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Hot Dining: Beyond Sashimi

The food at ShuRaku is as lovely as art. Photo by KK Law

Even though the city boasts countless sushi bars, the raw fish specialty is only part of the Japanese scene. Chef Masahiro Omori takes small plates to new heights at Granville Street’s ShuRaku Sake Bar & Bistro (pictured). Tucked away downstairs at Alberni and Thurlow, long-running Aki is a robata specialist. And nearby hibachi-style Kobe Japanese Steak House puts on a knife-whirling teppanyaki show. Warning: don’t try this at home.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: Top 5 Game-Day Picks

Jets roll from Meiji. Photo by chronic creative.

Local restaurants have caught game-day fever, offering tasty fare to savour in front of the big screen or creative dishes named after Winnipeg’s professional sports teams.

Just steps from the MTS Centre, 4Play Sports Bar & Grill has all the glitz and glam of a Las Vegas sports bar with cushy loungers lined up in front of a 24 ft.-projection screen. A mountain of red, green and yellow tortilla chips generously covered with roasted vegetables and melted cheese scores a grand slam in flavour. 1405 Portage Ave, 783-6155.

Succulent, flame-licked chicken is the specialty at West End eatery Galo Louco. Chow down on subtly seasoned kebabs and fresh house-made potato chips, while watching the action play on TVs in the dining room and lounge. 1075 Notre Dame Ave, 772-4256.

The Jets roll (pictured) at Japanese eatery Meiji salutes the returning NHL team. Local freshwater favourites—fresh pickerel and smoked goldeye—offer a decadent taste of Manitoba inside each bite of this artful roll topped with avocado, snow crab and salmon. 454 River Ave, 284-3996.

Two levels of TVs and games, and a rooftop patio with stellar city views make the downtown location of Tavern United a sports fan favourite. Classic pub fare like fish and chips are done exceptionally well with a crunchy, beer batter coating. 260 Hargrave St, 944-0022.

Ultra-trendy Unburger’s “Blue & Gold” creation is a tribute to the city’s beloved Blue Bombers. Here, a Manitoba lean ground beef patty is topped with gourmet blue cheese, chipotle aïoli, balsamic onion, greens and tomato. 472 Stradbrook Ave, 888-1001.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Kamloops, British Columbia

Victoria Street, Kamloops. Photo by Spatial Mongrel

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is our series highlighting the best local restaurants across Canada. Today we are featuring top restaurant picks in Kamloops, British Columbia, situated in the dry Thompson Valley, a hub for golf and outdoorsy endeavors.

Have a tip for your city? Let us know on Twitter or on Facebook.

By Waheeda Harris

Breakfast

Make it a sweet start to the day with a cup of fair trade java and a cinnamon Danish roll from Romann’s Swiss Pastries and Chocolates. A mainstay of downtown, this Swiss bakery offers many delights, all made in house daily. And if you’re more of a savoury type, fresh from the oven bread will be another lure – the multigrain Sovital bread will help fuel up for a day of exploring.

Romann’s Swiss Pastries & Chocolates, 359 Victoria Street, Kamloops BC 250-372-2625

Lunch

Whether you’ve conquered the trails of Kenna Cartwright Park or the shopping areas of Columbia Street and Summit Drive, the tasty offerings from Taka Japanese will fit the bill. Plenty of locally-inspired options include freshly-made seaweed salad, BC roll with salmon skin or the Aurora roll (a California roll with salmon, tuna, shrimp or red snapper), or make life easy – order a combination bento box.

Taka Japanese Restaurant, #270-1210 Summit Drive, Kamloops BC 250-828-0806

Dinner

This contemporary boite will encourage switching from Mountain Co-op gear to a new outfit from one of the Victoria Street boutiques. With a nice little wine list and starters and entrees influenced by the cuisines of Spain, France and Italy, diners will have all their senses easily satisfied. Reward yourself with a post-meal stroll to see 400 rose varieties in the Peter Wing Rotary Rose Garden in nearby Riverside Park.

