Dine Fine - CHAMBAR - GASTOWN VANCOUVER

Chambar is rated as one of the most romantique restaurants in Vancouver, and what better time to taste this restaurant than on Valentine's Day?

Honestly, I had such a love hate relationship with this restaurant I actually got a little ticked off inside. I loved the decor, loved the atmosphere, loved the vibe of Chambar... but I cannot say the food is for everyone. 

AMBIANCE | If you could only describe Chambar in a sentence, it would be something like sexy romantic... cozy but mysterious... utterly charming. 

The dining portion of the restaurant is a long L shape, the entrance decorated with small couches, ideally the beer lounge. As you move towards the back (where we sat) tables got larger and it was a gorgeous dimly lit dining room. The overall ambiance is rosy burgundy, bricks and vines... mysterious but cozy. I'd definitely come again just to breathe the environment again. 

Mr. F ordered - Les coquilles St. Jaques - Seared scallops, smoked kurobuta pork cheek, pickled cheek, pickled green beans and horseradish vinaigrette

Bison et Choron fume - Peppercorn crusted bison flatiron, wild forest mushrooms, caramelized baby potatoes, cornichons, smoked tomato bearnaise

I ordered - Venison Shortloin Carpaccio - (removed from online menu apologies for forgetting the ingredients)
Taijine d'aziz a l'agneau - Braised lamb shank with honey, figs, cinnamon & cilantro, served with cous cous and zalouk


Paired with Gruen '09 Riesling White

Menu found here

FOOD | Now the genre of food is European mixed fusion food (or that's what I'd call it). They are most famous for their Belgian beer and Moules Frites - which I did not try, I had white wine instead. I have heard wonderful things about their Moules Frites being the best in Vancouver, I will definitely return to try.

But as for their dining appetizers and main courses, I have a bit of a funny story. Mr. F ended up swapping appies because he didn't fancy his appie so much, and I swapped my main course with him because fancy my main course. The server noticed our switch-a-roo and we sparked at cute conversation. 
From the ingredients, I could tell the chef did a thoughtful job of putting together fusion pairings on the menu. But I cannot say the tasting suites everyone, at least not all the tastes suited me and Mr. F. The scallops were amazing, Mr. F didn't prefer the pickled cheeks and picked green beans. My braised lamb shank was cooked to a tender meat, but I would've preferred a difference sauce and herbs. That said, the Venison (similar to deer) Carpaccio and Bison were definitely more universal items in terms of flavour, which I enjoyed more.

Universality can be a positive and negative thing to restaurants. By all means, it makes no impact towards the rating of culinary skills, rather the restaurant should be rated on a different scale. Ethnic foods are full with flavour and culture, unfamiliarity on my part only makes me sound extremely ignorant. I am not disappointed, rather I can say I was surprised. That said, I will return to Chambar, there are plenty of other delicious foods on the menu that are awaiting me to try, the Moules Frites and Belgian beer for sure. 

562 Beatty Street
Vancouver, BC

Snack Quack - CUPCAKES BY HEATHER AND LORI - VANCOUVER

With CUPCAKES in town, everyday is Valentine's Day, everyday is a day worth celebrating, worth smiling :)

Presenting: CUPCAKES BY HEATHER AND LORI Special Edition Valentine's Day Cupcake

1168 Denman Street, Vancouver
604-974-1300
Please visit their website for addresses to their 7 locations

DineOut Vancouver 2012: LA VALLEE - DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

My second and last Dine Out Vancouver of 2012. I dare say La Vallee has given me the worst fine dining experience of all time. Which is such a shame, the restaurant décor is absolute stunning, the food is amazing, but the service definitely could use much more improvement. Dine Out Vancouver is to incentive for Vancouverites to try out restaurants and enjoy a three course meals at a slightly cheaper price. It is not a surprise, as I have stated with Mistral French Bistro, that restaurant qualities fall slightly to accommodate the high volumes of customers. But La Vallee`s service has me extremely doubtful about giving it another chance.

SERVICE & FOOD | Normally I review AMBIANCE and  FOOD, but for lack of better words, I cannot wait to share my dining experience from beginning to end.

