The RrrL

金泰...等太久去吃你了~

2012-07-21T10:49:00.005-07:00

紅到爆炸的金泰是台北所有朋友推薦是海鮮飯的首選, 但不知道為什麼就一直沒有機會....

終於到了MBA 畢業的以後才有機會好好享受這夢幻的海鮮飯~~~ :)

但大概是最近日本海嘯跟通膨的影響, 好吃又廉價的名聲我在看到菜單以後就嚇了一跳~

460 的價錢跟碗公的大小, 恩....心裡不停的盤算著, 不會吧, 用什麼幣算都還好阿....

最近跑了很多地方, 看到很多價位, 但460在香港,北美,甚至歐洲, 都沒有到很便宜ㄟ....

可能真的很好吃吧......

因為沒有超級餓, 也就只點了海鮮飯跟魚肚蔥蓋飯 .....~~~

等待等待......

上菜的速度還算快~

大碗的味增魚湯 (不是在蓋飯裡要60 ㄟ....interesting...) 味道有點海產店~

主菜終於上來了.......

蔥魚肚.....

300 NT 料是非常實在大把大把的蔥花.....加上旗魚跟鮪魚的肚楠肉....

有點嚇到, 這蔥也...太大快了...這魚也太.....沒有絞過的感覺一塊一塊的,,

蔥是蔥, 魚是魚....完全沒辦法融合..... 我不知道醬油有加在裡面了看著

乾乾的蔥跟魚味口有一點卡住, 跑去跟服務生要醬油, 他一臉訝異說醬油在裡面囉,

安心坐回座位想說那裏面應該有什麼法寶吧.....

一大口挖下去, 享受一下...ㄟ...醬油咧? 恩....難道是我吃太鹹....飯怎麼都沒有醬油只有

上面薄薄一層, 好吧.....也許我香港住了八個月吃醬油吃太多了????

轉過頭看看海鮮飯的近況, 可愛的蛋加上各是各樣的海鮮....恩~~~ 看起來還不錯!

干貝, 鮭魚蛋, 可圈可點....非常新鮮!! 但生魚的鮮度跟質量也達到一定的水準!~

重點來了....一看飯的顏色看醬油的深度, ㄟ.....滿多醬油的阿! 而且都是每一粒都剛好可以
被醬油稍稍染到~ 再看看我的蔥魚肚飯...怎麼都白的!

不是我的錯吧....這樣飯跟魚都和不起來, 馬上又在去跟他門要了醬油,
這個服務生更誇張, 看到我們吃一半了還是跟我們講了裡面有醬油, 不需要醬油了,
我說這飯真的很乾, 沒有醬油, 態度完全沒有改變...一樣覺得我瘋了....真想把兩碗完全
不一致的飯塞給他看......

結論....

金泰的新鮮度真的是不錯, 但是自以為品管做到百分百的話請再考慮一下....

Worth the drive? 住的近的話還可以, 但大老遠跑去就不必了.
Food: 20/30Ambience: 17/30
Service: 14/30
Price: $20 +

Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse @ Hilton Niagara Fall. (Road Trip Day 8 + 1, Dancing the Victory Dance)

2011-06-18T16:17:00.001-07:00

Lured by the promotional falls view package by Hilton at Niagara Fall which include 40 dollar Dining Credit at Brasa and Breakfast Buffet for 2 and a falls view two bed room suite. We decided to stay here for the final destination of the 8 day cross North America road trip. As we checked in, I see a promotional poster about all you can eat at Brasa for only 39.95 and I have a bad feeling.

As my friend filled up with Ben&Jerry, I am starved to death as we checked in at around 7:30. We quickly waltzed into the restaurant at end of the Hilton tower and thinking we could just order 1 or 2 dishes with the 40 dollar dining credit. After all we don’t have big appetite. As we arrived, we quickly realized that all you can eat is the only option and we need to throw in yet another 40 dollar for this meal.

If both of us are really hungry, then it probably is ok. The 40 dollar is quite standard at the most touristy place on earth. But my dear friend was completed wasted by the Ben&Jerry ice cream. Oh well, we gotta eat. The restaurant is very spacious. There is huge walk room everywhere in the restaurant. The table are widely separate so it is quite a nice setting to carry out your conversation.

The meal consisted of the salad bar w/ some hot features as well as endless of meat on the sword. If you are familiar with the Brazilian steakhouse. The red coaster on the table give the waiter the signal to come toward you with huge stack of meat on their long sword.

The salad bar actually has some really excellent grilled vegetables as well as Salmon and rice dish. There are abundances of greens that are quite fresh.

In the past, I often avoid Brazilian steakhouse because they are usually overcook. But this place does their meat quite well. Nice and tender and pink in the inside for all their beef dishes. Parmesan chicken, rib eye, tenderloin, it’s all pretty good.

We waited for bacon chicken wrap all night and it turns out to be the disappointment of the night. The chicken is super dry and the bacon is overcooked. Shouldn’t the fat from the bacon protect the chicken from being too dry?

The only view of the restaurant. So Brasa doesn’t offer any view but I meant there is falls view right at your room!

I enjoyed eating here but if I have to spit out 80 dollar plus tax + tip for two people. I am definitely passing next time. I love meat but I can’t handle too much to make it worth it. For those of you that are champion carnivore. This is a great place for you!

Worth the drive?
Food: 20/30
Ambience: 20/30
Service: 23/30
Price: $50 +

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Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill–The Victory Breakfast.

2011-06-14T14:55:00.001-07:00

May 31st, 2011. After 44 hours of driving, countless of foggy road, hitting the flood, snow block, I am finally back to Canadian Soil again. The air is just taste fresher for some reason. Probably because of the relieve. The road is yet again foggy, the fog has been around me through out the trip. There is only 2 hour left in driving after I passed the Sarnia border and pass by Lake Huron. Sarnia is a good border to cross to avoid passing through city of Detroit, which many warned me about the safety issue. The scenery is back to the typical farm. What I have noticed is that the farm infrastructure in Ontario looks a lot nicer than say South Dakota. But, I have no clue about the farming industry I just think they are prettier to look at.

At last, we arrived at the North York district of Greater Toronto District. North York is heavily populated by Asia immigrants, most of them are from Korea. I met up with the other RLs. As we ready for our self for the Victory Breakfast. My road trip partner is a die hard egg fan. So I advised my brother to take me to the best brunch place in town. So here we are at Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill. The restaurant chain is owned by obviously Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini. The vision of restaurateur Peter Oliver is to served lunch better than any one else. With such great vision, I just can’t wait to see how the brunch will go.

We are seated quickly after the reservation through OpenTable. We were greeted by a upbeat server that tends to make a little bit too much joke. But, no matter this is the Victory breakfast. Nothing can really spoiled my mood. There are variety of daily special breakfast drink available, the fruit smoothies, and fresh juices are really really good. You can tell the fruit used are best of the quality, and the smoothies is blended finely so the texture was extra soothing.

Since this is an egg haunt, what is better than the Egg benedict? The salmon egg benedict with baked herbs potato. This is a definitely a great combination to start off your day. The salmon does not have enough flavour. It tasted to me like Norwegian salmon, I am kind of disappointed. The fat was not there and the flavour is missing. I meant this is great salmon for anywhere else in the world. But we are in Canada :( . (Maybe I am too spoiled by the west coast of abundance of salmon). The eggs was cooked very well. The hollandaise sauce is very light in taste which goes very balanced with everything else. The bake potato with herbs are very tasty. The potato is baked til with lightly crusted. The herbs are doing its job to bring out the flavour of the starch.

The ham and spinach crepe is definitely a very fine dish. The wilted spinach and smoked ham really mixed well together with the combination of the thunder oak gouda. The gouda was surprisingly light in flavour, which is very refreshing in the morning. One down side is the crepe, I felt the crepe is a little bit crepe. In addition, the waiter let out a little secret when we want to exchange the smoke ham with smoke salmon. He said everything is premade because otherwise it would take too long. Really? Crepe? Too long? hmm… I don’t know I see lots of places make crepe right off the spot, the taste is just different when it is made freshly on the spot rather than reheat. For a upscale restaurant like this, I find that a little bit disappointing.

I didn’t have the salad. But just a picture for reference. It does look delightful.

Oliver & Bonacini offers excellent brunch menu with unbeatable fresh fruit drink that can start your healthy weekend activity. I really liked the ambience here. Hip and upscale. As for if it is the best brunch that is served, mmm, i have to say i am not agreeing.

