It's Thursday July the 2 around 11:41AM and
Meet Mr. Spriggs BBQ
Best. BBQ TV spot. Ever. It just works on so many levels and the meat falls off the bone. (Via Dana)
Vancouver Food & Drink
It's Thursday July the 2 around 9:39AM and
Pimms O'Clock
New Pimms ad, has a very Wes Andersonian feel. Nice.
It's Friday June the 26 around 8:07AM and
Michael Jackson & Pepsi 1988
Another Michael Jackson oddity was that he was Pepsi rather than Coke. That explains everything. Or maybe Coke is just more awesomer. And of course Carlton aka Alfonso Ribeiro was the impersonating Jacko in this spot. Of course he was. Absolutely unbelievable. Pepsi fail?
It's Friday June the 26 around 8:00AM and
Hardee's Jumps Shark Fonzie Style
Very funny Hardee's. Buscuit holes? Really? Well played. And really the website url is nameourholes.com. And yet, I'd eat one right now if they were in front of me. (Via Ad Freak.)
It's Thursday June the 25 around 2:10PM and
The Magic of Tronya
Suddenly remembered how amazing this scene from original Star Trek was. Ha ha ha. The tronya. Oh Balok, you're such a card.
It's Wednesday June the 24 around 11:30AM and
The Chairman and Ed Drink Bud
Frank Sinatra and Ed McMahon in a hilarious 1968 Budweiser ad. Love the end tagline. Exit question: Would Frank have drunk Bud Light Lime? I sure hope so.
It's Tuesday June the 23 around 12:21PM and
Audrina Sells Burgers
Must. Have. Teriyaki. Burger. Now. Looks healthy. Thanks Audrina!
It's Sunday June the 21 around 8:28PM and
Praise Be: The Pimms Cup
Was really happy to see the New York Times talk up the Pimms Cup this morning. Must be summer. This is absolutely something I need to master in the next couple of weeks.
“Let’s do a Pimm’s Cup,” I told the bartender. Fizzy, refreshing, a drink that thrives in sunshine: the perfect antidote. He grinned. “A very underappreciated drink,” he said, still smiling, as he fished a bottle of Pimm’s No. 1 from the rear row of bottles, like a cook thrilled to have found a use for the cardamom lurking way back in the spice cabinet.
It's Sunday June the 21 around 8:20PM and
Melting Beaches
Love these Perrier ads. This one is called Melt, Beach. Captures why I could drink bubbly water by the liter every day for like ever. There is also Melt, Club. Bubbly good.
It's Monday June the 15 around 9:49PM and
Do not, repeat, do not go to sleep before the King
Really just don't.just don't. Love this. I've stocked up on airhorns for my next sleepover.
It's Wednesday May the 27 around 8:37AM and
Steven Seagal: The Drink
I SO want to be about a 6-pack in on this stuff right about now. Steven Seagal is such a genius. When is Tarantino going to turn this guy's career around? It's like seeing the future redemption of Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler all over again. If Travolta can be redeemed after Look Who's Talking anything is possible. (via Graham)
It's Monday May the 25 around 9:48AM and
Reason to love Japan #449: Rubberduckzilla
Water hating. Giant duck. 100% awesome. (Via Superpunch)
It's Tuesday May the 19 around 8:44AM and
Bellissimo: George Clooney on Martini
Kind of maybe, sort of, wish I was in this commercial rather than back from vacation today. Although the temperature is much more my style. Bravo Vancouver. You win.
It's Saturday May the 16 around 6:43AM and
Ohhhh Yeaaaah! Hot Dogs and Kool Aid
Awesome combination. (Via RetroLife)
It's Thursday May the 7 around 9:55AM and
Max Headroom & Coke
Can you even believe that this was a thing? Max Headroom selling Coke. Still don't really get what sort of weird futuredom this was supposed to live up to. Either way, a bizarre cultural artifact from the 1980s.
It's Tuesday May the 5 around 11:12AM and
A Mojito Right About Now Would Be Nice
New Bacardi ad is pretty cool trip through the past, because as the ads states, since 1862 the best Mojitos are made with Bacardi. Not sure that is true, but the spot is nice.
It's Tuesday May the 5 around 11:03AM and
Quote of the day II: Mustard is like Jesus
"mustard is like jesus in yellow tights" - Texts from Last Night
Too true. Too true.
It's Monday May the 4 around 9:17PM and
Today in Bacon: The Bacone & More
Swine flu? What swine flu? We're eating bacon! Jim Gaffigan starts bt talking about about his love of bacon. And we are looking forward to our first "Bacone" of the season.
It's Monday May the 4 around 8:44PM and
Freshly Brewed
Pretty awesome McDonald's coffee outdoor advertising stunt from last week. This was at 6th and Yukon and was part of last week's free McDonalds coffee promotion. No wonder Starbuck's is struggling. This was done by some nice folks at Cossette West. Neat. (via MediainCanada)
It's Monday May the 4 around 9:36AM and
Awesome: Korean Banana Milk Commercial
I'm not sure what they put in this Korean Banana Milk, but it must be somethning rad, because it makes a dude pop like he's on So You Think You Can Dance. So good for a Monday.
It's Friday May the 1 around 8:38AM and
Naming Fail: Crunchy Nut Clusters
I have absolutely no interest in eating something called a nut cluster, and certainly not the Crunchy nut cluster variety. Thanks Kelloggs. As Adrants notes, "There's just something wrong with food that resembles left over KFC chicken breading that's congealed to the point where it's nothing more than a fat-laden ball of over-cooked floor scraps."
It's Friday May the 1 around 7:47AM and
Awesome: The Old Hot Oil in the Face Trick
I went to McDonald's last night in solidarity over this story of a failed robbing attempt at a McDonald's in Surrey:
"Shortly after 11:30 p.m., a man walked up to the drive-thru at a McDonald's restaurant in suburban Surrey, with part of his shirt pulled up over his face. He brandished a knife at the attendant and demanded cash.As the suspect reached through the window to grab money from the cash drawer, another staffer threw a litre of boiling oil into the man's face." [The Province]
I can only hope the hero pulled a total David Caruso, "That's why I call deep fried" kind of a comment.
It's Thursday April the 30 around 11:24AM and
Finally: Squeeze Bacon
Swine flu or no swine flu, Squeeze bacon is the greatest invention since, er, squeezable cheese. Groundbreaking. [Via ThinkGeek]
It's Wednesday April the 29 around 7:28AM and
A Really Goode Job
Forget the recession. If winemaker Murphy-Goode will pay someone $10,000 a month for 6-months to write on Twitter and Facebook about your adventures while living in Sonoma we are back on easy street and then some. What swine flu?
The job, technically a "wine country lifestyle correspondent" is pure genius. That this is all generating marketing buzz for 60,000 bucks plus some costs like a microsite. Finally a social media campaign I can get behind. Surely there is no social media bubble to burst here. No sir. Not at all. [Via SF Eater]
It's Tuesday April the 28 around 8:57AM and
Best Japanese Commercial EVER
God I love the Japanese. They are so full of awesome it is sick. How you get from high blood pressure tea to this commercial is, wait for it, legendary.
It's Monday April the 27 around 9:19AM and
Portable Espresso Awesome
Me want. This portable espresso machine powered by CO2 cartridges is both awesome and evil. Need on on my desk. If only so I don't have to ever go to JJ Bean in Yaletown ever again and be served by a bearded hipster slacker. As Jesus Diaz noted, "It will arrive to this country in the fall for $129, so the survivors from the swine flu can have espresso with their human bacon anywhere and at any time." We can all dream. [Via Gizmodo]
It's Thursday March the 26 around 11:05AM and
Best. Food. Ad. Ever.
This Hardee's ad featuring Padma Lakshmi is the best ad. I want a burger with bacon real bad. Damn you Rushdie.
It's Wednesday March the 11 around 5:00PM and
Remember When HP Made Beef Sing?
For some reason Graham and I thought this was a Milk ad way back in the day. We stand corrected. It' s for HP sauce. The fact that we still could recite the song is a pretty strong sign of the longevity. Even if we got the brand wrong. I knew a lot of cooks at the Keg who sung this non-stop for years. YEARS.
It's Sunday March the 8 around 7:48PM and
Mini Burgers Everywhere
Is it wrong that after a really nice homemade beef dip dinner that I want some of these Burger King Mini-Burgers? I mean, every place has sliders on the menu now, but they have all this ridiculous extra stuff on them. I guess that is why they can charge over $10 for three of 'em. But this Burger Kind ad, and a print ad featuring cute puppies which aren't as cute as mini burgers are invading my mind sapce
So where are the best sliders in Vancouver?
It's Friday February the 27 around 8:09AM and
Introducing the Big Mac Chicken with Cheese
May have just intercepted this over the interwebs. "Morning Chelsea. The Big Mac 'with chicken' exists. So maybe I was quick to judge you and your Quarter Pounder with 'chicken!' does too." Genius. (Via Joelle and Grocery Eats)
It's Friday February the 27 around 7:27AM and
Megan Fox Drinks Coffee, Just Like Us
Hooray. Megan Fox, in her post-David Silver role, like coffee. Hey, wait, I like coffee too. Coincidence? You be the judge. (via Popoholic)
It's Monday February the 23 around 11:41PM and
Wines of Portugal - A Tasting
Took the afternoon off today. A rare feat to be sure. Checked out the Wines of Portugal tasting at the Four Seasons. Not a bad way to spend the afternoon, especially after hitting the cheese plate and the mini beef dips. But enough about that how about the wine? Here are some of my tasting notes and highlights:
Forat de Evora, 2006
This was at the first table. Everything tasted a little flat until this one. It tasted like the earth give it a big wet kiss. It was a gorgeous color, and dry like Stanley on The Office. I like my wine from heritage sites, and Evora is. [Cartuxa]
Adega Coop Borba Reserve 2006
The wine rep here was wearing a pretty sweet sweater/jacket combo and was euro charming. This wine has a smug cork label. It's deep red color masked a nice pepper flavor. I could see myself drinking this at the table with some meats. [Adega Coop Borba]
It's Sunday February the 1 around 9:07PM and
MacGruber Pepsi Breaks
These MacGruber skits featuring the new cans of Pepsi are pretty awesome. Here's the second one. And the third, which is amazing.
UPDATE: And speaking of Pepsi, there seems to be some fun backlashes going on over the new campaign over at Reflushed! (Via Adrants)
It's Saturday January the 31 around 3:04PM and
The Future of Super Markets
I do like the new Save-On Foods at 8th and Cambie, and even more excited about the prospects of the Whole Foods moving in across the street (the neon sign went up this past week or so), but I really like the look of these Austrian MPREIS stores. Stunning. These make Urban Fare look like cheap knock offs. (See more atCool Hunting via Brandflakes.)
It's Sunday January the 4 around 6:44PM and
The Vancouverite Wine Blog: Chateau St. Sancerre (2006)
The entire group enjoyed it, and while it's not the best Sancerre I've ever had (then again, maybe it is. I could have had a terrible sancerre in Paris but drinking it there makes it taste much better. Go figure) but at the right temperature and with enough breathing room it is a wicked combination of smooth, almost buttery vanilla flavour mixed with that clean citrus flavour. It must be the body, which gives it a little but of a kick that separates it from a Sauvignon Blanc that you may find from say New Zealand or any where in the New World for that matter.
Knowing that Sancerre was once a region that made almost exclusively Pinot Noir until the 20th century is interesting, but knowing that this particular Sancerre is made by the same group that makes Grand Marnier is really interesting. It's not cheap, but it is French. So lets mark this as a potential recession busting special occasion bottle - but i feel like keeping a few bottles in stock in the wine fridge, for emergencies.
It's Saturday January the 3 around 3:52PM and
Bathroom Review: Cactus Club at Broadway & Ash
I kind of wanted to spend a lot longer in the Cactus Club Bathroom on Broadway & Ash. Not only is it room-y (I want one), with fully automatic soap and waters, but as you can see in the photo you have the couch, coffee table, and fireplace. I know, who wants to sit and lounge out in a bathroom, but if this wasn't in Cactus Club and was in my apartment, I'd be a happy camper - lots reading and enjoyment. No wonder it won best bathroom in the 2008 Georgia Straight awards.