I had arrived with my party 7 people at 7pm. We ordered by 7:30 and the appetizer came about 20 minutes later. The bread, I must say, was the best of the night - it was deliciously fluffy and warm. The vinaigrette complemented the bread very well. Definitely a smile on my face. But when asked the server for some hot water, which she promptly plopped a large boiling teapot in front of me ON TOP of my fork - immediately I saw a tiny red flag. The crab cake was decent, but the salad I ordered was rather mediocre. I had read reviews on this restaurant stating that this salad seemed to have came straight from a Costco salad box, and as much as I hate to say, I do agree. The appetizers seemed rather "thrown together" - rather thoughtless.

However the disappointment lies in the entree. We had to wait an hour and a half after the appetizers until our main courses finally arrived -the dirty appetizer dishes were still sitting on the table the whole time. For the benefit of the doubt, we thought maybe the food was freshly cooked - that was the only way to explain the delay. But the food was not only cold, the server did not even try to remember who ordered which plate! She simply stood at the front of the table announcing the dish and expected us to raise our hands and say "mine!". I was over the top surprised at the service from a restaurant located in a formal hotel Downtown Vancouver. The food AND plates were not even warm, it was simply room temperature.  I could taste so much potential in my lamb shank. The side of potato was butter and soft, the tender lamb shank was cooked with a rich sauce. But the wait, shocking service, and room temperature food already made my tastebuds run away. 

Lastly the dessert, I took two bites of my Praline and it tasted wonderful! The layers of cake and crisp was intricate and not overbearingly sweet. But the pistachio parfait that my friends ordered, was ruined by the service. Originally the parfait was elegantly designed to stand freely in the middle of the plate, decorated with drizzles along the side. But one of my girlfriend's parfait had toppled over and buried the spoon by the time the server brought the dish to our table (please see the picture below) and the server clearly pretended not to notice. 

I walked out of this restaurant with utter disappointment and pity. Not once did the server come by to ask us if the food was alright or if we needed anything else. Not once did I feel like my money and presence was appreciated. The food in this restaurant - although lacking a tad of character and thought, was savoury and delightful.


I see so much potential in this restaurant, only for it to be masked behind such terrible service. I did say in my last review that Dine Out qualities are to be judged with discretion, but La Vallee has me again, extremely doubtful that I will return.  

1379 Howe St. Vancouver

604-696-6980

DineOut Vancouver 2012: MISTRAL FRENCH BISTRO - KITSLANO VANCOUVER

I never really hype about Dine Out Vancouver. To be honest, I think Dine Out Vancouver are not the "special deals" that they advertise themselves to be. As the years pass, while my food expectations have gone up, I feel the quality of Dine Out participants to significantly decrease.

Mistral French Bistro is the first Dine Out restaurant I went to this year ( I went to a total of 2, reviews to come soon). I have been eyeing this restaurant for a while to satisfy my escargot craving after Le Crocodile (escargots were not part of the Dine Out menu, but I was still excited to scope out the restaurant nonetheless). My girlfriend and I went for dinner after a long tiring day at school and as soon as we walked in, the both of us fell in love with the romantic decor and charming male french servers.

Miss Dimply ordered- Provencal Tomato Cream Soup - Pistrou Foam, Topenade Crouton
Daube de Boeuf - Beef cheeks in red wine stew, olives, carrots, mushrooms and pear onions, served with fresh spaghetti
Fresh pineapple in mint sirop, raspberry sorbet

I ordered - Soya and black pepper marinated Albacore Tuna - in Dijon-sesame crust, cucumber and celery salad, lemon-dijon dressing
Duck leg confit - duck jus with orange, green beans, Gratin Dauphinois
Giant macaron - Tiramisu cream


Both with added Gin and Tonics on the side

 

 

AMBIANCE | Mistral French Bistro itself is petite, delicate and cozy. Soft natural paintings and warm cream and golden flecks certainly creates a very sensual feel. That is, only when we first walked in. After about half an hour, the restaurant was filling up, people were lining out the door, the restaurant became irritably crowded. I had looked at pictures of the restaurant prior to going and I can almost guarantee they put in more tables and chairs. Dine Out Restaurants are constantly fully booked, reservations are to be made 2-3 weeks in advance - putting in a few extra tables are expected. There was a clear problem getting out of my seat and to the washroom, let alone the high noise level. I was almost yelling back and forth to have a conversation - not my definition of French fine dining.

