After tasting it at Bistro Pastis my friends cannot forget the amazing texture of Gratin Potato.
My friends decided to do some experiment at home.
looking through many recipes on the internet, we came up with many version of the Gratin Potato.
Version I: Thin layers of potato mix with cheese and milk and send it into the oven.
Version II: Thin layers of potato sinks in the water, and dry it and stack up with butter then pop it into the oven
Version III: Thin layers of potato cook in pan with butter till caramelized.
Version I: Taste just like smash potato - result fail!
Version II: Taste like version I.
Version III:Taste like potato chips :D but still fail
2012/04/09
2012/04/08
Waves Coffee - Place to cram
Finals around the corner university student are looking for good environment for study. After finding no plugs at Orange Corner we moved to Waves Coffee.
Problem with the final seasons, PLUGS ARE HARD TO FIND!! Anyways took us a while but we manage to find plugs at waves so leading to this blog entry :D
Saw the matcha latte was on sale for two dollars, before you know it it is on the bar already :D
however the taste fair fairly disappointing the matcha taste was no where close to rich.
later the afternoon wasn't able to resist my beverage consuming so I ordered another Mocha Latte, yet again! no rich chocolate taste to it.
Unfortunately I would have to say Starbucks has better coffee but Waves has the better environment for studying :D
Problem with the final seasons, PLUGS ARE HARD TO FIND!! Anyways took us a while but we manage to find plugs at waves so leading to this blog entry :D
Saw the matcha latte was on sale for two dollars, before you know it it is on the bar already :D
however the taste fair fairly disappointing the matcha taste was no where close to rich.
later the afternoon wasn't able to resist my beverage consuming so I ordered another Mocha Latte, yet again! no rich chocolate taste to it.
Unfortunately I would have to say Starbucks has better coffee but Waves has the better environment for studying :D
2012/04/06
L'Abbatoir - Nothing short of amazingness
Me and bunch of friend were at this amazing restaurant to celebrate a special occasion! Even though this was the first time we visited the restaurant, we are already blown away by the overall amazingness of the restaurant!
Here is the website link to the amazing restaurant - L'Abbatoir
Since there were ten of us that evening so we basically covered every single main course there is :D
Roast scallops and potato gnocchi, Steak Diane, Duck breast roasted on the bone, Pan fried, Pacific cod fillet, Halibut with olive and saffron crust, Pork shoulder cooked in milk are listed as the main course.
Duck breast roasted on the bone - Duck breast was roasted to the perfect tenderness, and as a veggie hater myself, I was able manage to finish all the veggies :D yup was THAT good!
Score: 8.5/10
Here is the website link to the amazing restaurant - L'Abbatoir
Since there were ten of us that evening so we basically covered every single main course there is :D
Roast scallops and potato gnocchi, Steak Diane, Duck breast roasted on the bone, Pan fried, Pacific cod fillet, Halibut with olive and saffron crust, Pork shoulder cooked in milk are listed as the main course.
Duck breast roasted on the bone - Duck breast was roasted to the perfect tenderness, and as a veggie hater myself, I was able manage to finish all the veggies :D yup was THAT good!
Score: 8.5/10
2012/04/05
Higenki - Hidden in retire home
What a wonderful sunny day! Even though I should really be staying at home to study, but I cannot repress the feeling to GO OUT AND PLAY!!!
So I took a long drive to Burnaby close to Kingsway & Sperling where the restaurant located inside a retirement home. Higenki! This is probably the place to be if you are looking for a janpanese set meal. My personal favourite would be the spicy karage don. If you have a chance you gotta drop by to give it a taste :D
So I took a long drive to Burnaby close to Kingsway & Sperling where the restaurant located inside a retirement home. Higenki! This is probably the place to be if you are looking for a janpanese set meal. My personal favourite would be the spicy karage don. If you have a chance you gotta drop by to give it a taste :D
2012/04/01
Wings - Sunday Grease Delight
You should be no stranger to watching the game and eat away on your finger tips and devour massive amount of wings.