And what you can't really see is a pop-art painting that looks like the Baroness from G.I. Joe - okay, technically she was in COBRA, but whatevs, which is pretty amazing.
It's Friday January the 2 around 1:08PM and
The Vancouverite Wine Blog: Prosecco-y Good Times
My friend Michelle has been a strong advocate for the simple pleasures of Prosecco - the charming Italian version of the bubbly - for some time. Apparently it has something to do with her Italian/Australian heritage and her ridiculous love of all things champagne, real or otherwise. Let's just say that Michelle has been pushing Prosecco on us even before that tart Paris Hilton started endorsing versions of it in a can.
For Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and again this morning, the simple bottle of Valdo Prosecco ($21.49 at the Government Stores) did some yeoman work in some orange juice and just as well on its own as the juice ran out. It's tasty. it's fresh, and in my mind goes down a lot easier than the authentic French stuff. And in these tough economic times Prosecco is a good bargain too, so you can buy two bottles instead of one.
And in fact, the Italians are trying to make Prosecco the same one of kind experience that is champagne to France. [NY TImes]
"The key is to link prosecco to its traditional home.“We don’t want to end up with something like pinot grigio,” says Primo Franco, owner of the Nino Franco winery in Valdobbiadene, referring to another white wine grape from the Veneto region that today is grown around the world.
Because prosecco is also the name of a northern Italian village where the grape is believed to have originated, the consortium can make an argument, too, that prosecco is a place name that can be protected just like Chianti, Champagne and others."
It's Wednesday December the 31 around 2:00PM and
Quote of the day: Obama Likes His Caramels Salty
"Someone alert Sarah Palin and other defenders of "real" America: As the Times reports, our elitist, arugula-eating next President is sweet on a longtime European favorite: salted caramels, which originated in — you guessed it — France." - Jezebel.
It's Wednesday December the 31 around 1:37PM and
Kristen Bell + Wolfgang Puck + Craig Ferguson = Fun
Here's a ditty for New Year's Eve. Enjoy. Man I miss Veronica Mars.
It's Tuesday December the 23 around 8:15AM and
Dine Out Vancouver Fail
The other day in 24 Hours, I saw the full page ad for the 2009 edition of Dine Out Vancouver. It is a hellish two-weeks of hell in restaurants to cater to people who live over bridges, clearly. What struck me was the Dine Out and Stay In packages (the combination of dinner and hotel stays) and the first package specifically:
Comfort Inn Downtown, $150Pull up to parking, gym passes and accommodation for the night at the Comfort Inn Downtown. Indulge in a 3-course dinner for two at Doolin's Irish Pub, VIP nightclub access and even breakfast in the morning.
Serious? Who does this? Sounds like the most ghetto celebration of food and wine EVER.
It's Sunday December the 14 around 4:34PM and
Photo of the week: The Christmas Cake
Years ago, my amazing Mother would make this cake during the Christmas season. This one must be from 25 years ago or so. My Dad's been scanning our photos for weeks and and weeks and just sent me this one today. Man I want a piece of that chocolate-y goodness right about now.
It's Tuesday July the 29 around 10:52PM and
Say Hello To My Little Friend: Cibo
So after a long wait, UVA's sister joint, Cibo Trattoria (900 Seymour St.) is in soft launch mode. Instead of cooking on the way home, I figured, why not check it out. It didn't dissappoint. Sebastien Le Goff, Head of Operations, treated us like gold, as usual. His serving staff was good too., ours had no pretentions. The guy is amazing, seriously.
Let me break it down for you like this. The bruchetta with pea and fresh mozza was heavenly, that is until i tried the best damned focaccia I've had. just virgin olive oil on the side, and in two kinds. Just tell me I'm wrong. I know, its bread, get over it. Shut your face.
Anyway, the Salmon was excellent and perfectly cooked, while the past was the perfect portion size and my past was stuffed with pork and served with a crazy balsamic. i really don't want to talk about the desserts, since they kind of put me into a mild coma. I'm gonna go back in the next week to make sure, but so far so good.
PS: Only 52 seats. Love it.
It's Tuesday July the 15 around 10:31PM and
Drink Confessions: Bud Light Lime
Totally not ashamed to share that I had a few Bud Light Limes while in Seattle this weekend. A. Didn't want to get scurvy since I consumed a lot of meat (not limited to, but including, prime rib, filet, lots of bacon, and even my pancakes had meat in them). God bless America. B. Ridiculous faux Irish pubs in a box featuring cover bands of U2 need ridiculous drinks in metal bottles to cope with the cheese. C. It was hot, sue me. D. Better than Corona, and I'll stick by that claim.
It's Monday July the 7 around 10:04PM and
Starbucks Watch: Awesome New 52-Week Low!
4% sales declines piled on and caused Starbucks stock to close 61 cents lower. You saw during the day its lowest price in over a year. Now, when you only get a grande drip coffee does that hurt the green lady? But at least the comic ubiquity of the brand is alive and well.
More pundits get in on the action with where the brand might have jumped the shark. [Starbucks Gossip]
It's Wednesday July the 2 around 8:20PM and
Starbucks Watch: Closing 600 Stores
News today that Starbucks announced 600 location in the US will close and could mean 12,000 jobs lost. But, thank heaven friends, none of those will be Canadian stores. Apparently we rule. The company's stock remained flat despite the news closing at 15.68/share. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer coldly asks, 'is the global domination of Starbucks finally on the wane?' [Consumerist]
Meanwhile I can report that the blended lemonade drink I had today was damned refreshing and way better than the coma inducing mint-mocha frappachino awesome I had yesterday. But here's a quick question, my barista had a mohawk today? Doesn't Starbucks stamp out that kind of faux individualism in employees? At least that's what I always prided my purchases on. You've changed big boy. Then again, someone was walking around my office in a shirt seeming to praise Mao, so what do I know.
It's Monday February the 4 around 8:45AM and
Quickie Restuarant Review: Pinkys Steakhouse
From a reader desperate to get us start posting again. Guess what, it worked. Here's a look at the Yaletown Steakhouse, Pinkys from a reader:
"Went to that Pinkys Steakhouse on Saturday. What a douche-a-palooza. The food was alright, but typical Yaletown shite.If you are going to do a steakhouse, it should probably be better than the Keg and your unique selling feature shouldn't be that you have the cheapest shots of Patron in all of Yaletown. That said, it was good value. $25 for salad, steak/pasta and dessert, but would probably just go to the Keg next time. Still it did have more people in it on that night then I think Lily Kate had all time. PS: how douchy are the wine glasses? I almost refused to drink out of them. "
Love it.
It's Monday January the 14 around 11:17PM and
Britney Spears Endorses Dr. Pepper
Pretty sure Britney will now forever etch into my brain the following, "don't drink Dr. Pepper, that's for crackheads like Britney Spears." Thanks a lot bumpkin. It does however turn a delightful jingle on its ear. And no, I wouldn't like to be "a pepper too." I would count this as a PR nightmare for Dr. Pepper.
It's Sunday January the 6 around 9:04AM and
Dear McRib Tour You, Offend Me
Dear McDonald's. Your shameless 'viral' attempts at keeping the blessed third heat on your awful creation known as the McRib really chaps my hide. You're sick. That is is all.
It's Monday December the 10 around 10:00PM and
This is my Boomstick!
Encore Avenue was playing Army of Darkness tonight. One word: rad. Which tickled me mostly because for some reason I was in a Legion/70's era rec room bar in Toronto this week. Clearly trying to avoid the major douchery that was spilling from the earth's core/suburbs for the Bon Jovi concerts (mullets + cougars = a pure hell) was harder than it first appeared. On a light side the 5 Buds + Chili Nachos for $24.99 was all sorts of low brow fun. The fact that our bartender looked like Bruce Campbell was an added bonus. PS: how is Army of Darkness 15 years old already?
It's Thursday October the 4 around 11:48AM and
Better Than Apple Juice
Finally, someone else has validated my love of that truly trashy, but truly tasty drink: cider. Apparently, cider is the new fall beverage of choice, and I can't wait to get on board with that. Bye-bye white wine, I'm back on the Glacierberry. But for those with a more sophisticated palette (shades of high school much?), there are plenty of fabulous apple-based bevvies to choose from that don't involve a non-existent fruit. Strongbow comes to mind as the most obvious choice, but for those of you lucky enough to be passing through Ontario, defintely consider giving Magners a try. It is absolutely delcious, and its flavour doesn't hinge on the addition of a lot of sucrose-fructose. Who knew the harvest season could be so tasty?
It's Thursday September the 6 around 8:35AM and
Lost Weekend
This one is a few months old, but it sure is nice to see Hennessy promoting a clean weekend of booze free fun. Ridiculous. Although it makes me want to go mock some people fauxsters at Republic very soon. (Via AdFreak)
It's Tuesday September the 4 around 9:39AM and
Gorilla Phil Collins
This Cadbury ad is making the rounds. Gorillas playing drums are totally rad.
It's Monday August the 20 around 5:11PM and
Inside the Cut Throat Vancouver Restaurant Scene
I think the question everyone should ask after reading this Globe and Mail article about the Tyra Banks fierce Vancouver restaurant scene is, why does everyone hate working with Rob Feenie so much? Seriously:
"I had a period where my chef Marc-Andre [Choquette] quit, then my sous-chef Jeremie [Bastien] quit, then Antoine [Baillargeon] - his right-hand guy - he quit, then Guillaume [St. Pierre], who was doing the fish, he quit - it all came within a month for me," Feenie told the Globe. "Then the same thing happened at Feenie's - all these people left and went up to Chow. It was a big hit for us."
It's Wednesday August the 15 around 6:20AM and
Alexandra Gill, Crabby
Globe and Mail food critic Alexandra Gill begins her colum with, "I'm feeling crabby. And no, the mood has nothing to do with any gripes I might have about recently reviewed restaurants." Maybe it is because you just lamely started an article about crabs with that line? Sorry to hear about that Alex.
It's Tuesday August the 14 around 7:29PM and
Restaurant Prank: Spanish
Andrew Morrison over at Urban Diner had him some fun this week. He invented a restaurant called Spanish Tasting Bar, even set up a website, and then some other website wrote about it like news. Well played Morrison. Well played.
It's Monday August the 13 around 6:50AM and
Home of the $15 Cup of Joe
Nice to see Artigiano raising the bar on smug coffee. Today they launch the, "staggering $15 per eight-ounce cup ($135 per half pound in bean form), the Panama-grown, 100-per-cent geisha varietal bean is the most expensive coffee ever to hit lips in this coffee-crazy city." See you there.
It's Wednesday August the 8 around 9:49AM and
Sausage Roll Pizza
I just made my friend Anthony dry heave with this video. I think he's completely nuts, because this is totally amazing. This is as Adfreak calls it, "Pizza technology moves forward yet again." The Japanese are amazing, proving once again, Pizza, is there anything it can't do? Luke will love this.
It's Tuesday July the 3 around 7:49AM and
Mustard Shots
Last but not least today, since this week continues to be about country birthdays isn't it time for a large shooter of mustard? Why yes, yes it is.
It's Wednesday June the 6 around 10:29PM and
Gastropod and the magic of $15 bacon taste
Since Urban Diner called me out for my shameless and pathetic excuses for not blogging - I completely agree with the coined term 'slothtrodden' Morrison! (It's on, sir! Let's hit the town soon you cheeky bastard!) Really, I do - I answer with a trip to Gastropod and a timely review with the $15 dollar 'bacon' taste still in my belly.
But seriously. Gastropod (1938 West 4th Avenue). I didn't know what to think - I mean the constant buzz of the West 4th foodie explosion is enough to just write off crossing any bridges, but then again, why not - they serve Le Vieux Pin wine which is secret code for yummy, I've heard (more on this later, trust me). The brightness of the space - and what my friend Kasia called the clinical "The Handmaid's Tale" uniforms of the waitstuff were a bit much. But the food. Good lord. I think my tastebuds are drunk.
The Salmon Tar Tar was excellent, and anytime - and I mean ANYTIME - you have something that is as ridiculously tasty as the smoked veal sweetbreads - like I said the best $15 piece of bacon. Evah - you have to just abide. The Duck Sous Vide was pretty unreal, but the Lamb loin sausage was particularly insane. Ya, sure, I'll go back to having hot dogs after that? Serve with Malbec and discussion of current politics of Poland and William L. Shirer's classic and voila!