FOOD | After less than 5 minutes of ordering, our appies came! Immediately after we were finished, the entrée came right away! I was famished so I was happy the food came at such a efficient pace. It is not a surprise that Dine Out sets are pre-made and re-heated, but perhaps I would appreciate a little white lie that made my dish was made timely with thought. Nonetheless, the food was pleasant - nothing out of the ordinary, but still very much enjoyed.
One critical critique (haha) that I must say, the bread was absolutely terrible. The dough was not only cold, but hard as rock. I could not cut it open or tear it with my hands without great difficulty. I took about one bite and decided to dip the rest into Miss Dimply's cream soup. Which by the way, Miss Dimply loaded the cream soup with Tabasco sauce, and as much as I cannot handle spicy foods, I'd say the soup is much more flavorful and outstanding.

Final thoughts, Mistral French Bistro is a wonderful and thoughtful restaurant. I will not judge the quality of the food and service from Dine Out session, because I definitely see a great potential in them. I will definitely return to try their main menu - especially escargots and French onion soup. Will keep you posted!

2585 West Broadway, Vancouver

604-733-0046

Lunch Munch - TRATTORIA ITALIAN KITCHEN - VANCOUVER

I have been to Trattoria many times for dinner, and decided on a sunny afternoon to enjoy a filling Italian lunch and then walk off the carbs by shopping in 4th avenue boutiques. 

  

Glowbal group never ceases to surprise me with delicious pieces. Their motto is "Every Neighborhood Needs a Trattoria". I agree, at the end of the day Trattoria is a glamorous, chic and upscale restaurant. The hip chandeliers and modern mirrored decor is the perfect counterpart for traditional italia pasta.

  Miss Dimplings and I ordered:

Beef Carpaccio - gorgonzola polenta, cipollini onion

Lasagna - kobe beef, ricotta, spinach, fresh herbs

FOOD |  For two constantly-on-a-diet-yet-food-lover gals, an appie and an entree is rather filling already. Plus, the portions are on the big side. I think we ordered the most popular and universal items on the entire menu. The both of us always order Beef Carpaccio whenever it is on the menu, always. The presentation of the dish, lacked some delicacy, it looked "thrown together" with some toppings and drizzle... Nonetheless, the portion was large and I was certainly not disappointed in the taste. Miss Dimply and I fought for the last bite. I will definitely order this again.

The Lasagna was pleasant, well around average. To be honest, a mixture of stringy, rich cheese, fresh tomato, imported kobe beef, and all that good stuff - it sounds like a delight already, but this was a tad heavy on the salt. Just a tad too flavourful for my liking. Nothing to complain about though. 

Oh, and P.S. I love the cute messages on their placemat. It teaches you how to speak italian!

I cannot constructively praise nor critique Trattoria. Trattoria is a affordable Italian kitchen with a young, light, modern attraction. The food is more often average than amazing - but still delicious. I had no problems with seating since it was an odd weekday 2pm lunch. But I have heard about an experienced terrible lineups and waiting frustrations all because they refuse to take reservations. Refusing to take reservations guarantee consistent and full business, but if having to wait over an hour for a seat is the extra price customers have to pay on top of their pasta, I am not surprised consumers will choose other restaurants. There are so many more choices on 4th street.

Overall, I am pleased with the quality of food and service, but I cannot say Trattoria is a place for fine food, but it is always a relaxed an comfortable dining experience.

1850 W 4th Avenue
Vancouver, B

Snack Quack - CAFE CREMA - AMBLESIDE WEST VANCOUVER

A sweet little pit stop I made on our way to Whistler. On an early morning, located along the quiet Ambleside Bellevue Street Strip in West Vancouver, Crema is the hidden treasure of coziness.

  

 

Mr. F and I ordered -  Mocha Espresso Coffee

Prosciutto de Parma Poached Eggs on Toast

Panna Cotta 

1495 Bellevue Ave

604-922-2294

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

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 :)