Bo Laksa King's

hidden laksa gem...

As their name implies, Bo Laksa King's specialty resides in...well, none other than laksa.  For those who are not familiar, laksa is a popular noodle soup with origins in Chinese/Singaporean/Malaysian cuisine (I believe).  Vermicelli is usually the prime type of noodle offered, with the usual ingredients being: fish balls, prawns, tofu puffs, and boiled egg....all in a coconut-based curry soup.

BLK (I'm gonna shorten it just for convenience sake...and the fact that I love reducing names to an aconym-form, lol) also features other Malaysian/Burmese items (roti, satays, "pickled tea leaf salads", etc).

*Pls note:  I apologize for the lack of information as I felt too lazy on this day to glean more info, given time and circumstantial constraints!

Food:

The laksa was divine and definitely lived up the rave reviews that currently exist about this place.  It was a generous portion of vermicelli, along with the essential ingredients of tofu puffs, fish balls, prawns, pieces of chicken satays (a bonus!), topped off and garnished with red onion, cilantro, bean sprouts, japalenos and lime.  It was certainly appealing to the appetite and taste.  The soup was perfect - with the perfect ratio of coconut to curry taste.  My dining companion also pointed out that we were given a whole boiled egg, instead of a half (which you would expect at other places).  I also loved the addition of pieces of chicken satay...grilled to perfection and immaculate in taste. 

It is also important to note that they give you a separate container for the soup.  The feeling of just being able to pour your own soup in, somehow makes it so much more gratifying...and more fresh-tasting. Don't you agree? ;)

Service:

Not sure if the lady and the man behind the counter were a couple but they were very hospitable and kind.  They even offered us (free) tea and gave us a sample of their "pickled tea leaf salad" (which, btw, tastes like how it sounds). 

Value:

$7.50 per bowl of laksa....not too pricey, I don't believe. It's worth it, regardless!

Ambience

It's not a restaurant, or a cafe.  Nor is it situated in a food court...or on the streets. But rather, it's located inside a grocery store.  Yes, you heard me.  The space isn't very large - just a food counter, and 1 (or 2) tables that sits 2 people each.  Regardless, I didn't mind it too much!

Overall: 7.7/10

Yay:  Yumm laksa...good for take-out.  No real parking issues here.

Nay: It's located in a grocery store where take-out may be the only option at times.

** Interesting Fact: The owner (I believe) informed us that they will be now offering delivery (within a 5-km radius), as well as a new menu!

Chambar

it's only my most faaavourite restaurant everrr....

It was a difficult decision to make (Chambar or Le Crocodile?), but after coming across a blogger who recently raved about the mushroom and goat cheese spring roll that he/she tried at Chambar, I just haaddd to go and try it for myself...pronto! And so, without a second thought, reservations were made and finalized at the much-beloved Chambar.

Side note: I love Chambar with all my heart and have never been disappointed at all.  I was excited to pay it a good (6th, to be exact!) visit once again.

Food:

We started off with the much-anticipated, drool-worthy Les champignons forestiers (marinated beets, mushrooms, watercress, mushroom and goat cheese spring roll) admist a wonderful vinaigarette accompaniment.  The appy arrived piping hot, as Scoe would say.  The spring roll was generously filled with an ample amount of goat cheese (yummm!), while the beets, mushrooms and vinegarette side only made it better.  It was wonderful as expected, and I devoured them wanting for more.

Scoe also ordered La salade d'hiver ("winter salad" in translation) to fulfill his daily veggie requirements.  That was nice and fresh (I don't remember too much of it as the taste of the goat cheese spring roll still lingered in my mouth).  Both appies were magnificent in taste, which only prompted us to order a third appy.  We opted for Les Coquilles St. Jacques (Seared scallops with smoked kurobata pork cheeks).  'Twas an excellent choice - nicely seared, plump, divine-tasting scallops.  The night was only getting started :)

As for our entrees, it was not a surprise that Scoe and I both opted for les Moules Frites (although other fish, meat entrees are equally as spectacular).  As usual, Scoe had the Mussels Vin Blanc (in white wine, braised leeks and celery) while I chose my usual Mussels Coquette (white wine cream, smoked bacon lardons, spring onions).  It once again, lived up to expectations - flavourful broth, plump and juicy (ocean-friendly!) mussels, generous portions with an excellent side of pomme frites (and garlic mayo!)

