Sunday, February 16, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
Black and Blue
If you're like me and you enjoy a good steak dinner, then you may like Black and Blue.
A downtown eatery on Alberni Street, Black and Blue is upscale and sophisticated for today's picky diner.
We chose this restaurant because we'd heard great things about it; apparently I would have my best steak ever here! (It was not the best I've ever had...)
We tried to make a reservation a few days in advance for Saturday night. I suggest you call with at least two weeks if you have a time preference. They could only give us 3:30 or 9:45, so we chose 9:45.
Dine out Vancouver was on during our visit, but we did not partake.
We parked further away to avoid valet (they appeared to have it) and went right in. We were helped right away and whisked up in an elevator with the hostess to our table.
The ambiance is very nice; deep, dark colors, nice lighting, meat hanging up in a clear glass case near the kitchen. Very interesting and inviting.
The upstairs is like a square with tables all around the sides of the square, and opening up to the downstairs; you can see the whole restaurant (save the rooftop) from upstairs.
It was VERY loud when we walked in; felt like a nightclub. Upstairs it wasn't quite as bad. I would not sit at the bar if you want to have a conversation.
We were seated behind the elevator at a solitary table; it felt very private and looked out over the street.
Unfortunately, it was very solitary, and our server never saw us for the first 12 minutes we were seated (yes, I timed it!)
When he did finally realize we were there, he was very apologetic and made it up to us right away with a complimentary appetizer (Tomato & Burrata Salad....16 seasonal tomatoes, pickled shallots olive oil, sea salt)
That was a nice touch. Of course, we were visited by a manager after that which was a little embarassing...the appie was enough, but he wanted to check in and make sure we'd been helped. Then came the complimentary bread (B+B Blue Cheese Bread....3 chive oil, roquefort butter)
which was also very nice.
We placed our orders (New York Strip for me, a 24 oz ribeye for my husband). The steaks come alone, and we didn't order any sides. Our drinks came out quickly, and when we ordered another (hey, it was a Saturday night out with no kids!) we were told again by the manager to enjoy them, as they were on the house! Wow, the service was extraordinary to say the least.
Our steaks arrived cooked perfectly. I usually order the Ribeye wherever I go, but as it was $59 for a 24 oz steak, I opted for the less expensive $39 12 oz. It was good, but not amazing. I have had better. My husband's ribeye was delicious.
We were encouraged to order dessert, our server suggested the Black+Blue Butter Cake....12 crème chantilly, caramel sauce
But we instead opted for the 20 Layer Chocolate Espresso Cake....12 whipping cream, brandied cherries
It was not the most amazing cake I've had, but it was good. We didn't bother with coffee as it was now after 11pm and I wanted to be able to get to sleep!
So all in all, we had great service following the original seating mishap. Good food, great vibe and atmosphere, and watching the drunk lady being held up by her husband in the elevator on the way back down was just icing on the cake.
I would recommend Black and Blue for a fun and different dining experience Downtown. Bring your credit card!
A downtown eatery on Alberni Street, Black and Blue is upscale and sophisticated for today's picky diner.
We chose this restaurant because we'd heard great things about it; apparently I would have my best steak ever here! (It was not the best I've ever had...)
We tried to make a reservation a few days in advance for Saturday night. I suggest you call with at least two weeks if you have a time preference. They could only give us 3:30 or 9:45, so we chose 9:45.
Dine out Vancouver was on during our visit, but we did not partake.
We parked further away to avoid valet (they appeared to have it) and went right in. We were helped right away and whisked up in an elevator with the hostess to our table.
The ambiance is very nice; deep, dark colors, nice lighting, meat hanging up in a clear glass case near the kitchen. Very interesting and inviting.
The upstairs is like a square with tables all around the sides of the square, and opening up to the downstairs; you can see the whole restaurant (save the rooftop) from upstairs.
It was VERY loud when we walked in; felt like a nightclub. Upstairs it wasn't quite as bad. I would not sit at the bar if you want to have a conversation.
We were seated behind the elevator at a solitary table; it felt very private and looked out over the street.
Unfortunately, it was very solitary, and our server never saw us for the first 12 minutes we were seated (yes, I timed it!)
