amyleechen's Profile
Le Crocodile vs. Bishop's?
Thanks all! I left a message with Bishop's and hope to follow-up on arrangements soon. Grayelf, very insightful -- parking DOES matter! I want that to be as easy for them as possible. So make that calm, cozy, delicious and easily accessible for Mom for her birthday.
Birthday restaurant suggestion in Vancouver?
It is. I saw that recommendation on other threads and will look La Buca, too Thanks so much, Grayelf!
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Le Crocodile vs. Bishop's?
Researching older threads for ideas to my earlier query about a birthday celebration dinner for my Mom -- Le Crocodile and Bishop's seem to be recommended quite often. Can you help me decide which to go with? While the quality of the food is critical, I'd also like to find a place where my parents and their friends can hear each other. I'd like to give my Mom calm, cozy, and delicious for her birthday. Thanks!
Birthday restaurant suggestion in Vancouver?
I've received most helpful suggestions about Vancouver restaurants from the folks here and I thought I'd ask for recommendations. My parents will be driving up from Seattle and spend most of their time eating Chinese food in Richmond. My Mom is celebrating her birthday on Tuesday and I'd like to send them to a lovely Western restaurant in Vancouver for her celebration dinner. Something cozy and delicious, not stuffy or too formal, I'd welcome your suggestions and thank you in advance!
Birthday and Anniversary restaurant in Richmond recommendation?
Thanks all! I decided to go with Tapenade Bistro. Just got off the phone with Vince Morlet to set it up. I heart you BC Chowhounds!
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Tapenade Bistro
3711 Bayview Street, Richmond, BC V7E 3B6, CA
Birthday and Anniversary restaurant in Richmond recommendation?
Next week, my parents and another couple are driving up to Richmond for their own food fest. They've got all their Chinese restaurants picked out. Does anyone have a western-style nice restaurant fit for a special occasion in that area to recommend? They were going to drive into Vancouver, but, now prefer to stay in the general Richmond area. Many thanks in advance!
Ballard
The Walrus and The Carpenter. What a seriously great suggestion! We went tonight and it was sublime. The oysters were so fresh that I swear they reached out the window and pulled them out of the Sound. And the MUSIC! I'd go just to hear the tunes (I Shazammed every song! Everything from the food, to the service, to the vibe -- it was all sensational. Thanks for the heads up klsalas! I have out of town guests coming next week and we're heading to The Walrus.
what is your ideal cheese plate/board?
Do let us know what you put together and enjoyed! May you have many wonderful cheese plates in the coming new year!
what is your ideal cheese plate/board?
I love La Tur -- a combination goat, cow, and sheep milk. Very sexy and yummy! Also recently had a Spanish goat cheese named Leonora. Loved it enough to stop and take note. Have a delicious NYE celebration!
The Place -- no one has any thoughts on it?
Thanks for the reply rrems. I guess our experience was similar to yours -- perhaps a bit better. The wait staff was lovely and attentive. The atmosphere -- cozy with the dim lights and fireplaces. The food was fine. The scallops I had as an appetizer were better than fine. And the cocktails were impressive It feels a bit tired - and I don't think it would take much to put some dazzle back in its game. It was quite full. The diners at various separate tables along the same wall as us all started interacting so it was very jovial. I think I'd consider it a lovely find if we were wandering around and stumbled on to this place. But as a destination, as I said -- a little tired but with its charms. It looks like you posted just as we were being seated. We'll have to check out Bistro de la Gare another time. Thanks all the same. (I was a bit surprised not to get any comments to the two queries I posted about this place!)
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Bistro de la Gare
626 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
The Place -- no one has any thoughts on it?
I see reviews on Yelp -- but can't seem to find any Chowhounders' impressions. Is it that far under the radar? That horrible or touristy? Or is it so sublime that you're keeping the secret to yourselves?... We're looking for a cozy, yummy, low-key place. If it's a neighborhood gem, so much the better.
The Place in the West Village
Can anyone tell me about this restaurant? I tried a search in Chowhound and came up short.
My husband and I are spontaneously looking to celebrate the anniversary of our first date tomorrow night and are looking for something cozy, yummy, not fussy, and welcoming. The Place was recommended. We're open to other suggestions, too, pretty please! Thanks in advance.
Tomorrow lunch in Vancouver
Hi LotusRapper,
Meant to reply long ago, but, family has kept me from Chowing!
