tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89339139652317644762011-11-16T02:44:53.422-08:00This is my neighborhood. This is what I love.gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.comBlogger721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-52401074162346459722011-11-16T02:44:00.000-08:002011-11-16T02:44:53.448-08:00

I love telling people about Peaceful Noodle. I love taking people there, surprising them, forcing them against their will, whatever it takes really. Easily my new favorite restaurant of late.  These are all amazing- Seasonal Pea Shoots Spicy Wontons Shanghai Stir-Fried Noodles with Pork and Cabbage in Soy Vegetable steamed Dumplings Pan-fried Veggie Gyoza

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-15260057369570343532011-11-04T21:05:00.000-07:002011-11-09T01:36:20.594-08:00

I've been impatiently waiting for this place to open since the spring. Perfect example of why you simpy put "COMING SOON" in your window, verses "OPENING SPRING 2011". Spring was 7 months ago, either we've waited a really long time for something amazing, or you couldn't get your shit together. Anyways. After bailing on the Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe project Anthony Sedlack hasn't really done

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-49567406443224291212011-08-21T10:07:00.000-07:002011-08-24T02:48:11.556-07:00

It is well known that I love a good noodle, particularly the handcrafted variety. I had heard great things about the Peaceful Restaurant on Broadway, but being a downtown snob I never bothered to go out of my way to check it out. Then the other day I was riding my bike home from the gym, saw that a second location opened on Davie and got a wee bit excited. I skidded to a stop and bounded in

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-23168649146361688912011-06-26T17:53:00.001-07:002011-07-25T16:15:04.233-07:00

Mother Nature is a whore. As the sun finally comes out and you crawl, squinting and hungover, drag your mid-day shame to Tableau Bar Bistro in the Loden Hotel.   Sunshine. Patio. Brunch.  Chef Marc-Andre Choquette makes it easy to forget that Mother Nature has been shafting us this summer. Recently renovated and re-opened, this French-influenced bistro is just the location for some hair of the

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-23345330437172406672011-05-08T14:50:00.000-07:002011-05-09T20:25:37.200-07:00

Sometimes it's one key component that makes a sandwich, one single thing perfected; the freshly baked bun or the slow-roasted meat. The chicken sandwich from La Brasserie Street cart brings it all together. The rotisserie chicken combined with the gravy, balanced with the crispy onions and topped with a deliciously soft bun from Tartine Bakery is handheld heaven. Can't really expect anything less

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-37304890956076654762011-04-13T02:13:00.000-07:002011-04-13T02:52:44.143-07:00

Lunch with Karlsberg was a seafood-only situation at the new Korean joint next to Kingyo on Denman. I got the feeling that this place simply has a heart of gold, that they are trying really hard; to be cool, and modern, and upscale, and to be liked. It's worth looking past the tiny rough spots because the food is tasty. Spicy Seafood Lettuce Wraps. As in SPICY spicy. As in sweating your balls off

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-84474865901531902212011-04-11T01:06:00.000-07:002011-04-13T02:56:39.223-07:00

It's gotten shit reviews, so I'm not sure if the food is as rad as the decor. Don't get me wrong, I'd still eat there.  Formerly 100 Days.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-28947407042983192322011-04-09T00:19:00.000-07:002011-04-11T01:07:56.327-07:00

You know what you do when your baked potato enterprise fails? You turn it into another generic falafal joint in the Denman Falafal Strip Mall. Mr. Kumpir is now F&F (Falafal & Friends, WTF?), which is next to the Mediterranean Grill next to the Babylon Cafe, and so on. Do you know what else you do? You don't throw out that sandwich board, you recycle that shit.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-23741727245416425152011-03-30T12:41:00.000-07:002011-04-02T00:45:43.005-07:00

