9/11 is a phrase which just needs to be said, and not explained. I still remember this day, 10 years ago, napping on the Skytrain, on the way to my classes at UBC, blissfully unaware of the horror that was unfolding on the other side of the continent. I heard a few people discussing planes slamming into buildings and the Pentagon being attacked by those around me, but I just figured they were discussing an action movie and so I went back to sleep...
It wasn't until arrived on campus and found a group of people huddled around a radio that I came to hear of 'America under attack', and what had earlier seemed like fiction, suddenly became reality. Needless to say, the rest of the day, no one payed any attention in class, and we all were more interested in finding a TV during breaks to find out just what was happening.
10 years onwards, undoubtedly America has changed. Minorities, in particular Muslims, I feel will never be trusted again. Security in normal places is just incredible. The sense of freedom, which I observed as an outsider, is now lost.
There is no doubt that not one of the many thousands of innocent lives which were lost that day deserved their fate. But many innocents have died in retaliation throughout the world as well. And I have a feeling, this was the gripe that many throughout the world had before the whole attack took place anyway. Rather than engaging in a dialogue to find out what the cause of the anger against it was, America has just gone about trying to crush it. In my opinion, the world still looks upon the USA, and in particular their foreign policies, with disdain... the goodwill and sympathy the world shared 10 years ago is now lost.
Osama bin Ladens goal was to terrorize the western world into accepting his philosophies. That has not happen. The USA is resilient enough, and will never be forced to act as cowards. Moreover, Bin Laden is now dead, and Al Queda is not the force it once was. Coupled with the slow self democratization of the Middle East, it seems as if people are slowly turning away from Radical Islam, and more towards tolarism and peace.
So where are we? Back to Square One? I don't think either side here has been a 'victor'. Will we forever maintain the status quo of respecting America for its might, but privately cursing them for the arrogance, and the ambivalence they often show? I hope not... if the wounds continue to fester, I worry it is just a matter of time before a new Bin Laden emerges, and a new chapter of fiction becomes a frightening reality.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Restaurant Review: Mirch Masala
Mirch Masala
9545 120 St
Surrey, BC
As a follow up to the previous post, I suppose I should review one of the restaurants we WENT to, after our last hike.
Mirch Masala is a restaurant I had generally heard good things about, and as we were passing through Surrey on the way back to campus, we decided to stop there for dinner.
In all honesty, I felt that the quality of the food did not live up to the hype. We ordered Malai Kofta, Prawn Curry and Chilli Chicken, along with Rice and Naan for everyone. Although the restaurant was clean, the service was prompt, and the amounts were plentiful, I felt disappointed with the taste of the food... there are definitely better tasting restaurants in Surrey, and that too, at lower prices.
Location: 2.5/5
Service/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 2/5
9545 120 St
Surrey, BC
As a follow up to the previous post, I suppose I should review one of the restaurants we WENT to, after our last hike.
Mirch Masala is a restaurant I had generally heard good things about, and as we were passing through Surrey on the way back to campus, we decided to stop there for dinner.
In all honesty, I felt that the quality of the food did not live up to the hype. We ordered Malai Kofta, Prawn Curry and Chilli Chicken, along with Rice and Naan for everyone. Although the restaurant was clean, the service was prompt, and the amounts were plentiful, I felt disappointed with the taste of the food... there are definitely better tasting restaurants in Surrey, and that too, at lower prices.
Location: 2.5/5
Service/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 2/5
Hiking
Summer 2011 is almost over, and the one thing that has stood out in my mind is the number of amazing hikes I have gone on this summer. I managed to find a nice group of people on campus who share the enthusiasm, and we went on 6-7 hikes located all around the Lower Mainland. They were all of varying amounts of difficulty, but at the end, I think we all felt a certain amount of satisfaction (along with exhaustion). The interesting thing is, prior to this summer, although I have always been a fitness enthusiast, I have never been much of a hiker. I am happy that this summer has changed that. I also came to realise just how blessed we are to live in such an amazing place where there are amazing natural landscapes to be discovered all within two hours of the city.
On a side note, I now accept that the post-hike meal, is undoubtedly the most satisfying meal one can enjoy! :D
On a side note, I now accept that the post-hike meal, is undoubtedly the most satisfying meal one can enjoy! :D
Friday, September 9, 2011
Just call me 'Bittoo'...
I have come to realize something... I may have chosen the wrong profession. Rather than 'Civil Engineer', I should have gone for 'Event Planner'.
