Ensemble Revisited

It has been a LONG while since I visited Ensemble Restaurant. Y Chef Dale Mackay. If I couldn't quite put my finger on the restaurant last time, it sure has changed my mind 6 months later.

A more refined menu at Ensemble meaning dishes can be still be shared but go ahead if you want a appy plus mean just to your own. That's exactly what we did -- four course dinner each.




A proscuitto Salad with a good portion of aged prosciutto.




Dungeness Crab with apples to add the flavors.




Yum... Scallops!























Is it me or all the top chefs in Vancouver loves Chinese 5 spice? It sure reminds me my ma's stew.













My pumpkin souffle was fantastic.


This is the first time I have seen Pavlova in a roll.




The most important thing to add is that nothing on our bill was over 20 dollars, and the presentation was beyond my expectation. It is now a sure fit for the young hipsters' wallet.

http://www.ensemblerestaurant.com/

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My first refurbishment project

I always wanted to try refurbishing old furnitures. A month ago I found this old dresser. Made with solid wood, and like any other hand made old dresser, the drawers are different sizes.







After some sanding, wood filling, painting, more sanding, more painting and replacing the knobs, here is my dresser -- my first refurbishment project.






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Hawksworth Restaurant

Delicious food. Despite what I am going to say, I have to let you know that the food is great.

It was a very interesting experience at Hawksworth last night. Being one of the newest restaurant in Vancouver, its executive chef David Hawksworth has been around for a long time. It was evident as the newly opened restaurant was packed on a Monday night.

The restaurant was beautifully decorated with a grand crystal chandelier over our glass marble table.


The restaurant was modern but classy and elegant. The wine cellar was to die for. The walls however were not sound approved. Chattering from other tables were so overwhelming that I could hardly hear the person besides. Acoustic consultant? Yes?

I ordered sweetbreads as an appetizer. I don't order sweetbread often feeling that if it was not cooked right it could just taste like I ripped a cow's head open. This was not the case. Chef Hawksworth is brilliant using different types of spices. The sweetbread was crispy, sweet, salty and full of flavors. It was great.




Something was also creamy in the dish to tie the meat and all the other flavors together.

Then there was my friend Jenn's appetizer. It was tuna with plastic. What PLASTIC? You would think that restaurant at this level would never have that happen, but apparent it does.

Drifting away from the cons towards the pros, Hawksworth does have beautiful platings.



My main entree was duck and again it was good. A bit salty for my taste but the chef's use of Asian spices impressed me again. The broth was Asian 5 spice, but mild unlike my grandfather's medicine cabinet. It added interesting flavor to this fusion dish.




The rest of the dishes were equally good and received good reviews. (we didn't quite forget about the plastic at this point)



The deserts were plated like arts. Check them out.










Bottom line, this place is worth checking out.

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Refuel Neighborhood Bar &Grill

I really enjoy having a good server at a restaurant. Having someone knowledgeable serving you really helps to enhance you dinning experience. I had just that at Refuel Neighborhood Bar & Grill. (www.refuelrestaurant.com)

After reopening in 2009, refuel brought their price point down and brought in comfort food cooked at gourmet restaurant levels. The portion sizes are generous and the food was cooked just right.

I can't say I am normally a big salmon fan since 90% of the time my salmon comes out too dry. At Refuel, it was a perfect medium rare which made it melt entering the mouth. My creme brûlée was full of rich creamy taste but off-setted by the fresh strawberries on top. Refreshing!

If you are in that neighborhood, also check out their buttermilk fried chicken which they marinate for a week. The chicken is flavorful enough that you really don't need the gravy.

Great food, great service, and definitely a place to check out!






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Ensemble Restaurant

The previous Protégé to Chef Gordon Ramsay, and the former Executive Chef of Lumière opened a new casual contemporary French restaurant in Vancouver.

It is a new concept restaurant and very different from Lumière. The dishes are not all tapa like. Some dishes such as the mussels are entrée size, and others need to be accompanied by some side dishes. Sharing is a good idea. I was surprised the bread was charged at 3.50. However, it was freshly made and very tasty.

850 Thurlow Street. ensemblerestaurant.com





This egg plant dish is good for sharing.



Try the arctic char. It is so tender it melts in your mouth.












This Froi Gras Sundae has a hint of the juicy fat. If you are looking for the richness of Froi Gras, order it as a side (at 40 dollars. Yes. Quite the side)





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A few days old but here is the latest update on my latest finds Sam Edelman's Lorissa.



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Foodie Updates

There are a lot of people asking me about restaurants lately. (I am not sure when my status was elevated to a foodie, but I guess my hundreds of food photos scream just that. )

I started seeking for chic yet reasonably priced restaurants at the end of last summer when our not-so-Harmonized Sales Tax was put in place. Here are two of my favourite ones so far..

http://www.campagnolorestaurant.ca/

Campagnolo. One of the best casual Italian in town. "High end restaurant in a ..um... up and coming..neighbourhood" Yes, google it. It is located next to the Ivanhoe Pub.  Interesting location, but fantastic food. One of my friend would not stop bragging about its risotto days after.

http://www.bistrotbistro.com/ 

Bistrot Bistro. Traditional French Country in the hip Kits area. The flavours are so rich I can die for. Literally. Prix fix menu every night. Go to the gym before you go. Try their steak with the creamy rich blue cheese sauce! Finish your meal with a rich yet light in texture chocolate mousse.



Check Out My Shoes!

Shopping in liquidating stores / consignment stores is a challenge. The goal is to find trends from previous seasons. Sure. I am pretty happy to report that I found just that today.


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Pink Glow

Up in the air...


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Meet Dexter

I met Dexter today at the hair salon. What a cutie. He was quiet , laid back and was minding his own business like a true west coaster.




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December In Review

December was a busy month. So busy that I blogged nothing. It was a happy month for all the gatherings between family and friends. It was a difficult month, as my mom switches yet to another cancer treatment. All details aside, here are some happy moments to share.

Din Tai Fung recently opened a brand new location in Bellevue Washington. Freshly made buns are not all that different from its original store in Taipei, Taiwan. (http://www.dintaifungusa.com/) Bare in mind that due to its popularity, the wait time can be up to 2 hours.

Seems like there are lots of baby news around my life. I will be busy attending baby showers at least for the several months in a row in 2011.

Van Dusen garden puts on a beautiful light show every year. http://www.vandusengarden.org/ It was chilly walking in the rain, but the money was well spent.

We finally went to La Buca restaurant for their "Alla famiglia" family style dining for 6 or more. Fantastic food just kept on coming. Good holiday feast!

Finally, Christmas was busy for us. My nephew and niece are growing up fast. This holiday, Alicia is full of energy. She starts to have her own opinions on things too. Quite the character.

My rosemary turkey again was a big hit. I am very glad.

Happy New Year everyone! May 2011 be a great one.