Gourmand - The Hungry Nomad

Joyeaux Cafe & Restaurant (Vancouver, Canada)

March 22, 2012 1 Comment

Joyeaux Cafe- when you hear the name the last thing that comes to mind is delicious Vietnamese treats…instead you are given the impression that perhaps its French. Not until you step inside this unassuming restaurant do you discover that its one of the best Vietnamese places in the downtown core and also very popular amongst downtown workers. I myself am a frequent customer.

Whenever its cold, grey and wet (which seems to be most days in Vancouver) I find an excuse to wonder over to Joyeaux Cafe for lunch. If you go during the week at lunch you will find yourself waiting in a line up. However, don’t let the line deter you as there is a high turnover rate. Most people come on their lunch break, grab a quick bite to eat, and leave right after.

I have tried several dishes on their never-ending menu which is plastered all over the walls and tend to favor the pho and the Korean bbq short ribs. You can’t go wrong with any of the wide range of phos served at Joyeaux nor the other not so Vietnamese dishes. Just remember, this isn’t the most ideal place to go with friends if you are looking for ambiance, décor or sit down service. However, it is a great place if you want fast and efficient service and good food.

Beef Ball Pho- #1

Breakfast, Brunch, Canada, Gourmand, Vancouver

Brunch at Glowbal Grill Steaks and Satay (Vancouver, Canada)

March 14, 2012 No Comments

Brunch at Glowbal was A-Ok. It wasn’t anything extraordinary nor was it awful in anyway. It just so happened that our service was slow: our food took an hour to arrive from the moment we ordered and when it arrived it was cold. However when the staff became aware of this fact they offered to remake our meal and in the end gave us a discount which I thought was very nice.

The food was good. I imagine it would have been tastier if it was served hot. The prices were en par with other fancy brunch spots around town. We ordered two eggs Benedicts: the smoked salmon Benedict served with dill cream cheese, hollandaise sauce on a cheddar biscuit with a side of potato hash and salad and the Atlantic lobster Benedict served with poached eggs, hollandaise, crispy pancetta on a cheddar biscuit. We also ordered the Wild blueberry panettone French toast served with a milk chocolate ‘shot’, and a organic rosemary honeycomb (see menu). Despite the temperature the dishes were all really good. The eggs Benedicts were perfect. I always like my eggs Benedict a bit soft in the middle so that when I chop through the poached egg with my fork the egg yolk can start oozing out onto to the biscuit. The French toast was really great too although the portion was huge. My friend and I split the two plate and got to taste a bit of each however I think by the time I made my way to the French toast I had already filled up on the donuts and the eggs Benny.

By the time the food arrived I had already filled up on the complimentary mini donuts we were served once we sat down. I would go back just for those mini donuts. Tender and crispy on the outside yet soft within and soaked in oil topped with powdered sugar.

The Complimentary mini donuts

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict served with a side of greens and hash browns

Wild blueberry panettone French toast

Glowbal Grill Steaks and Satay on Urbanspoon

Canada, Gourmand, Vancouver

The Flying Pig (Vancouver, Canada)

March 9, 2012 No Comments

The Flying Pig has got to be the best new restaurant in Vancouver. The name of the restaurants connotes a menu filled with pork items but nothing could be further from the truth. Not being a big fan of pork I had been avoiding this restaurant. But so many people had so many great things to say about it that I finally had to try…even if it meant eating pork.

The Flying Pig is as the owners like to refer to themselves a ‘Nouveau Canadian Restaurant’ and nothing confirms this identity more than their Quebec Maple Sugar Pie (do not miss it)!

We went on a Saturday night arriving to a long line up of eager hungry customers. Miraculously after 15 minutes we were seated at the bar. I really liked the décor and ambiance of loud and happy diners. Our meal started off with a serving of fresh out of the oven warm bread served with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.

Shortly after our entrées arrived: Red wine braised beef short rib and their special for the evening a large dish filled with mussels and clams served with their crispy yet chewy string fries. My photos really do not do justice to the presentation and wonderful flavours presented in these two dishes. The beef short rib was great although too large for us to finish but great if you are hungry and willing. The mussels and clams were served in a wonderful tasty broth mixed with corn. The string fries were dipped in the broth resulting in a wonderful explosion of flavours in my mouth.

