2017 – 5th Annual Chocolate Challenge – Gournet warehouse

This April 27th at 6:30 the Gourmet warehouse hosts the ever popular Chocolate Challenge. 

This worthy event is not simply a reason to get together and eat Chocolate (though that is a side benefit) but rather a ongoing generous effort to support the community and the kids. 

The focus on ensuring that the local children can Have access to healthy food in the weekends supplementing there school food programs – the Strathcona Back Pack Program now feeds over 350 kids / families every week.

Click here for the website
The second program and one that theory that I completely subscribe to is Project Chef – this is a school program that is aimed at teaching kids how to cook and enjoy nutritious meals. This enables the kids how to make good choices and gives them the tools and confidence how to prepare their own great dishes. 

Teach our kids to eat and create a healthier society! 

Some of our top pastry chef / chocolatiers will be offering you a taste of their talented culinary magic and submitting their creation for your vote! 

This list includes 

Barefoot Bistro

Chez Christophe

Greg Hook – Choclate Arts

Peter Fong – Ganache Patisserie 

Okanagan College 

Purdy’s Chocolate 

Steve Hodge – Temper Pastry 

Thomas Haas 

With other tasty goodies and sips from Earnest Ice cream, the Preservatory, Stumptown coffe, Tacimo, Tartine Tarta, Terra Breads and Yorkshire tea.

If that isn’t enough you have access to great deals at Vancouvers own Culinary Disneyland at your disposal! 

I promise you that this is a great event and full of great flavors with good company! 

Buy your tickets here and support a great cause

You gotta try this! 

Cinco De Mayo

Happy Cinco De Mayo ! 

Although most of my Mexican friends say that Cinco De Mayo is really a day to celebrate created by the rest of North America and not really the same celebration in Mexico (though it is a day off from work!) it is a good reason to enjoy good food, good chocolate (thank you to the Mayan Culture for Chocolate!) and great coffee with friends!

Enjoy the fantastic celebrations & libations of the day but be safe safe and take care of your friends! 

Look for the special treats offered around Vancouver and share with us the great treats that you find! Pictures would be great and I will share them with a follow up post! 

Here are a few pictures of great things to search out:

And don’t for get the chocolate terrine or cafe! 

Have a great day! happy Cinco De Mayo! 

McHappy Day

Happy McHappy Day  everyone! 

Please get out today or online and  support this great cause. The proceeds from the sale of Big Macs and hot coffees / happy meals go towards the Ronald McDonald House Charities and bring more joy to families through the toughest time one could ever imagine. 

Even if you aren’t a fast food lover the cause is bigger than that and you could donate directly if that is your wish through the link below.

Click here to donate on the McDonalds site
This cause can’t be underestimated as the dollars generated go directly to where it says! The Ronald Macdonald House Charities 

Support the cause please and bring comfort to those who most need it at a terribly challenging time in children and families lives. 

“You Gotta do this!”

Carrot Cake – so delicious

Happy Saturday great foodie friends, it’s has been a long time since my last posting but sometimes life hops in the way.

I tried making this carrot cake today – it’s a play off the “Southern Living” recipe also kown as the best carrot cake.

It’s all about the love that you put into baking and staying as true to the recipe as possible. 

What you will need: 

   
 Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 large eggs

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups grated carrot

1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

1 (3 1/2-ounce) can flaked coconut

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

What you will do:

Line 3 (9-inch) round cakepans with wax paper; lightly grease and flour wax paper. Set pans aside.

Stir together first 4 ingredients.
Beat eggs and next 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add flour mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Fold in carrot and next 3 ingredients. Pour batter into prepared cakepans.
Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Drizzle Buttermilk Glaze evenly over layers; cool in pans on wire racks 15 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.

Buttermilk Glaze

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

What you will do:

Put all the ingredients into a good sauce pan (larger as it expands) heat on medium until a slow boil for approx 4 mins. while stirring often. Take off the heat and add in the vanilla and stir.

   

 
 Cream Cheese Frosting  

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

3 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I used Vanilla bean paste instead) 

Preparation
Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth.

   
 
And ice carefully 

  

For an added treat chop up some pistachios and lightly press them around the outside for that little extra wow

After you have finished, cover keep in the fridge. I promise it won’t last long! 

“You Gotta Try This!” 

Top 10 Recipes Googled in 2015- according to Food Network and a Happy New year!

First I wanted to thank you for following Bcfoodieblogger and wish the happiest New Years and a healthy and prosporous 2016! 

I just wanted to share this posting from Food Network and Google. Some recipes make sense that they were the most searched and some didn’t make as much sense but then we really must think about worldwide culinary thoughts and not just our little but most delicious culinary dinseyland called Vancouver and the Lowermainland.

Most googled recipes in 2015 -click here
What were the most-searched recipes on Google this year? The powerful search engine has unveiled the results of the top 10 recipes that users have been searching for. You may be surprised by the results — and you’d never guess what tops the list as 2015’s most-Googled recipe!

1. Apple Roses

Google users were obsessed with this year’s most-searched recipe, in which thin apple slices are arranged to resemble the petals of a rose within puff pastry, and then baked to golden-brown perfection to result in a delicate, delicious dessert that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

  
2. Rice Krispies Squares

Rice Krispie squares remain an easy-to-make, kid-friendly treat, so it shouldn’t be surprising that recipes for this popular snack were Google’s #2 search in 2015, with the Internet serving up a nearly endless supply of variations. Among them, this spectacular version that adds peanut butter and chocolate to the mix.

  
3. Osso Bucco

Don’t try to figure out why the third most popular Google search was for Osso Bucco recipes, as this iconic Italian dish is apparently more popular than ever. In this recipe, Chef Ricardo Larrivée gussies up this classic favourite by adding the sweetness of orange and prunes.