PS: The lemon tarte, however unnecessary, was absolutely ridiculous. Honestly, "lemon tyme ice milk" and fresh basil. You're out of control. Eating this basically made question my place in the universe. Okay, that overstates the facts a bit. But you get the idea.
It's Friday May the 11 around 6:17AM and
To Foodie or Not to Foodie?
But even after that you totally want to read on about The Noodle Box, Gastropod, Fuel, Bistro Bistro, and Hapa izakaya.
All this "foodie" talk, but I have to say I'm with Keith Talent at Urban Diner on the word: "I can’t stand the word foodie. It’s overly simplistic and calculatedly lowbrow so as to offset the pretension of calling someone a “gourmet”. It’s sort of a Rachel Ray vs. Paul Bocuse question."
At anyrate, it's really no wonder I'm scared to cross the Burrard St. bridge most time to say nothing of coming face to face with those Kits eco-robots scare me. In a related piece of news I'm meeting some of my oldest and trusted friends for lunch today at Guu. Apparently I'm so awash with cash I'm paying, but I hope my 'green-y' friends bought this excuse. Feel free to try it yourselves:
"All of my cash is tied up in unethical weapons manufacturing stocks, and oil companies and otherwise in offshore accounts.Gotta run, my Hummer has been running all day long down in the parking garage and I need to refuel it. See I'm doing my part to support global warming. Aren't you proud?"
I'm sure one of them will still try to sell me some sort of ethical investments anyway.
It's Monday May the 7 around 7:02AM and
Double Shots: Mink Chocolates, Emmerys, and more
A weekend with weather as gloomy as this one, calls for some good old fashion coffee blogging, yes? Let me start with a short review of Mink Chocolates Inc. ("On the Park" 863 West Hastings St). Let me just say that if you are having a crap day - say today for instance - go here, drop cash on a mocha with dark chocolate (holy cow) and a chocolate bar, or two. Willy Wonka, eat your hat, sir, this is the good stuff. Sure that combo will run you about $18 bucks, but you'll feel better about yourself.
I tried the "Tawny & Ruby Are Friends" - a bar with port and dark chocolate ganache, and the "Romeo & Juliet" - 1/2 white chocolate and 1/2 dark chocolate ganache. These were ridiculous. And my friend Anthony will be happy to note that they do indeed have bon bons - something he was talking about a few weeks back like he was Peg Bundy. I need to go back to have the chocolate fondue or the insane looking waffles. This store is trouble. And the modern space and branding details are pretty amazing. This experience isn't cheap, but if it was cheap, then you'd probably go everyday and be dead in a week. Okay, chocolate is good for you, go now. It's retarded how good this place is.
Danes Got it Going On.
In the April edition of Monocle - a magazine I mocked at first, and since have become addicted to - there was a write up on Emmery's. A pretty awesome looking place - "It is a unique Nordic mix of chic 7-11 meets Dean & Deluca." Let me get this straight, it's like a fancy cool 7-11. And these aren't everywhere because why? My goodness.
Starbucks Vs. Ethiopia
And this would be more so, after my so-so Americano at Starbucks today. Damn I want me some funky 7-11 cafe of awesome. And speaking of the brand, Starbucks got into a battle with Ethiopia recently over the trademarking of coffee.
Glutton For Punishment
And since I mention the Green giant, why not some news from my favorite coffee house, Artigiano from Urban Diner. Including news on the show I watched this weekend, Bob Blummer's Glutton for Punishment.
It's Monday May the 7 around 7:01AM and
What.Is.The.Deal.with. So.Cial?
It's a nice space in Gastown - old building loveliness with requisite impressive high ceiling awesome - and the concept seems like it should do pretty well in this city - meats, osyter bar, and more meats. Who is to deny that theme? It was lunch and I had a roast beef sandwich with mustard cabbage something or other - which was tasty and massive - the bread was delicious, but almost too hard to consume (artisan bread is cool, but this was hardcore)- even though the bread to start, served with a beanish-y dip was fantastic. The frites, well, they were pretty perfect. Other items, like the chicken sandwich looked great too. And there is something about a $14 sandwich during the lunch hour that is, well, ridiculously fun. So.there.
It's Thursday April the 12 around 10:28PM and
Over it: Chill Winston...
You are dead to me, Mr. Chill Winston. Dead, sir.
Okay. Let me explain. And yes, I totally retract this early review. Sure when you opened last year, your unisex bathrooms were sort of cute. Cute in that late 1990's I want to smack Ally McBeal in the face kind of a way. Sure the patio is pretty great - until you realize it is a pretty lame patio in the middle of gastown practically on the street. But last Friday this 'hotspot' had the worst waitress working in the entire city and delivered the worst service I've ever recieved in a bar/restaurant in Vancouver. A dubious honor if there ever was one.
The scene: It took three try's to get the blonde beer I ordered. So close to the three strikes, your out rule. It was like the server didn't want to make money - and that was clear after our table was finished, ready to go, money out ready to pay and 20 minutes went by. I actually went up to her at the computer with cash in hand asking to pay and she had the nerve to say, "No. I have 5 other things to do first can you go see the manager." Say what? You won't take my money? Are you nuts?
The manager tried to help, but he didn't seem to grasp that this girl was completely useless. Although hopefully he got it later, which might explain this job ad. I guess when your service is actually worse and slower than, say, the Cambie, you have problems. And need new wait staff.
In short. I'm so over you Chill Winston.
It's Monday April the 2 around 7:05AM and
Let Nigella cleanse your pallet
I figured that after posting all that nonsense about Smiley's I should offer you just the littlest bit of ginger to cleanse the pallet. In this case it is in the form of Nigella Lawson. Only good comes from spending time with her. Only good. If you don't like her talking about CocoPots, revel in her demonstration of fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Thanka, thanka very much.
It's Monday April the 2 around 7:00AM and
Dear Smiley O'Neal...
Irish pubs just shouldn't have halibut and shrimp burgers. It's just not right. It's just not right, Mr. Smiley O'Neal. I don't like your fake name either pal. In fact your whole menu seemed just freaking weird. I just don't understand why you need to serve fajitas or an asian stir fry at all. If Gordon Ramsay walked in you would be, well, probably open handed slapped after 15 minutes of verbal abuse. On the other hand your photo gallery is great. Your theme nights of "creepy old man nights" sound awesome!
I thought you also had the most ridiculously poor service in the city. I did until I had breakfast at Whitespot on Sunday for the last time ever. I think every table in this feeble person's section had some sort of issue. You would think at somepoint you would say, "I'm not a good waitress". And yet you still have a job.
Extra Food Notes:
1. You should totally read this New Yorker piece on Ramsay. It's long as hell, but delightful reading.
2. So What Really Is In A McDonald's Chicken McNugget?
3. Fancy Condiment Lids. Ketchup bling.
4. "True story about a man who's been saving hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and Big Macs from McDonalds for over 18 years." Bionic Burgers.
5. The Japanese Deep Fryer with an Aquarium Within
It's Friday March the 23 around 9:49AM and
A Few Good Things About Relish
The restaurant, not the condiment...
1. The bartender Dylan: He lived in the Virgin Islands and makes a mean Surfer on Acid.
2. My new favourite wine: Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc
3. The sushi tower: An amazing mash-up of crab, avocado, cucubmer, rice, soy sauce and wasabi.
4. The plush booths and "mood" lighting
It's Thursday March the 15 around 7:30AM and
Vancouverite Quickie Restaurant Review: Guu
Last week I checked out Kitanoya Guu with Otokomae in Gastown (105-375 Water Street). I haven't left a restaurant that completely stuffed and satisfied from a meal since, well, I can't remember when. Shout out to Ken for dragging me out, translating, and hooking us with more food than needed.
Let me just say. This place is casual. Packed. And features plenty screaming japanese people. Love that. They yell when people come in, when people leave, and when your large Kirin beers are up at the bar. Handy. They were looking for a waiter, but I am pretty sure that large white guy wouldn't really fit in. Or would I...
Where was I? Oh right, highlights from this feast:
Memorable items included: the deep fried brie with mango sauce. Ridiculous. The massive chunks of seared tuna. Retarded. Whatever shrimp we had. It was preposterous. There was about 11 other dishes. There was way too much food.
It's Wednesday March the 14 around 8:00AM and
Vancouverite Quickie Restaurant Review: Cassis
Boy this is embarassing. Yeeesh. Just yesterday I was saying, "honest to god I was getting sick of Cassis all the time." And then of course I was there for lunch right after it. That's awkward....
Now they probably have one the best BLT's ever. "Pancetta bacon, roasted tomatoes and avocado." Always a great call. But, I've been there. Done that. Many times. So did I really see this on the menu: "Meatloaf Panini - $10.75 Veal meatloaf, roasted tomato chutney, caramelized onion mayo, jalapeno havarti, ciabbata". Um. You had me at veal meatloaf, Cassis, and I stayed for the jalepeno havarti. Good lord. Bonus points: tomato cumin soup that was as crazy as Britney Spears. Serious. Bottom line: you could pay 8 bucks for a Subway sandwich, or your could pay 10.75 for a slice of heaven. Your call.
Downsides: No expresso. Please. And their new website branding is nothing like a french bistro or the joint itself.
Previously at Cassis:
*"A Little Cassis" (December 2, 2005)
*Vancouverite Quickie Brunch Review: Cassis (December 13, 2006)
It's Tuesday March the 13 around 7:50AM and
Vancouverite Quickie Restaurant Review: Jules Bistro
Got a special little review of Jules Bistro (216 Abbott Street) hot off the presses:
At first you're going to say: casual French Bistro in the same building as the Lamplighter in Gastown? Are you for real you pompous jackass, Murphy? (clearly...)
But then you're going to go there and say: really? Did I just have the most amazing nearly Parisian Hot Dog on a baguette with delicious mustard and spicy sausage and some frites?
Then you're probably going to say: And the cafe was pretty decent too.
Finally you might say: And there was actually a charming young french girl serving us (although the accent might have been faked. You never know).
You might add: and honest to god I was getting sick of Cassis all the time. (So smug).
It's Monday March the 12 around 7:00AM and
Favorite Things: Brunch and Classic TV
I've had two pretty good brunches recently. What this has to do with classic TV is beyond even me. But stay with me anyway. It will be worth it. Sort of.
Brunch One: Subeez (891 Homer)
Now, I know what you're thinking. It's a little bit too hipster, non? Yeah, it probably is. I don't buy it's faux hipstery anymore than you do. The waitresses with the perfect little outfits - complete with I'm cooler than you hats and ridiculous belts. The bartender with that "don't look at me and my perfectly skinny black jeans" look in his eye. Anyway, the food is actually good - although I don't get how these hipsters can even get food to you in a timely manor. The americanos are good (and smugly served with a water on a silver tray) and the chorizo frittata is tasty. I highly recomend sitting there and reading something obnoxious - I chose Mark Steyn's America Alone. Believe me reading this book in a hipster-y retreat like this is quite hilarious. Trust me.
Brunch Two: Joe Fortes (777 Thurlow Street)
This one is too easy. Any place that has groovy live music for an average Sunday brunch is satisfactorly ridiculous. I had the House Smoked Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash - "fresh tomatoes, scallions, cilantro,
poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise 14.00". Anything with chipotle hollandaise is good. Anything. The ever present champagne and orange juice is an added bonus. I also pretended that I was American on a weekend vacation, which was rather fun.
How does the classic TV fit in? It doesn't really. But walking off the greatest brunch i've had in 2007 was done with DVD shopping. Looking actually. But here's the thing: can you believe these two things are on DVD?
Riptide? Really? Stephen J. Cannell you're a genuis. I love the robot. 1984 was so cute, thinking everyone would have a robot, a boat, and an old helicopter. So cool.
Emergency! Thank God. (original opening here) This was what made life worth living when I was just discovering the magic that is TV. Now it's out on DVD. Best. Thing. Ever.