Worth the drive? Pick one in your neighborhood.
Food: 22/30
Ambience: 24/30
Service: 21/30
Price: $15~20 for Brunch.

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Tokyo Kitchen–Solid Home Style Japanese food in Downtown

2011-06-13T15:57:00.001-07:00

After a very expensive afternoon drinks at Sassafraz, we decided to look for something budget. But what is budget and taste good in the Downtown area?

Good Japanese cuisine basically spells expensive meal in the city of Toronto. But Tokyo Kitchen begs the differ. If you want solid home style Japanese food in Downtown with reasonable price. Then this is the place for you. Tokyo Kitchen offer generous portion of typical home quick meal for their patrons to indulge.

Some healthy greens with typical Japanese vinegrette salad dressing with mashed daikon. Crunchy greens with the balance acidic and sweet dressing. It kicks off your appetite right away.

The chicken cutlet is nice and tender. The sauce is a little bit too strong for my taste. It may be very well comes from the bottle. But I really enjoyed the moist chicken.

Shrimp tempura dinner, 10 medium size battered Shrimp tempura is very very generous for the price of 15 dollar. The shrimp is decent quality with the right amount of texture. A very good meal in turns of ROI.

The inferior of all the dish. The Tonkatsu don (porkchop rice) is a little soggy. The sauce is really unbalanced making the taste inconsistent through out the bowl. The egg is dropped in carelessly as well. It did not enhanced the don but rather ruined it a little bit. But I am being a little bit harsh on it. It is very ok for the price.

Finished it up the oiliness meal with some refreshing tea by UCC.

Worth the drive? No. Definitely only drop by if you are around. Its fulfilling but driving to DT is just not worth it.
Food: 20/30
Decoration: 17/30
Service: 20/30
Price: $15

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Cheesecake Etc…–Best (and only) Cheesecake in Town~

2011-06-13T02:29:00.001-07:00

If you have a sweet tooth and you are a night owl, The French influenced Cheesecake joint is the perfect spot for you. The secret family recipe has been in Vancouverists heart for a long long long time. The owner’s love affair with jazz and cheesecake make this place exceptional for late night dating scene. The live music scene has not been as active as it claimed once was. The cheesecake is absolutely fabulous. Made daily in the morning, the cheesecake has amazing soft smooth creamy texture. The cheesecake is light with cheese flavours. The sweetness is very balanced as well. Adding on top the mouth watering strawberry sauce. It is one perfect cheesecake. I used to love their whipped cream because it has a very strong milky taste. But it doesn’t seems to be the same anymore.

Back in the day I often stray away from the regular order. However, I don’t think they really works for me. Unless you like chocolate exceptionally, their chocolate cheesecake is alright. The other topping I often find doesn’t really work with the cheesecake that well. Their coffee is alright. The tea selection is minimal. But the price is ok too. It is not too bad to have a latte that is under $2.75. You don’t get that kind of price around anymore.

Worth the drive? Yes. Definitely, especially you have girl that has sweet tooth.
Food: 27/30 (strawberry cheesecake only)
Decoration: 20/30
Service: 18/30
Price: $10

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Kingyo (Gold Fish) Izakaya– Tasty Food in Style~

2011-06-11T15:55:00.001-07:00

There are 4 major Japanese Izakaya chains established in Vancouver. Guu, Zakkushi, Happa, and Kingyo. They all have its own features but when you want stylish food. Kingyo has to be the top of the list. Situated on the popular Denman St on the west end of the downtown,

Kingyo is a two stores wide establishment with a big wooden door that is very modern Japanese.

( Chef’s Protégé focusing on the creation)

It is interesting that all Izakaya like to preserved a little bit of Japanese tradition. Japanese culinary master like to do daily creation and create the menu with calligraphy. Therefore, you can easily see this kind of special menu that is written freely with calligraphy character. However, this is just a photocopy from the original copy and does not change daily. (it changes from time to time)

(Salmon Carpaccio)

The Salmon Carpaccio is drenched with vinaigrette sauce mayonnaise. The sauce is quite rich which works quite well with the strong taste of the salmon. The salmon is absolute at the peak of its freshness. The salmon is quite thick which is just slightly thinner than the regular Sashimi slice. If it were paper thin like the typical beef carpaccio, I think the texture would go in the next level. (Sushi Master should have the ability to create paper thing sashimi with no problem)

(Ebi Mayo)

The Ebi Mayo here is nice and crunchy with burst of seaweed flake flavor. The secret mayonnaise is absolutely to die for. This mayonnaise definitely has some kick to it. The fried batter is a little bit off, as you can see it is not in its golden state.

(Stone grill Beef Tongue)

The Beef Tongue is grilled on hot stone. I remember they have the best beef tongue in Town. But, tonight the meat is lacking a bit of flavor. It is still very good. The dab of hot sauce is what making this dish great.

Mackerel pressed sushi. Lightly seared and soaked with sweet soy sauce, the Mackerel is fresh and sweet tasting. The mackerel is a hard fish to deal with raw. It is really hard to get rid of the fishy smell. The mackerel is done beautifully here,in combination of the pressed sushi rice. It makes a great filling dish.

Chicken karage with three types of salt. Now this is fried chicken to perfection. The meat is juicy and tender with perfect crusting. The salt gives the chicken different types of flavoring. Hint of mountain and ocean. I kinda wished the salt is here when I am grilling my beef tongue.

Three Flavours Beef – Tender stir fried beef slices with excellent original teriyaki flavor. To keep things more exciting and playful, the two side dressing provides different acidic flavouring and some kick to the beef!

To finish up the meal, perfect grilled cod fish with miso sauce. The tenderness is incredible. The special miso sauce beautifully accompanied the fish. The fish meat is glowing with transparency. I would call it the signature dish at Kyngyo!

The after meal desert, frozen grape. This is the smartest invention of all. Yum!

Kingyo offers unconventional Japanese food at the highest level without breaking your budget. If you want to impress any visitor from out of town. This is the place to be! After a stroll in Stanley Park or English bay. This venue would complete your night and impress whoever you are with! Dining at Kingyo is never a dull experience.

Worth the drive? Yes!
Food: 26/30
Decoration: 24/30
Service: 22/30
Price: $30~$45

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Yuzu Sushi & Sake Bar, Toronto

2011-06-09T20:22:00.001-07:00

Recently, Sushi & Sake bar is sprouting everywhere hitting Toronto food industry like a storm. It is odd that Toronto is quite behind on this type of food trend. Guu from Vancouver opened its first store in Toronto and rapidly become the talk of the town. Whereas, lounge style Japanese dining is now taking off like a hot air balloon.

This kind of new contemporary take of Japanese cuisine has to come from the traditional Kaiseiki Ryori, where the quality preparation (slow food) and display artistically is focused. The new fusion style is a simpler take of such interpretation. Enough talk, let’s dive in.

seaweed salad /w sesame vinegar dressing

A great opener for the meal. The seaweed is prepped nicely, which gives of the right tenderness and crunchiness. In combination of the vinaigrette and light sesame aroma, this wakame salad really grows on you and ready you for the meal.

Naban style fish

Naban refers to a vinaigrette sake based sweet and sour dressing. In combination of the freshness fish it brings out the sweetness of the fish nicely. The fish was cooked perfectly tender and juicy. Nicely executed.

Shrimp Karage

I don’t like the name shrimp karage for this dish, because karage generally refers to heavier battered. The grapefruit yuzu sauce gives off very fruity citrus flavors that really accompanied the sweetness of the shrimp. Its yuzu sauce is impeccable, no wonder it is in its name.

O-Toro

O-Toro Sushi, beautiful cut, but in my opinion it is a little bit too well formed for O-Toro. It definitely DID not melts away in my mouths. For O-Toro it is definitely lacking the fatty substance. I really wonder if this is true O-Toro. Without the melts away, decorating it with gold leafs is the least they could do for 8 dollar a piece.

I came here for the Nigiri and Maki as this is the sister restaurant of Japango. Yet again, I was disappointed. The vegetable rolls were bland, carried out from the back kitchen not from the sushi bar, Salmon roll is quite tasteless as well. The salmon is already lacking of its integrity.

Overall, the hot appetizer is all very well executed. The restaurant did not miss the expectation of its Yuzu name. Nigiri and Maki, however, are way over priced and did not delivered. This is a place to go if you want to have a fancy night out. Probably focusing on the lounging rather than the eating.

