Le Crocodile

Food: * * * * * / 5

Service: * * * * / 5


Best meal in recent memory! This place is pricey but worth it - both quality and quantity are high, and the menu was diverse and full of fabulous French flair. Pictures = 1000 words so here they are:

Our amuse bouche: a delicious, creamy, flaky tart.


Next, Hubbs had the foie gras and scallop. It was ample, to say the least.


I had the bone marrow, since *nobody* serves it so I figured it was once-in-a-lifetime. I should've shared it with Hubbs since it was huge and very very rich, and there was no way I could finish it and still eat my entree.


Then came le Crocodile's signature fries (pommes frites). They were super skinny and short, like Hickory Sticks chips but even skinnier, and super crunchy. Delicious.


Hubbs had a large lobster as his entree. He finished it but I think he was stuffed by the time he was done. He tells me it was really really good.


I, of course, had the duck breast with foie gras. It was perfectly done and tender, and the foie gras was sizeable (though not as huge as Hubbs' appie piece), but the bone marrow had filled me up so much that I had to give half my meal away to Hubbs (which is why he was so stuffed)!.




Then we both got a lovely sorbet (pear with poire liqueur) to cleanse our palettes.



Next came dessert! Hubbs had a tiramisu in a chocolate cup. I don't think it was the best he's had but it was still really good (enough for him to eat all of it up in spite of his fullness).


I tried their dessert tart, which came with a lovely sentiment on the plate :) It was very tasty but I still prefer the apple pie at Joey's by a slight margin.

And, along with the bill, came two little house-made chocolate crocodiles. They were really good too but I was too full to eat even one, and so my dear Hubbs once again had to hoover down my portion. What a sweetie!


Basically, go to le Crocodile to celebrate major events. It will set you back a few hundred (especially with wine) but it's an experience that everyone must have at least a few times in one's lifetime. I was thoroughly impressed and we will definitely be back.

Duffin's Donuts

Food: * * * * 1/2

Service: N/A


Okay, technically I didn't eat here so I can't really comment about the food. We just bought a couple of donuts to go, and the one that sticks in my memory is their delicious glazed donut. It brings me back to the days of my youth, when "Baker Bob" at the local Co-op bakery would whip up the most fluffy and crispy glazed donuts known to man. Duffin's donut comes dangerously close to Baker Bob's, so on that donut alone I think it's a great place to go. That said, don't ask me about tortas or the Chinese food that they also serve; I think it's very very strange that a place can serve food from so many different cultures in one spot. I'll be back..but just for donuts.

Trattoria

Food: * * * 1/2

Service: * * *

This place is busy busy, so service can be inattentive and/or slow as a result. Totally hit-and-miss. The food was pretty tasty but not as good as my favourite, Q4. We shared both the appie and pasta platters, which I thought weren't nearly as filling as they looked to be. Prices were standard for mid-range Italian dining, and the whole restaurant had a total cocktail-lounge-party feel about it that was a bit off-putting for me (though maybe if I was a scantily clad, stiletto-wearing bar star, I might think it was the best place ever). It's probably a good place to go with friends but not so much for a romantic dinner with your Hubbs; the demographic they cater to probably skews younger and trendier.

Moderne Burger

Food: * * * * 1/2

Service: * * * *

It's a burger joint with a '50's diner feel, so good service here is totally different than good service at a 5-star restaurant. However, for what it is the service was great, and our orders came quickly. The burgers were *huge* as were the fries on the side, so we ended up sharing my side rather than ordering fries for both Hubbs & I. Apparently the fries are cut and fried as you order them, so they are fresh. They also don't taste like greasy fries; they sort of taste like potato chips. I'm thinking maybe it's because they are preservative free, like the burgers are. I will be back whenever I next have a mondo burger craving. Prices are reasonable ($10.95 for burger + fries), and one day when my heart is feeling particularly healthy, I might even try one of their thick milkshakes. It's a fun lunch or a cheap dinner date place. Oh - and bring cash. That's what they take.

The Boathouse

Food: * * * *
Service: * * * *

We were here months ago during their Lobster Fest, so details are a bit vague in my mind now. Food was solid and service was attentive and non-intrusive. Prices were not super expensive but still skewed higher due to the seafood/steak specialization. I had the prime rib. It was tasty and not over done. Hubbs had the lobster and he enjoyed it a lot; he thought the portion was very generous. In my mind, it's the place to go if you don't want to spend lots and lots of money (like at le crocodile or C or Blue Water Cafe) but you also want something that's a step up from Joey's. It seemed like it could even be kid-friendly (to a point), and the place was large enough to accommodate families.

Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant

Food: * * * * 1/2

Service: * * *


Best dim sum (upscale) that we've had in the greater Van area, and the place takes reservations too! Fresh har gow with a nice thin skin, great twists on normal dishes (e.g. pork floss on the crispy donut wrapped in a rice roll), and tasty sticky rice pockets. Ask for the English menu though; the default is all-Chinese. Parking is free, though beware the idiots who park in spaces that aren't actually spots, blocking your exit from the parking lot! Decor is much more classy than other dim sum places (dark wood and ivory, with red accents). Service is reasonable though not expedient, so be prepared to wait. Even people with reservations have to wait, so don't go when you're starving. Otherwise, excellent dim sum. We'll definitely be back!

