Pasta for Italians only!

Happy Monday great foodie friends!

It has been far too long since my last blog post!

This dish is a classic and tasty flavor pow for all who like a little kick of spice.

This dish is one that I have loved for years from a favorite restaurant of mine. Quattro’s or Gusto Di Quattro now.

The dish is known as Spaghetti for Italians only. I used fresh linguine but either Will work.

What you need:

1/2 cup of good olive oil

1 lb Ground Chicken (I like dark meat- so much more flavor!)

2 minced garlic cloves

2 tsp of chili peppers

Salt to taste

4 oz Black beans or black turtle beans

1 tsp of Italian parsley funky chopped

1 cup of tomato sauce – ours was chicken based.

Parmigiano cheese to serve with

What you will do:

Heat up the oil on medium high heat & then add the chicken and start to brown.

At the same time heat up your pasta water and make sure to salt the water! The fresh pasta cools quickly, approx 6-8 mins.

Add in the salt, garlic, parsley and chili flakes and stir to incorporate

Then add in the tomato sauce & stir. Cook for another 5 mins on medium low to blend all the flavors.

Now top with your fresh grated parmigiano cheese (to love cheese is to love life for me!)

This pasta is also great to make your own- you can adjust your spice level or garlic to your liking.

You gotta try this!

2016 Golden Plates – people’s Choice awards

 

Happy Wednesday great foodie friends. It has been some time since my last post but life just sometimes hops in front of passions. That said my family is my passion and I would t change a thing.

This years 19th Annual  Golden Plates awards are out and what I love about them is though we are all not necessarily food critics, we do know what we like and what we don’t! We all spend to much of our honestly made $ to throw it away so we do pay attention to what we like and what we don’t.

This years awards notably have many of my favorites but there are also so many that no one person could ever try them all in one year (well I suppose it’s possible but not probable)

I hope you enjoy!

TO READ TO DO

Golden Plates 2016 Winners

Neighbourhoods

Cuisines From Around the World

Gastronomy

Entertainment & Drinks

All Winners
GOLDEN PLATES WINNERS

Best restaurant overall

Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty

Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia

Forage, 1300 Robson

Best fine dining

Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia

Bishop’s, 2183 W. 4th

Le Crocodile, 100-909 Burrard

Best mid-price restaurant

Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty

The Oakwood Canadian Bistro, 2741 W. 4th

Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Best budget restaurant

La Taqueria, Various locations

The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th

Meet on Main, 4288 Main

Best hotel restaurant

Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia

YEW seafood + bar, 791 W. Georgia

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, 845 Burrard

Best hotel café

Bel Café, 801 W. Georgia

giovane cafe + wine bar, 1038 Canada Place

Beyond Coffee, 1015 Burrard

Best resort restaurant

The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn, 500 Osprey Lane, Tofino

The Great Room, Long Beach Lodge Resort, 1441 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino

The Wildflower Restaurant at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, 4599 Chateau Blvd., Whistler

Best casino for eats

River Rock Casino, 8811 River Rd., Richmond

Edgewater Casino, 760 Pacific Blvd. S

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, 2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam

Best view restaurant

Seasons in the Park, Queen Elizabeth Park (West 33rd Avenue at Cambie Street)

Cactus Club Café, 1790 Beach

Salmon House on the Hill, 2229 Folkestone Way, West Vancouver

Best restaurant considered a Vancouver legend

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, 777 Thurlow

Bishop’s, 2183 W. 4th

White Spot, Various locations

Best restaurant interior design

Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty

Earls Restaurant, Various locations

Best restaurant atmosphere

Earls Restaurant, Various locations

Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty

Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Best restaurant service

Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia

Bishop’s, 2183 W. 4th

Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty

Best use of local ingredients

Edible Canada, 1596 Johnston, Granville Island

Forage, 1300 Robson

Fable, 1944 W. 4th

Most romantic restaurant

Blue Water Cafe, 1095 Hamilton

Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty

Bishop’s, 2183 W. 4th

Adesso Bistro, 1906 Haro

Best kid-friendly restaurant

White Spot, Various locations

Old Spaghetti Factory, Various locations

Tacofino, 2327 E. Hastings

Best place for food on campus

Biercraft Westbrook at UBC, 3340 Shrum Lane, UBC

Mercante Cucina Italiana, 6488 University Boulevard

Doughgirls Comfort Kitchen & Bakeshop, 3322 Shrum Lane

Best catering company

The Lazy Gourmet, 1605 W. 5th

The Butler Did It Catering, 620 Clark Drive

Emelle’s Catering and Westside Kitchen, 177 W. 7th

Best chain restaurant

Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Earls Restaurant, Various locations

White Spot, Various locations

Best restaurant for people-watching

Tap & Barrel Restaurant, Various locations

Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Chill Winston, 3 Alexander

Best restaurant for a birthday celebration

Earls Restaurant, Various locations

Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Nomad, 3950 Main

Best restaurant for lingering over dinner

Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty

Bauhaus Restaurant, 1 W. Cordova

Pourhouse , 162 Water

Best restaurant patio

Dockside, 1253 Johnston, Granville Island

Tap & Barrel Restaurant, Various locations

Bridges Restaurant, 1696 Duranleau, Granville Island

Best restaurant in which to hang out on a rainy day

Burgoo, 3 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver

Earls Restaurant, Various locations

Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Best restaurant in which to hang out on a sunny day