Worth the drive? Maybe
Food: 22/30
Decoration: 25/30
Service: 24/30
Price: $50~100

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Niagara Fall on the Lake–Road Trip Day 8 + 1

2011-06-09T17:28:00.001-07:00

(Ben&Jerry at Simcoe Park)

抵達了終點站多倫多, Road Trip 也終於告一個段落, 結束了六天橫行四千多公里的旅程, 這之中可說有各種酸甜苦辣, 現在終於完成了! 至今還是小小的覺得不可思議, 但多倫多可以去哪呢? 如果你有多倫多的朋友不妨可以問一下, 大概大家都會說….Nothing to do…哈哈! 這個城市擁有著上千萬的人口, 小紐約之稱, 但怎麼每次大家都說沒什麼事做! 我個人每次都匆匆的到來, 這次也不例外~ 但多倫多周遭倒是有幾個地方特別有味道. . 先從最遠的地方說起吧~
Niagara Fall 是多倫多周遭唯一必去的景點~ 這偉大的瀑布真的滿有震撼力的~ 我開玩笑的跟朋友說, 一定有所心理準備, 因為會改變你的一生, 看完這個瀑布後你就會覺得世界上所剩的瀑布真的是瀑布嘛? 還是玩具而已…
而開往瀑布的路上, 有一個必經的小鎮, Niagara Fall on the Lake. 這小小的heritage town 非常的優雅, 臨著Lake Ontario, 這裡有什麼可以 offer 的呢? 小Town 裡充斥著些許的英國風建築, 有一點點維多利亞島的感覺, 琳瑯滿目的藝品店. 這區域也是著名的紅酒莊區域, 適合種葡萄的地方, 雨量都會比較少, 所以天氣也特別的宜人.

短短的街道上, 最多的就是冰淇淋, Café, Bakery shop. 如果想要買一些拌手禮的話, 有兩個店特別值得推薦.
第一個是 Victoria Gallery & Tea 的水果茶. 這裡的茶有著濃郁的水果香, 但是喝起來卻是香濃的茶氣. 不會有種過甜噁心的口感, 可以說是男女皆宜. 甜甜的水果香搭配著濃郁的茶香, 如果還加上一塊蛋糕的話那真的是絕配了. (茶葉是Tax Free 的喔!)

第二個是這裡著名的果醬, Greaves Jams & Marmalades Ltd . 這裡的果醬特別的地方就是它是用純的水果製成, 過程不加糖. 非常適合現在對於不加添加劑健康飲食. 當然光是健康也是不行, 這裡的果醬口味繁雜, 每一樣都非常好吃,利用當地Niagara Fruit Belt 所產的新鮮水果, 我個人偏好crabapple, 清爽的蘋果香, 果醬乾乾淨淨的, 好吃極了!

(Travel Size? under 100 ml 可以帶上飛機)

Shaw Café 也是當地的hot spot. 坐在這裡享受一下午餐跟陽光, 應該是非常的不錯! 但我很怕這種地點太好的餐廳~ 因為it could very well be another tourist trap. 但如果純享受它的環境, 那倒是無妨.

(The Town Clock)

這條街道非常的短, 但這家Prince of Wales Hotel 可是非常的古典, 維多利亞風格, 內部穿插了許多可愛的小花園, 利用空間到了極致, 這邊有下午茶, 價錢不低,一個人要$35. 真的要有朝一日很閒很閒的一天, 才有可能待在這裡住宿以及享用下午茶吧.

Worth the Drive? Yes
Hour Needed - 1~2 hour.
Victoria Gallery & Tea
Telephone # 1-888-550-TEAS
Store Hours: Mon -Thur 10:00am - 5:00pm Fri -Sun 10:00am -6:00pm
108 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
http://www.victoriasteas.com
Greaves Jams and Marmalades
55 Queen Street, Box 26
Niagara On The Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0
Canada
Tel.: 905 468 7831
Toll Free: 1-800-515-9939
Fax: 905 468 0071
greaves@greavesjams.com

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Khao San Road @ Toronto–Authentic Thai with a Modernized twist

2011-06-08T20:18:00.001-07:00

Traditionally, Thai restaurant is prospered by a single house kitchen and shooting out dishes that awes and amazes everyone with their intensive and complex taste and flavor. However, as Thai Culinary developed, the tasting of the food is no longer enough. Contemporary Thai restaurant is opening left and right in North America. The look is always somewhat universal with this kind of restaurant. A nice open bar give people a very clean look. As opposed to the dark, yellowish, traditional Thai joint. With the modernization of Thai cuisine, I am sure even more people will be willing to give Thai a try! A similar venues on the west coast would be Maenam and Flying tiger.

Tao hoo Taud Samoon Prai (Garlic Tofu)

The lightly breaded tofu and chicken were fried to perfection. Nice and crunchy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. The garlic sauce has just the right amount of garlic flavors, it gives a nice zing to the tofu and garlic.

Daily Special – Panang Curry /w chicken .

Panang Chicken is probably the most well-known curry for Thai. The panang curry here is nice and creamy. It doesn’t has the bold taste like the red curry. Lacks a bit of the flavor coconut taste to give it a little of kick.

Sam Roas Pad Thai /w chicken, made with the special roasted peanut sauce and leek.

The fresh leek and roasted peanut sauce give the pad thai a very nice bold flavoring. The pad thai noodle is nice and firm and each of the noodle is soaked with flavoring explode in your mouth. I kinda wish I order a stronger spices to give it another layer of intensiveness. This may very well be the best Pad Thai in town.

Red Thai Curry with Tofu, a burst in flavour with mild chili spice

The red curry is just superb at this place. Nice and flavorful curry paste with nicely executed tofu. The tofu remained in its nice form instead of being meshed into pieces. The combination of different typical Thai spices really are doing their job in this dish. The chili spices gives the finale of to finish whatever rice that has left in your plate.

Khao San Road offers unbeatable authentic Thai affairs that rivals with west coast Maenam and Flying tiger. The food is genuinely good. I kinda wish the portion is bigger like most of the Thai places.

Worth the drive? Yes!
Food: 25/30
Decoration: 22/30
Service: 23/30
Price: $25

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Scarpetta | Thompson Toronto–Triumph of the Road Trip (Day 8)

2011-06-08T17:56:00.001-07:00

Toronto – As I arrived at the final destination for my cross country road trip Summer 2011. Now this calls for a celebration. Scarpetta @ King West is an eclectic contemporary venue that is touched by the Celebrity Chef Scott Conant. My experience with Toronto was somewhat negative, this town is filled with overpriced restaurant that offers cuisine with “less'” soul. Will my beloved Scott Conant changed this image for me?

The Trio Bread dips.

The restaurant offers variety bread basket. Definitely a plus with the fine dining experience, accompanied with the bread is the Trip Bread dips. Fancy infused Olive oil, tomato sauce eggplant, and mascarpone butter. Everything is delicious. The light dipping really opens up the taste buds and stimulate the appetite.

Creamy Polenta /w Fricassee of truffle mushrooms

This dish is to die for. The pure polenta is drizzle with the fricassee of truffle mushrooms (in simple term some kind of gravy). The creaminess of the polenta takes in the sauce completely. The truffle infused fricassee in combination of the mushroom is definitely a killer.

Grilled Mediterranean Octopus

The Grilled Mediterranean Octopus also has a very nice touch to it. Lightly salted in combination of the citrus sauce. It gives the Octopus a nice edge, show casing the sweetness of the octopus meat. Everything is in harmony and balanced. Yum!

Orecchiette /w favas & mint … exceptional refreshing with fresh favas

Slow Roasted Halibut /w asaparagus, wild mushrooms & charred ramp vinaigrette

Mediterranean Branzino /w farro seafood ragu

The two fish dishes are truly exceptional. This restaurant really know how to make their fish to perfection. Nice and tender with no excessive coating whatsoever. The fish’s freshness level is Exceptional. I didn’t even know there is such freshness ingredient in Toronto. The meat is nice and tender and the sauce is yet another perfection marriage.

The seafood ragu is quite interested. Packed with the ocean flavor yet it is quite light in taste. It is very refreshing for anyone that likes their meal light.

42 days dry aged strip loin

The grand finale, the steak! The portion is quite impressing, the steak is perfectly aged. The flavor is completely brings out. However, they grill the steak in a gradient pattern. (increasing rareness) It is quite fancy BUT the grilling side is completely dry and old. Making the steak so hard chew. One side of the steak is over cook and the hardness of the meat actually counterfeit flavor of the meat. What I had to do is split apart the rare meat and enjoyed it alone and pour the remainder of Fricassee of truffle mushrooms over the well-done meat to increase moistness. It works out great but it is quite disappointing.

