NICK'S SPAGHETTI HOUSE

"HIGH PRICES DON'T EQUAL HIGH QUALITY"

Location: 631 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
Telephone: 604-254-5633
NO WEBSITE

For over 50 years, the family-run NICK'S SPAGHETTI HOUSE has been serving pasta to East Vancouver and it has become somewhat of a local tradition. If you were looking for a cheap plate of big pasta, you go to NICK'S, you want a quick bite before or after the game, you go to NICK'S. We'll as many times as I've known people to go to NICK'S, I've never been myself, until last week when I thought, hey, let's give this sucker a try. We'll try I did and I was very disappointed.

I went with my wife and our friend and as soon as I opened the menu, my eyes bulged at the prices, steep, steep, steep. I was lead to believe that this was a place for big, cheap pasta. Well, it isn't cheap, none of it, the average plate of pasta will cost you around $17 or $18, not what I was expecting. I ordered the Spaghetti & Meatballs, my wife ordered the Baked Lasagna and Victoria ordered the BBQ Ribs & Beef Ravioli and after waiting for 20 minutes, the food arrived.


I was greeted with a plate of pasta that had two giant meatballs on it and it was surrounded with sauce but as soon as lifted my pasta to mix it, underneath was sloppy with water (bad pasta draining). The sauce itself was weak, lacking taste other than lots of salt. Michelle's Lasagna had gigantic blocks of ricotta tossed throughout it which gave this otherwise bland dish a very uneven texture and flavor. Vic's raviolis were basic and while the rib meat itself was tender, the BBQ sauce tasted like it came from a bottle. All in all, three disappointing meals.

For the price that we are paying, there was very little taste and not alot to eat. If you are expecting the giant portions of Anton's in Burnaby don't bother with NICK'S, you pay more for less. If the portion size was large, I could justify the price and if the flavor was fantastic I could justify the size unfortunately it all falls down. Perhaps it was an off night, I mean this place has been around for over half a century but after talking to a few folks, they too find it overpriced and flavorless. Too bad.

NICK'S SPAGHETTI HOUSE is one local tradition you don't need to partake in. High prices do not equal high quality.

SAVORY COAST

"THE PERFECT HIDEAWAY FOR A FANTASTIC MEAL"

Location: 2nd Floor - 1133 Robson St, Vancouver
Telephone: 604-642-6278
Website: Savory Coast

As you know, I come from an Italian family of restaurateurs so whenever I eat at another Italian restaurant, I always look at it with an extra-critical eye. Luckily, my wife keeps me somewhat grounded in these situations and asks the simple question, "is it good?" Thankfully, she was in fine form when we tried SAVORY COAST for the first time, while it focuses more on "Mediterranean fare" rather than strict Italian, I came into expecting to be somewhat disappointed. I wasn't.

SAVORY COAST is good. Very Good. So good, we've been back four times.

Located in the heart of the extremely busy Robson Street, SAVORY COAST is on the second floor so blink and you might miss a great little hideaway. One of the best features of this good looking joint, is the giant, brush-surrounded patio that makes you forget you are sitting above one of the craziest streets in the city. What makes it even better is that they serve some of the best Sangria in town (your choice of red or white) which always starts off our meals and goes down way too easily.


As for the food, fantastic. Both my wife and I have yet to taste a disappointing plate. We've had Calamari, Goat Cheese Salad, Tuna Carpaccio, Bocconcini & Tomato Salad, Penne Amatraciana, Crab Risotto, Duck & Mushroom Risotto, Grilled Tuna Steak, NY Striploin, Veal Scallopini and Prosciutto Pizza (not all in one sitting ofcourse). Each of these dishes were great, robust flavours, ample portion sizes and not too big of a hit on the wallet.

That's the beauty of SAVORY COAST, despite the fantastic locale and diverse menu, the prices are fairly reasonable for this fine dining experience. Each time we've come, we've had drinks, appies, mains and a dessert and never paid over $100. That's saying something, especially for a higher end downtown restaurant. That's why we keep coming back, it's the perfect hideaway for a fantastic meal.

