Living in a gorgeous city like Vancouver, there is no shortage of good views. When it comes to choosing a place to enjoy Sunday brunch, it really is just a matter of thinking where you’d like to go to or what you’d like to do afterward. I love Stanley Park, I love walking or taking a leisurely bicycle ride along the seawall, and with running in mind, I suggested that the whole family have brunch there. I can push my personal agenda and make family time around it sound like fun. Haha. I’m kidding. Of course, there is something for everyone at Stanley Park, so there’s no need to make a case…

My favorite these days is the Teahouse, which offers a scenic view as you sip mimosas by the glass windows or glass-walled heated patio.

Weekend brunch is offered from 10:30am to 3:00pm. The freshly baked croissants with homemade jam (CAD$6.50) are not to be missed, and so is the mimosa to start. I’m such a lush.

I’ve tried their Belgian waffles, classic eggs benny, steak and eggs, but my favorite so far is what I ordered today: the Ferguson Point Benedict. Those wild mushrooms made me do a happy dance in my seat this afternoon because they were so good. And I always enjoy the roasted potatoes and tomatoes. Mmmmm.

Scrumptious brunch in the midst of a cool summer day is a treat I’ll take whenever I can, and I case I’ll make when no one in the family can make a decision over what to do on Sundays. Everybody can agree that today was a good day, and it all started with a delicious meal. That’s what it’s all about, right? :-)

P.S. I love seeing raccoons at the park. I find them so endearingly cute, and I really wish I could hug and take them home! [Yes, I do know better.]

What’s your favorite Sunday brunch spot? Do you cook at home? Do you eat out?

**Disclaimer: I do not work, and have not worked, for/with the Teahouse in Stanley Park, and have not received remuneration in any way, shape, or form to write this post. All views are personal, and all monies paid for food consumed were personal.

Guess who got her act together to make reservations for Dineout Vancouver? Yes, that’s right, me! And guess who’s finally in town? Sandy, a good ol’ pal who just moved here from Australia. Love her! We’ve known each other forever but never met until a couple of days ago. That’s the great thing about the Internet. :)

We headed to Bacchus for early dinner last Thursday. I was telling Sandy that I probably should have called ahead to check if we can request a seat by the window, because we ended up being escorted to what looked like the dungeon, the backroom, the place for those who didn’t appropriately dress in the wedding and were being hustled into the tables where people won’t see you. I didn’t even know that section existed because I usually sit by the window when I go there! The “cheapskate” section, Sandy joked. I…was not pleased.

The base price for the Dineout pre-fixe dinner menu was $38. They offered a wine flight for dinner for $14, which I had, and that included wine for the appetizer and main course. I assumed that it was for the 3 courses, because as I recalled in my previous Dineout dinners, I always had wine with my desserts. When I asked how many wines were included, I received an almost stern response that the wine flight was for $14 (reiterated) and it was only for 2 glasses of wine. Uh, did I ask how much it was?

I also ordered the cheese plate. Now if you’ve been following me on Twitter, you might have noticed that since the previous weekend, I’ve been on a cheese binge. On the night of our dinner, it was no different. I wanted some cheese and I wanted it with my appetizer, to which the server asked me several times if I was sure, as if I was a complete moron. Really? Are you kidding me? Does it warrant such rudeness? I don’t think so. Oh my god, I should have ordered a glass of Coke with ice and then we’ll see who gets reported to the French culinary board for (gasp) not following the program.

On to to the menu (and you’ll have to excuse the crappily-lit photos…we were in the dungeon, remember?).

Citrus Cured & Lightly Smoked Lois Lake Steelhead Trout Micro Herbs & Cold Pressed Olive Oil -- 3.75 out of 5 stars -- Salmon was good, but nothing I can't buy on my own.

Navarin of Slow Braised Lamb Shank Potato & Soft Herb Gnocchi, Minted Jus -- 4.5 out of 5 stars -- probably my favorite dish of the night. Fall off the bone, flavorful meat. Gnocchi was not as melt-in-your-mouth as I had hoped.

Goat Cheese & Mascarpone Cheese Cake Rhubarb & Port Compote -- 4.5 out of 5 stars -- Extra creamy cheese cake that I would love to replicate at home.

The cheese plate (no photo) was an additional $12 – 3 out of 5 stars.
We should have received:
Poplar Grove Tiger Blue
3year Old Aged Quebec Cheddar
Little Qualicum Brie

The brie was missing on our cheeseplate and I didn’t notice until I checked the menu when I got back home. The aged cheddar is probably the same one I usually get, except I pick the 5yrs.

We had dinner at Cru last night, and we were comparing the HUGE difference great service makes. Overall, my dinner at Bacchus would be 4 out of 5 at best because of our experience. [The food was good. Sandy commented that her salad greens looked like it came from a pre-mixed salad bag. I hope not.] I usually come back to restaurants after Dineout Vancouver, but I would have reservations going back to Bacchus, even just for drinks. I’d have to say that of all the my dinners around town, my experience last week was probably the worse. I won’t say that you shouldn’t go there, but you should try it yourself and have your own opinion. I was just (ghastly) disappointed, if not utterly repulsed. For a $120+ dinner (not including tax), it’s not cheap and not over-the-top expensive, but I’ve had far better service where my meal cost much less. Yes, I understand it’s Dineout Vancouver, the staff is busy and the restaurant gets full. However, we were there early. There were not too many people seated in the Dineout Dungeon of Bacchus yet. Chalk it up to experience, I guess.

Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge
845 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1V1
(604) 608-5319
www.wedgewoodhotel.com

If you’ve heard of Bon Appétit’s Best American Restaurants episode from the Food Network, you will know that Pizzeria Bianco was named the best place in America to get a pizza. Between authenticity, taste, and quality of ingredients, it beat out countless thousands of  pizza chains and parlors in America. There is a great reason for it as well. Mr. Bianco himself is passionate about pizza as Joy and I are about eating it.

When we learned of this mecca of a pizza joint was in Phoenix, Joy and I planned for a date downtown. But this date did not come without setbacks. Our first challenge was getting there when it was open. We found that the restaurant is only open Tues-Sat. When we were able to get a night to do this, I wanted to verify my directions. In looking for them, I found a review and I thought I would cruise it. The review calls Pizzeria Bianco a low-rated location. His only argument? He had to wait 4 hours for a table. When I told Joy about this, she told me to call. The person who answered the phone confirmed. There was a 4 hour waiting list. This phone call took place at 4:05PM.

We decided that we will brave the wait. It was the perfect night to do it. It was not that cold, not too hot. After finding the location and being told it was a 3 hour wait, we took a couple of couch seats in the bar until the sun went down and ordered from their appetizers. I recommend the meat platter! The ambiance of the bar is cozy and their music library is a great mix of R&B, lounge, and other mixes for a comfortable experience.

Three hours later, slightly starving, our name is called.  We were moved to a table in the corner of the main house and we knew exactly what we wanted. I ordered “Wiseguy” — a sausage and onion pizza,

Joy got the “Margherita” — the basil and tomato pizza. It was the most flavorful pizza we’ve ever had!

But, was it worth it? Was the opportunity cost worth the value of the pizza that we waited for? I think it was, but, I think some little things could have been changed to make the flow of customers better.  The bar where we stayed at was filled with tables and chairs which could have easily been used for patrons to get the pizza. The location does not take reservations, for obvious reasons, but you can make one if your party is 6 or more. I think if we go again, we’ll get a couple of friends together and make sure we can get them to experience this pizza as well because this is a pizza worth the price, but not so much the wait.

Joy’s birthday was last week and I wanted to give her something special. Joy got that something special, me. No, not like that, I proposed to her. Ring and all. In typical Gourmeted fashion, I made her a cake [Possibly posted later] with the question written on it. After a long pause and a ‘Are you Serious?,’ She said yes.

The dinner of her birthday was something to be special as well. She had hinted on T Cook’s of the Royal Palms here in Phoenix.  She said she heard about it from a few websites and friends that it is one of the more romantic dining spots in the Valley.  That’s a high standard to hold and I wanted her to remember her birthday forever.

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Back here in Scottsdale, AZ it is hotter than perhaps, hell. Motivation to cook since I flew back was zilch. All I want to do is go to the nearest place with A/C that will give me food — and in these parts it’s mall, the movies (hello cinnamon pretzels!), or the restaurants. We trekked to all three.

We saw Wall-E the night I got back, and The Dark Knight last Friday. Wall-E was so adorable…I want my own cute personal robot that compacts trash and has a green thumb, but can also cook with me and play music while we do so. The Dark Knight was a brilliant masterpiece. I was initially hesitant to watch it because I just know I would be creeped out to see Heath there. But I just toughed it out and I’m glad I did. The lines last Friday night was probably the most disorganized ones I’ve experienced. And we almost witnessed a fight as one guy tried to “save” 8 seats and another guy was not going to have it. Lots of weekend action. Hah.

Aside from the movies, we’ve been eating out a lot. My first craving when I got back was Spinato’s pizza. Next night it was In and Out burger (send me a lifetime supply of their fries please), Friday was Vietnamese food by the cinema. I don’t know how authentic the food there is, but this pork barbecue sure was super tasty and it reminded me of Filipino barbecue.

For a late lunch on Saturday, we went to a pasta place that we frequently passed by but never tried: Pasta Pomodoro.

They have decent food, by the way. The bread and their pesto-ish olive oil dip was delicious. The minestrone soup was nice. The polenta with fontina cheese was good as well.

I ordered risotto for my meal but it was too salty for my taste so I settled for steamed mussels which did not disappoint.

I think that’s enough eating out for now. We’ve done our grocery shopping for the week and I’m ready to roll. Can’t wait to make ice cream! And flat bread! And other stuff. :) [Pardon this post as I'm drinking Peroni while typing this. ]

What have you guys been making? Where/What have you been eating? And most importantly — What have I been missing? I blame turning 30 this week for all the craziness.

Have a great week everyone!