Local Public Eatery, 2210 Cornwall

Tap & Barrel Restaurant, Various locations

Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Earls Restaurant, Various locations

Best restaurant for a first date with somebody you met online

33 Acres Brewing Company, 15 W. 8th

The Flying Pig, Various locations

Torafuku, 958 Main

Best restaurant for a 3 a.m. meal

The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th

Denny’s Restaurant, Various locations

Lucy’s Eastside Diner, 2708 Main

Best restaurant to cure a hangover

Denny’s Restaurant, Various locations

Yolk’s Restaurant & Commissary, 1298 East Hastings Street

Joe’s Grill, Various locations

Best all-you-can-eat restaurant

Shabusen Yakiniku House, 202-755 Burrard

New India Buffet & Restaurant, 805 W. Broadway

Tomokazu Japanese Restaurant, 201-1128 W. Broadway

Best hole-in-the-wall

Hawke’rs Delight, 4127 Main St

Bon’s Off Broadway, 2451 Nanaimo

Bao Down, 12 Powell

Best food truck

Tacofino, 2327 E. Hastings

Vij’s Railway Express, Mobile locations

Mom’s Grilled Cheese, Mobile locations

Best food court

Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby

Pacific Centre, 701 W. Georgia

Richmond Centre, 6551 No 3 Rd., Richmond

Best takeout/delivery

Peaceful Restaurant, Various locations

Next Noodle Bar, 560 Robson

Bob Likes Thai Food, Various locations

Hon’s Wun-Tun House, Various locations

Best Burnaby restaurant

Anton’s Pasta Bar, 4260 E. Hastings, Burnaby

The Pear Tree Restaurant, 4120 E. Hastings, Burnaby

Hart House Restaurant, 6664 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby

Best North Shore restaurant

Arms Reach Bistro, 107C–4390 Gallant Ave., North Van

Olive & Anchor, 6418 Bay St., West Van

Canyon, 3135 Edgemont Blvd., North Van

Best Richmond restaurant

Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant, 102-4930 No. 3 Rd., Richmond

Dinesty Chinese Restaurant, Various locations

Fisherman’s Terrace Seafood Restaurant, 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond

Best Surrey, Delta, White Rock, and Langley restaurant

Tasty Indian Bistro, 8295 120th St., Delta

My Shanti, 15869 Croydon Dr., Surrey

Central City Brew Pub + Restaurant, 13450 102nd Ave., Surrey

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

Pajo’s, Various locations

Cockney Kings Fish & Chips, Various locations

Thai New West, 424 E Columbia St., New Westminster

My Greek Taverna, Various locations

Best Whistler restaurant

RimRock Cafe, 2117 Whistler Rd., Whistler

Red Door Bistro, 2129 Lake Placid Rd., Whistler

Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar, 4222 Village Square, Whistler

Most vegan-friendly

The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th

The Acorn, 3995 Main

Heirloom Vegetarian, 1509 W. 12th

Meet on Main, 4288 Main

Best gluten-free dining

The Acorn, 3995 Main

The Wallflower, 2420 Main

Panne Rizo Bakery & Cafe, 1939 Cornwall

Meet on Main, 4288 Main

Best organic dining

Bishop’s, 2183 W. 4th

The Acorn, 3995 Main

Heirloom Vegetarian, 1509 W. 12th

Best African

Simba’s Grill, 825 Denman

Harambe Ethiopian Restaurant, 2149 Commercial

Fassil Ethiopian Restaurant, 5-736 E. Broadway

Axum Ethiopian Restaurant , 1279 E. Hastings

Best barbecue

Gyu-Kaku, Various locations

Great Wall Mongolian BBQ, Various locations

Memphis Blues Barbeque House, Various locations

Best Caribbean

Calabash Bistro, 428 Carrall

The Reef, Various locations

Havana, 1212 Commercial

Best chicken

Homer St. Cafe and Bar, 898 Homer

Nando’s, Various locations

Phnom Penh Restaurant, 244 E. Georgia

Best Chinese (Cantonese)

Kirin, Various locations

Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant, 102-4930 No. 3 Rd., Richmond

Hon’s Wun-Tun House, Various locations

Best Chinese (Shanghainese + northern style)

Peaceful Restaurant, Various locations

Dinesty Chinese Restaurant, Various locations

Shanghai River Restaurant, 7831 Westminster Hwy., Richmond

Best Chinese (Taiwanese + other)

Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie, 163 Keefer

Dinesty Chinese Restaurant, Various locations

Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle, Various locations

Best Continental

Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty

Tuc Craft Kitchen, 60 W. Cordova

Bauhaus Restaurant, 1 W. Cordova

Best dim sum

Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant, 102-4930 No. 3 Rd., Richmond

