The Red Wagon Restaurant – Vancouver, BC

2296 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V5L 1V4
(604) 568-4565

BBP Full Score Card

The Red Wagon Restaurant got the approval stamp from Triple D’s!
(Diner’s, Drive-Ins and Dives, Foodnetwork.com) Famous for their pulled pork pancakes!

*** Note: For more info, visit redwagoncafe.com

Piperade & Goat Cheese Omelette
3 egg omelette w/ slow cooked peppers and onions, goat cheese, tomato sauce, homefries, toast
$9.50

RED WAGON – From the outside, it looks like any other hole-in-the-wall diner but I think it’s a hole-in-one! (See what I did there? I blow myself away sometimes haw haw haw) This place is always packed so don’t expect to just roll out of bed and in for brunch on a weekend unless you know one of the bearded hipsters working in the kitchen! It is a bit on the pricier side for diner breakfast I suppose, but you get CHING CHANG WALLA WALLA BING BANG for your buck! Looking at it this omelette, yes, it looks kind of plain jane…but it was the best omelette I’ve ever had! The egg was fluffy and goat cheese = drool! The “home fries” as they call them were a bit under seasoned but nothing the table S & P couldn’t fix.

Super Trucker
2 eggs, 2 of their famous pulled pork sandwiches, crisp pork belly, homefries, toast
$14.50

OK! Let’s talk about this monstrous breakfast – THE SUPER TRUCKER, dun dun dun! Just look at the pork belly in the middle there. It was a three inch square cube of fatty goodness that was pretty appetizing (especially with the Sriracha!). The pulled pork pancakes – I was a bit wary about them since I’m a fruity pancake kind o’ gal but they were SCRUM-DIDDLY-UMPTIOUS and a Red Wagon specialty! Not a meal for the faint hearted! Definitely schedule a nap afterwards and maybe don some stretchy pants!

Hang Dao

Pacific National Exhibition
The home of Playland Amusement Park, the Vancouver Giants Hockey team, and one of our favorite, Fright Nights. The P.N.E has been a long time favorite with locals and tourist alike. Throughout the year, whether it’s going to see a concert, watch a horse race, or taking the family out for fun-filled adventure – you got it here. Just make sure you check out the website before you do go! The best time during the year to hit up the P.N.E has to be the end of Summer ( end of August until Labor Day). FOOD galore! Funnel cake, corn dogs, and bbq chicken are the top of many. Oh and of course, tons of shows to watch from like the famous ‘Super Dog’ show.  Ahhh but for the younger crowds, Playland Amusement Park, is where it’s at.
http://www.pne.ca/

Playland, Amusement Park
Growing up in Vancouver, like most kids and teenagers, Playland has been the star of attraction every summer. Rides, mini donuts, games, your first kiss, what’s not to love? Now this isn’t your Disneyland or SixFlags theme park, it’s one of dem small town amusement park. The famous ‘Wooden Roller Coaster” was built in 1958, board by board, has to be one of my favorite. I remember as a teen, lining up again and again, just to hear my uncle or brother’s high-pitch screams. *smiles* What kept Playland alive after all these years, is the rich history it has.
http://www.pne.ca/playland/

Hapa Izakaya Coal Harbour – Vancouver, BC

110 West Cordova Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 4K2, Canada
(604) 420-4272

 

BBP Full Scorecard

Voted “Top Five Izakayas In North America” by Bon Appétit Magazine in 2011; topping “Industry and Readers Choice” 2012 awards for Best Japanese and Best Izakaya in the Georgia Straight weekly: and “Best Casual Chain, Silver” by Vancouver Magazine in 2012, Hapa Izakaya offers a winning combination of a sexy room, well-priced portions of Japanese tapas, sushi, cocktails and premium sake.

For more info & other locations, please visit hapaizakaya.com

Ebi Mayo
Tempura wild shrimp, spicy mayo sauce

Hapa, oh, Hapa. After hearing so many glowing reviews, I decided to crawl out from the rock I live under and join some new friends for a casual Friday night dinner. Verdict? A pleasure for the eyes, but not so much for the taste buds.

