Pink Peppercorn Seafood House

I will not act like I know much about Pink Peppercorn Seafood House and from reading some posts, a man named Eddy who previously worked at the Cannery is the owner. Apparently he brought over most of the same employees and items on the menu, along with the decor. 

This is what I pictured when walking into Pink Peppercorn... cute decor, overly friendly staff, a cheerful positive atmosphere, and I assumed it was a fine dining restaurant because of "$$$$" on Urbanspoon. Some people have mentioned the interior of the restaurant has no "fine dining" feel to it and looks tacky. As for myself, I find the interior cute, interesting, entertaining, unique, and the only restaurant in Vancouver that has something like this. 

We arrived around 6:50pm on a Monday evening and there were around five seated tables. After a short five minute wait at the front, we were seated and waited around fifteen minutes for water. When our server brought over some water, we asked if we could order and he asked us to "hold on". But as another fifteen minutes later, we were able to order.

I think the restaurant may have been short staffed because I felt guilty asking for features of the day and when he said "hold on," it seemed as if I was a nuisance. Furthermore, throughout the dinner it was hard to track down our server and he did not ask if we enjoyed any of the food, until the very end when we paid for the bill. I guess the restaurant really was short staffed, but they only had five tables? Anyway, not a big deal, I probably felt uncomfortable as well as awkward because I felt like I bothered him, or was expecting a different vibe because of the decor.

Banana Leaf : West Broadway location

Banana Leaf and Tropika are two very well known Malaysian cuisine restaurants (well known, not necessarily good). When entering the restaurant, I was somewhat surprised that all the staff were non-Asian. The hostess seated us at a coffee sized table with a black panel on my right side, which separated the table from the entrance of the restaurant. I like the panel because it separates the table from the front door but I felt kind of claustrophobic with the tight seating. Since there were a few (three or four) empty larger tables, we asked the hostess if we could change seats. Unfortunately, she mentioned that those tables are for larger parties (three to four people).

After settling down, I noticed there were actually two Asian staff other than the four non-Asian. I mention this not to sound biased but it seems like they are very selective with the employees. It is understandable there are more employees to cater to the Western clientele, but I find it odd for an Asian restaurant to have more non-Asian staff.

The interior of the restaurant is nicely decorated with little nicknacks, Malaysian related or not. If comparing the interior to Tropika, Banana Leaf lacks that nice higher upscale feeling. The photo on the right was taken from our seat, clearly there are a few empty tables right in front of us and not just in this section.

Thai Chef Casual Thai Cuisine

Thai Chef is one of the newer as well as only Thai cuisine restaurant other than Thai Garden (which is not very good) in Burquitlam. The restaurant is located in the same plaza along with Japolo, North Garden and Okoman Sushi. The only positive thing about this plaza is that parking is never an issue because of the average or below average tasting restaurants, so there is no need to circle or wait for parking, there's plenty.

The interior of the restaurant has vibrant lime green colored walls and sticks to a color scheme of grey, black, white and lime green. There are black and white photos of flowers throughout the restaurant which is not really Thai related but hey, why not?

CHICKEN SATAYS, PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE, SPICY EGGPLANT AND BASIL, RED CHICKEN CURRY, AND PRAWN TOM YUM SOUP.

Rose Garden Seafood Restaurant 嘉好海鮮美食之家 (2nd visit)

FIRST POST ON ROSE GARDEN [HERE]

Being somewhat still sick and craving for seafood, soup, and congee, why not Rose Garden?... Aside from the fact that my last visit kind of annoyed me. It has been two months since my last visit and I think I have banned long them enough, plus I prefer dining at their emptier restaurant compared to busier places such as Kwan Luck or Congee Noodle King.

The restaurant has two sections, one for groups of six or more, and the other for groups of less than four. Usually the floor has used napkins and/or food fallen from tables, but this time the carpet was clean.