Felix on Fourth Street, 260 Fourth Avenue Kamloops, BC 250-434-4766

Hot Dining: Sushi in the ByWard Market

There's something for every taste at Wasabi.

Wasabi’s elegant dining room is a resplendent oasis in the bustling ByWard Market. With more than 300 items on the menu at this Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, deciding what to order can be a challenge. We suggest their signature shrimp-tempura roll, or the original Spezza Salmon Special conceived by Wasabi-frequenter — and Ottawa Senators’ player — Jason Spezza. Relax in a booth, or schmooze in the lounge, but be sure to stroll past the sushi-creation station where you can see the experts craft each delicious piece. 41 Clarence St., 613-241-3636.

Hot Dining: Happening Hapa

Hapa Umi is the sophisticated older sister of Vancouver's Hapa Izakaya restaurants. Photo by KK Law

No wonder Bon Appétit magazine has pegged Hapa Izakaya as among the top five izakayas in North America: owners Lea and Justin Ault honed their izakaya skills in Tokyo before opening in Vancouver. Their newest, more formal Hapa Umi (pictured), boasts a bustling bar, open kitchen and picturesque patio, just a few steps from Canada Place. Fave tastes range from inventive maki sushi (splurge on the lobster roll) to BC wild spring salmon, plus superb desserts. Save room for green tea opera cake with butter cream.—Tim Pawsey

2010 Where to Dine Awards

By Tim Pawsey

Widely recognized as one of the continent’s most significant dining destinations, Vancouver is a foodie’s paradise. Blessed by ethnic diversity of global proportions, the city plays host to myriad styles and influences, underpinned by a cornucopia of local produce and a wealth of marine species, while a thriving local wine industry yields perfect pairings. This year, Where celebrates 75 years of serving globetrotting travellers, who dish on their Vancouver favourites in the 15th annual Where to Dine Awards. (more…)

Hot Dining: Best Bites

Porchetta at Meat and Bread. Photo by KK Law

From sushi to sandwiches, quick but hearty lunches are all the rage.

1 Meat and Bread (pictured) No-nonsense spot for carnivores satisfies with porchetta and salsa verde, meatballs and a changing carvery of chicken, beef, lamb, veal and fish. Good local liquids, too.
2 Sea Monstr Sushi Smart, bento-box-sized, stainless-steel-trimmed Gastown chopsticks joint enjoys a loyal following for fresh seafood and more.
3 Big Lou’s Old-style butcher shop makes super-sized bánh mì, packed with barbecued pork, house-made pâté and spicy mayo. Plus roast beef, bulgogi chicken and more, all brown-paper-wrapped at the counter.
4 Brioche Sicily meets BC with superb scratch soups, house-baked breads from panini to pizza, seafood salads and seductive desserts in a cozy heritage setting.
5 La Grotta del Formaggio Long-running Commercial Drive institution—part deli, part sandwich shop—packs a panini with whatever your taste buds desire. Take-out only.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: West (End) Meets East

Dragon roll at Taiko on Denman. Photo by KK Law

Asian flavours abound in the West End. Taiko on Denman is a polished, capacious, slate-and-glass-trimmed upstairs escape close to Coal Harbour. Inventive sushi, robata and donburi are served in a dramatic setting with glimpses of Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains. Prime lures: all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner menus. Close by, sushi-free Gyoza King Japanese Izakaya is a late-night haunt favoured by locals and homesick language students alike, while Kintaro Ramen, a Lilliputian hole-in-the-wall diner, is famed for its pork-packed noodle bowls, minimal seating—and often long line-ups.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: 5 Finny Faves

