Noshwellmenu

[rating:3]

Helen’s Grill Restaurant on Main street is an old fashioned mom and pop diner that serves breakfasts all day. Old school juke boxes are situated beside each table with burgundy booths and black and white checkered floors. Helen’s is like a time warp.

The Brave Bull’s House of Steaks is a Vancouver icon, occupying the corner of Hastings and Clark on the East side for the past twenty some-odd years. Everyone knows this place, yet nobody I know has eaten here — mainly because it looked like one scary-ass place. My first encounter with the Brave Bull was nearly a decade ago when my friend and I dared each other to eat at whatever place looked seedier — the Brave Bull or the other anonymous cafeteria joint across the street. We punked out and ate at the anonymous joint; the experience was completely forgettable and the restaurant no longer exists. Ten years later, Case and I find ourselves at the front doorstep of the Brave Bull with two other couples who were willing to brave The Bull.

[rating:4]

Splitz Grill on Main Street is a relative newcomer to the burger scene in Vancouver (since 2007). They arrive via Whistler where they’ve been making noise for over a decade. Splitz’ focus on fresh, simple ingredients and cook-to-order burgers make it a favourite among burger afficionados.

[rating:4]

There’s nothing like a good, ice-cold bubble tea to help quench that summer thirst. So, Tre and I headed on to Dragon Ball Tea House in South Vancouver.

[rating: 3]

When the summer heat kicks in, we attempt to seek out the most refreshing meal possible. Often, that summer heat brings us back to Takarabune — a Japanese restaurant located in a Victoria Drive strip mall, sandwiched between a Church’s Chicken and a Value Village. I’m on the hunt for the seasonal and rather difficult to find dish: Hiyashi Ramen (cold Ramen noodles). Takarabune is one of the few restaurants that serves it.