The food is spectacularly average. Aside from the unique and esthetically pleasing presentation of the dishes, there wasn’t much about the flavours that made me want to do a food induced face plant. Even though some of the dishes were good, I couldn’t help thinking there are many other restaurants around Vancouver who can crank out the same thing, and just do it better. Some of the dishes were very salty, others edible but uninspiring, and one dish, although flavour-wise was pretty good, just had the texture of rubber.

Beef Tataki
Lightly seared AAA beef, sesame-chili sauce

Arubi Saba
Seared marinated mackerel sashimi

I love the modern fusion concept of the restaurant, and the decor wasn’t too shabby either. Many people have said the ambiance can be a bit of an intimate mood killer since it gets pretty loud, but I actually liked the robustness of Hapa. The yelling, the music, the cocktails and beers – maybe I’m just one of the few oddballs who believes a combo like that translates into something lively and fun.

I wouldn’t mind going here for a night out with the homies, but it’s definitely not a place I’d go to for a good meal. To be fair, it may have just been the W. Cordova location so hopefully the next opportunity out there will be at a more renowned location.

Spicy Chopped Scallops
Scallops, cucumber, egg crepe wrapping

Ika
Grilled squid, sake soy garlic marinade

  Grilled Ika (squid) has always been my long time favorite. Tonight was deeelish! I totally sneaked more bites than the rest of group, guilty! However, this dish does has its good and bad days, tonight was definitely good. 😉

Hapa was the first Izakaya to join the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise™ seafood conservation program in 2012. Just handful of Japanese restaurant partners are in the program to date.

Karaage
Deep-fried boneless chicken, soy ginger sauce

Karubi
Apple and orange marinated, AAA beef short ribs; grilled

Bella Gelateria
Being in Coal Harbour, there are numerous fantastic places to eat, drink and play. One place that almost always has a line-up is Bella Gelateria. Famous for their Old-World Handcrafted Gelato, Bella won the People’s Choice Award in the 2012 Florence Italy Gelato Festival. When you walk by, BEWARE. There is a window showing them making the gelato behind the order counter….don’t have a Homer Simpson drool moment and walk into it, it’s like a mosquito to a zap light!
http://www.bellagelateria.com/

Murchie’s Tea & Coffee
As an avid tea drinker myself, I LOVE Murchies for its selection and knowledge. It doesn’t hurt that the founder, John Murchie, learned about tea while serving Queen Victoria during her residence at Balmoral Castle! Try the No.22 Blend at one of the five locations around to serve you!
http://www.murchies.com/store/

Soho Road Naan Kebab – Vancouver, BC

Georgia St & Granville St.
Downtown Vancouver, BC

BBP Full Scorecard

Situated at W Georgia St & Granville St, Soho Naan is enthusiastically shoveling out Traditional UK Tandoori to some hungry, hungry hippos.

*** Note: For more info, please click HERE.

  I was greeted by a swirling line-up which was a good sign and shortly after, by delightful owner Sarb (this guy is always smiling, seriously. Google Soho Naan => images) who recommended the butter chicken for me. The great thing about their menu is half orders (Half – $6 – $7, Full – $10 – $12) are available as well as a vegetarian option. The cart is a bit plain looking, from one side there is no signage, but you’d never know they have a magical tandoor (clay oven) hidden away in there! Now I’ll admit, the wait was a bit long and I started counting pigeons at some point, but then again it was the middle of the lunch hour on a weekday afternoon, what can you do? Once I got my order, first thing I noticed was the hot and fresh naan. Can I get a “Hell Yeah!”? The chicken was tender, and the flavor of the sauce was good but the portion was a bit small for my liking. Healthy portion yes, but when I’m at a food cart, I want to be FULL, not “good full” as so many of us gals put it. Would I come back? Yes, service was great, location is awesome and the food has been praised by Canada Top Chef Dale Mackay and recently visited by James Cunningham and the Eat St. crew.

