Tuesday 27 December 2011

Dine Fine: LE CROCODILE - DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

I am going to make a bold statement here in the world of Blogger: I think I have found my new love. Le Crocodile is the GEM of Vancouver. I am sure many of you would agree.


My birthday was a few months ago, pardon the late post, I stalled on my post for Le Crocodile to wholeheartedly sit down, and do this wonderful restaurant the justice it deserves.

Mr. F ordered - Bisque de Homard parfumée au Cognac - Lobster Bisque served with Fresh Cream and Cognac
Carré d’Agneau Rôti, Jus de Thym et Sabayon à la Moutarde - Roasted Rack of Lamb, Fresh Thyme Jus and Mustard Sabayon

I ordered -  Escargots Maison - Snails baked in Pastry Shells, with Garlic Butter
 Caille Grillée et Foie de Canard Poêlé, Réduction de Calvados - Grilled Quail and Pan Seared Duck Foie Gras, Calvados Reduction

Dessert ordered - Panache de Sorbet aux Fruits Frais - Fresh Fruit Sorbets Made Daily 
Crème Brulée a l’Orange - Crème Brulée with essence of Fresh Orange

Menu found here 

 


AMBIANCE | I described the setting of Modavie (my first blog post set in Montreal) to be very "old school Mary Jane". Today, I would describe Le Crocodile to be "Maria Jane". Modavie is a romantic down-to-earth country bumpkin restaurant (down to earth, I mean decor NOT prices). Le Crocodile is also a romantic, but upscale and smart French venue. Imagine Mary Jane flat shoes compared to Mary Jane stilettos. "Mary" being the shorted from "Maria" is such that both restaurants are similar in French cuisine and tradition, but Le Crocodile is much more sophisticated. 


Le Crocodile is definitely an impressive restaurant for dates and anniversaries. While it is a swanky restaurant, its decor is far from flamboyant and extravagant. Its mood is very floral and clean. Simple with swatches of oak, burgundy and champagne, it is dated yet classic, minimalistic yet chic. 
Valet service, coat check, ushers and servers, service is only the best. Our server's light humor was a pleasure.

FOOD |  Le Crocodile is not marketed to be a "light" diner, all dishes are intricately designed to be rich and thick. Do not come with even a half-full stomach, come prepared to feast on quality food.


The presentation of the complementary starting bread is like a trailer to a movie. It is the very first impression and tasting of a restaurant, all while holding a suspense towards the courses to come. Many places surprisingly, in my opinion, fail to see the importance and significance of this starter - for I have been to many places with not only rock hard, but slightly stale, day-old bread. Le Crocodile left me with a smile on my face even before I started the courses. The choices of white and multi-grain fresh oven bread was warm and fluffy. The warmth melted further melted the butter into a golden essence. This sneakpeek was definitely a thrill before the main launch

Mr. F's choice of lobster bisque with lamb is a perfect combination. The creamy and smooth texture was a lovely entrance to a lamb entree. While lamb is quite filling, the side veggies complement the heavy sauces wonderfully. Mr. F critiques that Modavie's "lamb specialty" title still holds champion, but Le Crocodile's lamb is in a close second place.  
The lobster bisque would not have eased me into my heavy duck main course, as the bisque is far too rich in flavour, but the escargots were amazing! Garlic and buttered escargots were sitting in thin crispy pastry shells looking not only adorable, but tasting golden and juicy. I even used the remaining complementary starting bread to soak up all the sauce left on the plate after we finished the shells. It hurt me to leave any bit of this dish to waste. The Escargot Maison, literally translated as the "House of snails", is my favourite dish on the menu and I say that with a certainty even though I haven't tried everything. My bird entree was beautifully tender and soft. A rather large dish, the sauce while a bit heavy, did not dominating the meat. I simply cannot get enough of fois gras - the luxury of this ingredient was cooked to perfection by Le Crocodile

In all, I urge your to bring your loved ones here, you will not regret the experience.



909 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC
Le Crocodile on Urbanspoon

Thursday 22 December 2011

Soul Scent - ESSENZA MANGO AGAVE CANDLE



Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday and embracing of the New 2012 Year. 
I bring you a review on my own personal delight - the Essenza Mango Agave Candle


Undoubtedly, this is the perfect addition to not only any holiday of the year, but also a pleasure to indulge yourself in just before bedtime. Its delicious mango scent its not quite a burst of sunshine for the morning, but a sweet (yet not filling), romantic aura perfect for relaxation and tranquility. I have this candle lit when I blog, well it is pretty late in the night, and my room is filled with warm not only physically, but emotionally as well. I cannot possibly get enough of the luxury packaging of this candle as well. Retailed at $40.00 in Nordstrom, the thick 1 cm detail-embossed glass around the smooth wax candle is such an eye candy.

