The Gastown Blog » Eat

Fathers Day Finds In Gastown

Kevin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:16:47 +0000

Fathers Day Finds In Gastown
Words by Christina Lanteigne

Fathers Day is this Sunday! Find the for perfect gift for Dad, something special and unique right here in Gastown. These great gifts are sure to make any guy feel extra special this weekend.

Visit Nood and pick up the ultimate gift of escape and relaxation. The Leather Lounger, inspired by the original Eames design original design is constructed of fine rosewood veneer and uber-comfortable full grain leather. And the base is a sturdy aluminum. Tilt, swivel, recline, and ruminate. The perfect place for Dad to contemplate hist next big project. Right now when you buy a Leather Lounger you’ll get the Leather Ottoman for FREE! (Retail value $799 Offer ends June 20th)

Nood Lounger

For the perfect gift of grooming, head to Roden Gray and check out the newly arrived stock of shaving product by Baxter of California, such as the Shave Kit 1.2.3 and Blue Badger Hair Shave Brush.

Baxter Shave kit

Treat your Dad to a very special Hot Shave or Gentleman’s Cut at neighbourhood fave JD’s Barbershop. Call 604-331-8441 to book an appointment or visit them at 235 Abbott St. to purchase a gift certificate.

Jd's Barbershop

Why not get Dad a new pair of kicks. Visit Livestock and check out their legendary summer sale starting this Saturday!

Livestock

And for the guy who’s got it all, treat him to a delicious roast beef dinner and a shot of whiskey, at the Irish Heather.

Irish Heather

Revel Revel

Kevin — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:03:37 +0000

Revel Revel

New Menu and Live Music at The Revel Room

Revel

In search of a good après-11pm dinner last night, some friends and I decided to stop by the Revel Room to sample their brand new menu and sip on some delicious cocktails. Located at 238 Abbott Street in the heart of Gastown, Revel is a definite favourite amongst the community and a wonderful throwback to entertainment and dining. Tuesdays now feature live blues and funk from the Steve Kozak Trio.

Steve Kozak Trio

With frosty pewter cups of Mint Juleps, we soaked up the warm ambiance and live music, while sampling delicious items from the newly designed menu. Using fresh and local ingredients with Southern and Cajun flavours, the Revel Room offers quality late night fare; a very refreshing change from typically bad late night bar food. Try the Tres Tacos, wonderfully fresh, the shrimp are to die for with fresh tomatilla salsa and lime crema. The Cornmeal Crusted Chicken Wings are a great start, while The Pulled Pork Sandwich with Memphis style BBQ sauce and house-made coleslaw is a Revel classic. The service was outstanding and everything we ate was absolutely delicious, not to mention the wonderful cocktails. With fresh takes on the classics and southern spirits, the cocktail and wine list are a perfect compliment to the new menu. Must haves include the Makers Mark Mint Juleps and An Englishman in Kentucky with Bourbon, Earl Grey syrup, elderflower cordial, egg white, fresh lemon and bitters.

[View with PicLens]

The Revel Room also offers lunch and weekend brunch featuring live Jazz Saturdays and Sundays from noon-2pm.

Words and Photography by Christina Lanteigne

Terracotta Modern Chinese Q&A

Kevin — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:32:02 +0000

Q&A With the Owners of Terracotta Modern Chinese

We caught up with the owners of Terracotta Modern Chinese restaurant, the latest unique eatery to open in the heart of Gastown.

Terracotta owners left to right: Mark Rasteh, Eric Low and Trevor Lee.

Can you tell us a bit your background and story behind Terracotta?

The owners of the restaurant are Eric Low, Trevor Lee and Mark Rasteh. We are first time restaurant owners and we’re extremely excited to prove ourselves! Our hopes and achievements are to provide Vancouver with a new, fresh, stylish, hip, sexy and comfortable resto/ lounge setting. In Vancouver especially, people are accustomed to amazing Chinese food and we expect our menu to be nothing short of fantastic! Head Chef Michael Zhou offers our kitchen an abundance of Chinese cooking experience, graduating from the Chinese culinary college in Beijing China with honors.

What is the concept and culinary ideas behind Terracotta?