PORK WITH MUSTARD GREEN AND PRESERVED EGGS SOUP, CLAMS IN LEMON GRASS BROTH, COMPLIMENTARY CONGEE, CREAM AND BUTTER SAUECE LOBSTER, PORK WITH MUSTARD GREEN AND PRESERVED EGGS SOUP, DEEP FRIED SILVER FISH, DEEP FRIED QUAIL AND BEAN LEAVES WITH TWO KINDS OF PRESERVED EGGS.

Kingsway Sushi 東壽司

After having dinner at Ohuyuka which did not satisfy my sushi cravings, we had to make a trip to Kingsway Sushi on the following evening. Kingsway Sushi is a part of the Top Gun group and I try to avoid the restaurant if I can make it to Richmond Sushi. The reason I prefer Richmond Sushi more is because of their slightly larger menu and better tasting food.

As for the interior, Kingsway Sushi is a large restaurant. There are private rooms to accommodate large parties, spacious seating arrangements, and most tables are sectioned off with wooden divider walls. With regards to the food, Kingsway Sushi is an All You Can Eat Japanese restaurant. There are three different menus which include deluxe, regular and a late night. We always go for the deluxe because of the ability to order mirugai, hamachi and amaebi.

DELUXE $33.50 CHILDREN (5-9) $15.95 || ADULT $25.50 CHILDREN (5-9) $12.95

LATE NIGHT $14.95 CHILDREN (5-9) $9.95

Peking Restaurant 金華海鮮美食之家

Continuing with catching up on my posts, brings me to Peking Restaurant. My first visit here was probably five or six years ago and I thought the food was average, nothing special and no complaints. However, a couple of years ago, I mentioned the restaurant to a friend and he remembered Peking Restaurant as disgusting because of the "man who serves soup with thumb in bowl." His situation was probably an isolated incident and I never thought the restaurant was dirty or had sloppy staff.

I believe Peking Restaurant has renovated sometime in the last few years because the interior looks fairly clean. Although I do not remember what the interior looked like before. Anyways, since we were already in the area, I decided to revisit. Plus, I needed congee because I was sick.

New Lakeview Seafood and Wonton Restaurant

REVISIT POST ON NEW LAKEVIEW SEAFOOD [HERE]

Continuing with my interest in finding not very known or the most appealing Chinese restaurants, brings me to New Lakeview Seafood. I remember trying to come here a few weeks ago but poorly judged the restaurant by the exterior, and assumed that New Lakeview would be "dirty" inside so decided to pass after parking.

However, I decided not to judge a book by its cover and based on convenience decided to try New Lakeview again. Or, I mean… walk in this time.

Well, New Lakeview surprised me. The interior is squeaky clean and not dirty at all. The restaurant may be considered on the smaller side with only 13-14 tables and there was only one man at the front, who I believe is the owner. He was friendly to every customer as well as the regulars, and humble.

As for the seating arrangements, they are spacious as well as comfortable and I appreciate the restaurant for not squeezing in a couple of more tables, which they could have done.

Jong Ga BBQ Korean Restaurant

RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED

Jong Ga BBQ is the new replacement of Corean Palace, which was a Jang Mo Jib chain restaurant. Corean Palace was my favourite Jang Mo Jib location because the employees actually provided service, until the owner and his son started working there (which then became like every other service-less JMJ chain).

When entering the restaurant, the owner greeted us and was very friendly. In addition, the restaurant has a very cheerful and upbeat vibe. At first, I was not sure why until I realized it is because the Virgin Radio station was blasted. The loud music made me feel like I was at Cactus Club and I thought it was kind of inappropriate because Jong Ga seems more like a family restaurant, not a social drinking club. As for the interior, when comparing Jong Ga to the previous restaurant, I do not notice many changes except for the new addition of photos of Korean cuisine on the wall.

Little Billy's Steak House

Little Billy's is a Greek cuisine restaurant serving steak. I have been wanting to come here for a while and the only thing stopping me has been the idea of possibly leaving disappointed. On a Thursday evening, the restaurant was quite empty and the majority of the clientele were women. I found this interesting because the bartender/host/server/only person at the front of the house had an Australian accent and many of the women giggled while talking about him, which made me feel like I was watching a TV drama.

