October 2016 – VieAMaggi.com

Month: October 2016 Page 1 of 4

Ramen Gojiro

On October 31, 2016

In Downtown Vancouver, Japanese, Ramen, Vancouver

One of benefits of being a food blogger is everyone coming to you with their favourite places to eat. This one was recommended by a coworker. She raved about their large portions and being more than full from a small bowl of noodles. Her glowing review had me checking “Gojiro” out for myself. And after some drinking, ramen on this cold night was the perfect way to sober up and warm up.

With the name and the logo on the awning, it was clear that their theme was to do with iconic Japanese lizard monster: Godzilla. His likeness graced their dining area and washroom walls. And action figures of him stood on guard by their cash register. Other than his likeness, the restaurant was very simple.

Furniture packed in tight and large share style tables to maximize seating. Rightfully so given how busy it was when we strolled in after 8pm on a Thursday night. Like many others, we too had no reservations. We opted for two seats on the family style table, instead of a narrow two top only centimetres away from the table to the right and left. The latter was just too close for comfort.

The menu was an easy to navigate, full pictorial guide. They showed each noodle dish with either chicken or pork, so you knew exactly what to expect. A division between normal and spicy; with various versions of their fried chicken as sides. The food came fast and to our delight at the perfect temperature to dig right in. There was no need to blow or soothe burnt tongues, just the ability to gorge head first.

Being full and deeming it unnecessary, we still got our ramen in the “full noodles” (larger size) instead of the half serving. Our choice was between the Karaage (fried) chicken or the stewed pork. With the option to toggle the spice level between spicy, mild, and medium. We got “karaage chicken with spicy bakamori, in a rich soup.

I was iffy about having crispy fried chicken bites sitting in soup, but where they balanced on the bowl, they stayed relatively dry, until you were ready for them. And then with a quick dip and a quicker bite you have the best of both worlds. A crispy fry with chewy noodles in a flavourful broth. The chicken is definitely something to come back for, with its thick and even breading and very flavourful seasonings. We finished all that we got here and was left wanting more. Knowing they wouldn’t travel and keep well in a to-go container, we decided to eat all of them, all right here. Choosing instead to only pack up the noodle and broth.

The broth was a good amount of rich, not so much that you couldn’t finish, but enough to saturate the starchy noodles. We overheard our table mates/neighbours complain about their similar servings with all the bean sprouts piled high. However my guest and I preferred the excess. It offered freshness and a nice crisp texture that the ramen was missing. Something that you typically get from green onion, bamboo shoots, and pickles that were not represented in their interpretation here.

Given the full page advertisement of their newest menu item: “Maze soba”, we thought to give it a try. This was soup-less ramen with miso, ground pork, chives, and seaweed. You mix the yolk in and eat it with the noodles first. Then when no strands of noodles remains, you finish the toppings off with a bowl of rice, advertised as being for “free” with this order. However they forgoed our bowl and we ended up having to inquire about it. Not that it was necessary. There was plenty of noodle to go around.

With all the excess noodles from our ramen above, when we finish off all of its chicken, it was an easy transition of flavours to mix what remained of our two bowls together. We helped this further along with the use of the table top ramen sauce. There were bottles across each table setting for self regulated use. Like the “brown” sauce paired with pho, this too was provided to change the taste mid meal with more soy and garlic. With its addition, it made the thick broth sweeter and the ginger in the “maze soba” more mild. We ate our fill here and had enough food for three servings the next day.

When we asked for what we couldn’t finish to be packed up, we were given as many take out containers as we wanted, and allowed to do it ourselves. We would have to ask for the bill separately. It came with mint. And if you needed more than a mint to freshen your breath, their washroom caddy has you covered with mouthwash and other grooming accoutrements.

Would I come back? – Yes.
Would I line up for it? – Yes.
Would I recommend it? – Yes.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – No.
I think I found my new favourite ramen place. A great presentation to parallel delicious noodles. And for those who don’t like noodles, their chicken is just as good, if not better. I just wish it was more parking friendly for more frequent visits. Don’t deny your cravings.

GOJIRO
501 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver BC, V6B 1Y4
604-673-0918
ramengojiro.com

Starbucks Halloween Frappuccino

By mag_mei

On October 28, 2016

In cafe, events

I love a cafe or restaurant that panders to the changing seasons, with speciality menus and festive treats, they will have me stopping by to see what they have in store various times of the year.

And this year my local Starbucks did just that by bringing back the “The Frappula” for Halloween. It was their effective chalkboard drawing that first caught eye. It demands your attention with this “bleeding” grande with fangs and batwings. I wouldn’t get the accessories pictured, but the red “blood” was part of the package.

I ordered it before knowing what it was. Novelty has me spending much more than I ought to for most things. I asked and learn that this was a white mocha frappe with a chocolate fudge-like syrup at the bottom and a runny raspberry purée on the top. It was sweeter than I expected and maybe not the best way to start the day at 9am. I did get some of the grisliness of a spooky beverage from the melding of textures and colours, however I would have preferred it even more festive with a coloured whipped topping. They did a orangey pumpkin spice for thanksgiving, why not a black liquor of Halloween?

Would I come back? – Yes.
Would I line up for it? – Yes.
Would I recommend it? – No.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – No.
I know what Christmas has in stored: peppermint and gingerbread. And I look forward to spring and Chinese New Year in Vancouver with their cherry blossom latte. If Starbucks keeps this up, they will make a more dedicated fan out of me yet. Don’t deny your cravings.

STARBUCKS
Metropolis at Metrotown, Unit 325
4800 Kingsway Street, Burnaby BC, V5H 4J2
604-430-4166

Timber

By mag_mei

On October 28, 2016

In bar, Canadian, Pacific Northwest, Vancouver, West End

Looking for a place to snack on the downtown west end, we found ourselves walking past their happy hour sandwich board and right through the front doors of “Timber”. The notion of happy hour specials brought us in, but ironically, we would not be happy with what they offered in drinks, and would only be slightly amused with their discounted snacks. So this would not be such a happy hour. Instead, I found a restaurant I wanted to return to for a full meal. This post is representative of both those visits.

This was a Canadian themed restaurant with all the trappings of “what it means to a Canadian” stereotype. It even smelled like bacon when we first walked in. From the stuffed beaver in the window, to the loon in the corner. Taxidermy and outdoorsy elements: snow shoes criss crossed on the wall, a Hudson’s Bay blanket in their trademark colours; and mounted deer busts with their pointed antlers and all four hooves. Even the employees dressed for the occasion: red checkered flannel, with a carpenter’s tool belt around their waist in place of an apron.