  
4. Chili

Everybody loves a bowl of hearty chili, and Internet users searched up a storm looking for recipes. If you’re looking to cook up a pot of zesty chili, you won’t go wrong with this spicy and savoury recipe from Bobby Flay.

Get the recipe for Bobby Flay’s Red Beef Chili.

  
5. Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise sauce is apparently making a comeback, judging by its status according to Google searches, and Chef Michael Smith offers up his version of this creamy classic, which he uses to top gently steamed asparagus.
Get the recipe for Michael Smith’s Asparagus Hollandaise.

  
6. Puffed Wheat Squares

Puffed wheat squares are a kid-approved favourite that don’t require a whole lot of effort to make, and Google has numerous recipes to provide such as this easy-to-follow recipe.
Get the recipe for Puffed Wheat Squares.

  

7. Spaghetti Bolognese

One of the most iconic Italian pasta dishes out there, spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty crowd-pleaser that is always welcome on the dinner table. No need to Google when you can use this authentic Bolognese recipe from Chuck Hughes.
Get the recipe for Chuck Hughes’ Bolognese.

  
8. Beer Can Burger

Following in the tradition of beer can chicken, the latest beer can barbecue craze involves pressing an aluminum can into a huge, baseball-sized sphere of ground meat (a half-pound or more), with the resulting indentation used as a vessel to stuff cheese, bacon or whatever toppings you like before grilling it up.
Get the recipe for Smoked Beer Can Burgers.

  
9. Lasagna

Lasagna remains a go-to staple for busy families, a casserole-like pasta dish that everyone loves and, as a bonus, can be prepared ahead of time and then heated up for dinner. If anyone knows a thing or two about cooking an amazing lasagna, it’s Giada de Laurentiis, who adds the rich, sweet flavour of butternut squash to her recipe.
Get the recipe for Giada de Laurentiis’ Butternut Squash Lasagna.

  

10. Mashed Potatoes

It seems as if 2015 was the year that everybody wanted to spice up their mashed potatoes, whether it was for Thanksgiving or simply to serve up a more creative version of this popular side. In this recipe, Ree Drummond gets back to the basics with her creamy, whipped version of savoury spuds.
Get the recipe for Ree Drummond’s Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

  
Click on the Food Network link above for the original article and link to the recipes.

 Make 2016 a year when you challenge yourself in the kitchen to try new recipes, make them your own and share a meal with family and friends. Remember that the Kitchen table is where we sit and share and is the second heart and soul of the home to your mothers. Sharing a meal connects us and helps us bond, and it has been that way since the beginning of time.

Have fun tonight, enjoy your transition from 2015 to 2016 and stay safe…find a ride home if you need to and wake up tomorrow with a refreshed outlook on the start of a new year.

Thank you again for following my blog and I hope to bring you more reasons to continue next year. Anyone interested in a new “E-cookbook”? 

Cheers. 

Rustic Artichoke stuffed pasta shells

Happy Friday great foodie friends.

As fall arrives so does the memories of comfort foods & fall flavors. From savory soups, braised ribs and of course filled pastas. 

Today we look at a perfect heartwarming filled shell pasta! 

Makes 24 stuffed shells

  
Ingredients

1-16 oz box jumbo shell pasta

Your favorite tomato pasta sauce

2 – 15 oz containers ricotta cheese

14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and rustically chopped.

1/2 lb lean browned ground beef (I also love to use ground veal mixed in with my ground beef, it makes it extra rich and flavorful) 

1 cup diced red or sweet onion

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

8 oz shredded fresh mozzarella cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons dry parsley flakes

1 large egg, slightly beaten

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Parmigiana cheese

 Directions

Mix the ricotta, egg, salt, pepper and parsley in a large bowl.

Fold in the artichoke pieces and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

  
Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Boil the jumbo pasta shells following the directions on the box. Drain well and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

  
Add your olive oil to your favorite pan then add in your diced onion and soften. Brown the ground beef and the minced garlic and let cool once browned. 

Now mix the ricotta mixture with the cooled ground beef and set aside.

  
Warm up your tomato sauce in another pan and heat through. Then remove from the heat.

Spread 1 cup of sauce into the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish.

  
Fill each jumbo shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta / ground beef mixture and place seam up into the baking dish.

Repeat until you run out of ricotta/beef mixture.

Spread the remaining sauce over the top of the stuffed pasta shells.

** A little added fun! Make your favorite garlic parm cream sauce and drizzle over the top as well for some added flavor! 

  
Now cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the ricotta filling is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Remove baking dish from the oven and sprinkle 1 to 1/2 cups of the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells and dust with Parmigina cheese.

  
Recover with aluminum foil and return to the oven for 10 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Serve this perfect fall dinner with your favorite garlic bread and salad and maybe even the perfect sip of vino.

Enjoy! 

You Gotta Try This! 

18th Annual 2015 Golden Plates Readers Choice Awards – Georgia Straight

  

Happy Wednesday great foodie friends, here is the 18th Annual readers choice awards brought to us from the Georgia Straight and really ulitmately you the readers. 

Enjoy and use this list next time you are wondering where to head out for a great meal!