It's Monday January the 29 around 7:20AM and
The Vancouverite Night Out: Sip
I'm not sure if they do in fact have "The Best Crab Cakes Ever" (bold statement) like they claim to on the menu, but they were tasty - and best of all kind of as good as one of those one-bite brownie deals. Pop 'em in your mouth, yum. Then again when you have Belgium Beer Battered fries served with a bunch of shooters full of sauce you're pretty well setup. Fries and sauces are good - and it was refreshing they they weren't yam fries for a change. Not that I have anything against yam fries. But enough is enough. The 7 Cheesy Dip (how do you go, no it needs more cheese when you have say 5 or 6 cheeses in a dip?) was great and put some of that with the fries. Just do it. It says there is 18-year old Glenfiddich in there somewhere. Sure. The calamari wasn't anything special, but maybe it was because the cheese perogies had lots of chorizo bits with it. Hard to compete. Bonus meats, always a good call.
Oh ya, and the Mocha Bailey's Creme Brulee was completely ridiculous. As is my nature I am writing them a letter to see if they would come make over to my place and turn my bathtub into the biggest creme brulee ever. Yes, it was that delightful. And don't forget, it is open until 2am, which is nice if you want a late night crab cake.
It's Monday January the 22 around 7:19AM and
Pimms Cups and The Granville Room
First, was hitching a ride with Jesse in his fairly smug Rover of somesort. I don't say that to mock him, or to sound particularly smug either, but he found a parking spot on Granville in like 5 seconds and so what if he drove that thing all up and over the curb. The homeless kids on the street begged for money in the following way, "You have to give us something for having to watch that." And we did.
That was only the start. We had a fairly strict "two Canuck jersey" rule going into Doolins Irish Pub. There were at least three within the first 5 seconds. Ouch. And when Jesse kept asking our waitress Stephanie for both a Pimms and a cheese plate (it's Doolins) every time she came by, you can imagine, hilarity ensued. Doolins makes you question the whole concept of the Irish Pub and, well, Irishness in general. Thank goodness there is yet another one coming to Vancouver one block over at Smithe and Granville in the old Skybar location called Ceilis. It's not open yet and it looks awful. I no longer question the assertion that there is such a things as "Irish Pub in a Box."
So over to the Granville Room (seriously, did they just play Pixies music when I went to the website? That's just awesome) we went. A cheese plate was had and Jesse introduced us to the infamous Pimms Cup. Or a version of it anyway - served with Ginger Ale, a cucumber slice and an apple slice. Wierd. Smug. Wackily Delicious. (Anyone for a Pimms?) I just can't believe I used to mock the bottle of Pimms behind the bar. The lesson: cheese plate + Pimms = instant awesomeness.
It's Monday January the 22 around 7:16AM and
Vancouver Starbucks Thinks You're a Dogwalking Loser
Saw a fairly craptacular Starbucks print ad in the Globe and Mail. It's probably not new, but it certainly is Vancouver. Gastown actually, which is fine but did they really write this copy:
8:45 a.m. Mark and Scooter.Searching out the fifth (and best) tree for Scooter to pass his hellow to the next pooch to come along. Mark's reward for this little adventure? A double Americano with room. And serious bonus-points for walking his girlfriend's dog.
Life happens over coffee.
Jesus. I don't even know where to start. But who exactly are they trying to get pumped for Starbucks with this ad? He's walking a ratty little dog with a jacket on while Mark's girlfriend is probably sleeping in. Or is that just his cover story? Double Venti Lameness. Okay, that was bad. I regret writing it. So The way I see it #322: Be a man Mark, you pussy.
It's Thursday January the 4 around 7:07AM and
The Open Bottle: Black Hills Alibi
For about two years - and three or four trips to Oliver for some wine tasting goodness - I've passed the Black Hills Winery. Not that they have ever had a single drop of wine. That was almost enough for me to never bother, but i split a case of thier Alibi 2005 with Dan from WineGlow.
But before you get your hopes up, its already sold out. So i'm just smugly taunting you now. There are probably some restaurants you might be able to pick it up at for a price. Nice for us.
This is a pretty swish wine - and for the price ($23.90) this isn't something you should be breaking out at the end of the night. It's good, so drink it first, by yourself preferably - then break out the boxed stuff for your friends. Okay, I don't do that, much. But I've thought it. The tasting notes talk about grapefruit and limes and that's pretty true - something that comes from the subtle citrus from the 83% Sauvignon Blanc grapey goodness. I'd call it overated, but it's not, it's just so damned smooth and drinkable that it would be crazy for me to do so. Bonus points for the screw top as always.
It's Wednesday January the 3 around 10:54AM and
What Resolutions?
I *vowed* extra hard this year that after a thoroughly debauched New Year's Eve that I would be well behaved - no more excess, particularly when it came to rich food and liquor. Irony of ironies was that my actual New Year's Eve was relatively tame, but I've since run amok in the few days since when I was supposed to be abstaining.
Yumminess abounds in the plush decor of Bacchus at the Wedgewood Hotel - it's a little old school luxury accompanied by good wine and a damn fine dessert menu.
Hello salsa? Risotto is calling and it wants the title of my new favourite menu item at Bin 941.
And just for a little variety, pints of Strongbow and one of the best people-watching patios in the city can be found at The Fountainhead on Davie.
I'm starting my new lifestyle tomorrow. I swear.
It's Monday December the 18 around 7:17AM and
The Vancouverite Holy Crap Gift Guide: Nog-a-sake
"One part egg nog, three parts sake!" The Nog-a-sake was the call to arms in last week's holiday episode of The Office. Best Christmas episode of the season. I dare you to try this at a Japanese restaurant this week - although if a place would do this, it's got to be Kobe. Throw that bad boy into a Moose mug - as seen in Christmas Vacation - and you've got a can't miss holiday treat.
It's Wednesday December the 13 around 6:04AM and
Vancouverite Quickie Brunch Review: Cassis
The bacon was double smoked, and full of just plain yum. The free range eggs were perfect - the yokes a ridiculous golden colour - and the hash browns were awesome. The bonus fruit salad and the best french loaf toast ever was kind of a cheerry on top of a slice of heaven. I felt like a bit of a moron for asking for ketchup, but they had it, and it wasn't a big deal. If I had been in Paris, my guess is I would have gotten a really great snotty, "non." One friend from Wineglow had the Cassis Rissole which looked quite hardcore. Massive bacon bits, mushroom potato hash, swiss cheese and eggs. It was big and looked great. The only question that remained was why the place wasn't completely packed. Still not sure the salt and pepper on the table is sanitary in the long run.
It's Wednesday December the 13 around 6:02AM and
The Vancouverite Holy Crap Gift Guide: Campari
If the idea of these Campari ads featuring Salma Hayek doesn't make your season bright, I don't know what will. [See them all at GoldenFiddle] It gets better/creepier at the website, Hotel Campari. Sure this isn't as cool as this compilation of 1968 Campari ads, but, the what could be?
A bottle for your smugest friend? Make it so. So you can roll Steve Zissou style:
Steve Zissou: Hey intern, get me a Campari.
Intern #1: On the rocks?
Steve Zissou: [gives him the "gun" thumbs up salute]
It's Tuesday December the 12 around 7:28AM and
Smug Mac 'n Cheese vs. Dirty Mac 'n Cheese
Over at Urban Diner, Lorna Yee in her latest Food Porn column writes about a Mac 'n Cheese cook off and gives her own recipe. It's a little dissapointing. Don't get me wrong, the Mac n' cheese sounds more than great, it's more that there just isn't any photos of Lorna actually making said awesomeness. Tease.
The amount of bacon and cheese and cream is pretty amazing, but lets get real, it is no $55 Mac and Cheese at the Waverly Inn in New York. It's 55 bucks because of the mountain of shaved truffles over it. Now that is, smug. "To its credit, the Waverly gave the couple several free glasses of vino. The price probably works out in the end, considering the waiter came by and sneezed caviar in their wine." [More at Eater]
All I can say is, You just knew Graydon Carter had to be involved here. Totally smug. [More smug Graydon Carter here]
It's Friday December the 8 around 8:46AM and
Guest Blogger: Anthony's Excellent Russian Adventure Part I
Our friend Anthony is currently in St. Petersburg, Russia and we are pleased to bring you his vodka soaked ramblings from the Mother Country for your morning reading pleasure.
"Russia. What can I say? Sorry about that whole "communist" thing...but would it kill you to smile?
Most tourists I've ever met in Vancouver just smile and nod like an idiot when they've tried to ask me "where time chicken"? I usually smile back, and simply point in a randomly selected direction, and say "the pony midnight". They thank me for not ignoring them, we go our seperate ways and we both make fun at how ignorant and uncivilized the other is. It's a sweet deal.
Now, I'm that tourist...with that dumb look on my face smiling saying the three words of russian I know, then getting frustrated and start playing a game of charades all the while instictively blurting out words in my own language...which for the first time in my life is useless to me. Unlike my morning karate dance fighting.
Continue reading "Guest Blogger: Anthony's Excellent Russian Adventure Part I" »
It's Tuesday November the 14 around 7:06AM and
Seeing Red: Tales of Christmas Street Hell
And to add insult to injury with the smug red cups and overcrowded retail junk, you can check out Itsredagain.com or worse, Cheer Pass Central. The former site, is hosted by some creepy sweater wearing Tradition Keeper. [More via: Ad Freak]
In a related story, I had to go to The Hudson's Bay Company this week. I know what you're thinking. Apparently using your passport as a wallet isn't very cool, nor is not having a shower curtain. But honestly, is it really required to be selling Christmas stuff already? The fact that they call their Christmas area, the 5th floor, "Christmas Street" is totally ridiculous. Oh, and it's November.
It's Wednesday October the 25 around 8:54AM and
Clove Ain't Just for Baking
Nothing screams melting pot like a fusion restaurant - fortunately, in the case of Clove, this has resulted in a melt-in-your-mouth deeeeelite. While I'm not necessarily a huge fan of the whole geometric/Ikea chic decor, I was won over by the charmingly casual server. Despite the fact that he was pretty much there to hang out with his friends at the bar, when he did come over, he was actually quite nice. Or maybe I'm just biased by the fact that he thought it was really awesome that we were rushing through dinner to get to a dodgeball game.
But really, Clove is pretty much about the food, and that's where the place really won me over. Always a fan of the deep-fried, the bhajis were crispy on the outside and tasty on the inside. They were also full of about eighteen different kinds of vegetables, which made me feel healthier than I should have. For a main course I tried the kofta, which had all the elements of a divine spread: dumplings and creamy curry goodness. My dinner companion had the beef salad, and while as a vegetarian I wasn't able to give it a taste, the words "ridiculously tender" were uttered enough times that I was pretty sure she liked it.
Being the world class dodgeball players that we are, we stayed away from the wine for the evening, but I could definitely head back there for a few drinks and some more yummy goodness. Did I mention that there were cushions strewn throughout? I'm not actually a restaurant critic but I know what I like, and Clove definitely gets a gold star from me.
It's Tuesday October the 24 around 5:25PM and
Holy Sweet Recipe Fatman
Having a George Foreman Grill in your kitchen is like having perforated toilet paper in your bathroom. Not really a necessity, but a necessity all at the same time. It's what we educated people call a paradox.
I made this last night on my George Foreman grill:
Start by smothering 1 piece of bread with peanut butter up to the edges. About 1 cm in thickness. Then the other piece with jam, again up to the edges just not as thick as the PB. Now butter the outside of the bread. And lastly, like with any sandwich, you need to create a butter fortress by buttering the sides and filling gaps like mortar.
Place sandwich on center of hot GFG and close lid. (the ideal bread would have been thick enough for the top of the grill to touch the top slice of bread)
In about 6 minutes get ready for the end of that tight body as you know it. You are about to eat what the immortals eat for breakfast probably every day; like Santa Clause, God, his hippy son and of course any surviving Highlanders.
I kept trying to take pictures of the sandwich with my new cyber shot so I could share it, but something wasn't allowing the image to be captured. I could take pictures of other things though.
It's Monday October the 23 around 7:53AM and
Hobo Wines at the Creepiest Wine Tasting in the Universe
On one hand the people were ridiculous – I mean a Rotary Club Gala Wine Festival in a freaking mall brings out the freaks. And by freaks I mean drunks that looked like they don’t normally go out, or drink wine. The guy in the sweatpants and old Canucks Halloween logo jacket took top prize. And yes, it was for charity. And yes, I am a total jerk. On the other hand, there was plenty of free food, although mostly from places I would never eat at. But Starbucks was giving out pounds of coffee, which is kind of a nice freebie. But if you want to find cheap wines for drinking everyday, this could be the venue. I’m not kidding. Your “hobo wines of the week”:
Continue reading "Hobo Wines at the Creepiest Wine Tasting in the Universe" »
It's Sunday October the 22 around 10:34AM and
Vancouverite Quickie Bar Review: Yaletown Brewing Co.
