[WarrenC12]

Authentic may not be what sells... North American tastebuds may prefer mall-style Asian food as compared to authentic.

Dominos or Uncle Fatih's are nothing like pizza in Italy, but they are pretty damn popular.

[SpongeG]

i noticed the other day that the moxies on broadway near burrard is no longer but is now called something else, as well the fox and firkin a little further west along broadway is no longer and has a new name and look

[SFUVancouver]

Earles on Broadway (at Laurel) has permanently closed.

[quobobo]

^ That's a gorgeous building with all the ivy - anyone know what's going in there next?

[officedweller]

There's a sign for a Speakeasy restaurant opening soon (i.e. presumably not redevelopment)

[Locked In]

Speaking of inauthentic Asian, I noticed that the windows of Paul Stirfry Chopstick House (in Level on Nelson) are papered over - I guess it's done. That didn't last long.

[officedweller]

I noticed that too - that was short-lived.

[officedweller]

Looks like "nu" is opening a takeout place next to Japadog on Robson.
Awning is up that says "nu Greek".

[SpongeG]

wok box on davie near denman has closed up too

[whatnext]

Fire at the new Slickity Jim's on Main at 18th. They've had bad luck. :(

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Slickity+goes+smoke+again/5220296/story.html

[sacrifice333]

Spoke to a person familiar with Meat & Bread. M&B will officially be on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. First time the show has come to Canada.

Filming for M&B will be on Friday & Saturday of this week, and therefore will be closed to the public.

Looks like the weather will hold out, but if it were raining would Guy Fieri still have neck sunglasses on?!

[jlousa]

Wonder if they'll still let the regulars in, seeing how when they film there is always customers there. Of course it's probably all staged.

Cafe Crema should be opening this weekend too just across from M&B, in the old Danny building. It's called Revolver Cafe I believe.

[sacrifice333]

Wonder if they'll still let the regulars in, seeing how when they film there is always customers there. Of course it's probably all staged.

Cafe Crema should be opening this weekend too just across from M&B, in the old Danny building. It's called Revolver Cafe I believe.

"Customers" = invited Friends & Family.

Re: Revolver, as in "Crema" in West Van? If so, talk about two completely opposite locales! WOW!

[jlousa]

Yes the same Crema, will certainly be interesting.

[dreambrother808]

I hear Fieri is filming at Save On Meats as well.

[sacrifice333]

I hear Fieri is filming at Save On Meats as well.

Yup, sounds like it.

[giallo]

I went to Vij's a week ago and had a fantastic meal. I never realized that Vij served beef on his menu. Pretty ballsy for an Indian chef.

[SpongeG]

why? not all indians are hindus

[giallo]

^That's true.
All of my experiences with Indian food has been sans beef though, so I guess that's why I thought it was strange.

[Coldrsx]

Many many Indian places serve beef. Beef vindaloo is a staple.

[LeftCoaster]

A delicious staple at that.

Vij's is quite good. Aside from all the hype it still manages to be one of my favourite restaurants in the city.

[whatnext]

I wonder why Vij is taking forever to get his new restaurant at Cambie & 15th off the ground?

[djh]

I wonder why Vij is taking forever to get his new restaurant at Cambie & 15th off the ground?

The plans are done, from what I understand. It's going to be a huge project and will cost a lot. When I last talked to him about it, he said it's all down to the bank...

[hollywoodnorth]

The plans are done, from what I understand. It's going to be a huge project and will cost a lot. When I last talked to him about it, he said it's all down to the bank...

http://scoutmagazine.ca/2010/03/24/vijs-moving-to-cambie-original-location-to-see-new-concept/


interesting

[giallo]

A delicious staple at that.

Vij's is quite good. Aside from all the hype it still manages to be one of my favourite restaurants in the city.

It really is a wonderful place to eat. Aside from the food, the service is also top notch. I love all the little side dishes they give you while you wait.

