[FOODIE: crêperie] Crêpe Montagne @ Whistler

This place has been getting great reviews over at Yelp. What a nice find. Perfectly tucked away and hidden from main foot traffic along Whistler Village. It's small. Petite, even. The website says they've been open since 1997. Wow. It doesn't look like it. It's very well-kept and clean. Kudos.


Crêpe Montagne
116 - 4368 Main St
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Telephone: 604.905.4444
Hours: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert - 8am-10.30 pm DAILY 


SNAPSHOT:


Food: 9/10

Service: 10/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Pricing: $$$ (be prepared to spend at least $30 per head for food and drinks)


Pros: Relaxed dining; Great service; Clean and comfy dining space
Cons: Pricing is a bit steep typical of Whistler restaurants


Overall Rating: 9/10




Crepes are great. It's like a pocket. You can stuff any food ingredient in there and it will work. After eating at another Whistler restaurant and walking around for over an hour already, it was time to have some light snacks. Rather than fall for the usual ice cream and chocolate shops along the main path, I made sure to look for this place the next time I was at Whistler.

Their crepes will range from under $10 to as high as under $30 depending on whether you are having a simple dessert crepe or a main entree.

I tried their Chocolate crepe ($5.75) under the Sweet Crepe selection. As expected from the price, you are presented a simple crepe - neatly folded triangular crepe topped with chocolate sauce and powdered sugar.

Although the chocolate sauce looked like a dark variety (which I would have preferred), it was more a milk chocolate variety.

Moving on. How about some Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue ($23.00) made from scratch. Melted Emmenthal and Gruyere cheese enhanced with garlic, dry white whine and Kirsch.

Very classy. Served in a copper pot and a wooden spoon.

Interesting enough, the Kirsch is eliminated from their recipe which our server said North Americans find too sharp in flavour with just the wine already. I had the Kirsch added back to the fondue and it actually balanced the whole flavour profile. Before that, the dry white wine stood-out too much.

You are provided a bowl of stale French baguettes which are already cubed. I prefer them even more stale so the bread won't break apart when dipping into the cheese.

My favourite to complement the fondue is a Strawberry smoothie ($7.00). I loved how they make theirs in a non-dairy fashion - with no yogurt, but with a banana to smoothen the drink. However, they will add milk or yogurt at your request. I think it's perfectly smooth and sweet as it is. Best not to mess with it and just slurp your way thru the black straw.

This is a nice, quaint creperie. It's a definite recommendation to try when in Whistler whether for breakfast or as a snack.

[FOODIE: brunch] MARKET by JEAN-GEORGES

If I can bring myself to wake up and go out for brunch, this would be one of the places I would love heading. Of course, pricing is another factor.

MARKET by Jean-Georges

(1115 Alberni St)

Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver

1128 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, BC V6E 0A8
Telephone: 604.695.1115
Hours: Breakfast - 7-11.30am; Lunch - 11.30am-2.30pm; Dinner - 5.30-10.30pm 

SNAPSHOT:

Food: 5/10
Service: 9/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Pricing: $$$ (average $40 per head plus drinks for breakfast/lunch; average $100 per head for dinner)

Pros: Modern interior with a comfortable setting; Relaxed dining; Great service; Respectable serving size for the price
Cons: A few people don't know how to follow and respect the restaurant's business casual dress code and just arrive in a t-shirt

Overall Rating: 6/10

Notes: Reservations highly recommended

MARKET by Jean-Georges and Shangri-La Hotel are a good fit similar to the other restaurants and shops I've been to in other Shanri-La Hotels.


There are two entrances for Market. One is the main entrance on Alberni street. The other is via the hotel entrance along West Georgia street. If you can't take the stairs, they do have an elevator a few steps away which leads to a walkway and onto the glass entrance.

Once inside, there is a hostess and a sofa that separates the waiting patrons from the diners. I would highly recommend obtaining a reservation to avoid any long wait as the place can get pretty full.

There are basically three dining sections. One is along the bar with a darker and more sexy feel. The second is their main dining area that is well-lit. The third is a secluded section that can be reserved for groups looking for private dining.

Here is the sexy bar with it's fuschia lighting theme.

Across the bar are small round tables to accommodate a couples wishing to give each other their attention than collectively facing the bartender.

Back to the main dining area.

Once your table is ready, you're promptly seated and provided their menu which at that time they were serving their lunch 3-course prix fixe.

You have a simple, but elegantly set table with fresh orchids and salt seasoning on one side.

While individual servings of jellies, jam, marmalade, hot sauce and a variety of sugar on the other side.

First order of the day is to wake oneself up with a serving of homemade ginger ale.

The Black Truffle Fontina Cheese Pizza was the highlight of my meal. Good choice for using black truffles which made is more pronounced. The crust was definitely light and crispy.

