Canada - The Hungry Nomad

Hapa Umi 海 (Vancouver, Canada)

March 1, 2012 No Comments

I’ve been a big fan of the Hapa restaurants ever since the first opened up years ago in front of my house on Robson street. In fact back then I split my time between Hapa Izakaya and Guu with Garlic on Robson. I love both Hapa Izakayas (Robson and Yaletown locations) and was excited to hear that another Izakaya was opening close to my office on West Cordova making it an optimal location for a work lunch.

On the wettest, coldest, rainiest/snowiest day I made my way down to Hapa Umi wanting nothing more than something to warm me up. The venue is very clean and modern. In fact the Hapas are commonly referred to as the Japanese version of Cactus Club. Same service, similar clientele, just different food. The food was good although I myself prefer the other two locations. Perhaps it was the lunch menu but I was not a big fan of the Tempura Udon as it lacked in flavour. The udon noodles were not authentic and handmade as those in other udon restaurants but I guess that is to be expected of a Japanese restaurant not specializing in udons. The salmon sushi roll was delicious and fresh and my friend’s Udon dish was okay; however nothing that good to merit the price. Overall, it is a nice location for a work lunch if you are willing to spend more than the average for lunch. However, overall if I had to choose I would stick to the other Hapas preferring their menu and ambiance over Hapa Umi.

Canada, Gourmand, Pizza, Vancouver

Pizzeria Barbarella (Vancouver, Canada)

February 29, 2012 2 Comments

In an essentially dead zone in terms of the night life/dining scene goes, Pizzeria Barbarella has opened its door bringing the neighbourhood authentic Italian Pizza. It seems these wood oven baked pizza shops are popping up all over the place and the competition is tough (competitors including Nicli Antica and Pizzeria Farina).

We entered at 8 pm on a Friday night to a half empty restaurant, the walls were dark with very limited decorations which I found to be a bit depressing. Lit candles at each table with light music in the background. I found it to be a really weird atmosphere. Perhaps its the fact that the restaurant has not yet received its liquor license but it was a really sombre setting.

The pizzas were good but pricey- the same as those found at downtown restaurants but assuming the rent is lower- shouldn’t the food be less expensive? Pizzas ranged between 9-20 dollars. We ordered three pizzas: the Funghi, Margherita and the Amatriciana (see menu). The first two were good although I found the margherita lacked the necessary mozzarella cheese to make it really cheesy; however, it was a good solid pizza with the pizza dough perfectly chewy yet crispy. The Funghi pizza was the best of the three with a perfect amount of cheese and mushrooms. My pizza (the Amatriciana) was awful to the point that I could only have a slice. It was covered with tomato sauce and onions which pretty much took over other flavours which were so desperately trying to reach out to my senses and also lacked in cheese. It tasted pretty much of bread and onions. I really wanted to love this restaurant as I love nothing more than pizza but I have to say I left unsatisfied. I do hope they step up their game as the area really needs more restaurants and the place has so much potential. The restaurant has received great reviews by other bloggers so perhaps its was just that particular evening and that particular pizza. However, it is worth a try for the pizza lovers amongst us.

Canada, Gourmand, Italian food, Vancouver

Brunch at Italian Kitchen (Vancouver, Canada)

February 27, 2012 No Comments

I’ve been to Italian Kitchen on various occasions but never had gone for brunch. The service was great from finish to start. Our server very attentive- going through the menu with us and being patient with older members of our party. The food was really good. We ordered the Spaghetti and Kobe meatballs, the Lamb Sausage Hash and Prosciutto Pizza. I didn’t find the Kobe meatballs to be out of this world like many have suggested instead I found the lamb sausage hash to be bursting with flavours and very delicious preferring it over my own Kobe meatball spaghetti dish. The best part of the meal had to be the dessert. We ordered the Italian donuts and Tiramisu. The Italian donuts were out of this world. Hot and chewy with melting milk chocolate in the middle making for an explosion of flavours in your mouth. The tiramisu was light, fluffy and the perfect amount of sweet.

