Primary Sites:
British Columbia's Most Romantic Spots *
If romance is what you are looking for, then look no further than British Columbia. The province has everything from the sophisticated charms of elegant restaurants to outdoor adventures, set against some of the most varied scenery on the planet.
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Chili Club Thai Restaurant *** 1/2
My favourite story About reviewing the Chili Club is that I once dined in the Vancouver location on a Wednesday, then flew to Hong Kong and dined in that location on the Saturday of the same week Just to check the consistency, you understand.
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Cipriano’s Ristorante & Pizzeria **** 1/2
Cipriano's menu states that you should "Please bring your appetite, our servings are large -- Italian-style," and it's oh, so true!
3995 Main Street
Vancouver
604.879.0020
Star Rating: 4-1/2
Hours of Operation: Tues-Sat 4:00pm-10:00pm, closed Sun-Mon
Cross Street: Situated right on the corner of Main Street and East 24th Avenue
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Circolo news *
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Cru Restaurant ****
One of Vancouver's newer restaurants makes the grade.
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Delilah's ****
Dubbed "the birthplace of the Martini Cocktail" and known for the unusual fill-in-the blank prix menu (featuring a two course and four course dinner) Delilah's keeps locals and tourists alike returning to the flickering candlelit tables.
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Diva at the Met ****
Still going strong, despite the departure of Executive Chef Michael Noble for Calgary -- try the cheese plate and enjoy Chef Andrew Springer's signature Queen Charlotte scallops.
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Dubrulle in the Park *
Already an important tourist attraction for visitors,
Vancouverites will be delighted to have a reason to rediscover this lovely
historic building, a complement to both the culinary school and the park.
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Garber Gastronomic: Top Table is truly top-notch *****
Jack Evrensel's Top Table restaurants are -- in our considered opinion -- the very best group of fine dining establishments in the entire region. Five stars to each!
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Glowbal Grill & Satay Bar **** 1/2
Myriad dining experiences can be found in this 100-person restaurant. If high-energy ambiance and creative food is your mandate for a fun night out, Glowbal Grill and Satay Bar in Yaletown is the destination of choice. Superior wine list and service.
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Gusto di Quattro ****
North Vancouver's Quattro -- New review should be posted in Spring or Summer, 2004.
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Il Giardino di Umberto Ristorante *****
Il Giardino is definitely a see-and-be-seen meeting place. You'll spot movie personalities, social luminaries VIPs and smartly dressed "ladies who lunch." And of course, lots of business types, heads close together talking sotto voce. Why, the deals that have been finessed here have kept Vancouver ticking like a clock for years.
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La Belle Auberge Restaurant **** 1/2
Erected in 1902, the building that houses La Belle Auberge is an official Heritage house, and for 20 years chef/owner Bruno Marti has wowed British Columbians with his ever-changing French cuisine menus and fine dining ambience. Like going home for a very nice dinner, the restaurant is comprised of five rooms -- each decorated differently, but all furnished with beautiful antiques. When asked if there is an interesting view from the restaurant, Mr. Marti replied that the view is on the plate.
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La Régalade ****
La Régalade is the classic example of truly fine French bistro food -- in the heart of West Vancouver, BC
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Lumiere (Lumière) *****
Undoubtedly Vancouver's best stand-alone restaurant, Lumière offers an environment of both luxury and restraint. Chef Robert Feenie presides, and Executive Chef Daren Bergeron adds all the wisdom of a Quebec culinary heritage -- with modern innovations.
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Maurya Indian Cuisine **** 1/2
Incredibly impressive food, service and atmosphere -- our new favourite Indian restaurant.
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Mosaic Bar and Grille *****
Esther Kwok reviews this new incarnation of previous in-house restaurants at the Vancouver Hyatt, and gives it an unprecedented...FIVE STARS!
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Pastis **** 1/2
Author:Reviewed by Anne Garber
2153 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver
604.731.5020
4-1/2 stars
Beautiful and understated, Pastis will seduce you with its fine bistro cuisine and attentive, professional service.
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Provence Marinaside (Provence 2) ****
Perhaps the most wonderful taste of the summer, the Provence Marinaside is a beautiful venue delighting diners with the wonderful flavours of the season, the south of France and the Pacific Northwest.