Friends in the West-Seattle-know recommend Alki Bakery and Phoenicia at Alki. I have heard lovely things about both places. As it happens, we went to Salty's for dinner. Left our toddler with Grandma, so, didn't truly test out its kid-friendliness. There was a baby at the next table and they seemed to welcome her with open arms. They provide crayons for the kiddies. The food was an odd combination of overly fussy and uninspired. But the service was earnest and the views were gorgeous. There were at least 3 different out door areas. It's definitely worth a try. As a parent looking for a good place to soak in the local color even if the food doesn't knock you over, other characteristics might so give it a whirl. Certainly post your query on the Seattle board -- I'm sure you'll get lots of great suggestions. Walked through University Village last night and there seemed to be lovely food venues there as well! Enjoy your next visit!
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University Village Restaurant
5778 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T1K6, CA
Tomorrow lunch in Vancouver
Hi LotusRapper. The first place that occurs to me is Saltys on Alki.
www.saltys.com
I've only been there once for a brunch buffet. The food didn't knock me out., but I've never really met a brunch buffet that I liked. Great water front location. Though I grew up in Seattle, I've lived in New York City for the past 25+ years, so I'm out of the loop. But I have good friends from that West Seattle/Burien neighborhood (went to high school in Burien a million years ago) so I've put your question out to them and I will report back!
By the way -- we went to Guu with Garlic last night and it was one of the best dining experiences I've had in a very long time! Amazing food and a lively entertaining scene, too! It was a good boost after a bit of a letdown at Refuel the night before. We're setting out now to find what Vancouver will feed us today! Great town you have here!
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Guu
838 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E1W2, CA
Best Shanghai in Richmond?
We made a bee line to Chen's when we rolled into town. My Dad grew up in Shanghai and was longing for food from the home front. He was tickled pink after eating there. He loved the XLB. We also had the beef roll (my favorite of the meal -- I thought it was an interesting twist on Peking Duck). We also ordered (and forgive the English spellings, I'm working off my Dad's notations... Zheng Jiang xiao ru (cold diced pork) -- Dad loved it! The drunken chicken -- Mom loved it), Ma lan tou ban xiang gan (finely diced wild vegetable mixed with bean curd), Shanghai spring roll, Shanghai saan jeen bao (kind of like the fried version of the XLB, but very different, -- terrific!), crystal shrimp, the Shanghai vegetable rice, and tea smoked duck. All of the dishes we ordered were great and we all had our favorites.
We have time to try one more Shanghainese restaurant. So if you had just one more to select in addition to Chen's -- what would it be? Shanghai River? Shanghai Village? We're open to suggestion! Location and atmosphere (or lack thereof) don't matter. We will go where ever the good Shanghai food is. Many thanks in advance for your direction!
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Shanghai River Restaurant
7831 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V6X1A4, CA
Shanghai Village
3250 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W4, CA
Tomorrow lunch in Vancouver
We took advantage of this sunny Saturday and went to Cat's Social House for lunch. My husband, who is not one to rave, proclaimed his waffles "the best I've ever had -- and I've had waffles!" My Dad was happy with his short ribs pannini. My Mom wasn't wild about the wings -- we noted that we'd never seen such tiny ones. My salad was a bit generic, though, it featured a very nicely executed poached egg. All in all, we were most happy with your recommendation GE and LR -- it was a glorious day on the patio of a very kid friendly restaurant. The staff was lovely and it was a good fit for us. Thank you so much!
Tomorrow lunch in Vancouver
Thank you so much, Grayelf and LotusRapper, for your recommendations. We'll decide during the car ride up. And what we don't get to on this stop, we'll visit during our stay on the way back from Whistler. Much appreciated!
Tomorrow lunch in Vancouver
My family and I are driving to Whistler from Seattle tomorrow. We thought we'd stop for lunch in Vancouver and would love your recommendations. We'll also be stopping there for 4 nights later in the week on the way back. Our party includes my 2 elderly parents, and our very lively toddler. For tomorrow's lunch, we're looking for some place casual and scrumptious. We're open to all types of food and prices -- all we ask is that ti be good food and kid friendly. I thought to head to Go Fish, but, see that they're closed on Monday -- we'll give it a try on the way back. We welcome your suggestions and thanks in advance!
visiting seattle
We're fond of Matt's in the Market (yes, in Pikes Place Market). Great bartender and food. Rays Boathouse is a Seattle institution -- in Ballard and a bit further removed from downtown. The Pink Door is fun - their olive tapanade is not to be missed. However, I enjoy going there for lunch and sitting out on the deck. Chez Shea (also in the Market) would be worth looking into. Have a lovely celebration!