Second visit to East Van's Red Wagon and no doubt about it, the food was great.  I was thoroughly satiated as the generous portion of butter from my Croque Madam seeped into my bloodstream. This may be pre-emptive, but I consider the Pulled Pork Sandwich the best in the city. It has a light, tangy sauce with a nice about of kick, and the bun is nice and soft for soaking up the sauce. The Reuben

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-61730535793546978752011-03-23T21:49:00.001-07:002011-03-26T18:06:32.865-07:00

Recently I was cutting weight for a fight and restricted from eating carbs for six weeks.  This was painful because I love complex carbs. I live for them, I dream about them, I plan my meals around them and one of the main reasons I work out so often is so I can consume them daily. Therefore the bread, burrata, pasta, potatoes, perogies, pastries, and pizza were all put on hold and my will power

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-9258521851442298062011-03-17T22:22:00.000-07:002011-03-18T06:42:58.601-07:00

Apparently Davie & Howe is getting a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich shop. Way to take over a crappy Mr. Sub location.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-43133841319564564012011-03-16T22:49:00.000-07:002011-03-16T22:52:20.251-07:00

The meatball sandwich! A little bit of spice, a little bit of parmesan, a little bit of sauce, a little bit of crumbled meatball action. Take it. Take it, and go.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-61411697256236837702011-02-28T02:33:00.000-08:002011-04-10T22:56:34.582-07:00

I love Mexican food whole-heartedly. My addiction to La Taqueria, my annual Mexican!Burrito!Birthday!Bash!, and my zombie-apocalypse stockpile of refried beans are all evidence of this. Not surprisingly, I was excited to try the Mexican Brunch at the recently renovated Waldorf Hotel. Mexican brunch is a fantastic idea, it has such great potential, which is why I was so sad to see it executed

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-66943767125105921762011-02-20T02:24:00.000-08:002011-02-20T06:45:08.085-08:00

I am acutely aware that I am a terrible blogger; absenteeism, inconsistancy, and digression being several of my major transgressions. Not that I'm saying I plan on being back on pace for a 50-point season, just that I feel like writing again. Here's the thing, I originally planned on eating at all the places on Davie and Denman, (genre by genre) but after 20+ sushi places I was bored. Instead; I 

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-64775421594469139102010-11-21T12:07:00.000-08:002010-11-21T20:03:46.263-08:00

I hate Donnelly Hospitality Management. #1. They try to trick you into thinking that they are something special. Like a sports bar, or your local neighborhood watering hole, or the precurser pub to your night at the Roxy, or whatever. When in reality they are all the same boring barf, smothered with flatscreen tv's, and filled with bridge and tunnel douchery. #2. They have numbers instead of

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-80985195241618922582010-11-19T12:33:00.000-08:002010-11-20T03:02:37.080-08:00

Because of wine and lighting, I've never been able to get a good photo of the Burrata from Nook. I finally do and my technological ineptitude prevents me from getting the fucker right-side-up. I gave up because this edible treasure is my favorite thing on the face of the earth, so tilt your head sideways and imagine how amazing your life will be once you've tried it. This is the American vs.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-48079637231003369692010-10-29T19:00:00.000-07:002010-10-29T21:05:27.654-07:00

My parents and friends were in town and were keen to try some authentic Thai grub, so my requirements were that it had to be in the neighborhood and it had to accomidate a party of 6. This knocked out Thai Basil, Thai Away Home, and Urban Thai Bistro, my preferred Thai go-to places, simply because of size and location. My friend and amazing hairstylist Justine reccomended Madame Elephant and it

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-50746656564157463152010-10-27T01:00:00.000-07:002011-03-18T06:41:25.863-07:00

Pointing out that I am blatantly bias, enjoy my skewed opinion! Jumping right into all the things I hate about this place: I hate that the space is designed way cooler than my appartment. Kudos to Craig Stanghetta and the team for pulling off a man-cave feel without it being harsh and bat-cave like. There are so many great details but my favorites include the punching bag (for obvious reasons),