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Quattro at Whistler ****
Regrettably. . .closed!
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Quattro on Fourth ****
New review coming in Spring or Summer, 2004
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The Seasonal Experience: A Unique and Exciting Culinary Encounter ****
Chef Adrian has a passion for our local foods and those who produce them. His catering services cover everything from intimate dinners for two to large weddings. He also offers cooking classes both in the kitchen in Langley as well as in people’s homes.
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Vij's **** 1/2
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Vistas Revolving Restaurant ****
Originally opened as the Top of the Inn Restaurant in '75, this restaurant has undergone renos, re-namings, closings, and re-openings to re-emerge and reinvent itself in 2002 as Vistas Revolving Restaurant, the ideal combination of excellent cuisine, elegant atmosphere and panoramic views. Naturally tourists will flock here, but Lower Mainland residents are sure to designate Vistas as the special occasion restaurant. One complete 360° revolution of the restaurant takes about an hour, affording diners plenty of time to take in the amazing scenery of Coal Harbour, East Van, Burnaby, Richmond and Tsawwassen, UBC, the West End, and Stanley Park.
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Vistas Revolving Restaurant & Bar Valentine's Packages *
Vistas Revolving Restaurant & Bar -- atop the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside
-- this year features...
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Secondary Sites:
Araxi Restaurant and Bar *
(unrated)
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Araxi review (by Anne Garber) *
(Unrated)
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CinCin *
Unrated
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CinCin (reviewed by Anne Garber) *
There's that wonderful element of surprise (an expectation always fulfilled) that Chef will deliver some ultimate culinary triumph, and our most recent visit to CinCin was no exception.
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Fluid Lounge and Restaurant *
Went out of business and burned a great many suppliers, when they declared bankruptcy. Shame!
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Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver announces new chef, menus *
"The family that dines together, thrives together" could be the adage for a new menu that emphasizes group dynamics in the Garden Terrace, the central restaurant and lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver.
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Garber Gastronomic: Canucks dine locally (archived from 2003) *
The life of a food critic is full of hard choices. Especially if said food critic is also a hockey fan. Now please note that I did not say that the life of a food critic is hard; I know how good I've got it, when I'm invited out to fancy restaurants to savour brilliant food creations in a charming, mannerly environment. What I said was: The life of a food critic is full of hard choices.
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Morton's of Chicago ****
Morton's of Chicago is a meat-eater's paradise, set up in the tradition of the classic men's club. What you expect is what you get: High quality, costly and large American-style steaks, served in an atmosphere that is both refined and impressive. Sinatra croons in the background. Morton's signature cast-iron pig lamps adorn the tables. Professional wait-staff and cooks seem trained to carry out their duties with almost military precision. There are some 54 Morton's around the world and they conform to the same performance template exactly. Their prize martini, for instance, derives from an in-house competition won by the bartender from their Georgetown location; hence the Georgetown martini, with precisely the same recipe and execution in any Morton’s you might visit. Five different cuts of steaks, range from $38 to $46. U.S. rib lamb chops are $43, broiled centre-cut swordfish steak with sauce Bernaise is $30, and farmed salmon fillet will run you $26. Everything -- side dishes included -- is à la carte.
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Rossini's *
(Sorry -- now closed!)
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Sequoia Restaurants *
Unrated
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Special Occasion Brunch at the Garden Terrace, Four Seasons Vancouver *
The gardeners are busy planting primroses and spring blooms among the indoor greenery at the Garden Terrace at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver in time for upcoming Easter and Mother's Day brunch celebrations.
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The Sandbar ****
If there's a single word that comes to mind when describing the interior of the Sandbar, it's "impressive." Vaulted ceilings, great, diffused lighting, pretty peek-a-boo vistas, gorgeous hangings (like the one shown here) and lots of natural wood and space combine to create an open and inviting environment. Comfortable, too, especially if you get one of the banquette booths.
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West Restaurant and Bar (Esther Kwok review) *
(Unrated)
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Wild Rice **** 1/2
117 West Pender Street
Vancouver
The Chinese or Lunar New Year roves the calendar between mid-January and mid-February. Once in awhile it bumps up against one of the most celebrated days in the western calendar — Valentine’s Day.
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