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Pink Door
1919 Post Aly, Seattle, WA 98101
Chez Shea
94 Pike St. Suite 34, Seattle, WA 98101
in search of a round table!!!
Henry's at 105th & Bway. Round tables and noise level that comfortably accommodate our book club conversations. Reasonably priced menu wide enough to appeal to vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Hope you find just the right fit!
henrysnyc.com
The Dumpling House (W106th)
I'm in the middle of eating my first order from this new place. We got take out and don't think that's really the best way to make a fair assessment. But, just based on this delivery order, I'm thrilled with the new addition to the neighborhood!
We ordered the pork and chives fried dumplings, the shrimp and pork steamed dumplings, the potato pancake, and the Shanghai dumpling soup. All are quite good. I think they'd be excellent right out of the kitchen. My toddler actually just squealed and climbed into my lap to get to the dumplings quicker -- nothing has inspired that in my chowpup -- not pizza, not ice cream, not candy. He gives East Dumpling House a huge thumbs-up.
If I had to choose my favorite in this order, it would be the Shanghai Dumpling soup The dumplings aren't mushy from over cooking. They don't taste frozen. The soup, dumplings, and seaweed bring just the right comfort. I look forward to eating on premises. I'd love to hear others' response. Very reasonable and very good - and that's based on take-out conditions. Look forward to reading others experiences!
Jfood hits Coalhouse Pizza (Stamford) - Very good pie, great potential
We just returned from Coalhouse Pizza. The white clam pie with scallion pesto and bacon was a thing of beauty -- really sensational. My hustand was most happy with his bacon pizza. The crust hit that perfect sweet spot between pliable and crispy. The restaurant was full but not overwhelming and the folks working there couldn't have been nicer -- very accommodating to our toddler son. We will be back! I'm curious about the kimchi pizza. I wasn't feeling quite that adventurous but now that I've seen what they can do with a pizza, I place myself completely at their mercy and am curious to see what kind of animal that kimchi pizza is. I give Coalhouse a standing ovation.
Freezing left over oyster stuffing?
I made a terrific oyster stuffing, using the vacuum packed oysters packaged in their liquor from Whole Foods, and would like to freeze the leftovers. Is this safe to do? Thanks in advance, I get such helpful information from this community. Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Need Your Killer Tomato Soup Recipe & Grilled Cheese Inspiration
I had a grill cheese party a while back ("you build 'em, i'll grill 'em") and the "home cooking" folks here were very helpful with suggestions. Here is the link -- perhaps you too will find good inspiration, though you seem to have lots of creative ideas already. Have a great and warming time!
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/541734#3905559
Help me Chowhounds! Looking for strange/weird/eventful food experience
I don't know it their upcoming events will coincide with your schedule, but, you might want to check out darkdiningprojects.com -- they stage dining events at various restaurants where diners eat blindfolded so they can experience meals in a different way by depriving them of the sense of sight. It's an interesting concept and something I'd love to try. It definitely sounds like a strange/weird/eventful experience.
best cupcakes in Manhattan?
I ordered cupcakes for a birthday party this past spring from Two Little Red Hens, speaking with the store twice to order and confirm. When I went to pick up my order -- there was no trace of it. They assembled what they could from the cupcakes in their case, but, it was a ragtag looking assortment. Their cupcakes are terrific -- but the customer service was so lacking and the experience so disappointing that I'd steer clear of them for an order for a special event.
West Village charming (French) restaurant?
We were just at Little Owl last night. Terrific food, lovely "village-y" ambience, the noise level was much louder than we remember. Le Gigot or Little Owl are wonderful choices.
West Village charming (French) restaurant?
I love Le Gigot. Sweet and romantic. If you make reservations, you miight want to request not being seated at the table for two just in side the door that requires you to sit side by side.
W. 97 Greenmarket
I just got back to town and Friday was my first visit this season, so forgive my lack of detail. The Greenmarket takes up about 3/4 of the block. It's a good size -- not so overwhelming and yet full enough that I get just what I need. On Friday, there was a butcher, one that specialized in turkey, and a fish monger. I got a lovely piece of striped bass. It was perfection. $19/lb. as I recall, which seemed pricey, but it was sublime. There is a cheese vendor, a yogurt/ice cream vendor, and a vendor for baked goods. There are several fruit and vegetable stands and they also carry preserves, ciders/juices, and fresh herbs. I got there around 11:30 and much of the butchers' products had been depleted. Loveliest of all is the jazz trio that brings a perfect vibe to the whole experience. I love this particular Greenmarket. If you need more details, I'd be happy to take notes for you this coming Friday.
