I can't believe we've been here for over a month and I have not rated any of the restaurants we've been to! All I have to say is that it's a good thing we have kids that follow a bedtime; otherwise, we'd be broke eating out at all the wonderful places to dine here.
It still feels like we're on vacation and don't actually live here, so sometimes I get this frantic feeling of "I have to try this place, we have to go here, why haven't we seen this place yet, etc." I need to take a step back and realize we have plenty of time and this is not NYC, so I "might" be able to keep up and try a majority of the really good restaurants here.
In the meantime, let me write about the noteworthy ones we've already checked out. If any of you are planning a visit, take note of the places you may want to try, so we can take you there!
Coast Restaurant - The epitome of seafood heaven (for those that know me, know I could live off seafood if it were affordable, especially peel n eat shrimp!) - located in the financial area of downtown. The ambiance was nice and felt new/trendy; however, you could feel that most were paying for their meals with their corporate cards. The New England Clam Chowder tasted SO fresh, it was more on the broth side rather than creamy and deserves 5 stars. We shared the Signature Seafood Platter, which included B.C. cod, wild sea tiger prawns, sockeye salmon, Qualicum scallops, fried Brussels sprouts & potato gnocchi. AWESOME and the Brussels sprouts were surprisingly amazing. Of course I had the bread pudding for dessert, which couldn't touch Blue Ribbon Bakery's, but was good enough.
Sanafir - Part of the same restaurant group as Coast, Judy & I had an interesting meal here. It was all "tapas" sized plates, but was a mish mosh of flavors - North Africa, Asia and Middle East. Judy felt the menu was "confused", but we definitely enjoyed our dinner. The decor was Moroccan themed and since it was a Monday night, we were the only ones there, but were not rushed at all. In fact, our server was great (I think he was drunk/tipsy by the end of the night) and gave us our calamari and tea for free. I would return.
Sandbar Granville Island - We actually went with the kids and had an amazing view of the water. Melvin ordered several appetizers for he and Julian and I got 1/2 a Dungeness Crab (wanted a whole one but it was expensive). What I REALLY wanted was this: Mussel Mania! Every Day 4-7 p.m. in the Lounge $10.00
Fresh mussels & frites with a pint of Granville Island Brew Tomato Provençal, Thai Curry or Vindaloo style
BUT, we were with the kids and not in the lounge, so I'll have to return for that. Who wants to join me?
Milestones - one of the more popular chain restaurants...they did a good job. We got their "famous" hot artichoke & spinach dip, which was fine but nothing to rave about. I got a seafood salad, which was really good, as well. We would return for a casual dinner, possibly with the kids.
Provence Marinaside - We went here the first time we used our babysitter and had a date night as it is only a block from our apartment. With that being the reason, we didn't expect much, but this was one of our better meals. Very, very good, but for some reason, neither Melvin or I can remember what we had. We just remember liking it a lot, so we'll have to go back.
Boathouse at Kitsilano Beach - We couldn't have asked for a better table - on the patio, over the beach and during the pink sunset glistening off the water. The food, on the other hand, barely subpar. I had another seafood salad and I think it is what made me feel sick after and the bread pudding was a disappointment. I would go back for another view of the sunset, but would probably stick to wine and a few appetizers, not a full meal.
The above doesn't include the pizza place we frequent, or take out/delivery places we've tried, but I just wanted to document the above as they reflect my first impressions of eating in Vancouver.
Olympics Fact: Vancouver opened over 40 restaurants in preparation for the Olympics, so we came at the right time!
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