The Buffet (River Rock)- There's Nothing Like Vegas

I've been to The Buffet on a few occasions and I believe the only reason I ever went was because this was considered the 'best' buffet in Vancouver. With that said, there are pretty much only two major buffets in Vancouver... Uncle Willy's in Burnaby, and The Buffet @ River Rock in Richmond.

They have a pretty average to low rating on Urbanspoon and I don't remember being wowed by this buffet either in the past so I wanted to check it out to see if there were any improvements.

The buffet is located on the second floor of the River Rock Casino. 

Their Salad Bar was pretty limited and didn't have the usual toppings like corn, tomatoes, chopped boiled eggs...etc. However, they did have a few cool items like artichoke and cajun corn salad.

This was their Curry Fish that I didn't actually try because it didn't look appealing to me. 

I had a slice of their Mushroom Pizza and it was alright. I enjoyed it as much as I enjoy eating Delissio pizza.

They had Steamed BBQ Pork Buns and Sticky Rice wrapped in Lotus Leaf that I neglected to try because I didn't want to waste tummy space on traditional dim sum food I know I could get elsewhere. Nonetheless, they actually looked really good.

Meta Knight and I had an early dinner so the Sugar Free Panna Cotta was untouched! What a beauty!

The Lemon Meringue Tart was probably one of my favourite items in the buffet. The crust was flaky and the lemon custard had just enough sweetness. Yummmmm.

Since I'll be going to Vegas soon (and I know I will go to a lot of buffets heh heh), I've made a promise to myself that I would always start off any buffet with a salad and soup so this is what I got. A Caesar salad with Artichoke and Cajun Corn Salad. I also love soup so needless to say, I got two: Italian Wedding and Wonton Soup. 

Some Lamb and Parsnip Stew, Green Beans, Carrots, and Tender Lamb Shank.

I greatly enjoyed the Macaroni and Cheese and Chicken Strip w/ Honey Mustard although I don't think it is very hard to make good mac n' cheese and fried chicken.

Since it was "Italian Night" when we went, they had a made-to-order pasta station. Meta Knight and I shared a Pesto Alfredo Spaghetti with Chorizo, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Clams, Garlic, and Baby Shrimp.

All in all, I think you can guess what I am about to say. I feel harsh for saying this but the Buffet at River Rock is average at best and is probably okay if you are really craving for buffet food in Vancouver. But if you can hold off till you find a cheap flight to Vegas (like I did!), then wait till then because there is NOTHING like Vegas buffets or casino restaurants. The variety and quality of food Vegas buffets offer are unparalleled to what we have in Vancouver.

Service Rating: 3.5/5
Food Rating: 2.5/5
Price: $$$

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

Happy Eating!


courtesy of http://vegasbuzz.com/blog/dining-in-las-vegas/buffets

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Diva at the Met- Little Portions. Big Flavours.

This year, Meta Knight surprised me with a beautiful Valentine's Day dinner at Diva at the Met. Remember my 'Dine Out Pick of 2013' post? Diva at the Met was one of my picks and he knew I still haven't tried it yet even though I've wanted to for a long time.

The set Valentine's Day menu was split up into two. A 'Divo' menu for the gents and a 'Diva' menu for the ladies. What a cute idea!! 

We got seated in at 6:30pm which was great because we beat the dinner rush and was able to find parking pretty easily. Plus, it's always nice to have more time to walk, take in each others company, and digest after dinner.

LOVED the open kitchen idea. Felt like I was watching The Food Network (my favourite channel... obviously) during my entire meal.

First came the bread. But by no means were they 'normal' bread. This sampling platter consisted of warm rye, walnut, ciabatta, flat bread and butter with a crumbled brown butter topping. All delicious. All left us feeling warm and satisfied.

I'll be writing the his Divo menu first. His first course was the Foie Gras and Chicken Liver Parfait with pickled winter vegetables. We were really looking forward to it but the foie gras turned out to have a funny taste to it. As well, we would have liked the crisps to be thicker, so as to hold the foie gras better.

The Veal Cheek Pastrami had popcorn sweet breads, celeriac, and porcini foam. His popcorn sweet bread was amazing and tasted like popcorn, and bread at the same time! 