Kirin, Various locations

Pink Pearl Chinese Restaurant, 1132 E. Hastings

Best fish and chips

Go Fish, 1505 W. 1st

Cockney Kings Fish & Chips, Various locations

The Fish Shack, 1026 Granville

Best fish/shellfish

Blue Water Cafe, 1095 Hamilton

Coast, 1054 Alberni

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, 777 Thurlow

Rodney’s Oyster House, Various locations

Best French

Le Crocodile, 100-909 Burrard

Bistro Pastis, 2153 W. 4th

Les Faux Bourgeois, 663 E. 15th

Best fries

Fritz European Fry House, 718 Davie

Belgian Fries, 1885 Commercial

Frites Vancouver, 1011 Granville St

Best Greek

The Greek by Anatoli, 1043 Mainland

Stepho’s Souvlaki Greek Taverna, 1124 Davie

Takis’ Taverna, 1106 Davie

Best hot pot

Fatty Cow Seafood Hot Pot, 5108 Victoria

Won More, 201–1184 Denman

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot, 405–5300 No.3 Road, Richmond

Best Italian

Ask for Luigi, 305 Alexander

CinCin, 1154 Robson

Anton’s Pasta Bar, 4260 E. Hastings, Burnaby

Best izakaya

Hapa Izakaya, Various locations

Kingyo Izakaya, 871 Denman

Guu, Various locations

Best Japanese

Miku Restaurant, 70-200 Granville

Minami, 1118 Mainland

Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen + Sushi Bar, 2054 Commercial

Guu, Various locations

Best Korean

Sura Korean Royal Cuisine, Various locations

Damso Modern Korean Cuisine, 867 Denman

MDG Ma Dang Goul, 847 Denman

Best Latin American

La Taqueria, Various locations

Cuchillo, 261 Powell

Chicha, 136 E. Broadway

Best Lebanese

Nuba Restaurant and Café Nuba, Various locations

Babylon Café, Various locations

Saj&co, 813 Davie St.

Best Malaysian

Banana Leaf, Various locations

Kaya Malay Bistro, 1063 W. Broadway

Tropika, Various locations

Best Mediterranean

Medina Cafe, 780 Richards

Nuba Restaurant and Café Nuba, Various locations

Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca, 1133 and 1129 Hamilton

Best Mexican

Las Margaritas Restaurante y Cantina, 1999 W. 4th

La Taqueria, Various locations

La Mezcaleria, 1622 Commercial

Best Middle Eastern

East is East, Various locations

Afghan Horsemen Restaurant, 202-1833 Anderson St., Granville Island

Afghan Chopan, Various locations

Tamam: Fine Palestinian Cuisine, 2616 E. Hastings

Best noodles

Peaceful Restaurant, Various locations

Legendary Noodle House, 1074 Denman

Noodlebox, Various locations

Shaolin Noodle House, 656 W. Broadway

Best North Indian

Vij’s, 3106 Cambie

Indian Oven, 2006 W. 4th

Maurya Indian Cuisine, 1643 W. Broadway

Best South Indian

House of Dosas, 1391 Kingsway

Chutney Villa, 147 E. Broadway

Dosa Corner, 8248 Fraser

Best Pacific Northwest

AnnaLena, 1809 W. 1st

Blue Water Cafe, 1095 Hamilton

Bishop’s, 2183 W. 4th

Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia

Best Persian

Afghan Horsemen Restaurant, 202-1833 Anderson St., Granville Island

Zeitoon, Various locations

Cazba Restaurant, Various locations

Best pizza by the slice

Straight Outta Brooklyn Pizzeria, 350 Robson

Nat’s New York Pizzeria, Various locations

Pizza Garden, Various locations

Goldies Pizza, Various locations

Best pizza takeout/delivery

Pizzeria Farina, 915 Main

Pizza Carano, 4241 Fraser

Pizza Garden, Various locations

Uncle Fatih’s Pizza, Various locations

Best pizzeria

Nicli Antica Pizzeria, 62 E. Cordova

Via Tevere, 1190 Victoria

Pacifico Pizzeria Ristorante, 970 Smithe

Best poutine

La Belle Patate, 1215 Davie

Fritz European Fry House, 718 Davie

Belgian Fries, 1885 Commercial

The Spud Shack Fry Co., 352-800 Carnarvon St., New Westminister

Best ramen

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, 1690 Robson

JINYA Ramen Bar, 270 Robson

Kintaro Ramen, 788 Denman

Best seafood

Blue Water Cafe, 1095 Hamilton

Coast, 1054 Alberni

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, 777 Thurlow

YEW seafood + bar, 791 W. Georgia

Best Spanish

España, 1118 Denman

The Sardine Can, 26 Powell

Cabrito Tapas-Bebidas, 2270 Commercial Dr.

