Lunch At Sushiyama

I truly believe one day I will win the lotto grand prize. It all started with my grandfather
reading my palm when I was around 14 years old. He said I had a perfect "M" on my palm, 
which stood for money. I believed him because I loved my grandfather and he was a wise man. Well, I haven't won yet. I didn't win last week's 50 million dollars grand prize either. But, I'm still waiting. This week's prize is 23 million and I think I have the winning ticket (millions of other Canadians also believe this as well).

Therefore, I decided to spend a small fraction of my future winnings and have lunch at Sushiyama. Sushiyama is located on East Broadway and on the corner of Brunswick Street. You can't miss it; it has a blue/orange sign and it's across from the Kingsgate strip mall. There's free parking in the back of the restaurant for customers, very handy during lunch time rush hour.

The interior is fairly modest. The sushi bar is right in front of the entrance with stool seatings. I prefer to sit at a table and read the paper while I eat (I was a lone diner today). I've read a few good reviews about Sushiyama and I wanted to try the place out. I've passed this restaurant numerous times but I usually head towards South on Main Street for my sushi fix.
After I read the menu, I wondered where the "innovative" menu items were as described by another food blogger. Majority of the items in Sushiyama menu could be found in another Japanese/sushi restaurant. However, the menu had Ika Karaage and I like my squids. Unfortunately, I didn't find oyster motoyaki on the menu and I was craving oyster.

No worries because the Ika Karaage was really good; crispy, good portion and the squid didn't have a tough texture. The side salad was fresh/tasty and I enjoyed the dressing (sweet and sour taste). I didn't care too much for the sauce that accompanied the Ika Karaage. Except for a tinge of chili paste, the sauce wasn't salty or spicy (a bit bland). The Ika Karaage filled my once empty belly.

Next came the Sashimi "lunch" Bento Box. Like the saying goes, "your eyes are bigger than your stomach." I over did it again! The bento box came with tuna/salmon sashimi, assorted tempura, ebi sunomono, vegetable gyozas and a tuna maki with avocado and crab. The bento box's portion was substantial. I wondered if I should pack the box to go? I decided to go for it!

Well, the salmon sashimi, tuna maki and assorted tempura was good. I've edited this review twice now (I thought I was being too "harsh"). But after reading rave reviews from a lot of food bloggers, I really had high expections. Vancouver has a lot of sushi restaurants and most of them are really good. Loved the Ika Karaage but didn't think this was the best sashimi, nor ebi sunomono I've tasted. If you know me, I love my ebi sunomono (salt, vinegar with shrimp, yum!). Sushiyama's ebi sunomono was bland! Really, where's the vinegar because I couldn't taste any? I wanted to ask for salt. After my disappointment, I became more critical (I'm really nicer in person). The gyoza tasted mediocre (batter like taste comes to mind) and good portion on the tuna sashimi, but it didn't have much of a taste. I promised myself I won't edit this post again. Honesty is the best policy right? I need to add that my tea (good tea though) was filled only once. Okay, no more!

In the end, I did have some leftovers. The final bill ($20.70 with tax) lifted up my mood. Before I left the restaurant a friend of mine called my name and startled me. He was there with two co-workers. Movie industry folks go out for lunch all the time. I'll have to ask him of his opinion.

I'll return to Sushiyama. Maybe it was "one of those days," and next visit I may give a better review!

Sushiyama
(604) 872-0053
371 East Broadway

Sushiyama on Urbanspoon

What a Nice Cafe

Another dreary Vancouver day and the weather can't make up its mind. Rain, rain, oh look now it's slush! Blah! I dropped my daughter off at a friend's place for a play date with her daughter so I can complete some errands. Seriously, I do spend some time with my children, but it's really nice there are parents who understand a play date is crucial to one's sanity. I can only play so much Barbie! Besides, I'm returning the favour tomorrow when my friend goes for her facial (who has the better end of this stick?). 

In the meantime, I searched for a greasy spoon, cheap breakfast joint that serves decent coffee and a place where people will just leave me alone. I found Nice Cafe. Well, I didn't find it. I read reviews on Urban Spoon and googled its location. Nice Cafe is located on East 8th Ave, just off of Main Street in Mount Pleasant area. Parking was a bit of a pain and I finally found a metered parking about a block away. Parking in Vancouver in general is a pain! 