Please click HERE to see what’s around – Sorry, it’s just oh so close to the ‘The Kaboom Box’ food truck, we didn’t want to repeat ourselves.. *giggles*

The Kaboom Box – Vancouver, BC

Granville St & Robson St.
Downtown Vancouver, BC

BBP Full Score Card

Honestly, who needs Nightmarket when we have these delicious food trucks sweeping the city? This week we decided to hit up a meals on wheels joint and stopped by Kaboom Box in all of its bright-and-red-as-a-fire-truck glory.

*** NOTE: Visit their website @ www.thekaboombox.com

Hot Smoked Salmon Burger

World Famous Hot Smoked Salmon Salmwich

Tasty, yes, but ‘world famous’? Ehhhhh. Smoked salmon with their maple-mustard coleslaw between a toasted whole wheat bun sounds like a winning combination, but the flavours left something to be desired. I do have to give them props for doing an awesome job on the smoked salmon (I wonder if they’ll sell those individually…), but I definitely think much of the flavour was overpowered by mayo. Someone may have gotten a little too sauce happy with the mayonnaise because all I could taste was mayonnaise and by the end of the sandwich, I felt like I had been eating mayonnaise all of my life.

It was a very good salmon sandwich, but that’s all it was; just a salmon sandwich.

I do want to go back to try their Oyster Po’Boy though, since I’ve watched enough Triple Ds to pretend to know what it is. Hopefully our second visit will be.

  You got me at Smoke salmon, really. Mmmm… These guys means business when it comes to serving only Oceanwise seafood and sustainable produced meat, and what’s even better is that they are committed to using local and organic vegetable whenever possible. Providing the streets of Vancouver with fresh, healthy, sustainable, and local food. Thumbs up in my books! Ohh, for those extra brownie points: biodegradable and compostable packaging.

The Re-Up BBQ
Another food cart in Vancouver serving up some delicious Southern BBQ with a side of attitude a couple blocks down at W Georgia St & Hornby St. These guys got BRISKET (yum), BACON (oh man), PULLED PORK (drool), and did I say BACON? You in the Fraser Valley and can’t make it out to the cart? Well you are in luck, Re-Up has just opened a brick-and-mortar location in beautiful New Westminster at Quayside Drive. There, they also have retail items and lots of other goodies.
www.reupbbq.com

Yew Restaurant + Bar, Four Seasons Hotel
This stunning environment, fashioned after Mother Nature herself delivers excellent seafood, cocktails and EVERY bottle of wine is available by the glass, which makes it a BBP Favourite! Stop by for Wine Down Sundays where every bottle is 50% off. See you
there!
www.yewrestaurant.com

Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
My personal favourite place for Prime Rib and Ribeye and the setting is just gorgeous. Leather, marble, wood, suede, embroidered napkins, romantic lighting, everything is perfect right down to the very last detail. The service is among the best in the city in my
opinion. Love it? Go check out their Whistler location as well. MUST: Get the cheese toast!
www.hyssteakhouse.com

La Taqueria, Pinche Taco Shop – Vancouver, BC

322 W. Hastings
Vancouver BC V8B 1K6
604.568.4406

BBP Full Score Card

We have always traveled down to South California (aka SoCal) just to have the authentic taste of the dishes and drinks you are about to see. Finally, La Taqueria offers that same taste!

*** Note: There are 2 locations total! For more info please visit their website @ http://lataqueria.ca/

Incredibly friendly staff.

It’s not surprising to know that Vancouver and its surrounding areas are Mexican-foodly challenged. I figured La Taqueria would be another “it’ll do” taco joint until I could get back to good ol’ grimey SoCal for a fix, but I was wrong…oh, so wrong.

A guy at the till (whose name is Andrew, not Armando like I had originally thought…) greets anyone and everyone who steps past the threshold. He explains the menu well, and is more than happy to offer recommendations or popular favourites.

I must admit, upon first sight of these cute little tortillas I was already a little disappointed. The words, “What the hell is this” might’ve crossed my mind a few times because they are small. Being accustomed to the Mexican cuisine south of our border, the authentic fare there is usually messier, greasier, and definitely larger.