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-79788390411122111332010-10-07T05:26:00.000-07:002010-10-07T05:43:16.301-07:00

Pho Central easily makes my top-ten list of locations frequented in my neighbourhood, and even though the banh mi was an epic fail, it hasn't deterred my loyalty. Especially since the rainy season is imminent, I predict many upcoming steamy noodle-slurping moments. Everything that I know about Pho I have learned from my friends: Trevy taught me about asking for the meat on the side, especially

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-78176301039737599822010-10-06T12:47:00.000-07:002010-10-06T21:16:49.513-07:00

I am beyond stoked to finally be able to partake in some quality streetmeat from the mobile food vendor program. Located on the corner of Georgia and Burrard, the Korean tacos from Cartel are everything I could have hoped for. The two options, beef and pork (I had one of each), are marinated in whatever combination of  spices and sauces that is delicious. If you don't already know about it, the

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-58894818336075710562010-09-06T03:00:00.000-07:002010-09-06T12:26:00.242-07:00

You know, just in case you've missed my blathering obsession with La Brasserie. The Suckling Pig. The Friday Boulliabase.   Jody's heavenly Mushroom Ragout over Spaetzle

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-48960777287315203612010-09-05T00:16:00.000-07:002010-09-05T00:17:50.145-07:00

Slurpee + Soft-Serve Icecream = Screamer.My newest favorite thing on Davie. You can get them from Baguette Time (between Bute and Jervis), just don't get their baguettes. Gourmet Sandwhiches MY ASS.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-78668799599166951352010-09-04T01:06:00.000-07:002010-09-04T01:29:27.615-07:00

What makes a place special? Amazing food? A great first impression? A collection of nostalgic memories of hung-over mornings? There's this unpretentious little crepe place at Robson and Jervis (don't confuse this with the horrendous Cafe Crepe franchise), that for whatever reason or combination of the right moments, is a place that I have come to love. It's called La Bretagne Creperie and it

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-64721153429222926612010-08-27T07:00:00.000-07:002010-08-28T03:20:09.917-07:00

Pre-Birthday dinner at Nook with my favorite Wrangers introduced me to something that changed my life. The Burrata. Apparently it's provolone injected with cream, on top of prosciutto, on top of a soft toasted piece of bread. Basically it's insanely delicious and literally after the three of us polished off one we didn't hesitate to order a second. I know it's a shitty photo, but as if I'm gonna

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-78163562457640234012010-08-09T11:00:00.000-07:002010-08-09T11:17:22.601-07:00

This is where I explain how much of a retard I am.  I had several people rave to me about the Kintaro Ramen Noodle Shop, and being a noodle lover I was stoked on trying it out. I even made several failed attempts before successfully hitting it up for lunch recently.   This was  the spicy ginger special. I didn't try it, but the massive dollop of garlic on top was legit. This is the "Kintaro's

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-44459816874523182322010-08-04T01:45:00.001-07:002010-11-20T03:01:13.109-08:00

I have been blessed with self-awareness. I am smart enough to know that I'm retarded. Being fully aware that I am just another asshole with an opinion, I'm pretty sure I'm less retarded than these guys. Just sayin. Furthermore, if I want to read a real restaurant review I leave it to actual food critics, the people who get paid to eat their faces off and have legitimate writing skills. I approach

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-26707019827841711472010-08-03T00:04:00.000-07:002010-08-03T00:25:53.080-07:00

Ordered in some group take-out while on nightshift and can finally cross Kam's Place off my list of Davie restaurants to conquer. Never To Return. When you fill your gut with shit that looks like this, you inevitably feel like a big bag of barfy shit. I refuse to blame this feeling on my decision to forego sleep for lake-side party times.Instead I am going to blame it on Red Dye #76 and Mee

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-89108766807944616002010-08-02T01:50:00.000-07:002010-08-02T01:50:00.232-07:00