The name Terracotta sets the theme for the restaurant which bonds together today’s customers with yesterdays past of a glorious era from China’s most celebrated archeological discovery. Our theme is nostalgic, mysterious and so far has been very well received. Our multi-leveled restaurant has unique seating available in our dinning room, lounge & patio or enjoy a private party in the Emperor’s room downstairs VIP style!

Terracotta

One of the most common assumptions about our restaurant is that our food is fusion. WE ARE NOT FUSION! Terracotta Modern Chinese creates Chinese tapas through a delicate balance of traditional flavours with a modern presentation.

What are your inspirations and why did you choose Gastown?

We’ve had a great experience working in Gastown in the past and we really believe in the neighborhood. We feel that Gastown is the next “big thing” to happen to Vancouver, we love the character, the history and the fact that the Gastown neighborhood really supports each other but mostly we just want to contribute to the success of its ever-increasing popularity!

Upcoming Events:

We’re currently open ’soft’ to the public. Come in and enjoy the experience that we’ve created so far! Our Grand Opening celebration is slated for sometime in late May.

What dishes and cocktails are a must?

Our #1 sellers so far are the Terracotta Short Rib Sliders and Jellyfish Salad, in addition to our favorites we offer a diverse menu of Chinese cuisine ranging from unique dishes like our Braised Pork Hoc and Chicken Knees… yes I said chicken knees (they’re extremely fun to eat!), to our traditional plates such as Chicken Chow Mein, Ginger Beef, Sweet & Sour Pork to our Beijing Fried Rice!

Don’t forget about our tasty deserts mango and panacotta pudding and Tapioca Pie! Cocktails, my personal favorite is the “Big Trouble In Little Gastown” – Bacardi Coco, Mango Liquer w/Fresh Mango. Our house specialty is Chivas & Green Tea (served hot or cold) in a modern style tea pot poured into traditional style tea cups to be shared amongst friends, you must try it!

Terracotta

Special thanks to Eric, Mark and Trevor! Visit Terracotta Modern Chinese at 52 Alexander Street, Vancouver BC. Open Tues-Sun 5pm until Midnight.

For reservations call 604-569-3088

New Coffee, New Shoes!

Kevin — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:08:28 +0000

New Coffee, New Shoes!

John Fluevog & JJ Bean

In celebration of his iconic line’s 40th anniversary, coffee lover and shoe designer John Fluevog has collaborated with JJ Bean on this spring’s latest java inspired heel. The Coffee Tenango Shoe is inspired by the special new Reserve coffee roasted by JJ Bean: The Guatamalan Huehuetenango.

Huehuetenango

Get it all in Gastown! Grab a delicious cup of the latest brew at JJ Bean (146 w. Cordova St, in the Woodwards complex) and stroll over to the Fluevog store (65 Water Street ) to try on this beautiful new shoe.

This single origin Guatemalan coffee exemplifies all that is sought after in great Central American coffees. It is very clean, with a refined acidity and a rich, nutty character. As John Neate of JJ Bean put it, “now this is coffee with soul.”

Orange Tenango

Fluevog’s Tenango design (named after the origin of the Fluevog Roast: Huehuetenango) passionately brewed into a bright tea-strap heel that has floral notes of a lively buttery sweetness, and features the 3″ leather wrapped Coffee heel. Finished with sexy Cairo imprinted leathers and patent trims, the Tenango heel is now being served at all Fluevog locations. Just like the bean that it was inspired by and named after, the Tenango is a delicious single origin shoe roasted to Fluevogian perfection.

The Collaboration

John Fluevog loves coffee. He can often be found in the back of a café in some far off part of the world sketching new shoe ideas. When at home, that café, more often than not, ends up being a JJ Bean Café.

“The idea just bubbled up that it would be fun to link our two organizations in some way. As it often does with people, this sort of thing can happen naturally when there is what appears to be a shared vibe or feel”, comments John Fluevog.

Words by Christina Lanteigne

Playoffs Are Here! Where to Watch the Games in Gastown

Kevin — Mon, 03 May 2010 22:05:16 +0000

Tonight at 6pm the Canucks take on the Chicago Blackhawks for game two.