During my first visit, we grabbed a seat by the monochromatic birchwood wallpaper. And looked out towards their courtyard. It was a patch of outdoor green, a gravel campground set up with beach chairs, a camp fire, and a functioning barbecue smoker.

The menu was an impressive collection of Canadian wines, game meats, and classic interpretations prepared with Canadian ingredients. The names of their in house drinks and the paper used to print them, all felt rustic. However, considering how much Canadiana was on the walls and scattered around the room on proud display, I expected more. I expected more poutine options, a Nanaimo bar for dessert, maple syrup on anything, and even more game meats other than their Buffalo burger.

They at least had a healthy serving of Caesars, a very Canadian cocktail. I took the server’s suggestion and went with their house Caesar, the “Cassius”. Peppercorn infused vodka, Walter’s clamato, and their house spice rim. Garnish with a pickle and an olive. The drink appeared like a larger serving, but the narrow rim gave you very little of the salt rim. It was a spicy drink, with more spice from the “peppercorn vodka” than tang from the tomato. Decent, but hardly memorable. Maybe I should have went of one of the other Caesars?

The four other Caesars were more appealing to me with their creative names, but they were explained as being the same recipe, where they just change the liquor and added in extras like sea water, BBQ sauce, or pickle juice. “Huntsman”, “Union Jack”, “Pickleback”, and “Smokehouse”.

As I mentioned earlier, they didn’t have any happy hour drink specials. Just an every day $4 can of beer, and daily drink deals. On the Wednesday during our first afternoon visit, the deal was 50% off a bottle of wine. And this lack of variety forced us to go with their regular menu and indulge in one of their beer flights. It was a $15 tasting flight and you got to choose your four tastes. We went with the “Persephone northwest IPA (Gibson)”, Steal and oak dark lager”, the Doan’s kolsch German style beer, and “Powell street’s old jalopy pale ale”. Together they were served on a wooden board with a metal handle. The peel and stick chalkboard surface on the front allowed you to scrawl down the name of each beer and lager, to easily identify them.

Happy hour was from 3-6pm everyday and they had six types of snacks at half off. It was an effective way to focus on the beer in hand and save on the salty snacks that typically accompany any good draught.

Like the “Smoked pickled egg” for only $1.50. Even if we didn’t like it, the price we paid was worth the taste. It looked, and had the texture of a boiled egg, but with more depth of flavour. Salty and the smokiness that the name promised. My favourite part was the glass egg cup it came it. It was shaped like a cute little hen.

The “Deep fried cheese curds” were good enough to order on both visits. It was too salty on both occasion; but as a whole, it was a dish unique enough to share for the novelty. But they weren’t actually cheese curds under the coats of thick even breading. Instead they used melty pieces of Mozzarella. Disappointing, but I did appreciate that each “curd” kept its crunch to the very last one. They also made complimentary sides to the burger and the meat I had on during second visit below.

I like the playfulness of the place so much, that when given an option, I wanted to return to try more. This time around, we had the entire menu to choose from, not just happy hour to take advantage of. And best of all it was with my Canadian born partner, so I was excited to see how these recreations and takes on classic Canadian ingredients would stack up in his eyes. Plus, I am always looking for a cool place to recommend those from out of town, and this may be one on the more affordable side.

One of their most popular menu items is the “Bison burger” with bacon, caramelized onion, pickles, lettuce, cheddar, and house made ketchup. With the choice to pair it with fries or salad. My partner got it with fries and sans onions, mustard, and pickles. Shame, as those where the ingredients that was needed to balance out the burger. And without a barrier between lettuce and condiments, the ketchup soon had the lettuce leaves wilted. The burger as a whole was on the oily side, drops of grease dripped and stained my partner’s pants. The highlight was the spicy, zesty flavour of the bison you could clearly make out. It was a thick and juicy patty cooked to your specified direction: medium rare in this case.

The homemade tomato sauce-ketchup was also worth nothing. It tasted fresh with less salt and without that trademark non perishable, artificial, acidic flavour. And I am sure I noted curry powder in there too. It was the perfect with the freshness of the hand cut fries.

I ordered a side of “Smoked Brisket” for $6. With their smoker in the court yard, I wanted to see how their meat measured up. Sadly I was disappointed. The brisket wasn’t a nice cut. It had a good char and a nice smokey flavour, but that was mostly concentrated on the edges of the beef. It was dry and a unnecessary chewy at its centre. It would have been nicer if there were more seasonings used, and that the meat was cooked longer and at a lower temperature for a moist finish.

With it I also had the “Smoked potato skin” with prok crackling and Little Qualicum Cheeseworks blue cheese. I have never had anything like it, and will go back just to remember what it was like again. This was certainly an interesting interpretation for potato skins, one where only blue cheese lovers need apply. The skins themselves were more like chips with their firm crunch. It was hard to cut with knife and fork, best to open wide and get it all inside, with one bite.

Would I come back? – No.
Would I line up for it? – No.
Would I recommend it? – Yes.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – Yes.
In the end, my partner had me agreeing with his assessment. It was a nice restaurant with a great concept. But I had high hopes in the food that was never met. This was made worse seeing as the prices were on the steeper side. (But perhaps the pricing is relative to its location?) What was offered was an interpretation of a classic, recreated with the restaurant’s own twist, that they charged more for. An assessment my partner is comfortable to make, given that he has grown up with the original versions of a few of the dishes, and can make his own adequately, for less. This was not authentic French Canadian cuisine, more food inspired by Canada. Still worth visiting once and recommending to all those that travel in from out of town. Don’t deny your cravings.

TIMBER
1300 Robson Street, Vancouver BC, V6E 1C5
604-661-2166
timbervancouver.com

Whiskey Cave at Notch8 Restaurant

By mag_mei

On October 27, 2016

In bar, Downtown Vancouver, events, Vancouver

I have always dreamt of a life where after a hard’s day of work, I go home and head straight to my home bar. There I pour myself a few ounces of my favourite hard liquor out of my crystal carafe, into a perfectly weighted tumbler. I breath in deep and take a sip and truly enjoy what I am having. I neither have the means or the appetite, but tonight’s event would give me a glimpse into that world that I was missing.

This was another “Notch8” specialty event that I had to try. On Thursday, October 20th from 6-10pm the “Notch8” private dining room was transformed into a “Whisky Cave”. An event room for guests to sample six different types of whiskies, with six different food pairings from around the world. “Bourbon, rye and Scotch, along with whiskies from Canada, Ireland and India will be paired with food from each region”.