Gramercy Grill - DOV 2010

Food: * * * *

Service: * * * *

What a lovely neighbourhood grill! For $28 we couldn't go wrong here; portions were fair (not huge, and the dessert could've been bigger for Hubbs' chocolate thing), food was very tasty (Hubbs *loved* his scallop appie), and on a drizzly rainy Van day, it was a nice place to enjoy a meal. Ambiance is definitely more casual and even arguably kid-friendly, so upscale this is not (even though the dark wood furniture suggests an attempt at business-casual). However, it's definitely several steps up from most family-friendly restaurants, and the food is way better than any chain restaurant willing to entertain people dragging in their little tykes. Good place to hit up if you want a quality meal but don't feel like dressing up fancy and putting on pretenses.

Le Gavroche - DOV 2010

Food: * * * *

Service: * * * *

Inside a quaint little house is a romantic little French restaurant. Food was solid and portions were generous and tasty. My only complaint would be that the potatoes on my entree were a bit cold :S Otherwise, service was attentive and food was hearty in a home-cooked kind of way; do not expect to compare these dishes against the more upscale French dining in the city, which offer greater subtlety and refinement. This is like the B&B of French cuisine in the area, not the 5-star luxury resort hotel of French food. Ambiance was quiet and intimate, though there *was* a raucous table that annoyed me greatly when we were there. Priced at $38 for the DOV menu, I'd say it was worth it. Delicious and I would definitely come back again (but maybe not in a group - it's a good place to go for just the two of ya).

hidden - DOV 2010

Food: * * * * 1/2

Service: * * * *

The former Aria at the Westin Grand got a facelift and is now called hidden lounge. It's small and cozy, the booths and chairs are comfy, and the look is supposed to be somewhat chic for the Sex-and-the-City-loving, cosmo-sipping crowd. DOV dishes were tasty and unique (I think the chef had fun designing the menu) but portions were small on their $18 menu. Guess I shouldn't have expected a full meal deal for that price, but because we got the full meal elsewhere for the same price, I was hoping for more than appie-sized entrees. It is a great place to go for exotic beers; their menu for this is ridiculous and Hubbs had a chocolate beer! Anyway, Hubbs loved it, but I thought it was good but over-priced. Go for a drink and to gossip, but maybe not if you're really hungry.







PS - We had to pay more for the bread, but it was delicious.

Mr. Pickwick's Fish and Chips

Food: * * * *

Service: * * * 1/2

The Denman location was busy busy busy on a Friday night. The servers worked hard there, but there was definitely a wait for the piping hot, freshly battered and fried fish. Fish selection was great, and that batter is probably the best fish and chips batter I've had. Hubbs liked dousing his chips in vinegar (yuck, really?). I thought entrees were quite sizeable for the cost. Not sure it would've passed a Ramsay examination but I could ignore the tacky decor and what I saw in the "open kitchen" since the food was satisfactory. It's a casual dine-in sort of place, and one where you might have to wait, but if you're craving fish and chips (or bangers or mushy peas), this is apparently the place for them!

Firewood Cafe

Food: * * * * 1/2

Service: * * * 1/2 (Take-out)

Last minute decision to have pizza for dinner, and we hit up this tiny little place on 14th and Cambie. Impressive giant forno oven in their open kitchen - this was definitely a pizza place. They mostly do delivery/take-out and in-house dining space is very very limited. Pizza was thin-crust, well loaded with toppings, and deliciously flavourful. Our new Van favourite, and as good (if not better) than Ragazzi / Pizza Boys in E-town. Pizzas here aren't cheap, but worth the $ IMHO. Call ahead for take-out. A much better alternative to the boring pizza chains out there. :)

Caramba! - Whistler

Food: * * * * 1/2

Service: * * * * 1/2

While in Whistler we stopped in for lunch. Place was quiet (off-peak lunch hour) and food was solid. Grilled calamari was the best; garlicky and aromatic and came with the most amazing rich dip. Hubbs & I both raved about it. My lamb wrap was good but heavy; roti instead of a tortilla was used as a wrap. Hubbs enjoyed his thin-crust whole-wheat pizza but I thought that was the weakest part of the meal. Overall a great lunch (or dinner) place; we'll be back to check out their dinner menu. Prices aren't cheap; go for something special but not for casual quick dining.

Vij's

Food: * * * * *

Service: * * * *

Busy trendy Indian eatery. No reso's; be prepared to wait for upwards of 2 hours depending on your arrival time and day. Small bar at the back of the restaurant is basically a waiting room for hungry patrons, and servers kindly make the rounds with amusees bouches as a foreshadow of the entrees to come. Seating is crowded since the space isn't big. Vij is often there greeting and mingling with waiting diners, which adds a nice welcome touch. Food is unique, though distinctively Indian in flavour; local ingredients blended with jazzed up versions of traditional curries and spices make the dining experience memorable and distinct. Leave your notions of "Indian food" behind and open yourself up to a taste adventure. :)

Rangoli by Vij's

Food: * * * * 1/2

Service: * * * *

A more affordable, casual alternative to the sister restaurant. This one doesn't require as long a time from arrival to seating, but expect to wait a few minutes if you head over during peak hours. Seating is limited. Tasty menu, mid-range pricing for quality, and they have lassis (yogurt drinks)! Food is flavourful and offers a modern twist on what you'd traditionally consider to be Indian cuisine. Service is relatively prompt and polite. A great place to go for quality Indian at reasonable costs.