Pan-seared BC sablefish at The Fish House in Stanley Park. Photo by KK Law

No surprise, but marine cuisine is our specialty. Where to go for some of the freshest fare?
1 The Fish House in Stanley Park Celebrated chef and author Karen Barnaby delights with Ocean Wise tastes such as cedar-planked Arctic char, in an idyllic setting.
2 Fishworks Hop on the SeaBus to discover chef Shallaw Kadir’s daring inventions, from scallop risotto to wild salmon Wellington.
3 Miku Sleek and stylin’ space close to the Vancouver Convention Centre sports a sparkling ceiling, not to mention trademark aburi (flame-seared) sushi, as well as a wealth of creative sushi and hot plates.
4 Rodney’s Oyster House East Coast–inspired haunt lures locals for its casual atmosphere, raw oyster selection, abundant chowders and well-packed steamers.
5 Blue Water Cafe East meets west at this Yaletown spot, where choices range from the superlative raw bar to chef Frank Pabst’s sablefish in miso-sake glaze.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: Turning Japanese

• Hamachi House on Morris Street: One of Halifax’s most popular sushi destinations; also offers tempura, teriyaki
and more.
• Fujiyama on Blowers Street: Picked by Where editors as one of Canada’s Best New Restaurants; specializes in sushi and hibachi.
• Sushi Nami Royale on Dresden Row: Japanese fine dining with traditional and fusion sushi; exotic cocktails.

Hot Dining: Editor’s Choice

Every year, the editors of Where magazines across Canada present a series of awards honouring the country’s Best New Restaurants. This year’s pick for Halifax is the latest in the wave of Japanese restaurants. Fujiyama’s intimate subterranean dining room on Blowers Street was the home of the legendary nightspot La Cave but a graveyard for new restaurants since. Fujiyama is breaking the curse, though, thanks to a rich menu (specializing in sushi and hibachi—but the oft-overlooked sashimi and teriyaki are sure things too), cool setting and hot vibe.

Hot Dining: Sake to Me

Executive chef Masahiro Omori puts the finishing touches on ebi mayo at ShuRaku. Photo by KK Law

No surprise that vibrant Asian flavours are all the rage in this Pacific Rim city. Downtown on Granville Street, ShuRaku (pictured) delights with contemporary and traditional plates, from beef tataki and chicken teriyaki to the “Dynamic” prawn tempura roll, all paired with one of the city’s most extensive sake lists, including many from Artisan SakeMaker. Just opened Guu Garden is a popular izakaya (Japanese tapas) lure for homesick language students, while bustling Kingyo Izakaya in the West End stays open late for those craving ahi tuna, avocado carpaccio, stone-grilled Kobe beef or ebi mayo (spicy butterflied prawns).—Tim Pawsey

18 Things We Love About Vancouver: November

Your pooch will be in the lap of luxury in a suite at Jet Pet Resort

1 Bangers and mash from Mahony & Sons.
2 Driving the Sea to Sky Highway for a first glimpse of snow on the mountains above the ocean vista.
3 The mild weather.
4 Spotting celebrities at Glowbal, everyone from Chris Rock to Pamela Anderson to Caressa Cameron, the current Miss America.
5 The absence of freeways through the downtown core, thanks to forward-thinking city planners decades ago.
6 Walking the inside seawall on a blustery day before heading for fish tacos at Go Fish.
7 Maple-leaf-adorned red mittens, just $10 at The Bay. Inspired by the most popular souvenir from the 2010 Winter Games, these new mittens support our athletes, with proceeds going to the Canadian Olympic Foundation.
8 Riding the SeaBus to North Vancouver.
9 All the treasures to discover at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum.
10 Checking out the best sake list in town, with sushi to match, at Oru.
11 Jet Pet Resort, which treats every pooch like a prince.
12 Our tap water—it’s some of the best in the world.
13 Lumière, which recently received the coveted AAA/CAA Five Diamond Award—for the sixth time.
14 All the downtown dwellers, who keep the city vibrant long after the workday has ended.
15 Dropping by Steamworks Brewing Co. for a pint of seasonal spiced pumpkin ale.
16 The picture-postcard beauty of the city.
17 Raccoons, skunks, Canada geese and other critters you may encounter downtown.
18 Paintings from Kurbatoff Art Gallery.

