felix the hound's Recent Activity
Chowhound Post
Ninh Kieu in Edmonton put on Watch List
While the food at Ninh Kieu seemed to have improved under the latest new management , today's lunch was so bad that we are going to have to think twice before going back. While I still hope it was just an off day, the signs are ominous. I am talking about their one of their "specialties", Bun Bo Hue, it was teasteless , it only had one kind of meat, slices of tough , stringy and gristly beef, red cabbage, etc. My wife's chicken with mung bean noodles was just colored salty water with what tasted like chicken pieces that had been boiled for hours intead of discarded as unedible. It was sad. We have eaten there on and off since its beginnings in 109 Street, but never had a meal this bad, as if the kitchen does not give a...
Chowhound Post
Suggestions for "Italian" lunch in Vancouver on Sunday
We are in Vancouver this weekend. After a dinner at Chambar last night ( great food , good sommelier, borderline service) we feel like something different, maybe some good regional Italian.
Any suggestions ?
Chowhound Post
Vancouver Downtown
When in Vancouver we always make a point of having breakfast at Sciue. Never thought of ordering eggs benedict there, however, , must try the next time.
Chowhound Post
Best Pho in Edmonton?
Ninh Kieu is under new management, and the improvement was noticeable when we were there last , I would like to hear your opinions.
Chowhound Post
Sankyu comes back to old location, kind of - in Edmonton
That is what I understood. It has opened since my first post but had not had a chance to try them.
I speculate that , like in Sankyu To Go , they will have "express" prepackaged fresh sushi available . Which by the way is better than some of the sushi I had at Kyoto locations the last few times. ( Kyoto is one of my former favourites that has gone downhill in terms of consistency - My go-to lunch sushi place is now MISO, a Kyoto clone)
I'll find out and report.
Chowhound Post
Taco Del Mar - no fish tacos in Calgary
The first time I heard of fish tacos was at Aqua Verde in Seattle many years ago.. I don't remember if they matched grayelf's description but they were good ( but perhaps not memorable). If you are ever in Seattle you might want to check them out.
Chowhound Post
Sankyu comes back to old location, kind of - in Edmonton
Takoyaki, which replaced Sankyu at the Jasper Place location closed on August 31, 2009.
It is being replaced by another Japaneses restaurant which I am told will be called Moshi Moshi. It will feature a less expensive menu with sushi sourced from the Sankyu To go owners and with teppan dishes prepared on location.
It opens , according to the sign on the door , on September 9, 2009
Chowhound Post
edmonton boualouang moved
I have pondered the same question since I was introduced to Thai food some years ago, it being expensive in comparison to other geographically close cuisines.
It was partially answered by my subsequent attempts to cook Thai food from scratch when I realized the myriad of ingredients, some of them rare in Edmonton, which were required.
It does not explain however the price of coconut rice, which I rarely order because I think interferes with the flavours of the main. I feel the same way about fried rice as an accompaniment to "chinese" food. I prefer it standalone, like risotto, except , of course , for osso buco with risotto milanese.
Chowhound Post
Truffle Pigs: A Cautionary Tale
I agree . Their service style seems to match the attitude and temperament of their regulars. For instance, while we were there a group of six walked in through the side ( deck) entrance, sat down,and left after 10-15 minutes of being unnoticed. No one in the group attempted to get the attention of the staff that was working inside, something that probably regulars / foodies might be comfortable doing , but it is not something everybody would do.
A sign at the main entrance asks arriving customers to wait to be seated, but there is a side entrance which has no such sign, adding to the confusion.
But I can see how an unexplained wait for service can ruin the mood. We had one such experience last night at La Brezza in Calgary, where five of us waited more than an hour for our mostly pasta mains after the appetizer plates were cleared. The most infuriating part was that the staff were oblivious until they brought the bill. The food was decent but we did not enjoy it. Will not be back, unfortunately.
Chowhound Post
Alberta Food road trip!!!! :)))) Edmonton, Jasper, Banff and Calgary.
