VanEats

From Barb and myself, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and Happy Holidays! If you prefer audio, here's my audio Merry Christmas (very small MP3 file).

Speaking of audio, I hope to feature more audio and video in 2005 as well as the usual text and photos.

Posting between now and January 4, 2005 will be sporadic if at all! See you in 2005!

Vij's Rangoli just keeps getting better.  I noticed the other day that it now sports an enclosed, heated patio.  Mmmm, that means more room to enjoy their yummy food. All the better in our dreary, rainy, Vancouver, winter weather!

I really enjoy German food; like Filipino food it will never have the broad appeal of Italian, Chinese, etc. but if you look beyond the stereotypes there's lots of great dishes.

Check out my favourite cook in action: Barb cooks pea soup.

Today we had one of the best meals we've had (if not the best) in 2004.  What was it? The fabulous five course Christmas brunch at La Petite France for $49.50 per person.  A deal at twice the price!

I could go on and on with superlatives but you should get a good idea of the love and care and wonderful taste of this meal from the pictures that follow.

For the full visual scoop, check out the La Petite France Christmas Brunch 2004 Flickr set.

What can I say other than Boris was right. Check out our review of European Specialty Importers and the pictures below for a tantalizing peek into this wonderful store.  And if you need something to bring to a Christmas party, some European chocolate or a Stollen would be a great last minute thing to pick up!

Stollen (traditional German Christmas bread, an ideal thing to bring to a Christmas party!):

The two month old Wicked Cafe (website is under construction, 1399 West 7th, 604 319-3065) has free WiFi as Boris and I found out today.  And the coffee is good.  Check it out! And keep those free WiFi cafe recommendations coming, please!

Here are some photos:

Business card of the owner, Brad Ford:

Got another comment about an independent coffee place with free WiFi in response to my request for more Vancouver cafes with Free WiFi.

Katherine writes (thanks!) that Think Coffee Lounge and Bistro (4512 West 10th Ave., 604 228-9510) has free WiFi! Need to check the coffee, food and WiFi at this place.