My new favourite dish: The lemon-ghee marinated and grilled organic chicken breast with roasted garlic and cashews in tangy tomato curry. Unbelievably delicious.

[SpongeG]

B.C.’s Hawksworth restaurant falls short of dazzling

ALEXANDRA GILL

It’s been almost four years since star chef David Hawksworth departed West to begin developing Hawksworth Restaurant in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, which finally made its long-awaited debut on May 16.

Every cosmopolitan city needs at least one splashy, special-occasion restaurant that provides revelatory cuisine, impeccable service, a discerning beverage program and decor glamorous enough for royalty (be it of the regal, rock ‘n’ roll or princess granddaughter variety). Vancouver has waited for years for such a restaurant.

That is the potential that Hawksworth offers. Everything about the restaurant – the enormous crystal chandelier, the five staff sommeliers, the fanciful olive-oil cotton candy – flies in the face of the larger, North American-wide downscale dining trend. This is why the city has embraced it. (Have you tried securing a weekend dinner reservation without two weeks notice?) But that potential is as yet unfulfilled – and this is why we must ask it to be better.

Four years ago, Mr. Hawksworth was at the top of his game. His much-lauded cuisine blended a deep admiration for fresh, regional, seasonal ingredients with a mastery of classic techniques acquired from a decade in some of Britain’s most acclaimed kitchens (Canteen, Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons, L’Escargot).

After the long hiatus, his cooking still sings with the same confident voice. It’s a light-handed, harmonious style that puts flavour before ego and could respectfully be called feminine. But there are some changes.

He now folds more Asian influences into his repertoire, which seems a natural progression for a locally minded chef in Vancouver. His 48-hour sous-vide-cooked beef short rib – wondrously tender yet tense enough to be thinly sliced without falling part – is anchored with sharp smear of black-pepper jam, tartly soothing green papaya and salty crushed peanuts.

...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/restaurant-reviews/bcs-hawksworth-restaurant-falls-short-of-dazzling/article2144421/

[golog]

the only bad thing mentioned in the whole article to give it that bad headline

Whatever is going on behind the scenes, the front of the house needs fixing. You can’t be the best restaurant in town if there are 80 people on staff yet no one has time to answer the phones or confirm a reservation. You cannot be called Michelin-star-worthy when there are constant mix-ups at the front reception desk, and seldom any managers around to smooth things over.

[SpongeG]

W2 coffee is finally open in woodwards - as their sign says

Revolver coffee is now open on cambie - just across from the cambie hostel basically

[jlousa]

Not sure if it's just a dispute or if there is some underlying financial problems present but I found this surprising especially considering their beginnings.

49th Parallel Roasters is suing Cafe Artigiano for $320K for unpaid coffee beans.

Source this weeks BIV.

[mezzanine]

to my surprise, sha-lin noodles on broadway by cambie has re-opened. There were closed IIRC, for ~ 1 year plus after a fire gutted the place, but it seems that they returned, pretty much as i remembered them. :cheers:

[whatnext]

When did Red Door at Granville and 15th close? I went by the other night and something new was there.

[whatnext]

I see Starbucks at Main and 12th has closed. Not surprising as there's an older one just two blocks away, and this one was on the wrong side of both streets to catch inbound morning traffic.

[nova9]

Starbuck opening soon at 41st and Victoria. Finally!!

[Built Form]

Dale MacKay of ensemble is opening a pub/sports bar in the former Azia at 990 Smythe
later this month. He wants to tap into that crowd but offer much better fare than a typical pub. Smart move, It'll probably be more profitable than ensemble.

[SpongeG]

pics of the new Wild Rice II opening in new westminster are over at scout

http://scoutmagazine.ca/2011/11/04/diner-a-photo-tour-inside-the-new-wild-rice-opening-before-novembers-end/

looks good

[Prometheus]

From the new American Cheesesteak Co. on Davie Street:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6320890545_f0e5b28e0c_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6285115165_5fdda9a4cc_b.jpg
Photos by RickChung.com on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickchung/6320890545/

[McPaul]

That looks awesome. Much better than the pics in the straight.