Gastown is all about hidden gems and unique experiences. If you’re looking for a great place to watch tonight’s game, perhaps something a little different, check out these neighborhood favorites with open taps and warm hearts.

The Shebeen Whiskey House 212 Carrall St

Just in time for the game Shebeen has installed brand new TV’s! Gastown’s coziest whiskey bar is also home to the largest selection of Single Malt, Bourbon, Rye, Scotch and Irish. Tucked away in a private courtyard behind the Irish Heather, Shebeen also boasts a large selection of beer, wine and delicious eats.

Shebeen

On The Edge Gastropub (303 Columbia St.)

Gastown’s newest pub, offering 100% vegan, environmentally friendly menu, delicious cocktails and plenty of draught beer. A self-described bridge between the artsy downtown East end and the trendy lamp-lined Gastown streets, On The Edge is a little piece of history, connected to the Columbia which was built in 1908. With big screen TV’s throughout and a large screen projector on the Edge is a sure to be great game experience. Saturday drink specials include $6.50 double highballs.

On The Edge Pub

The Black Frog (108 Cambie St.)

This cozy pub is nicely tucked away with an ocean view and enclosed patio and a large selection of draught and bottled beers. Large screen TV’s and an excellent game atmosphere make the Black Frog a hockey night must. Saturday drink specials include 4$ sleeves of Okanagan Springs 1516 Lager, Pale Ale or Brewmaster’s Black Lager.

Black Frog

Words by Christina Lanteigne

Dine Out Vancouver – Gastown’s Best

Kevin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:28:42 +0000

Dine Out Vancouver

Dine out Vancouver is back! This is your chance to check out some of Gastown’s culinary greats on now until May 6, 2010.

The rules are easy; enjoy a three course dinner for $18, $28 or $38 per person along with fabulous VQA wine pairing suggestions. Here are our top picks for Dine out Menus this year in Gastown:

Boneta

1 West Cordova St. Vancouver BC, V6B 1C9
604-684-1844

Boneta is Gastown’s original west coast culinary sensation. You have not eaten in Gastown until you’ve eaten here. Top notch cocktails and deserts to die for make for an all around an amazing experience. The March ‘33 is in my opinion quite simply one of the best cocktails in the city.

Boneta Menu

Irish Heather Gastropub

212 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC
604.696.0950

An authentic Irish House serving delicious, satisfying gastropub fare with wonderful ambiance, not to mention an incredible beer and whiskey selection. The Bangers & Mash are an absolute must; they are truly the real deal and always take me back to my days spent in the UK. Get serious and order a Shandy to wash it all down.

Irish Heather menu

Cobre Nuevo Latino Cuisine

52 Powell St, Vancouver, BC
604-669-2396

One of Gastown’s most unique restaurants, Cobre offers “Nuevo Latino” cuisine which is a culinary style blending the passion of Argentina, with the exuberance of Cuba, the sultriness of Brazil and the joy of Mexico. Sip on one of the many delicious Tequila selections; the El Jimador is always amazing or if you’re feeling extravagant try the Gran Patron Burdeos at $60 for a single this is sure to go down smoothly.

Cobre menu

Sample one or all of the delicious menus offered during Dine Out Vancouver in Gastown. Don’t forget to make reservations!

Participating restaurants include:

Al Porto Ristorante

Blarney Stone

Boneta

Cobre Nuevo Latino Cuisine

Irish Heather Gastropub

Salt Tasting Room

Social Gastown

Steamworks Brewing Company

The Old Spaghetti Factory

Water St. Cafe

For more information visit Dine Out Vancouver’s Website

Words by Christina Lanteigne

Guilt & Company

Kevin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:52:53 +0000

From the edgy, hip boutiques to the abundance of lounges and breweries, Gastown is never short of unique places to shop and have fun. Another new addition to the abundant drinking establishments in Gastown is Guilt & Company.

Check out the post from our friends at, Vancouver Is Awesome, written by Christine McAvoy.

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Guilt & Co

This is different. Very different. I’ve been to a lot of bars/venues/restaurants in my travels around Vancouver and the newly opened Guilt & Company blew me away.