Friday night I made the mistake of having some dinner at The Yaletown Brewing Company. Now, the food was fine, nothing special - actually the Mac & Cheese with chorizo was a bit ridiculous - enough cheese in there to kill a Frenchman, or at least a Swiss Frenchie, which is quite frankly good. On the other hand, the only thing good I heard said about the chicken satay was that it was dry. I'm presuming that is bad. But being away from the city for so long, you simply forgot how utterly absurd it is to watch Yaletown douchebags high five every time the Canucks score. If that is your bag, this is your place. Let me explain:
It was 7:00 pm and the place was packed as usual. Full to the brim with, well, you know the types. The guys that spend more time working out than anything else, you know them as the big necked, tight shirted wankers in leather jackets. They have midget (sorry: petite) looking, flat chested, blond girlfriends with crazy bra setups to make them look 19 rather than 14 and they do big "Oh Yeahs" and then tell their girlfriends why they "Oh yeah'd." Thankfully in this urban jungle nightmare there was the Yaletown "fembot" waitress who was serving on the patio. This girl was amazing, in that Deal or No Deal model kind of a way. She must have been French since she was completely indifferent to everyone she was serving with an almost vacant Katie Holmes deadeye stare. I didn't enjoy the service I got, but seeing her completely ignore the high fivers was quite incredible and well worth it.
PS: If you ever want to make some quick money, put on a Firefighter t-shirt and bring around an old gumboot collecting money for charity, any charity - it's clearly a money maker with the drunks in Yaletown to make them feel good about themselves.
It's Tuesday October the 10 around 8:48AM and
Vancouverite Quickie Restaurant Review: Hapa Izakaya
Got a positive double secret review of Hapa Izakaya (1479 Robson St.) hot off the presses:
"This place is deliciously retarded. Two words: ebi mayo. Small fun japenese appies and the deep fried chicken was almost life changing! Great prices and fun drinks.They have a hello kitty drink. Seriously, that is fun."
Kind of a shame about the website. But the thought that something deep fried will change my life is exciting.
It's Tuesday October the 10 around 8:30AM and
Urban Diner is Open For Biz
Andrew Morrisson's shiny new site, Urban Diner is open for business, and I already like it. Especially the pro and con discussion of Rachel Ray. And already learning that there will be a companion site to Salt, called, Pepper and they are blogging it Opening Soon style.
It's Monday October the 2 around 12:36PM and
Brie Monday
Monday lunches demand to be smug, or at least smugly delicious. And I'd be lying if I told you that I achieved this, as there was no linens or table service, but in a way I did. Checked out Finch's Tea & Coffee House (353 West Pender).
Seriously, the Curried ginger yam soup was pretty ridiculous, and when you add the brie and grape baguette (wrapped brown paper style with a ribbon) and the massive oatmeal chocolate chip cookie and you have achieved a pretty decent lunchtime bit of moral superiority. And the cookie was good enough to forgive the hipster making the sandwich with a goofy mini-fedora. Let's just say that when you wake up in the morning and throw on that kind of hat and brown Chuck Taylors you're mission in life isn't a speedy sandwiche - you're an artist damnit and artists take about 10 minutes to make anything. And the $12.50 price tag was steep but worth it. Bonus points for the three stage duece tables at the windows, which can raise your smugness to a huge level for eating brie sandwiches while on display for the homeless people. And the slight reference to the greatest character in American Pie.
And served with this juicy cheese website and you can mock pretty much anyone you meet all day long.
It's Tuesday September the 12 around 4:30AM and
When Self Publicity and Ugly Food Websites Attack
I recieved an email over the weekend and it was almost worse than getting a press release but certainly worth sharing. Actually a press release would have been better, since it may have had a point of some sort, and yet we still feel dirty and in need of a shower. Now, normally, I would have just copy and pasted it, but the emailer in question actually had the balls to add a disclaimer suggesting the email was subject to copyright and you know how much I hate lawyers. Whatever. We totally feel like Jack Black in High Fidelity right now. "Well, it's sentimental tacky crap. Do we look like the kind of store that sells I Just Called to Say I Love You? Go to the mall."
Anyway, the email was from someone at Food Vancouver - which I link to, even though they didn't bother hyper-linking their own company URL and I had to take the time and copy and paste it into my browswer. God I hate that. But wait there's more. Their amazing email spoke of their magical 53,000 visitors a month and a promising "interesting" food site. Wow, that means i am one of 53,000 visitors now subjected to both one of the least visually appealing and completely not-interesting restuarant guides in the city (yeah, this one really does take the cake). Even Google cleverly ranks them one and two for Vancouver restaurants for your convienence. As Stephen Colbert would say, look it up. I'm sure if you look in about a week it will show up if you google "Vancouver Restaurants Ugly Websites". But I'm just being grumpy and mean now.
Obviously so many people are going to their site, they needed to tell The Vancouverite all about it. The inclusion of a article about the company from The Vancouver Sun - as if that was supposed to impress me - was from May 2006. How cute. Clearly this was more important than, say, their own URL, since this was the only clickable link. Who needs to write a proper email, when you can link to an article about yourself in The Sun. Wow. Thanks.
And the worst part about this is that the website really likes to tell you all about restaurants which can and will cater to your every special dietary need, like how awesome Earl's is. Great. So good for you, congratulations Food Vancouver, we just wrote about your food site. I hope you are happy now.
I'm sure that our complaining about your souless flackery wasn't what you had in mind. And no, we didn't have any quesions about your novel "concept". It is surely heating up the interwebs.
It's Monday September the 11 around 6:35AM and
Vancouverite Quickie Restaurant Review: 2nd Salt Review
Yep, people are still talking about Salt in Blood Alley. Here's another review and photo sent in:
“Salt eff’n rules. I even took a photo of my gigantic beer. It was served in a wine glass. We were jammed in there, but it does have a super cool vibe, if you can forget about the rats running around in the alley of course. Oh, and the quasi-creepy walk down blood alley! Anyway, there are three choices: cheese plate, meat plate, cheese and meat plate. We let them pick them for us and got a cheese plate and a meat plate. We had ox tongue, a fennel salami and pork tenderloin on the meat plate and I can't remember the cheeses but they all were absolutely killer.Okay, it’s $15 a plate. But come on, it comes with a huge breadbasket and each meat/cheese combo comes with a condiment to match - peach/pear/apple slices, Guinness mustard, pine nuts, etc. Effing perfect! Great Service."
It's Wednesday September the 6 around 8:20AM and
The Vancouverite Interview: Andrew Morrison, Urban Diner
Last week we had the pleasure of a knocking around a little Q & A session with the man formerly known as Waiterblog, Andrew Morrison. Morrison has parlayed his blogging into a real life career as a powerful food critic in Vancouver, writing for The Westender, Vancouver Magazine and EAT Magazine.
Now he’s hung up his apron, handed in his wine crank, sold his Waiterblog website, and is starting fresh at a new site called Urban Diner. About to launch, His new site, promises even more hot Vancouver dining action – including a resident ‘hottie’ writing about Food Porn among other awesomeness. Now for readers that follow his dining adventures, we talk to this foodie insider about his new site launching soon, his last table as a waiter, his best meal of the year – and his worst, his ultimate fantasy day of gastronomic pleasure and much more.
The Vancouverite: Okay, so how did Andrew Morrison become the waiterblog? And why are you giving all that up to become the Urban Diner? (Or are you just Andrew Morrison now?).
Andrew Morrison: I started Waiterblog on the skeleton of a lefty political blog called Times New Roman Online. This was shortly after Bush won re-election in 2004. I couldn't bear to continue writing about an administration I loathed with every pore in my body, so I shifted my focus to something that was more tolerably familiar: the restaurant scene.
I'm giving it up because there was only so much I could do myself. I had a lot of restaurants asking about advertising on the site. For restaurants, it was a good place to lay down a few marketing dollars, but I was too wary of a perceived conflict of interest, what with my work as a restaurant critic an all. I needed six degrees of separation. I talked with Paul Kamon, the former editor of WhyCook.ca, and hammered out a deal where I could concentrate on editorial and he could run the business side of things. With Urban Diner, there will be a clear division between Church (editorial) and State (advertising). If anyone asks me about advertising now I can say, "talk to Paul".
Continue reading "The Vancouverite Interview: Andrew Morrison, Urban Diner" »
It's Tuesday September the 5 around 6:52AM and
Vancouverite Quickie Restaurant Review: Salt
“Vancouver is so boring and passé except for Salt. I like it there. It's yummy and they have wine and they have meat and they have cheese. And then. They bring it to you! It's actually a neat concept. The servers HAVE a clue and such. On the other hand, there are rats in plain view ‘playing’ in the ally. I stole some mustard. It was that good. Dignity…For Mustard!”
It's Thursday August the 31 around 1:40PM and
Vancouverite Quickie Bar Review: Republic
"First, they had an amazing cover band. I think its "radio 1" from the cellar. they played killer shit. Second, the place features tonnes of talent in there too and a surprising low percentage of douchebags. The drinks were expensive, but that's to be expected at a place like that but they have epic washrooms as well. it's a pretty cool place."
It's Friday August the 25 around 6:37AM and
Tricia Helfer Loves Wine
In 24 Hours this morning, I see this ad, with Tricia Helfer promising a "beautiful woman & a sensual wine" and thought wow, that's crazy. So for the geeky oenephile this may be the closest you get to a babe like Tricia. Sure she's hocking wine, but you could meet her. Go forth and prosper. Don't forget your Cylon suits!
It's Thursday August the 24 around 2:07AM and
Morrison Rolls Big
Wowzee. When Andrew Morrison rolls, he rolls big y'all. The intrepid WaiterBlogger goes out with a bang offering a treasure trove of Vancouver Restaurant Scene news (a 2nd Nuba? Yet another Glowbal Restaurant?) and then goes on to say, he's quit the restaurant biz (after 16 years), sold Waiterblog and Waiterforum, is doing a tv restaurant show and he will have a new website soon.
Wow. Like I said, he rolls big. Like Samuel Jackson with a planeload of mother...well you know the rest.
It's Wednesday August the 23 around 2:08PM and
Starbucks so freaking delicious, screw the kids
Sally Struthers, call the mothership. This new Starbucks ad which will probably result in Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz having this video blogger how you say, taken off the air. I just love the freakn' delicious vs. starving kids in the Sudan bit. It's gold Jerry. Gold. [Via Adrants]
It's Monday August the 21 around 2:26AM and
Biker Time For Smuggy
Anyway, the promotion is the "Harley Davidson Experience". For $489 you get the Deluxe Harbour Mountain view room (May 23, 2006 - October 31, 2006) or you can cheap out and get the $389 Deluxe Harbour / Mountain view room (November 1, 2006 - April 30, 2007). And here's what you get:
*1 Night Luxury Hotel Accommodation *Round-trip limosine transfer to Trev Deeley Harley Dealership in Vancouver, pre and post rental. *Welcome gift
Can you even imagine the kind of posers who would do this? The horror. The horror.
Previously: Anniversary Time for Smuggy
It's Monday August the 21 around 2:11AM and
The Best Job In Vancouver: The Sun's Wine Critic
So you'd think, given his position, he could maybe try a little harder than this:
LULU B SYRAH 2004, VIN DE PAYS D'OC, LANGUEDOC Price: $15.90 UPC: 604174001711 Score: 86/100 Remarks: Yellowtail en francais.
Yellowtail en francais? That's it? That's all you have to say? Dear god man! How is this helping anyone. I can only imagine how many people went out to buy this French gold Sunday. It must take some time to write three words that are both smug and insulting. Best job ever.
It's Monday August the 14 around 12:49PM and
Vancouverite Quick Restaurant Reviews: Chill Winston, Sanafir
Chill Winston (3 Alexander Street):
One of vancouver's great patios. Great design. Great scenery, Great food. And an absolutley amazing, side salad that cost $6 dollars Isn't that usually included, and I wish they had told me that, seeing as it cost almost as much as my main. Killer roast beef/horseradish sangwich too. Plus, the waitresses are "delightful", and more "real" than Cactus Club too. Read not, er, common sense-ily challenged.
