y.v.r - day one

the best thing about visiting another country and place is the fact that one can kick back and for that short period of time, just be one of the locals. no rushing around, guide book in hand, doing the touristy thing...more driving around, checking out new cafes, new hole in the walls, shopping at the local super mart and well...just being one of them. that is why this girl really likes heading to places where family and friend are just because it makes the time there literally a change and getaway from the usual same old.

the week in vancouver was hence quite perfect. with the last time being there was way back in 1999, this girl was kinda stoked to have the chance to extend her time in beautiful british columbia. with all the touristy things checked off when i visited eons ago with family, this trip was perfect for mojitos and madness in that every meal could be thoroughly enjoyed. having an uncle and cousin who know how to enjoy a good meal definitely helped too!

straight off the plane from ottawa, this girl was whisked off for some shanghainese yum cha. having been used (even spoilt!) to the likes of crystal jade, this girl wasn't honestly expecting very much from the lunch....one taste of the chinese wine chicken (read drunken chicken), xiao long bao and the chong you bing however, had this girl quite blown away. each dish was prepared with exception care, with beautiful refinement. the xiao long bao was pretty close to crystal jade's standard bit the chicken beat crystal jade's version hands down. not fatty, and thoroughly infused with just the right amount of wine, each piece had a refreshing yet earthy kick. my favourite? the chong you bing. crispy, fluffy and extremely fragrant with the simple spring onion, this girl doesn't know how they did it but the pancake was good. not the least bit greasy, this girl happily devoured her half of the plate! perfect start to the holiday if you ask me!

dinesty
8111 ackroyd road
160 richmond
(604) 3037 772

the first day in vancouver was concluded with a prix fixe at one of vancouver's best resturants. nestled in a little corner, the long narrow room was already busy despite being quite early for dinner. renowned for their small plates, this girl contemplated for a good ten minutes whether to have the small plate or indulge in the prix fixe. thankfully the maitre d made the decision for me just by highly recommending the seasonal spot prawn salad appetizer. apparently only available this time of year and only in the bc region, the spot prawns turned out to be everything they were made out to be. extremely fresh, very sweet and adding a nice crunch and spray of red against the bed of summer greens. the halibut was equally fresh and cooked very well. fish, to me, is the ultimate test that makes a good restaurant great, as it is very hard to get precisely and prefectly done. grilled with a touch of lemon zest, the halibut was a good size and cooked in its natural oils. omega 3s checked! only thing left to do that evening was for the sin of dessert to be committed. crand cru chocolate truffle with white chocolate espresso mousse was this girl's chosen sin and long story short, no regrets was documented. made of truly high quality chocolate, the truffle was smooth, bittersweet and truly hit the spot. thanks to mike and maggie for a wonderful meal (and evening at the theatre!)

cru
1459 west broadway
vancouver
british columbia
(604) 6774 111
www.cru.ca