March 01, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
Find more information about Vancouver - Dining
I've had the pleasure of visiting Vancouver several times over the years and always enjoy having dinner at the Steamworks Brewing Company near the harbor.
The beer brewed on premise is superb, the food is excellent and the service is wonderful. Steamworks also has an adjacent upscale restaurant located in the old transcontinental train station (which is now the new automated rapid transit terminal with service to the airport and Richmond) that is great as well.
In addition, I have discovered an exciting way to travel between Vancouver harbor and Victoria: by helicopter! We flew with Helijet in a sleek, fast S-76 helicopter and then returned in a big S-61 helicopter. Both of these regularly scheduled flights were really neat!
Helijet also has very nice business-class type terminals adjacent to Vancouver harbor (their heliport actually floats in the harbor) and Victoria. I highly recommend Helijet.
By the way, all visitors to Vancouver should not miss Victoria as it is a beautiful and special place.
November 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
Find more information about Vancouver - Dining
View a larger image on flickr.com
I was lucky enough to receive a hefty gift certificate to MARKET at Shangri-La, Vancouver’s newest (and tallest) hotel. I invited a few friends to join me for a mid-week fancy night out. If you’re thinking of going to MARKET, make your reservations early – the only time I could reserve that week was 8:30 pm on a Wednesday night.
The restaurant is split into a few different sections; we were seated in the “sophisticated fine-dining room.” The bar area was more casual and catered to the after-work suit crowd (they even had their laptop plugged in – I guess drinks and eats in a swanky bar is the norm for that crew).
Our table ordered a bit of everything to maximize our shot at the good life. All the dishes were delish, but there were a few stand-outs: butternut squash soup with mushrooms and chives; truffle mashed potatoes; and cheesecake with roasted figs and concorde grape sorbet.
The food was rich, we never felt rushed during dinner, and the presentation was creative. Merci, Jean-Georges!
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
Find more information about Vancouver - Dining
View a larger image on flickr.com
It was the last night of my brother and families vacation and we were trying to decide where to take them for their last meal. Metro Vancouver residents are spoiled with so many amazing restaurants, not just from the freshness and quality of the food but also from the variety of styles. I would make suggestion after suggestion to my wife but it wasn't until I mentioned Hapa Izakaya that her face lit up with excitement. It seemed that we had chosen somewhere to go.
Hapa is not just another Asian restaurant, the food is spectacular, the staff are a great balance of professional and friendly and the atmosphere is open but private at the same time. We visited the Robson Street location where the interior is dark, dimly light and has a mixture of seating arrangements, from a traditional round table where you remove your shoes to more western style seating.
Traditionally Izakaya bars are where business men gather after work in Japan. They are never advertised and people are invited by another to join them. The bars themselves are not located on high streets, but are 'hidden' down a street alley, down a flight of stairs and through an unmarked door. Offering up a balance of food, music, and a space to bond with your guests.
When the owner of Hapa Justin Ault and wife decided to bring the concept of the Izakaya to Vancouver they were faced with an interesting challenge of promoting the concept of the Izakaya in a Western landscape. Firstly, you will notice that the sign outside of the restaurant is minimal. Secondly, on opening night of the
restaurant friends and influencers in the city were invited to enjoy the food and experience Hapa. After the guests were informed that their meal was 'on the house' they were asked if they enjoyed their experience that evening, that if they recommended Hapa to a friend then for the next two weeks they would also be offered a complimentary meal. In summary, they spent their marketing dollars offering food rather than more traditional advertising methods that would be expected in Western culture. It is brilliant marketing method. Obviously, word spread like wild fire throughout the city and Hapa has been busy ever since.
Everyone I talk to who has eaten at Hapa seem to have their favourites. Only a certain amount of the menu is permanent the rest changes year round, often depending which fish has been freshly caught that day. My favourite is the Ebi Mayo, deep fried shrimp, tossed in a spicy mayonnaise sauce (to die for), it is rare that we don't order more than one serving.
Not really a place where you take the kids, more of a setting for a romantic dinner with a loved one, or a gathering for friends who enjoy Japanese food but want something a little more special than a 'sushi' restaurant.
Visit the restaurant at 1479 Robson Street or in Kitsilano 1516 Yew Street (right next to the beach).