Over the past few months, I have been working with the Graduate Student Society (GSS) at UBC as their 'Orientation Coordinator'. The work was part time, entailing a few hours a week. Basically I was responsible for helping to plan, arrange, and coordinate the Orientation Events which occur during the first week of September for new Graduate Students who arrive at UBC for their studies, along with the other GSS execs. It kind of took me back to my days on the UTSAV-ISA exec, only that we were dealing with a higher volume of students.
Orientation week was last week, and over the course of the week, I became a Tour Guide/Laborer/Manager/Waiter/Secretary all in the name of Event Management. All in all, everything went off with almost no problems. I sometime think this might be something I am naturally good at! Now just to find a 'Shruti Kakkar' for a partner... hmmm... ;)
Over the past few months, I have been working with the Graduate Student Society (GSS) at UBC as their 'Orientation Coordinator'. The work was part time, entailing a few hours a week. Basically I was responsible for helping to plan, arrange, and coordinate the Orientation Events which occur during the first week of September for new Graduate Students who arrive at UBC for their studies, along with the other GSS execs. It kind of took me back to my days on the UTSAV-ISA exec, only that we were dealing with a higher volume of students.
Orientation week was last week, and over the course of the week, I became a Tour Guide/Laborer/Manager/Waiter/Secretary all in the name of Event Management. All in all, everything went off with almost no problems. I sometime think this might be something I am naturally good at! Now just to find a 'Shruti Kakkar' for a partner... hmmm... ;)
Monday, August 8, 2011
Stampede Time
A few weeks ago, I went to visit some old friends in 'Cowtown', AKA, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. One of my good friends had just moved there, I had a free ticket, and accommodation and food paid for, so it was a no brainer. On top of that, it was time for the Calgary Stampede, which is one of the truly Canadian Events that I have heard a lot about, but had never been to.
Calgary is basically a city in development. Given the proximity to abundant energy resources, it is just a matter of time before the infrastructure/population develops to the point where it becomes a major international destination. Unfortunately, there are very few social activities for people to partake in, other than the Stampede. Basically, it is a chance for Calgaryites to let themselves loose, and pretend like they are back in the old west. There is a huge fair put on at the stampede grounds, with a mainly agriculture theme. I don't think I have ever seen so many farm animals in one place at once. Lots of usual amusement park kind of things, like games, rides, and plenty of junk food. There are modern 'saloons' serving alcohol which are set up in tents around the ground which seemed pretty rowdy.
The main events which go on during the stampede everyday are the afternoon rodeo, and the evening chuckwagon race, followed by a stageshow and fireworks. While we missed out on the rodeo, we did get tickets for the race and evening show.
In all honesty, the chuckwagon race got a bit dull... essentially four horses are hitched to the front of a wagon and raced around the track at high speeds. It gets a bit repetitive after a while. Rather, we enjoyed the show/fireworks which followed. The show was a bit like 'Cirque de Soleil', with acrobats performing truly phenomenal physical feats, and even the fireworks were pretty good. All in all, it was a good day. :)
Bachelorlife Timings
Just some amusing timings I have noticed about myself, and are probably applicable to any single guy living alone.
When will he go out to buy household supplies?
When he is out of toilet paper...
When will he do his laundry?
When he is out of clean underwear...
When will he cook something?
When the fridge is completely empty.
When will he clean his place?
When he knows a pretty girl will be coming over.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Restaurant Review: Anatolias Gate
Anatolia's Gate Restaurant
7084 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC
Anatolias Gate is a Turkish Restaurant located in Burnaby. It had been recommended to me by a friend of mine, so when the opportunity came this past weekend to go there for another friends birthday celebration, I decided not to miss it.
Turkish food is somewhat of a fusion between Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines. You get spicy meat kebabs, and oven roasted breads combined with interesting uses of vegetables, and delightful desserts.
I ordered a Lamb Shish Kebab plate, which came with roasted Lamb Shish Kebab, Lavash Bread, Side Salad, Rice and Yogurt. Before this we had also ordered a unique type of appetizer, which basically was a vegetable casserole. I hadn't expected this, and must say it was done quite well.
The food was made fresh, and promptly, and I had no complaints. The portions were adequate, as we had out bellies filled. For dessert we rounded off with Baklava and Turkish Tea. The ambiance leaves a bit to be desired, as it isn't exactly an Arabian wonderland type of setting.
