Coast Restaurant – Pretentious Menus?

On a rare occasion that we found ourselves downtown (traffic and parking is h-e-double-hockey-sticks down there), we stopped by Coast Restaurant for lunch.  We’ve dined here before for dinner and liked the seafood so thought this was a no-brainer.  It gets rather busy (and loud) in this restaurant during lunchtime as many suits fill up most of the tables so it’s a good idea to come early. 

Green Basil – Lunch Specials

Green Basil is a popular Thai House Royale knock off located across the road from Metropolis/Station Square.  Just like the Thai House Royale, Green Basil serves a very reasonable lunch special that lets you choose between a number of different menu items. 

Dinesty Chinese Restaurant – Dim Sum

I’m not going to lie… I used to make fun of the name “Dinesty Chinese Restaurant” whenever we used to drive by it in Richmond.  Instead of a clever play on words, I figured it was just a typical Chinese misspelling that you see so often in translated signs and menus.

Laurelle’s Fine Foods – Buttermilk Scones

Since we were in Granville Island picking up some bread at Terra Breads, we also decided to pick up a few scones at Laurelle’s Fine Foods.  They serve a number of items here from sweet desserts to savory sausage rolls.

Terra Breads (Granville Island) – Mini Focaccia Pizza and Scones

There are lots of places in Granville Island to grab a quick bite or pick up a few tasty morsels… one place that we keep going back to is Terra Breads located in the Market.

Armando’s Finest Quality Meats (Granville Island)

Armando’s is a full service meat shop that’s been located in Granville Island since the early 80′s and, along with Tenderland Meats, one of the many shops we frequent whenever we drop by the Market.

Secret Garden Tea Company – High Tea

Contrary to it’s name, the Secret Garden Tea Company is hardly a secret at all… in fact, it’s one of the more popular places for High Tea (or Afternoon Tea if you want to get technical).  We made reservations for noon – and, as usual with our luck, they had some trouble finding our reservations.  Fortunately, we arrived early enough that they were still able to seat us because the tables started filling up quickly as soon as we sat down.

The Teahouse

It’s hard to believe that I’ve lived in Vancouver all of my life but I’ve never eaten at The Teahouse in Stanley Park.  We took the opportunity to stop by for lunch while the sun was making a last valiant hurrah before the end of summer.

Quiznos (Metrotown) – Southern BBQ Pulled Pork Sub

I vaguely recall when Quiznos started opening up in the Lower Mainland and becoming a big hit.  And why wouldn’t it be a hit?  Toasted subs are an awesome idea!  One of the things I like about Quiznos is the hot pepper that they give you with each sub.

Maxim’s Bakery (Richmond Centre)

Maxim’s Bakery has been around for a long time… originally located in China Town, Maxim locations have branched out wherever Chinese communities have popped up.  Their Richmond store is conveniently located in the Richmond Centre Mall and always seems busy. 

Amorosa Pasta House

If you’re in the mood for a ton of yummy carbs in Burnaby but don’t want to line up at Anton’s, you should try Amorosa Pasta House located on the corner of Edmonds and 6th. 

Meat & Bread – Seriously Overhyped?

I don’t get it…  It’s difficult to go on Urbanspoon without seeing all of the people who rave about Meat & Bread.  I think it might be due to the Anthony Bourdain Effect (or the Guy Fieri Effect if you’re more into Triple D).  People like the idea of finding interesting eateries in strange locations.  And it doesn’t get much sketchier than the Victory Square area of Vancouver.