Tofino and Nanoose Bay, Mid June

Scary Bill:

The Co-Op in Tofino is much improved and you can just about get most things you will need there.

Beaches out on the Highway in what has almost become a gravel/dirt "strip mall" houses a number of spots but the Beaches Grocery there has a surprising number of things from rice and beans to frozen duck breast and whatever mushrooms are "pickable" at that time of the year. I go there almost on a daily basis when we are visiting after Thanksgiving.

Cannot help with Nanoose Bay as we have never stopped in all the time we have been heading to the coast.

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Suggestions for the Week-End in Vancouver?

Thanks anewton....usually you are one of my "stand-bys" when I am looking for Victoria info.

I usually try to get out of my hotel but their menu and the accolades they have received since Gill's review tempt me. Unfortunately, my wife is not a fish fan...yes, yes I know if that is the case why do we head to the Island all the time? Reality is, I am.

I think our itinerary is complete. We fly out this afternoon and will meet family at the English Bay Cactus Club for an early dinner as I ":work"...well sort of...tomorrow. I just want a nice bottle of wine, a seat with a view of the water and I can "chill out" .

Tomorrow we are heading to a spot [as of yet unnamed] on the North Shore as that is where our friends are and Saturday my wife and I will find another spot with a view for lunch and meet up with our friends some place downtown. They are good company and so I am sure we'll enjoy ourselves.

We get to Victoria more often than Van so am looking forward to the week-end. During past visits we've introduced them to Ouest [as it then was]. Lumiere, La Regalade, Cru, etc. so it will be good.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Suggestions for the Week-End in Vancouver?

Siena sounds like Cru was the one time on a past visit we "introduced" our friends to it. Copious quantities of Poplar Grove cab franc and mouthfuls of Tiger Blue cheese spring to mind.

We usually end up on the north shore with them so this will be a change.

Lotusrapper, I expect I'll pop into Yew if no other reason to spy their wine list which advertises 300 wines by the glass.

Looking forward to seeing the water and relaxing.

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Suggestions for the Week-End in Vancouver?

I am flying in for the week-end Thursday afternoon. We are meeting good friends who have suggested Ensemble and another which is apparently amore casual offering from the folks from Cru.

We are staying at the Four Seasons and are interested in good interesting food of any type but are up for more casual than dressed up. A view of the water would be a plus for me. I intend to go for some wine at the Cactus Club at English Bay. I don't mind CC and quite enjoy their tuna club. We did the Boathouses in Kits and New West last visit so will give them a pass.

Comments?

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Murphy's Irish Stout in Calgary, Alberta??

Dawnerson:

Yes Murphy's is indeed a decent stout. I do not live in Calgary but I think I did have it at the pub in Eau Claire...the one which is just across the lane from Joey's, the Barley Mill? It was some time ago so I do not know if they still stock it.

It was originally poured for me at the Irish Times in Victoria...Guiness without that sharp after-taste

Good luck

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Corso 32 not available...now what??

Cibo Bistro or Red Ox Inn

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Cibo Bistro

I finally made it to Cibo this lunch hour and must say that I was impressed despite the fact as others have already commented, lunch is more restricted than dinner. Nice room. Fairly spacious despite the fact that is long and relatively narrow with the exception of the immediate area where one enters and the long table for bigger parties. I do not know if that becomes "family" communal style on busier nights. I selected their arugula salad with apple slivers and walnuts with a lemon vinaigrette and the arancini with black chanterelles. Both were ($10). Also on the menu, i.e. read chalk board ...were a couple of sandwiches and a couple of pastas which I no longer remember. The soup was chowder. If memory serves me correctly, they were all in the $8 to $10 range. My salad was very good. The arugula was peppery but not overly "green" as can be the case elsewhere as the arugula itself was smaller and delicate . It did not "suffer" from being "over dressed" which can be the case and is one of my bete noire's. The two arancini were superb. Raquet ball sized. The exterior broke off easily releasing the rice, cheese and mushroom interior. Nice blend of crunchy exterior, al dente rice, salty interior and slivers of black mushroom. Are black chanterelles and black trumpet mushrooms the same thing? I do not know but these added colour/contrast and taste. Neither were too large, but combined made for a nice lunch. Their wine menu is well chosen. I had a nice montepulciano which went well with the food. While eating lunch I had occasion to read their dinner menu and speak with the chef. Friendly with a good attitude. Keeps the menu small with enough changes so that both the "buying public" and the kitchen brigade are enthused. Definitely will be back some evening. I could "graise" on the appetizers and other antipasti alone but it will be a battle of who gets the osso bucco v. the braised beef cheeks. Now have to try Corso32 though recent articles have left the impression that it is hard to get a seat if you have not made a reservation some time ago. I chuckled when I most recently read that in Hicks' column. Food writers may think that is a complement but I know that it can drive restaurant owners mad...or is that madder?...in that the general public may decide not to call on a whim when they do have an empty table rather than be rebuffed.

