Forage (Dine Out 2014) - Pretty Decent Food

On the second last day of Dine Out Vancouver 2014, my friends and I went to Forage for their $28 DOV menu. This restaurant has garnered so much hype over the past year that it was impossible not to give it a try.

Forage is located on Robson and Jarvis which is crazy because I've never noticed it before walking down Robson street.

I love the wooden oak type of feel. It's classy yet homey.

 All six of us ordered their Award Winning Seafood Chowder with soft poached quail egg and crispy pork rind. While the soup was smokey, full of flavour, it was too thick and tasted a bit more like sauce than soup. The quail egg added a certain richness to the soup too which was nice.

 Meta Knight chose the Pacific Provider Spring Salmon which was served with potato, leek, onion hash and a celery root remoulade. The salmon was perfectly cooked and flaked off with every bite. It was a little salty for Meta Knight but overall it was a great entree.

The Foraged and Cultivated Mushroom with Sage and Squash Gnocchi was exactly what I was hoping for. The gnocchi was fluffy yet slightly crispy on the outside, the mushrooms and kale were perfectly seasoned, and the dish didn't leave me suffocating in a food coma. I would totally get this again.

Now here's the bad thing. I eat slow so the rest of my table were finished when I was around the 3/4 mark. Because Dine Out is limited to a 1.5 hour seating at Forage, they completely rushed us, and started serving all of our desserts while I was still eating my main. That put me in an incredibly awkward position where I wanted to finish eating my delicious entree, but couldn't because my friends are now all on their dessert without me. I understand if they are trying to serve everything fast, but at least let everyone at the table finish their meal before serving the next course. I only needed an extra 5-10 minutes but sadly I wasn't given that time. After that experience, it left a bad taste in my mouth throughout the entire evening.

 Most of my friends went with the Gelderman Farm Pork Belly with crackling and braised cabbage, celeriac potato puree, and apple chutney. It was an absolutely sinful meal and god was I jealous. The pork belly had a 70/30 fat ratio though so I was content after trying just one bite. My friends also said the crackling was also a bit too oily. Nonetheless, the potato puree was fabulous and I'd still go for this piece of meat if I was craving something guilty that day. :)

Having read some reviews beforehand, I opted for the Blueberry Hazelnut Financier served with membrillo creme, hazelnut praline, and quince jelly. This was a solid dessert and I really enjoyed the presentation of it.

However, I should've gotten the Crumb Crusted Maple Rye "French Toast" with tonka bean drinking chocolate and Forty Creek whipped marshmallow. The server warned us beforehand that the tonka bean chocolate is as bitter as coffee so only people who like either coffee or dark chocolate would like this dessert. I should've taken the hint and got this because it was SO GOOD!!! The french toast balls dipped in espresso dark chocolate and whipped marshmallow is like my ultimate dream. I have no idea why I didn't pick this dessert. 

I will be forever sad because this isn't on their regular menu. 

Anyways, I think Forage captured the Sustainable Dining aspect of the restaurant business and they have some really innovative dishes. I just wish I wasn't rushed in and out of there so quickly because that disabled me from fully sinking into the deliciousness that they offered. Forage would be a great place to have girl's night and spend a few hours drinking and eating snacks so maybe I'll do that in the future, NOT during Dine Out.

Service Rating: 3/5

Food Rating: 3/5

Price: $$$$

Overall Rating: 3/5

Happy Eating!

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Gotham Steakhouse - Get The Bone-In Rib Steak!

If you read my blog often enough, you'll know I rarely go to fine dining establishments. But recently I was introduced to Gotham Steakhouse in Vancouver and I was instantly hooked. For my first visit I was too shy to take pictures so I only have photos from my second visit with Meta Knight.

The first time I went, I ordered the bone-in rib steak. It was so fantabulous that I just HAD to have it again on my second visit. More on the rib steak later...

I've been hearing a lot about the rivalry between Gotham Steakhouse and Hy's Encore for the best steak in Vancouver. I've never been to Hy's so I can't speak to this matter but for people who have been to both, what are your thoughts? Is Hy's worth going to if Gotham is already so amazing?!

While we were waiting for our table to be set up, they gave us some pretzels to munch on. It was a nice gesture but without it, our 25 minute wait would be unbearable. Having made reservations in advance, waiting 25 minutes for our table seemed a little much.

Meta Knight and I shared a Lobster Bisque ($12.95) and we were pleasantly surprised by the amount each of us got. The lobster flavour was extremely prominent and both of us loved it.

If you are not afraid of a little fat, get the 16oz Bone-in Rib Steak ($47.95)! It is absolutely the most succulent and flavourful piece of meat I've ever had. Meta Knight was skeptical at first but once he took a bite, he instantly fell in love. It wouldn't be a far shot to say we were both closing our eyes and ooing and awing with each bite.