This was what Meta Knight was waiting for.. the Roasted Beef Tenderloin with truffle puree, bone marrow, smoked lentils, and natural jus. I wish I had this as my main because the beef was amazingly succulent. As well, I do like myself some bone marrow so this dish had all the right components for a winning entree.

Again, his Chocolate Praline Bar with caramelized milk semifreddo and hazelnut crumble left me wanting to order one for myself.

What you don't see is a thin crispy biscuit layer nestled underneath the chocolate ganache. When you bite into it, it will catch you by surprise and make you fall in love with this dessert. If this is on their regular menu, get this. You will not be disappointed. 

Now onto the Diva menu. My appetizer consisted of an Olive Oil Poached Lobster Salad with oyster, egg, shallot, trout roe, and hearts of palm. The large chunks of lobster tasted like half sashimi with its barely cooked interior and exceptionally fresh taste.

Underneath the mushroom emulsion laid the Truffled Sole with fingerling potato, melted leeks, and crispy rice cracker dyed with squid ink (hence the black colour).

I normally would never ever choose a dish with rabbit because all I think about are their cute furry coats and 'Thumper' from Bambi. However, this was on my menu and the foodie in me also did not have the courage to pass up trying something exciting in the culinary world. This was called Saddle of Rabbit and the rabbit (the circular and rectangle pieces) were indeed delicious. A little tougher than normal meat but it had great flavour. Trust me when I say both Meta Knight and I were both sad and happy while trying the rabbit.

My dessert is based on a breakfast meal. How? It is called Butter Toast Ice Cream with skim milk crisp, earl grey tea cake, and homemade black currant jam. The ice-cream delightedly tasted similar to butter on toast but without losing the essence of what it is, ice-cream. It was still sweet and barely savoury so my taste buds did not mistake this for anything other than dessert. I loved the concept of this dish but Meta Knight's Chocolate Praline Bar still took the cake.

All in all, our meal at Diva at the Met was exceptional and we were able to try things we never would have normally been able to (*cries* poor rabbit!). You get what you pay for here and this is a meal I would remember for a long time.

Service Rating: 4.5/5
Food Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $$$$$$$$ ($70+)

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Happy Eating!


courtesy of http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Thumper_(Bambi)

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Gorilla Food- Eat Like a Gorilla!

For a lot of people, becoming vegan or eating gluten free food is always a reoccurring goal but it is never achieved. It takes a LOT of discipline and determination so I applaud all those who can stick with it! As for myself, since I can't commit to eating only raw, vegan, and gluten free food all the time, I'll just head over to Gorilla Food once in a while.

Gorilla Food is located near Waterfront station and serves only organic, vegan, and raw food. Nothing in this restaurant is cooked (think about how low their electricity bill must be!).

It has a really cool underground entrance with a sandwich board right in front of it. It totally has a hipster vibe. :P

My friend ordered the Fairytale Tea because it sounded intriguing and magical. She loves all kinds of tea so this one hit the right note for her on such a cold, rainy day.

We got two things to share and the first item is actually an appetizer, Guacamole, Salsa and Crackers ($9.00). It came with a heaping amount of guac which we were both super happy about. The various crackers were all gluten free.

The guacamole was fresh and oh-so delicious with the crackers. The cracker shown in this picture is made of whole flax seeds and some dried tomato and herb that bound it together. It tasted absolutely amazing with the guac. Who knew gluten free crackers could be so good? We had extra guac after finishing the crackers so we purchased another side of these. Needless to say, we had a lottt of fiber that night... ahem.

We also shared The Mini Gorilla ($9.00) which is a combo salad packed with 'delish and nourishing leafy freens, veggies, chili almonds, sunny-pate, olives, sprouts, avocado, almond, and super-food dressing.'

The salad was surprisingly very filling due to the sunny-pate which were made of primarily nuts. The sprouts were a nice touch as it always adds a different texture and tastes amazing in salads.

All in all, Gorilla Food is the perfect place to go to after a self loathing night of Ben & Jerry's, fried chicken, and extra cheese pizza since it will cleanse and de-gunk all the junk in your trunk. Plus, it makes you feel like you are eating like a Gorilla and that's always fun.