[Built Form]

Dale MacKay of ensemble is opening a pub/sports bar in the former Azia at 990 Smythe
later this month. He wants to tap into that crowd but offer much better fare than a typical pub. Smart move, It'll probably be more profitable than ensemble.

Some recent news as reported in Scout. The restaurant will be called
ensemble Tap and is opening the first week of december with a grand opening fund raiser on the 5th.

http://scoutmagazine.ca/2011/11/15/ensemble-chefowner-dale-mackay-to-open-130-seat-tap-pub-in-early-december/#more-

[jlousa]

Dunn's is opening to the public tomorrow, think they are having a family and friends things tonight.

[Skook]

Chronic Tacos coming to Gastown on Abbott. Looks reasonably close to opening. Also hearing that Tim Hortons is going in on the southwest corner of Abbott and Pender, across from Tinseltown.

[jlousa]

Think the Timmys will do well there but it seems like a small space for them unless they are taking up two of the retail units.
Not sure Chronic Taco will do very well in Gastown though, guess we'll see.

[Prometheus]

I noticed lights on behind the papered windows of the future Cactus Club at the Vancouver Convention Centre. I am not sure if that is just routine or evidence of new activity. Does anyone in the know have any idea whether this location will be ready in time for the 2012 patio season, taking into consideration that the English Bay site is still a work in progress?

[whatnext]

Berts Restaurant on Main Street is closing after 60 years.
http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/315519--bert-s-restaurant-closing-its-doors

Not really surprising, the food was totally unremarkable and there's other, better spots on Main with that diner vibe.

[logan5]

It sounds like Bert's on Main was bought by The Donnelly Group. I've been to their fine establishments, including the Lamplighter, which they ruined. Their strategy is to suck every last dollar they can from you, complimented by their robotic, by the corporate book, staff. No edge whatsoever.

If it's true that they are coming to Mt. Pleasant, it will be interesting to see if they can survive.

[whatnext]

:previous: There was a lot of media about Berts. Big article in the Sun and piece on the CBC Radio - I guess longevity gets you noticed (when you're gone). The owner said it was perfect storm of things: increase in minimum wage, HST, meter parking. Soon only chains like the Donnelly Group stuff will be able to survive.

On that note, I saw that just up Main near Burgoo, there's another Joe's Grill opening up.

[SpongeG]

that new two story in-fill next to burgoo? that will become joe's grill?

[whatnext]

that new two story in-fill next to burgoo? that will become joe's grill?

No, I think The Well closed and will become a Joe's.

[whatnext]

New Cactus Club on English Bay is coming along. I wonder when it will open?

http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy177/Whatnext2010/Vancouver/CactusClub.jpg

[officedweller]

Apparently Joe Fortes was sold to The Keg.

And Goldfish in Yaletown is closing Feb 5th - to be replaced by Minami.

Miku’s Sister Restaurant to arrive in Yaletown this Summer; Goldfish Seafood & Chops says goodbye
Goldfish thanks diners for years of loyal patronage

Vancouver, BC – Aburi Restaurants Canada Ltd, operating as Miku Restaurant, announces it will take over the lease of Goldfish Seafood & Chops, located at 1118 Mainland Street. A new restaurant with a different concept, named Minami, is expected to open in Summer 2012. Goldfish’s last day is Sunday, February 5, 2012, after completion of Dine Out Vancouver.

Miku is a celebrated Japanese restaurant in Vancouver, and is popular with both residents and tourists visiting the city. It is known for innovating the Aburi or sear-flamed style of sushi, which is the act of applying fire directly on the fish to enhance the natural flavours. This technique, paired with specialty sauces and non-traditional Japanese ingredients make the perfect complement to the unique taste of fish.
“We look forward to expanding the Miku brand in one of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods and bringing Aburi to the Yaletown community in Summer of this year,” explains Takuya Motohashi, Vice President and Executive Chef of Aburi Restaurants Canada Ltd

http://mikurestaurant.com/blog/2012/01/3057/

[trofirhen]

Apparently Joe Fortes was sold to The Keg.