When he did finally realize we were there, he was very apologetic and made it up to us right away with a complimentary appetizer (Tomato & Burrata Salad....16 seasonal tomatoes, pickled shallots olive oil, sea salt)
That was a nice touch. Of course, we were visited by a manager after that which was a little embarassing...the appie was enough, but he wanted to check in and make sure we'd been helped. Then came the complimentary bread (B+B Blue Cheese Bread....3 chive oil, roquefort butter)
which was also very nice.
We placed our orders (New York Strip for me, a 24 oz ribeye for my husband). The steaks come alone, and we didn't order any sides. Our drinks came out quickly, and when we ordered another (hey, it was a Saturday night out with no kids!) we were told again by the manager to enjoy them, as they were on the house! Wow, the service was extraordinary to say the least.
Our steaks arrived cooked perfectly. I usually order the Ribeye wherever I go, but as it was $59 for a 24 oz steak, I opted for the less expensive $39 12 oz. It was good, but not amazing. I have had better. My husband's ribeye was delicious.
We were encouraged to order dessert, our server suggested the Black+Blue Butter Cake....12 crème chantilly, caramel sauce
But we instead opted for the 20 Layer Chocolate Espresso Cake....12 whipping cream, brandied cherries
It was not the most amazing cake I've had, but it was good. We didn't bother with coffee as it was now after 11pm and I wanted to be able to get to sleep!
So all in all, we had great service following the original seating mishap. Good food, great vibe and atmosphere, and watching the drunk lady being held up by her husband in the elevator on the way back down was just icing on the cake.
I would recommend Black and Blue for a fun and different dining experience Downtown. Bring your credit card!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Toby's in North Vancouver
Good afternoon!
We saw in ad in the paper for a new restaurant in North Vancouver called Toby's. Saw they offered breakfast and decided to try it out!
Their website showed their menu and it all looked good.
We headed down there this morning (well, afternoon I guess as it was 12!) and found a spot outside the restaurant.
It's an Irish theme inside, lots of wood and dark colors; very pub-ish looking but also family oriented. We spotted two kids eating with special kids cups, so thought that there is probably a kids menu as well (there is).
Nice decor, soccer on all the tv's (not your usual restaurant!) and plenty of servers all wearing black.
We were helped out right away and got our drink orders in.
I ordered a veggie omelet (comes with toast, hashbrowns or pancakes) and my husband ordered the Irishman's breakfast.
Food came out quickly, and was very appealing looking and fresh. The portions were generous.
I enjoyed my omelet, but not so much the pancakes (they were buckwheat and had not much flavour). Maybe it was because they were not traditional white flour pancakes.
Service was efficient and friendly and the place was quite busy.
We saw in ad in the paper for a new restaurant in North Vancouver called Toby's. Saw they offered breakfast and decided to try it out!
Their website showed their menu and it all looked good.
We headed down there this morning (well, afternoon I guess as it was 12!) and found a spot outside the restaurant.
It's an Irish theme inside, lots of wood and dark colors; very pub-ish looking but also family oriented. We spotted two kids eating with special kids cups, so thought that there is probably a kids menu as well (there is).
Nice decor, soccer on all the tv's (not your usual restaurant!) and plenty of servers all wearing black.
We were helped out right away and got our drink orders in.
I ordered a veggie omelet (comes with toast, hashbrowns or pancakes) and my husband ordered the Irishman's breakfast.
Food came out quickly, and was very appealing looking and fresh. The portions were generous.
I enjoyed my omelet, but not so much the pancakes (they were buckwheat and had not much flavour). Maybe it was because they were not traditional white flour pancakes.
Service was efficient and friendly and the place was quite busy.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Back in the Saddle Riding Company
I wanted to take my kids out for a fun trail ride, so looked for a company in the lower mainland where we could all go (starting at age 6).
It's hard to find a company that will allow a six year old to go on the horse alone; I'm not sure if it's because of liability or something else, but I wanted to let all of my daughters enjoy a fun trail ride, not just the older two.
I found Back in the Saddle online, called them up and made a reservation.
One hour trail rides were $40, and they allowed my six year old to ride "alone". When we got there, the put her up with the trail ride leader and she had a lead attached to my daughter's horse. It was perfect! I felt safe that she was tethered on to the experienced leader, and she got to ride on her own horse.