Best steak

Keg Steakhouse & Bar, Various locations

Gotham Steakhouse & Bar, 615 Seymour

Hy’s Encore, Various locations

Black + Blue, 1032 Alberni

Best sushi

Tojo’s Restaurant, 1133 W. Broadway

Miku Restaurant, 70-200 Granville

Minami, 1118 Mainland

Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen + Sushi Bar, 2054 Commercial

Best tacos

La Taqueria, Various locations

Tacofino, 2327 E. Hastings

Sal y Limon, 701 Kingsway

Gringo, 27 Blood Alley Square

Best tapas

España, 1118 Denman

Bodega on Main, 1014 Main

The Sardine Can, 26 Powell

Best Thai

SalaThai Thai Restaurant, Various locations

U & I Thai, Various locations

Maenam, 1938 W. 4th

Bob Likes Thai Food, Various locations

Best Vietnamese

Phnom Penh Restaurant, 244 E. Georgia

Green Lemongrass, 8180 Westminster Highway

Baoguette Vietnamese Bistro, 1184 Denman

Best wings

Wings Tap & Grill, Various locations

Library Square Public House, 300 W. Georgia

Baoguette Vietnamese Bistro, 1184 Denman

Best Chef

Mike Robbins (AnnaLena), 1809 W. 1st

David Gunawan (Royal Dinette), 905 Dunsmuir

Mark Perrier (Savio Volpe), 615 Kingsway

Best new restaurant

AnnaLena, 1809 W. 1st

The Mackenzie Room, 415 Powell

Royal Dinette, 905 Dunsmuir

Best neighbourhood for restaurants

Gastown

Kitsilano

Main St.

Best place for casual cooking classes

The Dirty Apron Cooking School & Delicatessen, 540 Beatty

Quince, 1780 W. 3rd

The Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 E. Hastings

Best professional culinary school

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, 101-1505 W. 2nd

Vancouver Community College, 250 W. Pender

Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, 2725 Main Street

Best cooking store

Ming Wo, Various locations

The Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 E. Hastings

Cook Culture, Various locations

Best specialty food store

The Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 E. Hastings

The August Market, 3958 Main

Whole Foods Market, Various locations

Bosa Foods, Various locations

Best farmers market

Trout Lake

Nat Bailey

Kits Farmer’s Market

Best specialty grocer

Urban Fare, Various locations

Whole Foods Market, Various locations

Bosa Foods, Various locations

Best store to buy organics products

Whole Foods Market, Various locations

The August Market, 3958 Main

Choices

Best picnic supplier

Granville Island Public Market, 1689 Johnston

Whole Foods Market, Various locations

Meinhardt Fine Foods, 3002 Granville

Best deli

Oyama Sausage Company, 126-1689 Johnston, Granville Island

Cioffi’s Meat Market & Deli, 4142 E. Hastings, Burnaby

Santa Barbara Market, 1322 Commercial

Best butcher

Windsor Quality Meats, 4110 Main

Cioffi’s Meat Market & Deli, 4142 E. Hastings, Burnaby

Jackson’s Meats and Deli, 2214 W. 4th

Best seafood store

Granville Island Public Market, 1689 Johnston

The Daily Catch Seafood Company, 1418 Commercial

7 Seas Fish Co., Various locations

Best specialty cheese store

Les Amis du Fromage, Various locations

Benton Brothers Fine Cheese, Various locations

Bosa Foods, Various locations

Best grocery store café

Whole Foods Market, Various locations

Urban Fare, Various locations

Meinhardt Fine Foods, 3002 Granville

Best retro café/grocer

Le Marché St. George, 4393 St. George

The Mighty Oak, 198 W. 18th

Harvest Community Foods, 243 Union

Best retro diner

Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe, 2095 W. 4th

Lucy’s Eastside Diner, 2708 Main

The Templeton, 1087 Granville

Best diner

Lucy’s Eastside Diner, 2708 Main

Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe, 2095 W. 4th

The Templeton, 1087 Granville

Best bistro

Tableau Bar Bistro, 1181 Melville

Au Comptoir, 2278 W. 4th

Medina Cafe, 780 Richards

Best comfort food

Burgoo, 3 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver

liquids + solids café & market, Various locations

Romer’s Burger Bar, Various locations

Best pub food

The Irish Heather Gastropub, 210 Carrall

The Charles Bar, 136 W. Cordova

Mahony & Sons Public House, Various locations

St. Augustine’s, 2360 Commercial

Best appetizers

Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Romer’s Burger Bar, Various locations

