THE LENNOX PUB

"IT'S GREAT FOR A QUICK MEAL OR JUST A QUICK PINT"

Location: 800 Granville St, Vancouver
Telephone: 604-408-0881
Website: The Lennox

If there is a constant lunchtime stop for me and my work buddies, it's THE LENNOX PUB on Granville. Not only do they have a fine selection of brews (featuring greats like Belgian Kriek, Leffe and Hoegaarden), their food is quite tasty.

A favorite amongst my co-workers is the BBC Burger (Bacon, Blue Cheese, Chicken) which is a flavor sensation, trust me, bacon & blue cheese is a magic combination. The classic Beef Dip (the classic with a tasty au jus) is another popular choice and the Irish Stew (not a stew fan - but this hearty and tender meal always fills me up) is a fan-favorite.

Now remember this is a pub, so it fills up quite fast especially if there is a game on and sometimes it's so busy you might have to wait a while for your meal. However, the servers are always pleasant, the food is always hot and the prices are in line with what you'd expect from a downtown pub. THE LENNOX has been open since 2000 and is filled with wood, wrought iron and high ceilings. It's great for a quick meal or just a quick pint!

VERA'S BURGER SHACK

"YOU MIGHT RUIN YOUR SHIRT BUT IT'S WORTH IT"

Location: 1030 Davie St, Vancouver (& other locations)
Telephone: 604-893-8372
Website: VERA'S BURGER SHACK

People know that Vancouver is quite the coffee town, we take our coffee seriously but what they may not know is that this is also quite the "Burger Town" as well. There are a ton of choices for people like FATBURGER, HAMBURGER MARY'S, RED ONION and MODERNE BURGER but consistently, the #1 choice seems to be VERA'S BURGERS.

Now I am a meat eater and I have eaten at all the places mentioned above more than 5 times and each of these places have had highs and lows. But out of them all, I am consistently satisfied with my meals from Vera's. Now let's look at some of the favorites: The BBQ Burger (Provolone, bacon, fried onions & BBQ sauce), The Stinger (Jalapenos & Chedder) and ofcourse The Lamb Burger. They also have chicken burgers, hot dogs, wings, salads and all the toppings you could think of but they live by their burgers and they have been alive for a long, long while.


Today I went to the Davie Street location for lunch and only waited 30 seconds to order, the gals behind the counter (the staff today was all female: cashier, bun prep, grill, stock, dishes) were super friendly and always used your first name when talking (you give your name so they know who to call when the burger is ready). You get to choose what you want on it then wham, they go about cooking it up right there. You wait about 10 minutes but you are rewarded with one of the tastiest and filling meals around, today I had the BBQ Burger Deal (it came with Fries & a drink) for $9.99... sweet. The burger itself is huge and messy so be sure to have some napkins around, you might ruin your shirt but it's worth it!

There are a lot of Burger choices in this city and most of them will not let you down but if you are looking for consistent quality and great flavor then be sure to visit VERA'S BURGER SHACK and get yourself a treat. Take it from me, your belly will be smiling!

STIX

"GREAT FLAVOR & GREAT VALUE"

Location: 903 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
Telephone: 604-568-6768
Website: STIX

So last night, the wife and I were feeling lazy and wanted to grab something quick to eat. We have walked by STIX on the Drive before and always commented that we should give it a shot some time. Last night was the shot and I am pleased that we tried it, we will be going back.

STIX sells itself as a "noodle & grill" joint fusing together chinese, malaysian & vietnamese flavours with a contemporary flare in a casual setting. Like a cafeteria, you order you meal at one end of the kitchen and pick it up at the other. We tried their namesake appy, The Stix (spiced & grilled skewers or chicken and pork), the Malaysian Chicken Curry (mild yellow curry on rice or noodles) and the Beef Ball Soup (Vietnamese Pho), we also had two awesome Vietnamese Coffees and two bottles of water. The total bill came to $25.00... not bad.

The flavors were all good, the portion size was ample and both of us left feeling full and satisfied. It took about 10 minutes altogether to get our food and it was busy in there so they seem to have their cooking times running smooth.

If there was a downside to the STIX experience, it's a small one... their self-promotion. I asked to a Take-out menu, they said they were out and printing them up. I asked for a business card, they said that they were also being printed up. I asked if they had a website, they do but its no more than a title page. STIX has only been around for a few months but come on, let's do some marketing people!

Regardless, if you are looking for cheap & casual Asian eats on the Drive, look no further than STIX. Great flavor and great value are two great reasons to be coming back for more.