At first glance, you wouldn't notice it.  With a discreet sign, its exterior is unassuming.

Nestled above Sip Resto Lounge - the place for boozy food - there is a petite restaurant serving magical tapas-style dishes that, from my experience, warrant 'oos' and 'ahs'. 

The Refinery, with its mix of long bar-style seating and smaller, candlelit tables for two (set in a separate dining area overlooking lively Granville Street) is perfect for a party or an intimate date. 

As for their menu, you really can't go wrong.  A few items that jump off the page: Cinnamon-Seared Duck Breast, Prosciutto Flatbread with brie and balsamic onion jam, and the Lamb Carpaccio with cherry tomato relish, truffle aioli & potato chips. 

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'It's to die for' may not be a commonly used expression in Japan.  Nonetheless, top sushi chef Kazuhiro Hayashi didn't think twice before assuming the according facial expression when I requested a photo op.  The popular North American expression is, no doubt, thrown about as passionately as the rice at Miku Restaurant - Aburi Sushi Gourmet Cuisine located at #2-1055 West Hastings Street.

Aburi sushi, introduced to North America by Miku, is flame-seared with charcoal the instant before it's delivered to your table.  Click here to watch a stealth demonstration - which, at first, may appear to be a James Bond movie trailer. 

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As a painfully picky child, my condemning eyes would have shed teardrops at the sight of these classic, butter and parsley Escargots de Bourgogne:

Nowadays, when done right, this sumptuous French treat causes tears of joy. The best I've found in Vancouver are at Les Faux Bourgeois, a cozy, authentic bistro, located at 663 East 15th Avenue.

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When in France, I survive on a diet consisting primarily of crepes.  Their intoxicating scent wafting through the lively streets is utterly impossible to avoid!  The only cure...is to wholeheartedly indulge.

For equally addictive European fare, visit Provence, located at 1177 Marinaside Crescent.  Their French Toasted Baguette or Belgian Sugar Waffles are unforgettable, as is the weekend 'dog + owner-watching' from the premier Yaletown waterfront patio.

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Meatloaf.  Do you know what's in it?  Could be bread, could be meat.  Mystery surrounds this molded fare, which undoubtedly added to the gloominess of the great depression, when it was most popular.

Say hello to The Templeton - an outstanding oxymoron of a restaurant located at 1087 Granville Street, serving a 'loaf' guaranteed to cause anything but melancholy. 

What looks like your classic greasy spoon is actually Whole Foods in disguise.  Well, not exactly.  But many imaginative menu items, like 'Baked Grapefruit with brown sugar & pecans' or 'Blueberry Bagel with Brie' are similar to what's available at my supermarket fantasyland.

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The food served at Burgoo Bistro, located at 3096 Main Street, is more comforting than my hot water bottle on a chilly Vancouver night, the feel of a brand new pair of socks, or arriving nice and early to the airport for an international flight.

Chatting with Justin Joyce, one of the owners of Burgoo Bistro, made me feel the same way. If not for the food, stop by one of his cozy, cabin-like joints (there are three) to meet a joy of a man and an avid foodie. Needless to say, I felt enormously safe taking his spring menu recommendation: the Chicken Salad Sandwich with Yummy Carrot Soup:

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Last night I decided that I wanted to check out Raw Canvas. I had heard about it from a friend, and seen it in the TD cards, and thought it was time to see what all the fuss was about. A short walk to Yaletown, and taking a moment to wander along Hamilton I found Raw Canvas. Initially hard to find, with a lack of visible signage from a distance, Raw Canvas was in fact very easy to get to.

I went there with the intention of painting, getting the creative side of me all fired up with a glass of wine. But the laid back atmosphere in combination with relaxing music, good conversation, and a bottle of easy to drink wine (Cono Sur; Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008- deliciously fruity and very soft tannins) meant I got distracted. The waitress that served us was really nice, she was happy to be at work and enjoyed what she was doing- which makes a huge difference.

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It’s funny that when you type in ‘bop’ to the Google search you get the federal bureau of prisons website, a description of ‘bottom of the pyramid’ in terms of the largest but poorest social-economic group, definitions of bop referring to fighting and dancing methods, and information about festivals coming up over the summer. But bop is also the term used to describe boiled rice in traditional Korean cuisine. Like all national cuisine, Korean food has evolved, influenced by different cultural trends. The Korean style of cooking originated from the region of southern Manchuria and the northern Korean peninsula, with variations dependent on the province. There are ten main styles of Korean cooking, all involving rice, noodles, vegetables and meats.... and heavy seasoning with sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, garlic, and giner.

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Sean Heather, household name and well known owner of a few notable eateries (Irish Heather Gastropub, Salty Tongue Deli, Salt Tasting Room), has recently unveiled his newest accomplishment- Judas Goat Taberna. With the opening delayed by weeks, the launch of the new tapas bar at the beginning of March was eagerly watched by foodies, bloggers and gourmet guzzlers alike. And judging by the reviews the new Spanish style Tapas bar did not disappoint.  

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Provence Marinaside

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