Nomad, 3950 Main

Best salads

Tractor Everyday Healthy Foods, Various locations

The Foundation, 2301 Main

Railtown Cafe, 397 Railway

Best sandwiches

The Dirty Apron Cooking School & Delicatessen, 540 Beatty

Finch’s Tea & Coffee House, 353 W. Pender

liquids + solids café & market, Various locations

Best soups

Burgoo, 3 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver

The Stock Market, 1689 Johnston, Granville Island

liquids + solids café & market, Various locations

Best vegetarian

The Acorn, 3995 Main

The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th

Meet on Main, 4288 Main

Best veggie burger

Meet on Main, 4288 Main

Romer’s Burger Bar, Various locations

The Naam Restaurant, 2724 W. 4th

Best burger

Romer’s Burger Bar, Various locations

Vera’s Burger Shack, Various locations

Cannibal Cafe, 1818 Commercial

Fatburger, Various locations

White Spot, Various locations

Best brunch

Medina Cafe, 780 Richards

Nomad, 3950 Main

Fable, 1944 W. 4th

Best breakfast

Yolk’s Restaurant & Commissary, 1298 East Hastings Street

White Spot, Various locations

Catch 122, 122 W. Hastings

Best bagel

Solly’s Bagelry, Various locations

Siegel’s Bagels, Various locations

Rosemary Rocksalt, Various locations

Best bread bakery

Terra Breads, Various locations

Purebread, 159 W. Hastings

Batard Boulangerie and Cafe Moderne, 3958 Fraser

Best pastry bakery

Beaucoup Bakery & Café, 2150 Fir

Notte’s Bon Ton Pastry & Confectionary, 3150 W. Broadway

Fratelli Bakery, Various locations

Best gluten-free bakery

The Smallflower Cake & Bakeshop, 47 W. Hastings

Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery, 3385 Cambie

East Village Bakery, 2166 E. Hastings

Float On Bakeshop & Cafe, 4384 Fraser

Best desserts

Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie, Various locations

720Sweets, 3278 W. Broadway

Thierry, 1059 Alberni

Best ice cream

Earnest Ice Cream, 3992 Fraser

Rain or Shine Homemade Ice Cream, Various locations

720Sweets, 3278 W. Broadway

Best gelato

Bella Gelateria, Various locations

Mario’s Gelati, 88 East 1st Avenue

La Casa Gelato, 1033 Venables St

Best frozen yogurt

Qoola Frozen Yogurt Bar, Various locations

Menchie’s

Pinkberry

Yogen Fruz

Best chocolate shop

Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie, Various locations

Purdy’s Chocolates, Various locations

Beta 5, 413 Industrial

Mink, a Chocolate Café, Various locations

Best doughnut shop

Cartems Donuterie, 534 W. Pender

Lucky’s Doughnuts, Various locations

Lee’s Donuts, 122-1689 Johnston, Granville Island

Best restaurant for a working lunch

Tap & Barrel Restaurant, Various locations

Cactus Club Cafe, Various locations

Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar, Various locations

Best eatery with live entertainment

Ten Ten Tapas, 1010 Beach

Libra Room, 1608 Commercial

Guilt & Co., 1 Alexander

East is East, Various locations

Best pre-theatre restaurant

Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty

Siena, 1485 W. 12th

Cibo Trattoria, 900 Seymour

Best pregame restaurant

Library Square Public House, 300 W. Georgia

Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery, 560 Smithe

The Pint Public House, 455 Abbott

Best restaurant for watching the game

Boston Pizza, Various locations

Shark Club, Various locations

Local Public Eatery, 2210 Cornwall

Best hotel lounge

Lobby Lounge Terrace + RawBar at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place

1927 Lobby Lounge at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, 801 W. Georgia

Opus Bar, 322 Davie St.

Best bar lounge

The Keefer Bar, 135 Keefer

Pourhouse , 162 Water

UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar, 900 Seymour

Best bartender

Matt van Dinther (Nomad), 3950 Main

H (Notturno)

Julia Diakow (Tacofino), 2327 E. Hastings

Best restaurant B.C. beer selection

Alibi Room, 157 Alexander

Craft Beer Market, 85 W. 1st

BierCraft Restaurants, Various locations

Best restaurant imported beer selection

BierCraft Restaurants, Various locations

Craft Beer Market, 85 W. 1st

Alibi Room, 157 Alexander

Best restaurant wine list (B.C.)

Edible Canada, 1596 Johnston, Granville Island

Vancouver Urban Winery, 55 Dunlevy

Notch8 Restaurant & Bar, 900 W. Georgia

Best restaurant wine list (imported)

Blue Water Cafe, 1095 Hamilton

Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty

Hawksworth Restaurant, 801 W. Georgia

Best wine bar

UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar, 900 Seymour

Salt Tasting Room, 45 Blood Alley

Grapes & Soda, 1541 W. 6th

Best winery/vineyard restaurant

Miradoro Restaurant, Tinhorn Creek Winery, 537 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver

Quails’ Gate, 3303 Boucherie Road, Kelowna

The Sonora Room, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, 500 Burrowing Owl Pl.

Best restaurant for cocktails

The Keefer Bar, 135 Keefer

Pourhouse , 162 Water

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, 845 Burrard

Best restaurant for drink specials

Colony Main Street, 2904 Main

Cascade Room, 2616 Main

Granville Room, 957 Granville

Best restaurant for a stiff drink

The Blackbird Public House & Oyster Bar, 905 Dunsmuir

Pourhouse , 162 Water

Shebeen Whisk(e)y House, Behind 212 Carrall

Best pub

Doolin’s Irish Pub, 654 Nelson Street

Bimini Public House, 2010 W. 4th

Storm Crow Tavern, 1305 Commercial Dr

Best brewpub restaurant

Steamworks, 375 Water

Yaletown Brewing Co., 1111 Mainland Street

Steel Toad Brewpub & Dining Hall, 97 E. 2nd

Best local distillery

Odd Society Spirits, 1725 Powell Street

The Liberty Distillery, 1494 Old Bridge Rd., Granville Island

Long Table Distillery, 1451 Hornby St.