While Blue Pear is one of our favourite places I would not recommend the foie gras "addition" based on our experience... It is not up to the quality of the rest of the ingredients, to put it mildly.
Chowhound Post
edmonton boualouang moved
We were driving down 97th street last night on our way to the Saiwoo and noticed that the Boualouang location was dark . We were pleasantly surprised and relieved to see Boualouang reappear right next to our favourite Cantonese restaurant, no longer a hole in the wall.
The resemblance to Viphalay can probably be explained by the fact that it was the owner of Boualouang who originally encouraged her friend who was known for her cooking to open a restaurant., and Viphalay was born.
One of the many shortcomings of the old Boualouang location was that they were not permitted to cook stir fry dishes because it did not have the proper ventilation.
Glad to hear that the quality and prices have not changed.
Chowhound Post
Truffle Pigs: A Cautionary Tale
Mawson Plan -What's the source for this information?
Are you perhaps confusing it with the sale of the Kicking Horse Lodge to the owners of the Truffle Pig and subsequent move of Truffle Pigs into the Lodge ( a move of 50 meters accross the street )?
We were there a couple of weeks ago and the staff and the owner look remarkably like the people in the framed group picture of all the staff in the old general store location which is hanging at the entrance of the new location.
We had an excellent meal but service was basic, bordering on chaotic. I suspect that service and organization has never been their strength.While it is unfortunate that ChrisA had a bad experience I would not rush to proclaim it has gone downhill.
Chowhound Post
Vancouver - What are your "Can't miss" dinning experiences?
Excellent choice- At Blue Water Cafe you can also sample there some of the best sushi in Vancouver (e.g. as appetizers at the bar or at your table)
Chowhound Post
Vancouver - What are your "Can't miss" dinning experiences?
Good , because Vancouver/Richmond has excellent Cantonese and Shanghai restaurants that serve Dim Sum. I would defer to fmed et al on this one
Chowhound Post
Good eats near Sutton Place in Edmonton?
Powered by Google Maps :-)
Chowhound Post
Vancouver Downtown
I suggest you stroll down Denman Street or take the Sky Train to Commercial street, another great place to stroll and have some good food at any time o the day. Same for Main Street. True chowhound sampling territory.
Chowhound Post
Bovril in Edmonton
You mean "Johnston's Fluid Beef'"? on Chowhound? :-)
Chowhound Post
Vancouver - What are your "Can't miss" dinning experiences?
Would you also be interested in Dim Sum ( Cantoneses and Shanghai style)?
Chowhound Post
Vancouver - What are your "Can't miss" dinning experiences?
I understand that Vij's is unique in North America but don't let unrealistic expectations cloud your palate. I found that if you show up at Vi'js around 8 pm you don't have to wait too long, but they might sell out the popular items. If you are not prepared to wait, Vij's owned Rangoli next door will allow you a quick sample of their style.
I had a memorable Omakase experience at Tojo's a few years ago (sitting at the counter and being served by him, we were literally in his hands) , but be aware that there are mixed opinions about Tojo's on this board.
Chowhound Post
Vancouver One Night
I second Chambar, great food in an elegant but casual room), a 10 minute walk from your hotel, just off W. Pender ( the first street to your left or North as you exit the hotel). Chambar is being recommended because it is one of "the" restaurants in Vancouver, not because of vicinity to your hotel.
I would also recommend Sciue , just around the corner ,also on W. Pender, for a european style breakfast ( good coffee and breads, etc.) and for a light lunch ( paninis, flatbreads, etc.) with tables outdoors. (i.e. skip the Starbucks accross the street)
Chowhound Post
Good eats near Sutton Place in Edmonton?
Kyoto has gone way downhill and I have found Kai oversauced and overpriced. Neither is worth the walk (1.3 and 1.4 K respectively)
I second Boualong for Thai (.9 K) , but if you are going to go that far , you might consider Viphalay a little further East(1.5 K) .Both are good , one is home style, the other a bit more elaborate. Also in "Chinatown" the Ninh Kieu (1K) serves good vietnamese fare and the Saiwoo Garden (.9) is a good place for authentic Cantonese fare, very reasonable but open for dinner only. Spicy Garden accross the street is more HK bakery style.
