late night with La Belle Patate

Name: La Belle Patate
Address: 1215 Davie Street
Cuisine: fast food, fries, poutine, beer, montreal smoked meat
Price point: budget, combos <$15
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00am - late
My experience:
This is probably one of those meal reviews that my parents will just hate that I consumed. Oh well, too late now...If you know me at all, there are a handful of things that I love...
Edamame
sashimi - mainly sockeye
rice
salt
miso soup
trail mix
grilled cheese
mum's soups
mum's cooked apples (essentially apple pie filling)
renee's blue pear dressing and...
fries!
Yep, I have very random tastes but I like what I like. Anyway, this week I signed up last minute to do my tennis instructors course in North Van. Shoulda done this years ago, but oh well, better late than never. I felt the recent desire to connect with my tennis roots again, and network with a community that I once thrived off of...How does this pertain to food?? Well, I have about 6 hours of homework to complete in one day.....that is my last minute punishment. So at about 11pm last night, I needed something to keep me up. I thought about what I was craving, and that cheesey an salty dish of poutine just called my name!
So I dashed up to belle patate for a smoked meat poutine and a coke zero. What I love about this place is the in our face Quebecness....the staff are french, the food is quebec inspired an there is montreal jerseys and memorabilia. So how was my snack??
Oh dear it was worth it!!! I've never had the smoked meat in it before but lord that was fantastic!!! Those salty pieces of meat with the cheese and the gravy, what more could I ask for (I still need to try the breakfast one)?!?!?!?!?
It was a medium, and on special for something like $8.50, but it lasted me through the entire night, and most of the morning as I typed away!
For fries, i usually enjoy Fritz with a Garlic Lovers mayo but I can never park around there, so this was a quicker option.



Reasons to visit: Close to home, tasty, warm, comforting, very friendly service, meme si vous parlez francais!
Reasons not to visit: Not diet friendly, kinda pricey, parking my be hard
Extras: J'aime beaucoup!

Men's spring/summer

Ok, so men's wear, so typical, so ABC...well ya but I still adore a well dressed man, and a man that can wear some vibrant colour!!
So what works this season??

On top, I am looking at scarves...yep, something boho, and colorful will make me look twice. If that is too extreme, a watch or bracelet with something crazy with definitely make me pay attention.
If you are clueless, walk into Hollister or American Eagle and the sales people will outfit you in something relevant. Are you looking for a bit more?
A pair of Laguna Beach Jeans, faded or not, some type of button up shirt, or a t-shirt, or if it's cold, a hoodie with a sport jacket is just smart. It all depends on your desired look.... Whether it be first date, wing man, on the prowl, casual date night or whatever, there are so many wearable looks that you can make happen, without spending a fortune.....now should you want something flashy, over the top and designer, well we can talk about that, as I have many references that can attest to my styling abilities!
In the mean time, think about what you want, the weather and maybe a celebrity or two that you idolize, Let me know and trust me, I will make you more thaqn fabulous, glamorous and sexy and confidant..
Trust me, I'm that good....
As always,
XOXO
Mare

Spring/Summer 2010

Sooooo it's April! That means Spring, that means that although it's raining, we need to consider the fashionistas from L.A. and Florida where is it either hot or hotter there!!
Well for me, there are a few trend that I have been looking out for. I am not the most glamorous girl but I do love creativity, innovation, functionality and wear ability. For most of you, that means almost nothing but for some, this may be helpful!!!
So just as an introduction, I wear almost no makeup (though I love products), my hair is plain and natural, and I wear casual attire, though I adore couture and fashion forward designs. Yes, I am a complicated mess!! And as the food bloggers (Sherman and KimHo) say, I digress...
What seems quite prevalant for both men and women this spring/summer (s/s10) is casual style and self expression. Everything goes, which has been the case for the last few seasons. While the ladies at Holt Renfrew, Marciano, Guess and Hollister know me by face and name, one does not have to splurge to look trendy, classy and refined this season.
So, there is a lot going on this season! If you won't bother to read Elle, Vogue, Allure, Lulu and Bazaar, then read what I have to say as I will summarize the latest trends and fashion recommendations, plus my own opinions and style direction......
Alright fun time!!
ust so you all know, my passion lays in men's wear,though I am female, I just thrive off of some impecable men's designers (zara men, zengya, armani, calvin klein, polo, boss red label, brooks brothers and abercrombie (not so much hollister).
So without further ado, here is what your spring/summer should look like....:
Women:
So for flirty skirts, this season is looking at short, kinda boho and light weight.
http://www.abercrombie.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_11306_10901_488817_-1_12703_12205
http://www.abercrombie.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_11306_10901_593391_-1_12703_12205
http://www.abercrombie.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_11306_10901_593247_-1_12703_12205

