-
- English
- Français
- Log In
- Sign Up for Yelp
Christine "comma wrangler" R.'s Profile
DateVancouver, BC V5L 3Y1
(604) 253-1818
La Rocca Restaurant
Category:
Italian
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
Listed in: Date Night
1 Previous Review:
-
10/16/2008 First to Review
La Rocca is a comfortable, unpretentious Italian restaurant on the Drive. I've mostly been here for larger events (i.e. a networking group that meets for dinners), so I can see that they know how to handle a crowd. The staff are friendly and attentive, but non-intrusive.
The food is very good - nothing too fancy, just simple, classic well-prepared Italian dishes like pastas and meat entrees. The chicken breast with tomato sauce and veggies is delicous, and you can't go too far wrong with any of their pastas.
Even if I weren't here with a group, I would go to La Rocca for a casual date-night dinner.
Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9
(604) 736-4431
Museum of Vancouver
Category:
Museums
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
This show displayed some of the museum's collection of neon signs from around Vancouver in the 50s, 60s and 70s. They are very coolly displayed, lighting up a darkened room with their colours and form. Historical photos in the exhibit, however, illustrate why there was such a campaign (or crusade) to rid many of the neon signs from the streets - it was just too much. Now of course, we decry the bad preservation of favourite pieces of the neon era still out there ... the Bow-Mac sign, the Hotel Niagara sign, and the Aristocrat diner sign come to my mind. The Neon Vancouver show didn't really address this issue, and perhaps it could have if it was bigger than just one room.
As for the permanent exhibit, it has been completely revamped since I was last here. It covers the time period from about the turn of the last century to the 1970s, and issues such as multiculturalism and race (Chinatown riots, Japanese expulsion in WW2), growth, war, and prosperity, hippies and social movements, culminating in a "what might have been" view if Vancouver had built those freeways.
The permanent exhibit space has a lot to look at, but the space is rather cramped. It also seemed like history has been left hanging by ending the display at the '70s. What about Expo? Hong Kong immigration? The redevelopment of False Creek? Woodwards? Total world domination in yogawear? It also seemed to focus almost exclusively on the central neighbourhoods of the city, especially Kits and the West End. That may be the view from the windows, but this curatorial view seems a bit narrow. I hope they can continue to develop the story of our city further.
It probably seems like I'm hating on the MOV a bit. We really did have a nice afternoon there, poking around, taking pictures, and playing with the interactive exhibits - like 60s music and kids toys. It's one of the very few museums that I was faster than my husband in walking through. He's all anti-museum-as-fun most of the time, so that's saying a lot. Shine on, MOV.
1 Previous Review:
-
7/6/2009
Frankly, I haven't seen the permanent exhibit here in quite some time, which allows you to walk through the history of Vancouver. My memory of this may be intermingled with that of the Royal BC Museum in Victoria and its exhibits on period rooms and storefronts and such.
But I did come to see the current exhibit, Velo-City, which is on the bicycle culture of Vancouver. Curated by Propeller Design, its a must-see for two-wheeler freaks of all stripes. Touching on racing, mountain bike, utilitarian (i.e., working bikes) and recreational/cruiser subcultures, it features some amazing bikes and the stories of the Vancouverites who built and/or ride them.
Say, I haven't been to the Planetarium in awhile either... Next time, I'm making a day of it.
I had the value combo with lamb souvlaki wrap - and loved the array of options for the souvlaki, including octopus or falafel. My diet isn't restricted, but I think it's cool that Nu has also created combos for those on wheat-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets. You can get a pretty full meal here, from pitas and dips to Greek "poutine" with feta cheese and oregano to baklava and even Greek breakfast.
The wrap was full of meaty goodness in a pita bread, dripping and messy all over the thoughtfully biodegradeable takeout container. The salad, I wished I ordered the chickpea and mint instead of the tomato and romaine. It was OK, but I only ordered it due to misreading the menu; I'll take chickpeas over lettuce any day.
Even when I'm running around town by my lil' ol' self, I don't want to eat soul-crushing fast food. This was just so much nicer, yet still really cheap (under $10) for a fast, filling meal. The guy working there was a doll (+) and the radio was tuned to non-Christmas music (++). A two-cheek Mediterranean kiss to you, Nu Greek.
Listed in: One on the town
New Westminster, BC V3M 6B9
Donald's Market
Categories:
Grocery,
Health Food Store
The produce section isn't my favourite in town, but it'll do in a pinch, Donald's being the most convenient grocery story I can get to on a bike (no major hills, and there is a bike rack right in front now). And with all the other places opening up in the River Market, Donald's is in the hub of New West's destination for food lovers.
They always have great specials; I'm not quite sure if I'm saving money or being tempted to spend more because of the good deals. In any case, my overflowing basket of healthy goodies is invariably checked out by a nice cashier. I actually like giving them money.