Do you know what's exciting? I have Ethnic Friends! Yeah that's right, and sometimes I'm even a minority! This still blows my mind. So now that I have non-white friends I've decided to persuade them to bring me to their favorite eateries, you know, to expand my horizons. Thus I begin with Dim Sum with Anni-doll. Our Location: Dai Tung, with the traditional push-cart style. Ma Lai Gow = Sponge

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-85264516399587681042010-07-30T14:09:00.000-07:002011-03-18T06:43:23.861-07:00

Coming soon to Victory Square. So Stoked.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-77384535136887645282010-07-29T11:43:00.000-07:002010-07-31T08:02:28.228-07:00

Perfect way to spend the afternoon with the people you love most. Halibut fish and chips from Raincity Grill, sitting in the sunshine by the ocean. Finish it off with some Gelato and life can't get much better. 

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-19606383476775647952010-07-25T02:11:00.000-07:002010-09-03T23:52:58.163-07:00

Entirely unplanned, the theme of the week ended up being pork. First the spitroast pig, now the pork belly, my coronaries are thoroughly enjoying their fill of grease this summer.   I have found my newest favorite neighborhood dive. Thankfully I randomly stumbled across a review of this place, otherwise I'd never have learned that the Pork Belly Beer House exists. This Korean BBQ joint at 814

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-36485259426948222132010-07-22T18:49:00.000-07:002010-07-23T19:38:43.990-07:00

It's not often that I get to say that I thoroughly enjoyed being a third wheel, but how can a girl not be tickled pink to join the Cord and Paul Bromance? The combination of accents and Mom jokes was enough to make me question if my gut was sore from the gorging or the laughter. Sigh. Such a cute couple. Being a huge fan of Cafe Medina, it was good to see the Chambar side of the gorgeous giant

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-27497675096459695702010-07-21T11:00:00.000-07:002010-07-21T11:04:07.537-07:00

I think that Africa was a great prep for my Street-Meat adventures. I'm pretty sure that my gut can now handle any kind of meat fried on a stick. Preferrably wrapped in cheese. I give credit to the Asians, they know how to keep it cheap. Just be prepared to do some serious chewing. I'm just working my way up to the Richmond nightarket, baby steps. The assortment of pan-fried gyoza and steamed

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-72434304967996732942010-07-15T02:08:00.000-07:002010-07-21T11:00:54.036-07:00

I can't say for sure, but this may not have been my first Guu experience. Upon entering the Thurlow location I had a vague flashback from one of my first visits to Vancouver while still super sheltered. All the shouting flooded back feelings of being scared and overwhelmed and totally weirded out by the food (reminder: I grew up in a town where dining out was a choice between DQ and A&W).

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-20040171796900038072010-07-09T22:42:00.000-07:002010-07-10T00:54:49.021-07:00

This evening I joined some friends at Society (on Hamilton and Drake), the newest venue of the Glowbal group, to get nice and sauced up before working my last nightshift. I arrived without any expectations and didn't even make it past the patio, but was definitely intrigued. The semi-annoying server convinced us to have the raspberry mohito, which was fresh and tasty and I don't even like rum!

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-35989737244718726672010-07-09T02:12:00.000-07:002010-07-09T02:58:47.672-07:00

There's nothing about the Acme Cafe that's gonna knock your socks off. It's simple and unpretenious and it's rad because it takes the standards and does them well. Oh, and it ALWAYS SMELLS LIKE PIE! Ladies and Gentlemen, the Mac N'Cheese. Da Club.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-6158025818781429102010-07-07T07:19:00.000-07:002010-07-10T01:57:57.665-07:00

So on my lunch break yesterday I made the mistake of thinking that my favorite pho dive would make a great Banh Mi Vietnamese sub thingy. Little did I know that this puppy was laced with shrapnel-like shards of Jalapeno peppers that would set fire to the roof of my mouth and numb the right-hand side of my face.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-59094788823401285582010-06-30T22:11:00.000-07:002010-07-09T03:07:54.779-07:00

