!

Not sure what others thought, but if I had to pick my top 3 items, they'd be:

1. West - grilled octopus, nori reduction, served on a thin crostini. Heavenly. The octopus was perfectly tender and smoked just right, allowing the flavour of the meat to shine through. I had to go back 3 times... and I'm still dreaming about the octopus!

2. Raincity Grill - salad of goat cheese, diced cucumber, thinly shaved beet, and edible flowers. So refereshing on such a warm day. RG wins the award for best presentation. The vibrant hues (deep red, purple, green, white) contrasted so well in the rustic (compostable) wooden bowl, and despite the volume, time was still taken to wrap the generous portions of goat cheese in greens. Absolutely lovely, and well worth a photo if I hadn't forgotten my camera.

3. Tied for 3rd: Terra Breads - wild blueberry pastries. The pastry was golden, flaky, not too sweet, allowing the ripe blueberries to hold their own. Divine. Wickannish Inn: grilled hallibut served on crostini.

Anyone else have any favourites from the day?

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Moules Frites Vancouver

The congolaise mussels at Chambar are sooo good!

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Campagnolo, Vancouver – no bumpkins here

fmed - you nailed the description of the pizza. I've been two or three times, each time for the pizza, and each time I'm left feeling so disapointed. I genuinely want them to get better at it so that I can go regularly.

Someone please let me know when they nail it...

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Favourite (grainy) mustard?

You CH'ers are wonderful. Thank you so much for the suggestions. The only one that I've tried out of this list is the Maille one. But your ideas have got me thinking that I need to host and Oktoberfest party complete with beer and mustard tastings... mustard to accompany the sausages of course.

sf toronto in General Chowhounding Topics

Favourite (grainy) mustard?

rainey - thanks so much. The thought of pomegranate vinegar and honey sounds divine. And I just bought some brown mustard seeds to make dhal. I will definitely try making my own.

sf toronto in General Chowhounding Topics

Restaurants Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Do you remember the large, dated restaurant across from Chartwell's? Where they used to serve breakfast, tea, and the occasional buffet etc? That's what was renovated and is now called Yew. The Chartwell's space is still there, although the restaurant is closed.

Yew is much more modern than Chartwell's. The designers have balanced warmth (fire, old growth maple, stone) with glass and super high ceilings. It's a really inviting space.

I've never known Yew to offer anything but menu service, so if you're looking for an a la carte xmas dinner, you may be in luck. I'd call and ask. I'm sure they'd be more than willing to help you out.

Btw, if you're a large group, they have this glass fishbowl smack dab in the centre of the entire restaurant. There's a really interesting wine rack that is suspended in there, but I'd check it out before you opt to sit in there. To be honest, the room is lovely to look at, but I'm not sure that it's appealing to be in the fishbowl and on display for the rest of the patrons!

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Restaurants Christmas Day and Boxing Day

I second the Four Seasons for Christmas Day, as well as perhaps Sutton Place, but Yew's kitchen (FS) is much better IMO. Many restaurants will be open Boxing Day to cater to the after shopping crowd. Is there something in particular that you are looking for?

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

best store or retailer carrying wild mushrooms in Vancouver

I only know of the guy that sets up his booth at GI (inbetween Longliner Seafood and the flower shop). He's not there every day, but I just looked at the packaging for some of the dried mushrooms that I've bought from him and there are a couple telephone numbers if you like. If I recall correctly, he's from the Island, and comes in to the city every once in a while.

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Favourite (grainy) mustard?

Thanks, Val. I'm in Vancouver at the moment, but I'll go looking for the stuff.

sf toronto in General Chowhounding Topics

vegetarian restaurants in Vancouver

fmed, I see a business plan. You? ;)

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Favourite (grainy) mustard?

It's condiment replenishment time and I'm looking for a great grainy mustard - just the right amount of bite + zing, yet smooth (flavour, not texture). Ideally I'll be able to track it down in a speciality shop or regular grocery store. Any suggestions?

sf toronto in General Chowhounding Topics

vegetarian restaurants in Vancouver

I forgot to mention Gorilla Food on Richards (downtown, on the edge of gastown). Not upscale, but it's a wonderful raw vegan spot. It's certainly unique and the people working there are passionate about feeding you well. The menu items are creative (more than just salad) and you won't leave hungry. www.gorillafood.com

sf toronto in B.C. (including Vancouver)