ASADA
grilled ‘AAA’ flank beef

  Asada: OK, I have one request, and one only – can I please have 2 more? I cannot tell you the joy that came once this baby hit my tongue, an explosion of flavors and memories. I seriously almost fell off the stool. I mean, beef steak that’s been marinated and grilled to perfection. Buttery to the taste, topped with cilantro and diced white onions – squeeze a bit of lime, then you gotta top it off with one of La Taqueria’s sauce, chipotle. What more could you ask for?! Simple, full of flavor, and the best part, it’s here in our own city, Vancouver. Oh sweet geezuz… really does bring back great memories of relatives in SoCal who threw taco parties every time we visit. Thank you much!

PESCADO
grilled season fish with pico de gallo

Feeshy, feeshy, feeshy… Pescado? Bomb dot com. The taste is incredibly light, fresh, and the fish is cooked to textural perfection. The freshly squeezed lime juice perfectly highlights the flavour of little Nemo, who has now been found, and the chipotle salsa compliments the rest of the flavours very well. It’s divinity in a taco, and even though we shared 6 of them I ended up sneaking several T-Rex bites because…well, I didn’t want to share in the first place. Yes, the tacos are small but remember: don’t just hoover the damn taco and treat it like a lady of the night; take your time to appreciate it, understand it, and most importantly, savour it!

Horchata: A traditional beverage made with rice and cinnamon. When anyone asks what this sweet nectar tastes like, I just tell them it’s what a blended/liquefied churro would be. I don’t want water; I don’t want a sports drink. If I was on the street dying of dehydration, just hook me up to a bag of horchata and we’ll be fine.

Debbie finally getting that sweet HORCHATA. Umm.. you forgot to share!

In a city corrupted by nefarious fast food chains like Taco Bell and Taco Time, and other sub-par joints that say they’re authentic but they’re really not, La Taqueria was a refreshing experience.  Now when an out of towner requests for this kind of fare, we can finally say, “Why, yes, we do have great tacos in Vancouver!” instead of distracting them with a dim sum restaurant and hoping they won’t notice.

Gastown

As one of Vancouver’s most historic areas, Gastown sure looks and feels the part. From the cobblestone streets to the famous Steam Clock, this highly distinctive and unique area houses something for everyone. Whether you are a tourist or a local, behind its Victoria facade, Gastown is a big mixing bowl of contemporary boutique shops (offering anything from a reclaimed vintage leather apparel to Scottish sweets), nightclubs and of course an outrageously amazing array of eats for you to immerse yourself. It is the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry!

http://www.gastown.org/

The Lookout

See the whole city from over 550ft up! Opened by Neil Armstrong (That’s right, the first man on the moon!) in 1977, The Lookout’s Observation Deck offers a breathtaking, almost unbelievable 360 degree view of Vancouver’s bustling city life and natural beauty. Take your honey up for a stroll and some Superman worthy smooches before heading over to the Top of Vancouver, Revolving Restaurant with the same address for some high-level dining.

http://www.vancouverlookout.com/

Meat & Bread

The name alone sets hearts and tummies aflutter with rumblings only one of their juicy roast meat sandwiches can subdue. Just go take a look at their website now, I’ll wait…….YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN? Now with two locations, noteworthy decor, genius simplicity and Guy Fieri’s Triple D stamp of approval, Meat & Bread isn’t going anywhere, so don’t worry. Just don’t leave your sandwich unattended.

http://meatandbread.ca/

Phnom Penh – Chinatown, Vancouver

Phnom Penh – (604) 682-5777
244 E Georgia St.
Vancouver, BC V6A1Z7

BBP Full Score Card

For years, Phnom Penh has won multiple awards, and would have constant long line-ups for a table. There is just so much this place has to offer when it comes to different exotic dishes. If you never tried, what are you waiting for? Go! Eat your heart out!