Best imported beer

Deschutes

Guinness

Sierra Nevada

Best local brewery

Granville Island Brewing, 1441 Cartwright St., Granville Island

Postmark Brewing, 55 Dunlevy Avenue

Central City Brewers + Distillers, 11411 Bridgeview Drive, Surrey

Best new brewery

Big Rock Urban Brewery, 310 W. 4th

Doan’s Craft Brewing

Callister Brewing Co

Best brewery tasting room

Brassneck Brewery, 2148 Main Street

Granville Island Brewing, 1441 Cartwright St., Granville Island

33 Acres Brewing Company, 15 W. 8th

Best locally brewed beer

Granville Island Brewing – Lions Winter Ale, 1441 Cartwright St., Granville Island

Parallel 49 – Gypsy Tears, 1950 Triumph Street

Postmark Brewing – Blonde, 55 Dunlevy Avenue

Best B.C. beer brewed outside Vancouver

Driftwood Fat Tug IPA, 102-450 Hillside Ave., Victoria

Phillips Brewing Blue Buck, 2010 Government St., Victoria

Four Winds IPA

Best Canadian beer brewed outside B.C.

Steam Whistle Brewing

Mill Street Brewery, 55 Mill St., Toronto

Alexander Keith’s

Best B.C. wine/winery (red)

Burrowing Owl, 500 Burrowing Owl Pl., Oliver

Blasted Church, 378 Parsons Road, Okanagan Falls

Le Vieux Pin, 5496 Black Sage Rd., Oliver

Best B.C. wine/winery (white)

JoieFarm Winery, 2825 Naramata Road, Naramata

Blasted Church, 378 Parsons Road, Okanagan Falls

Burrowing Owl, 500 Burrowing Owl Pl., Oliver

Le Vieux Pin, 5496 Black Sage Rd., Oliver

Best private wine store

Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba

Firefly Fine Wines and Ales, 2857 Cambie Street

Everything Wine

Best private liquor store

Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba

The Brewery Creek Liquor Store, 3045 Main Street

Darby’s, 2001 Macdonald

Best private beer store

The Brewery Creek Liquor Store, 3045 Main Street

Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba

My Liquor Store, Various locations

Best independent coffee shop

Revolver Coffee, 325 Cambie

Beaucoup Bakery & Café, 2150 Fir

Bump n Grind Cafe, 916 Commercial

Best coffee shop (local chain)

JJ Bean Coffee Roasters, Various locations

49th Parallel, Various locations

Caffè Artigiano, Various locations

Best coffee shop (national chain)

Tim Hortons, Various locations

Starbucks, Various locations

Waves Coffee House

Best fair trade coffee shop

Ethical Bean Coffee, 1315 Kootenay

Trees Organic Coffee & Roasting House, Various locations

Revolver Coffee, 325 Cambie

Best tea house

The Secret Garden Tea Company, 5559 West Boulevard

DAVIDsTEA, Various locations

O5 Rare Tea Bar, 2208 W. 4th

Best juice bar

The Juice Truck, 28 W. 5th

Jugo Juice

The Juicery Co., Various locations

Best energy drink

Red Bull

The Juice Truck, 28 W. 5th

Rockstar

Best beer festival/event

Vancouver Craft Beer Week

Hopscotch

Brewery and Beast

Best wine festival/event

Vancouver International Wine Festival

Cornucopia

Naramata Bench Wineries Spring and Fall Events

Okanagan Wine Festivals

Dine Out Vancouver

Food Truck Festival

Eat! Vancouver

Congratulations to all of my restaurant friends and for the ones that I haven’t tried yet I will do my best to add at least a few per month.

Please revel in the culinary wonderment that BC has to offer and take a look at how our food scene has changed for the better. Whether you are looking for great chain restaurants or Farm to Table or even gluten free, BC has a plethora of choices abound.

You Gotta try this!

 

 

 

Food pics update…. Taste the goodness

Happy Tuesday great foodie friends…. It has been some time since my last blog post as I just needed some time to enjoy the holidays with my family and friends….
I thought it would be great to start back up with a simple photo gallery of some yummy meals and treats over the last several weeks!

Hope you enjoy!

Spicy Tuna cone

Ahhhh Burrata… Sooo creamy

tasty Bruschetta… To die for

Jalebi- popular Indian sweet

Ahhhh simple pleasure at Wagamama

Simple German pleasure , schnitzel and Weissbier

Spicy Panko prawns

Creamy Risotto-Bolzano Italy

Spicy prawn Udon

Cinnamon bun Yum!

warm chocolate cookie with gelato

fresh spring salad

Finger licking good homemade ribs

Spaghetti Q4 yum!

Romer’s burger wow

Simple but necessary Affogato pleasure

who doesn’t love breakfast?

or this breakfast?

Red dragon roll wow….

Last but not least… Homemade Key lime pie…. Mmmm

Hope you enjoyed!
You Gotta Try This!