Wings, they offer special pricing chicken wings on Sunday. They probably have the most different flavours amongst the restaurant/bar who have Chicken Wings as their specialties.
When you visit the place, if you can handle spice and up for a challenge do not miss out on their Bobby Wings. I had a personal experience, I never want to eat it again. WARNING: Do not touch any part of your body after consuming the bobby wing especially not your eyes. I had to finish the entire beverage to make it feel somewhat decent.
Flavour of Recommendation: , bombay pineapple, maui lime,
Wings, they offer special pricing chicken wings on Sunday. They probably have the most different flavours amongst the restaurant/bar who have Chicken Wings as their specialties.
When you visit the place, if you can handle spice and up for a challenge do not miss out on their Bobby Wings. I had a personal experience, I never want to eat it again. WARNING: Do not touch any part of your body after consuming the bobby wing especially not your eyes. I had to finish the entire beverage to make it feel somewhat decent.
Flavour of Recommendation: , bombay pineapple, maui lime,
2012/03/30
Bubble World - Not just your everyday bubble tea
Located in many places mainly Richmond and Burnaby has the best tasting of the food. Bubble World, probably one of the best taste simple meal in Vancouver (Food wise only)
But honestly I haven't investigate much in the Richmond area so who knows :D
my personal favourite from this restaurant would be Scrambled Egg with Chicken on Rice, most of the deep fried meals are pretty good :D
But honestly I haven't investigate much in the Richmond area so who knows :D
my personal favourite from this restaurant would be Scrambled Egg with Chicken on Rice, most of the deep fried meals are pretty good :D
2012/03/23
Red Robin - Gourmet Burger Hidden Within
I believe you all are not stranger to this chain restaurant.
with the average decor and dim lighting, probably one of the best place for couples to hang out.
However in this restaurant they offer a wide variety of burger. however personal favourite would be the Whiskey River BBQ Burger..it had me at cripsy onion straws (drools)
The burger would be one of the top burgers I have had in Vancouver!
with the average decor and dim lighting, probably one of the best place for couples to hang out.
However in this restaurant they offer a wide variety of burger. however personal favourite would be the Whiskey River BBQ Burger..it had me at cripsy onion straws (drools)
The burger would be one of the top burgers I have had in Vancouver!
2012/03/20
Jack in the box - What is in the box
We took a trip to visit the Seattle Premium Outlet on this particular sunny morning. After hours and hours of driving we decided to take a stop at Jack in the box.
As a fast food chain I guess there is not much difference from others. But the caramel onion is probably the biggest catch of this restaurant. Even though the burger is no where close to burger specialty shop but it is still very decent.
As my first time visiting the place, as suggested by a friend I order the Sourdough Jack. I quote "Their sourdough bun is so amazing". But I think comes next time I will be ordering the Sirloin Swiss & Grill Onion Burger, as that has the best of both worlds :D
Till next time :P
As a fast food chain I guess there is not much difference from others. But the caramel onion is probably the biggest catch of this restaurant. Even though the burger is no where close to burger specialty shop but it is still very decent.
As my first time visiting the place, as suggested by a friend I order the Sourdough Jack. I quote "Their sourdough bun is so amazing". But I think comes next time I will be ordering the Sirloin Swiss & Grill Onion Burger, as that has the best of both worlds :D
Till next time :P
2012/03/19
Little Fat Sheep - Flavourful Hot Pot
After the disaster hot pot attempt at Pearl Hot Pot we decided to come to Richmond to forget about the fail attempt.
What is so special about this hot pot place? The soup base of the hotpot is very flavourful no additional salt is require to make the ingredient taste good. However the menu did change a bit from what I could recall.
It is a AYCE style hotpot so make sure you pack an empty stomach before you charge into the restaurant. The quality of the ingredient are pretty fresh and the soup base just makes it better. No additional sauce is require but still good enough :D
What is so special about this hot pot place? The soup base of the hotpot is very flavourful no additional salt is require to make the ingredient taste good. However the menu did change a bit from what I could recall.