For our sides, we got a half order of Creamed Spinach ($7.12). This is suppose to be a smaller version of their regular sides so your table can try a greater variety. While the creamed spinach was good, I think the creamed corn version would be better.

We also got a half order of Potato Hashbrowns ($6.47) which was surprisingly tasty considering how dull it looked. The hashbrowns were light, crsipy, and delightfully flavourful. If you get the full order, I think you get two of these hashbrowns.

All in all, I think Gotham Steakhouse is a fantastic choice for good ol' steak. It beats many other steakhouses in Vancouver and if I earned more money, I would totally eat here more often. For now, once a year is probably as baller as I can get.

Service Rating: 4/5
Food Rating: 4/5
Price: $$$$$+

Overall Rating: 4/5

Happy Eating!

 

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The Oakwood Canadian Bistro (Dine Out 2014) - Sablefish. Roasted Porchetta. Smoked Chowder.

Last year I went to Oakwood Canadian Bistro for Dine Out Vancouver and I had a great time. This year, I couldn't resist and had to go again with my girlfriends.

Oakwood Canadian Bistro has a $28 DOVF menu and it includes three courses. The restaurant is located on West 4th across from the Naam.

The menu this year is pretty different but sounded absolutely scrumptious. Pork belly, smoked seafood chowder, roasted porchetta? You don't have to twist my arm.

I started with the Waldorf Salad which had bacon, grapes, celery, candied walnuts, blue cheese, and creme fraiche. I like really subtle blue cheese flavours so it was a little too pungent for me. Nevertheless, it was refreshing and not too heavy as a starter which I appreciated.

Rae chose the Pork Terrine with maple cauliflower puree, pickled shallots, and rye soil. The presentation was quite intriguing as it played on grass and dirt. Rae thought it was great but the appetizer was a little heavy.

I had a taste of Lil Sis's Smoked Seafood Chowder and it was da bomb. I should've gotten this because I love seafood chowder and this was definitely one of the best I've had.

For our mains, Rae chose the Roasted Porchetta which is a savoury, fatty, crispy-skinned, and moist boneless pork roast wrapped around pork belly. Now give me a second while I wipe off my drool. It came with spatzle (German pasta) and confit garlic broccollini. All I can say is: ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD.

The rest of us went with the Seared Sablefish dish consisting of sablefish, confit pork shoulder, lentils, carrots, and pork rinds. The fish was perfectly cooked and tender. Oddly enough, the pork rinds were a little too hard to eat and overly crunchy. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic entree and perfect for people not looking for something too heavy.

The Chocolate Mousse had a light dusting of coffee pistachio crunch on top which I enjoyed. Great dessert choice for any chocolate lovers out there. :)

If you are looking for something a little fruity and less sweet, the Maple Creme Caramel was a surprising winner. The description in the menu made this dessert choice seem like the sweeter option but in reality it was incredibly light and slightly sour with the cranberry puree on top. Must get!

Overall, The Oakwood Canadian Bistro is a solid choice for Dine Out and I have yet to be disappointed by their offerings. Just make sure you don't get Pork Terrine for appy, Roasted Porchetta for entree, and Chocolate Mousse for dessert all in one go, because it will give you a fat/sugar/salt overdose. Pick and choose the heavy and light options and you'll have a great time.

Service Rating: 4/5
Food Rating: 4/5
Price: $$$

Overall Rating: 4/5

Happy Eating!

 

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Maxim's Bakery (Metrotown) - Have You Ever Had Purple Yam Cake Before?

It was my parent's 29th anniversary (yayy!) not too long ago and we decided to buy a cake to celebrate! We have a couple of bakeries that we frequent for cakes but my mom decided to try something new and go to the Maxim's at Metrotown.

I've always known Maxim's to have mediocre cakes compared to the other bakeries or patisseries in town. But she said they have this new cake called Purple Yam Cake that is pretty delicious. Knowing me, I'm for all things weird and delicious so I was all over that idea.

I was really impressed that the 6" inch Purple Yam Cake was beautifully decorated with cream roses and delicate designs. In addition, did I mention that it was only $16 something dollars?! How cheap is that?!!

Inside the layers of light sponge cake nestled a hearty amount of purple yam. Surprisingly, it didn't taste odd as a dessert which I was fully expecting. The potato wasn't very sweet which was nice and it weirdly complemented the whipped cream and fruits. It's truly an odd combination but it works. At least for me. :P

For the price and taste, I would definitely get this cake again! I believe it is in high demand so make sure you reserve this in advance if you want to try it out.

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

Overall Rating: 3/5

Happy Eating!

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Kiku Sushi - Just Gorgeous.

For anyone who works near the Metropolis/ Metrotown area, I found a new restaurant for you guys to try. I would even say its a hidden gem. 

My coworker Robot recommended me to this place for fresh raw oysters and when we first got in, they told us they were out. We were so ready to leave because we REALLY wanted oysters at the time but decided not to be mean and stay.