Fraser Valley Food show 2012

The Fraser Valley Food Show

Did you get out to see this years show?
If you didn’t you should definitely put it on your calendar for next year!
This was the 5th year of the food show – formerly called Eat Fraser valley.

The show was very well laid out and seem to have a great balance of booths that either represented their products, their industry or both.

There was also 2 stages (plus 1 educational area and a competition kitchen much like “kitchen stadium” or a “chopped kitchen” atmosphere with great camera work and display TV’s showing all of the action.
Each stage brought its own varying level of entertainment, education and fun all depending on what your interests were.

Were you excited to see any of the culinary masters in the “Master Chef competition?
Or was your interest in watching and learning from a celebrity culinary master?

Either choice or both the Fraser Valley Food Show had it all!

Master Chef competition finalists:
Chef Romeo Oloresisimo – Head Chef of Ora in Kamloops
Chef William Tse -Head Chef of Sandbar restaurant in Vancouver

The winner is? – Chef Will Tse with a close finish right to the end…

The winning dish…..

Both Chefs were working feverishly to beat the clock with the secret ingredients box items when I saw last years winner Chef Romeo pull his perfectly done meat off the grill, turn to put it on his cutting board and ended up bumping something about 6″ from the cutting board only to see the flavorful side of beef fall to the ground! The look of anguish on his face was only there for a fleeting moment as the professional culinary master went right back to the fridge and got a fresh cut with only minutes to spare.

Black box ingredients included black cod, alligator, beef, born 3 eggs
The chefs also had at their disposal a pantry with fresh products, herbs etc….

Chef Patrick Dore- executive chef of Frankie’s Kitchen and Bar
Returning to Vancouver in 2009 marked the completion of a circle for
Patrick. After leaving Vancouver he has been working in some of the
finer hotels and restaurants on both the West and East coasts of the
United States and the Caribbean for the Four Seasons, Fairmont and the
Kimpton Hotel Group.

Upon returning to Vancouver he most recently headed up the
kitchen as Executive Chef at The Fairmont Waterfront and after a brief sabbatical is excited to dive back into Vancouver’s dynamic restaurant scene as Executive Concept Chef for Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar.

Or maybe…

Bal Arneson- the acclaimed “Spice Goddess”
Bal had fun with these aspiring cooks teaching them how to make “Roti”
Roti is generally a South Asian bread made from stoneground wholemeal flour, traditionally known as atta flour, that originated and is primarily consumed in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Iran (where it’s called “lavash”), but also now is enjoyed around the world.

Or maybe Chef Chris Remington – Head Chef of the Lakeside Resort Penticton, BC and also competing in the Chefs competition – black box style. Previously a 2 time winner.

Or Reiko Mackenzie – from the “Real Housewives of Vancouver”
Real House Wives of Vancouver star Reiko Mackenzie appeared live on the Food Network Celebrity Stage with Chef Remington to celebrate the harvest season in the Fraser Valley, where much of our local food comes from. A local and sustainable food advocate and cooking enthusiast, Reiko explored what is new and fresh from the cranberry bog as we head into the Thanksgiving season.

The Real Housewife, Reiko Mackenzie has many interests and hobbies, but she is especially passionate about cooking. When her mother was diagnosed with high blood sugar, she really became inspired to take on baking and cooking with a delicate hand. She wanted to help her mother by choosing the right combination of foods but soon discovered that she loved the creative side of food.

When her 3 year old daughter engaged in a local gardening program, food took on an increasing importance in her life.
The program taught young children how to plant seeds, nurture and help grow things such as zucchini, tomatoes and other local vegetables and then how to prepare them to eat.

Reiko said “seeing the excitement and smiles on her daughter face resulted in our family growing our own food” (she can’t imagine her life without her vegetable garden) and experimenting with gluten-free baking and low-carb recipes. She is always looking for new and interesting ingredients to add value both in nutrition and flavour. Being a mother to two young girls, she wants to help them learn nutrition in a way they can enjoy.
In a gracious interview with Reiko I learned her more personal feelings about this great cause and how she has passionately educated herself and her wonderful children, mother and family on healthy cooking and eating.
Reiko pointed out that why it was wonderful to join Chef Remington – Head Chef of the Lakeside Resort in Penticton on stage was that he was no stranger to cooking with local ingredients. In fact Chef Remington enjoys cooking with vegetables grown right on the resort property which allows the kitchen to use the freshest of vegetable picks.
Reiko was excited and humble but also respectfully guarded about her “passion project in the works” from what I can tell we should keep a look out for an exciting new cook book hitting the shelves sometime in the near future. I am sure that it will likely focus on local ingredients, healthy, organic where possible and simple recipes from a preparation standpoint.
A final word from Reiko as we wrapped up our interview…. A meaningful quote:

True happiness is inspiring others

Reiko also added that if her new found notoriety can help get the message out to inspire young women to learn about local crops, sustainable products and coking healthy that is what she is aiming to do.
Follow Reiko on twitter http://twitter.com/reikomommy

Cops For Cancer

As a pre-cursor to their official Tour, Tradex and the organizers of the Fraser Valley Food Show kindly donated staging space to us during their event for them to do an official jersey presentation to their riding team. This event was an informal gathering for our riders and their families, our Jr. team members (children who are currently undergoing, or who have undergone cancer treatment) and their families, as well as key sponsors of our event. It will be an occasion where we have the chance to recognize these individuals for their key roles in making our event happen each year, and we’re very thankful to the Fraser Valley Food Show and Tradex for agreeing to host this event for our group.

