Save on Meats on Hastings

I DO NOT Like this place...tried...cried...not returning!The porridge was nasty four banana slices and a handful of walnuts from the bag...it doesn't seem necessary you could for the same price add a handful more bananas and throw the dang walnuts in the oven for a bit! Just terrible!  The only up is a $4 price tag but come on its just technique it doesn't cost you more to be thoughtful this is a brutal bowl of porridge.  My friend had rubber eggs burnt toast and hollow potatoes...  good thing they have a reality show...that otta pay the bills ...or at least I hope so cause they are waaay missing the mark here

 

Revolver on Cambie between Hastings and Cordova

BEST new coffee joint in the hood!

This place is so fun...they make my coffee addiction look like a past time rather than a conviction :)

I buy all my beans here as the selection is crazy good.  Usually roasted within days before you buy they also will grind them for you if you haven't recently purchased a new kick ass grinder like me :) (Army n Navy on Cordova $29.99 has lots of settings and does an automatic grind)

Enjoy your java friends...if you go to Revolver you're sure to.
All utensils up!!!

Great causes don't come around every day 
(okay they do ... but do they all taste this good ?)

Make a difference. Dine out & support people living with HIV/AIDS

Dining Out For Life is BC’s largest restaurant fundraiser, benefiting A Loving Spoonful and Friends For Life.

Over 215 restaurants from Whistler to White Rock and across the Fraser Valley will contribute 25% of their sales that day to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Participating restaurants from Whistler to White Rock and across the Fraser Valley have raised over $3 million for HIV/AIDS support services over 16 years. Invite your friends & dine out on March 29.

Click Here To Visit Dining Out Site 


:)

Nautical Nellies Steak & Seafood House, Victoria BC

Four utensils up!!!! This place is great!  Love stopping in when on the island :) 

I had the scrumtrulescent crab cakes and my daughter had fantastic halibut fish n chips with homemade broccoli coleslaw.

They totally knocked the crab cakes out of the park....so drooly!!

The service was really great, we went mid afternoon so had the place almost to ourselves...the aromas from the kitchen were so BC good it was a delight just being there!

Others have said this place isn't all its cracked up to be but I disagree, in the decade Ive been going they have managed to stay relevant and up to date in their menu.

Often the classic places like this stalemate and become good but boring (click to see Cardero's review). Nellies on the other hand keeps it fresh tasty and true to the Beautiful seafood us BCers are spoiled to access.

4 utensils all the way up...very nearly perfect :)

YELP reviews

The Snug Cafe 445 Bowen Isld Trnk Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 (604) 947-0402

I am terribly late in this post however the rating on the Snug Cafe is an absolute no brainer.  All utensils up...if I could visit only one more restaurant before I died The Snug cafe would definitely be in the running.

The owner at this family run restaurant is kind and generous as were all his children I met.  Most importantly however, the food is hands down the best in this tiny little island town.

Bowen Island on the whole had a lot to offer and the people were ridiculously friendly and warm.  My daughter and I rendezvoused here for our birthdays and although the first night was excessive on the tequila and copious amounts of fun and laughter, the remaining days consisted of intimate hikes and long walks on the docks...the quality time together was as fantastic as this little jem I stumbled on with my backpack still attached, straight from the boat.

Nestled on the side of the main road moments after departing from the ferry, The Snug has much to offer in way of home cooking however the dish I haven't stop fantasizing of is worth even just a day trip to try (the ferry runs frequently and departs from Horseshoe Bay, the sailing is a mere  20 minutes) is the "world famous porridge" the mouth watering aroma drifts from the steamy bowl and the fruit compote tingles your senses.  Its hands down one of the best dishes I've had this year...dont waste the day...run to Snug Cafe :)  Click here to read more customer reviews about The Snug on YELP

Larry the Cake Guy Mission, BC, Canada

Im giving this guy a shout out...I didn't eat his cake but I marveled at it for hours!!! ok minutes ..  :) check out his blog...pure talent!  Can only give 4 utensils cause I didn't taste it...if you have send me your review :)

Click to view Larry's Blog

Stepho's 1124 Davie St Vancouver, BC V6E1N1

Ok the food doesn't  photograph well but it was awesome!!! 

The vegetarian option however was a bit of a heart attack as you can see...we called it Mt Help us!  On a positive note though I was able to take the leftovers with me on my birthday getaway to a cabin in Harrison Lake ...they lasted me for breakfast lunch and dinner the whole next day lol :)

Service awesome...worth the 20 minute wait to get seated...a Vancouver tradition totally must do!