There were a few people inside, mostly couples and I read a sign on a blackboard "please wait to be seated" when I entered. Since there were a few tables empty, I decided to sit myself down. But, I wondered how long I would have waited to be seated as there seemed to be only one server around, and she walked passed me three times (I must note though, she did have her back turned towards me). However when she noticed me, I was greeted and coffee was promptly offered. There were colourful landscape paintings on the wall from a local artist which gave the cafe a comfortable, almost bohemian look. But, the decor wasn't eclectic, nor plain. I noticed the large windows allowed natural light but with today's weather, the cafe's ceiling lights brightened the room.

I ordered the Albernie (smoked salmon Bennys served with hashbrowns). The server asked me how I wanted my eggs, and I hesitantly replied "not too runny." I don't recall anyone ever asking me how I wanted my eggs on my Bennys (this was different).

I was also left alone to ready my book and check my emails on my phone. When I ran out of coffee, I flagged one of the servers and my cup was filled. There were small packaged creamers, sugar and hot sauce on the table (no need to call server frequently). My Bennys arrived and the eggs weren't runny. I looked for a greasy spoon place but the food wasn't greasy. It was tasty and looked well prepared (healthy even). The hashbrowns tasted like potatoes and there were real fried onions on the hashbrowns. You could taste the fried onions and I love fried onions. I've been to places where the onions were the dried up ones sprinkled on top of the dish (not very pleasant). The coffee was decent, but needs improvement. Perhaps, they could find out where the coffee shops in the area obtain their coffee beans (Gene Cafe comes to mind). I finished my meal and placed my book down, I was offered the bill. Final bill was $10.08 with tax! Really? Now that's nice. 
Oh by the way, the place also serves burgers and sandwiches. Next time, I will bring the family.


Nice Cafe
(604) 874-4024
154 E 8th Ave
Vancouver

Cafe Medina

I had lunch at Cafe Medina about 3 weeks ago with two friends. Cafe Medina is owned and operated by a couple, Nico and Karri Schuermans who also owns and operates Chambar restaurant and The Dirty Apron Cooking School on Beatty Street. It was a farewell brunch for my friend's friend, Daphne. As usual, the restaurant was busy even on a Wednesday afternoon. We were taken to the back room (a pleasant surprise because I didn't know a room existed). Last time I dined here, I sat in the front room. The restaurant was noisy with chatter but I had no problem listening to my friends and vice versa (I tend to get loud during meals). We sat in a room with big windows that allowed natural light to enter and the room had a casual, comfortable atmosphere. I now prefer to dine in the back room. I ordered the Fricasse ($16.00),  a lavender latte  and waffle with milk chocolate ($4.15) for desert. My girlfriend had the Paella ($12.00), and a lavender latte. Our other friend had two waffles with dark chocolate. Our food was delicious!  I would return just for the lavender latte and waffles. Cafe Medina was a pleasant place to dine with friends. Unfortunately, I didn't get to take pictures of our food and I will have to make sure to return sooner than later with my camera (a sacrifice I don't mind one bit). 


Cafe Medina

(604) 879-3114

556 Beatty St
Vancouver, BC 

Cafe Medina on Urbanspoon

Happy New Year! Lunch and Afternoon Tea

I've known my two gal pals for a number of years and it's unfortunate I don't see them more often. Okay, so I don't get to see one of them as often as I would like since she lives so far away. You know across a bridge (heaven forbid!). The other friend, well if I don't see her after two weeks, I call Search and Rescue (she lives around my neighborhood). Or, I would find out if there was a knitting convention within 10-20 miles from Vancouver. To celebrate and welcome 2011, my girlfriends and I decided to treat ourselves to the Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Hotel. The Tea at the Castle as its aptly called is offered in the 900 West Lounge.

We decided to hit Banyen Books before our 2 pm reservation. Of course we followed the usual New Year's resolution thing and we immersed ourselves in Banyen Books. We left with a healing bracelet, gluten free baking cook book, a "How to deal with Toddlers" book and a partridge in a pear tree.

