Travelling Mini Post #2 Vancouver

I just finished up a work trip in Vancouver in which I was allowed approx 50/dinner paid for by the company. I used this opportunity to eat and eat well, and managed to knock off a few items that were on my TO TRY list.

Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me so this entry will be lacking in photos.

Here are some places/meals of note.

Japadog 530 Robson Street, Downtown Vancouver.

I initially heard about Japadog on Eat st.. It started out as a food truck serving up Japanese inspired hotdogs.

I had:

• Terimayo - which according to the locals in the joint, is the flagship dog at Japadog.

Weird combination, but it worked. The sweetness from the teriyaki, saltiness from the seaweed balanced themselves out nicely. The wiener was delicious and could probably stand alone if you're looking for a regular hotdog, but I recommend trying the Terimayo out.

Don Guacamole's 1333 Robson Street, Downtown Vancouver.

Neat little place that serves up tortila chips made in house as well as really good homemade guacamole, fresh salsa, chipotle salsa and salsa verde. The main attraction here was 4 tacos for 10$. My latino buddy who was with me assured me that this is about as close to authentic Mexican street food (although in a restaurant) as you could get outside of Mexico.

I had

• Chef's special x 2 which was shredded pork with a spice combination that was reminiscent of mole poblano 
• shredded lamb
• beef tongue. 

All were good with the chef's special probably being my favorite. The tongue was good, honestly just tasted like and had the texture of braised beef. I was almost a little disappointed that it wasn't crazier but its also my pleasure to inform all of you out there that you don't have to throw out the tongue from your game meat. Eat it and serve it to your family/guests. maybe just disguise it in spaghetti sauce or something for the kids.

Au Petit Chavignol 843 East Hastings.

While not my favorite meal (although it was very close and would love to try the dinner menu) this was by far my favorite place. I could go on about it for a few pages but this entry is already probably too long given no pics so click here if want more details on Au Petit Chavignol. Essential a kick ass little cheese and wine bar right next to the most amazing cheese shop I've ever been to.

I had

• Cheeseburger with truffle pecorino and pommes frites. 

I am completely comfortable saying that this is the best burger I have ever had. The difference (in my eyes) between a good burger and a great burger is the ability to not only have good ingredients that go well together, but to also prepare them in a way that the ingredients don't blend all together at get lost. Mission accomplished here.

The Italian Kitchen 1037 Alberni St., downtown Vancouver

I had:

• Bone marrow and Beef tenderloin tartare
• Gnocchi in basil and roasted tomato in cream sauce

The Gnocchi was perfect, and was really deserving of a long write up, but I want to use the space for the appetizer because it was possibly the best thing I've ever eaten. I've been wanting to try bone marrow and beef tartare for some time so I was thrilled to see them both included on the same appetizer. This dish was the perfect contrast and showed a variety in beef that was previously unknown to me.

The Marrow was the star of this dish and I'm having a hard time explaining it except that it was the deepest flavour I have ever experienced. It was served still in the bone (split lengthwise). I scraped it out from the crevasse in the bone and spread it onto crusty bread like butter. It was decedent and I ended up eating it alone with a spoon after a few bites. For those of you that love rich beef flavour and enjoy chewing a few times instead of swallowing your raw oysters whole, you have to try this. It changed the way I look at food in terms of what part of the animal to use.

Next on the list of TO TRY: Caribou marrow which was described by Farley Mowat in People of the Deer as the more delicious thing he had ever eaten.

The tartare was also perfect, although still pale in comparison to the marrow. Instead of being heavy like I expected, it was refreshing and sort of reminded me of a land version of ceviche. It had some bright flavours like lemon juice and capers which sort of lightened the richness of the beef. Perfect contrast and companion to the marrow.

Coast 1054 Alberni st., Downtown Vancouver

I had:

• Scallop ceviche
• A Kumamoto Oyster
• White Sturgeon

This was a good example of having good ingredients, and just letting them shine. The ceviche was excellent but my favorite part of the meal was the oyster. I'm starting to learn that oysters are kind of like wine in that their surroundings contribute to their flavour. Makes for a lot of variety. As the menu suggested, this little guy had hints of watermelon. Kind of like that last bite or two of the watermelon that has a bit of the rind. Very refreshing while still packing that taste of the ocean.

It was my first time having sturgeon, which in this case, was stamped by ocean wise's seal of approval. It has a rich buttery flavour. Think lobster but with the texture of halibut. I loved it.

I'm now back in Whitehorse for a few days then off on a vacation to Toronto, Boston, and New York until the last week in April but I plan on doing a few entries while away so check back soon!

-Maciej