Listed in: Bright Lights, Royal City
1 Previous Review:
-
11/20/2010 First to Review
I've long been a fan of Donald's Market in East Van, and now there is a location right here in my 'hood, New West. (I'm as surprised as you are.) The new store is very nice, all new and shiny, if quite compact. I went there on opening day, which was quite the CF, but it will probably be a more pleasant shopping experience without quite so many people in the store gazing in wild wonder at all the natural yet affordable products.
The store opening is kind of special because it represents the beginning of the resurgence of Westminster Quay - now called River Market - which has been under renovation for over a year. In turn, the River Market is a symbol of New West's reinvention and energy. I love that Donald's has chosen to open up here because they have a great selection of natural/local/organi c products, especially beauty and cleaning products, fancy chocolate bars like Green and Blacks, and baking from Uprising Breads. The produce section is compact and has a nice view of the boardwalk outside, though I felt like the fruits and veggies could use better labelling as to origins.
As of yet, the store doesn't have much of deli section to speak of and doesn't carry a whole lot in the way of crackers and chips. And maybe this is the River Market's responsibility, but I would really love it if someone put in a bike rack out front. Because this place is handily located right on a lovely waterfront bike route and it's an ideal stop for healthy snacks.
Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2
Elite Event: Cozy Up Pyjama Party at 131 Water…
Category:
Local Flavour
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
The gingerbread decorating/candy buffet was almost better than horror movies and pillow fights. Loved the themed drinks with ginger and citrus, though its too bad they ran out of the cold one so fast and had to improvise a lesser substitute. On the other hand, the food was so plentiful the friendly staff had to almost push it on me (stuffed with gingerbread and candy, I was). I especially liked the chili spoons.
As others have mentioned, it was a great space with lots of room to circulate and mingle with all my favourite Yelpers and Yelpettes. I think I just about ran off my bunny-slippered feet, there were so many great people to talk to and PJs to check out, from matching purple Snuggies to boudoir wear to classic flannels, not to mention hostess Robin's flowing Chinese robe. Crystal, you are having way too much fun in those longjohns and special-issue Yelp undies!
And ... at the end of a long night and few curious stares from fellow Skytrain passengers, when I got home I was already in my jammies! Lazy, stuffed, and buzzed, that's how we roll in Elite.
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
(604) 822-3411
Pendulum
Category:
Canadian (Traditional)
Neighbourhood: UBC
Seriously, when I was a UBC student, the Pendulum was my favourite place to eat. I went back yesterday while visiting campus, and it's still just as good, and busy as ever. Hungry from all that walking around (UBC is a big place), I ordered a roast turkey-pesto quesadilla ($7.25). I wondered if it would be enough food, but when the order came up, I was floored at the serving size. Three big slabs of melted cheese and meat goodness, accompanied by generous dollops of salsa and sour cream. MMM. I really wished for some cutlery that was up to the job, instead of the wimpy plastic jobbies I was forced to make do with because it was near the end of the lunch rush.
The Pendulum will be shutting down in January so that construction of the new Student Union Building can start, but I'm sure the Pendulum will be back, bigger and better.
PS if there's any constant at UBC, it's construction! Show owner comment »
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7
(604) 724-0894
The Re-Up BBQ
Categories:
Food Stands,
Barbeque,
Sandwiches
Neighbourhood: Downtown
And ReUp's cheerful dealers will soon be invading my 'hood with a full-on location inside the River Market at New West Quay. What other barbecue goodies we'll be eating when that opens up (early spring anticipated) remains to be drooled over. Chili? Brisket? They might even have a liquor license.
For now, a ReUp cart is on the riverfront boardwalk on many weekends, doling out my fix of pulled pork or brisket sandwiches, and they're also doing a brisk business in barbecue brunches: bacon, biscuits, gravy and eggs!
Deliciousness at both ends of the SkyTrain line. At $7-$9 a sandwich, it isn't the cheapest food cart, but I guess addicts always complain about the price of their drugs.
Vancouver, BC V6J 1C8
(604) 736-8226
The Taco Shack
Category:
Mexican
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
I ordered two tacos, beef and fish, loaded and spicy. They came mounded with filling, guacamole, corn, onions, and cilantro on two wheat tortillas, along with fresh lime wedges on the side. (Lime and cilantro is one my favourite flavour combinations.) I'm glad I didn't order three, as I might at most taco joints - most tacos I've had lately have been much smaller than the ones at Taco Shack.
Digging in, the first bites of the beef taco were good. I didn't detect much of the "spicy" I ordered, although I could have added hot sauce if I wished. By the time I went for the fish taco, it was soggy. The fillings all fell through the tortillas when I picked it up. I ripped off bits of the tortilla and used them to pick up the taco bits now littering the plate, but after a few bites, I noticed the fish just wasn't very good anyway. It was deep-fried, but had no distinctive taste other than a hint of salt. Blah.
The one bright spot in this brightly decorated spot was the Jarritos soda. Not only is it included in the lunch special deals, but they also have the widest range of flavours I've seen ... mandarin, tamarind, lime, strawberry, the gang's all here. I heart the Mexican soda pop. At least there was some flavour to wash away the blandness of the food.
