Yet More Restaurant Reviews

Yes, I have been eating out alot.

1. Nooru Mahal Restaurant
4304 Fraser St
Vancouver, BC

Nooru Mahal is a Sri Lankan Restaurant located around Fraser and King Edward Avenue. Being Sri Lankan, the food was mainly non-veg South Indian.

I tried the Chicken Biryani, and was quite impressed. Moreover, the price ($8.95) was quite adequate. One of the lesser known South Indian gems in Vancouver.

Location: 2.5/5
Service/Ambience: 2.5/5
Food: 3.5/5

2. Bombay Se
7500 120 St
Surrey, BC

Bombay Se is one of the most widely known Indian restaurants in the Lower Mainland, mainly as they tend to serve up Authentic 'Bombay Style' food. Here you can fine chaats, sizzlers and other appetizing dishes that you don't find in Vancouver South Asian Restaurants. Alas, I have always felt the prices were far to high however.

They have recently started up a dinner buffet service to rectify this. The buffet spread is plentiful, and at @ $12.95, it is something you shouldn't miss.

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambience: 3.5/5
Food: 4/5

More Restaurant Reviews: Sushi

1. BC Sushi
2126 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Although I have been to this place many times I had stopped going due to a severe decline in the quality of service. The main reason for going here is that they offer a very cheap ($12.95) all you can eat special after 9:30PM on weekdays.

I am happy to report that the quality of service has increased (orders are no longer mixed up as much), and the taste of the sushi is still decent.

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambience: 2.5/5
Food: 3/5

2. Ji Sushi
475 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Ji Sushi is a newer sushi restaurant, located just across from city hall. We started going here for all you can eat in response to the decline in quality of BC Sushi.

In terms of all you can eat, I feel this is still superior to BC Sushi. The standard buffet menu found at most restaurants is applicable here, and the cost is only $1 more than at BC Sushi.

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambience: 3/5
Food: 3.5/5

3. One More Sushi
2155 Allison Rd
Vancouver, BC

One More Sushi is probably the most popular sushi place on campus. Reasonable prices and good quality.

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambience: 3/5
Food: 3/5

Restaurant Reviews

I have gotten extremely lazy with this blog, but am going to try my best to update it. For this post will very briefly review the restaurants I have been to in the past few months.

1. Saffron Indian Cuisine
4300 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC

Their grilled meat dishes were quite delightful. Good ambience, service, and decent prices. I recommend you drop in, if you are in the area.

Location: 3.5/5
Service/Ambience: 3.5/5
Food: 3.5/5

2. Boteco Brasil
2545 Nanaimo St
Vancouver, BC

Highly NOT recommended. The food was overpriced, and there was nothing authentically Brasilian about it. We payed about $20 /person for fried chicken wings and rice. Although the waitress was friendly, the service was terrible... we ended up waiting an hour for the food to arrive at our table.

Location: 2.5/5
Service/Ambience: 1/5
Food: 1/5

3. The One Cafe
6091 #3 Road
Richmond, BC

Dropped into this place on the way back from a Paintball outing. In general, was not impressed. Although the service was prompt, the dishes were oily, and not very appetizing.

Location: 3.5/5
Service/Ambience: 2/5
Food: 2/5

4. Pondok Indonesian
950 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC

In general, I enjoyed this restaurant. Although a little bit expensive, I liked the food and the place seemed very friendly. My friends and I tried Karaoke for the first time in our lives here. However, later on, I queried one of my Indonesian colleagues who informed me that the food served here is not very authentic.

Location: 3.5/5
Service/Ambience: 3.5/5
Food: 3/5

5. Taste of Vietnam
1016 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC

My friend and I had made up my mind to try out a Vietnemese restaurant, as neither of us had ever done so. It ended up being quite a struggle, as for some reason, that evening, all the restaurants seemed to close early. Luckly, we managed to struggle into this place at the last minute, and we were pleasently surprised. Although understaffed the service was good, and the prices were very reasonable. The spring rolls, and any of the soups are highly recommended.

