Two Parrots Perch & Grill

Two Parrots Perch & Grill

1202 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M4
(604) 685-9657

Category: Pubs
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Granville Entertainment District

Proof positive that I DON”T MAKE GOOD CHOICES WHEN I AM HUNGRY!!!

Our original destination was a little full and silly me, I didn’t feel like waiting…  lesson learned.  Patience is a virtue.

Opted for the BBQ parrot wings and Giant Cheesy Fries.  Daughter had the halibut and chips.
Firstly, the fish was very oily (the fish itself), not entirely fresh and the batter was way too greasy.
Parrot wings were substandard.
I don’t often leave food unless it’s really bad or I am overfull. Well, I didn’t finish or take the leftovers.

Daughter asks:  “Hey Lois, even tho the giant cheesy fries aren’t technically poutine, will you still slam them in your review???”

My Answer:  “Yes I will.  I will simply say: ‘Giant Cheesy Fries:  Quantity over Quality’ !!!”

Seahouse Fish & Chips

Seahouse Fish & Chips
3003 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5J6
(604) 433-7807

Categories: Seafood, Fish & Chips
Neighbourhood: Renfrew-Collingwood

Fish & Chips…
Burger & Chips

This small out of the way place was cheap and fast.

But nothing special.

Bring cash.  Or expect to walk a block or two to get some. Parking was awkward.

Lam Hoa Quan Restaurant

Lam Hoa Quan Restaurant

5073 Victoria Drive
Vancouver, BC V5P 3T9
(604) 326-5880

Category: Vietnamese
Neighbourhood: Kensington-Cedar Cottage

Lam Hoa Quan is a little undiscovered gem nestled in a neighbourhood which seems almost over-full with Pho places.  It’s family-run and specializes in Pho.  Not the usual salty-brothed Pho, but a Pho based on a lovely, amazingly well-crafted broth; lovely fresh ingredients, and a meticulous kitchen.That’s a lovely start: Other draws are their delicious sodas and fruit shakes; their marvellous way with chicken and pork; and their filling but light Vietnamese breakfasts.Often we are served by quiet daughter and loud daughter, also known as quiet sister and loud sister. The reason I refer to them as the daughters is that the way I realized they were sisters was at different times they said the exact same to me while serving us. Something like this:

“Did you enjoy the pho? It is my Dad’s special recipe. He makes it fresh every morning. It’s really good, no?”

I never would have guessed that they were sisters otherwise. They look different. They have completely different mannerisms. One has that rather loud type voice. You know the one that makes her sound like she’s rather excited about something. The kind that makes people sometimes turn and look but not in a bad way. She’s just got a bit of an edge. One time she ORDERED me to put the sauce she’d given me over my rice. ” OMG YOU HAVE TO USE THE SAUCE !!!!”
She was very passionate about it and quite convinced that it wouldn’t be the same without it. It was yummy. The second sister is quiet sister. She is shorter, rounder, softer, quieter. She does not have the loud edge to her voice, in fact she has a very soft whispery voice. After her sister ORDERED me (lol) to use the sauce, she later came and quietly apologized for her sister. I said it was quite alright and that I enjoyed the meal very much. Another time quiet sister asked if I wanted a fork (instead of chopsticks) and then apologized for asking.

It’s the kind of place where they’re seem surprised to see a non-Vietnamese walk through the door – the place seems a big hit with the Vietnamese community.  The awkwardness abates quickly when they realize that you’re not there to impose on them and they’re glad to give advice on the lovely food and drink available.

When you’re done, try the bakery on the corner for dessert and Teng’s supermarket up the street for Pho ingredients.  You’ll never want to shop at any other store

Fritz European Fry House

Fritz European Fry House

718 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B6
(604) 684-0811

Categories: Fast Food, Poutineries
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Granville Entertainment District

Poutine:  Decent.
Fries were tasty and good texture (not too hard, not too soft)
Gravy was too peppery.  I was surprised as I generally find that gravy is too salty.
Cheese was decent.  Curds were tasty and of good quantity.There is no real seating at this spot.  There also is no washroom.  There are a few benches, enough to seat maybe 6 or 7 people, some little metal lawn tables big enough to put your drink on, and some counter space to stand up against.  I realize it is a small french fry outfit, not a diner or a cafe even.  The Mom in me is used to turning things into an adventure, otherwise everyday would be a nightmare.  You know, the trip to the grocery store on the bus with the whiny kid who left his favorite toy behind….it’s an adventure!  A trip to the movies and the monster spills his full drink all over his lap….it’s an adventure!!!! (You have to say it with a slight inflection at the end, as if you are exCITED! …. it’s it after all… an advenTURE!)
But you know what, my kids are grown now, I shouldn’t have to pretend I am enjoying myself.  I don’t enjoy eating standing up, any more than I enjoy eating sitting down looking at the crotches or asses of those who remain standing.  I’m an adult now and I’d like my poutine at a table, with a real fork.  Thank you.