Click here for the complete list

• THINGS TO DO

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Golden Plates 2015 Winners

SHARED 2.4k

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GOLDEN PLATES WINNERS

Best Chef

1. David Hawksworth (Hawksworth Restaurant)
2. Rob Feenie (Cactus Club Cafe)
3. Vikram Vij (Vij’s, Rangoli, and My Shanti)

Best restaurant overall

1. Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty
2. Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia
3. Vij’s, 1480 W. 11th

Best fine dining

1. Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia
2. Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty
3. Bishop’s, 2183 W. 4th
3. Le Crocodile, 100–909 Burrard

Best mid-price restaurant

1. Fable, 1944 W. 4th
2. Les Faux Bourgeois, 663 E. 15th
3. Burgoo, Various locations

Best budget restaurant

1. White Spot, Various locations
2. La Taqueria, Various locations
3. Hawker’s Delight, 4127 Main St

Best hotel restaurant

1. Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia
2. YEW seafood + bar, 791 W. Georgia
3. Tableau Bar Bistro, 1181 Melville

Best hotel café

1. Bel Cafe, 801 W. Georgia
2. giovane café + wine bar, 1038 Canada Place
3. Café Pacifica, 300–999 Canada Place

Best resort restaurant

1. The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn, 500 Osprey Lane, Tofino
2. Araxi Restaurant + Bar, 4222 Village Square, Whistler
3. The Wildflower Restaurant at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, 4599 Chateau Blvd., Whistler

Best casino for eats

1. River Rock Casino, 8811 River Rd., Richmond
2. Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, 2080 United Blvd., Richmond
3. Edgewater Casino, 311-750 Pacific Blvd. S.

Best view restaurant

1. The Boathouse Restaurant, Various locations
2. Seasons in the Park, Queen Elizabeth Park (West 33rd Avenue at Cambie Street)
3. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations
3. Salmon House on the Hill, 2229 Folkestone Way, West Van

Best restaurant considered a Vancouver legend

1. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, 777 Thurlow
2. Bishop’s, 2183 W. 4th
3. Hy’s Encore Vancouver, 637 Hornby

Best restaurant interior design

1. Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty
2. Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia
3. Homer St. Cafe and Bar, 898 Homer

Best restaurant atmosphere

1. Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty
2. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations
3. Alibi Room, 157 Alexander

Best restaurant service

1. Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia
2. Bishop’s, 2183 W. 4th
3. YEW seafood + bar, 791 W. Georgia

Best use of local ingredients

1. Fable, 1944 W. 4th
2. Forage, 1300 Robson
2. Farmer’s Apprentice, 1535 W. 6th
3. Edible Canada, 1596 Johnston, Granville Island

Best restaurant for a working lunch

1. Tableau Bar Bistro, 1181 Melville
2. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations
3. Meat & Bread, Various locations

Most romantic restaurant

1. Seasons in the Park, Queen Elizabeth Park (West 33rd Avenue at Cambie Street)
2. Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty
3. The Teahouse, 7501 Stanley Park Dr.

Best kid-friendly restaurant

1. White Spot, Various locations
2. Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co., Various locations
3. McDonald’s

Best place for food on campus

1. Mahony & Sons Public House, Various locations
2. Pie R Squared, 6138 Student Union Blvd., UBC
3. The Delly, 6138 Student Union Blvd., UBC

Best catering company

1. The Lazy Gourmet, 1605 W. 5th
2. The Butler Did It Catering, 620 Clark Drive
3. Culinary Capers Catering, 1545 W. 3rd

Best chain restaurant

1. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations
2. Earls Restaurant, Various locations
3. White Spot, Various locations

Best eatery with live entertainment

1. East is East, Various locations
2. Federico’s Supper Club, 1728 Commercial
3. Libra Room, 1608 Commercial

Best pre-theatre restaurant

1. Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty
2. Homer St. Cafe and Bar, 898 Homer
3. Cibo Trattoria, 900 Seymour
3. West, 2881 Granville

Best pre-game restaurant

1. Library Square Public House, 300 W. Georgia
2. Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty
3. The Pint, 455 Abbott

Best restaurant for watching the game

1. Boston Pizza, Various locations
2. Earls Restaurant, Various locations
3. The Pint, 455 Abbott

Best restaurant for people-watching

1. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations
2. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, 777 Thurlow
3. Tap & Barrel Restaurant, Various locations

Best restaurant for a birthday celebration

1. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations
2. Keg Steakhouse & Bar, Various locations
3. Red Robin, Various locations

Best restaurant for lingering over dinner

1. Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty
2. YEW seafood + bar, 791 W. Georgia
3. Nomad, 3950 Main

Restaurant with the hottest staff/servers

1. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations
2. Earls Restaurant, Various locations
3. Joey Restaurants, Various locations

Best restaurant Twitter feed

1. Fable – @FableKitchen
2. YEW seafood + bar – @FSVancouver
3. Granville Room – @GranvilleRoom

Best restaurant Instagram feed

1. Fable – @FableKitchen
2. Earls Restaurant – @EarlsRestaurant
3. Tableau Bar Bistro – @TableauBarBistro

Best restaurant patio

1. Dockside, 1253 Johnston, Granville Island
2. Tap & Barrel Restaurant, Various locations
3. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Best restaurant in which to hang out on a rainy day

1. Burgoo, Various locations
2. The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th
3. Café Medina, 780 Richards

Best restaurant in which to hang out on a sunny day

1. Local Public Eatery, 2210 Cornwall
2. Tap & Barrel Restaurant, Various locations
3. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Best restaurant for a first date with somebody you met online

1. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations
2. Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty
3. Tableau Bar Bistro, 1181 Melville

Best restaurant for a 3 a.m. meal

1. The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th
2. Denny’s Restaurant, Various locations
3. Lucy’s Eastside Diner, 2708 Main

Best restaurant to cure a hangover

1. Denny’s Restaurant, Various locations
2. Bon’s Off Broadway, 2451 Nanaimo
3. Yolk’s Restaurant & Commissary, 1298 East Hastings Street

Best all-you-can-eat restaurant

1. Shabusen Yakiniku House, 202-755 Burrard
2. River Rock Casino, 8811 River Rd., Richmond
3. Tomokazu Japanese Restaurant, 201–1128 W. Broadway

