August 06, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
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The long awaited return of The Keg Steakhouse and Bar to Prince George could not have come soon enough! After being closed for 2.5 years and nearly five million dollars spent on renovations, The Keg is back and busier than ever. I have been there on a couple occasions now, and each time I leave wanting to return soon for another amazing meal with friends and family. The food has been so good and the atmosphere even better. Just from being there on the occasions I have, I have met some really amazing people and made some great friends with some of the people that work there. It is a very relaxed restaurant for a nice casual-to-fine dining style meal, and then the lounge is busier and has the music, food, and drink going later into the evening. It is one of the best hang out spots in town now and I often go there with friends.
When it comes to the food, there are so many amazing steak options to choose from including sirloins, filet mignons, new york, and an incredible 20oz rib eye steak. To go along with an incredible selection of seafood from crab cakes, king crab, lobster, scallops, and shrimp options of various different styles and sauces.
The new decorations and layout of the restaurant is a little bit to get used to as it seems like a big maze. There are many sharp corners which surprise many people as they go throughout the restaurant. They have some separate party rooms which can be reserved for larger groups and celebrations, which I've seen wedding parties, birthday, and anniversaries celebrated when I was there. It is a great restaurant in Prince George for any occasion.
Maybe I'll see you tonight, at The Keg Steakhouse & Bar!
August 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
For many that know me... food and travel are common partners in my life. This close relationship was once again revisited at Purden Lake Resort where I discovered a quaint little lodge with fabulous pie and great company!
Purden Lake Resort is located approximatley 63 km east of Prince George on the Yellowhead Highway. Although it had burnt down a couple of years ago, the resort has been re built and is now fully functional. The Purden Lake Resort staff bake and cook a variety of foods including breads, cookies, soups and sandwhiches; however, my favourite treat at Purden Lake Resort is to have a huge piece of their delicious pie.
So whether you are camping at the resort or in the provincial park, or are simply returning from a hike at any of the local trails found in the area.... be sure to stop in at Purden Lake Resort for a slice of pie in the barber's chair (which they do have close to the fire place:)
August 01, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
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Walking downtown Prince George a few weeks ago I discovered a surprisingly addictive little café called Ohh Chocolat Café. It is surprisingly addictive because I normally frequent little shops like this because I can't afford to keep eating or having a drink out as I'm on a tight budget; but I have found myself back at this particular one multiple times since my first visit despite this. I am not a coffee drinker at all, so I always find myself drinking the hot chocolate where I go. When I arrive at Ohh Chocolat, the first thing I discovered was a hot chocolate called "Mayan Hot Chocolate," and boy was it good! Made from a selection of multiple different spices and chocolate, the Mayan Hot Chocolate is something not to be missed. It is definitely in my Top 5 hot chocolate for sure, if not even higher than that. I found myself drinking it much too quickly and it was gone before I knew it, and left me wanting another. I am also a fan of scones as well, and the ham and cheese scone and then the blueberry scone are two of my favourites that I have had there as well. They are a very good size and full of great flavour. I have had some really great things there so far, to go along with endless chocolates that I have yet to try every one, as there are so many to choose from. Along with many other healthier options like soups, sandwiches, and some great ice cream and gelato (I know this last one isn't that healthy, but it is my guilty pleasure), it is a great location to relax on the patio or inside for an afternoon. Ohh Chocolat Café is definitely one of my favourites in Prince George, and with a name like that, who wouldn't want to return time and time again for so many great and tasty treats!?
July 14, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
I have, as a rule, been woefully inexperienced when it comes to tasting food from local restaurants. I am, in fact, one of those people who consider instant macaroni and cheese to be a food group in itself. While those reading this who are more experienced in food tasting are probably horrified at that thought, I do count myself to be a fairly good judge of restaurants despite this. As a treat for my recent birthday, I went first to the local lunch spot Sassafras Savouries, then to Hummus Brothers for fine dining, and finally to CIMO a few days later.
Three restaurants in one week?!? I was in heaven.
Sassarfas, to begin with, is the kind of place that you could walk past four or five times without even bothering to look into. However, if you have heard the name from anyone who has been there, your interest may be piqued instantly. Its reputation precedes like it, and what a reputation it is. Tucked under the Travelodge downtown, the place is absolutely spotless and the service fantastic. I had a chicken curry hot pot, and my friend had a panino (panini is plural, according to their menu). It was so amazing that I couldn't even carry a conversation because I was lost in the throes of gastronomic delight. And the prices were very reasonable, to boot.