Location: 3.5/5
Service/Ambience: 3.5/5
Food: 3.5/5

Restaurant Review: The Reef

The Reef
4172 Main Street
Vancouver, BC

The next new cuisine to try, after some thought, was Jamaican. In all honesty, I never realised that Caribbean folk had their own cuisine, and in fact, it is really a bit of a fusion between all the different ethnicities which inhabit the islands. However, I was glad that we went and explored these new tastes.

The specialty about Jamaican food is their use of 'Jerk' Marinade. Jerk Sauce is a garlicy, spicy marinade with a strong hint of ginger which is used to flavor most meat dishes which are served. Additionally you will find liberal helpings of Indian spices mixed into the cuisine, such a various curries, and Roti, which is often served on the side.

I ordered the 'Jamaican Bun' from the 'Special Tings' section of the menu, which was basically a chicken patty marinated in jerk sauce and served on a bun, along with coleslaw and plantain chips on the side. I particularly like the taste of the plaintain chips, as they were different from the french fries you usually get with a burger at most restaurants. We also managed to finish off a pitcher of rum punch between the two of us!

I liked this restaurant. The location is a bit far from campus, but the ambiance is warm and friendly, meant to replicate the Caribbean, and there is a DJ playing reggae music late into the night. The prices are not too bad, and of course, how can you say bad things about a restaurant which serves drinks with umbrellas in them? ;)

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 3.5/5

Restaurant Review: Vallartas Mexican Restaurant

Vallartas Mexican Restaurant
2991 E. Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Long time since I have blogged. Why you may ask? Well, I have spent a considerable amount of time EATING! :D More specifically, trying out new cuisines with a friend who shares the same interests...

Well, finally, after much searching, a good Mexican Restaurant has been found in Vancouver. I present to you, Vallartas Mexican Restaurant!

Vallartas is a family run, small restaurant, located at the corner of Broadway and Renfrew in Vancouver. While from the outside, the restaurant looks quite shady, and in fact, was a bit difficult to locate, since the signboard is not clearly visible, but this actually ads to the charm when you get inside.

Food is cooked by an elderly Latina woman and was served by her daughter. While the spoken English is a bit weak, the food is prepared and served with love. And what PORTIONS! I don't think I have been to restaurant which has been so generous with their serving sizes.

We ordered a bit much, not realising the portion sizes were so much... Quesadillas for appetizers, Chicken Burrito for my friend, and a Roasted Chicken Platter for me. Topped off with a Corona for good measure. In all honesty, we could have done without the appetizers, as ultimately, we were unable to finish our meals and took them home for lunch the next day.

Perhaps because of the individual attention given to each dish, and the authenticity of the restaurant, I really enjoyed the meal, and was happy to finally discover a place where you could get a decent Mexican meal in Vancouver. Considering the portion sizes, I would say that the prices are also quite reasonable.

Location: 2.5/5
Service/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 4/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

Restaurant Review: Cafe Mumbai

Cafe Mumbai
2893 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Well, its been a while since I have written a restaurant review, as unfortunately, I haven't been out to a restaurant for a while! I guess this is mainly because in the process of writing so many restaurant reviews this year, my waistline expanded a few inches, and I decided to try and cut back a bit.

However, a few friends were in town for lunch last weekend, so decided to stray from my diet (which wasn't that difficult to do anyway), and went to a place I had been meaning to try out, as I had passed by many times. Cafe Mumbai restaurant is one of the more well known Indian Restaurants in Vancouvers west end, and shame on me for waiting so long to try it.

I had heard mixed reviews about the restaurant, as some people felt it was overpriced. However, I must say, that overall, I was impressed. One of my friends in particular was in a carnivorous mood, and so we ended up ordering mainly non-veg dishes, namely Chicken Tikka Kabab, Butter Chicken, and Chicken Vindaloo... and for good measure, we ordered a Butter Paneer, along with sides of Rice and Naan. For starters we ordered Papri Chaat for everyone.