Location: 2.5/5
Service/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 3.5/5
7084 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC
Anatolias Gate is a Turkish Restaurant located in Burnaby. It had been recommended to me by a friend of mine, so when the opportunity came this past weekend to go there for another friends birthday celebration, I decided not to miss it.
Turkish food is somewhat of a fusion between Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines. You get spicy meat kebabs, and oven roasted breads combined with interesting uses of vegetables, and delightful desserts.
I ordered a Lamb Shish Kebab plate, which came with roasted Lamb Shish Kebab, Lavash Bread, Side Salad, Rice and Yogurt. Before this we had also ordered a unique type of appetizer, which basically was a vegetable casserole. I hadn't expected this, and must say it was done quite well.
The food was made fresh, and promptly, and I had no complaints. The portions were adequate, as we had out bellies filled. For dessert we rounded off with Baklava and Turkish Tea. The ambiance leaves a bit to be desired, as it isn't exactly an Arabian wonderland type of setting.
Location: 2.5/5
Service/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 3.5/5
How adult are our parents?
Was watching the movie 'Delhi Belly' last weekend. For those of you who have not seen it, Delhi Belly is Bollywood Comedy, but what makes it unique is that it is one of the first mainstream Bollywood Movies which has humor which is truly 'Adult'. The characters speak in profanity laden sentences, and the humor is generally crude, dirty, and often related to sex. This is unlike 99% of Bollywood Movies which are generally family friendly entertainers. The movie is definitely pathbreaking, but won't be getting laughs from everyone.
Having been previously warned about the content matter, I decided to watch this movie a bit later at night, after my parents had gone to sleep. Unfortunately, the movie had me in stitches, and I was laughing quite loudly. My mom woke up, and walked into the living room only to be greeted by a scene where one of the main characters was engaged in an act which left him in an 'interesting' position, to say the least.
Mom was a bit shocked, and asked me what the heck I was watching... I sheepishly told her that this was an 'Adult' movie and that she probably wouldn't enjoy it... she gave me a bemused look, and I kind of realised that she technically IS an adult, just somewhere along the line, I seem to have forgotten that!
Sometimes we forget, our parents are 'Adults' too! They are much more mature, understanding, and generally better able to compromise than us, but sometimes we forget this. I am still not going to be comfortable watching 'Delhi Belly' with my parents, but its not because they are not 'Adult' enough, just that there is a generation gap, and my sense of humor is actually probably not as 'Adult' as theirs...
Having been previously warned about the content matter, I decided to watch this movie a bit later at night, after my parents had gone to sleep. Unfortunately, the movie had me in stitches, and I was laughing quite loudly. My mom woke up, and walked into the living room only to be greeted by a scene where one of the main characters was engaged in an act which left him in an 'interesting' position, to say the least.
Mom was a bit shocked, and asked me what the heck I was watching... I sheepishly told her that this was an 'Adult' movie and that she probably wouldn't enjoy it... she gave me a bemused look, and I kind of realised that she technically IS an adult, just somewhere along the line, I seem to have forgotten that!
Sometimes we forget, our parents are 'Adults' too! They are much more mature, understanding, and generally better able to compromise than us, but sometimes we forget this. I am still not going to be comfortable watching 'Delhi Belly' with my parents, but its not because they are not 'Adult' enough, just that there is a generation gap, and my sense of humor is actually probably not as 'Adult' as theirs...
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Sustainability and Society
Sustainability and the environment are not topics that I have seriously thought about up until the last few years. This has changed for two main reasons. Firstly, these two topics are always in the news these days, so they are impossible to avoid. Secondly (and more importantly for me), my PhD Thesis topic has to do with sustainability and infrastructure. Consequently, I have learnt alot about how infrastructure affects the environment, and in a vicious cycle, how the environment affects our infrastructure.
I was attending a Symposium last week which had to do with 'Sustainability in Engineering'. One of the keynote speakers was a gentleman named Mr. Peter Robinson who was with the David Suzuki Foundation, a group dedicated to Environmental Issues in Canada, and around the world. He was one of the better speakers of the day, and I enjoyed his talk very much.
One statement he made really made an impression on me. He said that he felt Environmental Sustainability could never be achieved without achieving Societal Sustainability first. The two go hand in hand. That is, unless Society develops in a sustainable and responsible manner, Environmental Sustainability will be a dream, and our Ecosystem will continue to degenerate.