The restaurant is on the pricier end of the spectrum but the ambiance, service and menu make it well worth it.

Spaghetti and Kobe beef meatballs

Italian Donuts

Tiramisu

Hungry Nomads Must Try Brunch Menu Suggestions:
1- Italian Donuts
2- Lamb Sausage Hash

Canada, Gourmand, Sandwich Shop, Vancouver

Hubbub Sandwiches (Vancouver, Canada)

February 20, 2012 1 Comment

The quest to find the ultimate sandwich has resulted in a search through town for the best and tastiest. A few months back while walking back from the courthouse I discovered Hubbub Sandwiches: A small sandwich shop located conveniently for my sake across from the courthouse. It was love at first bite. Their sandwiches are each made with detail and love. You can feel it in every bite. I have only tried the turkey sausage and pulled pork which I love equally. However, the turkey sausage has carved a special place in my heart…or rather stomach. The sausage is made locally and tastes extremely fresh with the right amount of herbs and spices for that extra punch. The bread made in house is chewy and ever so delicious. Each sandwich comes with a long strip of onion and a delicious messy sauce. I am a big fan of adding chips to my sandwiches so you can imagine how delighted I was to find out that you have the option of ordering a side of house made chips, corn cob, quinoa salad or coleslaw.

Hubbub also makes delicious salads…although I am yet to try. I have gone in there with the intention of getting a salad but have succumbed to my stomach’s pressure and ordered their turkey sandwich on most occasions. In my humble opinion, Hubbub has created the perfect sandwich.

The Boys hard at work

House made chips

My favorite: Turkey Sausage Sandwich

The Killer Combo

Turkey Sausage Salad

Pulled pork sandwich

Hungry Nomad’s Must-Try Suggestion:

1- The Turkey Sausage Sandwich

2- House Made Chips

Canada, Gourmand, Sweets, Vancouver

Savary Island Pie Company (West Vancouver, Canada)

February 17, 2012 1 Comment

For those of us growing up on the North Shore Savary Island is a household name. Sadly, I have long since moved downtown and on rare occasions travel back to West Vancouver. What occasion could be better than wedding dress shopping for a dear friend at Blush wedding store located a block away from the best Pie company in Vancouver?

We went on a rainy winter day and it seemed all of Vancouver had gathered in this small shop. I found that its hard to get around since the tables are overly large and chairs are spread all over making it hard to maneuver. The line up extended all the way to the entrance. To say the space is cramped is an understatement but I guess as long as they continue baking the best best breads and sweets in town than no one will complain.

We tried the blueberry pie and their breakfast wrap which were both delicious. I also bought some baked goods to take home with me including their olive oil infused bread…which I found to be too greasy- the oil leaked through the paper bag and covered my friend’s car’s leather seats. They do offer more healthy treats and if you do go don’t give up on the opportunity to try what they are best known for: their pie.

Slice of blueberry pie

Canada, Gourmand, Irish, pub food, Vancouver

Long Table Series at the Irish Heather (Vancouver, Canada)

February 12, 2012 No Comments

I was invited to the Irish Heather’s Long Table Series a few months back. The concept is interesting: a long table of friends gathering for drinks and family style cooking. Although, technically we weren’t seated at a long table and were separated from our group by a wall. We were told they had no room for our whole party which begs the question what then is the purpose of the LTS if you can’t be seated with your entire party?

On this occasion, the special was sunday pot roast served with vegetables and Yorkshire pudding. I wasn’t expecting much given that I have never heard anything great about English food (although I do enjoy a good Shepards Pie). Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised when our food arrived. It was delicious, filling and ever so tasty. The meat- tender and juicy, and that Yorkshire pudding- who knew it would have tasted so good? I would go back just for that pudding which isn’t really a pudding but a baked puff like bread served with a special tangy sauce.