Vancouver, BC V6J 1P2
(604) 734-1778
The Elysian Room
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes
As I continued on down the street, off the beaten track where Elysian hides out, I did actually find myself enjoying the coffee. I wish I could make something this good so I could be a miserable git to everyone who asked for one, and maybe even have them come back for more. They should rename themselves Curmudgeon Coffee.
Vancouver, BC V6A 4J1
(604) 558-1124
Whiskey Dix
Category:
Bars
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown, Downtown Eastside
So somebody says, hey let's go to Whiskey Dix! It's a new bar in Cracktown! Whiskey Dicks? I asked, Is that the actual name or your nickname for some DTES dive bar newly colonized by hipsters? She assures me it's a good place, just opened. So we traipse down through Gastown, passing all these bars that are total dives and are probably half empty, but they have lineups because bar owners think it makes their place look like a cool place to be. Vancouver. I shake my head. I'm too old and wizened for fake lineups.
And ... we arrive at Whiskey Dix. No lineup. No cover on this Friday. Nice bouncers. The bar is not too busy, there are lots of tables and plenty of dance floor lit by two big spinning disco balls. It's shiny new and festive, plus the meathead factor seems low. The bartenders are inexplicably dressed in fireman's suspenders and boots and engage in some playful ass-slapping while serving reasonably priced beers (Honey Lager, $6). Let's get this party started!
I'm no consummate clubber, but the music was danceable and that's what we were here to do. Shake it like little amoebas til we find our moves. The DJ seemed to be playing a lot of remixes of '90s music. Sniff. My era. (I can see myself now, doing chair aerobics to NIN "Closer" in the old folks home.) My friend was complaining a little about the DJ because sometimes he seemed to put on something that would pretty much clear the floor. Except for some awful Eurythmics songs, it mostly went down all right with me to get down.
Got my dancefloor trance on, and we had some fun young guys dancing with us and showing off their moves (without any cheesy grinding action, which was much appreciated by all of us married ladies). My only wish would be that when I sat down for a beer break, there wasn't a TV in every direction I looked.
It may be an undiscovered bar in a sketchy neighbourhood, but I had a great time.
26 Lists
|
"Let your dork flag fly."
- 204 Friends
- 661 Reviews
- 24 Review Updates
- 354 Firsts
- 28 Fans
- 259 Local Photos
- 10 Events Submitted
- 26 Lists
-
Rating Distribution
Loading...
- View more graphs »
Review votes:
1445 Useful, 680 Funny, and 805 Cool
New Westminster, BC
Yelping SinceAugust 2008
Things I Lovething 1 and thing 2, furry things, paper things, printed things, breaded things, outside things, analog things, caffeinated things, flickering things, smart things, tasty things, cuddly things, shiny things
Find Me Inmy own personal fog
My HometownNorth Van
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm apologizing for whatever the dog did.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsBecause you want to FUC them.
My Second Favourite Website The Last Great Book I ReadA Short History of Nearly Everything
My First ConcertWhen my parents dragged me to the Orpheum on sunny days. Fun.
My Favourite MovieGoodfellas
My Last Meal On EarthMy Dad's roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. I love Sunday dinners.
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...bicycles give you wings.
Most Recent DiscoveryCTRL+F
Current CrushLouis CK and a Cinnabon
I was a little worried beforehand that the portions would be too small or that there wouldn't be enough food between our two healthy appetites, but I was wrong, wrong, wrong. Everything, in true Italian style, was generously plated. We started with the prosciutto flavoured with thin slices of orange, garlic, capers and rosemary. I haven't actually been to Italy (I'm so pronto) but this is the best prosciutto I've ever eaten. It's like a whole other level of ham, delicioso.
Next came the main courses - stuffed chicken breast in a sweet Marsala sauce, grilled radicchio, and fettuccine in cream sauce with tiger prawns. There weren't too many prawns, but they were big plump ones. The cream sauce was nice and light, and well, if there's such a thing as bad pasta, I'd like to see it. (But not eat it, obviously.) The chicken breast was well-cooked, though the sauce was a tad sweet for me.
We had to pace ourselves in order to make it to dessert - tiramisu! This is the part where I tell you about the restaurant, and it's a lovely place to linger. Big comfy chairs, candles on the tables, warm stucco-ey walls. (The current Yelp photo doesn't really do the place justice.) We scored a window table, which is great for drinking your wine and watching people and their dogs go by on the Drive. Rat Pack and Michael Buble was on the stereo, though our server said one of the other staff really likes Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and classic rock, so you might hear that too.
Our server was really great too, very friendly and professional, and with a good sense of timing when to offer more drinks, when to clear, when to check in, all of that good stuff. Some other reviewers have not received such good service it seems, so it's unfortunate the restaurant isn't more consistent in that regard.
On this date night, La Rocca rocked it.