Overall, I was very impressed by the taste of the food. Not too oily, nice and spicy, but not overwhelming. The proportions were good, as all 7 of us ended up with full tummys. Furthermore, the cost of the dinner was fairly reasonable, only $15 per head. The service was very prompt, but this was mainly because we had gone in during off peak hours during the late afternoon.

Definately one of the better Indian Restaurants in the West End of Vancouver certainly. I would recommend this place for lunch or dinner anytime.

Service: 3.5/5
Location/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 3.5/5

Restaurant Review: The Naam

The Naam Restaurant
2724 W 4th Ave
Vancouver BC

The Naam is one of Vancouvers more unique restaurants. About a 20 min bus ride from UBC in Vancouvers trendy Kitsilano Area, The Naam is a purely Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant which was started up in the 1970s. This is quite evident in the decor of the restaurant, which is decidedly 'hippie'-like. It is one of Vancouvers few 24/7 restaurants. The service is a bit poor, as the servers look like they are out numbered and over worked. Still, the attitude is very chill, and no one seems to mind if the food is delivered to your table a bit late.

A group of friends and myself were coming back late after watching the Fireworks at Jericho Beach a few days ago, and since were feeling hungry, decided to grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately at that time of nite, there are few to no options available in Vancouver. The closest place open was The Naam, and as we hadn't been there in a while, thought we should drop in.

Although the place was quite packed (even at midnight), we managed to get a seat. Were quite tempted by the yummy looking pastries and cakes which are near the front entrance, but we held our nerve and ordered our main courses. I split a small pizza with one friend, while my other two friends ordered the 'Buddhas Feast', and 'Crying Tiger Thai Stir Fry'. We enjoyed the pizza very much, but I felt the other two dishes were quite bland and need a bit of salt, pepper and hot sauce to improve the flavor. But on the other hand, since the food being served was supposed to be healthy and nutritional, perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised.

The Naam is an interesting eat out, and worth a late night drop in.

Service: 3/5
Location/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 3/5

Restaurant Review: Congee Noodle House

Congee Noodle House
141 E. Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Will make this review a quick one. Went with a some friends to this restaurant a few weeks ago. The main reason for going here is that it was a bit late at night, (10:30PM), and there are very few restaurants in Vancouver that are open past 10PM on a weekday night.

Congee Noodle House seems to be quite a popular restaurant, as when I walk by it, it is usually quite packed. After eating here, I feel the main reasons for this are the reasonable prices, and the late night hours. The food itself is strictly mediocore. We tried the Pineapple Chicken, Soy Chicken, and Vegetable Chow Mein w/ Black Bean Sauce. The Pineapple Chicken and Soy Chicken were not too bad, but I do not recommend the Chow Mein at all as it is far too salty. The service was quite prompt, and the premises are clean and hygenic.

For fine dining, do not go here. For a late night meal, you can consider this place.

Service: 3/5

Location/Ambiance: 3/5

Food: 2.5/5

Restaurant Review: Saravanaa Bhavan

Saravanaa Bhavan
955 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Was feeling hungry on my way back to campus last Tuesday evening, in the mood for vegetarian, so I decided to convince a friend to join me for dinner at Saravanaa Bhavan restaurant. Have been here plenty of times, but this is my first blog review.

Saravanaa Bhavan is a well known chain spread throughout the world, with locations in Canada, the USA, Australia, Europe, Singapore, and India which serves authentic purely vegetarian South Indian food. Originally based out of Chennai, I had the good fortune of being able to eat at the original restaurants there, and must say the food was mouth numbingly good. I guess the local touch makes a difference.

The restaurant here is not quite as good as the one in Chennai, but is still most definately worth a visit. I am in fact more impressed by their non-dosa dishes. I think there are better places to get a dosa in Vancouver. However, the items like Uttapam, Idli, and Vadai are excellent. The Vancouver location has expanded its menu to include North Indian vegetarian dishes as well. The service that day was a bit poor, as we had come near closing time, and the waitress seemed to be in an off mood.