I felt this was a very poignant remark. We can engineer as many solutions as we want to Global Climate Change and environmental issues, but as long as we, as a society, do not have the will to sacrifice and adapt ourselves to living a sustainable lifestyle, technological innovation will be pointless. We may claim we want to save the Rainforest, but how many of us check if our coffee beans are certified by the Rainforest Allaince? We may claim we want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but how many of us would prefer to drive a hybrid vehicle over a high-powered BMW? We chide the 3rd world for developing in an unsustainable manner, and take pride when we cut our emissions by a few percent, but our frame of reference is so narrow that we forget that we are the ones whose excessive consumption has effectively caused the crisis we are in in the first place!
It is one thing to talk big, and to maybe develop a few potential solutions. It is another thing to act on our words and implement them. If we are serious about saving the planet, lets stop just talking about it, make some sacrifices, and actually do it.
I was attending a Symposium last week which had to do with 'Sustainability in Engineering'. One of the keynote speakers was a gentleman named Mr. Peter Robinson who was with the David Suzuki Foundation, a group dedicated to Environmental Issues in Canada, and around the world. He was one of the better speakers of the day, and I enjoyed his talk very much.
One statement he made really made an impression on me. He said that he felt Environmental Sustainability could never be achieved without achieving Societal Sustainability first. The two go hand in hand. That is, unless Society develops in a sustainable and responsible manner, Environmental Sustainability will be a dream, and our Ecosystem will continue to degenerate.
I felt this was a very poignant remark. We can engineer as many solutions as we want to Global Climate Change and environmental issues, but as long as we, as a society, do not have the will to sacrifice and adapt ourselves to living a sustainable lifestyle, technological innovation will be pointless. We may claim we want to save the Rainforest, but how many of us check if our coffee beans are certified by the Rainforest Allaince? We may claim we want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but how many of us would prefer to drive a hybrid vehicle over a high-powered BMW? We chide the 3rd world for developing in an unsustainable manner, and take pride when we cut our emissions by a few percent, but our frame of reference is so narrow that we forget that we are the ones whose excessive consumption has effectively caused the crisis we are in in the first place!
It is one thing to talk big, and to maybe develop a few potential solutions. It is another thing to act on our words and implement them. If we are serious about saving the planet, lets stop just talking about it, make some sacrifices, and actually do it.
Restaurant Review: Chilli House Thai Bistro
Chilli House Thai Bistro
1018 Beach Avenue
Vancouver, BC
My blog has been woefully unattended to the last few months, and I figured it was time to update with a restaurant review. Went out for a lovely evening last weekend for a friends birthday, part of which involved dinner at the Chilli House Bistro located at the edge of False Creek almost directly underneath the Burrard Street Bridge.
The Chilli House Bistro is kind of an upscale Thai Restaurant, located in a beautiful part of Vancouver. The surroundings and the atmosphere are really lovely, as you can enjoy your meal and get a great view of False Creek at the same time. Unfortunately, this comes at a premium as the prices for dishes here are $4-$5 than most other Thai Restaurants around town.
In terms of quality of food , it was quite standard. I ordered the Pad Bai Grapua (Stir Fried Chicken and Vegetables) with rice, and found the taste to be good, but nothing extraordinary. The portions were good to full the stomach, but not excessive.
Overall, a nice restaurant, but overpriced.
Location: 5/5
Service/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 3/5
A question of happiness...
A thought has been passing my mind a bit these past few days.
What is true happiness?
Yes, that is actually quite a deep, complicated question, but I would like to narrow it down a bit.
Specifically, should one be happy if they are content with what they are given, or should they be happy if they get what they desire? Does the former inspire lethargy, and the latter inspire greed? Maybe there is a happy medium in between?
Not really sure of the answer myself, but would like to hear some thoughts.
Monday, April 25, 2011
A Short Rant
Something is irritating me today... and it is actually quite silly. And it has to do with Social Networking.
1) Why are there people who insist on adding you to their 'friends' list, login regularly to check up on what everyone else is doing, and yet insist on keeping their own profile totally private? What is the point of social networking, if you refuse to be social yourself?
Guess what... all you are doing is being creepy, and are nothing better than a snooper.
2) Why are there people who login to regularly check up on what everyone else is doing, and yet take forever to respond to their own postings?
Guess what... we all know you are jobless enough to be logging into Facebook like the rest of us, so stop trying to act like you are too busy to be doing so.
