Try calling Gourmet Warehouse. I know they have it frozen, perhaps they also sell it fresh?

Richmond Night Market, usually. As for right now? Good question.

The green grocer Triple A on Commercial/E 1st currently sells quince. They're not organic, but I bought a few, hoping to do something with them. What exactly? Not entirely sure. They sure do smell pretty...

Next time try the Canada Line. 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Problem solved.

Fratelli Bakery on Commercial Drive & E 2nd has Halloween cupcakes and a variety of Halloween cookies - ghosts, skeletons, mummies, pumpkins, etc.

I responded to somebody's request for craft cocktail recommendations earlier this year. Hope this helps!

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838900

They're usually sold at Safeway. I see them every year in October.

Kingyo on Denman would also be fun: http://www.kingyo-izakaya.ca/

Glad to hear it worked out for you, despite being amongst friends who refused to eat fish. Just looked up Adesso as I hadn't heard of it yet, and I see it's in the former location of Parkside (which was the former location of Delilah's). Parkside was fantastic and I was sad to see it go, but looks like Adesso has picked up where Parkside left off - will definitely have to check it out the next time I'm in the West End.

p.s. Slight detail correction: the neighbourhood is the West End, the street is called Denman. :)

I actually agree with this. Blenz has one of the best mochas I've tasted. I typically opt for the dark chocolate myself.

If you're seeking casual, fresh & simply prepared, I'm a fan of the seafood and fish that I've had at the Flying Pig. It's not, as you may imagine, exclusively seafood, but their seafood is exactly as what you've described as wanting. Not fussy, delicious, casual environment, etc.

http://theflyingpigvan.com/dinner-2/

There's Chinatown, and then there's Richmond.

Vancouver's Chinatown is NOT what you might imagine it to be. It's not a restaurant hotspot in any way. It's the historic Chinese district in Vancouver which has traditional Chinese medicine shops, traditional Chinese butcher shops, hair salons that cater to Chinese clientele, etc.

What it doesn't have is a good Chinese restaurant scene, or anything going on in the evening, really. It closes down and turns into a ghost town by evening. It's also fairly grungy and would not be on my list of must-sees for a short-term/first-time visitor to Vancouver. I always feel sorry for tourists that end up strolling over there for their one good meal in Vancouver, totally clued out that it is NOT a dining destination - almost everywhere else in Vancouver is.

If you're seeking Chinese, go to Richmond, the suburb city a 20 minute Canada Line (subway) ride south of downtown Vancouver. Richmond has a population of, I think, 200,000 people - 60% of them are Chinese. It also boasts hundreds of Chinese restaurants of all styles (predominantly Hong Kong, Cantonese, Taiwanese, Shanghainese, and hot pot) and THAT is where people go for Chinese food, especially those who are adventurous eaters. Richmond isn't visually appealing - most of these Chinese restaurants exist in strip malls, but they're the real deal.

My recommendation - contact Mijune aka: Follow Me Foodie. She doesn't advertise this, but she will take you on her own personal tour of Chinese restaurants around Richmond and will introduce you to the best dining secrets the city has to offer.

http://www.followmefoodie.com/

My first introduction to quinoa was years ago at The Foundation. I would not necessarily recommend seeking a meal there, but if you're seeking restaurants that serve quinoa, they most certainly do.

Note: you can easily find quinoa bulk in Vancouver grocery stores (Donald's Market, Urban Fare, etc.)

I'd expand your options by going to any seafood restaurant and ordering prawns, shellfish, etc. to go. I don't see why a regular restaurant won't do that - Cardero's, Rodney's Oyster Bar, Joe Fortes, etc.

Milestones is fine - I've had good experiences in their Yaletown location. Also in Yaletown I'd consider the Hamilton Street Grill or the Flying Pig, although there doesn't seem to be as many vegetarian options.

For Japanese, Sakana Bistro in Yaletown is good: http://www.bistrosakana.com/

In Gastown I'd visit Kitanoya Guu for Japanase izakaya - a quintessential Vancouver experience and vegetarian options: http://guu-izakaya.com/gastown/

Another idea is a dinner at Nuba - delicious Lebanese cuisine with many vegetarian options. I'd opt for their Hastings Street location: http://nuba.ca/new%20hastings.html

Just across the Burrard Street Bridge from downtown in Kitsilano is Maenam - fabulous Thai food. Vegetarian friendly. Excellent service: http://maenam.ca/main.html

Hamilton Street Grill meets all your criteria.

