The Hungry Nomad - Food, Travel, Lifestyle

The American Cheesesteak Co. (Vancouver, Canada)

November 8, 2011 No Comments

Who would have thought a Philly Cheese steak would have tasted so good? I’ve been anxiously waiting to try this new addition to the VanCity food circle since its opening a few weeks ago. There has been a lot of buzz around town ever since Anthony Sedlak opened this restaurant dedicated to Philadelphia’s Philly Cheese steak. I admit that before entering the American CheeseSteak Co. I had never had a proper cheese steak sandwich (unless you include Subway) nor have I been to Philadelphia (unless you include growing up on the Fresh Prince’s lyrics). I assumed it would be a lot of greasy meat served on a soggy bun with lots of fried onions and cheese. Well I was very pleasantly surprised when my order arrived and the bread was perfectly crispy yet soft, the meat was in perfect proportion and I did not get the sense that I was over-indulging in grease. Although I did order a side of the A.C.C fries which were deliciously greasy and garlicy. This is a perfect addition to the downtown core and definitely a first. I’ll be going back to try the other sandwiches.

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The American CheeseSteak Co. on Urbanspoon

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Cobre- Nuevo Latino Tapas, (Vancouver, Canada)

November 4, 2011 1 Comment

I know this place has been around for a few years now…but clearly I have not been because I am sure I would have discovered it much earlier. My nomadic lifestyle has taken me from Vancouver to Switzerland to France to Calgary, back to France, to Miami to New Orleans and back…as a result I JUST discovered this Gastown gem only a few months ago. These photos do not do it justice since they were shot with my iphone however, believe me when I tell you that everything on the menu from the sangria to the ceviche is amazing!

I love the concept of tapas because it gives you the most selection and a range of flavours for your food palette. Cobre offers just that. A long list of tapas ranging in recipes from Peru to Spain. They also bring the tapas according to the number of people at your table… so you won’t be fighting for the last piece.

First on our list was the Peruvian ceviche. And again…the flavours…the flavours were so amazing. Spicy and tangy with a drizzle of olive oil.

Fish tacos- I have to admit this was my least favourite on the menu…but not because it wasn’t delicious but because there were so many MORE delicious items on the menu.

Beef croquettes drizzled with chimichurri and jalapenos.

Delicious steak served on top of a mini Caesar salad and garlic mashed potatoes…Another mouth watering dish.

Scallops and palm

My birthday dessert…clearly you can see that no one could wait for me to take the photo. It was too good.

This is by far one of my top picks of places to drink and dine in Vancouver. Let me know what you think!

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Casba Iranian Restaurant (North Vancouver, Canada)

November 2, 2011 No Comments

Casba is an Iranian restaurant located in…. you guessed it: North Vancouver- otherwise known as Tehrancouver. If you are craving Iranian food at its cheapest with no frills and gimmicks this is the place for it.

Delicious skewers of kabob served with a full serving of rice and salad for as low as $8!!! No where in Vancouver can you find quality food for that price. But wait- not only can you get your kabob-fix you can also choose from a variety of Iranian stews from Ghormeh Sabzee to Khoreshteh- Fesenjoon (Walnut and Pomegranate Stew).

The only thing I can say is that I was very disappointed with the Kashk Bademjaan- as it was watered down and tasted nothing like the real dish. In fact I am pretty sure we left the entire plate untouched. I hope that they either take it off the menu or attempt to serve the real deal.

This place is usually packed on the weekends so call in advance to find out about the wait before you head over.

Nooshe- Jaan (Bon Appetit)

Kashk Bademjaan (Eggplant, fried onions, mint and Kaskh)

Tahdig (Crispy fried rice) served with Gheimeh Stew (Beef and chickpeas)

Soltani dish- a skewer of steak mean and a skewer of ground beef served with basmati rice and salad

Persian Chaii and Bamieh pastry

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La Brasserie- French Food (Vancouver, Canada)

October 31, 2011 No Comments

La Brasserie is a 35 seat small cozy Franco-German restaurant located on Davie street between Thurlow st. and Burrard st.

If you feel like French food with a twist of German you will love La Brasserie. Everything from the decor, the wine and beer list and food will take you straight to a french bistro.

I have been there a few times and it has been hit or miss each time. Some times the service is amazing…other times like my last visit the service is off. Sometimes the food is fabulous other times its nothing above average.

Things started off with a serving of onion soup which was less than amazing… it had no real flavor and was too watery, not enough salt and not enough cheese on top. But to make up for the soup was the delicious warm bread, butter and chicken pate paste which was served as a starter. I didn’t touch the soup and instead went straight for the bread. For those who know me well it just goes to show how tasteless it really was because I rarely pass up food.