Rising Star

Young, beautiful and acting in a hit TV show—Sara Canning is the kind of girl it would be easy to hate, if only she weren’t so darned sweet and talented

By Sheri Radford

Sara Canning enjoys a picturesque spot on the seawall in Stanley Park, against the backdrop of the Lions Gate Bridge. Photo by KK Law

The undead are certainly lively these days. On television, in movies and in novels, vampires are baring their fangs. Sara Canning, for one, enjoys the trend. The 23-year-old Canadian-born actress has always been a fan of the bloodsuckers, going back to the story of Dracula, which she first read as a teenager, and the film Nosferatu, right up to current hits such as the hauntingly beautiful Swedish film Let the Right One In and the worldwide phenomenon that is Twilight. She feels especially grateful to the enduring popularity of the undead fiends now that her show, The Vampire Diaries, is starting its second season.

Canning portrays a human—the aunt of the main character, not a vampire—but she has contemplated the tantalizing vamps on her show. When asked if she’s Team Stefan or Team Damon, she answers with a laugh that it would be Stefan for eternity but Damon for a weekend. “Any longer than a weekend and you may end up underground.”

The young actress knows how fortunate she is to have landed a hit TV series. She’s worked hard to get where she is, doing theatre since age 12, but in acting, she says, “Luck and good fortune are always part of it.”

Sara Canning pauses on the seawall in Stanley Park. Photo by KK Law

Realizing that luck and good fortune would be more likely to find her in Canada’s largest film centre, Canning packed her bags and left her childhood home of Sherwood Park, Alberta, for the bright lights of Vancouver—and a year studying everything from acting to voice work to screenwriting at Vancouver Film School. Quickly, she became enamoured with her new city. She doesn’t even mind the famous wet weather: “I really love being in Stanley Park when it rains or right after it’s rained.” One of her favourite West Coast activities is to rent a bike and ride it around the seawall in Stanley Park. She raves about all the fabulous places to find great sushi, brunch spots such as Cafe Medina, and Chapters, the giant bookstore chain that doesn’t exist in her new home of Atlanta, Georgia, where she has relocated for the filming of The Vampire Diaries.

Every chance Canning gets, she returns to Vancouver. Filming kept her away during the 2010 Winter Olympics, but friends filled her in about the incredible experience of proud Canadians thronging Granville Street. She spent the summer here during her most recent hiatus. When she’s in Vancouver, she never has to worry about hiding her Canadian accent or the “Canadianisms” that creep into her speech. Born in Newfoundland, Canning worked especially hard to get rid of her “Newfie” accent, though it creeps back in whenever she phones her parents.

A bright future lies ahead for Canning. According to her, a creative person should “never be satisfied” and should “always be curious, wanting to know more.” She constantly pushes herself, studying acting and writing, and she’s currently working on a script with a friend. “I’m excited to see where the next five years take me,” she says.

So are we.

Hot Dining: For the Love of Eating

Delicious cakes and treats aplenty at Fleuri Restaurant's Chocoholic Buffet

Looking for restaurants that offer the most bang for your buck? Check out these savoury and sweet buffets that are sure to fill your stomach.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with delectable pastries, sorbets, pies and ice cream at the Chocoholic Buffet (pictured) at Fleuri Restaurant.
• Experience live renditions of romantic operas at the Italian Opera Buffet at Cafe Pacifica, while feasting on custom-made pasta.
• There is never a dull moment at The Buffet at the River Rock Casino Resort, with its constantly changing hot, cold and dessert items.
• A vegetarian’s paradise: Greens & Gourmet Natural Food Restaurant boasts a pay-by-weight mentality and includes natural desserts and freshly squeezed juices.
• Shabusen Yakiniku House offers a choice between grill-your-own Korean dishes and fresh Japanese sushi.—Kendra Wong