Originally posted:  10/19/2009

Rehanah’s Roti

Rehanah’s Roti

2518 Saint Johns Street
Port Moody, BC V3H 2B3
(604) 936-1969

Category: Caribbean

Just Go. Seriously.

When you get there, it’ll likely be after 6, and it will be closed.

Go Back.

Take as many trips as you can, til you have had some of Rehanah’s Roti.Rehanah has been cooking excellent Trini food in this far-flung location for years.  It’s pretty much a one woman show, so don’t expect a total dining experience.For the joys of Rehanah’s Roti, I’ve actually got to know many of the stores in Port Moody, just so I’ll have something to do as an excuse for her roti.  I’ve made the 45 minute trip there in order to get her take-out.  Then driven home another 45 minutes.

Boneless goat roti; tasty, juicy and tender.

It’s a store-front operation; she’ll sometimes run out; it’s worth any amount of trouble to taste this food.

If you have the money, invest in this restaurant.  You could count it as a charity to the West Indian population of the lower mainland.  I know that God and Genesha will.

Gargoyles Bar and Grill

Gargoyles Bar & Grill

3357 Broadway W
Vancouver, BC V6R 2B1
(604) 733-1159

Categories: Bars, Canadian (New)
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

On Sunday, my sweetie and I were wandering.  We became disoriented and somehow found ourselves in a strange environment.  We were approached by a human-like figure who was carrying this shiny disc-like object.   She spoke to us and we somehow seemed to understand each other.  She disappeared along with any real concept of time passing. Time stood still.  Minute after minute disappeared with no explanation….. nearly an hour passed and we had no recollection of anything…..

ALIEN ABDUCTION?!?!?!

No, sadly just the worst possible service ever.  We ordered the simplest items from the menu thinking they’d be the safest bet.  My honey ordered Soup & Salad.  After great delay (probably 45 minutes),  he received his Soup & Sandwich. Practically the same thing…!

My pasta, which was “made from scratch” thus delaying the entire meal, was a chicken with penne in a cream sauce with sundried tomatoes, garlic and olives.  It was the Pasta Du Jour….. “Which Day????? ” I wondered.

The rest of the patrons of the establishment were crowded  around the bar.  Chances are that would be the only way you’d get noticed and served; by stalking the server….

The food, while of acceptable quality and taste, was ruined by the delay.  Our mood had soured while waiting and was further ruined by having our server make lousy excuses for the service.  I would have respected her more if she had said “I am sorry, I EFFED up” but to treat me like I’m stupid is really pushing my patience.

Will not return.

Originally posted:  9/22/2009

TOP’s Restaurant

Top’s Restaurant

2790 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5H6
(604) 437-5610

Category: American (Traditional)
Neighbourhood: Renfrew-Collingwood

A Vancouver Institution?  Well it certainly has been around for a long time.  As long as I can remember… but I only started going here in 2009.  It was one of those places that you see forever and wonder about.  One assumes that because it remains open year after year, that it must be decent in order for the business to survive.  Sometimes it seems like the longer you wait to try these places, the harder it is to take the first step.

For me it was the association I had with the name.  TOPS.  In some parts of Canada and the US, people join a weight loss group called TOPS, which stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly.  Perhaps for some reason I couldn’t see past the name far enough to think that I wanted to eat there…..THANKFULLY, I received an introduction and have gone quite a few times since.  Perhaps this review of mine will serve as an introduction for you and you might try it as it has several things going for it.

Location.  Pretty central.

Opening.  It is open practically 24 hours a day, 7 days a  week.  They close Monday and Tuesdays late night for a few hours which delays their opening on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.  Otherwise great for early breakfasts. Or late dinner.  Or middle of the night cravings….

All day breakfast.  Breakfast is my favorite meal.  I just like eating 3 or more of them a day and I like to mix it up a bit.  Tuna sandwiches are great breakfast anytime, but the option of having an actual cooked breakfast anytime is a huge bonus.

A large selection of bennys.  How can you possibly go wrong with eggs benedict (om nom nom) but even better, is choices.

Price – decent.  Service – decent

I am giving it a 2 star rating simply because “A-OK” is just how I see it.  It’s a dependable, decent place to eat pretty much anytime of the day, kinda like Mom’s. It’s a staple in everyone’s life and it’s a real shame if you don’t have one.  But few would declare themselves a huge FAN (4stars) of their Mom’s cooking.  It’s the foundation from which we build.  It is where we go when we need somewhere reliable.  But it’s nothing to write home about, so to speak. Hi Mom, I love you!!!

As of today the Grilled Chicken Benny is my favorite benny.  They make a lovely West Coast Benny (smoked salmon & shrimp) that is plentiful and fresh.  Pancakes, omelets and a the few lunch entrees I have tried have all been quite decent.