But first, getting there. This was the one event I have been that you had to pay for ahead of time. You paid the $59 fee in full, which includes taxes and gratuity. It was nice to get that out of a way before the occasion, but a hassle to do. Their online reservation system had no easy way of letting me RSVP for the event. I called in to confirm, only to be informed that I had made my reservation incorrectly. This was followed by three more calls where I was called back and told I needed to pay upfront. I then called back to confirm that the payment took. And then again to correct the time of the reservation from 9pm (that my email confirmation stated), to the 6pm I specified. It was a headache from the getgo with the host not being aware of the event, not knowing how to take my name for it, not realizing that I needed to pay for it, and then making the reservation for the wrong time. Naturally, I went in early with major reservations, only to be told to wait right until 6pm.

But that would be a worry I would face, after we decided what to wear. My guest and I often frequent restaurants and establishments others might not think to visit. Causal chains, places with novelty dishes, and all you can eat joints: “more laid back arenas for our outings. This would be the first more formal event we would go to together, where we would be drinking hard liquors, and there exists the need to dress up to fit in.

It was a back and forth between colours and styles, to ensure neither of us was too dressy for transit, nor too underdressed for such a dapper event. My aim was look like someone who frequently drinks whiskey, whereas I can’t even recall what whiskey tastes like as I write this amble. I was really hoping that they would give us a crash course on liquor appreciation and how to identify a great glass. This was not to be. At the event, we eventually admitted to not knowing too much about whiskey and was here to learn. The vendors were nice enough to give us a more thorough explanation for our sakes. Luckily, I am an easy drinker, I like and can drink anything without preference or complaint. So long as I get that warm fuzzy feeling in my belly, I am happy. However, after this night, my guest sadly found he doesn’t have an appetite for whiskey.

Once again, we came slightly early, the room was ready, but we would not be allowed access until 6pm. The hostess insisted on us waiting the two minutes for it to be exactly 6pm to let us in. I was eager and wanted to be first for the tale all of my photos. The need to get the whole photo as intended, and not click through left overs. And that is exactly what we got.

Although little did we know, it was awkward being the first in a room full of presentation stands. With no instruction before we stepped foot into the “cave”, and none when we walked into the crowd, we were left waiting for something to happen, but nothing did. There could have been at least a welcome drink, and an offer to check our coats in. But all the whisky was waiting for us at the different booths, each thethered to a presenter who was also doing the pouring. And our coats would have to rest on our shoulders or the table we were able to claim. Many guests chose to stand and mingle, we preferred to engaged in one another, and bring all our food and drink to our table to discuss and feast.

The drinks were what we were here for, but we were confused how to proceed. Were the drinks meant to be taken in conjunction with the food? Maybe before? Or after? Were they suppose to be complimentary to their food pairing? Cause they didn’t seem that way. We ended up winging it and discovering the possibility of a sweet whiskey.

We eventually followed the cue of others, and started at the two American tables. We eyed the “Cheddar Mac and cheese with truffles” first and wanted our share still warm. They were served in cast iron pans, kept warm by the hot plate they sat on. The truffle shavings got them closer to the $60 ticket price. But it was just good old fashion, creamy and melty cheese over tender noodles, with excess oily pooling at the bottom. My guest joked about asking for ketchup over it.

Its whisky companion was “Jim Beam”, a sharp start to our tasting.

The second table representing the United States featured “Knob Creek’s” rye whisky, which was a lot smoother than the whisky above.

It was paired with “barbecue beef brisket croquettes” with house made BBQ dipping sauce. These were soften one bite puffs. Tasty, but one and done was no way to go. And we felt too greedy to go for a second.

At the India booth they served “Royal Challenge” whisky, which was a sweeter liquor. The sweetest of the lot and our favourite of the night. The vendor who hosted us explained that their market demanded it. It was smooth and easy to drink. A bottle I could purchase to play out my fantasy above.

With it they offered “Smokey tandoori murgh tikka” under a heat lamp. The vendor strongly suggested the mint chutney and he was right. It added hints of sweetness to the grilled and smokey chicken chunks. And the pickled onions added some fresh zing.

At the Canada table we tried three different types of Canadian Whiskies. It was either a serving of one each, or three to share. We got the latter: “JP Wiser’s”, “Godderham & Worts”, and “Lot 40”.

As promised, they were great pairings to the strength of the smoked and candied salmon. “Maple smoked salmon and bannock”. Though it was the bannock that we were more enamoured with. It was flaky and buttery like a biscuit, and perfect base to the sweet berry jam. We both wished we could walk away with a couple each.

At Scotland’s table we tried “The Glenlivet 1824” and “The Glenlivet 15”, the number corresponding to the year in which they were established and the year the whiskey was kept in barrel.

Its food companion were the “Lamb meat balls” in marinara. The sauce felt a little misplaced, but necessary, given the dryness in the meat.

And we ended at the Ireland stand with its “Orange scented chocolate ganache brick”. It had the texture of mousse, as a chunk cake. You slice off what you wanted yourself, so I helped myself to all the gold leaf that topped the dark chocolate.

The whiskey was promised to be on the sweeter side to match its dessert pairing, however it definitely had more kick then some of the others. “Bushmills” black, triple distilled, and single malt.

Simultaneously on the night, they were launching their “Old Fashioned Dice Game”. It was a fun way to decide what to drink by a game of chance. You design your own cocktail with a throw of the dice. You claim three coloured dice in the palm of your hand. Red is for the whisky used, white for syrup added, and blue is for bitters to accent. Together in random chance, they will determine the flavour profile of your drink, out of 216 distinct possibilities. The example their website gave was bourbon being matched with salted caramel syrup and chocolate bitters. And if you dare not leave it to chance, and you still can’t decide for yourself, you can put your trust in your bartender to design you your drink. Each self-designed Old Fashioned went for $15. It sounded like a fun game, but a steep price for a three ingredients cocktail, where you weren’t paying for what you would be getting. I also don’t gamble, nor am I particular enough to tell the difference between a $5 high ball during happy hour and this $15 cocktail per game. So I passed, but appreciated the moxie in such an activity.

The night ended with the cake and us walking out of the restaurant. Like how we entered, we left without a word or a nod from any of the restaurant staff or event organizers. It was a fun night and an interesting one to try, but one that I need not revisit.

Would I come back? – Yes.
Would I line up for it? – Yes.
Would I recommend it? – Yes.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – Yes.
With all these events, they keep me coming back, including the Halloween tea this weekend, and the Polar Express winter themed service to come. A yes to recommend for me, as many of these events aren’t around for too long, and more still, just the one day. Don’t deny your cravings.