In conclusion, Scarpetta offers soulful cuisine to the Toronto area. The appetizer and fish definitely sweeps me away. I really enjoyed the open lounge as you walk in the restaurant. Even if the restaurant is overloaded, I think the customer could feel quite comfortable hanging out at this area. (see picture 1)

Worth the drive? Yes! Go for the fish, and his famous spaghetti
Food: 24/30
Decoration: 25/30
Service: 25/30
Price: $50+

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Road Trip Day 1 @ Seattle - Serious Pie for Serious Pizza Eater (Crossing Northern USA)

2011-05-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

Montmartre–Rugged Café for Adults

2011-05-18T00:47:00.001-07:00

Yes. Again on the Main street and 30th ish. How do I find this? This time as I finished eating Grub the other day. There are just so many treasures on this little block. The rugged ceiling and the antique bike display make this café the perfect hang out place for the radical in the neighborhood. The café is a big supporter of the live music. Some interesting music is played almost every night at this joint.

This joint offers a nice electric environment for adults that are still hot in their dates. The selection of dessert is limited. Ice cream sundae or crepe… but with liquor. Perfect for the third that =p

The crepe is excellent and the ice cream which I believe is house made. You can actually taste the ice chunk in it.

Worth the drive? If you are into this kind of stuffs. Unconventional. Non main stream.

Food: 20/30
Decoration: 20/30
Service: 22/30
Price: $15~25

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C Restaurant - The Brunch

2011-05-18T00:23:00.001-07:00

Here I am again at the notorious C Restaurant where most people in Vancouver believed to be overpriced. But I just love their execution with the food. With Groupon’s special %50 summer deal, we get to experience their Brunch affair. It is late into the May and we had some beautiful sunshine couple weeks ago…with the most cheerful mood the night before the brunch. I woke up and see the Vancouver Grey…

The bridge is still beautiful, but sigh come on shed some sun shine already. Oh well let’s enjoy this moody brunch anyways… The brunch summer tasting value is a $40 value menu. The tasting value includes 5 courses. (well….mini mini course yes)

The daily muffin is quite fascinating to looked at. The bite size muffin with light dressing is just delighting enough to open up your taste buds. The taste is quite delicate but at the same time people would called it blend as well if you like your muffin with a very strong taste.

The second dish – Granola Fresh Fruit Parfait with Greek yogurt and mint. The Greek yogurt has a very thick tasting and contains a lot more healthy ingredient (active culture content) that is good for your digestion. It is the perfect healthy way to start your day.

The third dish – trout salad. The citrus of ginger and grapefruit really complement the trout. The Salad just blends in as you pick up the trout bites by bites. I actually enjoys this very much. Excellent execution.

The main – Egg benedict. The hollandaiss sauce has a nice kick in it but not too much that overpower the taste of egg and ham and the English muffin beneath. The poach egg is absolutely beautiful. . . the egg white is glowing like a magical ball. You can see the transparency of the yolk. It is perfect.

House made mint ice cream with house made cookie. Nice finish at the end, very refreshing. But I am not a big fan of the mint. But, something to note here is that I was afraid the ice cream drip as I eat it. But I never see anything drip out. At the end, I realized they stuffed whipped cream at the bottom. Isn’t that brilliant? Why didn’t any of the ice cream shop think of it. As you get to the bottom, the ice cream cone become a completely different dessert. Cookie with cream…wow brilliant.

Execution is done to perfection as always. But that being said some of the item IS a bit pricey if you think of it. Yogurt with fruits and granola is a big whopping of 10 dollar. I am sure the greek yogurt is hand made in the house and required lots of attention. But normal people wouldn’t consider the price affordable.

However, if you want to enjoy the perfect egg benedict. The $12 dollar egg and potato is quite common around the town. If you enjoy eating delicately, then this is definitely the restaurant to go.

Worth the drive? Depends how delicate your taste buds is. I definitely wouldn’t try the 40 dollar tasting menu again unless there is another special. It is too pricey for my pocket. But I would definitely come again for the eggs.
Food: 25/30
Decoration: 25/30
Service: 22/30
Price: $20~60

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Shiro–The best sushi bar in Town.

2011-05-09T14:26:00.001-07:00

Visited 2009~2011

(中文)

The biggest feature of Vancouver is that Sushi bar (as well as Starbucks) can be seen at every single corner. Everybody has their own favorite place to go for sushi. But if you are talking about the value? Shiro can easily be crowned. In a obscured business square on Cambie street, hid away the king of Sushi bar. No mater how many times you have passed Cambie, chances are you never notice this restaurant or even believe this is a decent restaurant from the exterior. It looks exactly like any other sushi joint in town. The cheesy signage as well as the Japanese style exterior wall, it is really hard to imagine that inside there is the best everyday sushi in Vancouver. After you walked in the door, you might feel slightly more comfortable. The neat and simple counter filled with customers, but still nothing truly convincing.

As the nigiri sushi is served, now you can truly spot the difference for this restaurant. The wild sockeye salmon is the only kind that is served here. The intense red color represents its better flavors and taste. The wasabi is also the feature here. Using REAL wasabi root, and made fresh at the facility. The taste is incomparable. The aroma is very strong and fresh, this is truly what wasabi should taste like. Most store use the North America horseradish and give a dyed it green, which is quite sad.

Here I also tasted the best Toro Nigiri. Nice knife work and the extra tuna oil gives it the extra flavor. The real crab California roll is an must order here as well. The freshness of the crab meat is hidden in every California roll. Other than sashimi and sushi, the bbq squid and many other items are all exquisite.

Worth the Drive? Yes
Food: 26
Decor: 18
Price: 15~35

P.S. However the shock factor is a bit different every time. I hate to say this the food is a bit inconsistent. I am not saying it in a bad way. But sometimes it is EXTRAordinary, but sometimes it is just very good. But it is all good comparable to the other sushi joint.

Tuna & Salmon Rose Don

Grub–Not your ordinary Grub!

2011-05-09T14:00:00.001-07:00

(中文)

Most people probably have a ill reflection on the Mount Pleasant Region. The industrial like main street and the close proximity to hasting probably gives off the wrong impression. Well at least I did. Grub Restaurant kinda falls under this category. Grub is usually used to described pub food, therefore there really is not a fine execution feeling to it. For some reason, I always think of the word as a negative feeling. However, one night as I finished dinner at sawadee and happily walked toward my car. This little hide away caught my attention. A very obscured room with two black board on the wall. Beef/Pork/Lam/Fish…ha cute!

As I did some research online on this restaurant, I realized this is one of those restaurant that withheld the neighborhood kitchen concept, very similar to a restaurant I have been to in Seattle. I called this the home style contemporary. I can never resist this kind of restaurant. As I am buried in the MBA application I have decided to give this interesting dark room an try. As I arrived the restaurant at 7pm, I saw the dinning room is completely empty. I was in shock and scared of my choice. Unsettling, I walked into the restaurant and ask for a table, and to my surprised the restaurant is fully booked.

The only table left is the little tiny bar, why not it might be fun. (To be honestly, the booking system is a bit weird, why would an restaurant leave the restaurant empty for a full 30 mins) See the little cute chicken? We are next! (nah we are eating right here) The menu is as the blackboard described, 4 meat and 1 vegetable dish. I am assuming it is different everyday. There is always pizza though…

It is best to wait for your dishes with glass of beer… The selection here is surprisingly abundance. Many different european brand as well as Canadian locals. (ranging from 4~5, reasonable)

The lamb rack is with yogurt mint sauce! The meat is perfectly tender, the medium rare lamb is without any gaming taste. The juicy lamb is accompanied with lamb sauce and tomato barley risotto. The combination brings out layers of lamb taste. The style is very distinguish. The risotto is mixed with tofu, a very Chinese style of cooking. Something to fill up your stomach but without the burden of over carb.

The thin crush pizza is very extraodinary as well. Light crunchy pizza accompanied with light tomato sauce and many different Italian toppings. I particularly enjoyed the tomato sauce because it is very light and just bring out the flavors of each topping without over powering. (球薊) 跟紅洋蔥與橄欖!

This Restaurant is definitely a try. With 19 dollar main and 12 dollar pizza, it gives wonderful flavor performance without hurting your wallet.

Worth the drive? Yes
Food 24/30
Service 22/30
Decoration 20/30

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Zakkushi–What is better than meat on a stick?

