My latest food adventure and LetsGoForDinner addition is Robson All India Restaurant.  I really do have a soft spot for great, authentic Indian food.

I was able to try and handful of wonderful items, but I can honestly say that I’ve never had better lamb.  It was the spice combination and tenderness that did me in.  You just know it’s a recipe that’s been passed down from generation to generation within their family.  In fact, Vivek (owner) told me that 2 vital components of his restaurant come right from India – his chefs and his spices.  He passionately explained that both are simply best when they come from India…end of story.

Aloo Gobi, paneer, butter chicken were the next samplings.  You will not be disappointed.  I could go on and on about each dish, but it can all be summed up by saying that it was some of the tastiest Indian food I’ve ever eaten, and the owners don’t get any friendlier or accommodating.  It’s nice to know that when I’m downtown and craving Indian, I won’t have to think twice.  It’s upstairs on Robson between Jervis and Bute.  Enjoy!

Robson All India Restaurant

During my years of eating, my brain and stomach have collectively compiled a list of dishes and/or cuisines that are now in a ‘must have once a month’ category.  It has it’s mainstays, such as Indian food and a reallllly great burger etc…, but occasionally a new ’satisfier’ creeps in.  Who knew?  Apparently, I love tapas.

I visited Cafe Barcelona last week…what a way to eat!  It’s small, different bites all the time, and I love that everything comes in an authentic, Spanish ceramic dish.

Man, did I ever get to sample lots!  I had ‘grilled red bell pepper and eggplant, topped with goat cheese’. Basically, I spooned the works on a little, crispy, toasted crostini.  It was soft, flavourful, creamy, salty, and a really nice start.  This was followed by beef and pork meatballs in a red pepper and tomato sauce.  Yum.  Next, on a toothpick was an anchovie, a gerkin, an olive, and a green bean, all to be eaten in one bite.  I normally would be somewhat hesitant with anchovies, but the previous items went so well that I just had to.  The flavour combo was a perfect match and I would easily recommend it and have it again!  Again, on toothpicks were disc shaped octopuses (new for me…usually deep fried), on softened potatoes of the same shape with the entire one-biter sprinkled with lovely smoked paprika.  The depth of textures and flavours were simple, yet addictive.  Lastly, I had the basque chorizo style sausage and potato cake.  It’s like Spanish style meat and potatoes….mmmm.

There are many good reasons to like tapas and the general idea of smaller plates.  I mean, you get to try a little of everything, which opens up so much more of the menu.  If you went with a group of 6 or 8, you could literally order 90% of the menu while still feeling like you had a satisfying meal.  Cafe Barcelona delivers on all fronts for me – flavour, concept, budget friendly and location.    I’ll be back.  Enjoy your tapas!

The Edge offers a large, modern, yet comfortable room with both dining and lounge seating, as well as a generous outdoor patio that runs along the front of the restaurant which is set deep into the large street front courtyard. We’re focused on delivering a unique experience, so we’ve redefined tradition to create an exceptional and lively ambiance, a rare and varied menu with bold twists on classic dishes, and an unrivaled level of service that puts you first. We proudly invite you to experience our tantalizing, globally inspired menu with a distinct focus on sourcing fresh local products where possible. Our chefs are committed to maintaining the highest standards and source superior local products where possible to ensure freshness every time. Our menu provides a variety of unique options to savour with friends. Our team at The Edge is inverting the rules as necessary to ensure your visit with us is distinctly enjoyable. We recognize that there are literally hundreds of options for you to choose from in this great city of ours, so we view your preference as a privilege to earn.

When you talk about the best and/or most successful restaurants, or have a conversation about the best restaurants Vancouver has ever seen, it’s impossible to not mention Provence Marinaside.  Needless to say, we’re honoured to have them be part of the LetsGoForDinner.com family, and we’re excited to be able to offer them to our members.

Go enjoy  one of the best.

Provence Marinaside

When I look for new spots to add, I try to find a little something for everyone.  This one’s for those who love food inspired from the south, from New Mexico to New Orleans, mixed with a healthy portion of live jazz and blues.  Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays is when the live music happens, but on Sundays the live jazz  is enjoyed during brunch!

I got to try 3 dishes.  I shared the ’shrimp and grits with double smoked bacon, roast garlic, parsley and brown butter’ with a couple of the owners.  I just followed their lead and dipped the shrimp right in the grits.  Needless to say, they were delicious and didn’t stand a chance.    The second dish was the ‘roast chicken breast with bacon-braised greens and mac ʻnʼ cheese’.  The chicken was juicy and perfectly smothered in a homemade, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that won me over on the first bite.  They know their mac ‘n’ cheese, too.  It’s made with double smoked bacon, creamy cheeses, and finished with a soul satisfying top crunch.  The last item I tried was my favourite.  It was a ‘gold and red beet salad with chèvre, arugula, black olive oil and pecan brittle’.  I know it was the smallest of the 3, but the combination of the cheese and the beets just had summer all over it.  I could literally eat this every day.

Another no-brainer in Gastown.

Revel Room @ 238 Abbott Street