It’s been awhile since I’ve posted because it’s been awhile since I’ve been in a kitchen, at least with a camera handy. This doesn’t mean I haven’t been eating… here are some pics of meals I’ve enjoyed over the past couple weeks… hoping to get some new posts up soon, perfecting the recipes first!
Special order pepperoni basil pizza at Frankie's Italian Kitchen and Bar
Went to Frankie’s Italian Kitchen in the Georgian Court Hotel for drinks with a girlfriend, and wound up enjoying a late night snack – thin crust pepperoni basil pizza – specially made for us by our friend, the chef! Delicious.
Sweet Sweet Sushi...
Sushi from a little Kitsilano sushi joint called iSushi. It was a pricier than I would have liked (about 13 dollars for miso, spicy salmon, yam roll a.k.a sweet potato roll – and yes, there is a difference, and dynamite roll). To be honest, it wasn’t the best sushi I’ve ever had, the main reason the price bothered me, and I’d rather go to SUSHI BANG which offers outstanding quality for your money and all their rolls are always awesome.
Next up, more meals at Monk McQueens! So goooooodddd….
Roasted Sable Fish
My camera does NOT do this dish justice. The beats are a sunny gold and deep red, and it taste just as fantastic as they look( in person). Glazed with agave nectar and tequila (party fish!), the sable fish rests on a bed of Chilliwack corn risotto that is to die for. I highly recommend this dish.Oh, and I ate the garnish before I took the photo, oops!
Tandoori Lamb Chop with quinoa in papadum & mango yogurt dip
I didn’t think I liked lamb…. until I tried the tandoori lamb chop lunch special. Such a delicious surprise, the meat was tender and the tandoori/mango dip combo was perfect. The quinoa was great as well, but the papadum stood out as a unique touch. Mm, mm, lunch!
Mascarpone Crab & Shrimp Cakes
On another occasion I tried the Dungeness crab and shrimp cakes, which were OK. I loved the sangria poached pear under the crab cake. Two crab claws adorned the plate as well and the balsamic vinaigrette paired nicely… however… the glorified chipotle mayo was a bit much. This mayo dip also comes with the calamari, again a bit too fatty for my tastes. I love calamari but I don’t like dipping it in mayo. If you order the calamari at Monks, ask for it with the cucumber dip that accompanies the…
Balinese Lemongrass Chili Scallops!
Balinese Lemongrass Chili Scallops
I absolutely adore scallops, cook them anyway and I will eat my weight in them like it’s my 9 to 5. This Balinese dish has just the right amount of spice, enough heat to make you notice it but not to overpower the flavours. Also the steamed jasmine rice and cucumber sour cream act as the perfect neutralizer for this zesty treat, and I even combined mine in a bowl to make one new super dish!
(Oh and just a note, I mentioned above that I thought dipping flash fried calamari in mayo was too fatty and then realized when I looked at the Monk McQueen’s menu that the cucumber dip I suggested as an alternative is actually sour cream. Not the healthiest of substitute I realize, but still…better than mayo in my opinion)
The entrée I tried was the Sun Haven Farms Organic Pork Chop ( organic pork chop?). I don’t eat a lot of pork chops but everyone was raving about it so I gave it a go. I have to say it was quiet good.
Sun Haven Farms Organic Pork Chop, brown and wild rice pilaf, braised fennel, with a grainy mustard riesling sauce. Prepared medium well
The brown and wild rice pilaf evened out the richness of the pork, so the dish wasn’t too heavy. I was hesitant about trying the pork chop because I don’t like fennel, however the flavour wasn’t as prominent as I had feared. In fact I think the dish would be better without the braised fennel all together.
And thus ends my post. If you visit any of the places I mentioned I hope your experience is enjoyable, Happy Eating!
