Cafe Crepe is a European style cafe that serves a variety of crepes, sandwiches, hot dogs and cheap alcohol. Tre and I like to hit the one on Granville, but it has various locations throughout downtown. We like to do take out since the service inside sucks. The crepe maker people in the front of the house have been more consistent and friendlier at this location.
more
La Bodega has been serving Spanish tapas to the people of Vancouver since 1971. Tre and I like to come here whenever we feel like noshing on something not too heavy. We like tapas. It’s like dim sum: small little plates that are perfect for sharing. We’ve tried almost everything at La Bodega, expect the rabbit. I refuse to eat bunnies! The fact that they have fresh rabbit with tomato and wine sauce on the menu breaks my heart.
more
I’ve never really been into donuts. That is, until we tried Lee’s. I didn’t understand the hype over donuts. They’re high in calories, heavy, dense and really not all that exciting. But then I realized, I just haven’t had a good donut. Ok, I have to admit Krispy Cremes are pretty good, but Lee’s donuts are better.
more
Tucked away on Thurlow just south of Robson is Guu, a Japanese Izakaya — or, I should say the Japanese Izakaya — restaurant. It’s sort of like the Japanese version of a bistro, serving tapas-sized dishes that pair sinfully well with all sorts of alcoholic beverages. In this case, beer and sake would be the beverages of choice. There are numerous Izakaya’s now: Ping’s Cafe, Kingyo’s, Hapa Izakaya. But before all the hype, there was Guu (formerly Raku).
more
On a recommendation from one of my friends, we decided to hit Dario’s for dinner. It’s located in the Italian Cultural center and serves fine Italian cuisine in a old school atmosphere with an intimate ambience. Tre and I showed up a little early, which was good, since we didn’t realize reservations were needed. But the owners were nice enough to seat us at the only table available. The restaurant was huge: open, airy with candle-lit tables surrounded by glass windows. This place definitely felt warm and authentic.
more