NOTCH8
900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC, V6C 2W6
604-684-3131
notch8-dining.com

Carnival High Tea at Notch8 Restaurant

By mag_mei

On October 27, 2016

In Downtown Vancouver, events, high tea, Vancouver

I am a fan of the pageantry that high tea brings. The fragrant brews and the small bites, offered in a cozy setting. The ideal setting for a girl’s get together with the ability to sip and soak, to take our time, and savoury not only our food; but one another’s company.

“Notch 8” is one of my favourite restaurants, one that I like to keep my eye on. Not only are they a lovely establishment, but they offer unique and often timely events for those who know to check back with them. Today I was here for their newest high tea theme. “Carnival Tea”: tea and sweets with some whimsy.

Their event space was decorated for a day at the fair, “inspired by the curious and intriguing Golden Age of traveling carnivals”. It revolved around a spinning Ferris wheel, in place of the traditional tea tower centre piece. It wasn’t the most practical contraption to eat off of, but it will definitely be one of the most memorable. I just wondered how many of these they invested in, for an event that only runs from September 1st to November 13, 2016. And how many seatings at $54 a head they would have to book to recoup their costs.

Having learned from the peace I got from a weekday service, at an earlier time, I sought to replicate my experience today. Wednesday at 11am, my guest and I had the lay of the land. But being one that doesn’t like to keep my meal waiting, I was early. However was forced to wait in their lobby, as they weren’t quite finish setting up the room, and not allowed in until a few minutes after 11am. Not that my waiting was in a bad scene. Comfortable loungers sandwiched between the likes of high end luxury boutiques: “Omega” and “Dior”, with the view of the restaurant’s lovely lobby before me. It’s trademark pointed lights and the sounds of a soft trumpet from some causal jazz ruminating from beyond the hostess booth. It is certainly quite the threshold to ascend upon.

Our destination was a step down nook in the main dining area. Boxed off from the rest of the vaulted ceiling restaurant, it gave us a bit of privacy for today’s meal.

The books on the shelves from the last event was left behind, but gone were the clocks and rabbits, and instead it was milk jugs and tin cans for toppling with baseballs adjacent, tiny carousels and elephant figurines, spools of admission tickets, and medicine jars of black and red liquorice rope and coloured candies.

On the walls were black and white photos of fair grounds and old timey posters advertising fortune tellers, a big top act, clowns, and human side shows. On the floor were more milk jugs set up like pins, trunks of popcorn, and a brimming collection of amusement game tickets. It was all very lively, however as one who was here for the theatrics, I felt it lacking in the carnival theme. They could have took this a step further with coloured balloons, some magic rings, bells and hoop, and a shroud of big top stripes across the ceiling.

I had a similar feeling towards the dessert Ferris wheel, the reason why I ventured down here today. It was a wonderful display, but at the same time could have been more: more glitzier, more befitting of a carnival.

We were given a four top table and shared the love seat on one end. Our server approached is with a complimentary cardboard container of popcorn, with the traditional fair stripes of white and red. It was a mix seasoned popcorn of caramel and regular salted butter. Despite it being served room temperature it was pretty good. My guest liked it so much that she insisted on finishing it, even after our main meal arrived. It was a light salty and sweet to wet our beak.

The tea service included a special cocktail list that accompany it. A list of circus and carnival alcoholic attractions. A cherry bourbon cola, a spike plum ice tea, and a glass of champagne that featured a tuff of fresh cotton candy.

I was immediately sold on the “Lavender earl grey snow cone” with lavender earl grey infused vodka, lemon juice, and blueberry syrup. It came in a paper cup, balanced on a glass. Once again, I was missing the whimsy, and for $15 I wanted more than crushed ice and syrup. A stripped cone that didn’t get soggy in my grip, a wire stand with tinsel to hold it up. Maybe a sparkler to dance on top of the beverage. Instead, I was forced to finish my morning cocktail fast as the liquid bled through the cardboard cup. And sadly, it was more blueberry juice than anything else, and I was fool by the novelty of it. I didn’t get the kick of vodka or the floral fragrance of lavender.

Our server was kind enough to pace it with the delivery of my tea. She gave me sometime to enjoy my cocktail before bringing out my kettle of steeped tea. This allowed me to enjoy the cold, and to have the heat of a hot tea for longer. I took her recommendation of a black tea. She said it would be more complimentary to the sweeter portion of our service as it offers a nice break between flavours. The “Royal Bengal Tiger” was from Sri Lanka. It has hints of cinnamon, passion fruit, and mango. As promised, it had enough of its own flavour to enjoy sipping it with sweets. My guest on the other hand went for something more light. A warming “Egyptian Camomile” to soothe her stomach.

Our entire service was brought out all at once, over three trays. The savouries and transition scones on two serving plates, and all the desserts on their Ferris wheel display. The food is in the order that we decided to eat them in. They all had carnival inspired names.

We began our tea sandwiches course with the “Punch & Judy”. An egg salad with mayonnaise, cornichon, avocado, and English cucumber. It was a light and creamy start with hints of black pepper.

The “Midway” was pulled chicken with bourbon mustard and pickled red cabbage, over focaccia. The pickled cabbage offered a zing to balance out the zest of the mustard chicken. This was another lighter, savoury bite.

The “Carousel” was a fun way to present the classic cream cheese and lox combination. It is like a smoke salmon roll up with fromage fraise and preserved lemon; all wound up in pumpernickel bread. This was the most enjoyable to eat as a one pop bite.

The “Big Eli” is a miniature bagel sandwiching salted beef, radish, arugula, and mustard. The bagel was dry, a fact furthered by the longing for the mayonnaise that was lacking. Mayo that was needed to give things some moisture, to be the perfect balance to the salted meat. And the tang of some pickles would have helped pulled it all together.

We each got one of their buttery scones and one of their raisins, served with clotted cream and jam. These never changes nor should they. They are delicious.

And then we moved on to the revolving wheel of sweets. Each in a little bowl that hung from wire. As I mentioned, I liked the idea of the wheel, but not its incarnation here.

We started with the “side show”, a duo of chocolate dipped, and cinnamon and sugar mini doughnuts. They were the most normal of all the carni-treats, and as expected, could not compare the fresh from the fair kind.

“Ring Master” was a bite sized cherry pie, that didn’t lack anything a large pie would. It had a buttery flakey crust, and the powdered sugar gave it a nice textural finish.

With the “Topsy Turvy” caramel apple you could hear the crunch of the apple biting in, surprising given the portion size. It wasn’t a tart green apple that you’d expect, but a soften Macintosh instead. The flavour of the apple was a neutral, like the soft chocolate curls, the colour of fall, that speckled it.