Originally posted:  10/19/2009

Al-Watan Tandoori

Al-Watan Tandoori

6084 Fraser Street
Vancouver, BC V5W 2Z7
(604) 324-6378

Categories: Middle Eastern, Indian, Pakistani
Neighbourhood: Sunset

I really really love this place.  Its a secret little gem on Fraser right by the library.  Decided to try it out a few years ago and have been back many times since.

One of the first things that did catch my attention years ago was their specialty dish.  Brain Masala.  I thought to myself:  “Well that certainly does sound unique”.  Like somehow unique and authentic are the same thing… The second thing I thought (in a zombie voice) “Braaaaainsssss.”

I’ve never been brave enough to try the brain.  But I have tried many of their other dishes and I’ve never been disappointed.  On a scale of spicy-ness, I think they get it right on.  Mild IS mild.  It is suitable for babies/young children, scaredy-cats, visiting mother-in-laws and other wusses.  Medium is medium.  It is flavorful with a decent heat.  Don’t be scared.  Their hot has a lovely burn.  If you are unsure, start at a lower heat.  You will enjoy it so much, you can try hotter the next time.  Or get a combination of dishes mild/medium/hot and sample as you go.

Portions are very generous but we’ve gotten so caught up in eating it that we devoured what we had and ordered more for take-away.  Even still the pricing is ridiculously low.  Fed (STUFFED) four healthy adults for $35 including a decent tip.

Highly recommended

Originally posted:  9/11/2009

UBC Botanical Garden

6804 SW Marine Dr
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4

Category: Parks
Neighbourhood: UBC

*updated: The UBC Apple Festival is being held Oct 19-20, 2013 and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share my review of previous year’s Apple Festivals along with the details for those wishing to attend this year:  http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/apple-festival

A lovely place to wander around and enjoy the solitude of the gardens on an ordinary day.

On a weekend such as this weekend, when they hold the UBC Apple Festival, it is far from quiet.  What a lovely way to use the gardens to sell some 44,000 pounds of apples, some 2,800 gigantic slices of pie.  (We were lucky enough to get the first two slices on Saturday morning!!!)

Childrens’ area,  vendors, displays, fruit and fruit tree sales, pocket pies, grafting seminars, cider, musicians.   It was so much fun we decided to visit both days.  If you missed out, I still recommend the gardens as a lovely way to spend a few hours.  We visit a few times a year, and are going to try to make “Apple Pie Breakfast” at the Apple Festival an annual event.

Originally posted to Yelp:  10/16/2011
*updated

Troll’s

Troll’s

6408 Bay St
West Vancouver, BC V7W
(604) 921-7755

Category: Fish & Chips
Neighbourhood: Horseshoe Bay

So this is how it works….daughter and I are on a mission.  We love fish & chips.  And we’re scouring the Lower Mainland to find THE BEST.  We will not rest until this is done.  Well we might have to rest occasionally.  And let our pants out from time to time, because this is not for the faint hearted, or small stomached.So we’ve been to Trolls lots in the past.  I seem to recall, pretty much every time I end up there, that I sit there thinking “What is the attraction?  Why do I come here?  Why does this place have a reputation for great fish fish&chips?”  Let us see if we can answer some of those questions.The decor is that of any anonymous diner type place.  Could just have easily have been a Denny’s, an ABC, or the Knight & Day.  You know the place.  The music was too loud.  The only thing nautical was our heavily tattoo’d waiter and he was more of a punk rocker than a salty sea-dog.  The one thing that I remembered about the specialness (is that a word?) of the place was those cute cartooned character sketches of local celebs (or wanna-be’s) that used to grace the walls… remember those?  Well now they are in the bathrooms.  Imagine having achieved some relative stardom at some point in your life that you’d somehow been doodled and immortalized upon the walls of a local landmark.  Later, after a reno, you’re moved to the crapper.  Let’s just say, I wouldn’t be thrilled.  That’s not to say I’ve never been immortalized in the washroom.  There was that time a few years ago when someone wrote my number on the bathroom wall at a local junior high .  I believe it was an ex-girlfriend of my teenaged son, who thought that the cell phone number was his.  Every once in a while some giggly 11-year old would call and ask about “A Good Time”.   I guess not all 11-year olds have heard about call display….  ANYWAY The decor.  bleh.  The food.  bleh.  We tried the chowder to start.  It was like cafeteria chowder.  Tasted like a big metal vat full of potato, fish and frozen veggies.  For the entree we ordered the Seasonal Fish & Chips.  They have cod, or halibut and the seasonal fish is generally the fresh white fish catch of the day.  That day it was some type of Alaskan whitefish.  The fish was decent;  average sized piece, fresh, average batter.  The chips had no taste.  Even salt and ketchup couldn’t save them.  Disappointed.  Overpriced!This place used to be a Landmark.  With a capital L.  Now it’s just a good place to get a coffee while waiting for the ferry, and there’s a few choices for coffee in Horseshoe Bay.

Originally posted to Yelp: 9/8/2009