Sanafir (1026 Granville Street):
Any restaurant with a freaking bouncer is a place I don't want to be in. I didn't eat there, but seemed to be full of total douch-bags. Too trendy, and completely smug. Don't get me wrong, I like their other hotsot, Glowbal, it's got good service and good food. You feel comfortable there. And Glowal isn't as smug.
It's Wednesday August the 2 around 1:33PM and
Rob Feenie Makes Airline Food
"...guests sampling the culinary wares of Iron Man Chef Rob Feenie's as he introduced his extensive new menu for Harmony Airways' lucky fliers including smoked salmon and leek frittata, mushroom and goat cheese omelet, roast chicken with choucoutre and pomme puree, herb-crusted beef tenderloin, apple and Mascarpone filled crepes, sesame seed-crusted tuna tataki and my very favorite, the tiny braised short rib burger - yum!"
The Vancouver Sun (July 19th) adds, "That's because Richmond-based Harmony Airways has hired Feenie as its executive chef, charged with creating a menu for its business-class passengers.
Book a ticket and you can find yourself tucking into a Feenie-created squash and mascarpone ravioli with cream truffle sauce, or if you're in the mood for something simpler, roast chicken with choucoutre and pomme puree."
Now, I'm torn here because I like Feenie and his food, and the menu does sound great and I sure do like money a great deal, but this news, after those awful White Spot commercials he was in kind of makes him out to be just a money grubbing whore, doesn't it? TV shows are fine, books check, maybe a condiment of some sort, but these choices seem just wrong, and airline food? Isn't that like Frank Lloyd Wright spending his time designing Dog Houses or McDonalds outlets or something crappy like that instead of Falling Water? Then again if Harmony Airlines were to sponsor this blog for the next year I would probably sleep with their CEO Gary Collins. Damn you, Feenie, Damn you.
Of course, Joy also mentions that Jessica Alba was at Raincity Grill to watch the China fireworks Saturday night. Always with the Alba. Damn it.
It's Thursday July the 27 around 9:56AM and
Will Beach House's New Space Rock?
You be the judge. But first, it seems The Vancouverite is now getting The Beach House (150 - 25th Street West Vancouver) press releases. What, no free dinners? Anyway, today comes news that after four years of being hidden the City granted approval to launch what the Beach House promises, "will likely be widely regarded as Vancouver’s best location for private dining." Well, that sounds just smug enough to catch our eye. We like the smug. Here's more:
The second floor patio is shut off from the rest of the restaurant, affording guests the kind of privacy that comes without being left behind closed doors. Instead, diners are perched high above a sprawling lawn on an elevated and wind-shielded 50 seat deck. The space boasts uninterrupted ocean views from Lion’s Gate Bridge to Stanley Park, Burrard Inlet, Howe Sound, Point Grey, the Gulf Islands, Lighthouse Park, and the stunning nightly sunsets. As the main floor patio has long been called one of the best in the city (recognised as such again this month by Vancouver Magazine), the new space is bound to impress locals and visitors alike.
Assignment desk: If anyone goes, report back to us. And can somebody explain the story behind the city's 4-year battle to keep this space behind wraps?
It's Friday July the 21 around 9:52AM and
Bar With a View
Last night a friend had a birthday gathering at Republic on Granville. I was a little sceptical, because while the bars on Granville definitely had a kind of gritty appeal to me a couple of years ago, I've gotten kind of smug and have been avoiding it more recently. Well... imagine my surprise when I find out that Granville street has undergone something of a renovation, and that there are actually some fun new places where you don't fear for your shoes.
But back to Republic - $4 wasabi peas aside, the place is worthwhile if only for their second floor patio. Being high up is much more fun than having strangers walk by your drinks at the second rate street level patios. And their bathrooms are amazing, too. Now, I'm terminally untrendy, but I think I might start making an exception for this place, especially if it means I can make snide comments about the passerbys down below with absolutely no risk of being overheard..
It's Friday June the 23 around 11:44AM and
Patio Struggles
Summer arrived at a ridiculously early hour on Wednesday morning, and brought the nice weather with it. This means that patio season can officially begin. There is one small problem though, and that is the dearth of decent, sunny patios for a post-work beer. Unless you're prepared to skip out early, getting a table is like finding gold dust.
The Kingston on Richards is a nice little patio oasis if you can get a table... There's lots of plants and umbrellas and even a fireplace. Unfortunately its location means that it slips into the shade rather early, but by that point the beer has usually done it's work and it's not a big deal.
Venturing out from the downtown a little is Havana's on Commercial Drive, but since half the city also appears to love it, you're pretty much guaranteed a long wait for a table unless the gods of fate are smiling upon you.
The criteria for a good patio is not complicated - location, good food and good drink. Anyone who has any ideas should throw them out there, because if I go to Steamworks one more time, they're going to know me by name, and I refuse to be Gastown's version of Norm.
It's Friday June the 2 around 12:27PM and
Crazy Good Salsa
Salsa is one of those fantastic, versatile foods that tastes good on or with nearly everything. Trendy food-ites have adapted it in all kinds of fun ways: mango salsa, citrus salsa, and my personal favourite - salsa with goat cheese. Bin 941 on Davie Street does this tomato/goat cheese combination so well that when plans were made to stop by for a few drinks, I found myself dreaming about their salsa for a significant part of the work day.
After all the hype and glory, the Bin did not disappoint me. Served with their navajo fry bread (which is really some kind of deep-fried, frittery goodness), the salsa was tangy and cheesy and everything fun. I almost didn't even notice that their sangria (cheekily called "Bingria" on the menu) was a little bit potent and all the fruit was cut into symmetrical squares. I used to have a roommate who, when making her own pizzas, would insist on placing all the toppings in a symmetrical manner on top of the crust. This fruit put her to shame.
I'm pretty sure there was some kind of crazy pommes frites type dish with a balsamic reduction and cracked black pepper involved as well, but at the end of the day the salsa was my raison-d'être. There are some things you can't go wrong with, but they can still be done very, very right. Yum.
It's Tuesday May the 2 around 6:18AM and
Ridiculous Hollywood And Vines
Priestley and Mulligan tackle the stodgy topic of wine with a laid-back attitude and a dose of rock 'n' roll. Hollywood and Vines is "something between White Snake and The White Stripes," says Priestley. "It's not just about drinking wine, it's about the lifestyle," Mulligan says. To follow the two on their escapades, Priestley suggests, "open a bottle of wine before you watch the show. You'll have more fun . . . and it'll make our show seem better."
Dear god. Muuuulllllligggggaaaaaaaaan!
It's Sunday April the 2 around 9:45AM and
Sunday Styles: Alexandra Gill vs Rare One
"When it was announced on eGullet that one of their own was opening a restaurant, there was a natural flurry of excitement, followed by a special pre-opening dinner for the tight-knit group of obsessive foodies, waiters, chefs, magazine executives and restaurant critics who make up the local eGullet contingent."
Of course this little review got the eGullet crowd to put down their foie gras and pick up some six shooters. Andrew Morrison, the Waiterblog, described it this way, "Your story read as an attack on eGullet and blogging. Rare One, it seems, just sort of got in the way." Morrison does a good job of laying out the whole bruhahas on his blog too.
Not that there is anything wrong with this whole eGullet forum thing. I enjoy reading about cute dessert chefs like Ling or Hamilton Street Grill's Neil Wyles saying things like, "disclosure - I am Brian's hairy chef lover." It is tres fun. But I do find the format of Egullet is hard to read, follow, and I hate emoticons, so I rare-ly - pardon the pun - go. The fact that this caused postings to be deleted is pretty lame. Alexandra even posted too, but it seems to be gone now. At the end of the day, she did her job. She got people to read, think, and then fight. Sure she's the hatchet woman everybody loves to hate, but every city needs at least one.
The end. "So everybody... set your phasers on stun, cause... THIS CONVENTION'S AHEAD WARP FACTOR NINE, Y'KNOW? RIGHT! ALL RIGHT! WARP FACTOR NINE!"
It's Thursday March the 30 around 9:10PM and
The Vancouverite Quick Review: Century
If I had just stuck to the chips and dips - the avocado mouse. You mean guacamole, right? was awesome - and just kept eating those all night, I would have been content. Although, even the chips - which were 5 wildly different and good varieties - wouldn't have been as much fun without some Tres Frijoles-Cuban Chorizo and Beans which was, well, beantastic. Now, if I say I washed it down with a "so-four-years-ago" so-so mojito, would you hold it against me? The Malbac was much better. I should have gone with my instincts. I ended with the Braised Shortribs and Beef Cheek. I'm not even clear what this whole yucca root puree was, but it was sure was tasty, and the dish was fine even in half portion form. I'm not too picky when it comes to meats, but it seemed like there was an overkill of weird meats. Oxtail? Really? I won't judge. But the salsa sorbet served with the crab burritos was just well, down right creepy. Not as creepy as the two guys downing the red stripe beers or the three wannabe hipster girls - cough. I mean cougars - who spent all night on their cell phones texting while drinking white zinfandel. Did that really happen?
Lastly. The service. It was nice to see owner Sean Sherwood on the floor serving the bread to the people. Seeing him slumming it at Yaggers after that to catch the hockey game was funny. But here's the thing. The food runner had more personality than the waiter. Oh my, what would Che do? He'd probably come back for more. The chips and the space are worth the visit alone.
It's Thursday March the 30 around 8:45PM and
Black Hills Wines
But pass this on while it lasts. They have wine. You can order it now. It's not cheap. And you have to buy by the case - which isn't a problem as far as I can tell. They are now taking orders on both the Alibi 2005 (Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon) and the Nota Bene 2004 starting now, and the Alibi will ship in June. Get it while it's hot. Yum.
It's Sunday March the 26 around 12:33PM and
Sunday Styles: Salt-y Goodness
On a blackboard, a constantly changing menu will feature ten types of cured meat, ten types of cheese and ten types of condiments.For $14 you choose 3 items from the meat and cheese sections i.e. 2 cheese & 1 meat, and three matching condiments. In essence you design your own tasting plate and we present it to you with an unlimited supply of bread.
Mmmmm. Meats. I think this sums up what could be most exciting about this soon to be salty gem: "Located in Gastown’s historic blood alley, and accessible only via the alley, Salt’s location will have the look and feel of NY’s meat packing district, right down to the cobblestones. As with the Shebeen, it’s nearest neighbor, it is not seeking to appeal to the masses, but rather to target a specific group, i.e. folk that will walk down an alley to find a gem."
Over at The New York Times' Eric Asimov - who has also been put on the paper's blogroll with his own called "The Pour"- decants Parker today. Parker is like the Sun's Gismondi only thousand times more smug and 100-times as powerful. Definetely worth the read - especially if you have seen the little wine-documentary gem "Mondovino".
Oh, and I tasted a silly Australian wine, Mad Fish this week. It's another critter wine label that claims they are without pretension etc. I think they just collect all the grapes in Australia and mix them together and put pretty labels on the bottle for export. I'm on to you. More on the critter-ification of wines at AdFreak.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
I caught this while I was surfing around. It's a long-winded tirade against some crummy service the writer got at Sammy J Peppers, in Langley no less. This has everything that is annoying about blogs wrapped up with a double shot of why would you ever go to Sammy J Peppers anyway amusement. I would rather eat at McDonald's than waste money at a place like Sammy J Peppers.
It's Thursday March the 9 around 7:51PM and
Buzz Dump: Billions And Billions
*Rich Mercer has the Liberal Party leadership up on eBay. Current bid rests at $16 million. Mercer's package includes: "Fifteen minute consultation/conference call with the RMR writing staff to craft your campaign message. (Staff includes three high school dropouts and a U of T commerce major. Photo not to scale.) The use of our colour printer for photos and such. Ink cartridge is running low on magenta." Get it done.
*Really? Bringing back the NBA to Vancouver for a second shot? This seems crazier than finding out you work for billionaire.
*Wow. Naomi Watts did a great job before the Oscars shilling the Lexus hybrid car. If by great job you mean totally blantant, pointless, shameless, and bumbling bit of product whoring.
*What are you nuts America? Ayla Brown is out? Whaaaaaaaa? All our money is on that little minx Kellie Pickler which dooms her to be voted out soon.
