VanEats

Last week, Barb and I had the opportunity to try out some Gung Haggis Wun Tun, Spring Rolls and other Chinese Scottish Canadian delights.

Shelagh Rogers liked them and so did we.

Looks like New Zealand restaurants are coming of age. I loved New Zealand when Mike and I visited Roël there in '95 and the food wasn't too bad. Sounds great now! I shall return!

From The Other Down Under

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Last Friday, Barb and I tried out Maria's Taverna on 4th (2324 West 4th Avenue, 604 731-4722). It was packed and now we know why: the food is delicious and affordable.

On the weekend I tried out this recipe for chocolate griddle cakes from Epicurious. Instead of serving them with chocolate sauce as per the recipe, I served them with sour cherries in a light syrup and vanilla yogurt for afternoon tea.

The griddle cakes had a lovely intense chocolate flavour.

Someday (after our baby is born and a reasonable age to be left with a babysitter), Barb and I will make it to the French Laundry (after following our own French Laundry Reservation advice), and when we do, I'd love to eat the special French Laundry truffle tasting menu.

Our friend Lisa loves the grilled cheese sandwiches at The Boss in Chinatown: "salty, squishy, crispy, gooey".

We tried them again yesterday and for $3.25 they certainly are all that and more. A great mouth feel. First you get the crispy bit of the top layer of the bread which is toasted to perfection, then the crunch, then the remaining layers of the bread which are soft and finally the melted cheese.

[ROLAND'S NOTE: Thanks to SaabKen for the following news item. I still think Ken should have his own blog, but we'll continue to welcome his writing here!] ]

Barbara Jo's is having their annual storewide book sale from January 16 to January 18, 2004.  All in stock books are 20% to 40% off. I think I'll have to take my cookbook wishlist down and scoop up some good deals.

I love Jang Mo Jib. One of my favourite places to eat in 2003 for sure! On Boxing Day, we finally got a chance to try out their Spicy Back bone stew (Gam Ja Tahng) at the newest Jang Mo Jib on Kingsway (it's next to the Biltmore Hotel which is at 395 Kingsway). It's fantastic winter food. Flavourful and spicy with delicious broth and excellent tender falling off the bone meat! Mmmm! Check out the picture:

Roland loves raisin bread.  At the grocery store the other day I was just about to pick up a loaf for him when I figured that I probably have a good recipe for raisin bread that would be healthier and tastier than a store bought loaf.

I flipped through HomeBaking and found a recipe for Helen's Special Raisin Bread and decided to give it a try.  Not a hard decision, as the recipe (like all the recipes in HomeBaking) is written in a friendly, empowering and inspiring tone.

The raisin bread turned out fabulo