The “Spectacular” lemon cupcake was a moist cake that had a refreshing quality, and a sweet icing finish.

The “World’s Largest” cotton candy macaron didn’t taste as I expected it. It was just sweet sugar that was too much to finish.

If you are interested in more of their fun tea services they will be doing a Halloween themed tea (which I will be attending), a couple of tipsy teas where alcohol meets tea later at night; and mid November this one ends and they begin their polar express tea, for the holiday season. You need to reserve your spot, with seatings at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Would I come back? – Yes.
Would I line up for it? – Yes.
Would I recommend it? – Yes.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – Yes.
With all these events, they keep me coming back for more, including the Whisky event the next day, and the Halloween tea the following week. A definite recommend, as many of these events aren’t around for long, and more still, just here for the one day. Don’t deny your cravings.

NOTCH8
900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC, V6C 2W6
604-684-3131
notch8-dining.com

School Boy Q at the PNE forum

By mag_mei

On October 25, 2016

In Lifestyle, performances

Being a big fan, my partner has been wanting to go to this concert as soon as it was announced. However, being the go with the flow kind of guy that he is, with his desire to wait to the last minutes to get tickets for a better deal; it was two days away from the concert he was most excited about this year, and we had yet to get our tickets.

He spent those days on Craig’s list refreshing his phone’s screen in hopes of finding a seller, with the ability to buy from them. So far with every person he messaged he was just a little too late. Tickets averaged around $70-80 for the pacific forum show. There were two VIP tickets for $300 that included a meet and greet with the performer and a cap, shirt, and poster that he would sign. But other than that, the tickets offered no better view points for the concert and not even a private washroom to use during it. We passed. Although we got desperate a day from the Saturday, October 22nd, 2016 show and considered ourselves lucky to be able to pay $120 each for our set of two. But then there is always the fear of the tickets being forgeries. To ensure we got what we paid for, Frenchy took a photo of the guy and the licence plate of his car when he transferred the ticket via email. Walking to the gate to have them checked there was a man who was denied entry because his ticket had already been scanned in, he was looking at a duplicate pass and no access. We got in just fine behind him.

The locale was the PNE Forum, as part of the PNE fair ground. The drive there, thus began our night of waiting. With the addition of Frights Nights (the Halloween haunted house and carnival ride experience at Playland) traffic around the block was at astand still. We drove past, looking at the queue to enter Playland’s gates, we were thankful that those waiting weren’t us, only to find out that we would have to join a longer line shortly after, and many more once we got in.

The longest line was the one to enter. It literally snaked around the building, each corner we took to get to the end of it, there was another waiting. All ticket holders were being funnelled in from the one entrance, this was so that security could do bag checks and everyone could be frisked and patted down.

Outside, the cops walked the line with flashlights, they shone it before you, looking for any liquor bottles, or whatever else you hoped to conceal. We were witness to at least two take-downs. The hand cuffing and arrest of one drunk man who was caught stealing. Many spectators cheered, others took photos and video, I just felt bad. I felt for the police, to have to be under this public spotlight and scrutiny. He was just doing his job and keeping us safe from a giant of a man who was clearly so drunk that he was out of his mind and unaware of his own strength. Likewise, I later felt pain for the girl who was so high on something that she desperately clung to the fence in order to be able to stand up. Letting go, I found her gravitating and leaning on to me for support. Her face could not hide the bad trip her mind was on.

In the line, my mind also occupied itself observing the crowd I was in. There were plenty of of girls dressed like they were heading into a night Club. Short skirts and crop tops, stiletto heels they had them tip toeing around. Little did they know that they would have to wait about an hour to get in. I was just thankful to be in a committed relationship, with a man who was as adverse to waiting, lines, and getting pushed in a mosh pit as I am. I was dressed comfortable with all my limbs covered and a flat pair of shoes, and he thought I was dolled up just fine. You could identify those girls, also in happy relationships like me, by the way they dressed for tonight.

More waiting in the cold had me thinking how poorly organized this concert was. There was no thought of the ticket holders or the experience of the people. Yes it is important to identify those with weapons and unlawful drugs trying to harm anyone, and to eject them from the scene. But at the cost to the rest of us who paid, waited and now won’t be able to see a full show due to the time it took to get everyone in. We joined the line 45 minutes after the doors open at 7pm, we didn’t get in until closer to 9pm. And around then is when the DJ came on to hype the crowd. After all they couldn’t start the show when more than half of those attending were still trying to get in. If that happened, imagine the out roar of ticket holders writing into the organizers, demanding their money back. It was their best interest to start the show late. But then there is the fear that it would end at the same time, the artist was here for a set timeframe, and any delays would cut into that scheduled time. However School Boy did his fans justice and perform three additional tracks after his “Mike was cut off”.

Inside it was a free for all across a giant hall. 5000 ticket holder for this sold out show, in a setting my partner deemed “greasy”. This was like a music festival, but indoors; and the closest I will ever get to an actual one. Also given the below, potentially the last show I would attend at this venue.

It was all the waiting in lines that put me off. We spent more time standing in queue then enjoying the crowd or the music. A line to drive to and park, a line to get in. Another line to have your belongs searched and your body frisked. A wait to get into the section where you can drink, and another to actually buy a drink.

In the forum they had concession stalls because it is PNE. Hot dog and fries, soft drinks and popcorn. But the real lines were for the alcohol section that required two pieces of ID. The drinking zone was the furthest from the stage, and the audio system of the building wasn’t enough to reach the distance. So if you wanted to drink, and most people do at such events, you gave up the ability to hear the concert. Which is ridiculous. This is my third event at this arena, and I have yet to learn that nothing all that good happens in these walls. School Boy Q’s performance was amazing, but definitely soured by all the above and more of the below that we experience before he hit the stage. The poor planning and organization really marred the night.

The audio was only sufficient for those standing directly centre of the stage. At the far end we only got the murmur of the sound waves. And unbeknownst to us, we missed opening performer: Joey Bada$$. We didn’t know any of his songs, but cared enough because we liked his work on “Mr. Robot”, the television show. But it wasn’t meant to be, because after claiming our three drinks, we had to stand around to finish it in this designated waiting area. And after lining up for this long, you weren’t just going to just grab one drink and call it a day, you made sure to stock up. But at the same time, you didn’t want too many cups so that breaking the seal and having to go to the washroom multiple times would be an issue. So three alcoholic beverages was our solution. A cider for me, a cooler for him, and a beer for us to share. We claimed one of the free standing tables to enjoy what we had in hand, and rest the third until we were ready for it.