:previous:

Sad. I always that Joe Fortes was somehow more "aristocratic" if you will, than the Keg. Related to the other downtown updates thread (pardon me here); this is another example of how that would probably never happen if Vancouver were "world class." Such a restaurant in such a building would become ever more highbrow. It wouldn't be sold to a steak-and-seafood chain.
Sorry if this sounds snobby; maybe it does. Or am I now just too accustomed to Paris?:rolleyes:

[mezzanine]

:previous:

Sad. I always that Joe Fortes was somehow more "aristocratic" if you will, than the Keg. Related to the other downtown updates thread (pardon me here); this is another example of how that would probably never happen if Vancouver were "world class." Such a restaurant in such a building would become ever more highbrow. It wouldn't be sold to a steak-and-seafood chain.
Sorry if this sounds snobby; maybe it does. Or am I now just too accustomed to Paris?:rolleyes:

TO me joe fortes was a lot more touristy than the keg and i dont hear a lot of buzzfrom locals about it. FYI, joe fortes parked a 1930s taxi outside on thurlow for advertising which was ++ cheezy/touristy.

I always liked the keg - the steaks are never disappointing and overall the value for money is good. They do brisk lunch business and do the 'upscale casual' dining pretty good. David eisenstat, the director of the keg group, is a big donor and supporter of the vancouver art galley.

[trofirhen]

[QUOTE=mezzanine;5571949]TO me joe fortes was a lot more touristy than the keg and i dont hear a lot of buzzfrom locals about it. FYI, joe fortes parked a 1930s taxi outside on thurlow for advertising which was ++ cheezy/touristy.
:previous:
hmm sorry to learn that

I always liked the keg - the steaks are never disappointing and overall the value for money is good. They do brisk lunch business and do the 'upscale casual' dining pretty good. David eisenstat, the director of the keg group, is a big donor and supporter of the vancouver art galley.[ /QUOTE]
:previous:
Good news. Thanks for that feedback. :)

[SpongeG]

is it going to to continue to operate as Joe Fortes? or will the keg move across the street to take over the location?

[officedweller]

Don't know - I was wondering about that too.
If it does vacate the existing location, that more bad news for the Carlyle's retail podium.

[phesto]

TO me joe fortes was a lot more touristy than the keg and i dont hear a lot of buzzfrom locals about it. FYI, joe fortes parked a 1930s taxi outside on thurlow for advertising which was ++ cheezy/touristy.

I always liked the keg - the steaks are never disappointing and overall the value for money is good. They do brisk lunch business and do the 'upscale casual' dining pretty good. David eisenstat, the director of the keg group, is a big donor and supporter of the vancouver art galley.

I hope Fortes stays as is. It may be a bit touristy, but that's mostly just a function of its location. It offers a menu that's at least somewhat reflective of Vancouver (ie. more seafood heavy).

The last thing we need is another Keg/Joeys/Cactus to add to the decline in the variation in downtown restaurant offerings. If you want a predictable menu and tons of TV screens there are now over dozen large places to go downtown (and growing).

[incognism]

Meat & Bread to open second location at Oceanic Plaza:

The triumvirate that brought us the original Meat & Bread on Cambie off Hastings are opening a second location in the heart of Vancouver’s financial district. Owners Cord Jarvie and Frankie Harrington, together with chef Joseph Sartor, have just signed for a small space at the foot of Oceanic Plaza (1033 West Hastings).

http://scoutmagazine.ca/2012/02/01/diner-meat-bread-to-open-new-spot-in-the-heart-of-vancouvers-financial-district/

If I was still working in that area, I'd be there at least once a week.