2011-05-09T13:33:00.001-07:00

Visited ~2010

(English)

Zakkushi (串燒) 在溫哥華是吃串燒的首選, 應該沒有其他店有比他更豐富的選擇. 不論是下班之後的gettogether 還是聚餐, 這裡都是非常適合的. 至今我已經在此度過無數個大家的生日, 日本式的吆喝下單, 以及不間斷滋滋的烤肉聲, 讓這裡充滿著活力. 串燒不論是雞心, 雞胗, 牛舌, 跟各個肉類都非常的入味. 搭配起司, 梅干, 海胎,的運用讓串燒吃起來非常的爽口而不油膩. 肉串大至以鹽燒, 與醬燒兩種方式處理. 兩者都非常的到味.

隨著時代的演變, Zakkushi 也快速的拓展到四家分店, 非常的會做生意. 每家的菜單都略有不同, 每一家也漸漸走向居酒屋的味到. 重原本純串燒轉向多元的菜單. 今夏最新的產品鹹酥蝦非常的有味到, 香脆的淡水蝦, 炸的金黃酥脆, 搭配海鹽的調味非常完美.

這家餐廳反而很受女性歡迎, 主要的事他們的炭烤麻糬, 搭配Mozzarella起司的軟綿綿的口感, 打動每一個女性的心. 說實在每次在看日本的菜單的時候他們都會標榜大受女性歡迎的都是含有麻糬的材料. 個人我是不太清楚他的魔力到底在哪. 不過是滿好吃的, 但我真的吃不多麻糬. 講到這, 喜歡吃肝的朋友, Zakkushi 肝的處理比較特殊, 他的肝的口感非常的綿軟, 我個人是還可以接受, 但是肝我還是比較喜歡吃有一點脆脆的口感. 所以不推薦這道串燒~

既然已經轉型成居酒屋, 就推見一下他的代表作, Beef Steak, 他的 Beef Steak 做的非常美味, 甜甜的日式醬汁加上恰到好處的蘿菠泥搭配決家的六分熟牛肉. 每一口肉都是非常的鮮甜. 另外如果怕整餐吃起來太多肉類, 建議他的buta shabu salad 涮豬肉沙拉也是非常的有口感. 和風醬汁搭配清爽的涮豬肉, 決配!
Downtown Denmen 的 Zakkushi 原本非常適合大型的聚餐, 他的大桌, 原本是木製長型的方桌搭配玻璃的吊飾, 非常有氣氛. 但現在可能因為想要更多的空間, 這大桌已經被拆掉改成普通的桌椅. 所以建議多人的聚餐可以到main street 的店面會比較有氣氛.
講到此, 夏天炎熱的天氣又讓我想要到此享受一杯冰啤酒搭配他一串串可口的串燒了~

Worth the drive? Yes
Food: 25/30
Interior: 20/30
Price: $30~50
Note: 其實只吃串燒吃到寶實在有一點奢侈, 如果只是來試試口味喝幾杯酒是不用到40 塊的價位.

Zakkushi–What’s better than meat on a stick?

2011-05-04T17:45:00.001-07:00

Visited ~2010

(中文)

Zakkushi is top choice for carnivore who likes meat on a sticks. There is no other restaurant that offers more selection of Japanese meat on a stick than here. Even if you are just grabbing a drink after work, or having a get together here. This place is best suited for all. If you are adventurous, there is exotic items such as chicken gizzard, chicken heart, liver, and beef tongue. Each skewer is dressed in salt or sauce with combination of cheese, seaweed, and plums. So you can enjoy lots and lots of meat and still feel refreshing.

As the time goes, Zakkushi has evolved into 4 branches in the Vancouver area. The menu in each store is slightly different. Some becomes more like the regular izakaya that people in Vancouver are familiar with. The menu has developed and became broader. The summer’s newest dish is the salty fried shrimp, it was nice and golden, in combination with sea salt, gives off the freshest taste from the sea.

The most popular dish for female here is the BBQ mochi. (rice cake). The chewy mochi with melted mozzarella cheese is described as “Love’ from some of my friend. Japanese always said the woman loves the Mochi. but in my opinion I am not too sure what is so beautiful about it. I like the taste though. But I can’t handle too much of it. If you are the adventurous type who like liver, Zakkushi’s bbq liver is quite special, the liver is nice and tender. (the texture is a bit mushy) Therefore, if you are not that into liver or like a more firm flavor. I highly recommended you not to order this skewer.

The beef steak here is done to perfection. Sweet japanese sauce in combination of mashed white radish on tops of the perfectly medium rare meat. Every bite of the meat is sweet and tender. If you are worried about eating too much meat for the night. Try their shabu buta salad, water boiled pork slices with Japanese sour salad dressing with poached egg. It is very healthy and refreshing to rescue your oily taste.

Now I cannot wait for summer to come again, so I can enjoy a nice cold beer with lots and lots of the meat skewer.

Worth the drive? Yes
Food: 25/30
Interior: 20/30
Price: $30~50
Note: This is not a place for you to stuffed up. The meat are cooked very delicately, therefore you might find the dish a bit small. But the point is to drink up ! cheers =p

Hidden Tasting Bar @ Westin Grand (Robson)

2011-05-04T17:22:00.001-07:00

(中文)

Vancouver is a place that is filled with artist and chef. There is a lot of good dessert chefs around, however on this relaxing land. Most of these store close very early if not close all the time. Thomas Hass / Faubourg / Ganache Patisserie are all famous dessert bakery shop. However, one closes earlier than the other. Before everybody has time to wrap up at work, they are long gone. Some location doesn’t even open on the weekend. The only exception is Cheesecake etc! But Cheesecake Cheesecake Cheesecake sometimes you craved for other stuffs. Or you just need place to chill at night.

The reason I noticed this location is because its named. Hidden is the keyword I really enjoyed recently. I like to find those restaurant that is a hole in the wall. But after careful research, I discovered this isn’t really a hole in a wall. It is just tucked away in a obscured apartment hotel. There is nothing underground about it! But it is a great place for date…

Even though it is called Hidden, the lounge is quite spacious. With back light slowly changing, a little bit of cheesy but sometimes you need a little bit of glamorous and bling. Hidden Tasting Room serves Tapas style dinner but I am not here for dinner tonight. The price is quite attracting, every dish is roughly 15 ~ 20 dollar. The subject today is dessert!

Da Da chocolate fondue~ creamy toblerone chocolate with fresh fruits.

Because we are in such a romantic atmosphere. Of course lets have some Champagne. There are 4 bottles available while the regulars are freixenet carta nevada brut and cristalino. (I know Champagne and Chocolate is such a cliché. (and wrong) but remember I just talked about I am enjoying the cheesy moment)

Accompanied by the Vancouver Library back light. This place is truly romantic. In honesty, this fondue is no more complex than melting the chocolate at home. However the blood orange they served is top quality. Cristalino is quite smooth at start, Crisp with complex fruit notes but with chocolate is a bit dry at the end.

Hidden tasting bar is an excellent place to chill and relax with your love one. A wonderful quiet place to relax and talk about the future and such. I won’t expect too much on the food but it does the job, But the Champagne is reasonable $35! Enjoy~

Worth the drive? No Comment
Food 19/30
Service 20/30
Decoration 25/30

Market by Jean Georges–Not at all the JG I expected

2011-05-03T20:04:00.001-07:00

After the trip to NY, the one experience that is most forgettable is the lunch at JG. I was feeling a little bit sick due to the harsh NY cold weather. But after the meal I was completely rejuvenated and spent the rest of the afternoon enjoy my time at the Met enjoying even further visual beauty.

Therefore, when I was informed that the latest establishment Shangrila has the Market inspired by JG. I was excited. As I alluded to in earlier post that, this year the Dine out Vancouver coincided with the Chinese New Year. Using this opportunity when the whole family gathered at Vancouver, I booked Market By JG weeks in advance. When the days arrived, I am all pumped while reminiscing the adventure I had during the course of New York.

As we arrived the restaurant (very very early), I see a really nice and elegant setup. The lounge area definitely makes you feel like a million buck. While the dining room is simple, elegant and to the point. More or less to the JG’s taste.

We are led to the balcony area. This glass surrounded balcony oversee the Thurlow street. I absolutely loved it. (For some reason, I have been getting really nice seat all through out the dine out events ~ lucky)

My pictures at this location somehow is all out of focus. So please bear with me but I really want to share my experience with everyone.

The bun – French dinner roll. It’s a roll. Nothing too surprising. I started to feel a bit antsy. Is it just like the Mercer Kitchen that it only has the name but no execution? But this time with price matching to Fine dining ?

First course – salad. The shrimp is fresh, the sauce is tasty. Very good salad. The portion ~~ Meh.. The taste nothing to brag about.