One always needs a denim skirt. If you are at all self-conscious about your legs/waistline, look for darker denim, longer cuts, lack of rips/tears/fading, and a higher rise. they are paired well with wedges as opposed to pumps, or heels, and flip flops or fit flops can make this look more casual.

To pair with the denim or boho skirt, there are a few options on top....
I feel that the plaid button up top is still relevant, and Abercrombie, Hollister, Gap, Old Navy and Garage have some great options....
http://www.abercrombie.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_11306_10901_621714_-1_12699_12205

These are casual, size up for comfort, size down for sexy, body-hugging figure and cleavage. There are cheap and versatile, and can be worn at both a club with a sexy bra or casual grocery shopping with a tank top or graphic tee ( see american apparel or american eagle) pair that with flip flops or gladiator sandals and a high pony tail with a starbucks cup and you will be ms Vancouver downtown.

What about glamor?? Well this season is split...it's biker chic or off the shoulder.
For biker chic, look for cropper leather, or pleather jackets, with a long tank under, and skinny jeans or crops.
http://www.abercrombie.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_11306_10901_606912_-1_12291_12205
or http://www.abercrombie.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_11306_10901_594222_-1_12291_12205
with
http://www.abercrombie.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_11306_10901_561027_-1_12288_12205
or this (enter ms sexy)
http://www.abercrombie.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_11306_10901_612622_-1_12288_12205
http://www.abercrombie.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_11306_10901_615644_-1_12288_12205
http://www.abercrombie.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_11306_10901_615821_-1_12288_12205

Ok, so as an alternative, there are denim.khaki shorts found at gap, american eagle, hollister, rw&co and winners (on a lucky day) There are two lengths that are emerging this season...short and bondai. the short length is 3inch inseams or less while the bondai is just above the knee. It's almost a board short effect. Depending on your leg/body type, one may be better than the other.
Personally I go with the Hollister brand shorts as they fit my hip-less frame and short legs.Should you want more coverage on top, Wrappy vests and sweaters from American Eagle, Gap, Banana Repuplic and Hollister help with the layering.
Overallfor women this spring, I am emphasizing a silhouette of almost a mushroom or lollipop. Larger volume on top with body hugging bottoms. Feel free to ask me specific questions, and i can pull a few outfits from local stores to fit your needs.....
next up.....Men's wear!!!!!

Where to eat next??

So, as some may know, I live in the heart of the west end. And although I have a car, I hate to drive, immensely. So, I figure that where i live is ideal enough to make some major culinary discoveries. So where to next??? I have a few in mind, and will try to hit within a few weeks...as I do not for see the job front changing anytime soon...
So for sure I want to hit

Nuba
Joyeaux cafe
japa dog
salathai
thai house
tropicana
brix
memphis blues
the eatery
Kirin
Phnom phen - that butter beef looks to die for
Kingyo
guu with garlic
gyoza king
vera's burgers
el furniture warehouse
...i'm sure i'll find more....
unfortunately, some of these places are best suited for larger groups, or a fun night out with friends, so i'll have to search and wait patiently for some up coming events