Cibo is a good bet. Excellent food. Interesting albeit admittedly limited at lunch. Excellent, friendly service.

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Promising addition to Edmonton's West End: VIVO

Did not make it downtown last week but am back at work on Monday, so perhaps I will make it to Cibo. By the time dinner comes around I am out of the city centre and back to suburbia so do not know when I will get to try out Corso.

I chuckled at the music comment. Chefs with attitude. Zambri's in Victoria is that way if some poor soul suggests variations.

Remember ordering lamb chops rare in a Greek spot [is there any other?] in Jasper and being told, "the Greeks do not eat their lamb rare" to which I responded, "I am not Greek, and I do".

Have not tried Hassan's B olognese recipe. I have one, well sort of [smile] that combines about three. Mine uses ground veal, pork and beef and the last time, chicken, just because it was around. I subscribe to the white v. red wine and add milk and cream school of thought. This pot did not turn out too bad from the one bowl I have tried....the rest is in the freezer.

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Cross canada adventure-first stop Saskatoon

Hamilton Lake:

There are a couple of posters from Winnipeg so hopefully you will get more input from the list. My last visit to the 'peg was too many years ago to be of use.

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Thoughts on Boccavino?

Hungarian, "was too out there for some..." [?] Does not sound like your group is very adventurous.

Have not tried Boccavino during visits to [what I am assuming is] Calgary. Look forward to hearing from others who have

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Bagels in Vancouver

LOL, unfortunately have to agree

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Bagels in Vancouver

Which may be the reason they are generally toasted.....

As a former Montrealer, I am a fan of the bagels from St. Viateur...family "peace offering" when I would stop in the wee hours of Sunday morning after a night on the town and pick up a bag or two which I left on the kitchen counter for their breakfast as I slept off my "sins" ......

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Promising addition to Edmonton's West End: VIVO

fexlx:

I have been "out of the culinary world" of late and have not been downtown to eat at either Cibo or Corso 32 although both are spots I have intended to visit.

I am going to try to get to Cibo this week for lunch.

Both strike me as being more "authentic" [?] and rustic Italian, ie. arancini and the like, than VIVO which has as one its main attractions the grill. Mind you there is nothing wrong with beef or lamb on the grill or their grilled caesar salad. The last time I was there was lunch when they opened at that time prior to Christmas Eve.

In speaking with the original chef at VIVO his eyes lit up when I suggested they should try grilled rabbit but my "impression" is that he has gone elsewhere.

I made three big pots of spaghetti sauce and ragu bolgnese last week so I exepect my Italian will be chez nous for the next little while ....[smile]

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Victoria - Lunch Spot on Sunday?

jerkstore:

My "knee jerk" reaction to those two suggestions is "decent beer but mediocre food".

Canoe is a place I have wanted to like. Good clean decor, wood, brick, etc. Menu usually reads very well and seems interesting but the food has always disappointed.even though we are tempted, particularly for lunch. On our more recent visits to Victoria I have given it a miss.

Swans. Did not inspire food-wise but enjoyed some of the beers. Friendly bar staff, interesting First Nations Art throughout.

Please post after your visit because our dinner card is always full to overflowing but lunch has been more problematic....although we at ate Zambri's [finally a restaurant had Falanghina by the glass with Fiano di Avelino as a back up]on a couple of occasions and then one at Primastrada as well.

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

your opinions of Tavola restaurant in West End?

Does their menu offer a number of selections to accompany the meat if you so wish? What is the Italian term, contorni? Veggies, salads etc. like what Zambri's in Victoria does with their terrific cauliflower

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Cibo Bistro

That is too bad misterpeer.

