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.
Behind the aforementioned guilty pleasures is Marseille-born chef and proprietor, Jean-Francis Quaglia, who recommended I try his grilled Halibut, which was exactly how he describes his style of cooking , 'light and fresh, often with garlic and olive oil'. Served with legumes vert, saffron new potatoes, and topped with a marinated oven-dried plum tomato vinaigrette, this fillet was so tender, it was almost creamy:
Jean-Francis' Juicy Tidbits
Q: If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: That's a tough one. I love so many things. I'd have to say fish.
Q: What is your favorite Vancouver restaurant (other than your own!)?
A: Hapa Izakaya
Q: What is your trashy indulgence? (i.e. That late night treat you grab from 7/11 or the drive-thru.)
A: Chocolate-covered digestive cookies or Ferrero Rocher.
Q: Is there a food you refuse to eat because you got sick after eating it?
A: No. I'm pretty adventurous. And my mom was a great chef, so I was lucky.
Q: What is the sexiest food?
A: Spot prawns and Dungeness crab. The work involved in eating these foods makes them sexy and gives you a chance to talk to your guests.
Q: What is your favorite dessert?
A: Black sesame ice cream or black sesame creme brulee...anything 'black sesame'.
Q: What is your favorite comfort food?
A: Goat cheese lightly breaded with herbes de Provence, eaten with bread.
Q: Will you show me your 'to die for face'!? (An expression occurring at the taste of 'to die for' food...you know the one...)
You should follow me on twitter @erin_ireland and check out my website http://erin-ireland.com.
Ciao for now.