It is a AYCE style hotpot so make sure you pack an empty stomach before you charge into the restaurant. The quality of the ingredient are pretty fresh and the soup base just makes it better. No additional sauce is require but still good enough :D
2012/03/13
Vera's Burger Shack - Best Burger in Town
After seeking around downtown for a long time searching for the best burger.
I think I've finally arrive at my destination. Vera's Burger Shack after going through many chain restaurants, burger specialty store this one stood out from all of them.
As I walk in the store the smell the of patties and onion just came rushing at me.
as usually I didn't do research on the what is the best burger in the store, so I just ordered what ever that was on sale.
Amazingly it was unbelievably juicy. The thickness of the patties is just the right amount, and I believe they made their own bun too with the grilled onion the portion is just...legen...wait for it...dary! I have no way to bite entire burger with one bite.
Score: 7/10
I think I've finally arrive at my destination. Vera's Burger Shack after going through many chain restaurants, burger specialty store this one stood out from all of them.
As I walk in the store the smell the of patties and onion just came rushing at me.
as usually I didn't do research on the what is the best burger in the store, so I just ordered what ever that was on sale.
Amazingly it was unbelievably juicy. The thickness of the patties is just the right amount, and I believe they made their own bun too with the grilled onion the portion is just...legen...wait for it...dary! I have no way to bite entire burger with one bite.
Score: 7/10
2012/03/10
Fat Burger - How fat is it exactly?
I've always wanted to pay this place a visit, however never got the chance to.
Today I happen to be in the neighborhood and will be heading towards downtown for work afterward, so I decided to give this pay a try.
As I walk into the restaurant the first problem I see. Their display menu gives me a hard time to read. I'm not able to read from a non-disturbing distance (would be very close to customer that is trying to order at the counter)
Since I didn't do any prior research I just went for their signature burger. The Big Fat Meal, which no surprise just consists of burger, drinks and fries. Their dining style is no different than any other fast food chain where you order and pay up front in the beginning. The only difference is that after you pay them they will give you a order-stand (which has a number on it so they will deliver the food to your table). If you happen to give them a decent amount of tip and entire working staff will yell "Fat tip!"
Now on to the quality of the food. Fries and drink are just your everyday normal standard ones, where burger is the point of interest. However it wasn't impressive for a burger specialty store, perhaps I had too much expectation for store like this. As Verna's Burger Shack, Red Robin are significantly better.
Score: 6/10
Today I happen to be in the neighborhood and will be heading towards downtown for work afterward, so I decided to give this pay a try.
As I walk into the restaurant the first problem I see. Their display menu gives me a hard time to read. I'm not able to read from a non-disturbing distance (would be very close to customer that is trying to order at the counter)
Since I didn't do any prior research I just went for their signature burger. The Big Fat Meal, which no surprise just consists of burger, drinks and fries. Their dining style is no different than any other fast food chain where you order and pay up front in the beginning. The only difference is that after you pay them they will give you a order-stand (which has a number on it so they will deliver the food to your table). If you happen to give them a decent amount of tip and entire working staff will yell "Fat tip!"
Now on to the quality of the food. Fries and drink are just your everyday normal standard ones, where burger is the point of interest. However it wasn't impressive for a burger specialty store, perhaps I had too much expectation for store like this. As Verna's Burger Shack, Red Robin are significantly better.
Score: 6/10
2012/03/09
Nao Sushi - It is Now!
Along Kingsway hidden close to the Edmond McDonald. With the relatively cheap cost you will find your buck worth while here.
Has a variety selection of Japanese dishes, and also many brand new creation of their own. Nao Sushi stand on its own ground will decent amount of customer flow.
Personal favourite would be their Tonkatsu Don. Probably one of the best I found so far. (If you find better please tell me).
Their sushi rolls has many interesting creations, for the brave souls out there go try them all!