Frankly, who gives a shit about what they're eating unless they are enjoying the company they're with? That's why I thoroughly enjoyed the post-workout bro-down over Rueben's with the boys last Friday. I can't help but comment on the rapidly changing neighborhood and hope that the Acme Cafe is a sign of things to come. Walking into the Cafe calmly transports you away from the frenzy of West

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-81372506217721289372010-06-28T03:12:00.000-07:002010-06-28T06:50:28.656-07:00

Yayaya! Oishi! If you live in Vancouver and haven't heard of Japadog you're retarded. It's old news that after spending several years building their street cred, the Japadog empire of street meat hot-dog carts have upgraded to a full-on store-front location at Robson and Richards. After receiving some sage advice, I chose the Kurobuta Terimayo. Kurobuta being extra special fatty pork from

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-68536298696822260762010-06-22T02:06:00.000-07:002010-06-28T02:27:03.363-07:00

If you haven't noticed by now, I'm a creature of habit. This doesn't always bode well for bringing NEW! and EXCITING! information to a blog, but yet again, fuck it. I'm all about finding the places in my hood that I can call my own, my hovels of comfort, the places I can rely on for being their awesome or awesome-ly shitty selves. Now that it's getting warm out, the Denman Kadoya patio is a

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-43333602099068196282010-06-11T10:40:00.000-07:002010-06-11T10:42:10.009-07:00

So I've stumbled upon this ethical dilemma; to talk or not to talk about "The Secret". After thinking about it for half a second I realized that no one really reads my blog anyway. No offense, but I have Google Analytics and know that all four of you don't actually take me seriously (technically there's really only three because I still have to figure out how to get it to stop counting myself),

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-56788324278358085812010-06-10T01:55:00.000-07:002010-06-10T02:54:28.049-07:00

Sunny day lunch on the Cinch patio!Pan-seared Prawns and Seasonal Greens Salad. Heck Yes. Mattchew Fong's Braised Short-Rib Sammich. I had to hold myself back from beating him up and stealing it.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-8978159593081840782010-06-01T10:34:00.000-07:002010-06-01T10:34:45.322-07:00

Jacqueline and I checked out the new convention center for the first time this weekend, hitting up the Eat Vancouver Food and Cooking Festival in search for some interesting local grub. The tickets were $15 at the door, $12 online, or $10 if you buy them off scalpers like we did. The food tickets were 50 cents each and each food item was about 4 or 5 tickets ($2 - $2.50), so it was reasonably

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-574477853264618602010-05-28T22:21:00.000-07:002010-06-21T23:46:07.767-07:00

What do I know about Thai food? Absolutely nothing, other than the fact that Pad Thai is delicious. I'm the white girl who can barely handle pepper because it's too spicy, so don't take me too seriously. BUT in a rainy epic fail to try out the Kintaro Ramen place on Denman and Robson on a Monday (hint: it's closed), I spotted the KCC Thai place across the street thinking, "A noodle is a noodle"

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-30397342167352576962010-05-28T21:59:00.000-07:002010-06-09T03:59:50.752-07:00

A while back when La Brasserie started doing a lunch service during the week I went on my break and had one of my favorites from their menu, the melt-in-your-mouth lamb cheeks. If you eat this on your lunch you will not want to go back to work, you will want to curl up into a ball, sigh, and have a nice little nap.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-58416987727062920282010-05-11T00:01:00.000-07:002010-06-15T21:46:45.261-07:00

Kadoya has opened a second location! Formerly the location of Sakuri Sushi, it's above the Marble Slab Creamery on Denman and next to the Soho Grill. I went for dinner and it wasn't very busy. Because it's on the second floor, I can't imagine there would be a huge amount of foot traffic, but that's what makes it great. The Kadoya on Davie is my favorite sushi restaurant in the city, but because