[Prometheus]

Expo 86's McBarge to resume voyage as floating restaurant

By Kim Pemberton, Vancouver Sun February 2, 2012

The so-called McBarge, the former McDonalds Restaurant from Expo 86 sits moored just east of the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge on the south side of Burrard Inlet in Burnaby, B.C. on June 15, 2010.

The McBarge could be back in business within a year as a floating restaurant named Sturgeons on the Fraser after Mission City Council gave its support to the project this week.

The 15,000 sq. ft barge earned its name after it was used as a McDonald’s restaurant during Expo 86. It has lain derelict in Burrard Inlet since 1991.

The Sturgeons on the Fraser project, which has an estimated value of $10 million, would use the barge to create a floating restaurant, pub and café at the foot of Horne Street adjacent to the former Meeker Cedar Mill site.

The project also includes a marina and offices for fishing and eco-tour operators, as well as a float-plane terminus.

Developer Howard Meakin said he was “shell shocked” when the council approved the third reading of a foreshore rezoning application related to the project.

The project must meet parking and access requirements before full approval is granted.

“ ... it all looks achievable. The best-case scenario is we’ll have it [the restaurant] open within 12 months and in the worst-case scenario, within 18 months,” said Meakin.

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/Expo+McBarge+resume+voyage+floating+restaurant/6094149/story.html#ixzz1lKxUlKlo

[Rusty Gull]

Lower Lonsdale waterfront restaurant unveiled

By Maria Spitale-Leisk - North Shore Outlook
Published: February 02, 2012 11:00 PM
Updated: February 03, 2012 4:24 PM

Come April a new restaurant will anchor Shipbuilders' Square on the Lower Lonsdale waterfront.

Pier 7 is poised to set the tone for a vibrant, oceanside dining and shopping locale.

The 200-seat, two-storey restaurant — with patios on both levels — promises West Coast-inspired decor and an emphasis on small plates — perched at the water's edge.

Restoring the historical flavour of a once-bustling wartime shipyard has been Pinnacle International's intention since purchasing the land in 2001. The new, red-roofed building that houses Pier 7 on the former Versatile Shipyards site bears the likeness of the old machine shop.

At the helm of Pier 7 is celebrated North Shore chef Dino Renaerts. A year ago he was approached by Pinnacle after they learned of his impressive resume with tenures at the Hotel Vancouver and British Properties' fine-dining establishment, Fraiche.

Canada's first chef with sommelier certification, Renaerts is making his foray into restaurant design with Pier 7.

"It's been exciting, it really has," said Renaerts, during an exclusive tour of the unfinished space Wednesday. "I've never really been involved in a full-on [restaurant] opening before."

From our vantage point on the top deck, there are sweeping views of the adjacent working harbour, Vancouver skyline and Stanley Park. The plans call for a fireplace off to one side and an outdoor kitchen for Renaerts to showcase his culinary chops.

Moving inside, when you first walk through the doors of Pier 7 a lounge area with an illuminated bar carved out of alabaster, and "live edge tables" — tree trunks cut vertically — will be the main focal point.

The libations will be infused with pure fruit juices from the Fraser Valley. Renaerts mentioned experimenting with en vogue POM-Aloe juice. He also has a penchant for a “great whiskey sour”.

Food-wise you can expect West Coast-inspired surf-and-turf: albacore tuna, spot prawns in season - and the Tomahawk chop? Picture a long bone handle protruding from a mammoth ribeye steak that will satisfy a carnivorous craving.

Pier 7’s Lower Lonsdale setting is expected to attract a young clientele who will be able to enjoy a nightcap on the deck until 12 a.m.

A soft launch for Pier 7 is set for mid- April.

reporter@northshoreoutlook.com

[Skook]

There is a sign in the window of the Lotus Hotel advertising a hiring fair for something called "The Pint." Probably the sports bar rumoured to be going into the old Honey Lounge location in the Lotus - but with that name, who knows, maybe something more pub-like? One can hope...

[jlousa]

Hope you're right, the last thing the area needs is another day time pub that magically converts to nite time club.