So full but as always not being able to say no to dessert we ordered not one but two: The Chocolate Hazelnut Cake and the Quebec Maple Sugar Pie. Those of you who have been to Quebec know about the range of delicious maple treats, maple sugar pie being one of my favourites. As this is the first time I have seen it being offered in Vancouver I could not say no. However, be advised that it is VERY sweet and VERY delicious… I can hardly imagine it being calorie friendly but that is the least of my worries when I’m inhaling my dessert. The guilt usually kicks in 30 minutes after and I have to write a blog post to remind myself that it was well worth it.

The Hungry Nomad’s Must Try:

1- Quebec Maple Sugar Pie

Canada, Gourmand, Japanese, Vancouver

Hapa Umi 海 (Vancouver, Canada)

March 1, 2012 No Comments

I’ve been a big fan of the Hapa restaurants ever since the first opened up years ago in front of my house on Robson street. In fact back then I split my time between Hapa Izakaya and Guu with Garlic on Robson. I love both Hapa Izakayas (Robson and Yaletown locations) and was excited to hear that another Izakaya was opening close to my office on West Cordova making it an optimal location for a work lunch.

On the wettest, coldest, rainiest/snowiest day I made my way down to Hapa Umi wanting nothing more than something to warm me up. The venue is very clean and modern. In fact the Hapas are commonly referred to as the Japanese version of Cactus Club. Same service, similar clientele, just different food. The food was good although I myself prefer the other two locations. Perhaps it was the lunch menu but I was not a big fan of the Tempura Udon as it lacked in flavour. The udon noodles were not authentic and handmade as those in other udon restaurants but I guess that is to be expected of a Japanese restaurant not specializing in udons. The salmon sushi roll was delicious and fresh and my friend’s Udon dish was okay; however nothing that good to merit the price. Overall, it is a nice location for a work lunch if you are willing to spend more than the average for lunch. However, overall if I had to choose I would stick to the other Hapas preferring their menu and ambiance over Hapa Umi.

Canada, Gourmand, Pizza, Vancouver

Pizzeria Barbarella (Vancouver, Canada)

February 29, 2012 2 Comments

In an essentially dead zone in terms of the night life/dining scene goes, Pizzeria Barbarella has opened its door bringing the neighbourhood authentic Italian Pizza. It seems these wood oven baked pizza shops are popping up all over the place and the competition is tough (competitors including Nicli Antica and Pizzeria Farina).

We entered at 8 pm on a Friday night to a half empty restaurant, the walls were dark with very limited decorations which I found to be a bit depressing. Lit candles at each table with light music in the background. I found it to be a really weird atmosphere. Perhaps its the fact that the restaurant has not yet received its liquor license but it was a really sombre setting.

The pizzas were good but pricey- the same as those found at downtown restaurants but assuming the rent is lower- shouldn’t the food be less expensive? Pizzas ranged between 9-20 dollars. We ordered three pizzas: the Funghi, Margherita and the Amatriciana (see menu). The first two were good although I found the margherita lacked the necessary mozzarella cheese to make it really cheesy; however, it was a good solid pizza with the pizza dough perfectly chewy yet crispy. The Funghi pizza was the best of the three with a perfect amount of cheese and mushrooms. My pizza (the Amatriciana) was awful to the point that I could only have a slice. It was covered with tomato sauce and onions which pretty much took over other flavours which were so desperately trying to reach out to my senses and also lacked in cheese. It tasted pretty much of bread and onions. I really wanted to love this restaurant as I love nothing more than pizza but I have to say I left unsatisfied. I do hope they step up their game as the area really needs more restaurants and the place has so much potential. The restaurant has received great reviews by other bloggers so perhaps its was just that particular evening and that particular pizza. However, it is worth a try for the pizza lovers amongst us.

Canada, Gourmand, Italian food, Vancouver

Brunch at Italian Kitchen (Vancouver, Canada)

February 27, 2012 No Comments

I’ve been to Italian Kitchen on various occasions but never had gone for brunch. The service was great from finish to start. Our server very attentive- going through the menu with us and being patient with older members of our party. The food was really good. We ordered the Spaghetti and Kobe meatballs, the Lamb Sausage Hash and Prosciutto Pizza. I didn’t find the Kobe meatballs to be out of this world like many have suggested instead I found the lamb sausage hash to be bursting with flavours and very delicious preferring it over my own Kobe meatball spaghetti dish. The best part of the meal had to be the dessert. We ordered the Italian donuts and Tiramisu. The Italian donuts were out of this world. Hot and chewy with melting milk chocolate in the middle making for an explosion of flavours in your mouth. The tiramisu was light, fluffy and the perfect amount of sweet.

The restaurant is on the pricier end of the spectrum but the ambiance, service and menu make it well worth it.