***Note: If you know any dishes to share, please leave a comment!

Canh Ga Lan Bot (Phnom Penh Deep-fried Chicken Wings) – Deep-fried chicken wings with garlic, served with a lemon & pepper sauce. S: $8.25 L: $12.95

 on Chicken Wings :  Soooo these little guys are known as, “Crack Chicken Wings”.  Why? They are delicious and addictive (as crack is to addicts).  I promise you that you won’t be disappointed, and that I didn’t make up that nick name.  Everybody and anybody who has been here knows that this dish is the first to order. It’s that good. Deep fried, then sprinkled with salt/sugar,  fried garlic,  and green onion, with a side dip made up of lemon juice and pepper. Sweet, salty and sour… Oh my, my mouth is watering just reminiscing on how they danced it’s way towards my mouth.  *happy sigh*

Marinated Thit Bo (Butter Beef) – Thinly sliced specialled prepared rare beef on a bed of fried garlic, cilantro and their house special sauce. $13.25 CAD

 on Butter Beef : … silky, drool-worthy goodness that literally melts in your mouth. Cliche, I know, but it must be said! Hands down my favourite item we tried and as I write this now, my overactive saliva glands aren’t thrilled that Phnom Penh closed an hour ago. At first glance I was skeptical because it was covered, and I mean wrinkles on Gordon Ramsay’s forehead covered, in my least favourite herb, cilantro. However, not only did I use my fork to push others away from the plate of delicate slices of heaven, I was using it to pitchfork entire bushels of cilantro into my gaping, disbelieving mouth. Needless to say, this dish didn’t become a well-known local favourite by fluke!

Canh Chua Ca (Phnom Penh Hot and Sour Soup with Fish) – Their most exotic soup. Specially prepared with fresh cod, tomato, pineapple, mint leaves and other tropical spices. S: $12.75 L: $25.50

 on Canh Chua – Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Fish Soup: Canh chua is certainly an unusual flavour which can be a miss for some palates, but for those who have grown to appreciate the complex balance, it is nothing short of a savory sweet ambrosia. Loaded with fish, bean sprouts, tomatoes, celery, and pineapple, this is definitely one of the healthier options on the menu. The first spoon gives you a hit of sour, but then rounds off to a sweet taste, and just to make sure that really was something sweet you tasted, you go back for a second spoon and ah, yes, can recognize that slight pineapple note. Unsure of whether or not you actually like the soup, you go for a third spoon, with rice, and notice how the blandness of those Jasmine scented grains perfectly balance everything together. By now you’ve realized it’s also got a bit of a spicy kick, and ba-zing! You are now an addict!

Com Xao Trieu Chau (Trieu Chau Fried Rice) – Finely chopped chinese sausage, egg, carrots, green onions and rice. Beautifully spiced and stir-fried to perfection. $9.95

Lychee Milkshake – You just have to try it.

FOOD

Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie (BBP Favourite!)
With kick-ass ambience, stimulating decor and tantalizing modern Chinese tapa-style dishes, it’s no wonder Bao Bei was named “One of Canada’s Best New Restaurants” by Where Magazine in 2010! BBP gives EXTRA kudos for the unique cocktails (get the Guizhou Donkey), sustainable seafood, hormone free/organic meat & free range eggs!
http://www.bao-bei.ca/

New Town Bakery
Where do we start?! Christine has been known to sneak the last Coconut Bun from the box when we weren’t looking. BBQ Pork Buns (Cha Siu Bao) that are so tempting, if we didn’t buy equal numbers, it might be the end of BBP! Enough said!
http://newtownbakery.ca/

Tosi Italian Food Importers 
Tosi & Company has been importing scrumptious Italian specialty products into the Lower Mainland since 1906! This family-run business is teeming with chefs from all over Vancouver looking for the finest ingredients like their organic parmesan to make their clientele drool. Go see Angelo…but remember, you can’t just walk through the front door, you gotta ring the bell!
http://tosifoods.com/

                                                                      
TO DO

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
http://vancouverchinesegarden.com

Vancouver Police Museum                           
http://www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca

Hello world!

Let’s talk about food! COMING SOON.