Ming Eat Drink? No Thanks.

Despite a night of heavy rain, 17th Avenue was packed...In search of a pub to share (yet another) bevy, we stumbled upon Ming. This is an Asian themed bar, dimly lit with gold & bronze Buddhas hidden in the corners of the red interior. EAT: The menu is very reasonable with most tapas around the $10 mark and daily specials! We ordered the Ming's Ginger Beef ($9.50) because of the description "it's why we're famous", as well as Mao Dry Ribs ($9.50) and Sliders.

The ginger beef did not live up to their claim to fame, was bland and not even sweet. I also blamed the runny rice for my failed demonstration of chopstick skills. Worse were the dry ribs, which were burnt and consisted entirely of fat. Of the three sliders served, one was missing toppings. It was not overly busy, but the kitchen appeared overwhelmed based on the quality of food alone. DRINK: The selection for beer and hi-balls is basic, though I can't really speak to the cocktails which appear popular. I get the whole revolution theme (cool), but did not appreciate sitting under a portrait of Stalin (not cool).

Atlas Specialty....Kabobs!

A colleague recently invited me for lunch at Atlas Specialty Persian Cuisine. It is a small restaurant that also seconds as a grocery. Heading into downtown from the west - it can easily be spotted on 1000 9th Ave SW. Extremely popular amongst the office tower staff in the area! We each started with Persian tea - which is strong, amber in colour, fragrant, served in a glass cup and is kindly topped up throughout the meal. I trusted my colleague (with Iranian roots) to rec recommend a favourite - Kabob Sultani (19.50). This included two large kabobs - one of ground beef and the other strip loin laid atop a heap of sunny yellow basmati rice and grilled onions.

Simple and wholesome - nothing spicy here, the onions, garlic and salt bring out the kabob flavours. I personally, could only get through half of my meal, but it made for fantastic left overs (though did leave me craving water all day). For the next visit I will have to make time for baklava!

Village Ice Cream - Dessert Delish!

Wow talk about comfort food! I can't say I've tried creamier ice cream elsewhere. Yes I agree, $5 for a single scoop sounds expensive, but for ice cream this rich, it's an easily justified indulgence.
I love the unconventional flavours like cardamom! I have a weakness for toasted coconut (which likely stems from my preferred choice of donut from Robin's as a kid), so I was ecstatic to find it in ice cream form! Huckleberry was also quite good and not tart as expected.The hidden location - makes the hunt for ice cream treasure seem all the more elusive. Although upon arrival I appreciate that it is also easy (and free) to park in front. Enjoy! Check out their flavours here: Village Ice Cream

Sakana Grill - New Year, New Service!

After a stressful work week my nerosis tend to emerge. But last week, Sakana Grill & it's staff managed to put each of these at ease.Paranoia:Upon reading previous reviews, I admit to being a bit weary to book here for a business lunch, but Sakana Grill was accomodating. I reserved in advance (and followed up twice) to ensure lunch hour seating for a group of 10 collegues. I also showed up 10 minutes in advance, which prompted staff to setup the table very quickly. Perfection: Our server (Kathy) was great, managing random drink orders, allergies, & special requests kindly. The chef surprised us with a complimentary spicy tuna roll to tie us over while deciding on orders. The sashimi was thick-cut and fresh! ("Sakana Special Sashimi) The rolls (Stampeder, Geisha, Rainbow, Dynamite, etc) were a hit in presentation, taste & size. Timely arrival of dishes made for a great social atmosphere, where everyone always had something to pick off of.Approval:Part way through the lunch one of the staff stopped in to show off an impromtu card trick. The meal was rounded out with complimentary dessert (frozen grape skewers) and pocky for the ladies. The foodie persona (which exists solely in my head) was ecstatic to receive accolades for my choice in dining experience at the Sakana Grill.

Murrieta's West Coast Bar & Grill - Entrancing Entrees...Dispelling Desserts

I recently hosted a night out at this beautiful restaurant off the convenient & central location of Stephen Ave. Our hosts were amazing as were our entrees ranging from pastas to curry to lamb!
Being as it was a girls night, we opted for dessert (of course!)...unfortunately although all beautifully described on the menu, were either not what we were expecting or sub-par. "Bananas Foster" brings to mind whole bananas, which were instead integrated into a chocolate cake. I requested the "De-Constructed Apple Crumble", which was disappointingly cold, and consisted of shredded apple segrated to one side of the bowl from dry oatmeal on the other....It honestly tasted like muesli breakfast cereal vs the dessert indulgence I was hoping for....I continue to reccomend Murrieta's, but hope to see a better dessert menu in the future!

Tamarind Vietnamese Grill & Noodle House - Quaint, Clean, Cute

I enjoyed lunch with a friend at Tamarind the other day. Upon walking into the restaurant, it appears a lot smaller than expected, with about 5 tables for 2. Though note that the small size did not equate chaotic (as I'm sure you can imagine other Asian restaurants) and had a clean, fresh feel with tall windows and lots of sunlight. Perfect for an afternoon lunch! Our server was very friendly and prompt with our meals. I ordered the Pad Thai (I know, at a Vietnamese restaurant!) and Bo Lo La as an appetizer. The Bo Lo La consists of spiced beef wrapped in betel leaves. The appetizer menu was definitely more out of the ordinary and adventurous in comparison to the usual salad and spring rolls, which was a nice surprise! I believe this is a family owned business...At the cashier they were very friendly, asked for feedback and welcomed us to visit again. I would recommend Tamarind for a casual lunch. Locals appeared to frequent Tamarind for takeout. Portion sizes are perfect (so you don't go into a food coma upon returning to work). The service is quick, (though you may want to make reservations to ensure you get a table), prices super reasonable and food was quite good!