Score: 7/10
Has a variety selection of Japanese dishes, and also many brand new creation of their own. Nao Sushi stand on its own ground will decent amount of customer flow.
Personal favourite would be their Tonkatsu Don. Probably one of the best I found so far. (If you find better please tell me).
Their sushi rolls has many interesting creations, for the brave souls out there go try them all!
Score: 7/10
2012/03/06
Pearl Hot Pot - Look to my left! alot better restaurant
Yeah...this place is just horrific and waste of time.
Hot pot is so hard to find a good place to eat at. Because the soup base decides how good the pot is going to be.
Anddddd the soup base is bad. End of story, one can probably whipped up better soup base at home thus if you happen wanting to eat something in the area, please look to the left of the restaurant Pearl House, even though they share the same name but they have different owner and the food is MUUUUUUUCCCCCCHHH better.
Hot pot is so hard to find a good place to eat at. Because the soup base decides how good the pot is going to be.
Anddddd the soup base is bad. End of story, one can probably whipped up better soup base at home thus if you happen wanting to eat something in the area, please look to the left of the restaurant Pearl House, even though they share the same name but they have different owner and the food is MUUUUUUUCCCCCCHHH better.
2012/02/26
The One - The Delicous Relationship
Amongst the Chinese set meal this restaurant probably has the largest of all.
However I believe the signature is at the drinks where different types of tea is the main point of the beverages.
As a tea lover myself I really enjoy the wide variety of tea choices I can get.
and they come in cold and hot both with fair of portion. They are not your usual tea powders visible tea leafs can be found in the beverage.
As of food pepper salted chicken fried rice is probably the best. However the portion is unreal, a fully grown man like myself I'm not able to finish the meal at all. I believe 1/3 of the meal will be left over.
However I believe the signature is at the drinks where different types of tea is the main point of the beverages.
As a tea lover myself I really enjoy the wide variety of tea choices I can get.
and they come in cold and hot both with fair of portion. They are not your usual tea powders visible tea leafs can be found in the beverage.
As of food pepper salted chicken fried rice is probably the best. However the portion is unreal, a fully grown man like myself I'm not able to finish the meal at all. I believe 1/3 of the meal will be left over.
2012/02/24
Sushi Elephant - High end of your Japanese Cuisine
The restaurant is located at the intersection of Coquitlam North Road and Lougheed HWY
The decor of the restaurant is very interesting the colour of choice is colour so call Tiffany Blue. With the fusion style integrated in the menu, the ingredient of the food is just simply outstanding. However I didn't visit the restaurant in a big group, so wasn't able to cover a wide range of variety of the store has to offer.
Due to budget constraint I order a ordinary Sushi Lunch Box with Volcano Roll. I would suggest that not to order the Sushi Lunch Box, since that's not really what the restaurant is going for. However the Volcano Roll was very rich in flavour, however it can get a bit overwhelming if nothing else is consume along with it.
Overall I believe this place is more fit for foodie who would care less about the pricing. However according to my friend this place is not on the expensive side.
The decor of the restaurant is very interesting the colour of choice is colour so call Tiffany Blue. With the fusion style integrated in the menu, the ingredient of the food is just simply outstanding. However I didn't visit the restaurant in a big group, so wasn't able to cover a wide range of variety of the store has to offer.
Due to budget constraint I order a ordinary Sushi Lunch Box with Volcano Roll. I would suggest that not to order the Sushi Lunch Box, since that's not really what the restaurant is going for. However the Volcano Roll was very rich in flavour, however it can get a bit overwhelming if nothing else is consume along with it.
Overall I believe this place is more fit for foodie who would care less about the pricing. However according to my friend this place is not on the expensive side.