Spaghetti and Kobe beef meatballs

Italian Donuts

Tiramisu

Hungry Nomads Must Try Brunch Menu Suggestions:
1- Italian Donuts
2- Lamb Sausage Hash

Gourmand, New Orleans, Sandwich Shop

Psycho Sandwiches at Milk Bar (New Orleans, USA)

February 22, 2012 1 Comment

The Milk Bar is hands down the best sandwich shop in New Orleans. It serves a variety of gourmet sandwiches, po boys and salads. The likes of Psycho Chicken, I Dream of Aubergine and Clooney’s choice are available- and are all delicious. The space is small and always full- conveniently located across from Touro hospital for the doctors amongst us who crave a sandwich here and there. The walls are pink covered in cow artwork and the delicious smells permeate the room. You order your sandwich and take a seat while its prepared by the team. The menu is extremely creative with sandwich combinations I’ve never tasted. We tend to order the psycho chicken and the Clooney. I’ve never tried the milkshakes but also hear that they are to die for. You also get a free lolly pop which always brings a smile to my face. If you are not from New Orleans you may have a hard time finding it since its tucked away into a small side street off of Saint Charles. Just follow your nose and stomach I am sure they will lead you there.

Canada, Gourmand, Sandwich Shop, Vancouver

Hubbub Sandwiches (Vancouver, Canada)

February 20, 2012 1 Comment

The quest to find the ultimate sandwich has resulted in a search through town for the best and tastiest. A few months back while walking back from the courthouse I discovered Hubbub Sandwiches: A small sandwich shop located conveniently for my sake across from the courthouse. It was love at first bite. Their sandwiches are each made with detail and love. You can feel it in every bite. I have only tried the turkey sausage and pulled pork which I love equally. However, the turkey sausage has carved a special place in my heart…or rather stomach. The sausage is made locally and tastes extremely fresh with the right amount of herbs and spices for that extra punch. The bread made in house is chewy and ever so delicious. Each sandwich comes with a long strip of onion and a delicious messy sauce. I am a big fan of adding chips to my sandwiches so you can imagine how delighted I was to find out that you have the option of ordering a side of house made chips, corn cob, quinoa salad or coleslaw.

Hubbub also makes delicious salads…although I am yet to try. I have gone in there with the intention of getting a salad but have succumbed to my stomach’s pressure and ordered their turkey sandwich on most occasions. In my humble opinion, Hubbub has created the perfect sandwich.

The Boys hard at work

House made chips

My favorite: Turkey Sausage Sandwich

The Killer Combo

Turkey Sausage Salad

Pulled pork sandwich

Hungry Nomad’s Must-Try Suggestion:

1- The Turkey Sausage Sandwich

2- House Made Chips

Canada, Gourmand, Sweets, Vancouver

Savary Island Pie Company (West Vancouver, Canada)

February 17, 2012 1 Comment

For those of us growing up on the North Shore Savary Island is a household name. Sadly, I have long since moved downtown and on rare occasions travel back to West Vancouver. What occasion could be better than wedding dress shopping for a dear friend at Blush wedding store located a block away from the best Pie company in Vancouver?

We went on a rainy winter day and it seemed all of Vancouver had gathered in this small shop. I found that its hard to get around since the tables are overly large and chairs are spread all over making it hard to maneuver. The line up extended all the way to the entrance. To say the space is cramped is an understatement but I guess as long as they continue baking the best best breads and sweets in town than no one will complain.

We tried the blueberry pie and their breakfast wrap which were both delicious. I also bought some baked goods to take home with me including their olive oil infused bread…which I found to be too greasy- the oil leaked through the paper bag and covered my friend’s car’s leather seats. They do offer more healthy treats and if you do go don’t give up on the opportunity to try what they are best known for: their pie.

Slice of blueberry pie

Gourmand, New Orleans, Spanish

Spanish food at Cafe Granada (New Orleans, USA)

February 15, 2012 No Comments

Cafe Grenada serves authentic Spanish tapas in the heart of New Orleans. You all know by now that I love tapas style cuisine since it allows me to taste as many possible flavors in one go. This restaurant is located on South Carrollton in one of my favorite neighbourhoods. Besides the amazing food, sangria, service and ambiance you also get to sit outside under the oak trees and watch the street cars go by and absorb some of that New Orleans charm. This restaurant is in my top 3 choices of places to dine in New Orleans. The food is always fresh and delicious and I just love the atmosphere. Once a month they also have flamenco nights where you can watch Spanish flamenco dancing while you dine. I highly recommend this restaurant.