[SpongeG]

it will probably be like red card an upscale sports bar

[hollywoodnorth]

There is a sign in the window of the Lotus Hotel advertising a hiring fair for something called "The Pint." Probably the sports bar rumoured to be going into the old Honey Lounge location in the Lotus - but with that name, who knows, maybe something more pub-like? One can hope...

its a sports bar

[peterprinciple]

its a sports bar

Is the Lotus still a gay oriented hotel? Does the pub still cater to a gay clientele?

[SpongeG]

^^^ nope

----

according to vancity buzz cactus club cafe opens in late february

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2012/02/cactus-club-english-bay-opening-date-vancouver/

[whatnext]

Public Lounge at Main & 17th has a sign they're closing March 1, and a note to look for their new venture at 3835 Main, which is currently the Copper Tank Grill?

The landlords must have jacked up the rent, since the other store front is vacant as well. Gentrification anyone?

[djh]

The original SalaThai (Cambie/18th) closed down at the end of December.
They put a sign in the window saying they were renovating.

They reopened this week as U & I Thai - with a much more modern look, huge open windows, and a cleaner, less formal-looking style. I guess they have to update with the competition - 2 doors down, Noa opened last autumn. It's a "pan-Asian restaurant" which has pretty good westernised Asian food, and it's doing well.

[vancity2010]

New Cactus Club on English Bay is coming along. I wonder when it will open?

http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy177/Whatnext2010/Vancouver/CactusClub.jpg

Wow, finally. I wonder why it's taken forever to build!?

[Zassk]

Wow, Sponge is right - it does look like a SkyTrain station.

[SpongeG]

they only started it last summer - it didn't take that long to build

[Conrad Yablonski]

they only started it last summer - it didn't take that long to build
A friend of mine lives across the street and looks down on the site-he's in construction and has some very uncomplimentary things to say about the building and how it was constructed-not surprising in this city.

[SpongeG]

OWN (oprah network) has a series chronicling the opening of save on meats - looks like its been on a few episodes already though

its called GastownGamble

here is an interesting Q&A - seems people are scared of the DTES - shows they haven't ventured down there in a long time - its cleaned up a lot recently

C6ZKo-KOkao

http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/01/13/gastown-gamble-the-rebirth-of-vancouvers-save-on-meats/

[Chikinlittle]

Agreed. I'm really starting to love it down there. Still so much more potential, but even with the grit that's there, it provides an interesting flavour to the city. It is the most interesting neighbourhood in the city for sure with the most dynamic and creative businesses too (esp bars/restos).

[WarrenC12]

I've went to the DTES area twice in the last week. I live in Yaletown, so I walk over. Both times I saw aggro behaviour by street people (or low income residents) that would scare most people away (and rightfully so).

The first time, a hobo started drawing a picture of my wife on some cardboard. We told him we weren't interested a few times, but he kept going and following us. When we refused his work, he threw the sheets of cardboard he was holding at us. It took some restraint on my part not to go any further.

The second time, we were walking behind a guy who was constantly and purposefully shoulder-bumping into people walking towards him on the sidewalk. He almost got into a fight with somebody, pushing and shoving into the street, and then he hit a middle aged lady pretty hard and visibly scared her. He turned off to another street so I don't know what happened next.

I think the area would be vastly improved by some beat cops.

The main problem with the DTES is that it's full of people that for one reason or another, don't want to be a part of society. And yet, they live in the heart of a busy urban environment. They don't give a crap about you, each other, their "neighbourhood" or anything else.

[osirisboy]

\
I think the area would be vastly improved by some beat cops.

The main problem with the DTES is that it's full of people that for one reason or another, don't want to be a part of society. And yet, they live in the heart of a busy urban environment. They don't give a crap about you, each other, their "neighbourhood" or anything else.

I totally agree! why doesnt the VDD have cops patrolling the area (on foot) like they used to do. Ive never seen cops around in the area except for cop cars just driving through.