Hot Dining: Rogue Kitchen & Wet Bar

Check out the latest rogue concept sweeping the Vancouver food scene. The aptly named Rogue Kitchen & Wet Bar is the Lower Mainland’s first pay-what-you-think-it’s-worth restaurant. This eatery offers a host of dishes from mini corn dogs to sushi stacks, salmon to steak, pizzas to pastas. The menu offers a suggested price; if you decide to pay less, leave a note explaining why the food wasn’t up to par. If you had a great meal and leave more than the suggested price, the difference is donated to charity. Liquor is not subject to this policy and servers should still be tipped. Time to go rogue!—Kendra Wong

Hot Dining: Sushi and More

Hidekazu Tojo in his venerated restaurant, Tojo's. Photo by KK Law

Well over 20 years after Hidekazu Tojo (pictured) opened his original trendsetting sushi room, Tojo’s still wears the undisputed crown of Japanese cuisine. However, the field of roll-up specialists has widened to include the likes of compact Shiro near City Hall, creative Toshi and Ajisai Sushi Bar. Izakaya (casual, small plates) also rules at the likes of West End’s Kingyo Izakaya and at Hapa Izakaya, while home-style fans swear by Gyoza King and Guu with Garlic. Other downtown contenders range from Aburi (lightly grilled sushi) specialist Miku to eclectic Irashai Grill, as well as long-running robata house Aki.—Tim Pawsey

Calgary Holiday Gift Ideas: $100 and under

A holiday gift guide from shops around Calgary, when you’re on a budget, part III.

By Laura Pellerine

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1. Headphones by Roxy and JBL
Plush ear pads with an audio capacity of 40 mm. $79.95 at The Apple Store at Market Mall.

2. Glass Sushi Dish
Measuring at 3/4” of thick glass, and paired with stainless steel chopsticks. $79 at Murmur (111, 3411 – 20 St SW).

3. Classic Tigger
A limited edition, powdered marble and resin figurine designed by European artist Peter Mook. $99 at Artesano Galleria (1218c – 9 Ave SE).

4. Murray McDavid Scotch Whiskey
Malts distilled in different types of barrels and casks, like this Dufftown 1997 blend, aged in two casks: a traditional whisky cask and a California Zinfandel cask from Ridge. Limited edition runs. Bottles range in price from $58 – $90 at Bin 905.

5. Bella Bracelet by Sugarlime Jewellery
A seven-inch sterling silver bracelet with a Swarovski crystal bevelled heart and sterling silver wolf charm. Inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. $89 at Honey B’s.

6. Wind in the Willows
A Folio Society copy of this classic story by Kenneth Grahame. In its 5th printing, high-quality bound with linen pages and award-winning artist Charles van Sandwyk’s illustrations. $100 at Arts on Atlantic.

7. Men’s Shaving Kit
Antique-inspired chrome-plated shaving kit with a badger-hair brush. $89 at Plaza Mercantile at Heritage Park.

8. Amelia Mini Purse
Made with 300 hand-crocheted recycled pop tops. Lightweight and lined with silver satin. $85 at Murmur (111, 3411 – 20 St SW).

October Editor’s Picks: Dining

1. When acclaimed chef David Lee left fine-dining destination Splendido to focus on a new endeavour, Toronto foodies understandably questioned whether the award-winning Harbord Street staple would survive. They needn’t have worried. Now co-owned by chef Victor Barry and manager Carlo Catallo—both of whom were integral to Splendido’s past success—the restaurant has re-opened with a bright new look and a tasty, more affordable dinner spread. A cross-Canada photographic mural and a prominent display of preserves replace chandeliers and gilded mirrors in the dining room. On the menu, locally sourced mains like Yorkshire pork chop ($32) from Cumbrae Farms and Lake Huron pickerel ($26) are complemented by chef Barry’s fresh-daily pastas, and lovingly presented by the exceptional servers for which Splendido has long been known.

2. This city’s reputation as a raw fish–lover’s haven continues to grow as Japanese restaurants such as Yuzu stake their claim on the local sushi scene. Situated on the edge of the financial and entertainment districts, the cozy boîte offers both bankers and theatre goers an extensive selection of sashimi, maki and more. Of course, freshness is key when it comes to uncooked seafood; if co-owner Bruce Bu’s other hidden gem of a sushi house, Japango, is any indication, high-quality ingredients are assured. And be sure to try one of Yuzu’s signature cocktails, given a kick with a splash of premium sake.

