juddc's Profile
Thoughts on Red Wagon (faux diner) on east hastings
Yeah, I don't know why everyone is writing this place up. I've tried 3 times and each time was a disappointment. The only consistency I found here is greasy food at an inflated price. That and a lot of Hastings hipsters.
ISO North Vancouver (Lower Lonsdale) recommendations butcher, grocery store etc.
Jolly Meats & Fine Foods, 111 Charles Street. Scandanavian flair (think pork), but everything is good.
Office Christmas Lunch Venue in Vancouver
I don't know if they do private functions, but Medina at Pender and Beatty might be what you're looking for. Check 'em out. Chances are they'll know someone who can help if they can't.
WHERE EXACTLY is the "Cheap Sushi" in Vancouver?
Better late than never, but since Paul Ho sold off Gin Kaku, the only other place I think hits it out of the park in terms of value is Sake Make on the Drive. Not the cheapest, but far from dear. A reliable performer, good variety, always great food. I've even seen chefs from the high end fine dining-type restaurants dining there.
ISO Fish monger & butcher (the Drive, Vancouver)
I second Wheelhouse for fish. Excellent quality. You can also pick up meats and cheeses there too (limited selection) Rio Friendly is average - but the selection / value there is great. Plus they have eggs, cheese etc. Its handy.
I agree that the butchering at Donalds is lousy and worth avoiding, though I've found the previously frozen salmon fillets are actually quite good.
Better Butcher in Vancouver
Oh - ironically, Jolly Meats supplies La Grotta with some if its meats! Funny.
Better Butcher in Vancouver
Its just over the 2nd Narrows, but give Jolly Meats a try. Eric the owner is Scandinavian and has lots of pork in the case. The red meat is *very* good. The chicken is frozen, but for some reason, is always above par.
I also agree Vancouver butchers are lacklustre. Unless you're italian... :)
Game birds in Vancouver?
Thanks fmed - Columbus is actually Renfrew and 1st. I've bought there once or twice but was turned off by all the veal. I'll give it another go for game birds.
Commercial Drive, Vancouver -- top ten places to Chow?
I would agree the food is a bit better overall at Stella's - the Charlatan is a better bar's bar. Kinda like Dix downtown but smaller. Avanti's is more of a sports bar in my book. I hit St Augustine's for a couple of gigs and a UFC fight, but its not in the same league as the Alibi in terms of atmosphere. Haven't tried the food. The vodka, on the other hand, seems to work really well there.
Game birds in Vancouver?
Hi All,
Wondering what sources you might share for game birds in Vancouver. I love to cook Cornish Hens, and want to try a few different game birds. I'm looking for a trusty supplier in the lower mainland. Any help appreciated.
Commercial Drive, Vancouver -- top ten places to Chow?
I'm surprised nobody mentioned Bandidas Taqeria. Mexican-themed vegetarian hole in the wall on 12th @ Commercial that serves up some of the best food on the Drive - or the city for that matter. The value is an absolute steal and they're licensed. Its a must-try.
Charlatan is great for drinking, but the food is meh. Still, I find it a much better bet than Stellas if you stick to bar food. Maybe its just me, but Stellas is a bit of an odd-man-out on the Drive.
Little Nest rules - very simple, but very well done. And the total mayhem of 3 year olds tearing the place up on a Saturday morning is awesome. Good coffee too.
Though if you can't find a good coffee on the Drive you need help.
Vancouver: is West worth it?
My short answer is No - its totally not worth it. Head to Vij's or Cru (right in the same neighbourhood) for much better experiences. Better chance of chatting some fellow diners up at Vij's. Tojo's is close too. Enjoy!
where do you shop for groceries, and for why?
Sorry - East End food Co-Op is OK! Actually quite good.
where do you shop for groceries, and for why?
I'm going to sound like such a snob:
Donald's Market on either Hastings or Commercial for general groceries. They have everything...its kinda creepy. Also - the East End Food Co-Op is not ok.
Norman's on the Drive, Donald's or Granville Isle for veggies.
Seafood City on Granville Isle or The Wheelhouse on E Hastings for seafood (they also carry specialty meats from time to time - game hens, etc)
Jolly Meats on the North Shore for pork, chicken or beef.
Oyama on Granville Isle or Maccia on E Hastings for dried meats/patés.
Les Amis Du Fromage on E Hastings or La Grotta del Formaggio on the Drive for cheese, pasta, oil, etc. I second Renzullo on Nanaimo as well - great little shop.
Cuts like a knife, and it feels so right: where to sharpen your beloved blades in Vancouver
Better late than never - last used them around April May '09. I'd just drop in if the number isn't working.
Western Canada's best bakeries lets make a list
I second Fratelli's on the Drive. My fave. La Baguette on Granville Isle is pretty good, and McKinnon's on Granville & 11th isn't bad either. Everything I've seen here are great suggestions. Must try Butter.
Boneta in Vancouver?
I'm the same as fmed - haven't been in a long while, but all my experiences there have been good. Except for the sommelier - we were disappointed with his suggestions. Food is great though.
Vancouver wine bars/bistros
I've really enjoyed Au Petit Chavignol lately. Its a little out of the way and not in the best neighbourhood, but worth the trip. http://aupetitchavignol.com/
Cuts like a knife, and it feels so right: where to sharpen your beloved blades in Vancouver
Sharpening House
5331 West Boulevard, Vancouver
604-568-5997
Terrific job. He does do serrated blades (bread knives etc) and is very reasonable - quick turnaround too. My knives are effing sharp! Also - worth a trip to drool over the Japanese steel on display.
Best Burger In Vancouver
My fave is the beef burger at the Cascade Room on Main St. - with very old cheddar. Delish.
Chowing itinerary for one day in Vancouver
The Wildside Grill in Tofino has pretty reliable seafood - its a roadside shack next to the Tofitian on the highway just outside town. I tried Sobo's recently and wasn't super-impressed (although many seem to be), and Shelter is pretty good.
Rangoli is a safe bet for lunch - not as good or as much fun as Vij's, but what do you expect from a lunch spot? Bluewater does seafood right IMHO, but its a titch dear.
Best Frozen Pizza?
I second Bistro Alsace. Way better than Dr. Oetker's, or take out for that matter (if you can find it!)