I am not an expert at burning candles. I get lazy to trim the wick every now and then. Which I presume why the candle only burns in the middle and not around the edges. I didn't have this problem with my soy candles, as they burned flat. This is rather irritating for me, I love the product so much I hate to see any of it go to waste. Plus, I'd really like to save the gorgeous candle holder for miscellaneous use in the future.
Nonetheless, a candle I would repurchase over and over again. 

My holiday blessings once more! Happy New Year!



Yes that is my decorated Christmas Tree accompanying the Essenza :)

Saturday 17 December 2011

Snack Quack - THEIRRY PATISSERIE - DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

Of the TopTable Venues, I have only been to Blue Water Cafe and CinCin. I passed by Araxi in Whistler and West on Main street, neither were particularly outstanding to me. But having a sweet tooth, particularly for macarons, when Thierry opened up, I knew I had to try it.

Beautiful presentation, beautiful cream textures, beautiful sweet senses - everything in Theirry was a delight. 



Mr. F and I ordered: 
Prosciuto baguette - manchego cheese, evoo, tomato spread 
Tiramisu
Hazelnut Pastry (good dear, I apologize that I cannot remember the name of this heavenly delight)
Macarons (5) - Apple Spice, Gingerbread, Raspberry, Maple, Vanilla

 Must try and most praised: Fresh Fruit Macarons. This particular one is Raspberry.

(I do critique why 7 maracrons gets a nice Thierry box, but 5 macarons gets a simple plastic insert.) 


1059 Alberni Street, V6E 1A1
604-608-6870
Thierry Patisserie on Urbanspoon

Friday 18 November 2011

Soul Scent: OUT OF AFRICA - AFRICAN MUSK DIFFUSER

I came across Out of Africa online under the title "Best Organic Shea Butter". I was a little hesitant to order online ( I hate paying for shipping haha) and decided maybe the next time I went to the states I would pick one up. Anyhow, when I went to Walgreens, I couldn't find the Shea Butter but instead found the Out Of Africa Diffuser. I loved the ethnic packaging along with the cute giraffe on a classic glass bottle, I knew I had to pick one up. 


At the particular Walgreens I went to, they only had Chocolate and African Musk. I tend to avoid my home from smelling too sweet and filling, so I decided to go with the African Musk. When I home to their website, I learnt they had other sweets such as Lemongrass, Mango Coconut and Apple. I love the African Musk so much I'm definitely going to try the other ones if I see them again!

What makes Out of Africa so special is their environment and social responsibility. Not only are their products organically made, a portion of their sales also go to a charity project known as "School Children Unite". This program helps to provide education as well as medical care for children in West Africa.


White Ginger, Muguet & Musk blended together to create a relaxing and soothing scent. I find diffusers to have a stronger and more distinct scent than candles. Plus, diffusers are such a beautiful home decorator, the long reeds and glass bottles are such a subtle statement. 


Purchased from Walgreens in Seattle. Approximately $20 USD before tax.

Wednesday 9 November 2011

Dine Fine: GYU-KAKU JAPANESE BBQ - DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER


Gyu-Kaku has close to 25 restaurants worldwide, the Vancouver location being its latest addition and only location in Canada. Gyu-Kaku places its location in higher-end metropolitan areas such as Beverly Hills (currently celebrating their 10 year anniversary), Los Angeles, NY Times Square (coming soon), Chicago, Hong Kong, Singapore etc... I am rather proud Vancouver made it on to Gyu- Kaku's list to be Canada's first location (as opposed to Toronto, pardon offense my torontoers). Nonetheless, after tasting this restaurant, there is a very distinct reason why Gyu-Kaku is so successful around the world.

Gyu-Kaku is part of Japan's REINS International Inc - a corporation of over 1200 restaurants and 500 employees. Its president and founder Tomoyoshi Nishiyama, openly centers his corporation around one philosophy: "Kando Sozo" and one slogan: "All for customer's smile". Such philosophy strives for each diner and each working environment to exceed expectations and create memorable experiences. 

The menu's are printed with cute messages. Believe me when I say this is not just a cheesy marketing tactic, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Vancouver excels in all areas of service and creativity.