The Queen & Beaver

3. It’s easy to eat well (and affordably!) at the latest nosh spots to open near downtown’s Yonge-Dundas Square.

>> French import The 3 Brewers is known for its five made-in-house unfiltered beers, but its brasserie-style fare, including crisp Alsatian tartes flambée ($9.95 to $13.45), is equally satisfying.

>> Thoroughly British, The Queen & Beaver offers dishes like cider-braised leg of duck ($17) and beef short ribs ($23) amidst rustic, club-like ambience.

>> Expansive Woo Buffet Restaurant & Lounge presents a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines—everything from dim sum nibbles to barbecued pork ribs—as part of a lavish buffet spread.

September Hot Dining

Photo by KK Law

Coast to Coast

Newly docked on Alberni Street, Coast Restaurant made a smooth move from its former Yaletown berth. The two-tier stunner sports a circular oyster and chowder bar, discreet tables upstairs and down, fireplace patio, and adjacent, sleek O Lounge. On the suitably marine menu: 10 kinds of fresh-shucked oysters, seafood platters for two, and a long line of local seafood entrées, while a clutch of great steaks caters to carnivores. All this and sushi, too—try the “fish ’n’ chips” hand roll, of tempura halibut and Japanese tartar sauce—make this latest entry a real catch.

Photo by KK Law

Stylin’ Thai

Recent arrival Maenam scores rave reviews for vibrant flavours and the freshest of regional ingredients. Standouts range from crispy Golden Mantle oysters in spicy citrus sauce to grilled prawn salad to glazed, smoked, sweet-and-sour duck in a rich red-curry sauce. Cocktails are king (made to match the menu) and spicing can be ordered to taste, in a smartly modern, very friendly space.

Photo by KK Law

5 Top Taps

Looking for a perfect pint? Here’s a heads-up on where to go and what to have.
1 The Granville Island Brewing Taproom Hale and hoppy Brockton IPA, right in the brewery, on the Island (pictured).

2 Dockside Restaurant & Brewing Company Haupenthal Hefeweizen—a creamy mouthful with a twist—beside False Creek.

3 The Galley Patio & Grill
R & B Red Devil Pale Ale with burgers, on a stunning deck overlooking sailboats and the beach.

4 The Whip Restaurant Gallery Storm Brewing Black Plague Stout, in a funky East Side spot.

5 Yaletown Brewing Co. Mainland Lager with creative comfort food, in the heart of the warehouse district.

Photo by KK Law

Cambie Hideaway

Cocooned in brocade, with swags and tassel-ties, Stella’s on Cambie is a cozy escape packed with an array of Belgian brews and hearty eats. With no shortage of nooks, this room has the feel of a brasserie. Menu options include healthy lunchtime sandwiches and salads, while dinner yields the likes of Dijon-mustard-and-garlic-crusted game hen, beer-brined Fraser Farms pork tenderloin, Queen Charlotte halibut with pea and pancetta risotto, and an Arborio rice cake tower layered with corn-and-black-bean salsa (pictured)—not to mention the highly addictive, home-made, hand-cut chips and well-priced prix fixe offerings.

Photo by KK Law

On The Edge

With Granville Street rapidly transforming itself, The Edge Social Grille & Lounge is the latest to check in. A modern dining lounge in the lobby of the Best Western Chateau Granville, it boasts a menu encompassing the West Coast and a host of other tastes. Asian influence arrives with garlic-and-chilli wok squid, while the ravioli takes a Mediterranean tack. Truffle mac and cheese suggests that comfort food has gone up-market, while lighter fare yields Albacore tuna niçoise. All are offered with wines by the glass and, later, heady cocktails that draw an enthusiastic late-night crowd.

–Tim Pawsey