VanEats

My colleague, Jatinder, recommended Khana Khazana, literally translated as "food treasure." The site is indeed a treasure of useful tips, information and recipes.

The recipes cover many different regions of India in categories such as traditional soups and dals to eggetarian dishes and fusion cuisine. Being a big fan of Bombay style snacks, I found interesting recipes for south Indian snacks that I don't often find in many local restaurants.

Kimberly, one of our readers, is looking for an Italian restaurant in Vancouver that is run by Paolo who used to run Brunello's in St. Peterburg, Florida.

Please help her out!.

At this year's VTDS Tap festival, I took advantage of the close proximity of Hastings Dance (one of the festival venues) to Chinatown.

Between classes, I walked to Chinatown and bought myself a "Special Chicken" bun aka "bola bola". This bun is filled with chicken and an egg and other savoury delights and it is both Filipino and Chinese.

Joshau Allen, author of Better Living Through Software, swears by the dumplings of the northern Chinese restaurant, Gou-Bu-Li (Dog Won't Eat in English) on Broadway between Main and Kingsway.

We are intrigued because we love dumplings! If anybody has ever eaten there, please let us know.

We recently had the opportunity to go on John Atkin's Jade Peony tour. It was wonderful! John is a veritable encyclopedia of information and is an authority on Vancouver history; including that of Chinatown and the adjoining neighbourhood, Strathcona.

Clara, one of our readers, emailed us more Napa recommendations:

--Auberge du Soleil... sit outside, it has wonderful views of Napa Valley and delicious food.

--The Girl and The Fig, in Sonoma ... quaint, great menu, a special place.

Thanks! We are overwhelmed by the recommendations. More please :-) ! It will sure make it easier to find a good one!

Our friend, Cathy emailed us recently (thanks!) with some Napa restaurant recommendatins from Access: Califonia Wine Country:

Hi! I recently bought an excellent guide book at Chapters called "Access: California Wine Country" that would be great for you to read through before you head there for your anniversary trip. In particular, the restaurant reviews are great!

Vancouver Punditry by Trish Reader, which seems to be a new blog, linked to VanEats under "Local Weblogs". Thanks!

Village Poet, "Living in Thailand......anarchy and comedy of the world.........food cooking and gardens.........de arte bloggendi or bloggito ergo sum", linked to us under "PG Tips: Food and Cooking". Thanks!

The Confabulist sent us his San Francisco and Napa Valley Restaurant Picks. Thanks! Check them out!