Best hole-in-the-wall

1. Bon’s Off Broadway, 2451 Nanaimo
2. Hawker’s Delight, 4127 Main St
3. Peaceful Restaurant, Various locations

Best food truck

1. Tacofino, Various locations
2. Mom’s Grilled Cheese, Mobile locations
3. Vij’s, 1480 W. 11th

Best food court

1. Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway
2. Pacific Centre, 701 W. Georgia
3. Richmond Centre, 6551 No 3 Rd., Richmond

Best takeout/delivery

1. Noodlebox, Various locations
2. Panago, Various locations
3. Peaceful Restaurant, Various locations

Best pastry bakery

1. Beaucoup Bakery & Café , 2150 Fir
2. Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie, Various locations
3. Thierry, 1059 Alberni

Best bread bakery

1. Terra Breads, Various locations
2. Cobs Bread, Various locations
3. Purebread, 159 W. Hastings

Best gluten-free bakery

1. Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery, 3385 Cambie
2. East Village Bakery, 2166 East Hastings Street
3. The Gluten Free Epicurean, 633 E. 15th

Best specialty food store

1. Whole Foods Market, Various locations
2. The Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 E. Hastings
3. Bosa Foods, Various locations

Best picnic supplier

1. Whole Foods Market, Various locations
2. The Dirty Apron Cooking School & Delicatessen, 540 Beatty
3. Oyama Sausage Company, 126–1689 Johnston, Granville Island

Best deli

1. Oyama Sausage Company, 126–1689 Johnston, Granville Island
2. Santa Barbara Market, 1322 Commercial
3. La Grotta Del Formaggio, 1791 Commercial

Best butcher

1. Windsor Quality Meats, 4110 Main Street
2. Jackson’s Meats and Deli, 2214 W. 4th
3. Big Lou’s Butcher Shop, 269 Powell

Best seafood store

1. The Daily Catch Seafood Company, Various locations
2. The Fish Counter, 3825 Main
3. 7 Seas Fish Co., Various locations

Best specialty cheese store

1. Les Amis du Fromage, Various locations
2. Benton Brothers Fine Cheese, Various locations
3. La Grotta Del Formaggio, 1791 Commercial

Best grocery store café

1. Whole Foods Market, Various locations
2. Urban Fare, Various locations
3. Le Marché St. George, 4393 St. George
3. Meinhardt Fine Foods, 3002 Granville

Best retro café/grocer

1. Le Marché St. George, 4393 St. George
2. Harvest Community Foods, 243 Union
3. The Mighty Oak, 198 W. 18th

Best retro diner

1. Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe, 2095 W. 4th
2. The Templeton, 1087 Granville
3. Lucy’s Eastside Diner, 2708 Main

Best farmers market

1. Trout Lake Farmers Market, North parking lot of John Hendry Park
2. Kitsilano
3. Nat Bailey Winter Market

Best cooking store

1. Ming Wo, Various locations
2. The Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 E. Hastings
3. Cookworks, Various locations

Best professional culinary school

1. Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, 101–1505 W. 2nd Ave.
2. Vancouver Community College, 250 W. Pender
3. Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, 2725 Main Street

Best place for casual cooking classes

1. The Dirty Apron Cooking School & Delicatessen, 540 Beatty
2. The Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 E. Hastings
3. Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks, 1740 West 2nd Avenue

Best culinary walking tour company

1. Off the Eaten Track
2. Vancouver Foodie Tours
3. Taste Vancouver Food Tours

Best neighbourhood for restaurants

1. Gastown
2. Kitsilano 
3. Main Street

Best new restaurant

1. Ask for Luigi, 305 Alexander
2. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, 845 Burrard
2. Nomad, 3950 Main
3. Blacktail Restaurant + Lounge, 200–332 Water
3. Farmer’s Apprentice, 1535 W. 6th

Best new restaurant outside Vancouver

1. My Shanti, 15869 Croydon Drive, Surrey
2. Wolf in the Fog, 150 Fourth St., Tofino
3. Kazu Japanese Restaurant (Burnaby), 4332 Hastings St., Burnaby
3. Wooden Spoon (White Rock), 15171 Russell Ave., White Rock

Best Burnaby restaurant

1. The Pear Tree Restaurant, 4120 E. Hastings St., Burnaby
2. Anton’s Pasta Bar, 4260 East Hastings St., Burnaby
3. Horizons, 100 Centennial Way, Burnaby

Best North Shore restaurant

1. Beach House at Dundarave Pier, 150 25th St., West Van
1. Salmon House on the Hill, 2229 Folkestone Way, West Van
2. Arms Reach Bistro, 4390 Gallant Ave., North Van
2. Fishworks, 91 Lonsdale Ave., North Van
3. Burgoo, 3 Lonsdale Ave., North Van

Best Richmond restaurant

1. Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant, 140-3866 Bayview St., Richmond
2. Gudrun, 150–3500 Moncton St., Steveston
3. Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant, 102–4940 No. 3 Rd., Richmond

Best Surrey, Delta, White Rock, and Langley restaurant

1. My Shanti, 15869 Croydon Drive, Surrey
2. Tap Restaurant, 15350 34 Ave., Surrey
3. Central City Brew Pub + Restaurant, 13450 102nd Ave., Surrey

Best New Westminster, Port Moody, Coquitlam or Port Coquitlam restaurant

1. Wild Rice, 122–810 Quayside Dr., New West
2. Longtail Kitchen, 116-810 Quayside Dr., New West
3. Re-Up BBQ, 114–810 Quayside Dr., New West

Best Whistler restaurant

1. Araxi Restaurant + Bar, 4222 Village Square, Whistler
2. Bearfoot Bistro, 4121 Village Green, Whistler
3. RimRock Cafe, 2117 Whistler Rd., Whistler

Best African

1. Simba’s Grill, 825 Denman
2. Harambe Ethiopian Restaurant, 2149 Commercial Dr.
3. Red Sea Café and Restaurant, 670 E. Broadway

Best Chinese (Cantonese)

1. Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant, Various locations
2. Kirin Seafood Restaurant, Various locations
3. Hon’s Wun-Tun House, Various locations

Best Chinese (Shanghainese + northern style)

1. Peaceful Restaurant, Various locations
2. Shanghai River, 7831 Westminster Hwy., Richmond
3. Lin Chinese Cuisine and Tea House, 1537 W. Broadway

Best Chinese (Taiwanese + other)

1. Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle, Various locations
2. Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie, 163 Keefer
3. Szechuan ChongQing, Various locations

Best Continental

1. Le Crocodile, 100–909 Burrard
2. Tableau Bar Bistro, 1181 Melville
3. Homer St. Cafe and Bar, 898 Homer

Best Eastern European/Russian

1. Ukrainian Village Restaurant, 815 Denman
2. Balkan House, 7530 Edmonds St., Burnaby
3. Bernie’s Balkan Kitchen, 3484 Kingsway

Best Philippine

1. Pinpin Restaurant, 6113 Fraser
2. Max’s Restaurant, 3546 Kingsway
3. Goldilocks Bakeshop, Various locations

Best French

1. Le Crocodile, 100–909 Burrard
2. Les Faux Bourgeois, 663 E. 15th
3. L’Abattoir, 217 Carrall
3. Tableau Bar Bistro, 1181 Melville

Best German

1. Vancouver Alpen Club, 4875 Victoria
2. Bestie, 105 E. Pender
3. Jägerhof, 71 Lonsdale Avenue, North Van

Best Greek

1. Stepho’s Souvlaki Greek Taverna, Various locations
2. Kalamata Greek Taverna, 1481 W. Broadway
3. Takis’ Taverna, 1106 Davie

Best North Indian

1. Vij’s, 1480 W. 11th
2. Raga Restaurant, 1177 W. Broadway
3. Indian Oven, 2006 W. 4th

Best South Indian

1. House of Dosas, 1391 Kingsway
2. Chutney Villa, 147 E. Broadway
3. Madras Dosa House, 5656 Fraser

Best Italian

1. Ask for Luigi, 305 Alexander
2. Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca, 1133 and 1129 Hamilton St. 
3. La Quercia, 3689 W. 4th

Best Japanese

1. Tojo’s, 1133 W. Broadway
2. Miku Restaurant, 70–200 Granville
3. Guu, Various locations

Best Korean

1. Damso Modern Korean Cuisine, 867 Denman
2. Sura Korean Royal Cuisine, Various locations
3. Jang Mo Jib, Various locations

Best Latin American

1. Baru Latino Restaurante, 2535 Alma
2. Chicha, 136 E. Broadway
3. Cuchillo, 261 Powell

Best Caribbean

1. The Reef, Various locations
2. Calabash Bistro, 428 Carrall
3. Havana, 1212 Commercial

Best Lebanese

1. Nuba Restaurant and Café Nuba, Various locations
2. Jamjar, 2280 Commercial Dr.
3. Saj&Co, 813 Davie St.

Best Malaysian

1. Banana Leaf, Various locations
2. Kaya Malay Bistro, 1063 W. Broadway
3. Tamarind Hill, Various locations
3. Tropika, Various locations

Best Mediterranean

1. Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca, 1133 and 1129 Hamilton St. 
2. Provence, Various locations
3. Nuba Restaurant and Café Nuba, Various locations

Best Mexican

1. Las Margaritas Restaurante y Cantina, 1999 W. 4th
2. La Taqueria, Various locations
3. La Mezcalaria, 1622 Commercial

Best Middle Eastern

1. Afghan Horsemen, 202-1833 Anderson, Granville Island
2. Nuba Restaurant and Café Nuba, Various locations
3. East is East, Various locations

Best Pacific Northwest

1. Bishop’s, 2183 W. 4th
2. Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar, 1095 Hamilton
3. West, 2881 Granville

Best Persian

1. Cazba Restaurant, Various locations
2. Afghan Horsemen, 202-1833 Anderson, Granville Island
3. Zeitoon, Various locations

Best Portuguese

1. Casa Verde, 3532 Commercial St.
2. Nando’s, Various locations
3. Chefe Daniel Flavours of Portugal, 2268 Kingsway
3. Portuguese Club of Vancouver, 1144 Commercial

Best Spanish

1. España, 1118 Denman
2. The Sardine Can, 26 Powell
3. Bin 941, 941 Davie

Best Thai

1. Maenam, 1938 W. 4th
2. Bob Likes Thai Food, Various locations
3. Green Basil Thai Restaurant, 4623 Kingsway, Burnaby

Best Singaporean

1. Kaya Malay Bistro, 1063 W. Broadway
2. Banana Leaf, Various locations
3. Tropika, Various locations

Best Vietnamese

1. Pho Hoang Vietnamese Restaurant, 3388 Main
2. Phnom Penh Restaurant, 244 E. Georgia
3. Pho Tan Vietnamese Restaurant, Various locations

Best breakfast

1. Café Medina, 780 Richards
2. Yolk’s Restaurant & Commissary, 1298 East Hastings Street
3. Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe, 2095 W. 4th

Best bagel

1. Solly’s Bagelry, Various locations
2. Siegel’s Bagels, Various locations
3. Rosemary Rocksalt, Various locations

Best brunch

1. Café Medina, 780 Richards
2. Fable, 1944 W. 4th
3. Yolk’s Restaurant & Commissary, 1298 East Hastings Street

Best appetizers

1. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations
2. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, 845 Burrard
3. YEW seafood + bar, 791 W. Georgia

Best burger

1. Romer’s Burger Bar, Various locations
2. Vera’s Burger Shack, Various locations
3. White Spot, Various locations

Best veggie burger

1. The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th
2. White Spot, Various locations
3. Vera’s Burger Shack, Various locations