When it came time to hit the beer, we decided to kill two birds with one stone, we agreed to drink as we waited in line for the toilets. This was naturally the line I hated the most, especially as it wasn’t even worth the wait. It was a necessary queue, and a gross one. The whole building only had one set of actual facilities. It was an older building, and definitely not built to accommodate such a crowd. So they supplied additional toilets in the form of Porto potties. This was most helpful, but still not enough. Because, even though the line to use these looked shorter, it was still quite the extensive queue. Luckily my partner was aggressive enough to have us moving through it fast, but it was still at least a 39 minute wait. Frenchy moved us across three lines to the chagrin of the girl who “really had to go” beside us. She was there first and waited longer. So she was sure to elbow herself through, to get the seat after me. Thankful we were able to hold ourselves and did not need to repeat this time suck.

What was the most appalling during this wait was the two girls who went into the Porto potty together. I never understood the need or the inappropriate intimacy. There is also barely enough room for one person to stand comfortably, without touching the sides of the John, and here they wanted to both squeeze in. Someone was touching more piss then they intended. And worst still, these were the stalls on the drinking end, the stalls being used by drunk men and women, who have forgotten about the importance of aim or hygiene.

My partner went first. It was full of piss. Piss on the seat and a urinal full of piss. The urinal was like a built in bucket with no drainage. Men peed on top of other men’s piss and it all just sat there. I was luckily to squat beside one that still had room for more. I could only imagine the state of the porto potties that saw men without their estimation and spatial skills honed. Yellow running down the walls and pooling by your feet. (Ick I need a shower just recalling this.) Frenchy thought of putting toilet paper in the urinal to hide it from my view. But there was just so much of it. He did however take the time to place tissue over the seat for me, on top of wiping it rid of urine. Truly one of the most romantic things he has ever done for me.

Inside the stall, it was at least dark enough that you couldn’t make out that much detail. And loud enough that you can’t hear the sound of our own piss splashing into everyone else’s in the hole of the toilet. All you hear was the complaining from everyone waiting in line outside.

We are not patient people, so after our ordeal, we didn’t have the energy to fight the crown on the stadium floor. We couldn’t see ourselves pushing our way towards the stage. Instead, we grab a seat on the bleachers facing the stage at an angle. We had our own space with the ability to rest as needed, and it was a place for me to put my coat and purse down as I danced. And best of all we avoided any stepping on our feet, all the jabbing of elbows into our mid sections, and any general intrusion into our personal space. We were also close enough to one of the exits (thankfully when the show ended, all the doors were opened and we didn’t have to funnel out through just one.) Later, my partner was able to navigated us quickly out of the stadium and back to our car, driving us home safe and sound. And here I was, buzzed enough to walk into a garbage can.

As for the actual concert it was worth every bit of our money and all of our time. Given the notoriety of weed in hip hop, they of course mentioned Vancouver bud. There were plumes of smoke that rose into the air, sparked by the DJ lighting up and blowing some into the crowd. It was unavoidable and hard to ignore, but no one took note. It certainly made sense given the singer’s appreciation of the herb, and his advocation of it through his music. One such lyric read, “Crush a bit, little bit, roll it up, take a hit
Feeling lit, feeling light, 2 AM, summer night”.

My partner, being the fan provided great commentary and is the source for many of my notes below.

Only seeing School Boy Q on album covers and in his music video, what we saw before us in person didn’t quite matchup to his media persona. First he wasn’t wearing any hat, let alone his trademark bucket one. And his hair was shaven close to head. His voice also didn’t match the online experience. He was a lower baritone, where as he has a higher pitch with the auto tune, in his for radio songs. However his skill on the Mike was consistent. He performed all his singles, and instead of omitting any of the versus where he had a guest performer featured, he sang right through and did a hell of a job. And lastly he had so much more energy live compared to his music videos. Here he was jumping around, waving his arms, and demanding more from the crowd. Whereas his video persona has him looking more laid back and lazy from all the weed that he smokes. He also looked so much more in shape in person then compared to his older work.

He is a hard working man with back to back to back shows. He had only two Canadian stops. He performed Seattle yesterday, Vancouver today, and Denver was planned for tomorrow. He pitted us against Toronto for that east coast, west coast rivalry. And sang and referred to the crowd as “Vancouver” many times. He asked us to pledge our allegiance by asking if we were School Boy Q fans, in third person. He then pitting us against Toronto on who loves him more, via how much we cheered. The crowd latched on. Majority of them knew all the lyrics and you could hear the rise of one voice singing when School Boy directed the Mike and verse to them(us). In this setting, is the only time saying the “n word” is acceptable. In this paid for setting with thousands of consenting adults, singing along to a well known performer’s lyrics.

There was even a mosh pit in the centre of the floor crowd. A bunch of guys agreeing that they will dance violently with one another. Smacking shoulders and bumping bodies. The feeling and ability of men to dance with other men, with their bravado still in tact.

There wasn’t any special effects or a large screen, just strobing light and lights so bright you had to look away. At times you couldn’t be sure what they were doing on stage.

Would I come back? – No.
Would I line up for it? – No.
Would I recommend it? – No.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – No.
The performance is not in question. It is the venue that I am considering. There were lines for everything and if you had the patience to get through the first half of the night, the show was worth the wait. Luckily we got all the lining up out of the way first. We spent half the time in queues after spending so much for the tickets. So we didn’t quite feel like we got our money’s worth. The whole experience could have been elevated if it was better planned and at any other arena. When the triple encore was done, we happily walked into fresh air and away from the smell of sweat and aggro. I would absolutely pay to see School Boy Q perform again, but not at the cost of being in the PNE Forum building again.

The Bourbon Bar

By mag_mei

On October 22, 2016

In bar, Gastown, Vancouver

We were still crawling ourselves through downtown’s east side. With no set destination, we decided to venture in to “The Bourbon”. I had peaked through the windows of its bar doors and saw an empty pool table. And I was at that drunk place where you want to do an activity and think you would be good at anything you get your hands on. Drinking confidence. Luckily this stop turned out to be a big playground and I had my need to play satisfied. And my guest was kind enough to humour me.

The bar had an eye catching entrance illuminated in the red glow of its name in neon lights, above the door. If you missed reading that. Its name was again repeated in black and white, and white and black reverse, signed on both windows.

Inside, the bar had plenty of room for us to roam this quiet Sunday night. Other patrons kept to themselves either by the bar or situated on one of the booths at the opposite end. There was just the one bar fly, who attempted to make friends by inserting himself into each group.

