Gourmand - The Hungry Nomad

Calabash Bistro (Vancouver, Canada)

August 4, 2011 No Comments

Neighborhood: Gastown

Price range: $$$

If you crave Caribbean food, reggae music and a really fun night out then make your way over to Calabash Bistro. Calabash is yet another great addition to the burst of culinary venues in Gastown. It was quite the adventure walking over there from Water street including some interesting characters…but that’s happening more and more these days as restaurants expand outside of the downtown west side. Either way- the experience at Calabash is worth the trip through the neighborhood.

Traditional Caribbean food including goat curry, roti and jerk chicken are served at this bistro (see menu). Plus there is nightly live music downstairs which turns into a big party after 10pm.

If you want to combine food and fun then Calabash is the perfect way to spend the evening. Definitely try one of their many flavors of rum including some of their delicious creations.

We started with plantain chips and johnny cakes served with a side of Jamaican ketchup and the house hot sauce. For dinner I opted for the jerk chicken with a side of roti. The spices were just right and the chicken- soft and tender served with a side of rice. The roti was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside served with a side of hot sauce (yum). A friend recommended the oxtail claiming it to be the most amazing dish in town. I’ll have to try it next time.

For dessert another friend and I tried the coconut dumplings which were also very good. All in all, our party really enjoyed our night at Calabash so much that we ended up staying there all night. The food, art, drinks and music are all amazing. Really glad to see restaurants like this opening up in Vancouver adding a bit more excitement to the city.

Gourmand, Vancouver

Acacia Fillo Bar (Vancouver, Canada)

August 4, 2011 1 Comment

How is it possible that I have walked by this place a million times and never managed to take a peak inside? Over the weekend by pure chance (and luck) I ended up at Acacia Fillo Bar to grab a quick bite before the pride parade started.

I have been searching for good breakfast spots downtown for quiet sometime- and after trying the food here it has gone straight to the top of my list. It’s a very small Bulgarian/Eastern European restaurant and coffee shop nestled in between shops and restaurants on Denman street so it’s easy to miss. I’m just sad that I had not discovered it sooner.

First off, I ordered freshly squeezed orange juice (which was squeezed right before my very eyes). Next, I tried the spinach and feta fillo which was so fresh and delicious and unlike anything I’ve had before (similar to a Greek Spanakopita…but definitely better). You can really tell at a place like this that time, effort and quality is put into each and every meal. Next, I ordered the chocolate and berries fillo roll which was oozing with chocolate and berry from all sides. It was sooooo delicious that I think I may just have to go back for some more. You could tell that there were a lot of regulars there and I can see why (one regular told me that the pumpkin filled fillo is to die for- I’ll have to try it next. I even spoke to a Bulgarian friend afterwards who told me its a favorite amongst local Bulgarians (which is always a good thing. I definitely plan on going back to try their full breakfast menu. I’ll keep my beloved readers posted on the verdict.

Gourmand, Istanbul, Turkey, Wine Bar

Rouge (Istanbul, Turkey)

July 24, 2011 No Comments

After having read this article in the New York Times just before heading to Turkey, I was determined to try out one of the wine bars in Istanbul. While waiting for my travel partner one afternoon close to the large Taksim square, I headed to Rouge to check it out. As lovely as the place looked, as equally lovely was the service. Chatting with the waiter about the city, its people and its products, he offered me a glass to sample while perusing their menu.

Our meze-style dinner later that day consisted of small plates with Turkish cheeses, eggplant rolls, shrimp with a range of delicious sauces, sweet pies for dessert and more, all accompanied of course with, unknown to me before then, delicious Turkish wines. All in all it was a delightful evening, enjoying beautifully presented modern versions of traditional Mediterranean cuisine, surprisingly good wines (personally recommended to go with your meal by knowledgeable staff) and a relaxing atmosphere.

Rouge also includes a store downstairs to bring some bottles home as well as, as the friendly waiter told me, live jazz music once a week at their restaurant.

French, Gourmand, Vancouver

Les Faux Bourgeois (Vancouver, Canada)

July 18, 2011 No Comments

Last night I finally got to try Les Faux Bourgeouis– the french restaurant that everyone has been raving about. I’ve actually tried to go a few times however they are always full and I can’t get reservations. So last night we decided to just show up and hope for the best. The time estimate for a table at the bar was 45 minutes…and so we walked over to the Japamaican restaurant next door: the Lion’s Den to wait.

Within 20 minutes we were called to our bar space. The restaurant is not really in an area known for its food yet the restaurant has managed to get the crowds flocking to this corner of Kingsway st.