AMBIANCE | Rather mediocre, I'd critique. Well, it is stylishly black, filled with urban and minimalistic Japanese culture. But the overall ventilation could've been more thought out - it was evident we were sweating sloppily from hovering over the BBQ and the entire restaurant was very humid. You don't realize how steamy and foggy the restaurant is until you leave and walk outside. Ladies and gents, this restaurant would not be the best place for wools or silk, meat and oil are far an attractive fragrance -  stick to tees cotton. Oh, and remember to wash your hair and face immediately when you get home!!
Service is impeccable, waiters and waitresses are dressed Japanese aprons and head bandanas, they even kneel down to pour your tea! The servers are very attentive to when you finish your dish, when you run out of tea and even when your BBQ tray needs to be replaced. Each time, they serve with you with a warm smile and a Japanese accented "thank you". I don't expect such service from any restaurant, but it is such a nice surprise. Arigato gozaimasu!


Mr. F and I ordered:
Fried Tofu Nuggets
Mushroom Medley
Sweet Potato with Butter
Spiniach Garlic
Garlic Cloves
Eggplant
Corn with Butter
Garlic Mushroom

Premium Rib Eye (Aged Angus rib eye)
Harami Skirt Steak (Aged Angus outside skirt steak)
Kalbi Short Rib
Gyu-Tan (Slices of beef Tongue)
 Menu found here 


FOOD | That is one excessive long list. Believe me (again), portions are rather small.
I loved the veggies, but these little monsters are expensive! 4 pieces of corn, 5 slices of eggplant, 5 mushrooms, 8 cubes of potato etc... $4 before tax EACH DISH. These few dishes alone were well over $30. Oh, and I burnt a few pieces of eggplant. That said, my favourite dishes are the Sweet Potato with Butter and Mushroom Medley - definite must orders. The perfect combo of garlic and butter are addicting, one dish was far from satisfying my taste buds, I could not stop ordering one after another.
The menu recommends 2-3 meat dishes per person, I would say 2 dishes MINIMUM per person. Well, I am a carnivore, I need meaty protein. Meat slices are thin and scarce, but the sauces are amazing: tare, shio, miso, farlic, yuzu, spicy mayo, you are allowed to choose one sauce per meat. The meat is very fresh, tender and well seasoned. The Harami Skirt Steak and Kalbi Short Rib are "favourites" and "featured" items of the menu and were certainly lived up to its name. I love the idea of cooking my own meat, I enjoy my meat rare to medium rare and I can easily control and cater to my preference.

To be honest, there is not much to be said about the food here. Prices are high and I can recreate these dishes at home without much effort. But I walked into this restaurant knowing that I would say this. Walking in, I knew I wasn't in for fine dining this time around, I was in for fun and ambiance.  
Food is simple and predictable; although these terms are rather negative, sometimes dining is more enjoyable if we appreciate the process of light-heartedly cooking with people you cherish.
888 Nelson St
Vancouver, BC
604-558-3885

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ on Urbanspoon

Sunday 2 October 2011

Dine Fine: BLUE WATER CAFE + RAW BAR - YALETOWN VANCOUVER

I used to live in Yaletown, and to me Hamilton Street would always be my favourite "dress up in stilettos and accessorize with martinis and margaritas" place. I love the people, love the mood, love the atmosphere, it's no surprise Yaletown is the Posh of Vancouver.

Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar is perhaps the most well-known restaurant on the strip, and surprisingly it was my first time here at this restaurant. The 4 $ sign rating on UrbanSpoon and Dinehere may seem intimidating at first; but when I walked into the restaurant and was welcomed with a warm smile from our server, I knew it was going to be well worth the money.

Mr. F and I ordered:
1 Dozen Fresh Oysters - Kusshi, Komo Gway, Little Wing, Gorge, Reed Island, Caraquet (2 each)
Sashimi Platter
Dungeness Crab Sushi Roll - fresh crab meat and avocado in a egg roll
Lobster Sushi Roll - mango and fresh lobster salad in an omelet crepe
Raspberry Creme Brulee - fennell, balsamic yogurt gelato, raspberry blackberry salsa
Menu found here



AMBIANCE | I loved our server. I was talking to Mr. F about how many chain restaurants only care to hire attractive, generic servers, with their eye only on the tip. This middle aged gentlemen, sincere apologies for forgetting his name, is one of the most attentive servers I have ever encountered. He smoothly remembers and recommends various wine pairings with each dish and notes precisely when you finish each course, offering tactful and sincere service. Yes, some may call this basic and expected (given the cost of the meal), but it's always nice to appreciate genuine care.