First course choice 2 – tuna tar tar. Wonderfully displayed, and outstanding taste. The radish slice and the ginger sauce completely complement the tuna.

I didn’t stay on the Dine out Menu because it looks a little bit boring. So I ordered the crab cake. This near 20 dollar crab cake has very nice fruity citrus sauce. The crab cake is on the soft side with nice smooth texture. Very very nice crab cake. I would like to say I liked it but sadly I don’t. Maybe it is due to the precedence of JG’s name. But I find the sauce a bit single tone with the citrus flavor too powering everything else. It almost feels like its covering the fishy smell of the crab.

The main – Malaysian style Lingcod with Rice. The fish is very fresh and tasty with Asian flavored kick. But to be honest with the Chef around the world. Chinese never ever enjoy eating Chinese style food in a western restaurant. I never met one and I never heard of one. Even with the slight French twist to it, we still never enjoys it. Because we just think you didn’t do it properly HAHA. I am trying to dismiss the fish because it is wonderfully tender and flavorful. But still I hope I see no Chinese Ever in a French restaurant. The chili sauce is very common in the Asian community. I am confused by the execution. . . It was tasty but I am not thrilled with it.

The while truffle pizza – This is what I come to Market for. I have heard many many good things about this. The pizza totally rocks! The pizza bread has godly aroma complemented by the white truffle oil. Now this is heaven.

The deserts –

The ovaltine kulfi with caramelized banana and spiced milk chocolate sauce. The other Buttermilk panna cotta. Both are quite interesting to looked at. What I really really enjoyed is the discovery of the caramelized banana. It is such a fun dessert and its so healthy I will definitely try this at home.

But compared to the JG dessert that I had. Both of these dessert is like elementary grade compared to PHD.

(The most memorable dessert in my life at Jean Georges the Restaurant, NY)

The whole dine out experience is quite disappointing to me. I really don’t like restaurant that cut short the chance they are gaining the opportunity to expose their ability. If the regular menu pizza is such a treat, I would expected the dine out menu to have the same execution.

It might take a while for me to find the courage again to enter venture once again.

Worth the drive? No. FIIIINE. YES! Maybe I expected too much. Or maybe the Canada strong exchange rate just killed everything.
Food 24/30
Service 21/30
Decoration 26/30

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Empire Garden (Langley) - 中華飲食驚豔Langley

2011-05-03T13:23:00.001-07:00

(English)

莫名的晴天, 無聊的禮拜六, 休息中的我就跟老媽決定到外面亂晃! 不知道為什麼我媽很愛去美國, 哪怕只是過了邊境也好. 於是我們就浩浩蕩蕩的走了一個非常不起眼的海關過去美國….吃冰淇淋! 哈哈….Edaleen Dairy.

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可不要小看這小小的Dairy Store, 可是滿滿的人阿! 我相信不是觀光客啦~ 但一車一車的人來買霜淇淋也是很有特色! 我想他應該是美國最靠近加拿大的冰淇淋店! 超好吃~~ 真的有閒到這麼誇張的人可以來吃吃看!

回歸主題, 走這個詭異的海關就是回家路途遙遠, 也經過了神奇的Langley~ 哈哈不好意思 Langley 的朋友們 ! 這裡真的是傳說中的鳥不生蛋~ 在苦無東西吃的時候我看了一下溫哥華有名的部落格 sherman’s food adventure ~

講真的, when in doubt, 看看他的部落格會有一點方向, 那位先生太強了, 他真的是什麼都可以吃什麼都可以blog! 但他的critic 還不錯, 滿適合我的style的..~

找到了這一間…Empire Garden Chinese Food…他部落格寫的…authentic. 雖然看了照片覺得有可能, 但 come on!! Langley….Really??

但肚子不等人, 時間又晚了, 有開的再來就是速食店了~ 來試試看吧!!

一踏進店裡, 就覺得可能有希望了~ 乾乾淨淨的店面, 裝潢出奇的好! Good Sign~

跟我媽兩個人, 中國菜實在不好點, 管它的, 抱著打包的心態, 就多點個幾盤吧~
菜單從頭看到尾, 這裡價錢還真公道~ 一道菜九塊起跳~ 感覺回到了1997..哈哈~ 中心一點的中國菜, 再破在髒也是這個價錢~ 應該很小盤吧?….

第一道鴨鬆, 哇, 青菜也太多了吧~ 爽口清脆的生菜, 包著超的油油香香的鴨肉! 炒肉有一點點過油, 層次有一點點不足, 但標標準準的鴨鬆…不錯!(份量小的迷思, 不攻自破)

我媽點了帶子四蔬, 光聽菜名我就連想到少少的隨便幾個蔬菜配上小到不行的干貝! 菜一端上來, 又嚇了一跳~ 擺得整整齊齊的四種蔬菜 (四季豆藏在干貝下) 份量相當驚人, 燴干貝的芡汁淋在蔬菜上, 蔬菜變更香甜有味…好吃!

第三道, 陳皮雞酸酸甜甜的橘子醬搭配炸的酥薄的雞肉~ 還擺了一朵青椒做成的花~ Nicely executed~

最後一道炒飯, 這炒飯比較沒有什麼特別的~ 但粒粒分明帶著醬油提味~ 不錯~

好吃好吃! 整體來說這家中國菜深住在白人居多的Langley 竟然沒有走向所謂的 “白人” Chinese food…可以說是勇氣可嘉~ 色香味面面俱到~ 不小心wonder off 到這的朋友真的可以來吃吃看~

Empire Garden Chinese Restaurant
20378 - 88th Avenue, Langley, BC V4W 3N7, Canada
+1 604-882-1111 ‎

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Worth the drive? Maybe~ It is still a bit far.
Food 23/30
Service 23/30
Decoration 22/30

Empire garden (Lanley) – An unexpected Chinese affair.

2011-05-03T13:22:00.001-07:00

(中文)

An unexpected Saturday afternoon has driven me take my mother out for a spin. For some unknown reason, my mom really likes to go cross the border. It is probably because crossing the border give us a sense of “going out” feel. It feels more like a vacation. Also the stuffs is definitely cheaper across the border due to higher Canadian currency. So, we decided to cross the tiniest Aldergrove crossing. What’s there? The Edaleen Dairy. It has the cheapest and softest ice cream cone.

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Don’t easily dismiss this tiny dairy. Waves and waves of customer flock to here from locals and Canada. Everyone comes out the store with a huge software ice cream and a happy smile on their face. This might just be the closest ice cream store in US to Canada.

Back to the main subject, after crossing the deserted 回border and pass through the magical Langley. No offense, but before tonight I thought Langley is a place that only has farms and animal. By this time, it is way pass dinner time, I reluctantly checked the famous sherman’s food adventure for idea ~

When in doubt, Sherman really offers some strongest coverage of lower mainland’s food adventure. I meant even travel guide, critic site, really have a hard time to cover suburb area.

Ahhh…Empire Garden Chinese Food…the comment he wrote…authentic…Even though, it certainly looks like it is authentic but come on!! Langley….Really??

There wasn’t a lot of choice in the middle of the night. And hunger could really kill you. Let’s have a try~

As I stepped in the store, I felt a glimpse of hope. Nice and illuminated store with pretty decent decoration. Good Sign~

It is hard to go to a Chinese restaurant with limited people, but with packing the left over in mind who care, just order lots and lots. Reading the menu page to page. The pricing is beautiful. Everything starts as low as 9.xx. It feels like 1997 all over again. But, even crappy dirty ugly Chinese restaurant asks for this price. Maybe the dish is tiny?

First dish – Duck lettuce wrap, wow mountain of crunchy fresh lettuce. Nicely flavored stir fried duck dices. The meat is a little tiny bit oily but wrapped around the fresh lettuce. Very delicious. (I guess no Tiny Dish!)

Second of all – Scallop with 4 vegetables. From the name I was thinking the scallop must be one of those dry tiny one, but when the dish is served I was shocked again. Vegetable is neatly placed on top of each other then drenched with braised scallop sauce. The sweetness of the sauce brings out the natural sweetness in the vegetables. Two thumbs up!

Third, orange chicken. Nice sweet and source sauce made from orange combined with the lightly breaded crunchy thin chicken. ~ Nicely executed. There is even a red pepper flower decoration.

Lastly, the fried rice. The fried rice is executed completely. There is no highlight about the fried rice. But the rice is nice and firm with slight soy sauce flavor. Pretty good.