*Let me get this straight. Philips offers to buy all the commercial time before movies and only show one :15 second ad and the company refused on grounds that it messes with their ad mojo. Wow.
*Andrew Morrison visits Vintropolis in his Westender column today. Great column. But holy crap is their website terrible.
It's Monday February the 27 around 10:13PM and
Buzz Dump: Dirty Laundry Edition
Finally. The Dirty Laundry Vineyard website is live. And it looks damn good, right on down the pitch perfect washing instruction-like icons for "tell a friend" and "order wine." Well played. Get some of that Pinot. Now. PS - Thanks to
Bernie Hadley-Beauregard for the heads up on this. Thanks for stopping by.
And I thought yesterday's Olympic Closing Ceremony would be Canada's shame this week. Then I endured the new shame that is Brent - the Canadian contribution to The Apprentice. Dare we click on his personal website? Oh dear god. Please tell me that either Peter MacKay is asking for tubby's passport back, or Trump will fire this weasel. Please.
Thankfully New Hampshire is keeping their kick ass state motto - "Live Free Or Die". And yes I will be checking out Matt Pond PA Thursday to hear his New Hampshire at The Red Room. [Ad Freak]
Now that Malcolm Gladwell is blogging now. The point has totally tipped.
Screenhead is just awesome. Case in point: "Mark Crisanti’s odd collage style of image-making creates a surreal mood that kinda feels like Egyptian gods woke up and took to wandering around in new york in the 50s looking for a job."
Yesterday I said Drew Lachey earned perma-d-list status. But even Defamer is suggesting c-list. This better not be a new Cold War scenario where Drew ends up totally becoming a-list. Please say no. Please say no.
Boing Boing asks two great questions: Prefab Ewok Villages, what up? Why do architect "firms' sites always suck?"
It's Sunday February the 19 around 3:55PM and
What's so great about Lift?
You don't get that total experience when you go for brunch, which was actually fairly tasty - anytime you can get three different kinds of meat for breakfast is certainly a time where no bad can come of it. But I question how on a Sunday between 11:30 and 1:00 that this place isn't completely full. You have this crazy view of the harbour and you are surrounded by condos and hotels. Yet sitting there at the bland tabletop next to a dirty window and you wonder where the $6.5 million they spent opening this shack really went.
PS: Dear Lift. I hate your lame website.
It's Sunday February the 19 around 3:04PM and
Curious & Curiouser
The food was less curious than you'd imagine, but it was pretty tasty. Here's the thing though, they seem to be in heavy training mode of new staff. The head waiter was orchestrating the rest of the staff and egging on a table of what appeared to be a table of 10 just old enough guys drinking Jack Daniels shots - which is always nice. Not. Back to the food. They didn't have the Glazed pork and beans - which almost sent us packing - my dining companion doesn't take that sort of thing lightly. The halibut 2 ways (one in a vanilla beure blanc, the other in a chilli cilantro) was great, the veal meatballs - keftedes - were fun (veally good?), the crab and corn fritter was excellent (never enough fritters), and the mussels with loads of bacon and creme were pretty good too (not Chambar good mind you, but good). It's just a shame about the limiting wine list - we ordered a bottle and they seemed like we were insane anyway - with a look of, "you mean the whole bottle?" After a couple of days to think about it though, the food wasn't that special, it was solid, and fun of course, butI can think of worse places to spend two or three hours at a place catching up with an old friend. The casual tempo of the food and the variety of plates make up for any over hyping of the supposed curiousness.
Our waitress was extremly nice, but seemed to be so nervous that it looked like she would crack at any moment. Maybe you shouldn't be a server honey. Although she did a much better job of presenting and serving the wine than the head waiter did. In what planet do you automatically presume that the gentleman ordered the wine and should taste it? On the other hand I think they tried explaining the whole "tapas" concept to us three times, which was silly - are there really that many people who don't know what tapas is? Really?
Lastly, and most enjoyably, making smores at your table is pretty freakn' cool. The marshmallows on skewers and graham crackers plus the small fire at your table = crazy delicious. The end.
It's Friday February the 3 around 7:55PM and
Vancouver's Next Great Chef
The premise isn't so bad actually, and they've tried to kick it up a notch on the production values, with letterboxing and fairly food network style. The problem is that it lacks any star power and the judges? Come on, the reason American Idol is so successful is because of Simon. If he didn't make fun of the contestents or openly mock them for being fatties or just plain morons, who would watch. Same applies here. There is no drama. I frankly couldn't care less who won. And mentors? Where is the sport in that? And honestly where the hell is the Chairman or the Kitchen Stadium.
How lame. The winner was Laura Sharpe if you even care.
It's Friday February the 3 around 8:13AM and
Shocking Dine Out Vancouver Tales
This is pretty awesome. City Food dishes some dirty tales from the cities cheap eats program:
"Most of us have heard the complaint about customers bringing their own teabags from home and asking for a cup of hot water (the cold tap water with dinner, hot water with dessert crowd), but some of the newer tales could give you “gall” stones. One restaurant related how a diner called to request a prime table by the window, asked if they could bring their own birthday cake, and then expected a discount off the $25 tab because they wouldn’t be needing the dessert course. Another elegant French restaurant reported that they had to repeatedly send staffers to check on the restrooms as their Dine Out customers were stealing the toilet paper."
It's Thursday February the 2 around 6:06PM and
Buzz Dump: Doing Nothing Is Sport
If hanging out with nothing to do were a sport, this would be the shoe of choice for elite-level pros with multi-million-dollar contracts. In other words, this shoe is specifically designed for doing absolutely nothing, but being comfortable.
They are kind of the perfect shoe for blogging - since we don't get out of our Pajamas or leave our apartments anyways. Anyways, February 15th at the Edgewater Casino, TBWA/Chait/Day Creative Director Chuck McBride from Adidas will give brand nerds a rare look into, "the strategy, creative and launch of the new
'adidas_1' shoe" New Adidas shoe whoo hoo. [Newswire]
*Quite possibly the most entertaining spoof movie trailer ever. Brokeback...to the future.
*Hey Vancouverites, can you hardly contain yourself waiting for the big Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee announcement tommorow? They are going to tell us how much extra cash this whole thing is going to cost. Any guesses? [Canadian Press]
*Due to the new city council's failure to accomplish anything but fight, a World Peace Conference set for Vancouver, was cancelled. Vancouver Council 1, Peace 0. [CKNW]
*Later to peaces conferences. At least February has the Vancouver Burlesque Festival February 9-11. Enter a contest to go at The Georgia Straight.
*Attention geeks. The Stargate Vancouver Convention is set to rock you. Monday, March 27th at the scenic Hilton Vancouver Metrotown. Just to be a mean jerk, how awesome will this part be: "Saturday 9pm DESSERT PARTY & DANCE" Suh-weet. The Beau Bridges appearence, a crazy bonus. Really, Beau Bridges. Totally huge star power.
*Kitchen fire this afternoon at the sassy La Gavroche.
*April 28th. Mark it on the calendars if you like Death Cab for Cutie. That's when they hit Vancouver. Too bad that unlike every other Canadian city - Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Calgary - gets Death Cab plus Franz Ferdinand. What gives? [Billboard]
*A very cool story that I saw, but didn't read, until I saw the new Silicon Valley gossip blog from Gawker, Valleywag. It starts with Vancouver community site publisher Bryght and gets into the story of Assemblenow.com - a startup that assembles you furniture - IKEA stuff too.
It's Sunday January the 15 around 3:43PM and
Eats: Hooligans & Ceder Creeks
*And there are a bunch more openings too. Butirmoth is blogging theirs. Century and Sansifir will be televising theirs.
*Vancouver based Keg Restaurants Ltd had a pretty good 2005 with total sales at $353.7 million for the 52-weeks ended January 2nd - that is up $31.9 million or 9.9%.
*Wine of the Week: Ceder Creek 2003 Meritage ($29.09). First the wine store in Yaletown on Mainland that sells only B.C. was a total disapointment but I'm torn. Is it that you don't want to find $12 wines in Yaletown? Or is it that you do? Not smug enough? Back to the mondo vino dude. I doubt it was done justice with the excellent crab and parmasean bruchetta, but you know what this wine was a big chocolate dipped cherry bomb and that's the way we liked it. I think it was still finishing in my mouth 12 hours later. That is not true, but we could dream. What the hell is a meritage fancy pants?
*Fancy chicken curry in a bag. You'd think that it would be bad. But it sounds pretty excellent.
*The famous local eatery the Normandy might just open once again. CKNW is reporting this evening that owner Joseph Siu might just open at a new location.
*Meanwhile the always charming Jenny Good toys with us by going to Cactus Club. At first I was going to say, wow, that looks like so much fun. But then I step back and say come on, it's a Cactus Club dood. Okay, we won't judge. Much.
It's Monday January the 9 around 8:47PM and
Anniversary Time For Smuggy
Nothing over $40 bucks a bottle. A friend of ours, who amazingly like Rory from Gilmore Girls, suggested that we look into the $22 bottles of Lindeman's Bin 65 Chardonnay.
Not really our cup of grapes mind you, but the wine list isn't inspired, but it's cheap, and if that got the piano swinging in the bar, you're golden. Although in one comparission the Inniskillin Pinot Noir, $26 this week, isn't the same 2001 wine for $42 on the regular menu. It's from 2002. Sneaky bastards. This could be like Dine Out Vancouver, but only 20 times worse. Party like it's 1986.
It's Sunday January the 8 around 3:53PM and
Dirty Laundry Wine Scandal Update
This is a lovely Burgundy style Pinot Noir – delicate but bright cherry fruit characteristics, a hint of mocha spice and toasty French Oak. The grapes were picked at 24 BRIX, with the wine fermented in stainless steel and then transferred into 2nd and 3rd year French oak barrels for about 10 months. We only bottled 187 cases – so this is a small lot production. I must confess those tasting notes are from a few months back and I haven’t had a bottle recently – Pinot Noir is famous for changing significantly with time/change in the weather etc.The tempermental grape! Makes me think it might be time to crack a bottle open this weekend! I’ll drop you a short note after I have an updated taste! There are a few restaurants that are serving the wine now and have told me the wine is tasting wonderful now, however I’m certain it will be even better in another year or so. This begs the question – are you looking to open it now or try saving it for a bit!!?? I love Pinot Noir because it is a more delicate red wine – not meant to be a heavy like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. Suggested food pairings would be salmon, veal, lamb, duck with a cherry sauce, roast turkey, red pasta dishes, try it with eggplant parmesan or a rich herbed mushroom soup!
God I hate mushrooms. Anyways. It looks like they didn't get thier website up and running for the New Year quite yet, but we'll forgive them. This time.
It's Saturday January the 7 around 9:49AM and
Dine out Hell
So it's only a couple of short weeks until people who should never be allowed to go out to restuarants capitalize on the two week bridge & tunnel mess that is known as Dine Out Vancouver. Everybody's talking about it. Now, there's nothing wrong with the concept, it just seems like it's getting a little crazy. Case in point - do people really need to "dine out" with a $15 package at White Spot?
It's Thursday January the 5 around 10:27PM and
Rare One: Opening Soon
Andrew Morrison, of The WaiterBlog, has the link to a novel little development in Vancouver's busy restaurant scene. The pre-opening blog for a new restuarant in town called Rare One. This is the blogging equivelent of Opening Soon. This is a fantastic idea.
It's Tuesday January the 3 around 10:20PM and
Bacon Tastes Good...
Finally, caught up on the November Atlantic Monthly this weekend. Corry Kummer writes this bit of fatty wimsy, "Bacon is the new chocolate (according to Dan Philips the founder of the Bacon of the Month club, www.gratefulpalate.com), or maybe the new olive oil (according to Ari Weinzweig, of Zingerman's, the country's leading olive oil perveyor). A search for better bacon is under way in this country, reminiscent of the one for better beer, and with a similar lure of the forbidden."
Thank goodness. And knowing there are a bunch of books on bacon, such as Pig Perfect and Everything Tastes Better with Bacon: 70 Fabulous Recipes for Every Meal of the Day, and even bacon friendly wines - Syrah's like the one's from Clonakilla (Hilltop Shiraz). Seriously, this we've got to see.