We found the site in Langley off of 200th street and there was ample parking so not an issue.
The owner was very friendly and got us all up on our horses and ready to go right away. We enjoyed a scenic trail ride in the Campbell Valley Regional park; it was very picturesque.
Our leader, Deb, was fun and patient with the kids, and allowed us to go at our own pace. She was very helpful in directing us and keeping us safe and happy.
I would definitely recommend Back in the Saddle if you're looking for a nice place to ride a horse on the Lower Mainland. My kids already want to go back!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Adara Hotel in Whistler, BC
I got a deal online so thought I'd check out this property.
Valet parking- $20 on site (right next door at the convention center it's $10/for 24 hours!)
Nice lobby, easy check in, hot coffee from JJ Bean available; nice perk!
Elevator up to second floor, found our lovely and modern room. Nice King Size bed, french press with more JJ Bean coffee, nice bathroom (shower only) with lots of complimentary products.
Oh, what's that on the night stand? Well, it's two pairs of EAR PLUGS! Why would we need those?
I look out the window and see that we are right across from a night club, and RIGHT ON TOP of another! This property has rooms DIRECTLY over Buffalo Bill's nightclub; a very popular hotspot. Not so bad while everyone is inside, but come 2:30am or so, and it's very loud right outside your window.
Hence the earplugs; and the noise machine which we had fun playing with, but didn't really realize it's purpose until 3am when we couldn't sleep.
Beautiful room, central location, hot tub, elevator, valet parking : PLUS
Expensive parking, room over a nightclub : MINUS
Friday, July 13, 2012
Suzie Q's Diner- Osoyoos
I like to try out the little places that might get overlooked when I'm in a new place, so when I saw little "Suzy Q's Diner" on the corner of highway 97 on the outskirts of the town of Osoyoos, I pulled in.
The menu looked just about right for a diner, prices were good, and the decorations were perfectly kitchy.
We got seated and got menu's quickly.
The server took our orders; we ordered two coffees, three chocolate milks, two kids' hotdogs, a poutine, and two all day breakfast combos.
Chocolate milks came quickly, she came to pour coffee, and we got about a cup and a half.
"I'll go brew another pot" said the server, and left.
Meanwhile, we're jonesing for some coffee!
We see her again, and ask for cream.
The food comes, as well as new coffee and cream. No silverware!
We take some from the other tables; but we have no napkins! Again, from the other table.
We ask for water as well, it comes a while later.
There are about five tables, and one server. Service is SLOW.
Our breakfast meals includes toast, which comes out a few minutes later. We ask for something to put on the toast and it's 'deer in headlights.' Something for the toast?
My coffee was sitting empty for some time; no offer of a refill. I ask and it comes some time later.
Good food, chea; ($31 with tip for a family of 5) but very slow and you have to ask for everything.
3 out of 5.
Suzy Q's Diner- Osoyoos, BC
http://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/British-Columbia/Osoyoos/Suzie-Q-Diner/7740878.html?what=Restaurants&where=Oliver%20BC&cli=1,5&le=106198cc2af
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Oro Spa and Wellness
Ahhh,
I just got back from a most pleasant facial at Oro Spa and Wellness in Osoyoos, BC.
The spa is located in the Casa Del Mila Oro Resort, in Osoyoos.
I checked in at the desk, and even though the spa was closed, I was able to get an appointment.
I made an appointment for an Oro Glow Facial- one hour in length for $80.
I was unsure as I usually frequent Spa Utopia in North Vancouver, and didn't know what this one would be like.
The proprietor welcomed me graciously and walked me into the treatment room. I was left to get ready, then was treated to a most luxurious facial. She was also a massage therapist, and during the mask, she did an arm and hand, leg and foot massage. She finished with a scalp massage.
I looked at the time and she went over by about 10 minutes! It was fantastic.
I left the Oro Spa feeling very relaxed, rested, and rejuvenated. It was amazing!
If you come to Osoyoos and are looking for a great spa treatment, check out the Oro Spa and Wellness at Casa Del Milo Oro Resort.
778.437.3337
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