Monk McQueen's

Food: * * * * 1/2

Service: * * * *

Don't be misled by the tourist mags touting this place a little too eagerly; this really is a good restaurant for seafood. Parking was non-existent (wear shoes you can walk a few blocks in) save for paid lots a few blocks out of the cul-de-sac. Prices were standard for west-coast contemporary fare, and food was delicious, especially the deep-fried oysters served in mini tortilla shells. The view was breath-taking, so ask for a window seat if possible; we didn't do the patio but it would be uber-romantic to do so if weather permitted. Busy place on weekends and probably some evenings during the week, too; make reso's and be prepared to wait a little for your food. Good for romantic dates and small groups doing a dinner party out.

Shiang Garden

Food: * * * 1/2

Service: * 1/2

Update: Pretty tasty dim sum, especially the har gow and siu mai. Some of the traditional dishes take on a new twist, like the sticky rice that isn't wrapped in lotus leaves but some sort of edible crepe instead. Dim sum menu is a bit limited in variety, but good quality for what you get. Ambiance is strangely pseudo-Victorian, complete with high ceilings, gilded fixtures, and paintings that look like they should have hung on Queen Victoria's walls. Service is horrifying; we did not get our food for over 30 minutes, despite the fact that the place was half-empty. When the dishes finally came, one server tried to take our food away to give to another waiting table. Mid-range affordability; not the priciest but not discount pricing either. Don't go here unless you've got some masochist blood running through your veins; the food is good but it's not worth the misery of the service.

Shanghai Chinese Bistro

Food: * * * * 1/2

Service: * * * * 1/2

Surprisingly awesome service at a Chinese restaurant; attentive and polite. Try their Peking duck; the servers will attempt to wrap them for you (nice, but not necessary, really). All the dishes here were tasty, and of course the handmade noodles are a must. Portions are not huge and prices are heftier than normal for the size you get. However, if you're about quality and not quantity this is a good place to get some tasty Chinese.

Ho Yuen Kee

Food: * * * 1/2

Service: * * *

As with most Chinese eateries, don't even think about receiving great service. Line-ups were insanely long so expect to wait if you go at night. Food was good but not stellar; someone forgot to add salt to our fish maw soup, and all the other dishes tasted okay but were forgettable. Prices were affordable (explains the line-up) and setting was casual. Not sure what the hype was about; maybe I'm too spoiled by my dad's expertise in Cantonese wok-cooking.

Golden Ocean

Food: * * * *

Service: * * *


Going off-peak hours (20% off) on a Saturday, we found the dim sum to be very tasty. Not a huge variety but all of the basics were covered. Definitely as good as the more expensive alternatives. Push-carts and circulating trays were a good reminder of the old fashioned dim sum we know and love. Ignore the holes in the tablecloths and worn out upholstery on the chairs; it's about the food and it's solid. Might get noisy and crowded during peak hours though, so go early!

Samba Brazilian Steakhouse Churrascaria

Food: * * 1/2

Service: * * *

Though initially impressed with the sangria (it is very good) and AYCE meat, quality control has really taken a nose-dive here and I was actually *embarrassed* to have brought my family to such a cheap-feeling place. Oversalted meats, a lack of Rodizio variety when dining on weekdays, and a generally campy feel to the whole dining experience. The buffet lacks originality and is all about fillers. Go if you want a lot of red meat, and if you want tasty drinks (love their drink menu). Otherwise, skip it in favour of something worthy of your tastebuds.

Las Margaritas

Food: * * *

Service: * * * *

Standard Mexican fare that's popular with the masses (think fajitas and burritos and heaping plates of nachos). Big line-ups on weekends. Crowded and noisy, but good for a group out for a drink and some casual grub. Not my favourite, but Hubbs enjoys the occasional visit.

Don Guacamole's

Food: * * * *

Service: * * * * *

Tasty authentic food, not the standard faux-Mexican fare. Prices are affordable and dishes are abundant in size. Crowded, casual restaurant - expect line-ups and no reso's. Loved their unique beverages and the abundance of meat in the items we ordered. Come in a group, expect to share, and bring cash.

New Format, No Time

It has come to my attention that I haven't updated this blog in more than half a year. That suggests to me that I no longer have the time to do big essay-style write-ups on every culinary adventure that I take (and I do venture out every week, at minimum). I have had to choose between completely obliterating this blog (which I am loathe to do) or altering its format into something that is a bit easier to manage. As you may have guessed, I'm opting for the latter, at least for now. If you don't hear from me again for another 8 months, then perhaps it will be time to bid adios to Aftertastes. Until then, enjoy the new and abridged format!