It's also worth noting that it won three awards during DINE OUT 2008, Best Appetizers, Best Dessert and Best Menu... that's saying something. Something good!


So if you ever find yourself on Robson Street and want to indulge in some tasty Mediterranean cooking, then head on up to SAVORY COAST. On a sunny afternoon, with a Sangria at you side, you'd swear you were on a foody vacation.

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.

LITTLE NEST

"FANTASTIC FOODY SMELLS"

Location: 1716 Charles St, Vancouver
Telephone: 604-251-9994
Website: LITTLE NEST

I always wondered where parents with kids can go to eat with other friends and not have to worry about their children... is there such a place other than McDonald's? Good news my friends, there is!

There is a place that is open concept, has a play area for kids, tables all around for everyone and great food to boot. The Urban Diner sums it up well by stating "If you don’t have kids, it might be tricky getting the gravity of a place like this, but trust me, it’s like seeing cows jump over the moon." I don't have kids but I like good food and I appreciate what a place like this has to offer. A place like LITTLE NEST.

My wife had been to LITTLE NEST with a friend and loved the food, when she suggested we go their again, I was a bit hesitant (again - no kids) but I am always up for a good meal. The place was a madhouse, a controlled madhouse but a madhouse nonetheless. Kids everywhere, playing & laughing (no crying thankfully), the tables were full and there was a line-up at the cashier. We finally got seated and the girls got up to order some eats while Bill took his kids to the "play area" so I just sat back and soaked in what was happening around me. Everywhere I looked, there were young parents, relaxed and smiling, eating or playing with their kids who were also grinning ear-to-ear and all around... fantastic foody smells.

A waitress came by to wipe down our table and I asked her "what's the deal with this place" and she told me "Mary the owner wanted a place for parents that was kid friendly and dealt in good organic, fair trade foods". Looks like they succeeded.


The gals came back and despite the loudness of children everywhere we were able to have a good conversation. The coffee arrived (yummy extra large Americanos) and then came the food, a fantastic Cauliflower Soup served in the biggest bowl I have ever seen and a delicious Prosciutto, Cambonzola & Fig Sandwich... wow, did that hit the spot.

I was pleasently surprised by my experience at LITTLE NEST, not by the fantastic food, which truly it was but by how little the number of playing children didn't distract from my meal. This is a great little casual cafe with affordable prices just off of Commercial Drive that deserves a look whether you have kids or not. But if you can't take "kiddie chaos" I suggest visiting during non-peak hours.

ME & JULIO

"LET'S PUT IT THIS WAY, I WILL BE GOING BACK"

Location: 2095 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Telephone: 604-696-9997
Website: ME & JULIO

As a man with a Mexican stepmother, I have a great love of Mexican food, classic or modern, texmex or authentic, I love it all. What I truly admire however is when someone or some place takes a well-known Mexican dish and turns it on its head and makes it “loco”. Take ME & JULIO for example, here’s a little joint that calls itself a “modern Mexican cantina” and does a fantastic job of delivering classic dishes with a new twist.

I have now eaten at ME & JULIO’s three times, once for dinner and twice for brunch and all three times I have been incredibly impressed with my meals. Their Guacamole is always spicy & citrusy at the same time and you get the bonus addition of some Star Anise-kissed Black Bean Dip every time you order it, the Ceviche is extremely fresh, the Calamare Salad (with squid & chorizo) is sensational, the Shrimp & Avocado Benedict is richly satisfying and their Sangrias (red & white) are worthy of another round. Lets put it this way, I will be going back.


Open for both Dinner & Brunch (on weekends), ME & JULIO lives up to its name as a "Modern Mexican Cantina". The vibe is alive, the décor is entertaining and the staff is fun. The drinks are large & potent and the meals are always rich & flavorful, ME & JULIO is a welcome addition to the foody adventures of Commercial Drive. I can’t wait for summer to hit so I can enjoy a meal and a drink on the patio.