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The Hungry Nomad: 03/01/2011 - 04/01/2011

March 29, 2011

Brunch at Cafe Medina (Vancouver, Canada)

Medina is a new hot spot in town (I don't know just how new but I know it wasn't there last time I was in town). And so as a self proclaimed food blogger, I planned a brunch there with a good friend. We drove by and saw a large crowd of people standing outside. It was quite the scene. So we too joined the crowd and waited for what seemed like an hour (it was actually 45 minutes) for a table for two. The inside of the restaurant is really tastefully done with its brick walls, wooden floors, exposed light bulb fixtures and simplistic furniture. It looks a lot like Chambar with its small and cozy tables all lined up very closely.  There is a wonderful display of freshly made waffles and waffle maker in the window which is torture for those waiting on the outside. The waffles are the talk of town but unfortunately I did not have room for waffles and was in the mood for a savory rather than a sweet dish. 

So we finally got a seat and treated ourselves to a well-deserved Ceasar. Another 45 minutes went by before we got our meals. At this point, I was already slightly tipsy from the pre-breakfast Ceasar...but I was not to blame since the service was verrrrrrrrrry slow. I understand they had a brunch/lunch time rush but seeing that most of their business is through their breakfast and lunch you would think that they would be a bit more efficient. Anyway-I am not one to complain but I will say this I was not overly impressed. In my view there are better places to spend your money and time for brunch. I get the concept or at least I think I get it...the cross between east and west, offering Belgian waffles along with Moroccan infused dishes... but I was just not that big of a fan. Perhaps I just got the wrong dish and so I won't be quick to judge. But the dish I ordered (the paella) was just a whole lot of orzo and probably two very almost invisible pieces of  chorizo. Now I have had some good paella in my days and this was nothing like a paella even when you consider the whole infusion concept. (see Menu)

However, since this is one of the most popular restaurants around town these days perhaps other dishes are better... and I may be just wrong (but when it comes to food I'm pretty much always right). If you do want the ambiance then I would recommend a trip to Medina. But do expect long line ups and even a longer wait for service. 


Belgian Waffles, photo by Rick Poon


The Paella- I know it looks colorful and delicious now that I look at it but somehow it was a disappointment
The best part of my meal

Cafe Medina on Urbanspoon

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March 27, 2011

The Dirty Apron Cooking School and Delicatessen

It's like I died and went to heaven.  Well not quiet heaven but it definitely seemed like it. What could be better than a place which combines shopping, eating, and cooking? Clearly nothing! 

The Dirty Apron is located just down from Medina (according to the website it is a joint venture between Karri and Nico Shuermans and former Chambar Sous-Chef David Robertson). They have daily cooking classes which you can register for online. They are a bit on the $$$ side however, you do get to enjoy your meal with your class in a beautifully laid out dining room afterwards. Who knows~many friendships are made over food and you and your fellow foodie comrades can form drink and mingle over a delicious self-created meal...Ah yes they also have singles cooking classes (that should be interesting). Instruction focuses on popular regional cuisines as well as basic skill sets for ingredient-focused cooking. Besides the cooking class they have a delicatessen to the right which offers delicious sandwiches, croissants, saucissons, and other treats. I am looking into taking one of the cooking classes shortly so will write again upon gathering more information. 

For now I highly recommend a visit to the Dirty Apron if not for a cooking class than to visually stimulate your eyes. 













The Dirty Apron on Urbanspoon

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March 23, 2011

Almond Crusted Chicken (baked)- Low carb meal

Dear Readers, 

As you may know by now there is nothing I love more than food. However, in order to start the new year fresh and rejuvenated I decided to try the Wild rose cleanse. Many friends have recommended the cleanse and have had great results and for some wild reason I thought this would be a good idea. So here I am on day 3 of the 12 day cleanse and I am barely surviving. However, one good thing that has come out of this cleanse is that I have had to get creative with what I eat (which unfortunately does not include any sugary products or flour based food...which cuts out 80% of my meals!!!)

Almonds are one of the most recommended on the food chart and for today's meals I decided to try making almond crusted chicken for the first time. It turned out to be sooooooooooooo delicious and it only took less than 30 minutes to make. I can't wait to make it again.  


Ingredients
1-cup raw almonds
1 1/2 teaspoons spices i.e. pepper/paprika/garlic/salt/turmeric
2 teaspoons of parm cheese and flour (or shake and bake)- optional
2 large eggs whites
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
Spray olive oil

Serve with Salad /tomatoes/steamed broccoli

Instructions
Finely chop the almonds in a mini-chopper or food processor. Transfer the nuts to a shallow dish and stir in the spices, parm. and flour. Lightly whisk the egg whites in another shallow dish. Pat the chicken dry. Cut into smaller pieces or keep whole. Transfer each piece to the almond mixture; turn to coat evenly. Discard any remaining egg white and almond mixture. Place the coated chicken on the prepared rack and coat with cooking spray; turn and spray the other side. At this point you can either fry with olive oil in a pan or bake until golden brown, crispy and no longer pink in the center.








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March 22, 2011

Darchin Persian Restaurant (Vancouver, Canada)

With the large Persian community in Vancouver, you would think there would be more Iranian restaurants around town. However, over the years, many have opened up and closed down shortly after.  It seems people are not as open to trying Iranian food as they are japanese food or greek (which by the way is very similar in flavor and dishes to Iranian food) and the local iranian community not as supportive of each other's businesses then one would hope.  I really hope that this one lasts. 

Darchin is a relatively new Iranian restaurant located in downtown Vancouver. The restaurant is new, clean and very spacious. The server we had was very attentive and nice. The food was mouth watering and was served in a beautiful matter. For example, the basmati rice served in a pyramid with the top covered in saffron. The kabobs were good quality meat (except for the chenjeh which I was not too fond of). 