July 02, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
Find more information about Vancouver - Dining
View a larger image on flickr.com
In summary of the following post, may I say, 'Yummmmmmmmm'.
I originally heard of “Qoola” on my quest to find lactose free yogurt.
The owner said in response to an earlier blog post "We are the only
frozen yogurt establishment in Vancouver (that we know of) that can
display the Live and Active Cultures seal, signifying that our
product does contain at least 10 million helpful bacteria per gram.
Our own yogurt contains well over 100 million per gram. Thus, the
more bacteria, hopefully the greater the likelihood that people that
are lactose intolerant will be able to enjoy our products".
Whilst my brother and his family were visiting we decided to finish
off our night with a trip to Qoola. I was very excited to try the
yogurt for the first time and to hopefully not be effected. I was
impressed by the interior of the establishment. It was modern, clean
and we were welcomed by friendly staff. Even when I was being
indecisive about which of the many topping extras I wanted and I was
holding up the line, the staff didn't make me rush and they were very
accommodating. I also quizzed them about the yogurt and myself being
lactose intolerant and they were very knowledgeable and helpful.
My initial reaction was that the cost was a little on the high side,
but when you consider it is next to English Bay, it is a treat and
personally for myself I can actually enjoy yogurt it was well worth
the price.
Cold treats are good any time of the year, but especially on a hot
summers day, so go treat your self this summer at Qoola Yogurt + Fruit.
Qoola Yogurt + Fruit is located at 1116 Denman St in English Bay
November 25, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
Find more information about Vancouver - Dining
View a larger image on flickr.com
Traveling to Vancouver and want to enjoy a fine meal, in an informal, yet intimate setting, personally served to you by one of Vancouver's finest chefs? Then sign up for one of Edible British Columbia's many great events...including Cooking with BC's Best which I attended last night.
Vikram Vij, one of Vancouver's finest chefs, most gracious hosts, owner of Vij's and Rangoli, and generally enteraining guy, taught us some Indian cooking basics and took the intimidation right out of the preparation. Five delicious courses later (including three different curries), including each of the 20 guests attempting to make their own Naan bread, and accompanied by Eric Pateman of Edible BC's carefully chosen beer and wine accompaniments for each course (including two delicious, hard to get Orofino whites), we were fat and happy and ready to take advantage of Eric's kind gift of discounts on the delectable BC-only products sold in the Edible BC store.
The Edible BC store is in the heart of the Granville Island market and features an assortment of BC artisan-made culinary delights from sea salt, to jam, to marinated cherries, to hazelnut oil, to adventurous organic chocolate bars and everything in between. These make great gifts to take home to your family and friends who will be jealous of your trip to this foodies destination.
Find out more about Edible BC and the great events it hosts including chef for a day, shop like a chef, cooking with BC's best, gourmet kayaking and more at:
http://www.edible-britishcolumbia.com/
June 25, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
Find more information about Vancouver - Dining
I had great seafood on Granville Island during my last trip to Vancouver. I don't remember the name of the restaurant, but the miso seared black cod was fabulous, and the fresh oysters were great too.
May 23, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
Find more information about Vancouver - Dining
If you're looking for mouth watering sashimi and the biggest sushi rolls in Vancovuer, make sure you visit Samurai in the West End. Located on Davie Street, right opposite the Shopper's Drug Mart, you will not be disappointed. The mountain sized plate of fresh salmon sashimi is sure to please. Other favorites are the agadashi tofu and the spinach gomae. Yum!!
February 07, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
Find more information about Vancouver - Dining
I had great seafood on Granville Island during my last trip to Vancouver. I don't remember the name of the restaurant, but the miso seared black cod was fabulous, and the fresh oysters were great too.
February 07, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
Find more information about Vancouver - Dining
I am from Seattle. I heard the Cantonese food in Vancouver is good. Worth the drive, anyone?
May 31, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
Find more information about Vancouver - Dining
For a super duper treat, head to North Vancouver where the Thomas Haas Patisserie and Capuccino Bar serves up unbelievable confections with their java. Other standout coffee houses include Bean Around the World and Cafe Artigiano - their artistry with foamed milk and coffee is amazing!