I just went through the menu posted on the internet and from what I read, it interests me. Will have to pop in the next time I am around the area at lunch time.

Are they in the same space that used to house Blue Iguana? A place I really "wanted to like" but the menu was always better written and generally more interesting than the food which was delivered.

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Restaurants near the Westin Calgary

Can depend upon my mood and the extent to which it has or is snowing, but my favourite is to head north and walk past the Y and through Eau Claire Market and take the footbridge across the river into Prince's Island and take the short stroll to River Cafe. Nice atmosphere. Excellent food and wine with an emphasis upon regional fare.

Often have dined alone either in the dining room or more often, up at their bar.

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Dining Options in Long Beach/Tofino/Ucuelet with children

islandgirl:

I have in the past from just about, if not the actual, the year they opened. Lisa and her husband of SOBO were part of management in the early days and that is where I had my first "Killer" fish taco.

In years gone by...although not this last visit in October...we would usually pop in for at least one lunch. The Great Room within the Lodge affords a beautiful view of Cox Bay and the rolling surf there differs from that which one sees from Chesterman Beach where we stay. Always pleasant but not outstanding and they seem to have quite the staff turnover.

Another option when you want an ocean view so SoBo and Shelter are out, you do not want to splash out $ at the Wick and the weather drives you inside from the Wildside Grill.

Look forward to reading your post when you finish your visit

Just lunches there us as with the Black Rock in Ucluelet.

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Duck Magret & Confit in Vancouver or the Tri-Cities

Food on the brain:

I am in Edmonton, so definitely not the Tri-Cities [I usually associate that term with the Yakima Valley] but when I have a hankering for either, I go to my local Save-On-Foods.

From time to time, they have the Brome Lake, Quebec brand of frozen confit as well as magret. They are also supposed to have their sausage and Duck Pot Pie but I have yet to actually see them in the store.

If they stock them in Alberta, perhaps BC as well

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Dining Options in Long Beach/Tofino/Ucuelet with children

Island girl:

SoBo immediately springs to mind. Decent food, friendly relaxed service and atmosphere. Definitely family friendly especially in the afternoons when a lot of the local moms are eating and chatting accompanied by their children.

You mentioned the Pointe. Agree that dinner is probably out...besides at this time of year you will not have the great ocean and Chesterman Beach views unless you are eating as early as possible. However, they are more relaxed at lunch and children were there when we lunched two or three times in October.

We bought most of our provisions at the Co-Op in Tofino. The renovations and expansions over the years have meant that you can get just about anything there now. Cold cuts, cheeses and salad fix in's can also be purchased at Beaches out on the highway close to the turnoff to Lynn Rd and the Wick or in town at Breakers.

Enjoy your visit.

One time we will have to get out there at this time of year.

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Victoria: no reservations, how long a wait?

Rudysmom:

anewton has it pretty well spot on but I am assuming that it will all depend upon what what type of diners are in Brasserie it being a Friday night and 7:00 p.m .being the hour so many folks almost automatically seek.

We were last there in October and we elected to line up prior to the opening, so of course had no difficulty getting a table but on both occasions it filled up fairly quickly however, quite a number of tables like us on the one evening ate quickly and left whereas others looked like they were going to hunker down for the duration.

The bar, perhaps surprisingly moves slower than you might otherwise presume.

Marc, who works the door, certainly will take phone numbers and have suggestions where you might want to wait if it comes to that.

Don't know about Zambri's [we went twice but both times at lunch] but given its size I would not think it would be any longer.

Enjoy your visit. Both are good spots.

-----
Zambri's
911 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8V4X3, CA

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Capo Calgary Closed

That is what their web-site indicates without...not surprisingly ...any details.

I have not been for quite some time [went when visiting from Edmonton] but it is a loss to the dining scene...chef's pastas in particular were outstanding.

Our last visit was not as good as the first one which was terrific. Too popular? Chef overextended with other endeavours?

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Dinner near Edmonton Delta South

egon61:

I am originally from Montreal [having been here for now over 30 years, Edmonton is now "home"] and I have always been somewhat astounded by the price of Greek food here in the West. That does not mean that I stay away from it because when it is good, I do not begrudge the cost. Not sure why it is expensive for things like you describe, traditional basic fare like souvlaki, mousaka, spanokopita and the like as compared with more "exotic" [?] courses which may involved flying in fresh seafood.