Who knew shopping could be so tiring? Around noon, we felt content with our purchases, tired, and famished! We couldn't wait for 2 hours to eat! Therefore, we packed ourselves in the car and head for lunch. Isn't High Tea for deserts only?

We stopped at  Chau Kitchen and Bar on Robson Street for lunch. My sister-in-law recently raved about this restaurant. We entered and was greeted by friendly hostesses. I wouldn't say the restaurant completely served authentic Vietnamese cuisine (in May, 2010 my family and I had a wonderful opportunity to visit Vietnam and the food was spectacular). Okay, back to my post, the restaurant food  was tasty.  I ordered the black cod/mango rice paper rolls and my friend ordered the chicken paper rolls ($3.50 each) for starters. The rolls were tasty but I thought the nuoc cham sauce should be saltier (it was a bit bland for my liking). I ordered the lemongrass chicken and chicken spring rolls "light lunch bowls," ($10.00) and I was surprised at the portion. Another girlfriend ordered the lemon grass chicken rice dish ($11.00). What's with all the chicken? We thought the portion was reasonable for the price. However, I didn't notice Vietnamese coffee on the menu and I was disappointed in this. I will often order Vietnamese coffee with my Vietnamese meal, especially when I order Pho. The decor was more modern than other Vietnamese restaurants in Vancouver. I guess I'm used to the hot sauce and napkins on the table. So for our meals, and four ice tea drinks, we paid $20.00 each which included our tip. That's reasonable. Overall, we were satisfied with our meals. Will I return? By myself probably, but not with my family. They are die-hard Pho enthusiasts and if a place doesn't serve really good Pho, I'll be in big trouble! I can picture my children's scowl and my husband nervously tugging at his eyebrow. We dine at our two favourite Vietnamese restaurants for Pho where I'm guaranteed the kids will finish their meal. You don't want to mess with Pho!

Finally, we arrived at Fairmont hotel after finding parking. Do we have room for Afternoon Tea? You betcha! There's something about higher priced hotels that always make me feel glad I wore my pearl earrings and necklace. It's probably the only place where I can wear them. Christmas decorations were still hung and a harpist played beside a Christmas tree (again so glad I wore my pearls). Our server was polite and served us our tea momentarily. I enjoyed my cup of tea in a teacup embossed with the Emperial crowns. I had the 1907 Earl Grey tea commissioned by a Duchess who clearly enjoys her tea. I usually don't like Early Grey, but a 1907 tea should be good, right? The tea was wonderful. There is a story in the menu regarding the history of Afternoon Tea. Unfortunately, I was distracted by our server placing the three tiered plate of goodness in front of me that I didn't read the rest of the story. Perhaps one of my friends could leave a comment on the history.

The bottom plate held tea sandwiches; croissants with proscuitto, apple and brie, smoked salmon with capers on a baguette with herbed cream cheese, and french bread with turkey and cranberries. There was another tea sandwich but I cannot recall the ingredients (I know it was a vegetarian option). I didn't try the turkey with cranberries, but my girlfriend took leftovers home (gasp! Yes, there were leftovers) and I'll have to ask her for her opinion. The middle tier held the most delicious scones I've ever tried. The scones had sweet currants/raisins and confectioner's sugar sprinkled on top. There was only three but I would have given up my sandwiches and one desert for all of them. The top tier held vanilla and chocolate macaroons (yummy!), lemon tarts topped with pineapple, grape and blueberry and Swan cream puff pastries. The macaroons were delicious, but I thought the lemon tarts and cream puff pastries could have been sweeter! Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining! I'm just used to sweeter deserts. The get together was wonderful. We shared stories, enjoyed the company of good friends and had a lot of laughs! Thanks friends! The Afternoon Tea was worth the splurge. Cost $50.00 per person for tea and the three tiered goodness with tax. We did leave a good tip. We agreed to make this event our annual New Year's get together, but I don't know if I could wait that long. However, there are other Afternoon Teas in Vancouver that must be attended!


Chau Kitchen and Bar
(604) 682-8020

1500 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

(604) 684-3131

West Georgia Street 

Vancouver, British Columbia