urban foodie
x
Anya Levykh/Metro Vancouver
April 01, 2010
Chef Gianni Picchi has always been a bit of an anomaly on the dining front. This former EC of Il Giardino, and former owner of Gianni’s in West Vancouver, was never one for refined aesthetics.
March 24, 2010
It may be in a formerly cursed location, but I think Charlie's Pizza is the formula that will prove successful.
January 14, 2010
When Fuel Restaurant announced back in December that they would be closing and re-opening as a lower-priced, more casual operation, I was saddened, but not surprised.
January 07, 2010
A down economy, scared-cheap clientele, and the looming threat of the HST. The restaurant industry has had better years than 2009.
Some of the year's finest culinary experiences
December 17, 2009
For my last column of 2009 (I’ll be back on Jan. 7, 2010), I thought I would compile a little list of my favourite tasting experiences from the past year.
Tips on tipping for the holidays
December 10, 2009
So you’re all excited about the upcoming dinner at (fill in name here) Restaurant. Lots of booze, lots of food, good times with good friends and, at the end of the night, you all split the bill and head home with a merry heigh-ho.
Simple dim sum from the other side of Richmond
December 03, 2009
With all the hype over the Canada Line, restaurants on the west side of Richmond have seen a sharp increase in diners from Vancouver. The east side of Richmond, however, is not bereft of likely haunts, which can often be found in the most unlikely places.
Society delivers haute cuisine in comfortable style
November 26, 2009
In the interests of disclosure, let me confess that I was made, recognized—outed, in fact—on my first and (several) subsequent visits to Society.
Recession-proof subs give exotic bang for the buck
November 19, 2009
The humble sandwich has been experiencing a bit of a multicultural renaissance of late. First came Mexican-based Las Tortas, with their refried beans and Sloping Hills pork, and La Taqueria, with their authentic street tacos and Pemberton beef.
Stella's on Cambie proves sequels can be better
November 12, 2009
The original Stella’s on Commercial Drive is not a place of which I am overly fond. Putting aside the fact that beer is usually not my quaff of choice, the food—all tapas—never impressed or encouraged repeat visits.
Fab five: Sample this book buffet
November 05, 2009
This year’s crop of cookbooks cover the gamut from local and regional to vegan and choco-centric. Here are some of my favourites.
Life is good in this Gastown Pourhouse
October 29, 2009
The concept of bartender-owned restaurants seems to be taking hold of late, with places like The Diamond, Bao Bei, et al sprouting like shitakes in West Coast rain.
New cheap eateries are solid one hit wonders
October 22, 2009
It seems the slow economy has not only created a profusion of casual dining establishments, but a growing trend of micro-specialists.
Exploring the city’s fiery and fanciful
October 15, 2009
This weekend is Diwali, the South Asian festival of lights. What better time to explore the fiery and fanciful in sub-continental cuisine.
Contemporary Canadian cuisine reborn in Gastown
October 08, 2009
So.Cial has had its ups and downs over the past few years, going through several chefs, and, to my mind, never really solidifying their vision.
Mexican monster sandwiches arrive on Cambie
October 01, 2009
My only experience with tortas, prior to visiting the recently-opened Las Tortas on Cambie, was bubkhes. Zip. Nada.
Gastown's new Diamond is a little rough around the edges
September 17, 2009
When you hear that three of the city’s top bartenders are opening their own digs in Gastown, the obvious reaction is to begin salivating—and abstaining—in preparation for the inevitable lush-fest to come.
Rebel against the rain and bring on the burger
September 10, 2009
With the sudden chill, cool gusts and return of wet, grey skies, it’s time to seek comfort from grilled meat, toasted bread and greasy condiments galore.
No tricks at this new West End gem
September 03, 2009
I’ve become used to a certain style of décor when visiting local tapas parlours. Dark wood, brick walls, small windows, mood lighting, occasionally some abstract art…more speakeasy than sunny bodega.
Can we reboot on the food at Chaise Lounge?
August 27, 2009
Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. I’m not big on the religious stuff, but isn’t there some kind of commandment that speaks to honouring your mom and pop?
Max's goes from from gefilte to chocolate ganache in 60 years
August 20, 2009
Forty years ago, if you were in the mood for a hefty Rueben or some matzoh ball soup, this was the place to go.
Irashai Grill reworks simple into sublime
August 13, 2009
Irashai Grill has been open for about a year, and has somehow flown under much of the media radar.
The food is fantastic -- shame about the area, though
August 06, 2009
We’ve all heard the tired mantra: Location, location…location. It’s all about location, right?
New catch at Coast matches new locale
July 30, 2009
It’s a brand new menu, a brand new space, and a whole different attitude.
Ditch the burger, go Asian and a movie
July 23, 2009
Many hold that the closer a restaurant is to a movie theatre, the worse the food.
Top fondue spots for retro dining
July 17, 2009
Fondue — like every other trend from that campy decade — is set to make a comeback
Cozy, casual Italian comes to the West End
July 09, 2009
The menu’s Italian, but the room could be right out of a bistro in the Latin Quarter. Tiles, mirrored walls, and bright red bar stools emphasize the comfort factor.
Urban Foodie's patio personality profiles
July 02, 2009
One man’s manna is another man’s muck, and the same can be said about patios. Whether you’re the people-watcher who likes her ahi seared, or the introspective soul who down his reds by the bottle, there is a patio—with plate and plonk to match—for you.
Eight 1/2 not quite a 10, but it could be
June 25, 2009
It’s a quiet, little neighbourhood spot—open just a few months—and has a friendly, unpretentious vibe.
| F E A T U R E D S P O N S O R S |
MORE GREAT SITES
Metronews.ca:
READ THE PRINT
EDITION ONLINE:
EDITION ONLINE:
Copyright 2001-2012, Free Daily News Group Inc.