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-73560756759007870422010-05-05T21:57:00.000-07:002010-06-21T23:44:13.056-07:00

Apparently an establishment can survive selling only baked potatoes. Yup. Giant baked potatoes. This bright and friendly venue, Mr. Kumpir, serves Turkish stuffed potatoes at the South end of Denman. There are several options and a variety of toppings but I've opted for the Traditional (bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream) with added corn. Oh, and the potato part itself is a pseudo-twice

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-6331588824519407172010-04-17T21:12:00.000-07:002010-06-10T02:58:14.036-07:00

Call me a slut, but at the intersection of  Hastings and Hamilton is an establishment that I have no shame in admitting I frequent several times a week. This little hole-in-the-wall is the Pinche Taco Shop, La Taqueria, undoubtedly one of my favorite places in the city. I arrange my week based on when I can get my next fix, and spend the rest of my time dreaming about it. One step up from

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-9471197627816489072010-04-15T14:30:00.000-07:002010-06-21T23:57:27.753-07:00

On Easter Monday I ate Thumper/Peter Cottontail/ The Easter Bunny. All of these near and dear to my heart, tasted as good as they looked.  Ps. Do I really have to tell you where?

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-49309872937291598492010-04-01T01:39:00.000-07:002011-03-18T06:45:16.927-07:00

What? I'm talking about The Brass again? I know, it's not all that hard to believe, considering I have a huge boner for this place. In my quest to eat at all the places on Davie and Denman I can admit that I've gotten a little distracted by the shiny turquiose chairs at Corner Suite Bistro, the tacos from La Taqueria, and the cute boys at the Brasserie. But fuck it, this is MY Choose Your Own

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-8947376705286304412010-02-19T12:37:00.000-08:002010-06-21T23:48:10.607-07:00

If it is ever appropriate to use the phrase 'nouveau-vintage-chic', Corner Suite Bistro de Luxe might just be the only place in Vancouver lucky enough to deserve the title I officially made up. And seriously, "Corner Suite Bistro de Luxe"? Why so verbose? And turquoise is your accent color of choice? Really? Anyway, I might forgive them for trying to be a little too bougie, because the food

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-993777465811856242010-01-25T13:55:00.000-08:002010-06-21T23:45:22.239-07:00

The phyllo-wrapped, deep-fried shrimp The spinach, chestnut, raisin and parmesan dip with crostini's Braised chicken with porcini mushrooms on papardelle Don't let the Spanish confuse you, Mis Trucos ("My Tricks") is not the latest bordello on the block but rather the new eatery on Davie. The house that was formerly the Davie Village Cafe now has a new coat of paint, minimalist decor,

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-92043934415389586882009-11-14T14:26:00.000-08:002010-06-21T23:41:46.958-07:00

The Rigatoni Boscaiola The Gnocchi The wine Melissa's Bucatini, aka hollow and unslurpable spaghetti. Arthur's Orecchiette, which I did not try but thoroughly enjoyed watching him lick his plate clean. I really have to stop getting so drunk when I eat out or all my reviews will be the same: Guys. This place is ssoooooooooo awesome. This is like the best pasta I'VE EVER

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-62960354431402951582009-10-29T02:47:00.000-07:002010-05-28T21:52:47.822-07:00

This intimate venue is a very amicable union of German and French dining. When I asked the owner/chef why he chose those two regions specifically, he explained that his background was German and that they were looking for a continental feel for their menu. Usually there's a moderate wait on weekends, I recommend going during the week and reading the menu ahead of time to pick your Plat du Jour (

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-73205917334207563762009-05-30T16:47:00.000-07:002009-10-26T23:08:58.628-07:00

Worst5. Baloney 4. Stewed assorted fish heads3. Boiled octopus (a la aquachicken)2. Curried wieners1. Shrimp chow mien (spaghetti noodles with crumbly gray shrimp on top, no sauce included) Best5. Fresh orange juice4. Coconuts3. Pizza for breakfast 2. Pastries1. DEEP FRIED BANANAS!