The inside is very chic and simple. I felt like I was back in Paris- especially as soon as the bartender welcomed us in his lovely french accident. Almost all of the staff were speaking french which added to the french ambiance.

Like all french experiences we started out our night with a bottle of red wine. For starters I ordered the onion soup and my friend, the goat cheese salad. The goat cheese salad looked and tasted amazing- and was on par with most salad de chevres I’ve had in France. However, I can’t say I was overly impressed with the onion soup. It was average- the broth was lacking in flavor and it was served warm. I was also not very happy with the chunks of bacon- however the melted cheese was perfect.

Onion Soup

For our entrees we both ordered the steak/frites– which was cooked to perfection and served with a side of delicious crispy fries.

Steak Frites

For dessert we ordered the chocolate mousse which was very chocolaty and made me very happy.

Chocolate Mousse

Midway through the evening…after a few glasses of red wine and french food and the buzzing of the francophone bartenders and waiters… I felt that I was dining in a local Parisian bistro. It was a great way to spend the evening and I will definitely be going back to this treasure of a restaurant again.

Food Truck, Gourmand, Vancouver

Kaboom Box Burger Truck (Vancouver, Canada)

June 27, 2011 No Comments

So as you know food trucks are popping up all over Vancouver (and other metropolitan cities around the world). As a foodaholic- my mission for the summer has become to try each and every one and report back to my followers.

First on the list is the Kaboom Box located at the corner of Granville and Robson. Delicious gourmet burgers are to be had at this food truck plus friendly service. You can choose between the salmon, venison, oyster po-boy, and the veggie. PLUS you can choose between a side salad or fries… to top it off they also have poutine on the menu. Ever since I tasted my first real poutine in Quebec back country… it has become a weakness. Completely unhealthy but oh so delicious! I didn’t get a chance to try the poutine but I’ll definitely go back for more.

I ordered the Venison- and was very happy with it. The burgers are served on a ciabatta style bun with green leaves and fries. The venison patty was moist and perfectly charred. There is nothing like a good burger and this was definitely VERY good. I pretty much inhaled the entire thing in less than 5 minutes (not so proud of it really).

I am so far impressed with this whole food truck business. The burger man himself also spent a few years in New Orleans (given that oyster po-boy was on the menu)- that added to the whole experience- as I anxiously waited for my burger and fries we reminisced about the delicious spots in Nola.

Could not resist taking a bite before taking a photo

Gourmand, Vancouver

Lunch at the Hawksworth (Vancouver, Canada)

June 18, 2011 1 Comment

I have been very eager to try one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Vancouver- the Hawksworth. I finally went there for lunch this past week (apparently its practically impossible to get a dinner reservation these days) and was very pleased with both the food and service.

The decor is very smart, chic and elegant. Single while calla lilies are placed at each white-marble topped table. A dark-wooden wall with two tall arches separates the dining area into two spaces: the art room with abstract paintings covering the wall and black spider like ceiling lights, and the pearl room with its stunning and massive chandelier.

For me it was a true fine dining experience and yet there was no air or pretense to the place. Every table gets a visit from a member of the ‘wine team’- a great idea considering the wine list is over 17 pages long including dessert wine, sake and sherry.

The menu is very well thought out. Every single dish looked absolutely delightful. As an appetizer we went with prociutto wrapped around delicious bread drizzled with olive oil. I don’t know what exactly the bread was but it was absolutely delicious…crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The fries were a mix between baked potatoes and deep fried fries and I learnt from the server that in fact the fries are first baked and then lightly fried to perfection. They were absolutely DELICIOUS.

Tuna Salad

For my main dish I opted for the roasted hanger steak served with thrice cooked frites, arugula, and chimmichurri sauce. First of all, I have to say that I love chimichurri sauce so as soon as I saw that the steak was served with chimmichurri my mind was made up. Chimmichurri sauce is originally from Argentna and Uruguay and is served with meat.

Hanger steak served with chimichurri sauce and mouth-watering fries

The entire meal was fabulous and I am now planning to take another trip to Hawksworth. This time for dinner. Keep your eye out for my next post on dinner at the Hawksworth.

Gourmand, Italian food, Italy, Sicily

Locandina (Sicily, Italy)

June 1, 2011 No Comments

Italian food is an all-time favorite in my household and visiting Italy essentially involves a lot of eating, tasting, trying old and new dishes. Sicily particularly has offered me all my heart could desire in the food department. Arabic flavors mixed with well-known Mediterranean ingredients, all local produce and delicious wines.. You can’t go wrong there. Needless to say, picking out where to eat is always one of my favorite activities on the road. The next restaurant we stumbled upon by pure accident and what a lovely surprise it was.