That is all.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Restaurant Review: Desi Dosa Madras
Desi Dosa Madras
8859 120 St.
Delta, BC
Went out for South Indian food last weekend, and thought I would write a quick review. Desi Dosa Madras is a veg/non veg South Indian restaurant located on Scott Rd in Surrey/Delta. Unlike most South Indian Restaurants in Vancouver, the place has more of an upscale, refined feel, yet, the prices are kept very reasonable, and the cuisine offered is quite thorough. Everything from Biryani to Dosa to Uttapam to Idlis to Coffee is offered, and if you so desire, alcoholic drinks may also be ordered.
I must say, I was highly unimpressed with the service. Our order was not taken correctly, it took forever to get a seat, despite the fact the restaurant was half empty, and the waitress seemed to be a bit snooty. However, the lack of quality service is made up for by the plentiful food, the taste and the prices. I must say of all the South Indian restaurants I have been to in Vancouver, this place probably offers the best 'bang for your buck', as the food is tasty, and so plentiful that you can hardly finish it.
Be prepared to be frustrated by the service, but otherwise, definitely worth a check out.
Location: 3/5
Service/Ambiance: 1.5/5
Food: 4/5
Friday, March 4, 2011
Restaurant Review: Show Case Restaurant and Bar
Show Case Restaurant and Bar
1122 West Hastings St.
Vancouver, BC
I think for the first time ever, I am going to be doing a review of a 'High-End' restaurant. I guess the reason I have not done one before is because I never can afford going to such pricey places.
Show Case Restaurant and Bar is located in the lobby of the Marriot Hotel in downtown Vancouver. As most of the clientele who stay at the Marriot are usually well-to-do, this restaurant has been created with them in mind.
Walking in, you get the feeling you are walking into a place which is quite opulent. The waitress is exceedingly polite, and for the first time ever, someone offered to take a coat for me in a restaurant. I was in fact feeling a bit underdressed in my shirt and jeans.
As with such restaurants, while the service and ambiance is excellent, and the food is usually of good quality, the proportions are quite small, and the cost is really very high. I ordered the 'Seared Black Cod', which came with a side salad, and found the dish to be adequate, but not spectacular. After appetizers, main course, and drinks, you should not be expecting to spend less than $35-$40 per person. In all honesty, it probably isn't worth it, but considering that I wasn't the one paying the bill, it was okay.
Location: 5/5
Service/Ambiance: 5/5
Food: 2.5/5
1122 West Hastings St.
Vancouver, BC
I think for the first time ever, I am going to be doing a review of a 'High-End' restaurant. I guess the reason I have not done one before is because I never can afford going to such pricey places.
Show Case Restaurant and Bar is located in the lobby of the Marriot Hotel in downtown Vancouver. As most of the clientele who stay at the Marriot are usually well-to-do, this restaurant has been created with them in mind.
Walking in, you get the feeling you are walking into a place which is quite opulent. The waitress is exceedingly polite, and for the first time ever, someone offered to take a coat for me in a restaurant. I was in fact feeling a bit underdressed in my shirt and jeans.
As with such restaurants, while the service and ambiance is excellent, and the food is usually of good quality, the proportions are quite small, and the cost is really very high. I ordered the 'Seared Black Cod', which came with a side salad, and found the dish to be adequate, but not spectacular. After appetizers, main course, and drinks, you should not be expecting to spend less than $35-$40 per person. In all honesty, it probably isn't worth it, but considering that I wasn't the one paying the bill, it was okay.
Location: 5/5
Service/Ambiance: 5/5
Food: 2.5/5
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Dancing!
Okay, blogging after a looooooooong time. Why you may ask? Well, believe it or not, Mr. 2-Left-Feet actually got on stage last weekend, and grooved to a Bollywood Beat:
Not too bad if I do say so myself...
Anyway, I must admit, that when I first was asked to do this, Ihad a very good laugh. I am infamous amongst my group of friends for being a notoriously shy and incompetent dancer. However, ultimately, I decided that since I have never done anything like this before, and probably never will again, it would be a good experience. And what do you know, I actually enjoyed myself! Despite the sore legs, and losing 5lbs over 2.5 weeks of practise, but its nice to make new friends, and more importantly, its good to push yourself out of your comfort zone once in a while. You never know what you are capable of, and as long as you are not doing something dangerous, stupid, or immoral, there is no harm in trying out something new every once in a while.
It was a wonderful night, something I will always remember! Thanks to the gang for 'discovering' me and having a blast!
