newJJD's Profile
Looking for Hong Kong / Macau Rec's
Hello,
I will be spending a few days in the area next month. Looking for some good local cusine of the inexpensive - moderate (relatively) range.
Prefer to stay close to Central / Admiralty stations, SoHo, or the metro stations on Kowloon.
All tips appreciated!
China Recommendations - Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou
Hello,
Will be heading to China on whirlwind work visit and am looking for any recommendations for some good local cuisine. I'm not too big on fish, don't mind shellfish, and LOVE noodles and dumplings.
Staying @ Fairmont in Beijing and Shanghai, Westin Guangzhou, Wyndham Grand Chengdu
Any and all advice appreciated!
What Are Your Irrefutable Food Rules? [moved from Not About Food]
1) No lecturing on what is "authentic". For example, if Patty Melts happen to have been served on sourdough where I grew up, then that's what I am going to cally a Patty Melt. I don't care for a 5 minute discourse on Patty Melts, and then emailed a link to the wikipedia entry to Patty Melts where it says they are traditionally served on rye.
2) Don't go to a popular/trendy restaurant, and hope for it to be awful, just so you can post some contrarian diatribe on this or other sites. I've met people like this, they must live horrifying lives.
3) If I feel like a cappucino after 11 am in Italy, I will have one. I'm not afraid of being labelled a tourist, just as I'm sure the Italians aren't when they visit North American beaches in their ridiculous Speedos.
Restaurant in Ottawa for 6 on a Sunday night
I second the recommendation for Aroma Meze. Similar to Play (which I also love), in that everything is served small plate. The difference being it is Greek cuisine, although quite refined from the Greek Souvlaki / Lamb platter style fare that is more commonly found in Greek restaurants. A great variety of dishes.
Another option would be Town, which is on Elgin Street, so about 15 minute walk from your hotel. Current menu can be found on their facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/groups/131432120203824/
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Aroma Meze
239 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON K2P0B7, CA
Authentic Greek Yogurt
Agree with the positive reviews of PC Greek Style Yogurt. Good quality yogurt.
I notice that there are some reviews of Greek Gods, and while they are tasty, they are NOT greek style. Greek style is thick from being strained or pressed, while Greek Gods uses pectin to thicken theirs. That is also the reason that Greek Gods has less than half as much protein per serving than Liberte Greek, PC Greek and others that are made via straining.
Nothing personal against Greek Gods, but it is not truly greek style and should not cost as much.
What's Your Favorite Malbec's............
In the $10 range I like the La Puerta, $25 range - LUCA, $40+ range Acheval Ferrer
Kegs of Virgils Root Beer?
I've seen them at some of the Choices Market locations - www.choicesmarket.com
Putter Pickles (Schwarz's Deli Montreal)
Have you tried Superstore / Extra Foods? I know they are available at Superstore/ Loblaw's in Ontario where I currently am. I agree, they are delicious!
Starbucks new customizable frappacinos
Had the caramel 2 days ago. No coffee taste at all!!! Had the new "Caramel Extra Coffee" yesterday, it tasted like the plain caramel used to (a noticeable coffee taste), but of course now it's 50 cents more.
"BR and Steak Frites at The Bank," Stephen Ave, Calgary?
I agree, simple yet stellar looking menu. How good does that $20 burger look on the lunch menu! Short rib meat and foie gras on it.... I'm IN!
Noble in Calgary?
Just checked and there are 2 blog updates ,1 in July, and 1 in September.
The July post indicates a November opening
easter weekend in kelowna
What night is the party? Go to Rotten Grape the night of the party and then go to Waterfront whatever night you had planned to go to Rotten Grape!
easter weekend in kelowna
At Yellow House, If you stick with the items $20 and under (Starters, Pasta/Rice/Risotto) it's pretty solid fare, and a quaint cozy setting. Decent enough wine list (though nowhere nearly as good as Rotten Grape, 764, or Waterfront). The pricier protein-based mains always seem.... uninspired I guess.