Another appie that arrived was the "Black Pepper" Crab Fritter. Four delicately fried balls sitting on a bed of thick and sweet black pepper sauce. I could have ended my meal right there and gave the restaurant a perfect 10.


Alas the rest of the course arrived.

The Grilled MARKET Burger which two pieces of sirloin patties, two fried pieces of onion rings, and finished with Russian dressing tasted too ordinary. They could have just easily called it a "Grilled Burger" than stamp their "MARKET" name on it. If you want a signature burger, go head to DB Bistro Moderne instead.

The burgers did look visually tasty and it actually very juicy. It still didn't deserve being the signature burger of any restaurant because it left me thinking, "this is the best you've got?"

We also had the Pacific Sole which was sitting on a bed of sauteed spinach and sweet garlic lemon broth. Again, nothing special taste-wise. While the plating was something you could easily find in any restaurant.


If I'm sounding too critical at this point, you would have to understand that we're talking about one of the restaurants of internationally acclaimed three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.


But then again the three Michelin stars does apply to his New York restaurant, Jean Georges. Still, the menu for Vancouver represent's a pick of the chef's favourite items from his other dining places.

Moving on to dessert. What we have here is Chocolate Pudding with whipped cream, err softly whipped cream, and crystallized Violets. But as I taste the minute amount of crystallized violets, I can't help to wonder if this was necessary as the chocolate itself drowns the delicate violet taste. The pudding and whipped cream alone was wonderful. The violets made it look fancier especially on paper.

Next up was the Green Apple Crisp with a small scoop of Cinnamon ice cream. The only portion I loved with this dessert was the crispy topping of baked dough and sugar. The green apple was too tart that it kept over-powering even the sweet crisps. While I was distracted by the ice particles in the Cinnamon ice cream which I would have forgave if it was a sorbet.

Overall, the main entree and dessert was a bit disappointing. Although it was technically cooked and assembled almost perfectly, the taste was pretty much ordinary. There was no character in the dishes. If I stopped at the appetizers, it would have been a great experience.


I still did enjoy the overall ambiance and service that I would definitely come back and go thru MARKET's selection.

[FOODIE: dim sum] GOLDEN PHOENIX CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

I had my dim sum moments of doing the rounds within Metro Vancouver and then went into hiatus. Starting all over again in 2010, it's time to revisit Golden Phoenix Chinese Seafood Restaurant.

Golden Phoenix Chinese Seafood Restaurant

2425 Nanaimo St

Vancouver, BC V5N 5E5
Telephone: 604.253.9717 / 604.253.6183
Hours: Fri-Sat - 9am-1am; Mon-Thurs - TBD 

SNAPSHOT:

Food: 7/10
Service: 9/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Pricing: $$ (under $20 per head)

Pros: Comfy hole-in-the-wall size; Great service; Good dim sum pricing
Cons: Come early or be prepared to wait during prime dim sum hours; Will get pretty cramped; Pseudo-dim sum cart service (there really is no space to move around there)

Overall Rating: 7/10

Notes: Accepts VISA/Mastercard/Debit

Parking can get pretty tough to find as there are a handful of restaurants within the block.  If people arriving going here to Golden Phoenix, then they're probably heading next door to Bon's Off Broadway. Or if you're lucky, you may be able to find an available spot at the back entrance where they have a private lot. The only problem is the alley road is dilapidated it's practically a moon crater.

Here's the rear parking lot with parked cars on the right side. There is another set similar to this on the left side. You find a big enough room for all the cars to maneuver out of their own space.

The rear entrance which doesn't look inviting to go thru, but will lead you into the hallway and onto the dining area. If you go this route and then is a line, then you'll have to make your way into the main entrance to place yourself on que.


It's always a challenge to experience dim sum dining when you're not with a group. You'd want to order most of the items that come your way and the best always seem to come out last just when you're stuffed.

The first item that came our way was a deep fried breaded shrimp dish with a side of sweet and sour dipping sauce. It was lightly breaded and chewy inside with shrimp and pork portions similar to shumai.

Speaking of shumai, they serve it in four large pieces. Being the most popular and staple dish of dim sum diners, it can get very tired. But their particular variety I enjoyed not necessarily because it was large (okay, maybe because it was large...kidding), but the size accommodated bigger mushroom pieces that gave a very pronounced taste.

Even if you find yourself holding back into ordering something more adventurous, how can you resist not ordering the Har Gow (shrimp dumplings). I like it when the skin is paper thin and not sticky outside that it manages to latch into anything around your plate. These were pretty decent especially for the size and price.

I know, I know...normal dim sum items. I promise, I'm not that boring, but I did mention that it was hard to hold back for more adventurous selections when you're tummy is grumbling and everything that comes out of the kitchen is now tasty.