Best comfort food

1. Burgoo, Various locations
2. White Spot, Various locations
3. The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th

Best pub food

1. The Irish Heather Gastropub, 210 Carrall Street
2. The Fat Badger, 1616 Alberni
3. The Charles Bar, 136 W. Cordova

Best bistro

1. Tableau Bar Bistro, 1181 Melville
2. Bistro Pastis, 2153 W. 4th
3. Burgoo, Various locations

Best diner

1. Lucy’s Eastside Diner, 2708 Main
2. The Templeton, 1087 Granville
3. Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe, 2095 W. 4th

Best tapas

1. España, 1118 Denman
2. The Sardine Can, 26 Powell
3. Bin 941, 941 Davie

Best wings

1. Wings Tap & Grill, Various locations
2. Phnom Penh Restaurant, 244 E. Georgia
3. Earls Restaurant, Various locations

Best barbecue

1. Memphis Blues Barbeque House, Various locations
2. Peckinpah, 2 Water
3. Re-Up BBQ, 114–810 Quayside Dr., New West

Best fries

1. Belgian Fries, 1885 Commercial
1. McDonald’s
2. Fritz European Fry House, 718 Davie
3. Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Various locations

Best poutine

1. Fritz European Fry House, 718 Davie
2. La Belle Patate, 1215 Davie
3. Belgian Fries, 1885 Commercial

Best tacos

1. La Taqueria, Various locations
2. Tacofino, Various locations
3. Bandidas Taqueria, 2781 Commercial

Best fish and chips

1. Go Fish, 1505 W. 1st
2. The Fish Counter, 3825 Main
3. Pajo’s, Various locations

Best hot pot

1. Fatty Cow Seafood Hot Pot, 5108 Victoria
2. Landmark Hot Pot House, 4023 Cambie
3. Po Kong Vegetarian Restaurant, 1334 Kingsway

Best seafood

1. Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar, 1095 Hamilton
2. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, 777 Thurlow
3. Rodney’s Oyster House, Various locations

Best fish/shellfish

1. Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar, 1095 Hamilton
2. Rodney’s Oyster House, Various locations
3. YEW seafood + bar, 791 W. Georgia

Best pizza by the slice

1. Flying Wedge Pizza, Various locations
2. Uncle Fatih’s Pizza, Various locations
3. FreshSlice, Various locations

Best pizza takeout/delivery

1. Panago, Various locations
2. Pizzeria Farina, 915 Main
3. Uncle Fatih’s Pizza, Various locations

Best pizzeria

1. Nicli Antica Pizzeria, 62 E. Cordova
1. Via Tevere, 1190 Victoria
2. Pizzeria Farina, 915 Main
3. Pizzeria Barbarella, 654 E. Broadway

Best steak

1. Keg Steakhouse & Bar, Various locations
2. Hy’s Encore Vancouver, 637 Hornby
3. Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar, 615 Seymour

Best chicken

1. Homer St. Cafe and Bar, 898 Homer
2. Nando’s, Various locations
3. Zabu Chicken, 1635 Robson

Best sushi

1. Miku Restaurant, 70–200 Granville
2. Tojo’s, 1133 W. Broadway
3. Toshi Sushi, 181 E. 16th

Best izakaya

1. Hapa Izakaya, Various locations
2. Guu, Various locations
3. Kingyo Izakaya, 871 Denman

Best ramen

1. Kintaro Ramen, 788 Denman
2. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, 1690 Robson
3. Motomachi Shokudo, 740 Denman

Best noodles

1. Peaceful Restaurant, Various locations
2. Noodlebox, Various locations
3. Legendary Noodle House, 1074 Denman

Best dim sum

1. Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant, Various locations
2. Kirin Seafood Restaurant, Various locations
3. Pink Pearl Chinese Restaurant, 1132 E. Hastings

Best salads

1. Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations
2. Tractor Everyday Healthy Foods, Various locations
3. Whole Foods Market, Various locations

Best sandwiches

1. Meat & Bread, Various locations
2. Finch’s Tea & Coffee House, 353 W. Pender
3. Hubbub Sandwich Bliss, Various locations

Best soups

1. liquids + solids café & market, Various locations
2. Burgoo, Various locations
3. The Stock Market, 1689 Johnston, Granville Island

Best wraps

1. Steamrollers, Various locations
2. The Pita Pit, Various locations
2. WrapZone, Various locations
3. Budgie’s Burritos, 44 Kingsway

Best vegetarian

1. The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th
2. The Acorn, 3995 Main
3. Heirloom Vegetarian, 1509 W. 12th

Most vegan-friendly

1. The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th
2. The Acorn, 3995 Main
3. Graze, 3980 Fraser

Best gluten-free dining

1. The Wallflower Modern Diner, 2420 Main
2. Graze, 3980 Fraser
3. The Juice Truck, Various locations

Best organic dining

1. Aphrodite’s Organic Café & Pie Shop, 3605 W. 4th
2. Graze, 3980 Fraser
3. Burdock & Co., 2702 Main

Best desserts

1. True Confections, Various locations
2. Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie, Various locations
3. Thierry, 1059 Alberni

Best ice cream/gelato/frozen yogurt

1. Bella Gelateria, Various locations
2. Earnest Ice Cream, 3992 Fraser
3. Mario’s Gelati, 88 East 1st Avenue

Best chocolate shop

1. Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie, Various locations
2. Purdy’s Chocolates, Various locations
3. Chocolate Arts, 1620 W. 3rd Ave.

Best doughnut shop

1. Cartems Donuterie, 534 W. Pender St. 
2. Lucky’s Doughnuts, Various locations
3. Lee’s Donuts, 122–1689 Johnston, Granville Island

Best restaurant wine list (B.C.)

1. Tap & Barrel Restaurant, Various locations
2. YEW seafood + bar, 791 W. Georgia
3. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, 845 Burrard

Best restaurant wine list (imported)

1. Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia
2. Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty
3. Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca, 1133 and 1129 Hamilton St. 