Inside the "cafe", (oh please, for the love of God, a "cafe" is such an understatement) the atmosphere is so lively and warm at the same time - a combination of chic formality and casual cool comfort. You can tell everyone is enjoying themselves after a few glasses of wine... oh ya, I was one of them.
Nonetheless, the restaurant is divided into 4 sections: Raw bar, semi- open kitchen, main dining room and a private-booking segregated room. Decorated with a wooden theme, antique lamps set on pillars and a showcase of wine on all sides the walls. Classy and chic.



FOOD | Three words: "fresh", "intricate", "complimentary". 
Fresh: Seafood is always expected to be fresh, and it is certainly no disappointment here at Blue Water Cafe.  There is really  no elaboration needed. Come expecting good quality.
Intricate: I'm sure you can tell from the pictures, "delicacy" and "intricacy" are basic words that merely begin to describe the dishes. Each sashimi piece is sliced to an angle maximizing its fresh taste; each sushi is wrapped neatly, equally the same size, same proportion.

Complimentary: I call this word a synonym  for "heart". I feel as if each ingredient  was specifically added to each dish to enhance not only the flavour but the freshness as well. Thoughtful wine pairings with each dish, in-house sauces for the raw oysters, thin slices of lemon for particular sashimis, egg crepes around the sushi, yogurt gelato for the creme brulee etc... Each small addition to the plate is not only a delight to the mouth, but a delight to all senses. 


Would I try Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar again? Absolutely. The same dishes? Probably not. These dishes were amazing, but I'm sure Blue Water's close to 10 page menu will have me mouthwatering over something new every time - and that is exactly why Blue Water Cafe is such a successful restaurant.

1095 Hamilton St
Vancouver, BC 
(604) 688-8078 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (604) 688-8078      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar on Urbanspoon

Wednesday 31 August 2011

Lunch Munch - THE BOATHOUSE - PORT MOODY VANCOUVER

There's nothing better than having a wild Saturday night and going to brunch on a sunny Sunday morning. I love eggs Benny!




The Boathouse never fails to keep me going back. I've been to the Kits Beach and Downtown venues numerous times for both lunch and dinner, but this time it was my first going to Port Moody for brunch. I love how each restaurant is facing the water, the Boathouse concept is too delightful!

Mr. F ordered - Lobster Grilled Cheese Benny - golden grilled cheese with chunks of lobster meat, topped with poached eggs, fresh hollandaise & a drizzle of basil oil
I ordered - Prime Rib Hash - Kennebec potatoes, onions, red pepper, edamame, red wine demi, topped with two poached eggs & fresh hollandaise. Served toasted olive bread.
Menu found here
AMBIANCE | As with all The Boathouse restaurants, you really cannot go wrong with the ambiance - eating Seafood in front of the sea (or lake). Pictures say a million words, there are 4 posted. It's really quite the expected beauty.


    

FOOD | My Prime Rib Hash was really just a normal stir fry of all the ingredients mixed equally. I loved the cheese curds and prime rib with a slight Asian blend of edamame and sauteed onions. Lobster grilled cheese was also a pleasant - thick chunks of lobster squashed in between rich, thick cheese. The eggs Benedict were slow cooked to a firm egg white and gooey oozy egg yolk. Absolutely GOLDEN! Both dishes had neither difficulty and nor elaboration, but it tasted amazing.

Overall, The Boathouse was never meant to be "fine dining", but its always as nice casual place for simple, good food.

2770 Esplanade Ave
Port Moody, BC
(604) 931-5300
Boathouse (Port Moody) on Urbanspoon

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Soul Scent - ARCHAEOLOGY FREESIA CANDLE

How many of you out there are candle lovers? Scent lovers?


I've been in love with candles.... pretty much since Bath & Body Works opened up in Vancouver's Pacific Centre. I was never really a scent person back then, but after walking into that HappyLand shop, I had some strange epiphany.
omg I want my room to smell like this everyday, every time I walk through my own bedroom door
...yummieee

I recently purchased this Archaeology Freesia Soy Candle. Soy candles are made from hydrogenated soybean oil as opposed to the traditional beeswax. Soybean oil is not only renewable (as opposed to petroleum, think eco-Happy Planet) but these candles are also supposed to burn 50% longer than average candles. This baby markets to be a "60 Hour" candle, I hope it lives up to its name. 

I am so happy with this purchase, the scent is amazing. I
 wish the scent dispersed a little more strongly, but nonetheless,
the scent is sweet, subtle and sexy. (Alliteration, my friends).


Purchased from Nordstrom, Downtown Seattle.

