Got our 16 ponder from 3p meats in north Vancouver. 70.00 and we easily fed the 12 we had over for dinner, plus lots of leftovers for the trad sandwiches on cranberry semolina bread from bread affair. Brined birdie in apple and orange juice, salt, water and some cloves. Cooked up nice and juicy - was not disappointed!

Thanks for the suggestions. In the end, we bbq'd some steaks, drank too much red wine, and were glad we stayed home. I'm loving that in October it's still more than pleasant BBQ weather. I love Vancouver!

We are a group of 8 that will be looking for food on Saturday night. I live in Vancouver near Broadway and Main but am coming up empty because it's an oddball group. 4 in their mid - late 70's and 4 in our late 40's. One of the oldsters is very hard of hearing, so noisy places are out. No Indian I'm told. That leaves out most of the stuff in our 'hood, I fear. Nuba is too ethnic, Cascade too loud, menu doesn't appeal at Habit, Burgoo and Crave don't take reservations. We wanted to and driving, but I'm thinking that we are going to have to.
What am I missing? Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!

I read the write up in the Sun that Quattrociocchi recommended and came across this:

Early season and everbearing varieties that are available this week tend to be red and firm. Look for Puget Reliance and the large fruit of Tillamook.

Mid-season varieties such as Totem and Hood are the super-juicy, red-to-the-core strawberries that imprint themselves permanently in your memory.

I think that solves my puzzle. These firm not so sweet berries are a result of a different variety AND not enough sun. More patience is required from me. Can't wait for the super-juicy, sweet, red to the core berries to appear!

Thanks for chiming in!

What is up this year? Okay, I know I'm being impatient, but I'm ready for some GOOD local strawberries. No, not just good looking, but the wonderfully soft, sweet, so juicy they make a mess of your hands / face / shirt when you pull out the stem.
I happened to be at the Ladner Market on Sunday and saw some from a local farm in Richmond. They looked under-ripe so I didn't bite. But, on my way home from work yesterday, I stopped at Birak Berry Farms on Number 6 Road and the berries looked delicious. I bought a flat and am disappointed. These berries are just a "red" version of the tasteless Californians. Or almost anyways. Is it just because I was impatient or are they a different variety that ships better? I came across the same berries at my local Yellow Hell (Buy Low) from Krause farms - pretty, red, and hard and nearly tasteless. What is UP?? Please tell me it's just because of the crappy weather and because I can't wait. It will be a sad season indeed if this is the best we can get here.
Can anyone shed any light?

Anyone know what became of the 3 Lions? I was sad to see its doors close. And what of Indochine?

Uh oh. Lotus Rapper, I needed that like a hole in the head! I already spend way too much time reading about food instead of creating it myself. :-)
I like birthdays - took husband to Hawksworth for lunch today. He had the sun choke soup with lobster knuckles that was silky and decadent followed by sable fish that was served with chayote squash (yum! I can't believe I've never had that before!) and crispy sushi rice. Artfully presented and delicious! My starter of seared scallops with bacon, veg and chowder "foam" was good, but the "foam" left something to be desired. It was kind of gummy. My main of sidestripe shrimp with rockfish curry was tasty, but a little on the salty side. The dessert totally hit the mark - mango Mousse with coconut and lime sorbet was a refreshing ending. Heading to Electric Owl tonight for a concert and then Medina for brunch and Koko's for dinner tomorrow -Sunday is dinner with the family. Rack of lamb ordered from Windsor ...... Food is goooood! Think I'm going to have to do a lot of workouts next week!

Buy the truffle honey at Bosa's. Fantastic on good parmigiano.

As usual, you guys really come through. I've NEVER been to Koko - and will strongly suggest it. Although I really do like Guu with Garlic.
LotusRapper, thanks for the intro to Foodosophy - looks like more reading material for me!
Thanks very much!

Oh, and I suppose a location would be helpful - we are at Main and Broadway area, but could go to Kits or East Van easily. Don't really want to travel much more than 20 - 30 minutes away if possible.

My husband's birthday is Saturday, and he just let me know that he wants Japanese - and a tatami room. We'll likely have 6 - 8 people. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

I knew it wouldn't take long! Thanks Chowtimes!