It's Tuesday January the 3 around 10:00PM and
Lost New Year's Eve Post
Where were we again? Oh right, you were asking about New Years at Chambar. The night's menu as translated by our party:
*Not Jessica Simpson Chicken of the sea plate. Ahi Tuna tartar, coconut & vanilla scallop, raw oyster with bacon.
*Lobster sausage. This shouldn't be done again. Sorry, but sausage should be contained to beef, pork, lamb, etc.
*"Foie Gras McNugget". Seriously, this was insane, with gingerbread - We're lovin' it. Sorry.
*Duck Roulade with tea. Who knew.
*Rose water & champagne slurpees. 7-11 should hook these palate cleansers up for the big bites.
*Roast ostrich and celery tasting mashers. Holy crap. How does something that look like this taste so good. Confirms minor theory, that animals you want to ride around or tip over taste delicious.
*Mandarin oranges done three ways, dessert style.
Wow. Hope you New Year's was 1/2 as good as this pals. Wow.
It's Wednesday December the 21 around 12:10AM and
Vancouver Wine Scandal
And no, I don't intend to let Dirty Laundry off the hook for the longest website build in history, er, 2005. Honestly dudes, you told us back in May that the wine and site would be launching in June '05. It's December now! Somebody might need a lump of coal in thier sock for this, even as we see the new identity stacking up kudos in a bunch of design annuals around the continent. But I digress.
But here's the real scandal: Steamworks is selling this $22.90 bottle (that price is according to emails confirmed with the winemaker himself this week.) for $40.53! Jon Stewart looks into camera and says, "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?" That's right, a nice, tidy, $17.60 wine scandal people. No offense to Dirty Laundry, the wine is tasty, but that is ridiculous. No wonder they call it the "The Wine Thief" for thier downtown wine store location. In West Vancouver, they just call it The Liquor Store.
This calls for a full blown explaination. Stay tuned.
It's Thursday December the 8 around 10:59PM and
Holiday Wine Tune Up
Can you even fathom that up at UBC you can study wines and wine science? Heck they can house up to 22,000 delicious bottles of the grape juice at the Wine Library and Vinotheque, which is just awesome. Anyway, tonight Dr. David McArthur gave an informative & intimate pre-holiday Wine Sensory Tune Up. So 10 wines and some wonderful nibbles of ham and cave-aged Gruyere later, and we walked away with a few jems for the holidays to enjoy. Here you go:
1. Dr. Loosen (REISLING/2004/Germany). Think of a big dozen roses dipped in honey, and made with some peach and nectarine into a sandwich - with a nice long aftertaste in a crazy blue bottle. The idea is that this would go well with some turkey, but maybe a Boxing Day Turkey sandwich would work even better. $17.00
3. Casas Del Bosque (PINOT NOIR/2003/Chile). This is like the Darth Vader of Pinots: Black Currents, Black pepper, Black tea, Blackberries - served in a spicy tabacco humidor. Nice for us. $20.00
4. Jim Barry (COVER DRIVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/2002/Australia) This is good mate. Chocolate, minty, black curranty, featuring some black cherry pits served with a charming smoked out oak. Welcome to a crazy fruit forward world. Don't serve it with anything, it's just not worth the hassle. This is a good we're-so-sick-of-eating-over-the-holidays-wine. $27.99
5. Lustau (EAST INDIA SOLERA SHERRY/Spain) Isn't sherry something that old people drink out of big jug bottles with handleson them? Nevermind. This little ditty is a wild dessert choice. Apparently, although it's hard to confirm, this paired with some Chocolate Cake and then this hooch magically taste like gingerbread. Allrighty then. $19.99.
It's Wednesday December the 7 around 9:25PM and
Kingston Scrabble
We also never realized that it is part of the Specta Group of restaurants. Now it's all starting to make sense. By the way, why would you even put this media clip on your wesbite - get out your telescope, it's ridiculously in miniature.
And the two guys playing Scrabble (Hey Hasbro, what were you thinking with the jump page?) at thier table beside us wer actually the best part about the experience. Surely better than poker.
It's Wednesday December the 7 around 2:24PM and
Roman Street Food Goodness
On the recomendation of Andrew from WaiterBlog, we checked out Sciue (Shoe-eh) - the new "roman street food" place at Pender @ Howe. He was definetly right on the mark. The music was jazzy great. The food was amazing - the chicken lasagna was excellent - you could actually say to yourself, that's real roma tomato in there kids - and a nice portion size too (and really italian peach ice tea is so good it's insane), and the pizza looked yumtastic. We really liked the fact that you can order the size of piece you want. That and the fact that it is not round is a nice development. Exellent...
Here's some delicious looking photos of the joint over at Flickr by Roland.
It's Tuesday December the 6 around 8:19PM and
It's time for the A-Team
Today, we went to Brioche, the urban baking and catering at 401 West Cordova. It's a great, simple, joint that has two very cool, but different casual rooms. It's casual at it's best and should make a place like The Bread Garden blush with shame. The cajun chicken spinach salad was unbelievable and throw it with some chick pea and proscutto soup and you could deal with the logo monsters. You don't want to leave - and you want some of thier "bloody good" coffee.
And just down the street is the uber trendy A Life Inc. Which does to the Adidas store what Brioche does to the Bread Garden. It's all about the out-smuging. The $300 jeans are pretty much the first indicator of a great potential of trendy smugness.
UPDATE: Sure would have helped if we spelled the company name right. A Life, not A Line. Stupid. The website is almost as smug as the store, but how can you not love a website that both does nothing and features a photo of Bill Murray from Coffee and Cigarettes. Our friend John calls the site "highly advanced" and love the RZA and GZA. The fact that they don't need a website raises the bar on smug. Love it.
It's Tuesday December the 6 around 7:57PM and
Landing in Steam II
More Steamworks: And we were wrong, the Sam Sullivan volunteers really were there - apparently "hiding" on the main floor behind the door with the Steamworks logo on it. Our bad. But Sullivan is having another thank you on Thursday at 5:30 at Skybar. So get your freaks on NPA buddies.
UPDATE: Jamie Lee Hamilton reports on the scene. Sadly no puking, dirt, gaffes, or anything else of the sort.
It's Tuesday December the 6 around 1:20AM and
Red Cup This, Starbucks!
"The collective JOY on the faces of all the recipients of this little piece of Starbucks Cheer (click images for upclose JOY) could light all the Holiday Trees in the world forEVER. I just bet it could."
Long story short, we're spending our coffee budget this month in Caffe Artigiano. Yes even though latte/coffee foam art really is smug and worthless. It is damn fine coffee. Plus, the Aussie barrista today was lovey. Oh, and most of all, we can't stop loving another great Subplot created collection of work. This time it includes the amazing hairy and shirtless Italian man/bear poster. My goodness this is the second shout out we've given them - they do great work. And Shirtless Italian men, who knew. Bravo Subplot.
It's Friday December the 2 around 9:38PM and
A Little Cassis
Although, not everyone has had as good a time as I did today. Writing in the Westender, Waiterblog's Andrew Morrison says, "Cassis is as sexy as a Parisienne coquette, but beyond the rouge and the artfully torn stockings were wrinkles brought on by what may well have been a mix of poor discipline, indifference and exhaustion."
Anyway. They really cram a lot of restaurant into this loud and tiny place. It is hard to believe they put out such great food from what appears to be a ridiculous kitchen complete with terrible neon lighting. But they do. We don't really know what to think of the open containers of salt and pepper on the tables, served with little spoons, but golly if you don't think about it, it won't kill you. Oh, and how can such a charming little french joint, have such a mediocre website? With the sweet old wood floor and textures of the room, not to mention the whole boozy burgandy of cassis, you could make an amazing website.
It's Wednesday November the 23 around 8:22PM and
Marley Wines & Groovy
We are a little jealous of Craig Wong's over at My Dinner Table. He went to, and has a short but mememorable review of, the night with Neil Wyles and Marley Wines at the Hamilton Street Grill. "The power outage to start the evening was sort of a twist, but Neil didn't miss a step and dinner carried on. The highlight of the Marley Wines for me was the Pinot Noir and for the meal it was the surprise dessert, a deep fried Mars bar."
And speaking of totally awesome autumn foods, Steamrollers is running thier insane turkey burrito again. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberries. And it's in a damned tortilla. They are pretty much the greatest inventions, ever.
It's Tuesday November the 22 around 9:20PM and
The Pear Tree Restaurant
The service is impeccable and very friendly without being over the top. As a bonus the female staff are all very attractive especially the goth-esque bus girl. Appies range from $7 - $15, entrées from $28 – $32, and desserts are $9ish and they are all deliciously worth it. The wine list is also excellent, reasonably priced and included some hard-to-get Okanagan wines including Blue Mountain and Kettle Valley.
Comments from our table included:, “possibly the best beef tenderloin ever”, “possibly the best salmon ever”, and “quite possibly the best lemon-tart ever”. The Pear Tree would definitely not be out of place with the best restaurants in hipper neighbourhoods throughout Vancouver. Maybe when your restaurant is this good you don’t need a website?
The Pear Tree Restaurant, 4120 E. Hastings St. Burnaby. 604-299-2772
This review was graciously researched, written, photographed and eaten by Vancouverite Food & Wine Correspondent Daniel Hirner.
It's Thursday November the 17 around 10:00PM and
The LK Dining Lounge
Anyway, the space reminds us very vaguely of our favorite hotel in New York, The Hudson with the flagrant use of bright neon green juxtaposed against the grains of beautiful dark woods; all played with a backdrop of subtle house grooves. It's just really a shame that the website (we feel like a broken record as we harp on this kind of thing) is such a bad representation of the real experience.
And the food is decent. And by decent you will just thank god you aren't eating another triple 'o' burger with all the riff raff. The burger is an insanely $14 (That is if you get it with bacon, which is a dumb question. Plus it's served with yam fries and salad), but it's damed good. The soup and other specials are usually delicious and you can't ever really go wrong with the Southern Fried Chicken, Caprese Sandwich, Nachos, or the massive Monte Cristo (yes we've been there a few times) can you? Oh, the cappuccino is always a good call.
It's Tuesday November the 15 around 12:07PM and
Tastes Like A Cornucopia
Report from our intrepid Vancouverite field reporter who attended the weekend's Cornucopia in Whistler wine and food festival. Dan's favorite wine from the event, The Holy Trinity. "Price point $47 succulent like a raspberry infused nipple." That is amazing.
Update: Thankfully Waiterblog is back online and blogging about the Cornucopia.
It's Monday November the 7 around 7:19PM and
Monday Good Things
Wine
If you haven't had the chance to have a glass full of See Ya Later Vineyards 2003 Ping you should stop reading this blog, head down to the liquor store and buy some. Right now. This ruby bordeauxish wine is a tasty bold treat is perfect for the crisp fall season. Well at least last year's 2002 vintage. This year the 66% merlot may depress Paul Giamatti while the French Oak is enough to make Scooter Libby cry merde. Get it while/if you can. PS: Please disregard the lame website. ($24.99)
The wine probably won't get the same attention as this new California wine under the label, gulp, "Jesus Juice" To which The Defamer let this one fly: "The Man in the Merlot" [The Smoking Gun]
Design
Since the Hawthorne Mountain (See Ya's Owner) website was so disappointing, I figured this next item would cleanse the palate for us. They may have only won a Merit at the Lotus Awards last week, but local design firm Subplot's Identity Program for Edmonton drinking house "The Publik" (Another Earl's concept) is very cool. It's kind of a shame, again, about the website however.
Sounds
There are so many things right with what's going on at this upcoming November 23rd show at the Railway Club. Let's just count the ways: 1. The King Khan & BBQ Show - Who sound very cool. (Like they recorded their cd in a toilet cool mind you, but cool anyway) 2. Pillowfight OMB 3. It says something about fistfights. Thanks to Lee for the tip.
Scott Baio
Yes I went there. But did you watch Mr. Scott Baio on Arrested Development tonight? Bonus points for him playing the new Bluth family lawyer. Excellent. Truthfully the Charlize Theron was the added bonus, but who is counting.
Las Vegas
Damn it. I hate that. I never watch this Las Vegas show and then tonight I do and my goodness its turn back the clock episode night. The retro opening was so rad. All the old hotels, suits, feeling of 1960's Vegas plus all the smoking all the time in the intro. And how amazing were the car scenes? Ya think they'll ever do a retro Vegas themed hotel & casino there? They Should.
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