smel's Profile
Hotel Bar with best ambiance in Vancouver
I agree with fmed with UVA winebar. It's kind of small and impossible on a weekend but it's very chillin on a week night. Comfy chairs, good wine, no stress.
Hotel Bar with best ambiance in Vancouver
I find the quality of the drinks at Hotel Vancouver inconsistent, depending on the bartender. My friend that manages the front desk operations there agrees.
Best Butcher and Fish Monger Downtown (Van)
Went to Le Magasin the other day. The fridges were empty. "Do you have... meat?" I asked. The guy behind the counter sheepishly answered, "we usually do... but" and mumbled something about the owner not ordering any.
What snack do you buy and eat before you get home (van)?
Do you ever buy the big bags of trimmings? It's the charred bits they cut from the sheets of jerky. It's the only thing I buy from there...
Best Butcher and Fish Monger Downtown (Van)
I'll check out Tango meats.
I went into the Robson Public Market and the fish looked kind of sad :( They have a butcher there too but I'm worried about turn-over because there rarely seems to be people shopping there.
Thanks for taking time to write, fmed. I'm fine with other places around town but feel like I'm out of options if I don't want to leave downtown. I usually do because I feel like I have to but when I'm lazy, I wish there was something decent close by.
Best Butcher and Fish Monger Downtown (Van)
I feel so stuck downtown. I want to find something within walkabout distance from Nelson and Burrard.
Urban Fare is such a silly place. I don't feel their quality is much better than say Safeway or IGA :|
Has anyone been to the butcher at Le Magasin?
Lumiere or West for milestone birthday dinner
I've yet to try the new Lumiere but I just went to West several days ago and I had a great time. Overall, the service was seamless and the food was really good. Not every dish blew me away but I appreciate how they try to use local and organic ingredients. Their pastry chef is a star. That was probably the favorite part of my meal.
Of course, the experience is much more than just the food. The setting is modern yet comfortable. It's quite brightly lit when I was there so I'm not sure if that's a factor for you. It wasn't very busy when I was there (Thurs night) and about 1/2 the tables were seated throughout the time I was there.
Here are 3 photos (size limit on here) or you can follow this link to view the entire set and the descriptions in the gallery. Good luck with the decision :)
http://www.bouchonfor2.com/dining-around/
Best Butcher and Fish Monger Downtown (Van)
What is your favorite butcher shop and fish market located Downtown?
As much as I love Granville Island, I don't always want to cross the bridge or take the little ferries (which I feel is a rip off...)
Excited to hear your opinions!
Love, Mel
http://www.bouchonfor2.com
p.s. I've searched, I promise! Is there a thread I missed?
Phnom Penh (Vancouver, Cambodian/Vietnamese, pictures)
Can't get enough of the butter beef (raw beef in butter, cilantro sauce), and the garlic squid (we call it crack squid). I think the squid is much better than the chicken wings. Very tender and flavorful. Good texture. Rated one of the 100 things to eat before you die in Vancouver.
Vancouver old-school sushi
Thanks thanks :) It was hard keeping track of all the names I've never heard of :|
I'll try those recs, fmed. I've heard Ajisai is a good one too :) thanks.
Vancouver old-school sushi
I know this is out of the area but I just wanted other Chowhounds to know about this gem I found. It's called Sushi Hachi in Richmond. It's a mom and pop's shop open only for a few hours a night and requires reservations. It's very traditional sushi and sashimi, super fresh, and many rare varieties. Some are flown in from Japan and I tried things I've never even heard of. Probably the best Otoro I've had in Vancouver. The info and a gallery can be found in my new blog post here:
http://www.bouchonfor2.com/dining-around/
It was an amazing experience. I'm honestly not trying to promote my blog. I'd be happy if you'd just look at that gallery and nothing else :)
Exceptional Regional Cheese Available in Vancoucouver?
I adored the Salt Spring Island "Blue Juliette". It's a soft goa'ts cheese that has a blue rind. At room temp, it's a bit runny, very complex, with the right hint of blue.I even traveled all the way there to buy it (among other artsy activities). However, the last time I bought it at IGA, I found it to be too young and the center was even hard. I haven't bought it since. I wonder if it was just that batch and if it's since improved. Give it a try. It's one cheese I highly recommend. I believe they are sold in Choices. They also have a truffle topped goat's cheese that's very yummy as a spread.
Ice cream maker? - Vancouver
Thanks for all the feedback! I spotted 2 Cuisinart models at Ming Wo. One is under 100 and the other is almost 300. I think I know which one I'm going to get :)
Ice cream maker? - Vancouver
Thanks :) I will go check those places. I need to get one before mango season is over!
Ice cream maker? - Vancouver
I'm looking to buy an ice cream maker. I checked Sears and The Bay without much expectation (no luck). Does anyone know a good place with some selection?
Also, any recommendations for a model you like?
Thanks in advance!
smel
http://www.bouchonfor2.com
Piquillo Pepper- where in Vancouver?!
Called both. Nope and nope. I should be able to find some canned ones though. Thanks though, peoples!
Piquillo Pepper- where in Vancouver?!
I need to buy Piquillo peppers for a recipe (preferably fresh but roasted is ok too). It's a Spanish chili. Does anyone have any idea where I can find them?
Thanks in advance!
-Smel
Taste of Yaletown?
Average $35 for 3 courses, October 14 to 26
Are you going? Where? Why? Expectations?