2012/02/12
Seafood Risotto - Cooking Experiment
After craving for Risotto for the longest time. I've finally gather enough ingredient to satisfy my craving :D
Ingredient: Scallops, Cream, Shrimps, Onion, Parsley, Broth
Direction :
1. Take the shrimp shells and dice the onion pan cook it with a little bit of oil.
2. Wait till the onion slightly browns and shrimp shells are turn red pour in the broth and stir well.
3. Put everything into the blender and blend till not visible shrimp shells, and filter out the combined broth.
4. Take the risotto rice and simmer it with half of that broth, let it cook until and the broth has been soaked by the rice
5. Pour in the rest of the broth and place in scallops and shrimps let it cook longer.
6. Before completion pour in the cream and stir well and let it simmer.
7. Chop up the Parsley for decoration.
8. Plate the risotto and put on the parsley for decoration
Ingredient: Scallops, Cream, Shrimps, Onion, Parsley, Broth
Direction :
1. Take the shrimp shells and dice the onion pan cook it with a little bit of oil.
2. Wait till the onion slightly browns and shrimp shells are turn red pour in the broth and stir well.
3. Put everything into the blender and blend till not visible shrimp shells, and filter out the combined broth.
4. Take the risotto rice and simmer it with half of that broth, let it cook until and the broth has been soaked by the rice
5. Pour in the rest of the broth and place in scallops and shrimps let it cook longer.
6. Before completion pour in the cream and stir well and let it simmer.
7. Chop up the Parsley for decoration.
8. Plate the risotto and put on the parsley for decoration
2012/01/28
Dine Out Vancouver - Last Min Cancellation!
Unfortunately had to do a last minute cancellation
due to friend changing their mind on me last minute.
guess there is no satisfying everyone =(
due to friend changing their mind on me last minute.
guess there is no satisfying everyone =(
2012/01/27
Dine Out Vancouver - Chambar
Probably the best restaurant that I visited this year, however interesting I wasn't able to find a restaurant that completely satisfy me.
Carpaccio de Chevreuil Charred venison carpaccio, garlic chips, radishes, white soy & red wine reduction, soba noodle salad - I believe this is probably the best appetizer of the dine out I had this year! the venison carpaccio paired perfectly with other ingredients. Simply outstanding!
Score: 8/10
Moules-Frites Coquotte &Congolaise – Mussels, white wine, cream, smoked bacon lardons, spring onions - Outstanding dish as well, however it does get fairly salty and dull after all while. but probably because of the large quantity that it gives.
Score: 7/10
Le Fruit Lemon curd, toasted meringue, thyme scented shortbread - very interesting combination of ingredients however the taste of the dessert is very expected
Score: 7/10
Carpaccio de Chevreuil Charred venison carpaccio, garlic chips, radishes, white soy & red wine reduction, soba noodle salad - I believe this is probably the best appetizer of the dine out I had this year! the venison carpaccio paired perfectly with other ingredients. Simply outstanding!
Score: 8/10
Moules-Frites Coquotte &Congolaise – Mussels, white wine, cream, smoked bacon lardons, spring onions - Outstanding dish as well, however it does get fairly salty and dull after all while. but probably because of the large quantity that it gives.
Score: 7/10
Le Fruit Lemon curd, toasted meringue, thyme scented shortbread - very interesting combination of ingredients however the taste of the dessert is very expected
Score: 7/10
2012/01/26
Dine Out Vancouver - Change of Plan!
Original plan of O'Doul has been change to Chambar!
Many of my friends went to O'Doul and reported bad results
as was told the portion of the dine out menu shrunk significantly and the quality was no longer as great.
Chambar's menus looks fairly promising as well, we shall see what will come out of this :D
Many of my friends went to O'Doul and reported bad results
as was told the portion of the dine out menu shrunk significantly and the quality was no longer as great.
Chambar's menus looks fairly promising as well, we shall see what will come out of this :D
2012/01/23
Dine Out Vancouver - Scond Week Lineup
After some research O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar shop and Cork & Fin shows promising results.
O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar had promising result as their steak was enormous for the price they are charging. Menu looks fairly promising as well since there are repeated items from last year.
For appetizer my personal choice would be
O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar had promising result as their steak was enormous for the price they are charging. Menu looks fairly promising as well since there are repeated items from last year.