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-7993107251185229152009-05-05T03:04:00.000-07:002010-05-29T15:00:46.444-07:00

As much as I begrudge the fact that the hospitality industry in Vancouver is saturated with sushi restaurants, I must credit this experience for forcing me to look beyond my sushi no-fail dishes. Although the five-week renovation of Kadoya (it really needs the new coat of paint), has caused many disappointed adorers to settle for their second choice, I did discover a hidden treasure on the eve of

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-45341348131989810552009-02-18T00:51:00.000-08:002010-05-29T15:11:16.988-07:00

It's official. I have been converted! I actually like a sushi roll, make that plural, two rolls. It all started with a little visit from Kimmi and Naka on my lunch break, I was perusing through the shinny new menu at Downtown Sushi, the sun was streaming through the smudged windows and all of a sudden I saw it. THE DESERT ROLL, accurately titled "The Honeymoon Roll", was deep fried banana topped

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-30152863322428778152009-01-20T23:27:00.000-08:002010-05-29T14:57:17.952-07:00

I have been plodding through sushi restaurant after sushi restaurant and just when I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel, another little hole-in-the-wall appears on Davie. Four more down, seven to go. SHIMA Sushi Yet again - CASH ONLY IS BULLSHIT! Do profits REALLY skyrocket when you don't have debit? Seriously?! It took me really long to decide what I wanted, there were too many

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-72097505668296606232008-11-30T15:18:00.000-08:002010-05-29T15:31:19.700-07:00

Instead of blogging play-by-play what I loved and hated about the sushi places, I thought that I would post once I was finished the entire category, but I've realized that that would be long and tedious. And it's taking a lot longer than I thought. I'm not a roll person, so my assessment of sushi is probably skewed in comparison to the average sushi-lover's love of sushi. Don't get me wrong, I

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-42737322357289261622008-11-23T22:25:00.000-08:002008-11-23T23:27:46.714-08:00

I have taken this challenge to eat at all of the eateries on Davie and Denman very seriously. But geez how many sushi places can there be on two streets? Ten to be exact. Thank goodness I'm not taking-on all of downtown Vancouver! I formulated a plan to eat at all of the restaurants in an orderly manner by dividing them up into ethnic categories (ie: Greek, Japanese, Indian, Mediteranian (kindof

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-38375573841647876372008-11-17T23:03:00.000-08:002008-11-17T23:41:37.319-08:00

It's really fun to say that when I get to the till. My prescription is once daily as needed.Okay so I cheated. I went to Granville Island in search of tasty things to bring to Kelowna and I found a new favorite Coffee Shop. It's called Agro Cafe Coffee and Roasting House on Railspur Alley, hidden around the corner. The service took forever (I think that that's the theme on Granville Island) but

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-35707141035212859642008-11-12T22:12:00.000-08:002010-05-29T14:58:39.891-07:00

Okay so I may have had a wee bit of a stressful night-shift last night but three things cheered me up this morning on my walk home after work (if you can't already tell I'm a list-kinda person): 1. The fact that I don't have to go back to work till Monday. 2. The mild-ish-ness of my first winter in Vancouver. 3. The impending first lunch meeting of the Ex-girlfriends Club! What I love most

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-1109859440908899112008-11-12T03:02:00.000-08:002008-11-12T03:03:10.897-08:00

You CAN eat your heart out, but don't be that guy. Don't knife and fork your way into a hospital. I don't want to have to suck the fat from your atherosclerosed coronaries while you whine to me about the low-fat low-salt diet (see tips about hospital food). It's called portion control people. And the gym.