[dreambrother808]

I used to live in the West End and the things that Warren described all happen there as well. They happen everywhere in this city. Now I live on the edge of Gastown and havent personally experienced any of those things. It's quite subjective, really.

[WarrenC12]

I used to live in the West End and the things that Warren described all happen there as well. They happen everywhere in this city. Now I live on the edge of Gastown and havent personally experienced any of those things. It's quite subjective, really.

Come on. I've lived in Yaletown for 7 of the last 12 years, and never had any of those things happen.

[jlousa]

I've never had any of those things happen to me in the DTES and I live there :shrug: I have had similar incidents happen on Granville near Georgia though but certainly not the norm. I find the population within the DTES much more timid then panhandlers outside the dtes.
Anyways back onto topic, it looks like Wildebeest will be opening soon at 122 W Hastings, it looks like most of the block is now leased.

[SpongeG]

those people whop draw always hang out outside the cambie, just throw em a dollar for their work and they are fine, most people do that

[golog]

Chez Cora (http://www.chezcora.com/where-to-find-us), the breakfast chain known well in Quebec and Ontario, not only opened in Coquitlam last year but White Rock and Richmond are opening soon if not already

[SpongeG]

they have them and apparently popular in alberta, never heard anyone talk about them out here, but people in alberta seem to rave about em

[nickinacan]

Chez Cora has to be the best breakfast chain. They have lots of pictures of their food on their site, and I can attest that that is what you get on your plate in person. Their food is great. If the Richmond and White Rock locations are anything like their Coquitlam one, they will be there for a long, long time.

[osirisboy]

I used to go to them in ottawa... they were just ok, the serving sizes were HUGE and I could hardly even finish half the plate.

In other news Goldfish in Yaletown closed the other week. I was pretty surprised by that it was always busy in there

[s211]

I used to go to them in ottawa... they were just ok, the serving sizes were HUGE and I could hardly even finish half the plate.

In other news Goldfish in Yaletown closed the other week. I was pretty surprised by that it was always busy in there

Is that where Miku 2 is going?

[jlousa]

Put me down as a non-fan of Chez Cora, visited one in Mtl after hearing some people give it glowing reviews and I was really dissappointed. Thought that had to be a one-off so I tried a differerent location but same thing. :shrug:
Portions were large, but food served on cold plates both times and to be honest the food was bland as well.

[SpongeG]

Tacofino, the food truck, is opening a place on east hastings in may

from scout: http://scoutmagazine.ca/2012/02/15/diner-the-tacofino-food-truck-will-open-a-new-restaurant-on-east-hastings-in-may/

[incognism]

Robert Belcham (Refuel, Campagnolo) is scheduled to be opening a BBQ place this summer.

http://www.straight.com/article-607791/vancouver/robert-belcham-open-fat-dragon-barbque-downtown-eastside

The article says DTES but then points to 566 Abbott Street, which is International Village. If I'm not mistaken, this will be the CRU to the right/south of the 7-Eleven.

EDIT: This is what I get for posting in the middle of the night. 566 Powell which is here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=566+Powell+Street&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x5486717244a0b4bb:0x54dd0c79f194f15a,566+Powell+St,+Vancouver,+BC+V6A+4J5&gl=ca&ei=kGRFT4GvN-eLiAKosNHODg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CCIQ8gEwAA). Thanks jlousa.

[jlousa]

Unless I'm mistaken this is going to be way over on Powell on the edge of Railtown, not Abbott.

[vanlaw]

Put me down as a non-fan of Chez Cora, visited one in Mtl after hearing some people give it glowing reviews and I was really dissappointed. Thought that had to be a one-off so I tried a differerent location but same thing. :shrug:
Portions were large, but food served on cold plates both times and to be honest the food was bland as well.

I agree. Tried in TO and wasn’t all that impressed, especially after a 45min line up. It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t what I was expecting given all of the great things I had heard.