Surprised Surprised. This restaurant totally kicks ass and proved that I am wrong about Langley. In addition, I also found many interesting places in Langley that I will want to come back to visit. Just the other day, I went to play golf at Newland Golf course. Nice little golf course.
The level of execution and flavor is top notch and very comparable to the popular location in Richmond.

Empire Garden Chinese Restaurant
20378 - 88th Avenue, Langley, BC V4W 3N7, Canada
+1 604-882-1111 ‎

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Worth the drive? Maybe~ It is still a bit far.
Food 23/30
Service 24/30
Decoration 22/30

Octopus Garden–Top Japanese Cuisine in a Playful way

2011-04-27T01:44:00.001-07:00

The infamous Octopus Garden. Hidden away on Cornwall street just blocks beside Burrard street. Words on the street says it has quality that can rival the might Tojo. On my Birthday Dinner, I finally has a chance to visit this tiny tiny shrine in Kitsilano.

You can most certainly see the Owner/Head Chef’s playful heart as you walk into the store. There is a cute wooden boat right in the middle of the store. (I was fortunate to be sit there as well!! Woo Hoo, time to go out and get me some Sashimi)

Like the name Octopus Garden, you can see Octopus everywhere. Air Vent on the Ceiling shaped like Octopus. Octopus chopstick stand. Stuffed Octopus Doll on the boat!

Hot sake in hand crafted pottery on iron stands has a very interesting touch to it. Though we order the most common gekkeikan but it certainly brings out the elegancy to it. Everything looks so cute and perfect.. I can’t wait to dive in to the culinary adventure on my boat =)

The Welcome Dish – Toro butter, with fish roe drizzle with very light soy sauce. If you don’t get what Toro hype is about, it is probably because you weren’t eating the right stuffs. The fatty tuna melts instantly in my mouths like tasting delicate butter. Why does God made fat so tasty ><

First Dish – Assorted Tempura. This Tempura is truly exceptional. Using unusual ingredient such as tofu skin, spot prawn, fish,and big shiitake mushroom. The breaded batter was nice and crisp. The tofu skin is a truly innovation. Crunchy batter on the outside and soft tender tofu skin in the inside. It’s quite special.

Second Dish – Eel roll. The combination of eel cucumber and fly fish roe nicely balance. The eel is of the freshest quality, lightly coated with Japanese bbq sauce and grilled to perfection. The sesame on top is a little overpowering to my taste.

Third Dish – Uni Shooter. This is the greatest creation of all. Sea urchin with quail egg mixed with Perilla and some unknown sauce. This is the magical experience, imaging sitting by the farm that can gaze into the ocean, drinking a nice cup of tea. The urchin is the freshest I have ever tasted in BC, hack its in the top three in my book. (To be honest, BC is one of the major producer of sea urchin, but I rarely see them on sale and the one in store are always mediocre, I guess they all got imported to Japan)

Third dish – Art of Sashimi. This cute little Sashimi display is so cute and playful. Again harmonizing the atmosphere of the store. The sashimi bento (lunch box) is perfect for my voyage on my wooden boat. The taste is also at the highest quality. I would say it is equal or higher than Vancouver’s best Sushi Bar Shiro. But you have to pay for the visual experience. One thing to note here is the saba sashimi. Saba (Mackerel) is not a easy fish to do Sashimi. Often time, the strong salted flavor Saba still seep lots of fishy smell. But not here, Saba is light in taste so the customer can fully endure its wonderful flavor.

Fourth dish – Lobster on Vacation. This dish is probably the cutest display I have seen in Japanese Cuisine. Plated in the banana leaf tray, I guess the lobster has went to somewhere near the equator and got captured. I like the dish as it is very clean and to the point. It is all about lobster so there isn’t too much sauce on the roll. At this point, I noticed the chef doesn’t believe in mayonnaise. As often referred as dishonest way in Japan, I truly admire that. If you add mayonnaise to a roll, it most likely just kill the taste of the ingredient. But somehow the roll just lacks of something for me, maybe the lobster could be lightly grilled with a torch? I still like my lobster hot I guess. (I am being very harsh on this roll because hack it’s a 30 dollar roll)

Fifth dish – Wagyu Beef. Wagyu beef is basically beef raised Japanese style. The beef has extra marble so it taste nice and juicy. The beef is definitely top of the top quality and the cooking device is quite interesting. I truly enjoyed it but I would say it is a bit on the overpriced side. If it is up to me, I will use the money to buy this funny looking grill and do it at home. That’s only because Canadian Beef are always top quality already.

Sixth dish – Nigiri rolls. At this time, the canucks is still 1 v.s 0 chicago on the 7th game. The owner is a die hard Canucks fan so I think it is really hard for him to concentrate now. Every nigiri is done to perfection here. To pick bone, I would say the toro nigiri is not looking that complete. (could be the intense game? haha). What is the most interesting dish here is the shiitake mushroom nigiri. Lightly breaded and fried. This is something truly different to have the beautiful shiikate mushroom with sushi rice. I really liked it.

Seventh dish – Soba Maki Tempura. This is a extremely innovated. The cooked noodle is wrapped seaweed then breaded and fried. The filling has spinach, crabmeat and fish roe. I can only admire the skill of the execution. The cooked noodle is lined up perfectly. The taste – nice and light very refreshing. I am glad we ordered this last.

Departing candy – Octopus gummy. This gummy octopus not just cute but surprisingly tasty. Because it has two different flavor that just blends together. I really like it.

Thanks to my dear friend. I truly enjoyed the adventure at Octopus garden. This tucked away Japanese shrine did not get the media attention that it deserved. But it seems like a lot of celebrities knows about it. The creativity, execution, and freshness is incomparable. Although some of the dish may be a little bit too pricey for the most of us. But it nows open for lunch with ramen and sushi combo at very reasonable lunch price. Don’t hesitate to come out to the east end of Kits and have a taste of this exceptional culinary art.

Notes: Fun to dine. Freshness guarantee. Perfect execution. Very pricey.
Worth the drive? Yes!
Food: 27/30
Decoration: 24/30
Service: 24/30
Price: $60~$150

http://www.octopusgarden.ca/index.html

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大混亂之成功菜色(二) - 誤打誤撞魚香茄子煲

2011-04-26T16:44:00.001-07:00

冰箱有什麼用什麼法則 Continued. .

講真的，吃真的是有一那麼一點點學問~ 常常去餐廳都還是有朋友認為魚香茄子裡面應該要有魚? 錯! 我記得我每次都解釋一次~ 喔是利用魚露來做到這一個所謂的魚香~ 但魚露這個東西我根本不會用 ~ 冰箱那顆在農夫市場買的茄子就快凋謝了~ 講真的我不太吃茄子, 我很怕茄子本身的味道, 但吸附醬汁的味道的時候還ok…當初有點中邪的買了它~ 怎麼辦怎麼辦~~
我記得魚香茄子就是辣辣的絞肉加茄子, 不然用豆瓣醬應該也行的通!? 不妨一試~ 記憶裡跟麻婆豆腐也沒有什麼兩樣~ 不過就茄子換豆腐而已!! 哈哈躍躍欲試

公式如下
麻婆豆腐好吃
豆腐柔嫩很容易吸附醬料
茄子柔嫩很容易吸附醬料
麻婆豆腐 <=> 麻婆茄子

紅燒獅子頭多以白菜心提升甜味；以紹興增加香氣
魚香茄子煲既然也是紅燒那也可以白菜跟紹興酒調理.