Service Rating: N/A (you pay up front at the counter)

Food Rating: 4/5

Price: $$ ($10-$20)

Overall Rating: 4/5

Happy Eating!

courtesy of http://shoutthemasses.tumblr.com/post/5056431710/decisions-decisions

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Diner No.1- Massive Canucks Burger

Diner No.1 is a relatively new establishment in Steveston. I came across this place about a month ago and decided to come here to try out some good ol' diner food.

There is free parallel parking in the front and a large parking lot in the back so you don't have to worry about fighting for spots.

I enjoyed the retro feel of their menu and every item on there just sounded so cool! For example, Liver & Crispy Onions, Butter Chicken Poutine, Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese, Warm Toffee Pudding Cake.

I don't think a lot of people know about this place yet because when we came here during prime dinner time, there were only one or two other tables besides us. Nevertheless, the booths were comfy and spacious which made the whole dining experience comforting.

Meta Knight ordered The Canuck ($12.99) which is a burger consisting of beef patty, bbq sauce, bacon, cheddar & crispy onions. He subbed typical fries for yam fries. He didn't have much expectations for the burger but when it came, he was shocked at the size! It was hugeee!

Look how large it is when you put it all together. He could barely fit it into his mouth. Surprisingly, the patty was juicy and not a hint dry, they didn't skimp on the bacon, and the crispy onions added an unexpected crunch to the burger.

I opted for the Roast Beef Yorkie ($13.49) because I have yet to eat one that knocked my socks off. Instead of having mash potatoes and seasonal vegetables on the side, I substituted it for a salad (dedication to health for the win!). The salad was nothing that special but it was large enough and the amount of dressing that came with was perfect.

You have no idea how happy I was when I bit into my little yorkie (ooh, that sounded nasty. Sounds like I'm biting a dog..D:). The yorkshire pudding had a texture that was so much better than the one I had at Griffins. It was soft, chewy, and fluffy all at the same time. I actually made a makeshift sandwich out of it in which I stuffed the roast beef inside the yorkshire pudding. Yum... delicious.

Based on these reasons:

• they are still working out some kinks, QA stuff
• cool retro menu with interesting options
• yorkshire pudding is awesome
• Canucks Burger is MASSIVE! 

Service Rating: 2.5/5

Food Rating: 3/5

Price: $$

Overall Rating: 3/5

Happy Eating!

courtesy of http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/250x250/31962174.jpg

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Mimibuloveme- Parfait for Lovers

I'm just kidding. These parfaits are not only for lovers. In fact, I came her with my three girl friends because we wanted an after dinner treat. 

This little place with a unqiue name can be found very near Oakridge mall but you need to search hard for it because they don't really have a store front with their name on it. All you'll see is their sandwich board outside their door that says 'Mimibuloveme'. 

For such a hidden cafe/dessert place, I was pleased to see a lot of customers dining in. 

Parfaits are their specialty but they also serve crepes, pastas, and other savoury items. Lil Sis said she tried their crepes before and they were absolutely delicious. 

The Matcha Parfait consisted of green tea ice cream, red bean, green tea honey cake, mochi balls, and gluten free graham crackers. To be honest I didn't taste any graham crackers but I was fine with that. The mochi was soft and chewy just the way I like it. The green tea ice cream was good and did not have an artificial taste to it which is always my concern. All in all, this is a solid dessert that'll make you feel happy in all the right places.

This Black Sesame Parfait was my favourite of the two and it consisted of black sesame ice cream, vanilla ice cream, grass jelly, gluten free graham crackers (I think they substituted this with corn pops O.O) and mochi balls. I liked this parfait more purely because of the fact that I love black sesame. Nothing more. It was a good parfait but some honey cake in the middle would have been better than corn pops. 

Overall, this little place is a great spot for friends, couples, or your lonesome self (I kid, I kid) to come for dessert. Or, you could be like my friend Lil Sis, and check this place out during dinner time and get yourself a crepe. 

Based on these reasons:

• parfaits are great for sharing
• easy to make at home as the ingredients are not hard to find
• cute little place to talk and wet your palate
• good for couples

Service Rating: 3/5

Food Rating: 3/5

Price: $

Overall Rating: 3/5

Happy Eating!

courtesy of http://case-in-point.blogspot.ca/2008_05_01_archive.html

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