After much debate, my friend and I both decided to order the South Indian Thali, which gives you about as much food as you can possibly eat for $10. Rice, Pooris, Papadum, Sambar, Rasam, 2 Sabjis, Choley, Curd, Raita, and a Sweet Dish are served to you in steel vessels. For the first time in my life, I asked for a second helping of RASAM :S. I was pretty close this time, as only one of the Sabjis managed to survive the wrath of my rampaging stomach. I topped this off with a cup of filter coffee. If you think Starbucks, Blenz or Seattles Best is good coffee, you really need to try authentic South Indian Filter coffee, as it is simply amazing. I could write a separate blog on that alone.

Veg lovers rejoice, Saravanaa Bhavan was made for you.

Service: 3/5
Location/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 4/5

Restaurant Review: Green Lettuce Restaurant

Green Lettuce Restaurant
112-6350 120 St
Surrey, BC

Time for a review that I probably should have done months ago. This is a review for Green Lettuce Restaurant, a restaurant I have been to dozens of times, and is one of the most well known restaurants, especially amongst the South Asian Community in the Lower Mainland. Why is it so well known? Well, this is one of the few places outside of India where you can get chinese food which is authentically prepared in Indian style. Surprised? Don't be. Eastern India has a sizable Chinese population, in fact, Kolkata has a large Chinatown located in a part of the city called Tangra. Of late, these Chinese have begun to migrate throughout the world, and many of them have come to Vancouver and have opened up their own restaurants serving Chinese food which has been modified and enhanced from their own experiences to make the Indian crowd happy. So when you enter the restaurant, don't be surprised if you are greeted in Hindi or Bengali, rather than in Mandarin or Cantonese! Although there are no less than 6 different Indo Chinese restaurants now open in the Lower Mainland, Green Lettuce is probably the most well known as it is the oldest (open for 11 years now) and has served many famous Indian celebrities when they come here from India. In fact, there are a pictures on the wall of Bollywood royalty like Aishwarya Rai, Hrithik Roshan and Lucky Ali chowing down at the restaurant on their plates of Gobi Manchurian and Hakka Noodles!

As I have been to this place many times, I think I have tried most items on the menu. However, this time, I went with my office colleagues in a group of 10, many of whom had not tried this food before. Consiequently we ordered quite a few dishes. Cream Corn and Chicken Soup, Vege Pakoras and Chicken skewers were the appetizers, Hakka Vege Chow Mein, Hakka Chicken Chow Mein, Gobi Manchurian, Bombay Style Chop Suey, Chili Paneer, Ginger Fish, Dai Ching Chicken, and Pineapple Chicken were part of the main course. Afterwards we were too stuffed for dessert, although experience dictates that one should try the Almond Kulfi if you have room.

I definately recommend you try the dishes which are spicier and have more of an Indian twist to them. No other chinese restaurant serves paneer as part of their meals, and the Gobi Manchurian is unique and I have never had cauliflower prepared in a better manner. The Dai Ching chicken is also particularly good, although some might find it a bit too spicy.

Good, friendly, service and reasonable prices combined with the fantastic food make this place a must visit for all visitors and residents of Vancouver.

Service: 4/5
Location/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 4/5

Restaurant Review: Sala Thai

Sala Thai on Cambie
3364 Cambie St.
Vancouver, BC

Another Thai restaurant, another awesome experience. Went out for a group lunch with my office colleagues last week, to another Thai place. As usual, food was absolutely superb. As there were Vegetarians, and Non-Vegetarians amongst us, we tried a variety of dishes, both Veg and Non Veg, including some new surprises. I would like to recommend 2 of them:

1) Gai Hor Bai Toey: Tender pices of chicken marinated in a honey sauce, and wrapped in pandamus leaves. A unique twist on the common chicken skewers, with larger pieces of chicken marinated just enough to make them sweet and spicy, and wrapped in pandamus leaves. Delicicous to look at, even more delicious to eat!

2) Thai Iced Tea: Yes, even their Iced Tea is awesome. It is served with the milk and black tea separated into two layers. Mixed together, forms the sweetest of nectars. A must order.

Obviously, go here.