I'll leave my sentiments towards these taste of/ dine out events until later.
http://www.yaletowninfo.com/events/toy.aspx
Vancouver Early Bird Prix Fixe
Wow, thanks for all the responses! They give me some good ideas and all sound like fun spots to dine. Much appreciated.
Vancouver Early Bird Prix Fixe
I'm always willing to shell an extra few bucks for a great meal. From chic fine dining, to casual, yet precisely executed cuisine, to the unique, innovative dining experience, I love it all. It's been my quest to eat all over town so I feel I have a pretty good grasp of where to go, depending on the occasion.
However.
The new guy I'm seeing does not have the same appreciation for food as I do. In fact, we're likely opposites. (Granted, he goes to Nando's Chicken every week... ugh and enjoys Cactus Club.) I've exposed him to the finer side of cuisine and he's beginning to understand my passion. Still, he's not as willing to spend money on a nice meal as I am because he doesn't have full appreciation for what goes into food.
Yet.
My new strategy is to expose him to more restaurants via the Early Bird Prix Fixe route. Sure, there's a very limited selection and we finish dinner before movies start playing but I think it's worth the compromise. So far, I've only tried the one at Raincity Grill and it was pretty decent. He enjoyed it as well. I see there's also one offered at Gastropod.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance :)
best real thai food in Vancouver?
Having never been to Thailand, I can't wait to see the recommendations. I usually go to Sala Thai because it's close... the food is yummy even though they tend to overcook the meat and shellfish. I can't say how authentic it is though because I have nothing to compare with.
Poor Arroy D, stuck in the Canada line freakshow. I would go there just to get their taro dessert (to go?). It's a baked taro custardy cake with fried onions on top. Fragrant, barely sweet, hint of smoky savory... yum. I don't really recall how the rest of the food is.
SF hound ISO high-end Vancouver date spot
I too, had a bad experience at Cincin. Went there for lunch once and I ordered a simple ink squid pasta w/ clams. There was a big clump of uncooked pasta that's stuck together. I told my server and he asked if I wanted him to bring me a little bit of pasta on a plate to add to mine after he picks out the clump.
umm... NO!! Don't touch my food! and don't insult me while you're at it. I swallowed my pride, finished my lunch, and said I'd never go back. (btw, the pasta was bland to begin with)
Well, I did go back because my friend convinced me they had changed owners/ management. I went for dinner and it was good... nothing memorable but definitely not worth the price. Many many many better restaurants in Van w/ better value. No thanks.
Re: gourmet wife below. I agree with Villa del Lupo. It is an intimate Italian restaurant situated in a "house". If you like carpaccio, this is the place for it. The food is wonderful, the staff is humorous and friendly, and the setting is elegant-cozy.
Sounds like you've made up your mind but never hurts to have more options :) Hope you have a great time.
Hong Kong Milk Tea
Use evaporated milk, not sweetened condensed milk. Add sugar to taste. The most commonly used brand in H.K. is Carnation and should be easily found all over N. America.
SF hound ISO high-end Vancouver date spot
Don't get me wrong. I enjoy and even embrace fine-dining formalities but it must be merited through the food. It is inappropriate, in any setting, to make a diner feel less-than. I hope readingstand won't encounter the same type of service I did when he goes.
Thanks for linking the review. Brutal!! I chuckled when the server corrects the diner about the butter. That's precisely what I'm talking about.
I was going to recommend Rare as well but the website says it's under renos right now. I've thoroughly enjoyed every meal I've had there. They are really keen on delivering fresh, local ingredients to the fullest potential. I also enjoy the intimate setting, and the staff is always warm and welcoming. I anticipate its reopening.
If Metro is anything like Rare, I'll have to try it!
Rare and Metro:
http://www.cheffowke.com/
SF hound ISO high-end Vancouver date spot
Oh btw I was just at Chambar on Monday. It's a fun place for drinks and the food is great. However, the tables are quite close together but I'd recommend you visit it as a fun night out.
As for West...my initial post before my browser crashed actually wrote "I assume someone will recommend West". I found my experience to be underwhelming. Maybe it wouldn't have been so if there wasn't so much hype around it. I tried the tasting menu and found it to be inconsistent... hits and misses. They have a smug air about them but I felt was unjustified. I'm all for the whole experience. I like to feel classy, but comfortable and appreciated. I feel West is more a place to see and be seen. I will definitely go back and try the a la carte menu but I won't get my hopes up this time. Not sure if you got the same vibe, fmed...!?
Vancouver - dessert places?
Never been to those places in Calgary but Thomas Haas in North Van may be similar.
http://www.thomashaas.com/page139.htm
I've only been once for lunch. The place was packed but I enjoyed the food + dessert. Anyone else have an opinion on this place?
SF hound ISO high-end Vancouver date spot
One of my favourite finer-dining restaurants is Diva at the Met. The food is superb, service is excellent, and I think it'll meet your stylish/ elegant expectations. I like that there is no pretension and the menu has a creative flair. I suggest asking to be seated at the lounge, which is essentially a separate table overlooking the bar with a good view of the open kitchen. It's the most romantic seat in the house.
http://www.metropolitan.com/Diva/
As for lunch, I'd suggest a little French restaurant called Le Gavroche. It's within walkable distance from the Park, it has an intimate setting (plus little patio) and the lunch menu is affordable but uncompromising in quality. Dinner there is nice too but it can get a bit busy in the small space.
http://www.legavroche.ca/
That's 2 off the top of my head. I hope you have a great trip :)