Must tries are the kashkeh badenjaan, mirza ghasemi and the shirazi salad. The kabobs were all delicious but my favourite was the joojeh (chicken) kabob.(see menu)   


Kashk Badenjaan
Mirza Ghasemi served with Sangaak bread
Chenjeh  kabob
Koobideh (ground beef) and Joojeh (chicken) kabob served with basmati rice and grilled tomatoes
Zereshk Polo served with Chicken




Darchin is located at: 801 Pacific St, Vancouver, BC, Tel: (604) 632-1717

Darchin on Urbanspoon

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March 17, 2011

Hermé pas Hermes! (Pierre Hermé-Paris, France)

72 Rue Bonaparte/185 rue Vaugirard, Paris

In the mood for chocolate, macaroons, bonbons? Why not stop at Pierre Hermé?   Not to be confused with Hermes with an 'S' better know as every fashionista's mecca for luxury handbags and belts.
It is this confusion that led us to Pierre Hermé. My friend and I were in a desperate search for the the Hermes store in Paris...however due to the pronunciation we were led to Pierre Hermé. Not that I was complaining. I'd way rather indulge in expensive chocolate than a leather belt. This discovery however, was not easy on the pockets as  what Hermes represents in fashion, Pierre Hermé represents in delicious mouth-watering sweets. The shop is pretty small, smart, simple yet chic where you will be welcomed by a sweet/chocolate connoisseurs (although it is Paris- so lower your customer service expectations) who will teach you about each selection and help you with your picks. Although I love macaroons- at Pierre Hermé I often tend to go for the chocolate truffles and other sweets.  Be advised that this is not the cheapest spot in Paris to fill your belly with chocolate delights... but I do promise that the experience will be well worth it.

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March 13, 2011

Cafe Crepe (Vancouver, Canada)

Need a quick crepe fix in the morning, mid-day or late night? Cafe crepe is your answer. It has several locations in downtown Vancouver and serves sweet and savoury crepes along with French baguette sandwiches crepes and other French food on the go. I like to go there once in a while when I miss Paris to have a crepe and immerse myself in the french aura of the cafe (plus eavesdrop on the francophone waiters and cooks).  My favorites include the jambon, fromage and mushrooms; chicken and mayo; dark chocolate and strawberries and the plain Nutella crepes. (See Menu)




Cafe Crepe is located at: 1032 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC/ 874 AND 796 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC


Cafe Crepe (Robson near Burrard) on Urbanspoon

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March 12, 2011

Stroopwafels (The Hague, The Netherlands)

Living in a country with an amazing reputation when it comes to their cuisine, it's easy to forget the trusty food from back home which has served me so well for years. However, leaving for my home country shortly, I can't wait to get my hands on a hot stroopwafel. Don't confuse these caramel waffles with their Belgian cousins, but they are equally delicious. Caramel waffles are even popular internationally, and I've noticed them in several countries at a certain large coffee chain. When in the Netherlands, my advice for the best stroopwafel experience is to keep an eye out for a waffle stand out on the streets and treat yourself to a warm, soft but crunchy, crumbling waffle. Alternatively, when you happen to stumble into a package of waffles somewhere, quickly rush home and put your waffle in the microwave for 5 seconds and you come very close to that lovely fresh waffle experience.


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March 9, 2011

Guu is Guuuuud (Vancouver, Canada)

There once was a time when Guu with Garlic was my all time favorite restaurant in Vancouver.  To the point that my best friend and I spent most Friday and Saturday night dinners there. But that was in 2004.

Having just recently returned to Vancouver I was looking forward to going back to Guu. With all my high expectations in place I went back over the weekend and although it was not in any way horrible it just was not the same. Back in the day Guu was amazing and was less known than it is now.  As a rule of thumb I always trust a restaurant whose majority clientele are of the same origin as the food. The local Japanese community used to flock to this restaurant...! As you may have noted by now I do consider myself Japanese on the inside (given my love for all things Japanese) and thus also flocked here every weekend. 

But on to the actual restaurant: The menu has changed completely and there is not as much selection as there was before. And of course with the popularity has come smaller portions. The tuna tataki and beef sashimi were once my all time favorite but have now lost all flavor. They used to be infused with delicious sauces which are now served on the side (and again the portions are noticeably smaller). 


However, for those going to Guu for the first time they will not be disappointed as they won't realize what Guu was then and what it is now. Through word of mouth I heard that it has new management...which makes sense since Guu now has 5 locations in Vancouver including Guu Garden that I have yet to try. 
If you do happen to be in the mood for Japanese I still recommend making a trip to Guu. My favorites still remain the same: kimchi   udon noodles, beef udon noodles, beef sashimi, agadeshi tofu, beef tongue, and calamari. 


I am now on the hunt for the new jewel of the Vancouver Japanese Izakaya world. Any suggestions?



As soon as you enter this small and crowded restaurant every host, server and cook is yelling at you in Japanese... I assume they are welcoming you to their restaurant. The food is Japanese Izakaya and I think the photos will do all the explaining. 

Tuna Tataki

Shark fin and Jelly fish 

Calamari 

Kimchi Udon

Beef Shashimi 

Whole grilled squid

Octopus balls or Takoyaki 

Yellow fin Sashimi (melts in your mouth)

Prawn tempura served with mayonnaise 

Agadeshi Tofu


Guu with Garlic is located at: 1698 Robson Street, Vancouver, 
Tel: (604) 685-8678

Guu With Garlic on Urbanspoon

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