Locandina is a true gem in the breath-taking old city of Ragusa (Ragusa Ibla). My Greek travel companion even had to admit their prize-winning olive oil was much better than Greek olive oil. That is quite a bold statement there! Munching on our bread and divine olive-oil on the terrace of this beautifully pristine restaurant, a palazzo nonetheless, we tried to decide what wine to drink from the amazing diverse wine-list, ranging in price from very reasonable to very expensive. After dinner, the waiter even gave us a little tour around the restaurant and wine cellar. There, we discovered a hidden nook for a dinner-for-two surrounded by their most precious bottles. Can it get more romantic than that? And if you’re wondering, their menu has a similar wide variety of mouth-watering options. You can opt for their straight-forward but inventive pizza’s or go for their more refined regional dishes. Great atmosphere, wide choice of high quality food & drinks plus warm and friendly service makes Locandina a winner in my book.

And to show you a bit of the beauty of the city, a few pretty views:

Gourmand, Vancouver

Big Lou’s Butcher Shop (Vancouver, Canada)

June 1, 2011 No Comments

I was introduced to this amazing butcher/sandwich shop not too long ago. And folks all I can say is that it is incredible. From the friendly service, to the amazing selection of fresh meats and sandwiches Big Lou’s Butcher Shop is a true hidden gem. Allan Bosomworth and Karl Gregg, chef/owners of the wonderful Two Chefs and a Table on Alexander Street opened this 800-square-foot, Brooklyn-modeled butcher shop and delicatessen on the corner of Powell and Gore. The 1930s-style joint is outfitted with a dozen bar stools for on-site sandwich scarfing and a long glass case to scope the locally sourced cuts, from Pemberton beef and Sloping Hills pork to Fraser Valley poultry and local game meats (all butchered on site). Take home their line of wet and dry rubs, sauces, and bagged meals like coq au vin and Moroccan lamb shanks.

First time around we ordered the house made pastrami which is made over the course of 6 days. It goes best with the fresh baguettes they sell in store. Next time around I purchased some of their amazing sausages including the spicy merguez and the sun-dried tomato infused sausage. I will definitely be going back to try their fresh cut meats.

Gourmand, Italian food, Vancouver

Campagnolo (Italian Restaurant) (Vancouver, Canada)

May 24, 2011 2 Comments

This is my favorite Italian restaurant in Vancouver. Campagnolo is located on Main Street between terminal and Chinatown. It offers affordable, casual, Italian dining in a very warm and inviting atmosphere. I love the food because you can get true rustic Italian dishes (inspired by the Piedmont and Emiglia-Romagna regions of Italy). The atmosphere is simplistic and modern with really interesting light fixtures ( I want one for my home).

Having been here several times I can say with no reservations that every single dish on the menu is delicious. I was there for my birthday and our table of 12 tried most of the dishes. The pizzas are all amazing and so are the pastas. You really cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. My favorite pastas are the Tagliatelle served with pork ragu, basil and pecorino Romano cheese and the Gnuddi served with ricotta and spinach. As for the pizzas, you can opt for one of the several combinations or you can create your own. I love prosciutto and arugula pizza and the great thing at this restaurant is that it gives you the option to combine such flavors. As for starters the beef carpaccio and Bruschetta are musts!

Tagliatelle Pork Ragu

Procuitto and Arugula Pizza

Beef Carpaccio

Gourmand, Korean food, Vancouver

Sura (Korean Restaurant), (Vancouver, Canada)

May 23, 2011 No Comments

Delicious Korean treats are to be had at this downtown restaurant!!!

I have walked by this restaurant many times however due to its location (being nestled in between two of my top favourite restaurants in the city [Guu and Gyoza King]) I never paid much attention to it. And it was by pure chance and hunger that we ended up here yesterday. Originally, with Gyoza King in mind we walked down Robson only to be disappointed by the fact that Gyoza King was only offering its lunch menu (which is quiet different from its dinner one). So we decided to leave the Gyoza experience to another night and try something new. Sura is located beside Gyoza King. It is very modern and clean looking and despite some negative reviews of the place the Count and I absolutely LOVED it.

Korean food in general is delicious and as a non-Korean I thought the Korean short ribs and bibimbap here were delicious. For those of you not familiar with Korean cuisine, bibimbap is the signature Korean dish. The word literally means ‘mixed meal’. Bibimbap is served as a bowl (here in a hot stone bowl) with warm white rice topped with namul (sauteed and seasoned vegetables) and gochujang (chili pepper paste). A raw egg or fried egg and sliced meat (usually beef) are common additions. The ingredients are then stirred together (as was done by our server at Sura) just before eating.