I hope you can come to my rescue again. I am going for lunch today in Richmond, and I looked for and can't find the link for a Vietnamese resto on 3 road near Granville (I think). I went there once a few years ago and it was tasty and super cheap. If you can't remember that specific one, any other recommendations? Of course there are loads of Chinese food spots but I didn't see much in the way of Vietnamese. Thanks for any help!

I knew I could count on you guys for inspiration. Kinnickinnik, you are wise - pre-race is NOT the time to experiment! I'll pass these suggestions along with a nod to the Vancouver Chowhounders as the source! Thanks!

Hi Chowhounders. I have a friend coming in to do the first Half half marathon in February, and he's looking for a place for a decent pasta load up the night before. Any recommendations? I used to live in the West End, but it's been a few years. I'm guessing nothing too fancy (no Umberto's) but tasty and good quality.
Thanks for your help!

Thanks Dapperdon! I'm headed there now! Mmmmmm, dark and stormy!

Does anyone know where I can find this? I had the best dark and stormy ever at Cafeteria, and they said they use Grace brand Ginger Beer. I appreciate any help! I'm hoping if I start drinking these, summer will finally arrive in Vancouver!
Cheers!

Sadly, Norwood's not open for lunch, dinner only.

I can just say one word about Norwood's. GO! I was lucky enough to be in Ucluelet last month and Norwood's was superb! Not an inexpensive place, to be sure, but my husband and I thought it was worth every penny. There's a great chef's table is at the bar facing the open concept kitchen so you can watch the action if you choose (it was busy when we went there). They have suggested wine pairings with each menu item, and you can get a taster, half glass, or full glass. I love that a half glass is exactly half the price of a full glass, so you can try some different wines without suffering too much the next day. Did I mention that almost everything on the menu was local?
I started with a Caesar mixed by a bartender who really knew his stuff - it was perfect. Then we had raw oysters and bubbles, the tuna tataki, the fresh greens with chevre, and the roasted Pacific Salmon - all with the wine pairings recommended. A cheese plate for dessert topped off the evening. It really was wonderful and worth the stop. We got there at 6:00 pm because we heard that it fills up, and indeed, by 6:30 - 6:45 it was full with people waiting. I hope you get a chance to go!

Thanks everyone for your input!

Beefy Beef Noodles in Vancouver. The small print under the name says "Salty Peppery Chicken". I haven't been and wonder what they serve??

I am thinking about giving a friend of mine a one day cooking class as a birthday gift - kind of like a Cookshop offering. I will be taking the class with her.
Does anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks!

Hi all of you professional restaurant hounds! It appears that Kimchi Nara Korean BBQ has disconnected their phone, and it was a regular lunch destination for my husband and his co-workers. I've told him how smart you all are, so am wondering about alternatives.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Went to Nan sushi tonight and was not disappointed. The biggest servings of tuna I have ever had, and all was fresh and delicious. 3 of us ate plenty, for 45.00. Thanks for the recommendation - it's worth the bike ride from Main and Broadway. Outstanding!

Thanks for the great tip, and fun blog. I, too, have it bookmarked. Must try Thai Basil soon!

Falafel Plus on 8th fried the falafel balls to order. Very Yummy!!

jsfoodchat - thanks for that tip. Sadly I will not have time to leave Calgary downtown - I'm going to be there for a conference and won't rent a car. Miss.foodie - thanks for the directions. I'd hate to be so close and miss it....

Thanks for the post. It's been a very long time since I've been to Bishop's (I believe it was our first anniversary 16 years ago!!!).
It looks like it's high time for a return trip!

Yipppee yahoo! I'm heading to Calgary in September and again in October. I'll be sure to get my fill of chocolate malts while I'm there. Thanks for the tip!

Not a malted milkshake - these were similar to soft ice cream (but a little softer) that was chocolate malted flavor. But they were never served in a cone - always a styrofoam cup. And they were thicker than a milkshake, you couldn't drink them through a straw (unless you waited long enough to melt them, of course.) I suspect they have gone the way of the dodo.
I'll try Moderne Burger - but have been craving the real old fashioned thing since it came up in conversation a few days ago. -sigh-