Samurai Sushi on Davie

Name: Samurai Sushi
Address: 1108 Davie Street Vancouver, BC (davie and thurlow ish visited,)
Cuisine: sushi, some appys (gyoza, onigiri, etc), japanese, lunch, dinner, take-out
Price point: budget, combos <$10
Website: http://www.samuraisushi.ca/
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 am-midnight. Friday and Saturday 11:00am-1:00 am
My experience:
So, I love sushi!! Growing up in Alberta, I accepted mediocre sushi, at expensive prices, because that was what was available. Though better quality has popped up, it just doesn't compare to the volume and freshness and quality that Vancouver has to offer. Whenever I visit edmonton. the family usually only frequents Mikado and Kyoto, or we buy our own fish and have a good dinner (thanks to having a Japanese mummy). Or we settle for T&T. Since I am still job hunting, budget lunches are my current shtick That, along with a good caesar, cheap martinis at Wild Garlic and cheap breakfast. Or we settle for T&T. Since I am still searching for solid employment, budget lunches are my current shtick That, along with a good caesar, cheap martinis at Wild Garlic and cheap breakfasts are my loves. My recent solo dining too me to Samurai after disappointing lunches at Kisha Poppo and Robson Sushi.
What is great about Samurai is that it's small, quick and solid. Cheap lunches, good staples and friendly service make this place a favorite. I often go with some sort of box and a take-out order for later. Also, the abundance of free newspapers in Vancouver provide a less than lonely experience.

So with my iphone in hand, I decided to check out yet another west end sushi joint.
This particular adventure, I ordered a box consisting of Teriyaki chicken, California rolls, agedashi tofu, a salad, tempura and miso soup. While none of these are ground breaking, it all tasted really good. I also had a sunomono salad which I always enjoy.
The salad was nothing special, as they are usually nothing but lettuce and some sesame dressing. It was good. The miso soup was average, but I just love this as a starter in my meals, so it did the job well.
The agedashi tofu and tempura were not greasy at all, and were above average. The chicken had a good sauce, and the meat itself was not dry!
The rice was solid as well. All in all, this will be a frequent rotation in my lunches, as it is by some great bakeries for desert. I recommend this place for a quality cheap lunch, solo or with friends. Recently, I have also tried the Oyako don which is a favorite dish of mine and some sashimi which is well priced for quality.


Reasons to visit: Inexpensive lunch, good solid quality, reliable dishes, friendly staff and good for solo dining or with friends. Fast take-out and a website with their menu.

Reasons not to visit: You don't like japanese food, parking can be difficult, and at peak hours, it may be difficult to get a table.

Benkei on Robson - Yummy Ramen!!!

Name: Benkei Ramen
Address: 1741 Robson St, Vancouver BC (robson and denman ish visited, other locations also)
Cuisine: ramen, some appys (gyoza, onigiri, etc)
Price point: budget, combos <$10
Website: none but it's coming
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00am - 8:00pm ish (closed in the middle)
My experience:
What more do you want? Unless you are on the Atkins/South Beach/Dr. Bernstein diet, this is a place for yummy noodles, warm broth and salty love! This triforce of ramen that is Robson and Denman rocks!! And Benkei does it very well.
My order usually includes an order of gyoza, shrimp mostly, sometimes pork....very good! It's about $3.50, and they are just right, nothing groundbreaking but better than the ones at Robson Sushi..ugh....
My ramen of choice is most often the Shio plus an egg and menma (crunchy low calorie bamboo) or corn (depends on my mood). I love the saltiness, warm soup and the aldente but chewy noodles! The taste of pork comes through very well and the comforting salty broth makes one forget about the likely rainy day outside. The miso ramen is just as pleasing, rich and salty as well but it really depends on what you want. Since spicy food makes me sweat and feel really uncomfortable, I usually avoid this, but many love this dish nonetheless.
They also provide the usual complementary green tea and water as well as garlic and chili to season your soup accordingly. Trust me, I garlic it up in a major way....

They also have punch cards, and for frequent diners, this is a good thing! Again, Japanese servers and cooks yelling greetings and thank yous, typical of the west end, make you feel like you are downtown Tokyo and not Vancouver!
This is about $7.00, and I usually add an egg and something else, about 50 cents each. Definitely affordable carbs and comfort! It can get busy, but nothing like Kintaro, and it's cheaper! The pork is yummy, nothing like the fatty Kintaro servings, but I may live a smidgen longer!!
Servers are more than friendly, and the Japanese girls remind me of what my mummy was like once-upon-a-time!