Mamma Rosa's has always been reliable for good old-school Italian fare, though I prefer LA Bussola and Riccardo's (a tad pricier, but worth it)
easter weekend in kelowna
Hello pants, good to see you will be visiting! (I used to partcipate actively on Calgary threads before I moved back to Kelowna.
Rotten Grape is a decent spot, mostly small plates and nibblies, all presented well.
There's a great little take-out Burger joint next to it called Gorgeous George's. Perhaps a glass of local vino and a tapas plate followed by a Gorgeous Burger with Beer & Mustard Cheddar and Peameal Bacon!
A Must-try is Waterfont Restaurant! I have recommended it to everyone who has started a Kelowna thread for years. Will you be travelling with kids? If so, keep in mind that Waterfront is fully licenced and therefore no minors permitted, however they do have a new sister restaurant as well called SevenSixFour.
Waterfront made EnRoute's best new restaurants list in 2005. SevenSixFour made the list in 2008. I would describe the food as upscale comfort food made from local-seasonal ingredients and a global influence. They are arguably 2 of Kelowna's best places to eat at this moment in time!
There is also a great breakfast/brunch place called The Bohemian that is a local favourite! It is downtown on Bernard.
If you are into Japanese, there is Genjie (tradtional sushi/udon/teriyaki) on Spall Rd. There's also a new izakaya-style place downtown on Pandosy Street called WASABI. It's great and prices are reasonable.
Can't help you much with Osoyoos... Passatempo and Toasted Oak are both closed for the season. There's always Ella's for reliable Greek fare, or Diamond Steak and Seafood. Another option is Best of India, a short drive away in Oliver
I see that you are a coffee-lover as well. In downtown Kelowna the place to go is Bean Scene Coffee House. The original, larger, more rustic location is on Bernard across from Rotten Grape / Gorgeous George's, and there is a new one on Ellis Street in the Cultural District.
Oh, and across the lake in West Kelowna (formerly known as Westbank) Caffe Artigiano has opened up shop!
www.waterfrontrestaurant.ca
www.764restaurant.com
www.bohemiancater.com
www.genjierestaurant.com
www.ilovekelowna.com/community-directory/where-to-eat/japanese/#viewMap
http://chefmoz.org/Canada/BC/Oliver/Best_of_India_Restaurant1095794491.html
6th on 6th Wonton House - New Westminister - ALWAYS PACKED, Anyone been?
I've heard of this place from SFU students. I'm heading to Burnaby - New West this weekend and thought I might check it out.
Any reviews?
Something better nearby?
Inca Kola in Calgary
Yep, I used to buy that regularly, though I now live in BC. Nice re-con work cancowboy digging that thread up, funny that it was about A& W Soda
Vegas Bachelor Party Rec's
STRIP HOUSE @ the Planet Hollywood Resort. period.
I know little about Vegas food, other than this place and Lotus of Siam.
But STRIP HOUSE was spectacular!
LAS VEGAS - 2 Requests. 1) Red Sauce Italian 2) Mexican
Thanks for the info.... one question on your rec's is prices. Rao's is listed as $$$$, that seems high for Red Sauce.
I left it out my main post but we'd like to get out of there for no more than $40 USD (pre-tax/ tip, but including 1 drink, at least). We hail from Canada so are paying a 25% premium in excange as it is.
LAS VEGAS - 2 Requests. 1) Red Sauce Italian 2) Mexican
Heading to Vegas first week of March fo a stag. The groom to be is a chef, loves classic red sauce Italian (Thick Meaty Lasagna, Meatballs) and Mexican food.
For that style Italian, I see that Bootlegger's and Battista's got most of past praise. Is this still the case, is there somewhere else we should look?
For Mexican, the only reco I got from a friend was Diego @ the MGM Grand. Any other suggestions? Hole-in-the-wall is ok, in fact, encouraged.
We would prefer to stay close to the Strip or Downtown.
Thanks in advance
Setubal
That is a hell of a wine! I have had it and also the Fonseca Trilogia (blend of 1900, 1948, 1965)
I had it with a baked apple tart with vanilla bean ice cream, dusted lighty with fleur de sel... it worked great, though some sort of roasted nut component to the dish could have taken it even higher.
