My Adventure With Siddhartha

Siddhartha's 

2066 Commercial Drive

Vancouver, BC

siddharthaskitchen.com

Looking for peace in the chaos of a working day, I walked into Siddartha's expecting to be welcomed by a sari dressed beauty, smells of freshly made curries and soft chants.

Instead I was welcomed by an Asian woman, blasting Ofra Haza songs and big screen TV on CNN.

The food, described as healthy Indian soul food, included a salty North American style salad with cranberries surrounded by Aloo Tikki and chaat with cucumbers and red peppers.

I walked out feeling I did not conquer a break to myself nor win a restaurant discovery battle.

Miku Or Minami

Miku Restaurant

70 - 200 Granville Street

Vancouver, BC

mikurestaurant.com

I simply cannot choose decide which one I like more Miku or Minami - please help me decide by leaving a comment to this blog article. But first, a visual tour of my Miku feasting session.

Caffé Brixton Still Unique

Caffé Brixton
212 East Georgia

Vancouver, BC

www.caffebrixton.com

I visited Caffé Bixton almost 2 years ago. At that time I fell in love with it for how unique it is.

Today, Caffé Brixton is still its unique self. The interesting furniture is still there, the quality of food and service is still very good. 

Even the unique vegetarian meatloaf with whisky bbq sauce and crispy onions I loved last time is still waiting for me.

The Raincoast Kombucha was an added unique offering that is definitely worth a try (I wonder where they distribute this stuff; their website is quiet scarce).

But nothing will beat the uniqueness of Caffé Brixton's Washrooms!

Vancouver's French Gem #2

café salade de fruits

1551 West 7th Avenue

Vancouver, BC

www.saladedefruits.com

I have no idea why it took me decades to discover these French Gems of restaurants in the city (Read Vancouver French Gem #1). And how can one not fall in love with a café with such taste in art.

café salade de fruits is more of a bistro than a café. Service is offered in French, unless you choose to speak another language. Specials and more specials on the black board. Pleasant experience sums it up.

You can order your (free range) Omelette made the Canadian or French way - the French way is not fully cooked with egg yolks dripping into your plate as you cut in it. But at least you get a good taste of the quality eggs they serve.

I must remember this place - perfect for weekend brunch, business lunch or a cosy evening date.

Vancouver's French Gem #1

au comptoir

2278 West 4th Avenue

Vancouver, BC

aucomptoir.ca

I have never been to Paris. But I can tell that this café au lait looks trés parisien. 

au comptoir describes itself as a classic café parisien. And I think they succeeded to recreate the ambiance of a Parisian café - the small tables and chairs next to each other, the noise level, the French servers with a tad of snappiness and a menu that includes croque monsieur and croque madame.

An enjoyable discovery. Tune back tomorrow for Vancouver's French Gem #2.

Will a Fat Burger Make You Fat

Fatburger

255 West Broadway

Vancouver, BC

I still remember when Fatburger opened on Denman Street back in 2006. It took over a local business' location and the word on the street was a big American chain taking over the west end. That big yellow monstrosity on Denman Street never enticed me to try it.

Ten years later, on a misty late hungry night in hipster land, this Fatburger location looked kind of cozy. A parking spot suddenly came free right across it; this was meant to be tried.

I don't know what the fuss is all about. This burger is fat, dripping fat and tastes like fat. I don't think I will see you again Frankie any time soon.

Bufala

Bufala

5395 West Boulevard

Vancouver, BC

www.bufala.ca

I tried Bufala this summer. I have been back at least twice. In my opinion Bufala is one of the best of Kerrisdale's dining options. Just look at this presentation.

While the Italian Burrata is as beautiful in the mouth as it is on the plate, Bufala excels in its pizzas. The pesto and ricotta with pine nuts is a must try. 

I believe this is the Finocchiona (Bufala, please correct me if I got it wrong) with Fennel Sausage, Castelvetrano Olives, Caramelized Onions, Provolone, Marinara (yes, the menu reads like a beautiful ancient roman poetry).

Bufala is definitely worth the trip to Kerrisdale (and while talking about reading, when in Kerrisdale, don't miss out on a visit to Hager Books at 2176 West 41st avenue; the sweetest smallest independently owned bookstore in the city).

Food Elegance at Steel Toad

Steel Toad

97 East Second Avenue

Vancouver, BC

steeltoad.ca

Steel Toad describes itself as a modern bistro and gastropub fare

I think of it as a place for good looking (and tasty) food

Well, a potato pizza could be described as gastropub fare (now this was a real gastotasting experience)

To Dine For

To Dine For Eatery

101 - 333 Terminal Avenue 

Vancouver, BC

After being a ding dong writing the name of the restaurant as To Die For, thank the forces it was not that difficult to find To Dine For.

A favourite of the people working in that neighbourhood (and most likely the only decent eating establishment on Terminal Avenue), To Dine For offers all sorts of burgers but they seem to be famous for their beef curry.

I liked the beef curry (Korean style). The Sweety Brown Chicken was tempting, so I managed to get a picture of it.

But after the visit, I noticed a picture of Bibimba on their board (but not on the menu); a picture of purple coloured sushi rolls on their Zomato page; and a review on their peanut butter burger which I seem to have missed.

I think that means 3 more trips, at least, to To Dine For.  Not a difficult chore - I liked this place.

A Memorable Feast

Amay's House Burmese & Asian Cuisine

5076 Victoria Drive

Vancouver, BC

When a Burmese origin person says the food at Amay's House is as good, if not better, than her grandmother's cooking, one has to stop, listen and try. So a feast of a lovely group of people invaded Amay's House and the claim was proven. 

Excellent food, exceptional service, generous owners and amazing prices. Enjoy the photo tour - you won't go wrong trying any or all of the below.

Roti with curry chicken

Tea Leaf Salad

Spring Rolls and Samosas; Burmese Style

Royal Noodle Salad

Burmese Biryani

Tapioca with carrots and sweet potatoes