Best B.C. wine/winery (red)

1. Burrowing Owl, 500 Burrowing Owl Pl., Oliver
2. Mission Hill Family Estate, 1730 Mission Hill Road, West Kelowna
3. Painted Rock, 400 Smythe Drive, Penticton

Best B.C. wine/winery (white)

1. JoieFarm Winery, 2825 Naramata Road, Naramata
2. Blasted Church, 378 Parsons Road, Okanagan Falls
3. Mission Hill Family Estate, 1730 Mission Hill Road, West Kelowna
3. Tinhorn Creek, 32830 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver

Best winery/vineyard restaurant

1. The Sonora Room, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, 500 Burrowing Owl Pl., Oliver
2. Miradoro Restaurant, Tinhorn Creek Winery, 537 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver
3. Terrace Restaurant, 1730 Mission Hill Road, West Kelowna

Best wine bar

1. UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar, 900 Seymour
2. Salt Tasting Room, 45 Blood Alley
3. Vancouver Urban Winery, 55 Dunlevy

Best hotel lounge

1. Lobby Lounge and Terrace at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place
2. 1927 Lobby Lounge at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, 801 W. Georgia
3. YEW seafood + bar, 791 W. Georgia

Best bar lounge

1. The Keefer Bar, 135 Keefer
2. Granville Room, 957 Granville
3. Pourhouse, 162 Water

Best bartender

1. Shaun Layton (L’Abattoir)
2. Lauren Mote (Uva)
3. Cooper Tardivel (Hawksworth)
3. David Wolowidnyk (West)

Best restaurant B.C. beer selection

1. Alibi Room, 157 Alexander
2. Craft Beer Market, 85 W. 1st
3. St. Augustine’s Craft Brew House + Kitchen, 2360 Commercial

Best restaurant imported beer selection

1. BierCraft Restaurants, Various locations
2. Craft Beer Market, 85 W. 1st
3. Alibi Room, 157 Alexander

Best restaurant for cocktails

1. Pourhouse, 162 Water
2. The Bimini Public House, 2010 W. 4th
3. L’Abattoir, 217 Carrall
3. The Diamond, 6 Powell

Best restaurant for drink specials

1. The Metropole Community Pub, 320 Abbott
2. Lamplighter Public House, 92 Water
3. The Charles Bar, 136 W. Cordova

Best restaurant for a stiff drink

1. Granville Room, 957 Granville
2. Pourhouse, 162 Water
3. The Blackbird Public House & Oyster Bar, 905 Dunsmuir

Best pub

1. Alibi Room, 157 Alexander
1. Doolin’s, 654 Nelson Street
2. The Irish Heather Gastropub, 210 Carrall Street
3. The Bimini Public House, 2010 W. 4th

Best brewpub restaurant

1. Steamworks, 375 Water
2. Yaletown Brewing Co., 1111 Mainland Street
3. Steel Toad Brewpub & Dining Hall, 97 E. 2nd Ave.

Best university/college pub/lounge

1. Koerner’s Pub, 6371 Crescent Rd., UBC
2. Mahony & Sons Public House, Various locations
3. The Pit Pub, 6138 Student Union Blvd., UBC

Best local distillery

1. Odd Society Spirits, 1725 Powell Street
2. Long Table Distillery, 1451 Hornby St.
3. The Liberty Distillery, 1494 Old Bridge Rd., Granville Island

Best imported beer

1. Stella Artois
2. Guiness
3. Deschutes

Best local brewery

1. Granville Island Brewing, 1441 Cartwright St.
2. Brassneck Brewery, 2148 Main Street
3. Parallel 49, 1950 Triumph Street

Best new brewery

1. Brassneck Brewery, 2148 Main Street
2. Strange Fellows Brewing, 1345 Clark Dr.
3. 33 Acres, 15 W. 8th
3. Main Street Brewing Company, 261 East 7th Avenue

Best brewery tasting room

1. Brassneck Brewery, 2148 Main Street
2. 33 Acres, 15 W. 8th
3. Parallel 49, 1950 Triumph Street

Best locally brewed beer

1. Granville Island Lions Winter Ale, 1441 Cartwright St.
2. Brassneck Brewery Passive Aggressive Pale Ale, 2148 Main Street
2. Parallel 49 Brewing Gypsy Tears Ruby Ale, 1950 Triumph Street
3. Central City’s Red Racer IPA, 11411 Bridgeview Drive, Surrey

Best B.C. beer brewed outside Vancouver

1. Driftwood Brewery Fat Tug IPA
2. Phillips Brewing Blue Buck
3. Whistler Brewing Company Valley Trail Chestnut Ale
3. Hoyne Brewing

Best Canadian beer brewed outside B.C.

1. Steam Whistle Brewing
2. Mill Street
3. Unibroue, 80 Des Carrières Street, Chambly, Québec

Best private wine store

1. Liberty Wine Merchants, Various locations
2. Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba
3. Marquis Wine Cellars, 1034 Davie Street

Best private liquor store

1. Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba
2. Granville Liquor Store, 2658 Granville Street
3. The Brewery Creek Liquor Store, 3045 Main Street

Best private beer store

1. The Brewery Creek Liquor Store, 3045 Main Street
2. Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba
3. Granville Liquor Store, 2658 Granville Street

Best independent coffee shop

1. Revolver Coffee, 325 Cambie Street
2. 49th Parallel, Various locations
3. Matchstick Coffee Roasters, Various locations

Best coffee shop (local chain)

1. JJ Bean Coffee Roasters, Various locations
2. Bean Around the World Coffees, Various locations
3. Caffè Artigiano, Various locations

Best coffee shop (national chain)