The Sankyu (.7K) is a fast sushi place of decent quality, not the restaurant that it used to be in Jasper place. If you crave sushi, you can walk to Mikado ( 1.1K), which is arguably the best sushi downtown.
Closer to the Sutton you should check Zenari's (200 m), on the main floor of the Manulife I building, (not the food court) .If you are prepared to walk a dozen blocks try Wild Tangerine on 112 th street (1.5K). Like the Hardware Grill (.8K) and Culina ( which is probably longer than you want to walk) these last two are more unique examples of the Edmonton culinary scene.
Lastly , the breakfast at the Daily Planet, just accross the pedway from the hotel to the Bell tower has a good reputation and can be a convenient option.
Chowhound Post
Alberta Food road trip!!!! :)))) Edmonton, Jasper, Banff and Calgary.
If you are doing Jasper- Banff via the Icefield Park Road you will be passing very close to Field and Emerald Lake, as well as the Takakkaw Falls. ( about 15 minutes west of the junction on Highway 1) . I suggest you consider making the detour for memorable views and food. Field has the affordable must try "Trufle Pigs" and an even less expensive "Cherchez La Vache" restaurant. . Cilantro's outdoor seating by the lake at the Emerald Lake Lodge is a difficult to beat combination of good food and surroundings.
Chowhound Post
Caribbean Restaurant - Edmonton
Sit and Chat was reviewed on the Journal and Vue. Both reviews were generally favourable, although I must confess I don' usually put much stock on the Journal restaurant reviews
10049-156 St • 484-5545
Chowhound Post
Signature Dish at Harvest Room in the Mac in Edmonton?
An acquaintance has asked for advise regarding what to order at a dinner tomorrow at the Harvest Room in the Hotel Mac Donald . She is omnivorous and has no allergies. Any suggestions? Does the HR have a "signature" dish?
Chowhound Post
Caribbean Restaurant - Edmonton
Calabash cafe comes to mind,on 124th street, if you don't mind Caribbean time service. It has been around for a long time, if that is any indication of their success.
We recently enjoyed South Indian food at the Masalaz/Caribbean Cafe, where a young couple has taken over an existing Caribbean cafe and added a South Indian menu. Given the quality of the Indian food we had and the kitchen's evident attention to detail I suspect their Caribbean food would be worth trying. It is located at 4218 66th St., in a strip mall, almost hidden completely by a gas station. Look for a sign that says "Caribbean Menu"
Chowhound Post
Ideas for curly endive
- You can use it as a generous topping for pizza, same as escarole.
- you can braise it with olive oil, garlic and pancetta and serve as a side dish or mix it with white beans ( cannellini) and/or pasta ( it works very well with orecchiette , if you chop the endive accordingly)
- you can caramelize them with a bit of sugar and stock, and serve it with a risotto finished with a strong cheese and toasted walnuts or pine nuts.
- Pan fry with onions and fresh tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes, add canellini beans and cover until the endive is wilted and flavours have mixed. ( garlic optional)
-
Chowhound Post
Hello Chow's of Quebec City, I've done my research and am requesting your opinions of my dining selections.
We look forward to your detailed description, in particular of the "outstanding and must do" . to enjoy it vicariously.
Chowhound Post
Cheap meals in Banff or Lake Louise?
I suggest you drive to Field and eat at the Truffle PIG and/or "Cherchez La Vache",.
Chowhound Post
How do you like your fish cooked?
A couple of times this month, when eating at "higher end" restaurants I was asked by the server "how do you like your fish cooked", as if I was ordering a steak at the Keg.
I am puzzled by this question. I expect the chef to know how to cook eat type of fish she serves. What does "rare", "medium rare" "medium" "medium well" and "well done" mean when it comes to fish?. Is it the same for salmon, sole, black cod, or tuna? It makes no sense to me.