The entire meal and one pint of beer was $18. I liked it and think its a great idea for a large group of people…if you can actually be seated at their long table.

Canada, Gourmand, Macarons, Sweets, Vancouver

Soirette Macarons & Tea (Vancouver, Canada)

February 8, 2012 No Comments

What could be more delightful than a shop dedicated to macarons and only macarons in every possible delicious flavour you can imagine?

Soirette Macarons and Tea has done just that! Located on West Pender street this new gem caters to all of those out there who are crazy about macarons. The design inside is very modern chic with a splash of colour here and there. There is a large glass display of colourful macarons set against a backdrop of cans of marked tea. On this occasion, we opted for the lavender tea latte- always a delicious option with a colourful choice of macarons including the Rocher (my personal favourite), Violetta, Matcha green tea and Coconut. The macarons were just perfect and one of the best I’ve tasted in Vancouver. Perfect texture, chewiness and flavour. I tasted a bit of condensed milk… don’t know if that is an ingredient in all of the macarons but since I drink condensed milk by the can (occasionally!!!) I didn’t mind the hint of flavour it added to the macarons.

Canada, Gourmand, Steak, Vancouver

Dinner at Black + Blue (Vancouver, Canada)

January 25, 2012 No Comments

Dinner at Black and Blue exceeded our expectations. Not one single empty seat in the house so we were offered to sit at the bar which turned out to be more pleasant anyway. Our bartender was very nice and attentive- he even brought over a sample of every beer until I found one that I liked. He then thoroughly went through the menu with us and taught us about all the different steaks. Who knew there were so many different types of meat?

On this particular evening, we went specifically for the steak and steak is what we had. The sides come separately to order and there were many to choose from. We ordered the stuffed baked potato which was incredibly amazing and really the best stuffed potato I’ve ever tasted. It was stuffed and gooing with sour cream, bacon and cheese. Oh My. Definitely not on the calorie friendly side but worth every bite. The steak fries were also good and baked and fried to perfection. The steak came with four different sauces to choose from but it was so delicious and tender that I didn’t want to take away from the taste by adding any sauce.

The ambiance of the restaurant also makes it a great spot for drinks. The decor…absolutely amazing! Highly recommend for a fun night out on the town.

Canada, Food Truck, Gourmand, Sandwich Shop, Vancouver

La Brasserie Street Food Truck (Vancouver, Canada)

January 24, 2012 No Comments

What an amazing chicken sandwich. I have never tasted anything like it. I am really impressed with all the creative culinary dishes around town and feel inspired that I am a part of this amazing city.

This sandwich is itself a creative masterpiece: a combination of beer brined rotisserie chicken, fried crispy onions and chicken gravy. It is so heavenly…and ever so filling. The fried crispy onions mixed with the tasty gravy and juicy chicken…oh I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

I highly recommend this food truck to all of you out there who enjoy a good and tasty sandwich. These guys know how do it right. Also make sure to try their butter tarts for dessert. Amazingly fresh and delicious as well.

Word’s Best Butter Tarts

Mmm Crispy Onions

La Brasserie Street (West Georgia & Granville) on Urbanspoon

Canada, Gourmand, Vancouver

Pizzeria Farina (Vancouver, Canada)

December 21, 2011 1 Comment

Pizzeria Farina is a cozy little spot on Main street serving one of the best Neapolitan style pizzas in Vancouver. So good, simple and delicious. The spot is small, minimalist and modern with a general hipster vibe. Many get the pizzas to go since it is very small and so far does not carry a liquor license. However, it does have flat and mineral water on tap which I thought was really creative and a nice touch. On the night we went their special was mortadella pizza with pistachios! I know, I know you must be surprised at the combination, but I have to say that it was a delicious. Above my head was a bike hanging from the ceiling. It’s a really great little spot and I highly recommend those who love pizza as much as I do to pay it a visit you won’t be disappointed.