Hummus Brothers was not to dissapoint either. I was determined to get some hummus the moment I walked in the door, and I was expecting it to be nothing short of amazing since it was part of the posh downtown restaurant's name. Perhaps it was a bad idea to order it, in fact, because it ended up being so good that I kept eating hummus instead of the beautifully prepared salmon and tender artichoke hearts.
Cimo, a Mediterranean place also downtown, kept up the delicious trend. I would launch into further analysis of the decor, the pairing of main courses and sides, and great service in each establishment, but this is not a food critic blog and I am not entirely sure how to spell some of the things I ordered.
Besides, the water is already boiling for my maceroni.
So, next time you are downtown, stop wherever your nose leads you. The local restaurants of Prince George are sure to satisfy your hunger for great food.
June 19, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
While visiting Prince George, I chose to explore the downtown area and much to my delight I found numerous options for having a hot or cool drink at one of the many downtown cafes. One of my now favourite options is a place called Zoe's Javahouse! I have been there numerous times since my first visit and the place just seems to drag me back each time. It is located right downtown on 4th Avenue amongst many local shops and stores that are locally owned and operated. Zoe's is nothing different, as the owners are very friendly and make it easy for me to return time and time again.
One of my favourites that I seem to get quite regularly is a wonderful turkey sandwich with all the vegetable toppings of your choice, plus to top it all off is a friendly serving of real cranberry jelly. The fresh made bread of your choice make this an easy selection each and every time I go there. This is by far my favourite choice, even though you cannot forget any of the other great options either. To finish off the combo, I usually add a bowl of the freshly made daily soup. I try to drag myself out of there without buying too many little treats for later too, but that normally doesn't go too well as I tend to buy something else for the road.
The cafe has a wonderful chill atmosphere as everyone always seems so relaxed and friendly; making this quite easy to spend a lot of time here. On days when it is nice and sunny, they open up the great big windows at the front and it feels like the tables seated nearest to the front of the cafe are almost on a patio as it just completely opens up the space. Bring a nice book or relax in the cafe with friends and you will find yourself staying for a lengthy period of time, just like myself.
If you find yourself in Prince George and wanting freshly made local food for a great price, Zoe's is always near the top of my list.
June 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
Tucked away in the sheer size of one of the newest hotels in Prince George, the Sandman Signatures, is located a hidden gem of a restaurant in Prince George. I had not heard many of my friends talk about the Rockford Grill as a prime destination for eating out, so this is when I became confused. I had myself an excellent lunch here in the very modern and relaxed restaurant. The huge bar is located right in the middle of the restaurant, so you are able to sit at all four sides of the bar and enjoy your meal, while also watching one of the many tv's they have on display. I was particularly pleased with some of the decorations they have used, an example being the coat rack that looks like multiple sets of antlers. I found this very interesting and helped bring a unique connection to Prince George and the north. I enjoyed a wonderful dish of Salmon Pesto Penne, with a side of garlic toast, and it was wonderfully cooked and a great meal to have with friends. I will definitely be going out again sometime soon to see what else this restaurant has to offer.
June 08, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
After returning home from university, I was surprised to find out Nancy O's- a local restaurant gem that opened while I was away. Nancy O's make all of their food with local products, fresh and hand made daily. Though I am a fan of locally produced food paired with a local beer/wine, I was even more impressed with the night life that Nancy O's provide.
Since returning, I have visited Nancy O's on a regular basis and have always been impressed with the variety of local and regional musicians that the restaurant brings in. The music ranges from blues- to rock folky and everything in between. In addition to the great food and music, the people at Nancy O's could not be better and truely provide a unique Northern BC experience with prompt service.
May 24, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
Recently I had dinner at the Shogun located in Coast Inn of the North. The staff at the restaurant were superb and had seen to our needs without intruding in on our evening. The sushi was freshed and amazing and my friends enjoyed their bento boxes immensely. After dinner was served, we were treated to a show by the chef where he demonstrated traditional Japanese drumming. I would recommend Shogun to anyone travelling through Prince George with a craving for sushi!