For appetizer my personal choice would be
2012/01/20
Dine Out Vancouver - West Restaurant
West Restaurant, rated the one of the best overall restaurant in Vancouver with additional to the promising dine out experienced shared by friends I've finally decided to give it a try!
Disappointment!! Perhaps I had too much hope for it that was expecting something very extraordinary. Overall the dine out menu is just average for the price of $28 ($38 is a overcharge for the quality)
Fraser Valley Trout Salad - Probably not the type of salad choice I would pick in the first place, but aside from that there weren't more outstanding dishes for appetizer.
Score: 6/10
Salish Sea Keta Salmon caramelized savoy cabbage with bacon, smoke salmon croquette served with parsley vinaigrette -The Salmon was average level that if you buy a fresh one from the market you could probably make one yourself. Salmon croquette wasn't crispy enough for my liking, as I really believe fried object shouldn't be put together with other food that could potentially make it soggy.
Score: 6/10
Chocolate ganache with raspberry compote and ice cream - As a chocolate lover myself it is really hard not to love the dish, however I was not amazed.
Score: 6.5/10
Overall I believe it is a matter of the inconsistency, or West is just simply not worth the hype.
However I did book a fairly late time for the dine out (cause it was a sold out) so that their head chef might not be there for it. But I still think there is no excuse for the inconsistency
Score: 6/10
Disappointment!! Perhaps I had too much hope for it that was expecting something very extraordinary. Overall the dine out menu is just average for the price of $28 ($38 is a overcharge for the quality)
Fraser Valley Trout Salad - Probably not the type of salad choice I would pick in the first place, but aside from that there weren't more outstanding dishes for appetizer.
Score: 6/10
Salish Sea Keta Salmon caramelized savoy cabbage with bacon, smoke salmon croquette served with parsley vinaigrette -The Salmon was average level that if you buy a fresh one from the market you could probably make one yourself. Salmon croquette wasn't crispy enough for my liking, as I really believe fried object shouldn't be put together with other food that could potentially make it soggy.
Score: 6/10
Chocolate ganache with raspberry compote and ice cream - As a chocolate lover myself it is really hard not to love the dish, however I was not amazed.
Score: 6.5/10
Overall I believe it is a matter of the inconsistency, or West is just simply not worth the hype.
However I did book a fairly late time for the dine out (cause it was a sold out) so that their head chef might not be there for it. But I still think there is no excuse for the inconsistency
Score: 6/10
2012/01/17
Dine Out Vancouver - Bistro Pastis
First stop for the dine out this year!
I must say being one of the best French restaurant in Vancouver I'm not impressed at all
- The quality of the appetizer was only average at best
Score: 4/10
But I would like the chicken texture to be better!
Score: 6/10
I must say being one of the best French restaurant in Vancouver I'm not impressed at all
- The quality of the appetizer was only average at best
Score: 4/10
But I would like the chicken texture to be better!
Score: 6/10
2012/01/14
Dine Out Vancouver - First Week Lineup
As my wallet screams to me I will announce the dine out line up for the first week.
On the first week I will be visiting Bistro Pastis and West Restaurant.
Bistro Pastis is awarded as one of the best French Cuisine Restaurant in Vancouver.
Looking through the dine out menu I have to be honest and say I'm not really interested in their appetizers. The entrees provide the choice of
On the first week I will be visiting Bistro Pastis and West Restaurant.
Bistro Pastis is awarded as one of the best French Cuisine Restaurant in Vancouver.
Looking through the dine out menu I have to be honest and say I'm not really interested in their appetizers. The entrees provide the choice of
2012/01/11
Dine Out Vancouver 2012
Dine Out Vancouver 2012 is around the corner!
I've got several restaurants lined up this year.
Hopefully they will surprise me.
Stay tune for the food blog!
I've got several restaurants lined up this year.
Hopefully they will surprise me.
Stay tune for the food blog!
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