I know when I tell my Montreal Greek friends the prices, I can see them doing the mental gymnastics of how they can come out here and set up "shop".

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Ucluelet/Tofino Report

GG/SS:

I was in the same locale from Thanksgiving Week-end until Oct 24th. I usually pick up my chanterelles from Beaches Grocery in the same parking lot as Tacofino but only once, just before we left, did I locate them. We had good weather but all the rain prior to our arrival may have made it tough on the pickers. Nevertheless, I fried what I could find and they were delicious.

We returned to Edmonton yesterday and I miss the area already....................

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Ulla, Victoria

Ulla had been recommended to us by several people but it was closed during our last visit to the coast in February. Monday we arrived back in town after 2 wonderful weeks in Tofino with yours truly eager to dine out rather than cook.

Tuesday we had another delicious meal at Brasserie and both Marc as well as our server Kelsey suggested Ulla.

Last evening we went. Foggy night appropriate as a film crew had been on Fisgard with Victoria standing in for London.

Nice room, clean lines and comfortable. Mixed clientele....ie, apparent regulars, daters and slovenly dressed tourists...ME

My "significantly better half" elected to begin with their crispy polenta cubes accompanied by truffle mayo [8] and then a main of ricotta cannelloni, kale, root veggies,black pearl barley salad, nuts with a smoked tomato sauce [22].

The polenta was superb. Soft golden brown cubes with a still almost molten interior made even the more delicious by the subtle truffled mayo.

The cannelloni did not disappoint. Much different from the "red sauced" traditional Italian version. This was a soft interesting take with the ricotta. The black pearl barley salad was excellent and by itself would have made for a nice meal. The nuts added to the overall flavour as did the sauce which accented rather than dominated the course.

I decided to go the "all appy" route with the momofuku (recipe from the NY restaurant of the same name) chicken wings, brined, smoked, confit, fried, sake, soy, morin sauce [10], wild basil-fed snails, herb puree, garlic bread crumbs, coppa and aged red wine vinegar [15], leek and german butter potato tart, truffle tapenade, honey and hay pecorino and frisee salad [12] and the addition to the appetizers this evening, giant octopus which had been cooked and then flash fried on the grill thinly sliced over potato "coins" [?]. The octopus was supposed to be accompanied by cucumber which I cannot eat that despite being warned by our charming server and co-owner with chef Brad would detract from the overall dish I had removed, it was nevertheless, delicious.

I usually do not have dessert but this evening we elected to have two of the three on offer, a very rich chocolate cake, rice crispy crunch, dulce de leche cream, chocolate soil as well as an intense palate cleansing autumn treat consisting of sous vide apple spheres, genoise cake, green apple sorbet (WOW!!!) and vanilla mousse. Both were [9].

Overall an excellent evening and we would certainly be regulars if we lived in Victoria.

I can see some others thinking that the food, plating and portions are a tad too "precious". I strongly disagree and have added Ulla to Brasserie, Brio, Pizza Strada and Zambris on our "must go to" list during visits to Victoria.

We are here through Friday, any other spots Victoria Chowhounds recommend we try this trip?

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Valentina Hot Sauce in Edmonton?

yeirah: check with the mgr at the OJ's you went to - I bought a large bottle from my local Earl'a when they came out with their chicken tacos

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Where Can I Get Good Samosas In Edmonton?

Felix: shortly after your post I happened to be up in the area but did not locate the halal shop you mentioned so consequently, no samosas. I am currently in Tofino so the samosas will have to wait until my return and when I have had my fill of the "killer" fish tacos and smoked wild fish chowder from SoBo or the cornmeal battered marinated octopus "wings" from the Wick...............

Bob Mac in Prairie Provinces

Tofino Impressions: SOBO, Wick & Shelter

Had a tuna "gringa" at the Beachs parking lot location in Tofino this afternoon. I mentioned this "thread" and the gal I was speaking to said they had several trucks.

Good recommendation VCF.

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Tofino Impressions: SOBO, Wick & Shelter

Yes That was and is the one in question. I picked up another wedge yesterday and am more "defensive" whe it comes out of the fridge. [smile]. Quite nice. Reminds me of Hermite from St. Benoit du Lac in Quebec

Bob Mac in B.C. (including Vancouver)