食材:
辣豆瓣醬 1/4 罐
大蒜 2 瓣 (我沒用因為我用的是蒜味辣豆瓣醬)
洋蔥 1/2 顆
薑 1片
蔥 1把
絞肉 200 gm
茄子 1顆
紅蘿蔔瘦瘦的1根
紹興酒 1湯匙
醬油 1湯匙
白菜心隨便
鹽適量
紅糖適量
麻油適量
做法
1) 茄子切塊. 茄子滿容易爛的而且會縮. 大塊點

2) 茄子要好吃而且看起來不可怕一定要稍微炸過. 定個型，顏色也會更亮. <- 更黑更亮
3) 茄子準備完後, 開始很基本的炒配料.
4) 熱1大匙油
5) 先放入洋蔥做一個焦化
6) 等洋蔥透明以後加入蔥白. 加入 2 pinches of salt
7) 炒了大概1分鐘後加入絞肉 (之前備好的)
8) 絞肉又會出油, 這時候加入紅蘿蔔稍微過個油.
9) 把食材稍微撥開, 倒入豆瓣醬燒得熱熱的鍋上. 這樣豆瓣的香氣才會出來.
10) 翻炒所有食材讓它們沾附辣豆瓣醬.
11) 加入炸好的茄子.
12) 鍋邊倒入一湯匙醬油跟紹興酒. 嗆香!
13) 翻炒完成!
14) 接下來把小白菜心舖在鍋下( 家裡砂鍋都打破了 ><)

15) 倒入炒好的所有食材
16) 放上四片薑. (薑為什麼不炒在裡面呢? 因為絞肉是跟薑一起炒的, 太重的薑味會讓口感不太協調)
17) 3茶匙的紅糖.
18) 加150 cc 水

19) 開始用中小火悶煮
20) 滾了已後放上蔥段,用最小火再燉5分鐘.
21) 最後上一點薄芡.
22) 用些許麻油點香!
Da Da 完成!
好笑的地方來了! 為什麼叫誤打誤撞呢? 因為我為了blog這篇特別收尋了一下什麼是魚香! 懂的人應該早覺得我是笨蛋~
Baidu knowledge: “魚香，是四川菜餚主要傳統味型之一。成菜具有魚香味，但其味並不來自"魚"，而是泡紅辣椒、蔥、薑、蒜、糖、鹽、醬油等調味品調製而成。此法源出於四川民間獨具特色的烹魚調味方法，而今已廣泛用於川味的熟菜中，具有鹹、酸、甜、辣、香、鮮和濃郁的蔥、薑、蒜味的特色。”
哈. . .哪有魚露~ 它就是做魚的配料嘛~
那我這一道, 除了多了"豆瓣"的香氣~ 配菜跟所謂魚香絲毫不差! 天份阿天份…..=p

C Restaurant–Superb Seafood execution with Amazing views.

2011-04-26T01:26:00.001-07:00

I always hear raving reviews about C Restaurant about its exquisite seafood execution from papers, news and critics. But no offense I never really believe in eating seafood in western style. I feel that the execution lacks of creativity and often if it is done right I feel no difference than eating the live seafood at the best Chinese restaurant at freckle of the price or even at home.

2011 my family was in town for Chinese New Year and it coincided with the Dine Out Vancouver events. Perfect combination! This year I took the liberty of booking early on many dine out occasion. I finally get to taste the controversial contemporary C Restaurant.

The Restaurant is situated at the end of Howe Street which is right across Granville Island. If you are lucky and get a window table. Then you could enjoy the spectacular view of Fraser River and the gazing into Granville Island.

The breads were first served in a basket carried by the waiter. There were at least 5 bread selection, which is what I always enjoyed, you get to pick a couple or just try them all. The breads were quite delicious with the butter. The picking bread procedure is quite standard in French restaurant, to be honest I have grown quite fond of it. In many cases restaurant sometimes only serve one types of bread. (What if I don’t like sourdough?)

The dine out looks a little bit on the smaller portion size. So we have decided to see if the restaurant is up to speed with their freshness. This can be immediately observed with their oyster. C Restaurant is big on sustainable seafood. (I have no idea what it is about). But I do know they are very big on local catches as well. The kushi (well not local) were wonderfully processed, look at them glow on the ice. By the way, KUSHI is the best tasting oyster EVER!! I strongly recommend it for anyone who doesn’t like raw oyster. But for people that love oyster it sorta lacks of the SEA flavors.

The first course is standard for the dine out menu – Oxtail consomme. (Dungeness Crab, Lemon Chorizo, Gremolata) The soup was served in a very fancy way. With the dry ingredient in the bowl, the server poured the soup into the bowl as he explains in fine details of the aroma and ingredient of the soup. The soup was the most elegant soup I have in Vancouver. Completely captured the essences of the Oxtail with nice mix flavours from the dry ingredient. The soup was not overpowering the taste buds, a very elegant way to start everyone’s appetite…

The second course – Seared Trout. It was executed perfectly as how Japanese would have done it in Izakaya. The twist is lemon sauce and almond. The fatty oil of the fish burst out as you bite the crunchy skin. The oil is why Japanese are so into Toro. I wouldn’t say the lemon and the almond goes perfectly with the fish. But it does give it a very nice interesting twist.

I had the steak for main. I am not surprised that a such highly praised seafood restaurant did their steak to perfection. Nice rare in the middle with lots of flavours on the outside. The mash potato that was compliment the steak was done perfectly. Nice and silky mashed potato + steak = perfection. The spot prawn on the top give it a nice delicately finish, a very elegant surf and turf.

My brother and mother had the scallop with lobster addition. I am a little disappointed with the size of the lobster. After all it says HALF lobster. But oh well, this is an pricey fine dining restaurant with spectacular view. You kind of expected this. The scallop and lobster were very very fresh. This is also why I don’t like to go to fine dining for seafood, as long as the ingredient is fresh. It is really really hard to be surprised by lobster or scallop. (They are so easy to deal with). The most interesting item on the plate however is the crab apple. Basically it just make the plating looks so much interesting. I was told that it was a very nice treat as well.

My brother, who doesn’t enjoy raw oyster, was so impressed by KUSHI. He decided he wants more. However, they ran out of it. The server recommended Royal Miyagi which is cultured on the beach of British Columbia. IT was light and clean with a kiwi like finish. But it is no kushi ><.

Last but not least. The dessert – Dark Chocolate Brownie with Hot white chocolate. It is not a very fancy dessert. But I totally enjoyed it. The size was enough for people who is watching the weight and it hits the point. Nice dark chocolate brownie washed down by the sweeter hot white chocolate. It really goes together. Surprisingly, chocolate on top of chocolate was not overwhelming at all.

I really enjoyed this Dine Out experience. The service was pretty good through out except at the very end when the restaurant become crowded and busy. Then all is lost. We couldn’t find our server in 20 mins after we finish our dessert. But with the spectacular view in eyes..who cares…

I am really surprised by the score at urbanspoon when I started writing my blog! The food was wonderfully executed. The totally expected the overpriced factor when there is view in play. I believed they really try to impress their customer even with the lower dollar set menu limits. That says, I never try their regular price item. Maybe it may very well be over priced. But hack what isn’t in Downtown dining these days~

Notes: Perfectly executed food! Wonderful views and walkabout – Perfect for dates! Can be pricey on your pocket.
Worth the drive? Yes
Food: 26/30
Decoration: 25/30
Service: 21/30
Price: $60~$150

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Sawasdee–Authentic Thai done right!

2011-04-25T02:22:00.001-07:00

visited, 01/2011

Thai cuisine is something Vancouver really lacks off. Despite the popularity, there is nothing really extraordinary. If you want anything that’s out of extraordinary for Thai, I am afraid Vancouver has limited to offer. Maenam offers a special insight to the Thai cuisine, however the menu is quite limited. However, for a casual Thai affair. Sawasdee offers authentic Thai that’s done right!

Sawasdee is located on Main street. A house style restaurant that spues out amazing dishes under amazing speed. I don’t know how they do it, in a crammed house kitchen how can they make so many different wonderful dishes in so little time. And in fact this is the second time I have seen this. In a little town Kent, WA. There is a shockingly amazing Thai called Grandma’s is like this too!

Chicken Satay

The chicken was nice and tender with lots of grill flavors. The preserved cucumber is a wonderfully refreshing treat companying the meat. The nice citrus flavors wash away the heaviness of the meat and peanut sauce. Very nice combination.

Crying Tiger Beef

This is my favorite dish here. The marinated beef was full of flavors, the sauce is what give it the best kicks. I highly suggested ordering the hotter version of the sauce. Give your taste buds some wild rides!

Tom Yum Soup

A Thai meal is never completed without Tom Yum Soup. The Tom Yum soup at Sawasdee has wonderful balance of sourness and sweetness with full of lemon grass flavors. The straw mushroom was firm and chewy.

Phad Priew Wan Gai (Sweet and Sour Chicken)

Sweet and sour was a dish I think that was only ok here. The dish shares much similarity with Chinese cuisine. I don’t really get where is the “Thai” style comes from? However, it is a very balanced dish. Wonderful pineapple flavors with lots of healthy vegetables.

Lastly, the stir fried spinach is also highly recommended. The garlic sauce is exceptional on those vegetables, making you stuffs bowls and bowls of rice down without noticing. It is a little bit too salty to my taste. I really can’t eat that much rice as I was younger.

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Notes: Everything is executed nicely!
Worth the drive? Yes
Food: 23/30
Decoration: 20/30
Service: 22/30
Price: $15~$30

http://www.sawasdeethairestaurant.com/zgrid/proc/site/sitep.jsp