Good Pizza Joint-Oakridge Area Calgary
When I lived in that part of Calgary, I used to order from The Pizza Bank in Glenmore Landing all the time and found it quite good.
Pizza Bank. 1600 - 90 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2V 5A8 - (403) 252-5508
http://findmenus.ca/pizzaBank.php
There's also Tom's House of Pizza on Macleod Trail
http://www.tomshouseofpizza.com
And Nick's may deliver there too
http://nickscalgary.com/14th_street.htm
Looking for a good North American Dinner Buffet
Was it called "Unce Willy's" by chance? I remember they were everywhere back in the late 80's to mid 90's. There is still at least one kicking around in Burnaby, by Metrotown.
Bonanza was another chain that kind of fit the OP, except that they had an A la carte menu. IBut if you just ordered the food bar (I think they called it 'Fresh-tastic') There was more than enough for a full meal.
I wouldn't classify M.Tucker's or Smuggler's as buffets, more as restaurants with
Salad/Soup Bars. There aren't any entrees available as part of the AYCE part of the restaurant.
In the U.S., these places are everywhere, mainly the chains 'Granny's' and 'Old Country'.
Back to the OP, I lived in Calgary for 10 years, and the only thing close to what your describing was at GRAZE Restaurant in the Executive Royal Inn North Calgary on Barlow Trail NE.
Other than that, there's always the pre-game buffets at the Saddledome and McMahon Stadium, the buffets at the Big Four building during Stampede, and crashing weddings!
Best Sandwich in the World
Oh,
The list would be incomplete without the addition of
Fried Calamari Sandwich - with tzatziki and diced tomato
Franceshina - I was served this once at a Potuguese place in Calgary, Alberta and it blew my mind. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesinha
Best Sandwich in the World
This far along and I have yet to see PULLED PORK, I'm shocked!
Besides that, I also like
Beef Dip (aka French Dip)
Reuben
Banh Mi (Black Pepper Beef and Satay Rib are my faves)
Tuna Melt
Shrimp and/or Catfish Po'Boy
Chicken Shawarma
Schnitzel Sandwich w/ kraut
Meatball Sub
Chicken Salad Clubhouse (Imagine a turkey club, but chicken salad instead)
Braised Lamb Shank with Goat cheese and caramelized onions
Croque-Senor (Croque Monsieur but with serrano ham and Manchego)
Grilled Cheese
Being in Canada, I have yet to have a good muffaletta or Louisville Hot Brown.
Soon, I hope.
Calgary Farmers' Market - closing at its current location
Not so fast!!! Looks like we've got 2 more years, according to the Sun
The Calgary Famers' Market lease refreshed
UPDATED: 2008-10-28 13:24:23 MST
By SHAWN LOGAN
The Calgary Farmers' Market has been granted an 11th hour reprieve, receiving an extension to its lease until 2010 after earlier today being told they would have to find a new home by next year.
The Canada Lands Company, the developer of the former Currie Barracks land that housed the market, had a change of heart after earlier in the day announcing it would not extend the lease that expires in October 2009.
Instead, following a last minute meeting with market organizers, they have opted to allow another 13 months for it to continue.
Darrell Komick, the market's general manager, said the new agreement will allow time to find a new location for the popular bazaar, which he said is already in the works and may be announced in the coming months.
shawn.logan@sunmedia.ca
Breakfast/Brunch in Hope BC
On my trips from Kelowna to the Coast, if I have time I will ALWAYS stop at The Home Restaurant. Great classic diner menu, made from scratch, good portions, friendly service. Love the omelettes and the Eggs Blackstone
It has been around since the 50's so it may be one of the places you remember!
http://www.homerestaurants.ca
chinese in kelowna
If you're looking for traditional Chinese dishes like some places in Calgary or Vancouver, you might have some trouble finding that.
If your leaning toward North Amercianized - Chinese, there are at least a DOZEN in this city. Some of the better ones include Mekong, Imperial Banquet (have not been but others swear by it) Ken's Dim Sum (as long as you avoid the Buffet) and also Saigon which offers Chinese and Vietnamese menus.