What surprised us about the food was that it was actually really really delicious! For a restaurant that is pretty much unheard of, we were not expecting to be wowed like this.

We started with the Winter California Roll ($5.50). All of their 'winter' rolls are torched and we chose this which is essentially a California Roll with raw scallops on top and a dollop of Motoyaki mayo that has been torched. The combination of fresh scallops and decadent smokey mayo really made me salivate and I absolutely fell in love with this roll! Some people on Urbanspoon said they hated this roll but I loved it so you should taste this and judge for yourself.

The Kiku Roll ($10.95) had shrimp tempura inside, avocado and unagi on the outside. The roll was pretty standard but it could have been stuffed with more ingredients I think.

Lastly we shared the Tuna Oil Tataki ($9.95) which came with 10 pieces of tuna tataki smothered in oil and green onion. This plate was ginormous, gorgeous, and completely not what we expected. For ten bucks this was really worth it because they gave us such thick pieces of tuna. Must get item!

We ended up spending about 16 dollars each.

All in all, I think I'll come here instead of Sushi Garden whenever I want a sushi fix near Metrotown because the prices are reasonable and the rolls are pretty dynamite. Again, the Tuna Oil Tataki is amazing so I highly recommend it!

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

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Happy Eating!

 

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Cupcakes (Metrotown Location) - Mini Cupcakes are the Way to Go

For a work event, I had to order a HUGE amount of cupcakes so I chose 'Cupcakes by Heather and Lori' because it just opened up not too long ago in Metropolis at Metrotown.

Our assorted pack of mini cupcakes included flavours like Blue Hawaii, Lemon Drop, Gingerbread, Caramella, Mint Condition, Red Velvet, Sweet 16, Diva, and Chocolate.

photo courtesy of http://cupcakescoasttocoast.blogspot.ca/2011/04/best-of-british-columbia.html 

My usual pet peeve about cupcakes is that it tends to be overly sweet, but mini version of these cupcakes made for a better balance between icing and cake. It's also bite size which means you can try out different flavours!

Service Rating: 4/5

Food Rating: 3/5

Price: $-$$

Overall Rating: 3/5

Happy Eating!

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Adorabelle Tea Room - Catching Up With the Girls

Last week I caught up with a couple of girlfriends I haven't seen in a while. We went to an adorabelle little tea room called "Adorabelle". Get it? :P Okay I'll stop.

I've heard a lot of great things about this cute place in Steveston,  Richmond so although it was a bit far for the rest of the girls, I recommended we come here for a special treat. Their high teas are $25/person and are subjected to a one hour seating time. Luckily for us, no one was booked after us so we stayed for a good two hours.

It's a little hard to find but once you see the sign, you'll know you're there.

Their tea menu. You can choose from a variety of black, green, rooibos, and herbal teas.

The little details are what sets this place apart. From the cute rose napkin inside the cup to the shaped sugar cubes in their pots, everything was SUPER cute!

Love this motto. It's so true. :D

They even have cozies that keeps the pot of tea from going cold.

This three tier platter is for two people. Savoury items are on the bottom, scones are in the middle, and top tier is for sweets and dessert.

The cupcake looking thing on the right is an Onion, Chive, and Bacon Savoury Cupcake. Even the icing was savoury! It was super delicious and was really innovative.

The classic Smoked Salmon and Dill Cream Cheese Pinwheel. The whole wheat bread was fluffy and the caper on the top rounded all the flavours together. The Asiago and Fennel Shortbread on the left was sinful and oh so yummy. I really enjoy the Sundried Tomato and Asiago Bagel at Timmy Ho's and this one reminded me of that.

The rectangle sandwich was called Chicken Waldorf and the one to the right is the Cucumber Cream Cheese Open Faced Sandwich.

I rarely eat Egg Salad Sandwiches but theirs was really good.

Each person is given two scones each. One is a Regular Scone dusted with Icing Sugar, and the other is an Orange Scone with Glaze.

You can spread some of their Homemade Strawberry Jam and Cream on the scones. I would have preferred Devonshire Cream over regular Butter Cream but oh well.

We were so impressed by the top tier because high tea places usually screw this up with overly fat and sugar filled sweets.We all loved the Earl Grey Tea Shortbread on the right as it gave a subtle hint of tea without being bitter. I also really enjoyed the Fresh Strawberry Piped With Butter Cream. It was refreshing and you can never really go wrong with fresh fruit.

I thought this was a square piece of chocolate (like at Purdy's) but it ended up being a piece of Chocolate Cake Covered in Chocolate Ganache.

Overall, the ambiance was great (loved the fake sky ceiling!), food was well thought out and executed, and the service was attentive. Even though the seating is limited to an hour, I'd still come back because its one of the few places I find that execute high tea really well.

Service Rating: 3.5/5
Food Rating: 4/5
Price: $$$

Overall Rating: 4/5

Happy Eating!

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