I also had similar experience with Eggspectation. I loved it the first time I went there in Montreal, but maybe that had to do with the nice space they were in on Maisonneuve. Have been a few times to the Toronto location on Yonge street, in a much more generic space and just wasn’t all that impressed with the food. Again, nothing bad, but not that great either.

[osirisboy]

Is that where Miku 2 is going?

yes I believe so.... are they going to redo the inside? seems like such a waste if they do!

[Acajack]

Put me down as a non-fan of Chez Cora, visited one in Mtl after hearing some people give it glowing reviews and I was really dissappointed. Thought that had to be a one-off so I tried a differerent location but same thing. :shrug:
Portions were large, but food served on cold plates both times and to be honest the food was bland as well.

Not crazy about Chez Cora either. I have never understood why so many people rave about it.

[Sir Conga]

yes I believe so.... are they going to redo the inside? seems like such a waste if they do!


Indeed it is. The new place will be called Minami (beautiful wave... Miku means beautiful sky), and will be similar but unique to Miku in Cuisine. As far as I understand, the room will not get too much in the way of renos... but I'll ask about the details when I have a chance. I should mention I work at Miku.

[nickinacan]

Not crazy about Chez Cora either. I have never understood why so many people rave about it.

Never said it had the best food, but it is definitely the best breakfast chain going. But it will never compare, or even come close for that matter, to Mom and Pop shops like Red Wagon on East Hastings or Jethro's on Dunbar. If you haven't tried either of those, you are REALLY missing out.

[s211]

Indeed it is. The new place will be called Minami (beautiful wave... Miku means beautiful sky), and will be similar but unique to Miku in Cuisine. As far as I understand, the room will not get too much in the way of renos... but I'll ask about the details when I have a chance. I should mention I work at Miku.

I heart you, then. Please keep that place open and successful. It's my fave Japanese place in town now.

[Sir Conga]

I heart you, then. Please keep that place open and successful. It's my fave Japanese place in town now.

Thank you so much. I am very proud of what we do at Miku. I'm sure we'll be open for years to come. The boss is very passionate and ambitious, so I'm sure Minami will do great as well.

[Sir Conga]

So I asked about Minami's renovations of the old Goldfish location, and there is definitely some going on. Mostly to change the color scheme add a sushi bar. The goal is to make sure Minami has a room that is unique from Goldfish.

[SpongeG]

i just stumbled across this - thats a lot of places... i read somewhere i forget where might have been here that the first one is opening in 2012...

The country’s first Carl’s Jr. was opened by franchisee Jove Franchise Development Corporation. Jove plans to open and operate four more units in the Okanagan Valley over the next five years. CKE has also signed a multi-unit agreement with franchisee FYP Company who plans to build 25 restaurants in the greater Vancouver area over the next six years.

http://restaurantcentral.ca/CarlsJrexpansionCanada.aspx

[SpongeG]

cactus club cafe - english bay opens today (mar 2) at 5 pm

[giallo]

Just watched the season finale of Top Chef USA (yeah, I like cooking competition shows), and the final challenges took place in Whistler and Vancouver. Black And Blue and Coast got some serious exposure as did Whistler and Vancity.

[Sir Conga]

Just watched the season finale of Top Chef USA (yeah, I like cooking competition shows), and the final challenges took place in Whistler and Vancouver. Black And Blue and Coast got some serious exposure as did Whistler and Vancity.

Oh yeah... Black and Blue and Coast... two of Vancouvers top restaurants... I laughed out loud when Padma said that. Great finale though.... I made a thread about it if you had any more thoughts on the matter. :D

[SpongeG]

east is east on main street apparently isn't allowed to have a wooden sign - you can sign a petition here if u want them to have it

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/East-is-East-needs-your-support-today/

from twitter:

Vancouver Is Awesome ‏ @VIAwesome Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
One of my fav Main St restaurants, East Is East, isn't allowed to have a wooden sign. That's dumb. Sign the petition?: ow.ly/9sZkh