What's next? "how do you want your linguine cooked" ?
Chowhound Post
Jasper, Banff, Yoho
Truffle Pigs is a little gem indeed
We were at Emerald Lake Lodge this August long weekend. Our plan was to start our stay in the area with dinner at Truffle Pigs on Saturday night, but we arrived to the restaurant just after the power had gone out (thanks to BC Hydro) causing the kitchen to close early.
We drove back to the Emerald Lake Lodge and had dinner at Cilantro. The food at Cilantro was mostly good. I enjoyed the baked prawns with corn bread and salsa appetizer, and the crab ravioli as a main was good as well. My wife enjoyed her Caesar salad but her trout main was served on risotto which had been reheated with lots of cream to the point that was inedible (should remember not to order anything with risotto at a place that obviously would not prepare it fresh.) .Her trout filet was also full of sharp little bones (is it unrealistic to expect bone free trout filet at $28?).
They serve excellent and unusual iced tea and lemonades but ¾ of the tall, thin glasses were filled with ice leaving little room for the liquid. Service was eager but chaotic. While the room does not look half as good as it does in the website picture, they have a beautiful patio by the lake, which unfortunately that day was closed due to the same weather that had caused the power outage in Field.
On Sunday morning I went back to Truffle Pigs for breakfast but the power was still out. They had prepared some breakfast sandwiches for their guests (Truffle Pigs is now housed in the Kicking Horse Lodge, which they bought and operate). I was allowed to buy one and it was the best “breakfast sandwich” I ever remember having: an egg omelet with fresh mozzarella, layered with ham, butter lettuce, and heirloom tomatoes on a freshly baked ciabbata bun.
To make a long story short , we kept going back to Truffle Pigs at meal times until our perseverance paid off (and the power was restored) on Monday at lunch time, on our way out of town. My wife had the vegetable burger, a sandwich which was pure genius. It was not the usual attempt to imitate the taste of ground meat hamburger with a vegetable concoction, but truly a burger of vegetables, including yams, beets, carrots, nuts, garlic, etc. It was delicious. My smoked pork chop with maple baked beans was also excellent, accompanied by a cold GIB lager. We finished our meal with cappuccinos that could have passed as being made by Café Artigiano. As we were eating in the patio we saw the Valbella delivery truck arriving to replenish their pantry.
We had one more dinner at the Lodge, this time in the main dining room (Burgess). The room décor is more lounge than higher end dining room. The food we had was good (although I was puzzled why a menu with mains in the $30 -40 range would include farmed Atlantic salmon), but the service was not as expected of a restaurant at this level. The servers, although friendly, did not know much about the food on the menu (we had two different servers because we changed tables before we ordered), had to be asked for the specials, showed up with a bread basket after we finished our appetizers, and had to be asked three times for the second glass of wine I had paired with my main. The wine eventually came 10 minutes after my main had been served.
The Burgess dining room has a view which is comparable to the Edith Cavell room at JPL, but the comparison ends there. The staff at JPL is head and shoulders above that of the EML, both in their restaurants and reception areas. The insufficient training of the EML staff is evident. The best service we received was from the staff that ran the shuttles and carried the luggage.
A couple more things. A restaurant called “Cherchez La Vache” opened in the old Truffle Pigs location (across from the Kicking Horse Lodge) and while we could not eat there because it was also affected by the power outage, the food looked very good. I hope somebody will give us a report soon.
On our way out to Emerald Lake we could not find our way into downtown Cochrane to check the Chowhound recommended spots so we ended up having lunch/brunch in Canmore, at Quarry. The food was good, and they bake their own bread, including Challah, which they use in their French toast and Montecristo sandwiches. Their wine selection looked good for variety and value
The room at the lodge was comfortable and had a fireplace and a small balcony with a lake view. Emerald Lake is lovely. Tekakkaw Falls are magnificent indeed. The hiking trails are memorable. The fossils at Burgess Shale are extraordinary. And tiny Field has two noteworthy eateries. Overall we had a great long weekend.