When we entered the restaurant, we were told to seat ourselves because the man was busy behind the bar. I like that we were acknowledged upon entering because there is nothing worse than being unacknowledged and waiting at a narrow pathway by the door. The interior of the restaurant is very narrow and cramped, I cannot imagine being here on a full house or would ever want to. Moreover, the seating arrangements along the wall resemble a large communal table. This makes it awkward for couples who are on a date because if there is a full house, you are sharing the table with another couple! I even had troubles getting in and out of my seat when my body frame is "average" and the chairs were empty lol. The narrow gap between the tables remind me of a similar situation at Cattle Cafe, where my arse was practically on someone else's food while trying to get to or leave my seat.

Ohukuya Japanese Restaurant

REALLY? The restaurant is called Japan House? After trying to find Ohukuya on Urbanspoon and literally double checking the spelling three times, I noticed the white sign that says "Japan House" and as I am typing this now, I notice the blue sign that says "Japan House Sushi". Anyway, I think I have tried most of the late night Chinese restaurants on Kingsway Street so I went for the only late night Japanese restaurant, Ohukuya Japan House.

Now know I why the restaurant is called Japan House, it makes sense because the restaurant's interior looks like a cute little house... sort of, well it could pass for one. Fine, I just like the room at the back (not pictured).

Every table has S&B powder, soy sauce, tooth picks and a fake flower. I like that every bottle of soy sauce is covered with a plastic container to prevent dust from landing and is somewhat sanitary in a way (but not really, how often would they clean the containers or the outside of the bottles?). The restaurant has a lot of cute decorations and I keep thinking to myself, how dusty is all of this? Dustiness is not a concern of mine (unless it is near the table or my food) and I do find the decorations cute, I just cannot imagine them dusting the decorations. I would not even want to myself!

Hog Shack Cook House

Hog Shack Cook House is located at Stevetson in Richmond, and seems to be my-go to barbecue house. On my prior visits, I always order the Johnny's Jurassic Platter which comes with side ribs, beef ribs, chicken quarters and pulled pork. The platter is more than enough for two and there will be leftovers! By the way, this is coming from a girl who would attempt to finish it all alone too. But to be fair to myself, the only reason I cannot finish the platter is because the barbecue sauce tastes the same and my tastebuds get bored of the meats.

Walking in for a late lunch around 3:00pm on a weekday, the restaurant was dead and our waitress was friendly. The only reason for revisiting Hog Shack for the third time is because Memphis Blues was horrible. Although I do not remember Hog Shack serving amazing food and the always seemed more average to me. I mean, there has to be a reason why we wanted to try Memphis Blues right? Anyways, instead of ordering the usual platter, we chose our favourite meats and passed on the chicken and pulled pork.

Lucky Gate Chinese Restaurant 前門飯店 (2nd visit)

FIRST POST ON LUCKY GATE [HERE]

Another post I have been procrastinating on is the dinner at Lucky Gate because my second visit was not as great as the first. Also, the only difference between this visit and the last is that the cook left and the owner cooked our dishes. Anyways, I am only here for 1. fresh noodles, 2. deep fried chicken leg, and 3. drunk chicken.

HOT AND SOUR SOUP, HOUSE SPECIAL FRIED RICE WITH FRIED CHICKEN LEG, SEAFOOD DUMPLINGS, GREEN ONION PANCAKE, SLICED PORK WITH VEGETABLE IN CHILLI SAUCE, DRUNKEN CHICKEN AND STEWED BEEF NOODLE.

Venice Garden Seafood Restaurant 海皇美食 (2nd visit)

FIRST POST ON VENICE GARDEN [HERE]

I procrastinated with this post because I think it is nothing special and just meh, one of those restaurants where posting it again is kind of pointless. I mentioned in my previous visit that I would most likely come back for their congee because it's tasty, and the only reason I was put off by Venice Garden was because the last dish took over an hour to come (and the manager is ehhh). Since I had the option of choosing any late night Chinese restaurant, I chose here and wanted the free congee with $30.00 purchase LOL (hey, it's tasty too okay!). The service is pretty casual, you walk in, get seated, are given menus and you wave a waitress down when you need them.