The booths showcased many new products and delectable treats.

Have you ever tried “Birch Syrup”?
I never had before this show and after trying it right away can honestly say ill be on the hunt for more! I tried it on salmon and also in a beef marinade and it was a great new flavor to add to my cooking arsenal!

As you walked through the aisles you hopefully had enough time to stop and see each booth that caught your eye, nose or taste buds and at the same time learn from some great talented educators from different industries.
You couldn’t go bye this booth without a double take….

Then If you we’re lucky enough to have a chance to speak with Geraldine, you would have learned a little or a lot about the Cranberry industry and how it recovered and happily sustains itself with creativity of great value added products… A sweet bag of craisins may also have come your way!

You definitely would have had your eyes wander here……..

Can you say Macaroons?……

How about Caramello?……

There were too many booths to mention all showcasing their new or unique products and worth a visit…..

On the Grapes and Hops stage you could learn about wines, beer and spirits and how to pair them with foods, fruits and cheese.

There were many showings of different interests and education on the stage that was just off to the right of the Spirt tasting part of the show.

Local wineries, some imported delectable treats, spirits and beers of all flavors etc……..
The Bite of Fraser Valley

This delectable pulled pork sandwich was from Casalinga foods…

Just a sidebar about the pork industry in BC. I had another meaningful chat with an industry supporter basically trying there best to educate each and every guest at the show. To hear the trials and tribulations of the local producers doing their best to make a responsible living in the pork industry is to better understand all the more reason to buy local and support our farmers whenever or however we can.
Basically the market price paid to the farmer for the “hog” is less than it cost the farmer to responsibly raise the hog.
Foreign product coming into our region at lower prices don’t help the matter.

Just to make sure you didn’t go hungry there were several restaurants, wineries and breweries participating.

The Bite restaurants were:

Wok Box Fresh Asian Kitchen
An Indian Affair Restaurant
Fresh Restaurant
Roasted Grape Cafe
Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar

The Dairy farmers had experts on stage teaching all who signed up for a seat about cheese wonderful cheese.
Each place had a plate with several choices on it and the expert walked you through the names, origins, pairings and pretty much anything you would want to know about each cheese.

Okay if all of this wasnt enough entertainment yet…. How about that nail biting Sausage making competition?
The Great Canadian Sausage Making Contest was broken into a few different categories:
Professional: which included many types of sausages
Amateur: also including many different types and finally People’s choice.
click on this link for the results

From my standpoint what is most valuable in attending a great culinary and agricultural showcase like the Fraser Valley Food Show is the invaluable education that we receive on what is involved in our local farms and food production facilities and what hard work it is to grow, create and distribute the quality fresh vegetables, fruits and livestock that create the great foods that we desire to cook with and enjoy.

When you have such a great showcase with cooking classes and demonstrations available what we really learn is that “we” all can cook and make many of the great dishes that we see on cooking shows or in recipe books. The ease of some simple but great recipes becomes apparent when presented by the chefs in such a friendly and informative environment.

Besides all of the great entertainment, education and countless great local products the simple pleasure of wandering the Fraser Valley Food Show brought a smile to my face and was an enriching experience…

Make sure you look for next years event and come out to support the great food industry that BC has to offer!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that these shows also need the support of some great companies like Born 3 Eggs
And Food Network Canada

You Gotta Try This!

Check out the Fraser Valley Food Show for any other detailed information on this years show….

Vancouver street food and restaurants flourishing?

Happy Sunny Wednesday great foodies!
A beautiful sunny summer day in Vancouver and great street food and delectable restaurants are a calling!

It is a great scene walking downtown these days…. Summer tourists, lunch break from work or a food cart addiction to the great foods that the culinary masters are producing on their moving kitchens or great restaurant kitchens or patio grills?
Whatever the answer it doesn’t really matter because it looks good on the food and beverage industry and city.

Vancouver really is a great city to walk around in and shop or tour. When you feel hungry or in need for a refreshment there really is endless choices.
Wether your down by the ocean and happen upon fresh local wild or in English bay and walk by Your favorite fish & chip stand or favorite hotdog stand or are in the heart of the city and find your way into any number or great restaurants that the city has to offer with flavors from around the world…. Or a favorite street food cart or truck the choices won’t disappoint!

Try and get out and enjoy our great city and take a culinary adventure…. Our wonderful city will tickle you palate and Flavors will pop on your taste buds if you dare to try the wonderful fares.
You want more? Then maybe head on down to Granville Island and poke in the shops, fresh market or Edible Canada….. There are also a great handful of restaurants with culinary delights and I would be remiss if I didn’t also add, some of the greatest views by the water.
Have a great day and remember, You Gotta Try this or That!