Service: 4/5

Location/Ambiance: 3/5

Food: 4/5

Restaurant Review: Lacasita

Lacasita
101 W. Cordova St
Vancouver, BC


Why is it that I can never write a good review about a Mexican Restaurant in Vancouver? Hmmm... I wonder...


Lacasita is a Mexican restaurant located at the edge of Gastown in downtown Vancouver. I suppose the idea was to make the restaurant look as authentic as possible, and as such, it is decorated very nicely with a Spanish Movie playing on a flat screen TV, Sombreros on the wall, and a very cozy feel. However, it is equally important that the food be of the same high quality, and unfortunately, that is where Lacasita has fallen short.

I ordered a combo meal which featured 1 Quesidilla, 1 Flauta, Beans, and Salad. Neither was the taste impressive, as I found it to be quite bland, nor were the portions, which were far too small. I decided to order an ice cream to fill my stomach, as it was quite deliciously described in the menu, but turned out to be nothing more than a scoop of ice cream which you could purchase at any neighborhood Safeway with a bit of whipping cream and cinnamon on top. It actually didn't taste that bad, but I was just expecting a lot more.

I would suggest if you are in the area, avoid Lacasita, as there are better restaurants around in Gastown to enjoy.

Service: 2/5
Location/Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 2/5

Restaurant Review: The Afghan Horsemen

The Afghan Horsemen
202-1833 Anderson Street
Vancouver, BC, V6H 4E5


Located at the entrance to Granville Island, The Afghan Horsemen is one of Vancouvers better known Afghan restaurants. Shame on me that it happened to be my first visit here! It is a favorite restaurant of a friend of mine, and we happened to head there for her birthday.


Well, one of the nicest things about the restaurant is its ambiance. They have tried to maintain an authentic 'Afghani' feel. If you come in a group big enough, you can get your own room where you sit on the floor and eat off of lowered tables. There are fine persian carpets and decorative hookahs everywhere, giving you that 'Lawrence of Arabia' feel. I am told that apparently you can hire a Belly Dancer to perform as well, but unfortunately, she was not on the menu that day... :(


Well, as for the food, I tried the 'Karahi', which is an authentic Afghan dish consisting of Lamb Shish Kebab with sauteed onions, green peppers, tomatoes, onions and fried eggs, served sizzling hot. The food has a somewhat Indian feel to it, is somewhat spicy, and I liked it very much. I don't know about how healthy it is, but there is no doubt that Afghans and Pakistanis have mastered the art of Non-Veg cuisine.


I must say the price is a bit lofty. My dish cost $20, and after, taxes, tip, and drinks, an individual bill can easily come out to $30. So be ready to leave with a lighter wallet when you enter. A quick note about the service. Although in general, the service was friendly and prompt, we had a bit of confusion surrounding paying the bill, which took about 15 min to resolve. The problem may have been because we came in a large group, but still, isn't really excusable.

Service: 2/5
Ambiance/Location: 4/5
Food: 3/5

Restaurant Review: Andales Mexican Restaurant

Andales Mexican Restaurant
3211 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Andales is a small Mexican restaurant located in Van West. We went there for an office lunch last week. While generally I am positive with my restaurant reviews, I have to say that there is not much to be positive about here.

We went in at 1:00PM, the restaurant was fairly empty save for one large group who was paying their bill. Unfortunately, there was only one waitress serving at the time, which meant that we had to seat ourselves, get our own menus, and were not even offered water to start off with. Given that the service was this bad when the restaurant was empty, I shudder to think what it may be like at peak times.

As for the food itself, nothing special. For more authentic mexican taste, I would recommend other restaurants in Vancouver. I tried the Soft Chicken taco, which came with Black Beans and Green Salad as sides. The taste was really rather bland, and far too mild for Mexican food. While the prices were reasonable (around $10 per plate), I felt the portions were too small.

I do not recommend this restaurant... there are better Mexican restaurants in Vancouver which you should explore first, and there are better restaurants around in that part of Vancouver.

Service: 1/5

Ambiance/Location: 3/5

Food: 2/5