** I must add that they have a wonderful selection of Belgian beers, as well as finely-executed cocktails.

Service:

Prompt and friendly

Value:

Reasonable, although this is one of the few places, that I know of, that charges for bread.

Ambience:

Hip, hip, happeningggg! Maybe a little tooo loud at times. But overall, a wonderful place to be, and be seen at. Make sure you make reservations!

Overall: 9.5/10 (yes, i love it THAT much!)

Yay: Excellent belgian food (and probably the only place for great Belgian food in Vancouver). Come here for the mussels, appies, steak, beer...hell, just pay it a visit already. You won't regret it.  Foodmatik guarantees it, lol

Nay: I don't know if there really is a nay....parking's not too bad in this area. Probably not a good choice if you're wanting a nice, quiet, romantic dinner?

** Interesting fact:  Cafe Medina is their sibling restaurant/cafe known for their lovely Morrocan-influenced brunch and belgian waffles. Another lovely little place...no wonder they're affiliated with Chambar :) In addition, Chambar has also opened up a cooking school right next door as well.

Also...on my very first visit to Chambar, I saw Pierce Brosnan dining here (and boy, do I have a story to tell about that...!)

Market by Jean Georges

i ♥ Market!

* note: actual dining experience occured almost 2 weeks ago, late review is due to the recent holiday craze. My apologies!

Food:

My siblings and I chose this restaurant as the locale for our annual Christmas dinner because it sure didn't disappoint us the first time here.  Needless to say, we left Market with all smiles (as well as full tummies) the second time around :)

We started off with the Crispy Calamari (with Pea Shoots and Chili Dip) and the Arctic Char Sashimi.  Both were good, but not great. The calamari was nicely battered, but the chili dip that it came with was frothy (not thick, as you would expect).  I liked the garlic specks that came atop the sashimi.  Both appetizers were good, but I would recommend the Seared Scallops and the Foie Gras Brulee, if you ever go. We ordered those the first time here and thought they were the much better appetizers.

For my entree, I was comtemplating either the: Soy-Glazed Apple Short Ribs (had those the first time here and LOVED it) or the Lobster Baked with Basil Butter Lemon Spaetzle (with Autumn Vegetables)  I ended up ordering the lobster (other sibling chose the short ribs and thus allowed me to pick and "sample" her food :)).  I wish I knew (or inquired about) what the spaetzle was, but regardless, my entree was just o-k.  I wasn't feeling the lemon, spaetzle and lobster combination.  From what I wikipedia-ed just now (haha), Spaetzle is a type of noodle with origins in German cuisine (fyi!).  Overall, the entree was a little too sour for my liking (should've known).  Note to self: Never order lobster in a non-Asian restaurant unless it's accompanied with pasta! lol

As for the other entrees sampled :), they were all excellent.  The Seared Sirloin of Beef was tender and cooked to perfection.  The enoki mushrooms as well as the soy caramel sauce only served to boost its flavour.  Divinity as its best (lol)

Dessert consisted of a Green Apple Crumble and a Warm Chocolate Cake. Both were savoury and delicious. Once again, I apologize for the lack of description in taste! All I remember was that they were both good, lol

Service:

Our server took a while in arriving to take our order, but she was friendly.  Bread boy (hope that's not offensive) was prompt and always there to reload on the good ol' carbs.  The manager had a sense of humour (albeit a lame one) but he was still there whenever we needed him (e.g to take pictures for us! lol)

Value:

On par with what you would expect at other fine dining restos. (Although it would be nice to get my money back for the disappointing lobster dish!)

Ambience:

Beautiful.  Love the all-white decor and interior.  It's located in the Shangri-La Hotel, so I'll let you be the judge of what you would expect to see :)

Overall: 8.6/10

Yay: Fabolous food, setting and a damn nice place to be seen at.  Word has it that this is one of theee places for celebrity sightings (Bradley Cooper, Zac Efron...anybody? :) )

Nay: Downtown. Parking. Parking. Downtown. You get the drift!


** Interesting Fact: Jean-Georges is a world-renowned chef, author, and entrepreneur.  My sister went to his NYC restaurant (Spice Market) recently and had nothing but good things to say!


Posted by: J