Not too bad if I do say so myself...
Anyway, I must admit, that when I first was asked to do this, Ihad a very good laugh. I am infamous amongst my group of friends for being a notoriously shy and incompetent dancer. However, ultimately, I decided that since I have never done anything like this before, and probably never will again, it would be a good experience. And what do you know, I actually enjoyed myself! Despite the sore legs, and losing 5lbs over 2.5 weeks of practise, but its nice to make new friends, and more importantly, its good to push yourself out of your comfort zone once in a while. You never know what you are capable of, and as long as you are not doing something dangerous, stupid, or immoral, there is no harm in trying out something new every once in a while.
It was a wonderful night, something I will always remember! Thanks to the gang for 'discovering' me and having a blast!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Online Reunion
I published a blog in 2010 about the drawbacks of online social networking. Over the holidays though, I had a very nice experience of the positive aspects.
When I used to go to India for prolonged periods as a child, I had made a friend who was basically a young university student who lived in my cousins apartment complex. I was about 7-8 years old at the time, and while it may seem weird to people here, it wasn't that uncommon for boys/girls to befriend someone who is elder to them there as an adopted 'big brother/sister'.
After my return, we kept in touch via letters, and he sort of became my pen pal. However, as with most things, over 20 years, we slowly lost touch. I had heard that he got married and had moved to the US. I remember him occasionally, as I used to have alot of fun going to his place and irritating him especially over game after game of Carrom Board (strangely, he never complained though).
Last week, out of the blue, I got a Facebook Invitation from him. I was totally shocked and pleasantly surprised that he had managed to track me down. He is now well settled in the US, and ironically now has 2 kids, who are close to the same age I was when I used to visit him as a kid. It was really a joy to get back in touch with him, and see how his life and family had progressed. I would love to meet up with him in the future, now that we are back in touch. It was indeed a very nice online reunion. :-)
When I used to go to India for prolonged periods as a child, I had made a friend who was basically a young university student who lived in my cousins apartment complex. I was about 7-8 years old at the time, and while it may seem weird to people here, it wasn't that uncommon for boys/girls to befriend someone who is elder to them there as an adopted 'big brother/sister'.
After my return, we kept in touch via letters, and he sort of became my pen pal. However, as with most things, over 20 years, we slowly lost touch. I had heard that he got married and had moved to the US. I remember him occasionally, as I used to have alot of fun going to his place and irritating him especially over game after game of Carrom Board (strangely, he never complained though).
Last week, out of the blue, I got a Facebook Invitation from him. I was totally shocked and pleasantly surprised that he had managed to track me down. He is now well settled in the US, and ironically now has 2 kids, who are close to the same age I was when I used to visit him as a kid. It was really a joy to get back in touch with him, and see how his life and family had progressed. I would love to meet up with him in the future, now that we are back in touch. It was indeed a very nice online reunion. :-)
Restaurant Reviews...
Alright, well the holidays are almost over, and I have officially gone way off my diet, and indulged in 4 different restaurants over the past 2 weeks. Sacrificing my waistline so that you can read my all important (abbreviated) reviews of these four places. Here we go:
1) Tropika
2975 Cambie St.
Vancouver, BC
To start off with, my officemates and myself went out for a Christmas lunch at this Malaysian/Thai restaurant. I had been there before, but wasn't impressed then. I definitely liked the place more this time, partially because we did a better job of ordering. We ordered pretty much every course, including appetizers, soup, lunch and coffee after, too many things to list in this review. I do however very much recommend the Eggplant Dish from the vegetarian menu. It is rated as one of the best prepared Eggplants in Vancouver, and I highly agree. We were all in good spirits and had a very pleasant lunch. This place is a bit expensive (especially for a lunch), with the cost coming to $22 /head. However, the food is very good, and the service is excellent.
Service: 4/5
Location/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 4/5
2) Vancouver Tibetan Kitchen
6591 Fraser St.
Vancouver BC
Vancouver opened up its first Tibetan restaurant 2 months ago. It is located on Fraser St and I noticed it when I went for a grocery trip a few days back. A few friends and I decided to sample what Tibetan food was like.
While the food itself was not bad, it was not what we expected. There were only two dishes which were 'Tibetan' the Momo (steamed dumplings) and Tibetan Soup. Everything else was just Indian style Chinese Food. I don't know if that is what Tibetan food is really supposed to be like, but in a way, it was disappointing.