Chambar is amazing, no doubt, but it's still very much tasting menu portions, no? When I think "big-ish portions" I don't think Chambar... unless you order the mussels.

Oh! If you can arrange it, make a reservation for Kale & Nori's Bittered Sling Bistro. It'll give you a taste of the Vancouver restaurant/cocktail industry, and it's rather social and fun.

It happens twice a month at the Legacy Liquor Store at the Olympic Village (just south of downtown Vancouver... not too far at all). It's a food + cocktail pairing event where one veteran bartender or one apprentice bartender pairs three courses with three cocktails.

The bartender must use the featured spirit (for the month of March it's Hendrick's Gin, back in November it was Market's Mark Bourbon, and in January it was Flor de Cana Rum, etc.) plus one of Kale & Nori's homemade bitters.

The menu is often themed around the spirit (Japanese cuisine paired with sake cocktails, southern cooking paired with bourbon, etc.). The food remains the same throughout the month - it's the cocktails that differ. At the end of the evening tveryone ranks the bartender based on presentation, pairing, flavour, aroma, etc. The top ranked bartender then wins a prize (including a trip to an affiliated spirit's distillery).

Okay, I'm totally rambling now but for $60 (which includes tax & tip), you both would probably enjoy it and you'd be surrounded by other fine dining/cocktail enthusiasts. Plus it's held at a beautiful liquor store.

http://scoutmagazine.ca/2012/03/06/go...

I am a food photographer in Vancouver and yes, Vancouver has a craft cocktail scene, especially in Gastown around Water & Carrall and Water & Abbott. In fact, last month Tales of the Cocktail (a New Orleans' cocktail event) was here, their second year in a row bringing their event on tour to Vancouver. Vancouver loves its cocktails and bitters and pre-Prohibition-era cocktail culture.

The local mixologists/bartenders you'll want to speak to (just off the top of my head) are:

Jay Jones
Arthur Wynne
Lauren Mote
Dani Taratin
Jacob Sweetapple
Shaun Layton
David Wolowidnyk

Pick their brains if you can. You'll also want to eye ScoutMagazine.com for inspiration - I know Lauren Mote writes for them on occasion.

As previously mentioned Gastown gives you a ton of choice.

L'Abbatoir was already recommended.

Others to consider:

Diamond Bar
Chill Winston
Guilt & Co.
Peckinpah (for bourbon)
Shebeen Whiskey House (for Scotch/whiskey only - it's the secret room at the back of the Irish Heather)
Clough Club
The Revel Room
Pourhouse

In Chinatown:

Keefer Bar
Bao Bei
Union Bar (unique Philippino-inspired cocktails)

In Kits:

Maenam (best Thai restaurant in the city with great cocktails)

South Granville:

West

Main Street/Mount Pleasant:

Cascade Room

Elsewhere in downtown Vancouver:

Hawksworth Restaurant's lounge in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia
The Refinery (upstairs on Granville Street)
Uva Wine Bar (Seymour/Smithe)
Market Bar at the Shangri-La or their Xi Shi Lounge downstairs (different cocktail menus)
The lounge inside the Fairmont Pacific Rim

That should give you a start!

I immediately thought of Little Nest which is in East Van on Commercial Drive: http://www.littlenest.ca/

It's not really in the areas you plan to visit, but it's easy enough and close enough to get to, and ticks off both "foodie establishment" and "toddler friendly" to a T! And in reality, it's only one Skytrain stop east of Science World if you do feel like making a detour to Commercial Drive. The only issue is that it closes early, so might be a good brunch option before Science World. On top of that, Commercial Drive is cool neighbourhood in any case - quite different than where you'll be spending your time. A tad more bohemian with some great markets. Actually, San Francisco's Polk Street reminds me of Commercial Drive. Others say it reminds them of the Haight Ashbury of yesteryear. I digress.

Bandidas Taqueria (also on Commercial Drive) would also be a good choice.

http://bandidastaqueria.com/

Has the Nice Cafe changed hands recently? The last time I went, was, I admit, maybe 3-4 years ago now... the place was packed, I ordered the waffles, and after about an hour's wait I was served a plain Eggo waffle. No joke. I had been before and it had been okay, but after that one experience I'd rather waste my time elsewhere. It's as if people go to the Nice Cafe because of its name. It's certainly not the food!

Red Wagon Cafe, on the other hand - their pulled pork pancakes with bourbon maple syrup is most certainly worth the wait. The pancakes are more like biscuits, the pork is delectable, and the portion's the perfect amount - not too big, not too small. Just perfect.