The lively top 40 music kept use moving with the likes of Justin Bieber. But I didn’t expect the genre considering the look of the place. A cattle skull and blue marlin handing above the bar. Deer and elk busts mounted on the walls. And old timey black and white adverts selling you home furnishing and services out of the 60’s. It had a rustic charm with the patio lights strung up.

We bee lined right to the bar. I grabbed four dollar’s worth of the cheapest beer on tap, by this point I had plenty of liquor in me and didn’t need to worry about taste. My guest kept her class with a bourbon cocktail, seemed fitting given the name of the place. Of note, they only serve drinks.

Unfortunately, the pool table was broken, without any way for us to put money in, to dispense balls out. However after bringing it to the attention of one of the bartenders, he was kind enough to dismantle the coin slot, and allowed us to play as many rounds as we liked for free. All we had to do was leave one of our ID’s at the bar, in exchange to borrow their cue ball. This was also the case for the bocce ball, that we later played. We once again left our ID with them to claim a bag with heavy red and blue balls. These were used to roll across the designated area of synthetic turf and wood barrier, meant to enclose green and rolling balls in.

We jumped from game to game, like children bored and more playing to explore. Pool on a table with its velvet surface printed in the Jack Daniel’s label. Jenga across two different sets, stacked up on a barrel. We would give up on each after it became too high to play, without the fear of it falling. We both didn’t know how to play bocche ball, and couldn’t be bothered to goggle it on our phones, so instead we set the Jenga bricks like pins and went bowling with the balls. The pin ball machines were themed and required money. We played only a round on the Wizard of Oz one after the balls kept avoiding the grasp of our paddles. Running out of time we failed to take advantage of the larger sized connect four game with all its pieces ready; the additional board games behind the bar; or the lean table set up with beer pong cups, with beer not included.

Would I come back? – Yes.
Would I line up for it? – Yes.
Would I recommend it? – Yes.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – No.
For me, all this entertainment was the price of my pint. I would most definitely like to return to take advantage of such a playground again. I didn’t know there was a place with so many activities to be enjoyed indoors, with as many drinks as you could afford. Although, I would also like to see how they are on a busy Friday or Saturday. They also make a great place to mix, mingle, and dance at. Don’t deny your cravings.

THE BOURBON
50 W Cordova Street, Vancouver BC, V6B 1C9
605-684-4214
thebourbon.ca

PiDGiN

By mag_mei

On October 22, 2016

In Asian fusion, French, Gastown, Vancouver

This is one of those unique places I recommend for cocktails, a restaurant that not many have heard of and one I like to bring friends to. This was also our third stop this evening’s downtown east side cocktail crawl.

All black exterior, all white interior. Both simple with light fixtures suspended in angles, lit wicks bobbing in clear liquid vials, and succulents in glass jars with rocks. Simple and clean. By contrast was our server in his red ball cap worn backwards, his leopard print tank top, and one of a kind gold jewelry. He gave the restaurant more causal feeling. He was great at his job and knew his menu, but it was hard to take him and the restaurant seriously, given what he choose to represent the brand.

My guest started with the “Mary Ellen Smith” cocktail; made with gin, carbonated sake, cucumber, and lime. It was as refreshing as its vibrant green colour look. Airy with a bubbly finish.

I went with the “Pumpkin patch caipirinha” for the season, and was disappointed by the lack of actual pumpkin flavour and/or related spice. The menu listed as it being roasted pumpkin cachaca, tamarind sugar, and lime. However the cocktail tasted more like a spiked sour grapefruit cooler. There was no depth of flavour, where I was expecting something warming, a bold heat with Christmas spices. This was not so much a fall drink, but more a drunken lemonade, better suited for summer.

With our drinks we nibbled on their “Citrus ginger duck breast”, made with confit duck leg, uneboshi beets, and pistachio. This was the small size of the small plate, and it was only a quarter of the duck at $24. You would have to pay $42 to get a half. The duck was tender and tasty, and it was no surprise that it left us wanting more of it. The side of crunchy pistachio and the smooth, soften beets did help to make this dish feel more fulsome.

Would I come back? – Yes.
Would I line up for it? – No.
Would I recommend it? – Yes.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – No.
I would return again, as I did tonight, for cocktails and delicious canapés. I would saving dinner for another place that would give me more value for my money. Don’t deny your cravings.

PIDGIN
350 Carrall Street, Vancouver BC, V6B 2J3
604-620-9400
pidginvancouver.com

The Mackenzie Room

By mag_mei

On October 21, 2016

In Downtown Vancouver, Pacific Northwest, Vancouver

This one has been on my list for a while. I like symmetry in things, and what better pairing that inviting a friend with the same name, here for dinner. However it never came to be, she has now moved away and I have since lost my chance.

But now being in the neighbourhood, I thought it a great destination for dinner and drinks with another guest. Plus without any adjacent skytrain or bus routes, it was a bit of a trek and not the most reassuring of walks late at night. So at 5pm we strolled in for dinner.

The restaurant serves Canadian fare in pretty plates, so good that they were voted and won top new restaurant of 2016, as per the “Golden Plate Awards”.

They open for dinner service at 5pm, so strolling in a little after, saw that we had no trouble finding a seat. They go so far to welcome walk-ins that they put a 2 hour window on any reserved table. This allows everyone wanting, a taste. We claimed the only high top by the front window. We were seated to the backdrop of copper and sliver trays speckling the worn walls. The entirety of the restaurant was themed as such: a dressy yet causal vibe. Like how you would imagine dressing up a old run down building without giving it a fresh coat of paint, but instead adding vintage baubles to draw the eye. Rustic with exposed brick coming out through spackled white paint. Gilded gold chandlers casting shadows over lacquered wood. A crystal curio beside pennants representing high school football teams.

The washrooms had a similar vibe. The single unit stalls were decorated with vintage tennis rackets and a typewriter. Scientific posters outlined various cuts of meat on farm animal outlines, and another had colourful vegetables that would grow on the very same farm. It gave things a homey feel, but really didn’t add anything to the facilities themselves.

The drink menu is an impressive set labelled as “Wynne’s world of cocktails”. With the name came the warning that they were hand crafted with care, so may take time to prepare. Each was categorized by their method of preparation and their presentation: tall, shaken, stirred, and the classics. There were even a handful of non alcoholic beverage for the designated drivers.

However, we put the drink menu aside, and relied on their rotating chalkboard menu instead. Located all the way at the back, it was hard to squint at from where we were. So the easiest solution was to simply capture it on a photo and to read it back at our table. It was a regularly updated menu, so there is no guaranteeing that if you don’t try something you wanted to today, that it will available when you return.