Reasons to visit: Good value, comfort noodles, friendly service, free green tea, quick in-and-out dining, , close to my home ;), clean, simple, great for solo dining.
Reasons not to visit: Low carb diet you are on (Yoda speak) and they don't much accomodate that, if you are scared of young Japanese yelling friendly hello's(you should avoid the west end ASAP), it's hot out, and warm noodles will overwhelm you, you don't like salty, savory pork and broth and finally, you suck with chopsticks!
Extras: cute place, love it a lot and frequent it weekly!!

Starbucks...love love love to confuse them

Name: Starbucks
Address: 785 Denman Street Vancouver BC (Robson and Denman)
Cuisine: coffee, tea, baked goods, free wireless and refills on coffee and tea (with free registered card)
Price point: coffee, desserts <$10
Hours: Open 7 days, 6:00am-9:00pm (open a bit later on Fridays and Saturdays if busy)
Website: www.starbucks.ca

My experience:





So I love coffee, and tea....and yummy baked goods. Moving to Vancouver means that I can throw a yoga mat in the air and it will land on some form of a coffee shop, be it Blendz, Starbucks, Cafe Artigiano, Waves not so much TimmyHo or Second cup but I'll live. Even McDonalds has passable coffee!! Culture shock for a prairies girl!
So, I love to have my warm drinks, not so much the super sweet blended ones (I am a bit of a calorie phobe that way) and at the 'bucks they accommodate me and my demands!
Well first off, I have a registered card..meaning that sugar free syrups and refills and the like are complementary! You also get free 2hr wireless!!! Saweet when I want to get out of the apartment or the chatty roommate or people watch.
I go to the one on the corner of Robson and Denman almost daily. The baristas know me by face and drink and I have converted many a barista both at this location as well as the Bidwell and Robson one. I've seen homeless people accost these workers (those that cling their cans at all hours of the night/morning).
Oh well.... as I write this, they are playing the Dixie Chicks and Michael Buble....what more do you want!?!?!??!
So what am I ordering? It depends on my mood....
If it's tea it's..get your pen ready.....
Venti Tea Soy Misto one bag Zen one bag Chai with sugar free vanilla and 3 packs of splenda!
Oh it's divine!!
If it's coffee it's a toss up...
Either
Venti decaf coffee with sugar free caramel and soy milk with 3 packs of splenda and a bit of cinnamon...
or
Venti decaf Americano with sugar free syrup (depends on my mood) and soy misto with 3 packs of splenda.

Yep, I'm that high maintenance.... Not really, but I am allergic to dairy and I always go for sugar free syrup when I can. Also, decaf is better for your insulin regulation...little factoid for you!! So what is this drink? It's a venti decaf coffee with sugar free vanilla and soy milk (about 1 inch).
Try it!! Sooo yummy....and I like this place because they have soy milk..since I have an aversion to dairy among other food allergies. If you are looking for some treats, I've tried the spinach and feta wrap, the banana bread is yummy and the chocolate and oat bars are good too. The Christmas cranberry bars are always a treat too, but all that does some damage on the waistline!!


Reasons to visit: Solid, reliable, and consistent drinks. You can have exactly what you want and its almost the exact same every time. They let you stay as long as you want, good for meetings and coffee dates, people watching and chilling out for a while. If you have a registered card, you get 2 hrs of free wireless to...oh I don't know, blog, or study or facebook or tweet or whatever....Also, you can order a crazy drink or two and enjoy being a little high maintenance without being udged too harshly! Oh and if you like soy milk or sugar free syrups!
Reasons not to visit: You don't like bitter coffee, the "man", paying a premium for coffees or lattes, indulging in complicated coffee type drinks...
Extras: The baristas see me walk in and know that they have to get their sharpies out for a 12 step (jk) drink.....but they always have a smile on their faces!! And this location has some very nice baristas!!!

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