1. Starbucks, Various locations
2. Blenz, Various locations
3. Tim Hortons, Various locations

Best fair trade coffee shop

1. Trees Organic Coffee & Roasting House, Various locations
2. Revolver Coffee, 325 Cambie Street
3. 49th Parallel, Various locations

Best tea house

1. The Secret Garden Tea Company, 5559 West Boulevard
2. DAVIDsTEA, Various locations
3. The Urban Tea Merchant, 1070 W. Georgia

Best juice bar

1. The Juice Truck, Various locations
2. Jugo Juice
3. The Juicery Co., Various locations

Best beer festival/event

1. Vancouver Craft Beer Week
2. Hopscotch
3. Brewery & the Beast

Best wine festival/event

1. Vancouver International Wine Fest
2. Naramata Bench Wineries Spring and Fall Events
3. Okanagan Wine Festival

Best food festival/event

1. Eat Vancouver
2. Dine Out Vancouver
3. Food Cart Fest

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Kraft Peanut Butter -Story time

Happy Friday great foodie friends,

As Valentines approaches AOL Canada shared this fantastic Kraft Peanut Butter’s StoryTime from their StickTogether program “BeOn” editorial piece celebrating families and our busy lives.

I promise that this video from the #StickTogether campaign will warm your heart if not make you shed a tear!

Celebrate the glue that sticks us together, mom! With Kraft Peanut Butter’s fantastic campaign to help us all remember how important we are to each other and how we can so easily let life’s busy turns let time pass without realizing or recognizing how it all doesn’t fall apart. Life’s wonder in most families called mom.

Thank you Moms, Kraft Peanut Butter and AOL Canada for reminding us all to #StickTogether by helping this family share their story with us!
click here for the Kraft Storytime video

video

Valentine’s ideas

Hello great foodie friends,

As the days grow closer to the day of Love (albeit a little commercial) planning your valentines should come from the heart and soul rather than from something that will last for a day or two but not stand the test of the soul and the heart in your Loves eyes.

When deciding what to do don’t feel that you have to focus on something so daunting that it adds stress to your day but rather something made from Love and care.
This great molten lava cake from Food network & Patrick and Gene Neely is a start.
molten lava cake recipe – click here

Recipe courtesy of Patrick and Gina Neely

Molten Lava Cakes
Total Time:
50 min
Prep:
35 min
Cook:
15 min
Yield:8 cakes
Level:Easy
Next Recipe
Ingredients
2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more for the ramekins
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Pinch of nutmeg
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting (optional)
6 large eggs plus 6 egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter eight 6-ounce ramekins and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar.

Combine the butter, cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth. Cool slightly. Whisk the flour, confectioners’ sugar, eggs and yolks, vanilla extract and almond extract in a bowl until creamy. Whisk in the melted chocolate mixture. Divide among the prepared ramekins.

Bake the cakes until the tops are stiff and the edges darken, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. Loosen the edges of the cakes with a small paring knife and transfer to plates while warm. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Photograph by Gentl & Hyers

Recipe courtesy The Neelys’ for Food Network Magazine

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/molten-lava-cakes-recipe.html?soc=sitepackagesocial_20150210_40030926&adbid=10152607959246727&adbpl=fb&adbpr=20534666726&oc=linkback

Try this dessert and pair it with a raspberry or multi – berry coulis / sauce with some fresh berries as well topped with fresh whip cream and serve with some Prosecco.

If if your so inclined could you prepare a wonderful dinner? If not use this dessert and the end of the night show stopper coupled with your sweethearts favourite flower! Many valentines start or end with roses, but was this great marketing by the flower industry or really truly your Valentines favourite flower? Better to know and ask if you need to!
I guess the theme of my posting is truly about doing something from the heart rather than bought at a store!
If chocolate isn’t your perfect Valentine sweet treat, why not making a Tiramisu?
Come on folks, it’s one of the most delectable Italian treats and is truly easier than it looks and I promise smiles.

Tiramisu recipe – click here

You can put the Tiramisu into any cup, dish or pan and serve it how you like but if you can find chocolate cups like these it adds a special extra touch.

Last but not least, I have included a link for those of you wanting to spread sweet love but do it as hea,thy as possible…. 8 desserts 80 calories or under

8 desserts 80 calories or under – click here

Happy Valentines to you all

The Top 12 Italian Foods in 2014 – the votes are in!

Happy Saturday great foodie friends…. The holidays are around the corner and thoughts of holiday Flavors are no doubt dancing in your brain, across your tastebuds and tummy! I know these aren’t traditional holiday flavours but aren’t Italian flavours just perfect anytime? I think so.

Thank you to Italian Living .com for posting this vote! I couldn’t look at these photos with out my mouth watering!
Love all things Italian….. Enjoy.
click here for the full article on Italianliving.com

Per the Italian Living article:
More than 700,000 foodies and 5,00 food professionals—including bloggers, chefs, restaurateurs and cooking schools —voted for the twelve most popular Italian foods. Parmigiano Reggiano won 1st with the “King of Cheese” receiving 20% of the votes. This international contest sponsored by the nonprofit group I Love Italian Food http://www.iloveitalianfood.org was conducted online in November 2014, with results released in mid-December.

“This contest made us understand which of our traditional foods are the real ambassadors outside of Italy, “ comments Alessandro Schiatti, founder of I Love Italian Food. Three of the winning foods—Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and Aceto Balsamico, are all from the Emilia-Romagna region, which isn’t surprising as that region has more products that are DOP and IGP ( protected designation of origin) than any other region.

Using these twelve winners, I Love Italian Food will launch a project in January 2015 called 100per100, which will ask twelve of Italy’s top chefs including Heinz Beck, Cristina Bowerman, Moreno Cedroni and Antonella Ricci to create a unique recipe for each.

And the 2014 winners are:

You Gotta Try all of these!