We ordered the “Punch bowl”, thinking it was a large fish bowl sized drink to share between two. In reality it was literally a punch bowl. Still to be shared between two, but with a ladle and two tumblers. The crystal punch bowl with its detailing was a beautiful match for the pink murky brew topped with fresh flower petals and leaves. This was the “purple rain” for $16. Made with bourbon, rum, apple, lime, ginger beer, and violette. It gave us a little over two cups each. It was an easy to drink and tasted like sparkling coconut water.

The “Beef heart tartare” came recommended by our server, so although it pushed the boundary’s of my guest’s comfort zone, we tried it, and finished it with no regrets. It was sandwiched between two pickled grape leaves and topped with a whole quail yolk. The intent was to enjoy it with the puffed tendon pieces as a base, but there was not enough of it to do so from first bite to last. Apparently this dish takes a week to prepare, seasoned with buttermilk and spices. It was not much to look at, and tasted nothing like ground up, raw heart meat. An easy bite when my guest didn’t think about it. We avoided the grape leaves, and there was still plenty of tang in the mix without it, to the point that the tartare was almost bitter. Although the spice from the pepper gave it more depth. The tendons offered the crunch and substance, that the dish was otherwise missing.

“Humbolt squid with side stripe prawn”. The squid was grilled and poached in a low temperature for an almost melty texture. Served up as a sheet, it was easy to slice up and eat, like a squid steak. This was the first and only time I have seen squid pressed flat and prepared like this. It had a good char with refreshing citrus after notes. Its accompanying prawns were as buttery smooth, with a sweet finish. The salad both sat on was a watercress with cilantro and parsnip chips, dressed in a beurre blanc sauce. Overall the dish was tasty and healthy, light proteins and fresh greens, that made this a guilt free dish.

The “Corned beef brisket” was seasoned with fat and brined in a stout and mustard mix. You could tell the brisket was super tender by how easy we were able to cut into it, so buttery that you didn’t even need a knife to separate strands of near. However I wasn’t able to notice the listed tomatillo relish or the stout mustard; instead I noted some spice from curry powder? The yam fritters on the side offered a nice play on meat and potato. They gave the dish a refreshing change, with familiar flavour pairings.

When done, our bill was served it a miniature scalloped pie plate, with a koala figurine as its companion.

Would I come back? – Yes.
Would I line up for it? – No.
Would I recommend it? – Yes.
Would I suggest this to someone visiting from out of town? – Yes.
Besides the fact that they were an award winning restaurant? They offered designer plates and small bites better served as tapas to share (considering price and quantity per plate). I would recommend them as a before or after dinner spot to sip and simmer at, with any one of their craft cocktails in hand. Don’t deny your cravings.

MACKENZIE ROOM
415 Powell Street, Vancouver BC, V6A 1G7
604.253.0705
themackenzieroom.com

Edible Arrangements

By mag_mei

On October 20, 2016

In desserts, Vancouver

“Edible Arrangements” is a service that offers fruit bouquets instead of floral arrangements. Another option in the gifting department, that doesn’t rely on the traditional solution of chocolate or roses. And for those like me, who are hard to shop for, the perfect way to show me/us you care.

I was surprised by this basket delivered at my place of employment, a good friend bestowed it to me in thanks. There was no way to tell who the delivery person is. He was dressed normally, just with the parcel in hand.

The edible arrangement was a plastic Hello Kitty (the popular Sanrio cartoon character) basket stuffed with sponge covered lettuce, and skewered with various fruit. Cantaloupe balls, purple grapes, honey dew sections, strawberry set at points, oranges cut into wedges, and pineapples shaped into a five pointed flower blossom with a cantaloupe centre. And unique to this basket: one pineapple slice stamped with Hello Kitty’s face; including whiskers and her eyes, with trademark bow included. It perfectly paralleled the Hello Kitty spike that was stabbed in amongst the fruit. Three Hello Kitty faces: fruit, pick, and bucket. One to eat, one to use as memory, and another to reuse; in this case, a timely Halloween candy bucket.

All the fruit was washed and ready to eat. Vivid in colour, sweet and ripe in taste. Though after a while the pineapple did begin to oxidize and the fruit start to sweat. This is definitely one of those things you eat right away and finish in one sitting. It was handed to me wrapped in cellophane, to keep it fresh, and to prevent the condensation from getting everywhere. Attached to it was a note card that both states my benefactor’s sentiment; and invites me, the giftee to shop and think of the company she bought it from in the future, with a coupon-ed discount.

As the giftee, I had no complaints, but be warned, as a gifter it can get expensive. The edible works of art comes at a cost. With prices ranging from $45 to $89 for a singular fresh fruit arrangement. Then there are arrangements that served groups and ones that had its fruit dipped in white, milk, or dark chocolates. This undoubtedly upped the price from between $58 and $128. Dipped bananas and strawberries, and salted caramel over oranges. Fresh and dipped, there were arrangements for every occasion. To celebrate sporting achievements there were baskets with football and soccer shaped buckets. A house shaped basket was a nice sentiment for new homeowners. There was one with a Mickey Mouse theme, including fruit shaped like his head, and a base of his red shorts with its tell-a-tale yellow buttons. Holiday bouquets included ones with white chocolate doves. The Halloween theme saw milk chocolate bats and cats, a white chocolate ghosts; there was even a celebratory balloon. The leaf shaped harvest box only had fruit in yellow, red, and oranges. And for those who want an edible arrangement for no specific reason, they have you covered with generic ones. Buckets, boxes, pails, and vases in different colours.

Visit them online to suss out your options, then visit one of their free standing store fronts in the Lower Mainland to see it before you buy it.

Would I recommend it? – Yes.
They are a great way to say you care with food that many would eat. The formality of flowers without the romance, and with more practicality in mind. Don’t deny your cravings.

According to the card this was from the below location.
EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS
2779 Arbutus Street, Vancouver BC, V6J 3Y5
604-773-8894
ediblearrangements.ca

VieAMaggi.com

Real, raw, & relatable me. Enthusiastic food & lifestyle blogger living in Vancouver, BC!

Month: October 2016 Page 1 of 4

Ramen Gojiro

Starbucks Halloween Frappuccino

Timber

Whiskey Cave at Notch8 Restaurant

Carnival High Tea at Notch8 Restaurant

School Boy Q at the PNE forum

The Bourbon Bar

PiDGiN

The Mackenzie Room

Edible Arrangements

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