You have heard us comment about the place, now it is time for me to review the place that we have referenced about: Sauce! It’s the pizza and wine restaurant concept from Fox Restaurants (No relation to the Rupert Murdoch corporation) that offers a variety of specialty flat-bread pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and pastas.

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Feel loved, feel special, and single or not, enjoy the day and give yourself a treat. We all deserve it.

So what’s cooking tonight? Where are you having dinner?

Addendum: Duh, I forgot. Here are some ideas for homemade dinner tonight if you haven’t decided on the menu yet:

• Spinach Pancetta Salad with Pine Nuts with Gorgonzola Vinaigrette
• Spinach Salad with Orange and Avocado

• Herb Crusted Flat Iron Steak
• Hasselback Potatoes
• Green Beans with Pancetta

• Apple in Pine Nut and Honey Caramel
• Chocolate Crinkles
• Chocolate Souffle
• Food For the Gods [or Goddesses!]
• Churros Con Chocolate

• Bejeweled Cranberry Vodka
• Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow [for a night cap]

Here at Chez Gourmeted we skipped the long line for dinner reservations and opted to prepare a nice meal at home: salad, cheese, seared scallops, steak, chocolate-y desserts, and wine. I’ve prepped my homemade strawberry marshmallow-filled ice cream cones that I’m going to dip in chocolate later. I was hoping the marshmallow goo would stay up so it would actually look like ice cream swirl peaks, but alas, it wont to be. I guess I’ll just have to find a way to make it work later. ;-)

Not much going on here, unless you think I should celebrate because at one year short of 30, I finally drove by myself last night. [Oh wait, I will.] Dan expects me to drive in the middle of Phoenix’s rush hour tomorrow as I drop him off at work, proceed to the the nearby mall’s cafe and do my own work, and then meet him later in the afternoon to head straight to beautiful Sedona for the weekend. Can’t wait!

We’re busy with that and Valentine’s so instead of giving you some picture-filled recipe I’m posting a photo of one of the chocolates I had at the Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress last year in Victoria, B.C. Have you ever been there? It’s so very lovely. If you are within the vicinity and you haven’t been or haven’t considered going, you are missing out. Right in front of the harbor, in the middle of the tourist bustle that surrounds Victoria all year long, is a place of perfect harmony and pampering with tea fit for a queen. I never thought having afternoon tea served, and whose ritual is explained, by such dignified, polite, and well-mannered people, dining with ornate chairs and tables, and on fine china could be so…relaxing. It was such a nice ‘distraction’ from the fast paced life…

Here’s to you and I, and our S.O.’s: I hope we all enjoy a nice and relaxing distraction from our daily lives today. Happy Valentine’s Day!

If you want to eat something that is not the usual, in Phoenix it is not that hard to do. Once you go outside city limits it becomes less and less likely you will find something unique. Tea Light Cafe has been around the Valley for almost a year now in North Scottsdale and we enjoyed our dining experience there every time.

You may think we are nuts, but Tea Light Cafe is another restaurant in the North Scottsdale 101 shopping center. (We have a few more places to review in this place, the rest are just fast food places.) What makes this place different is that it is Vietnamese dishes. We tried to find a website before this post, but it did not happen. They have none. A simple Google search will give many other site reviews. I think I will add one more to that list now.

Unique is a great name to describe this little cafe off the beaten path. They have a cute little setup for seating a few families only because of the small space they have for sitting. Don’t let the small place fool you, however, Tea Light Cafe is full of flavors. Pho, Chicken, brisket, and more.

Don’t let the Pho scare you. Simply speaking, it a giant bowl of beef and noodle soup. There are obviously other flavors in the bowl, but I recommend you try it out! When we visited on Friday, I tried the chicken sandwich. An unbelievable change of pace that was perfect for a night out. I wish I knew what it was about the chicken’s flavor and the dressing because it was neither bland or mayo.

Come on over to this North Scottsdale location for lunch or dinner. You will not be disappointed. I hope to see you there soon. Enjoy!

We have been good about cooking at home lately and on Thursday Joy was not feeling that great and I did not want to screw up in the kitchen (Read: Forgetting to put the pan on the right burner. Please PLEASE tell me I am not the only one this has happened. Right?) After coming home, relaxing a bit, and watching some interesting TV, we decided to grab some eats. Since it was getting late on a weekday, our options were limited, especially where we are located.

There’s a place in North Scottsdale that has suffered the same fate as other restaurants in the area. Joy and I saw a place change from Ippei to Spicy Tuna. We did not want to return to Buffalo Wild Wings if we could avoid it on Thursday night so we knew where we wanted to go. We pulled up to the place late at about 10PM. Here is my take on the new place.

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Next to the local movie theatre, there is a strip mall. Logic would say that with the proximity to the movie theatre, a resturant should be sustainable. This location in particular has changed 3 times since the area has been open. There is a lot of competition around the area, especially with Buffalo Wild Wings directly across from this location, but the latest resturant to reside is Cafepino.

Joy and I decided after watching Cloverfield if it was still open, we would visit. We crossed the threshold just shy of 11PM.

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