It's been 3 years since I ate at Sockeye City. It's okay. It may suit what you're looking for better than Pajo's or Crab King, only because those two have (potentially) steep docks to walk up/down to access. Plus, they're take-out options, not true indoor restaurants.

Sockeye City as a restaurant has no atmosphere inside, but it does have floor to ceiling windows and a first-rate view of the Steveston waterfront - that's the main appeal of eating there.

As for the food, don't expect anything fancy but will probably satisfy. It is the kind of restaurant where local teenagers get their first job, so that's the style of service you'll often receive - sometimes competent, sometimes oblivious.

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I would suggest the Blue Canoe instead, which is only a few steps further along the waterfront at Steveston Landing. They've put effort into maintaining a maritime west coast atmosphere without being tacky. They have slightly better service (although sometimes it can be hit and miss), plus the food is much much better (and includes Oceanwise seafood).

http://www.bluecanoerestaurant.com/

Whatever you do, do NOT make the mistake of going to the Charthouse, which is upstairs from the Blue Canoe. It is terrible and belongs on Kitchen Nightmares.

Post edit: I just remembered that my parents (in their 60s) recently took my grandfather (late 80s) to the Blue Canoe and were completely ignored. This wasn't the first time they've felt ignored here. They walked out and went to Tapenade Bistro (across the street from Steveston Landing) instead and had a terrific meal with excellent service. Tapenade's not on the water, but it's across the street from the water, has an inviting bistro atmosphere and some of the best food you'll eat in Steveston. That's another alternative.

http://www.tapenade.ca/

I wasn't planning to do Dine Out, but ended up at Maenam and the Poor Italian and was blown away by both. I never once felt rushed, the service was impeccable, and the food was great. It definitely boosted the Dine Out reputation in my mind.

Can you elaborate about how picky he is? Can you list 3 dishes he's willing to eat? It'll help us out.

FWIW - uni/sea urchin can also be purchased fresh off the boats at Steveston's Fisherman's Wharf. Haven't done it personally so don't know how it compares.

I'm almost embarrassed to admit, but I like Sharkey's in Ladner. It's a maritime-themed seafood restaurant/pub - very casual and rustic. While I don't know if everything on their menu would be Chowhound-worthy, if you order their clams, mussels, or cioppino, you can't go wrong. It's a personal fav after birding at the bird sanctuary - love that place!

http://www.sharkeys.bc.ca/

I was at that private party last night (a media/industry launch) and was able to taste a smoked meat sandwich (or two!) as well as their sliders, reuben sandwich, poutine, and dessert items.

For anyone who has eaten at Schwartz's or Dunn's in Montreal, the real deal has finally arrived in Vancouver!

Agree with other about Gastown being the hub of craft cocktails at places like the Diamond, L'Abbatoir and Pourhouse. I was also impressed at the Revel Room, also in Gastown. Gastown is a 15 minute walk north of the Opus. Yaletown definitely has trendy lounges, bars & restaurants - but it's more about the eye candy than craft cocktail culture. You'll see what I mean when you get there.

Also agree that Jay Jones is one of Vancouver's best bartenders - you can grab one of his cocktails downstairs in their Xi Shi Lounge if you don't feel like dining at Market. Market is more like a 25 minute walk from the Opus, although you can easily hop on the Canada Line and take it one stop north which puts you within 10 minutes of walking from Market.

One destination I will recommend which is about an 8 minute walk from the Opus is the Refinery upstairs on Granville Street (at Granville and Helmcken). Lauren Mote used to be the head mixologist there, but has since passed on the title to Graham Racich - another one of Vancouver's finest. They make all their bitters in house and host Canada's longest-running craft cocktail competition: Cocktail Kitchen (which unfortunately just ended 2 weeks ago). Still worth dropping by for a cocktail.

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The Refinery
1115 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M1, CA

Haven't been to the Summer Night Market in 2 years now, but it's like a midway carnival food fair with Asian street food/fast food. I'd see how you're feeling and play it by ear. It closes next weekend, but it stays open until midnight on Friday/Saturday and until 11pm on Sunday.

Here's a recent blog post going over the pros and the cons:

http://foodosophy.wordpress.com/2011/...

The last memorable salad I had was the Cobb Salad at the Hamilton Street Grill.

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Hamilton Street Grill
1009 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R9, CA

Thanks Leper! I'll add them to my list and map them out ahead of time... (it's easy to rely upon old standby's when you're put on the spot!) Looks like some great suggestions. Can't wait for my visit!