Service: 3/5
Location/Ambiance: 2.5/5
Food: 3/5
3) Maurya Indian Cuisine
1643 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC
Christmas lunch #2 (because 1 is never enough). Maurya is a higher end Indian restaurant in Vancouver. We have been here plenty of times before, as it is an office favorite. As usual, we went for the lunch buffet, which is priced at $13.99 per person, which is probably a bit expensive for a lunch buffet.
The food itself is completely North Indian, but the buffet is quite wide ranging and very decent tasting. All the standard North Indian Veg and Non Veg dishes are included (Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Mattar Paneer, Choley, etc). There is also appetizers and desert included.
A bit pricey, but worth stopping in.
Service: 3.5/5
Location/Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 3.5/5
4) Bengali Fish and Curry
13030 76 Ave.
Surrey, BC
Phew, last one. My waistline must have expanded at least an inch. Went here for a family dinner out of curiosity, just to find out how authentically Bengali the place was. We got our answer. Not AT ALL.
It is a decent restaurant, but there is absolutely nothing Bengali about it. There is one 'Bengali Fish Curry' dish on the menu, but there is absolutely nothing Bengali about how it is prepared, and they don't use a common Bengali fish either (Cod, in place of something like Rahu or Hilsa).
The food itself is decent, although the restaurant service is lacking (one waiter for 25 odd people). The price is a bit high ($12-$20 per dish). The Chicken Methi Malai is really very good. However, they should definitely rename this place to Punjabi Fish and Curry.
Service: 2/5
Location/Ambiance: 2.5/5
Food: 3.5/5
1) Tropika
2975 Cambie St.
Vancouver, BC
To start off with, my officemates and myself went out for a Christmas lunch at this Malaysian/Thai restaurant. I had been there before, but wasn't impressed then. I definitely liked the place more this time, partially because we did a better job of ordering. We ordered pretty much every course, including appetizers, soup, lunch and coffee after, too many things to list in this review. I do however very much recommend the Eggplant Dish from the vegetarian menu. It is rated as one of the best prepared Eggplants in Vancouver, and I highly agree. We were all in good spirits and had a very pleasant lunch. This place is a bit expensive (especially for a lunch), with the cost coming to $22 /head. However, the food is very good, and the service is excellent.
Service: 4/5
Location/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 4/5
2) Vancouver Tibetan Kitchen
6591 Fraser St.
Vancouver BC
Vancouver opened up its first Tibetan restaurant 2 months ago. It is located on Fraser St and I noticed it when I went for a grocery trip a few days back. A few friends and I decided to sample what Tibetan food was like.
While the food itself was not bad, it was not what we expected. There were only two dishes which were 'Tibetan' the Momo (steamed dumplings) and Tibetan Soup. Everything else was just Indian style Chinese Food. I don't know if that is what Tibetan food is really supposed to be like, but in a way, it was disappointing.
Service: 3/5
Location/Ambiance: 2.5/5
Food: 3/5
3) Maurya Indian Cuisine
1643 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC
Christmas lunch #2 (because 1 is never enough). Maurya is a higher end Indian restaurant in Vancouver. We have been here plenty of times before, as it is an office favorite. As usual, we went for the lunch buffet, which is priced at $13.99 per person, which is probably a bit expensive for a lunch buffet.
The food itself is completely North Indian, but the buffet is quite wide ranging and very decent tasting. All the standard North Indian Veg and Non Veg dishes are included (Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Mattar Paneer, Choley, etc). There is also appetizers and desert included.
A bit pricey, but worth stopping in.
Service: 3.5/5
Location/Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 3.5/5
4) Bengali Fish and Curry
13030 76 Ave.
Surrey, BC
Phew, last one. My waistline must have expanded at least an inch. Went here for a family dinner out of curiosity, just to find out how authentically Bengali the place was. We got our answer. Not AT ALL.
It is a decent restaurant, but there is absolutely nothing Bengali about it. There is one 'Bengali Fish Curry' dish on the menu, but there is absolutely nothing Bengali about how it is prepared, and they don't use a common Bengali fish either (Cod, in place of something like Rahu or Hilsa).
The food itself is decent, although the restaurant service is lacking (one waiter for 25 odd people). The price is a bit high ($12-$20 per dish). The Chicken Methi Malai is really very good. However, they should definitely rename this place to Punjabi Fish and Curry.
Service: 2/5
Location/Ambiance: 2.5/5
Food: 3.5/5
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