A must is the Retsina, a traditional Greek wine flavored with pine resin and its to die for ...light and flavorful even those at my party who don't like wine loved it...I actually ended up wearing it when someone knocked the table..:D 

Some of the  above do include meat as my guests were carnivorous ;)

4 utensils up...almost perfect but not quite but oh so close :)

Click for YELP Reviews

Nelson the Seagull on Carrall by Cordova

You have to take this place in! Bring your bike you can park it INSIDE the restaurant :)

I came here with friends visiting from Mexico city ... The bacon on the side is not my dish!! Lol   The poached eggs are flawless every time I recommend the roasted tomato and mushroom add ons,





The bread is baked on site and the espresso is my favorite next to cafe Roma on the drive.





The muesli is made in house served here with almond milk and agave...a very trendy yet entirely humble joint all utensils up!! If I had one last wish then it would be....

Click for more reviews on YELP

Cardero's 1583 Coal Harbour Quay Coal Harbour Vancouver, BC

Hmmmm scallops and salmon very very fishy mind you when your on a date with a fisherman the bar is set very very high :) We both agreed that the vibe in this place hasn't changed in ten years nor has the food or drinks.  While its all good its not the Vantastic it once was.  The scallops were undercooked, the accompanying sauce was bland and pale as was the rice with peas..alot of white on white which in decor is very now but in food is very very booring.  I feel bad to say it though because I know everyone tries so hard and the service was spectacular but the level of creativity and culinary mastery that a foodie who lives in Gastown is privy to sets up arguably an unfair expectation.




The view and ambiance are uber cool with large model planes and the feeling your dining in a classy ship yard with a cluster of gorgeous sail boats and yachts adorning the enormous windows...one has to appreciate it all ....but still the kitchen left us wanting ...oh p.s they were willing to make the chicken noodle dish vegetarian and the flavors were pleasant with a slight kick...not a bad dish...I'd go again but its not my fav...3 utensils up!

Nicli Antica Pizzeria 62 E Cordova St. Vancouver, BC. V6A 1K2 604 669 6985

I realize this is not news to anyone who looooves food but this is the most amazing new joint in the city!  The worst thing about it is its conveniently located half a block from where i live AHHHHH! 

The dough is so so thin and airy and light and not a tummy acher!
 

I ALWAYS get the Margarita because its a veggie choice and its only $13 for the whole dang thing.  

I also ALWAYS pair with a glass of red A-Mano Primitivo

This is a die for joint...and the decor is my fav ... white on white ;P GO HERE NOW! ;) 

Organic Lives 1829 Quebec Street Vancouver, BC V5T 1B1

Not a win win for me but grateful folks like this are around, the concept is sweet and sensitive but you have to be really committed.

The creativity is exceptional...I almost am double thinking the rating.  But I rate this based on my taste and hopefully the narrative matters too.

Don't like the hot chocolate do like the sesame crackers and dips (the platter)the woman serving me initially was very nice but afterward the new server was snobby and short I actually felt awkward ordering more. Than the lady who checked me out was warm and sweet and no wasn't actually "checking me out" lol The tortilla soup was pretty cool literally and figuratively. Nothing like the Oaxaca tortilla soup hot and crunchy and light...this was thick cold but the cilantro and the spice and corn went really really well.

I'd go here again but the hot choc was gritty and tasted like water more than cocoa which at $7 a mug is a bit sad also u gotta wanna sacrifice awesome taste for health on some options which Vancouveriets are often willing to do so ....3 utensils up, I'd go again but it's not my favorite place.

Old Spaghetti Factory 53 Water Street Vancouver

I am not usually a fan of this place
but my sister, niece and daughter came
to visit and its one of the few truly family restaurants in the hood :)

 I was pleasantly impressed with the Thai Curry I had mine on spaghetti with prawns :)  I think if I had a half spoon I would have rated this 3.5 for pure consistency...you always know what to expect and when it comes to taking your whole family out..nieces and babies and all...thats a must!  (plus they give you crayons :)

Little Scarlett had the cheese tortellini, Sophie had a classic spaghetti and tomato sauce :)and my sister had a vegetarian lasagne all in all 3 utensils all the way up! :D

Cafe Du Soleil (604) 254-1145 1393 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC

BEST BREAKFAST IN VANCITY all utensils up! :)

As a vegetarian and someone who likes to reduce gluten where possible this gem and literal "hole in the wall" is by far my favorite spot in Vancouver.  The humble mixture of thoughtful handmade eats and treats sets it apart from all the rest.  Nearly always full the best time to go is an unusual time like a Tuesday at 10:30, weekends are busy but worth it!

BEST Gluten Free Bread BAR NONE!

BEST Veggie sausages as well...handmade and big and delicious..pair them with the miso gravy and fall into breakfast heaven.

Don't confuse this one with the other one.  Click for map
This Cafe Du Soleil is the original and though its tiny its a million light years better :)

Reviews on:

Dine Here 

Yelp

Urban Spoon