Vancouver in October-best and tastiest

I live in South Louisiana and we have amazing food. That said, when I travel I do NOT eat Cajun food outside of LA and usually avoid southern cuisine/BBQ/soul food when traveling outside of the south.
I do love tapas, something we are woefully short of here. We have a thriving Vietnamese community here but no really authentic Chinese restaurants-just the Americanized versions of Chinese. So recs on that would be appreciated.
Also, where should one stay in Vancouver, i.e. what part of town?

clovis in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Vancouver in October-best and tastiest

Let me also say that we HATE going to touristy places. When we travel, we want to eat where locals like to eat. We like interesting menus without the same old fare (i.e. I don't need another steak house). Neither of us is picky and we will try once anything presented to us. Price is no object but we don't have to eat haute cuisine every night--if there is an amazing restaurant, regardless of price point, we want to know about it.

clovis in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Vancouver in October-best and tastiest

I will be visiting Vancouver, BC with my husband in October and need recommendations of all kinds of places:
great breakfast spots, lunches, and dinners that should not be missed. Also, the best place for handmade sweets/desserts and best cocktail places and brewpubs. Where to the locals like to eat?
My husband and I love to visit restaurants with special chef's menus that include wine pairings. We also like to try and visit what locals consider the TOP restaurant(s) in the city.
And one more thing, what part of the city is the best area to stay? We love soaking up local flavor in food, art, drinks, and neighborhoods and though we will have a car, would love to stay within walking distance of entertainment/food. Recommendations on what area to stay in and why would be greatly appreciated.

clovis in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Napa Valley in September 2009 for VERY special, surprise 40th birthday

I am taking my husband to Napa Sept 22-25 for his 40th birthday, as a complete surprise. I have tried, desperately, to get into the French Laundry; so far w/o success (i'm on the waiting list). Can anyone suggest another INCREDIBLY special, FL like restaurant? I've been planning this trip for many years just to eat at The French Laundry, and since i'll likely not get in, I need a replacement.

Other, amazing, all-price range restaurant recommendations also appreciated. We LOVE to try tasting menus as well as funky, locals-only places.

PLEASE HELP!

clovis in San Francisco Bay Area

Brew pubs and tapas

Been to Rock Bottom in other cities. And i think Beer Works.

Deep Ellum-is that owned by people for Dallas? And the MBTA, is it easy to use/convenient?

clovis in Greater Boston Area

Brew pubs and tapas

My husband and I will be in Boston the last week in October. We'll be staying in the North End,Beacon Hill and/or Back Bay area(s). We are lovers of brew pubs with excellent hand-crafted beers. Also looking for tapas restaurants in these areas. Any suggestions?

clovis in Greater Boston Area

Non-touristy, local eateries in Aruba

My husband and i will be in Aruba, hopefully, this December (after 10 years of discussing it.) We are looking for good breakfast, lunch and dinner spots throughout the island. We both prefer "off the beaten path" types of places, and definitely prefer places where the locals go. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

clovis in South & Central America & the Caribbean

20th & Sansom, Any recs?

thanks. we may be there for dinner tomorrow or saturday.

clovis in Pennsylvania

breakfast in penn dutch country

have just returned from dutch country. visited blue ball, intercourse, and bird-in-hand. we were a little disappointed with the general feel of the amish country. to our untrained eyes, it all looked like any country town in the middle of any given state, except for the horse-drawn carriages. and, there was NO shoo fly pie to be had ANYWHERE. what up wit dat? however, brian, town hall restaurant was right on. we got the special: dutch potatoes with scrambled eggs and cheese all mixed together AND i just couldn't pass up the "grilled pecan sticky bun" on the menu. all i can say is, thank goodness i didn't get the regular sticky bun or else i'd have never known the incredible pleasure of the pecan delight on a plate. OMG! YUMMY! thanks for the info. were headed back to philly tomorrow where more great eats await. i can't thank y'all enough. sorry, that's the south louisiana comin' out :)

clovis in Pennsylvania

breakfast in penn dutch country

thanks so much for the tips. these all sound like solid choices. i'll post replies upon my return.

clovis in Pennsylvania

breakfast in penn dutch country

what kind of food is it? we're hoping for more than just the typical bacon and eggs set. thanks for the tip..

clovis in Pennsylvania

Three Early September Days in New Orleans -- Looking for Up-to-date recommendations

i believe croissant d'or IS open on sundays, but do call to make sure. post-katrina hours are always changing. and as a solo diner, i'd recommend mimi's in the marigny. it's at 2601 Royal St., across elysian fields and down about 1/2 mile. they serve delicious, very inexpensive tapa, they have a $5 corkage fee, AND a band every night. plus, they serve til 2:am.

clovis in New Orleans

Three Early September Days in New Orleans -- Looking for Up-to-date recommendations

i TOTALLY agree with irene's. we went with friends a few weeks ago and it was marvelous. but, be prepared to wait. just get in, put your name on the list, and head down the street for a beer at the irish bar whose name escapes me. but, it's right down the street. and if you are nice to "bubbles", the hostess, she will be great to you.

clovis in New Orleans

20th & Sansom, Any recs?

if you like the 90 minute dogfish, try the 120 minute IPA. i'm a real hop head. the mo' bitta, the mo' betta.

clovis in Pennsylvania