Monday 22 August 2011

Dine Fine - JAPONESSA: SUSHI COCINA - DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

I went on a mini three day trip with Mr. F to Bellevue and Seattle, taking time off and enjoying the sun. Downtown Seattle has a wide selection of food and somehow I really wanted contemporary Japanese sushi. Thanks to beloved Google, I chose Japonessa in downtown Seattle after reading from a fellow reviewer that the "eggplant mochi was absolutely amazing".
With stroke of luck, Japonessa was having their anniversary that day, so they extended their "happy hour" menu till closing. But as it turns out, the eggplant mochi wasn't exactly "absolutely amazing".

We ordered:
Sashimi Set (Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Albacore, Shrimp)
Agedashi Tofu
Garlic Short Ribs
Signature Roll: California Crunch
(Snow crab mix, avocado, cream cheese, tempura’d, sweet chili allioli, soy glaze)
Eggplant & Mochi (fried with nameko mushrooms, bonito soy)
Plum wine

Please excuse the poor iPhone quality of these pictures :(


AMBIANCE |  Decorated with Anna Sui inspired Victorian mirrors, black retro chandeliers, black tables and booths mixed with accents of red and white, Japonessa is soo sexy inside. It is the perfect mid scale urban restaurant for a simple dinner before heading over to the bar and club next door. The dimly lit room and lively edgy tones really sets up a nice night out. Oh, there is complimentary wi-fi, thats a plus!

FOOD | The food lacked spirit. In all honesty, for its reviews, I had such high hopes for fine sushi, only to be disappointed with mediocre quality. The Eggplant mochi, garlic short ribs and California crunch were the top 3 recommended items on UrbanSpoon. But.... the original crispy and golden agedashi tofu was soaked in too much sauce, soggy and salty. The California Crunch was poorly thrown together with large chunks of rice, rather far from the mouth-watering elaborate detail written on the menu. Sashimi set, short ribs, eggplant & mochi were all very average dishes simply decorated on a white dish with a flower on the side. For me, the most disappointing is that everything was at room temperature. The garlic BBQ ribs were far from warm and the sashimi were far from cool, nothing tasted horrible, but the quality of a $15 sushi roll was... well, sub par.

Benefit of the doubt, it was Japonessa's anniversary day, perhaps they were busy. Given that "happy hour" menu items are supposed to be small finger foods, the dishes lacked intricacy. We ordered from the main menu as well, and really, there was no difference in quality. I'm sorry Japonessa, Mr. F and I were not too impressed this time around. 

1400 1st Ave
Seattle, WA
98101
(206) 971-7979
Japonessa Sushi Cocina on Urbanspoon

Thursday 18 August 2011

Snack Quack - JULES - GASTOWN VANCOUVER


I love French Onion Soup.
Mr. F loves French Onion Soup. It was 3 in the afternoon and we both craved the intricate bowl of soft onions and croutons soaked in beef broth, topped off with steamy creamy oozy cheese.
That's when I was determined to find THE BEST Soupe a l’Oignon in the entire Vancouver. I told Mr. F we weren't going to settle for some cup-a-soup-a-soupy.
After some net surfing, I stumbled upon Jules Casual French Bistro in Gastown Vancouver.

We ordered: 2 of the Soupe a l’Oignon Gratinee (French Onion Soup)
Moules Frites (Steamed Mussels in White Wine with Garlic and Parsley Served with Fries)

AMBIENCE | It was a clear and gleaming day, so we chose to sit outside in a nice fenced off section in front of the restaurant. I peeped inside the restaurant and its very comfy roomy homey feel. Will definitely come back to try dinner.

DISHES | I'm only going to rave about how awesome the French Onion Soup is, the mussels were great, but merely a side dish to the day. Sorry shelleys, soupy stole your limelight! The soup from taste to presentation was amazing. The soup temperature is usually one of my biggest concerns. I cannot stand mediocre warm soup, my soup always has to be hot. Extra hot. Jules did a wonderful job of burning my finger when I touched the bowl (even after the waitress warned me) - I knew it was going to be fresh and delicious before I tried it. I also loved how the chef placed the slices of bread to creep between the cheese. The cheese was baked to a soft, stretchy golden texture with slightly burnt crisps on the side. Together, the broth and onions were perfect. I do critique it to be a tad salty, but I'm just being unnecessarily picky.

That said, I will still be scoping around town for THE BEST French Onion soup and will keep you all posted. If you are a die hard fan of the ultimate Soupe a l’Oignon, please, try Jules in Gastown. You will not be disappointed.
I'll see you there!

216 Abbott St
Vancouver, BC

(604) 669-0033
Jules Casual French Bistro on Urbanspoon
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