I like their salt and pepper tofu. Just close your eyes and imagine it's salt and pepper Dungeness crabs. Poof! Back to reality. The tofu is mildly spiced despite the visual alarming presence of chili. There are also garlic bits which is a welcome addition when paired to the crunchy outer tofu texture. Not for the people who are easily sqeamish with a good amount of oil soaked in the food. Tsk, tsk.

Looking for fusion food? Look no further. More shrimps, please. This time deep fried Spring rolls wrapped with shrimps that are wasabi-laced. I did like the dish. It wasn't as oily as the tofu.

No matter what I order, I always find myself going for Cha Siu Bao (BBQ pork filled steamed buns).  I was disappointed because it was over-steamed that the buns were too moist and were practically falling apart. Unlike the above dishes so far, this looked like it came from another dim sum place. The filling was sparse versus the amount of dough which is apparent on the photo.

Ah, yes. One of the reasons why I come back here is for their variety of sesame balls. I always choose the black sesame variety which is differentiated from the outside with the abundant black sesame seed coating the sticky rice shaped ball. While inside you'll find the black sesame paste that I find sweet and milky in taste. Definitely a good cap for a dim sum meal.

Pricing for Golden Phoenix as follows - $2.95, $3.25, $3.50, $3.95, $4.25, and $4.95. I've never tried to determine where each dim sum dish falls under. It's not like you wouldn't order a dish that looked visually pleasing anyway. In any case it was interesting trying to guess where they would mark the dish.


Oh and like any dim sum place, there is an automatic $0.60 per person charge for serving tea.

[FOODIE: pan asian] BO LAKSA KING

Better late than later. I have to admit, I'm so late in the game in trying this place out but I'm so glad I finally took the time to walk inside the only single entrance for the grocery store and past all the snacks I was finally led to the other section which is Bo Laksa King.


Bo Laksa King4910 Joyce St, Vancouver, BC V5R 4G6
Telephone: 604.339.0038
Hours: Sun-Thurs - 10.30am-6pm (lunch), 6pm-12am (dinner); Fri-Sat - 10.30-6pm (lunch), 6pm-2am (dinner)

SNAPSHOT:

Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambiance: N/A
Pricing: Very decent...go now!

Pros: Fresh, home-made cooking; Great service and cheap pricing especially when ordering their combo meals.
Cons: Cash Only; Hole-in-the-wall with two small tables inside a grocery store; Best to order on the go.

Overall Rating: 10/10

Notes: Cash only; Make sure to order combo meals to avail of the discount.




Situated along the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood just one block NE off the Joyce Skytrain station. You'll find what is the most literal husband and wife hole-in-the-wall eatery with the best prices and best Pan Asian cooking in town.


They've definitely come a long way from their original lunch menus below and have gone into expanding to dinner service which starts at 6pm and last February started offering delivery with posted rates on their website.


Here are their humble signs and kitchen...starting with the left window....

The right window...

And the centre countertop...

Behind the counter is where they prepare your order. Home cooking at it's best. These are the Roti Canai ($5.99 for two large pieces) that were hand kneaded right on the spot to ensure freshness and flakiness.

Over here is the Asian Beef Wrap ($4.50)...

And here's how it looks neatly presented. The wrap itself was warmed, while the inside is eaten cold like fresh spring rolls which is full of vegetables with beef glazed with honey. It was on the sweet side, which I really liked and one which I felt perfectly complemented the spicy dishes that you can pair with.


By the way, if you order their soup and wrap combo then they give you a $2.00 discount. Or if you order any two wraps then you get a $1.50 discount. You can't get any better than these combo-value meal.

And here's how the Roti Canai order is presented. You have two big pieces and a side chicken curry dipping sauce.

 I appreciated the flakiness of the roti. You can't get any fresher than this. The next time I come back, I would request them to cut the roti into small pieces so they are ready for dunking.


Oh, and by the way you can also order the roti in a sweet version. They pour condensed milk on it before rolling it up.

The dipping sauce looked quite a lot, but those roti did a good amount of absorption which enabled me to almost gulp it all down. Be warned though that the sauce is on the salty side so wolf it down on the cautious side.

Of course, you can't really come over to Bo Laksa King for the first time without ordering the Laksa. It was tasty. Lots of spices. It was also spicy hot, but at a manageable level. You have your dry ingredients in one bowl and the curry sauce in another. You pour the curry sauce onto the dry ingredients and presto...you have two bowls ready for splitting.

If you're brave enough and you're burning tongue can still take it, feel free to gulp down the curry sauce.

With the overall experience of customer service, food quality and taste, and pricing. You can't get any better than this. Definitely foodietastic!