PEA TIPS IN BROTH, BEEF WITH BITTER MELON, OYSTER IN SCRAMBLED EGG, PRESERVED EGG AND SLICED FISH CONGEE, PRAWN WITH CHILLI SALT, FRESH OYSTERS AND LOBSTER AND CRAB SPECIAL.

Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe

Excuse my negativity, I always write what I think and have no filter. Thierry is most likely many peoples first time buying and trying macarons. I personally prefer Soirette over Thierry because I find Theirry's too sweet. The macarons here are larger but I am willing to sacrifice size for a better tasting macaron.

Aside from macarons, Thierry is known for their wide selection of chocolate, dessert, pastries and drinks. I think these are what Thierry is known for right? And sandwiches?

I personally think Thierry is a place to be seen, where girls order one dessert and nibble for an hour or so. If you like any of their desserts or think there is something to rave about, please let me know. I would love to try (no sarcasm).

Why am I here? BF is late for lunch and I thought since I am already in the area, I might as well write a post on Thierry. Around a year ago, I binged on macarons and ate a dozen a day. Eventually I got sick of them and have not touched any since then. That is when I thought to myself that I could start posting macarons from the worst to the best. Well that is not true, the worst macarons are at two locations in Granville Island (I forgot which stores but pretty much every place in Granville Island that sells macarons). Why are they the worst? Oh god they are crunchy, dry, hollow, shatter and turns into dust, seriously.

I have never tried anything other than macarons here before, so I ordered a LEMON TART, SWEET PASTRY AND LIGHT LEMON CURD (5.75), as well as a DOZEN OF MACARONS ($21.95).

PUMPKIN PEAR, VANILLA BEAN, EARL GREY AND MAPLE PECAN. I have always liked how they separate the different flavours of macarons, as well as the long shaped box.

LEMON TART, SWEET PASTRY AND LIGHT LEMON CURD ($5.75). The lemon tart has a semi caramelized brittle top, dusted with icing sugar and topped with a glazed strawberry. The lemon curd tastes very lemony, sour and smooth. I find the lemon tart too sweet and was thinking to myself, am I really sitting here eating this for a post? How sad, but I did want you to taste good. I am supposed to be having a tenderloin at Coast, not some lemon tart. The tart has a standard butter crust, tastes average and is properly made.

INDIVIDUAL $1.95, 7 PACK $13.45, 12 PACK $21.95

CLOCKWISE LEFT, VANILLA, PUMPKIN PEAR, EARL GREY AND MAPLE PECAN.

The macarons have a crack or two, give or take and I am not surprised at Thierry. A few years ago Thierry was a lot better, especially with their quality control but meh. I came in knowing what to expect, so no complaints. The macarons have a soft slight hardened crust with a chewy texture (not in a bad way) and a generous amount of filling. The VANILLA MACARON tastes sweet with a vanilla bean taste. The PUMPKIN PEAR MACARON tastes sweet with a generous hint of cinnamon and has a sweetened cooked pear in the middle which I thought was interesting.

The EARL GREY MACARON is probably my favourite out of all four. The macaron is not overly sweet and has a flavourful earl grey taste. The MAPLE PECAN MACARON is topped with pecan shavings and has a very strong maple taste. The macaron is sweet and understandable because of the maple flavouring.

POSITIVES

- Macarons are sweet if you have a sweet tooth

- Larger sized macarons compared to other places

- Staff is friendly

NEGATIVES

- Macarons are too sweet and chewy IMO

- There are better macarons elsewhere (Soirette)

- Dessert is meh

LITTLE THINGS

- Cannot finish macarons? Keep them in the fridge, take them out and eat when they are in room temperature 

Food: 2.5/5

Service: 2.5/5