On a brighter note, for our main dish I ordered the ‘steak onglet and fries’ and my friend ordered the moules-frites. The steak was great (although a bit chewy) but I guess that is really dependent on the type of meat served rather than anything else. I LOVED the mushroom sauce and the fries were really good. My friend’s mussel and fries were in her words ‘very average’ but just more expensive.

I hear that La Brasserie also serves an amazing brunch. I’ll definitely have to go back to experience it for myself. But for now I’ll have to get my Brasserie fix through the Brasserie food truck located close to my office.

Barcelona, Spain, Travel

Sunday in the Gothic Quarter (Barcelona, Spain)

October 30, 2011 No Comments

Iranian, recipes

Recipe: Khoresh Kangar and Karafs (Artichoke and Celery Stew)

October 26, 2011 No Comments

I discovered this wonderful creative dish through one of my favourite bloggers: My Persian Kitchen– and so I immediately set out on a quest to make it. This is a combination of one of my favorite Persian stews (Celery Stew) with the addition of artichokes. Now artichokes is not a vegetable (or is it a fruit?) that is found in Iran or anywhere in the middle east so you will not see it used in middle eastern dishes. But given our globalized world its so easy to take original recipes and make them better. That is exactly what My Persian Kitchen has done with this dish.

It is a pretty easy and simple khoresht to make unless you choose to use fresh artichokes and remove the outer leaves yourself. I chose to use canned artichokes (which are also delicious but obviously not a fresh choice).

Ingredients

1 lb stewing meat

2 12oz bags of frozen artichoke hearts, fresh artichokes or canned artichokes

1 large onion

1 tsp turmeric

4 cups parsley, packed

2 cups mint, packed

2-3 tbsp brewed saffron

3 tbsp lemon juice

oil

salt & pepper

Mint, Parsley, Canned Artichokes, Celery, Onions, Beef Stew Meat, Turmeric powder

Saute the celery with some olive oil. Separately chop the herbs and saute slightly then add to the celery. [if you are using fresh artichokes, cook separately and add to celery]

In a separate pan, saute onions until golden, add meat and saute until no longer pink, add turmeric and water and cook for 30-45 minutes on medium heat

Once meat is cooked add the celery and herbs and the canned artichokes with a teaspoon of diluted saffron and let simmer for another 30 minutes. If you like a bit of citrusy flavor add a spoon of lime juice or several Persian dried lime (limoo amanee) [although limoo amanee must be added earlier in the process to allow the flavors to mix

Enjoy with a side of Basmati.

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The Pourhouse (Vancouver, Canada)

October 26, 2011 No Comments

The Pourhouse is one of my favorite places in Vancouver. It’s got a great ambiance, good live music on the weekends and great food for the soul. It also reminds me a bit of many places in New Orleans- which makes it even more special in my eyes.

They serve a special lunch menu with some delicious sandwich options during the week making it a great place for a quick work lunch. I personally opt for the burger each and every time (it comes with a delicious serving of fries). On this particular occasion a friend and I went there for lunch. The prices are a bit on the steeper end but then again most restaurants of this calibre in the area offer similar prices (without the live music and great ambiance).

I definitely recommend the Pourhouse for any autumn/wintery day.

Lunch special: Sandwich and Soup

Cod, Pepper, Red Wine and Chorizo

Barcelona, Spain, Travel

Sunday at Barcelonetta (Barcelona, Spain)

October 24, 2011 No Comments

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The Italian Kitchen (Vancouver, Canada)

October 24, 2011 No Comments

The Italian Kitchen is another one of the the Global group restaurants. It offers authentic Italian dishes in an upscale setting located in the heart of downtown. I personally enjoy all the G group’s restaurants. Their food is good, consistent and the ambiance is great for a night out.

On this particular evening, we opted for the beef carpaccio which was one of the best I’ve yet to try and for the main dish the portobello mushroom hand crafted pizza. They also offer an extensive list of wines. It is a bit on the pricier side but I guess you pay for the location and atmosphere. There are definitely better Italian restaurants in the city but this offers an overall great experience. Buon appetito

France, Gourmand, Paris

Le Troquet (Paris, France)

October 19, 2011 1 Comment

Today I’d like to share with you a long overdue post on one of the most lovely restaurants I visited during my trip to Paris. Le Troquet is one those places that just make me happy, I could’ve eaten there everyday that trip and be extremely content.

Le Troquet is a small charming restaurant in the 15th with traditional cuisine, and as my local friend told me, always super busy. On the day we visited the place was packed. Lucky us, we managed to get a table without a reservation. Ha!

The restaurant offers a 3-course menu, but you can also order some extra side dishes. All dishes are written down on chalkboards which together with the friendly service, the very good food and the homely presentation of the dishes themselves give the place an effortless warm French vibe. On the whole, I’d say Le Troquet is a great restaurant for a relaxed, cosy dinner with your date or some good friends.

Le Troquet
21, Rue François Bonvin
Metro: Sèvres-Lecourbe