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-68165146301875535422008-11-11T05:48:00.000-08:002010-05-29T15:30:25.090-07:00

In the contest of home-cooked verses dining-out, home-cooked always wins because it's made with love. Growing up, birthdays were always big family gatherings and the best part was being able to pick your birthday meal and cake. My mom would made the meal and Memere made the cake (But now Marielle usually brings home a "faulty" DQ icecream cake:). In my nostalgia, my ultimate home-cooked meal has

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-22011518644829437552008-11-09T15:31:00.000-08:002010-05-29T15:32:52.531-07:00

Yesterday in my rush to blog while at work I totally forgot a key anecdote. When I was in highschool and couldn't stomach the thought of another cheese whiz sandwhich, I would bring a tupperware container full of steamed garden potatoes for lunch and eat them cold, covered in ketchup and ranch. Delicious and Nutritious!

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-88095839963671754102008-11-08T19:30:00.000-08:002010-05-29T15:33:58.202-07:00

Potatoes are undoubtedly my favorite food. Purely delicious carbyness. I could seriously eat potatoes served in any form. You name it, I'll eat it. I've tried raw potatoes and I don't recommend it, the starch sticks to the roof of your mouth. I love 'em fried, baked, steamed, double-baked, hash browns, mash browns, tater tots, potatoes Au gratin, scalped potatoes, mashed potatoes, whipped

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-13249291280948700752008-11-05T16:10:00.000-08:002008-11-05T16:17:04.426-08:00

Okay, so I have decided to try my best to live within my means and not go out to eat in November, which doesn't exactly coincide with my quest to eat at all of the restaurants on Davie and Denman. And I don't have any romantic dinner dates on the horizon, so I'm pretty much screwed. After some thought I decided to share my infinite wisdom about hospital food. Every hospital is a little different,

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-19820571696927180692008-11-03T00:41:00.000-08:002010-05-29T15:14:22.466-07:00

I am seriously dedicating a whole entry entirely to The Mongolian Grill. There are so many things that I love about this place, it's cheap, I can walk there on my lunch break, the service is cute, it's entertaining to watch, it's fast, and it can be relatively healthy if you make the right choices. I always have the Big Bowl Lunch Special for $6.95 because the small bowl is too small and even

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-83203058299022815382008-11-02T12:32:00.000-08:002008-11-02T12:34:05.857-08:00

When I'm walking down Davie at seven in the morning after a night-shift the only things that are open are coffee shops and bakeries. So when my weaknesses include sweets and treats and pastries, it's hard not to stop and indulge at one of the eighteen-million bakeries on my route. Well technically there are only four: Cobbs, the Transylvanian one, and then the two Chinese ones. My personal

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-40047997449586263882008-11-01T14:30:00.000-07:002008-11-01T14:46:11.769-07:00

I don't drink coffee, but non-coffee drinkers still want to go to coffee shops to socialize. It's like the new Legion for young people, minus the beer and bingo. So because I drink tea and I don't know of any tea-shops in my neighborhood, my drink of choice is a chai latte. I then judge a coffee shop by it's chai latte. They are my favorite at Delany's and Blenz, not so good at Starbucks and

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-14280615216431284532008-10-31T13:57:00.000-07:002008-10-31T14:02:08.928-07:00

I'm a girl and I know what I like and I like what I like, and when it comes to ethnic foods there's usually the ONE DISH that I know won't let me down. I then judge my entire experience of a restaurant based on the No-Fail Dish.For example the pad thai. Yes, I'm a beginner at Thai food and I have seriously never tried anything but the pad thai. (I know that I need to branch out and try new

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933913965231764476.post-53812102092737824352008-10-30T23:22:00.000-07:002008-10-30T23:51:54.517-07:00

I have decided that while I am living in the west end I am going to eat at all of the restaurants on Davie and Denman. Since I'm here I might as well take advantage of the plethora of ethnic variety, as long as I don't gain 150 pounds and bust a jammer while walking up a short flight of stairs. I can tell you right now it's been hit or miss, and I'm pretty sure that I can blame that explosive

gilliandollarbabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298744165981126590noreply@blogger.com0