Sura

<2010-07-01 Thu> Have you ever eaten at a Korean Restaurant? Do
yourself a favour and try it. Sura seems to be the only Korean left in
town. I believe that is because we are not used to their food, and
don't know what to expect in their restaurants. This might explain
why, in the opinion of my Japanese friends, Koreans tend to open
Japanese instead of Korean restaurants.

I have never been disappointed in a Korean restaurant. Their soups
reminds me a lot some of the Mexican stews: based on bone, spicy,
always rich in flavour.

But I also like the little plates they bring you along: potatoes,
kimchi, sprouts. And they are all included in the price of your main
meal.

I recommend people to start with a bibimbap. Remember, you must mix
the egg with the rice as it is served.

It was my first time at Sura. The menu is beautiful to look at. I
could not make my mind, partially because I don't really know many
dishes.

I ordered a beef soup. I love it. It came on one of their thick clay
pots, and was boiling as served. I had to be careful to wait long
enough not to burn my tongue :( The temptation is too high to dive
in. It was labelled extra spicy, but I found it to be just
"Medium". Your mileage might vary.

In terms of value, I can't think of better places to have a complete
meal. The soup came from the "dinner" menu (which they offer at lunch
time) and it was a paltry 9.99 + tax. I was even offered more
apetizer dishes (I wish I knew their real name).

I forgot to mention, only one table had no Korean looking person (the
place is popular with Koreans).

Verdict: This place will become a regular destination for me, and can
see it become one of my favourites. Other visits will tell. I like
Korean food and that makes me biased. A steal at dinner time.

Cost: 11.14 + tip (yes, new tax :(


For more information, including address, visit:

Baan Thai

<2010-06-30 Wed>

There are 7 Thai restaurants in town (2 with branches in Saanich). I
have tried the red curry of each of them. And the winner is Baan Thai
downtown.

Of course it is really difficult to compare one against another when I
ate them on different days. I have to rely on my memory, on the
ordering of the quality of these restaurants that I am building day by
day.

Baan Thai feels like a more up-scale restaurant than any of the others
(which probably is). It is a nice, bright environment, with quality
furniture, and good service. The restaurant was full when I arrived.

My opinion is that you won't be disappointed if you come here. I have
had most of the options in the menu, and they are all good (although
the pad thai is too large).

I have mentioned repeatedly that my main complain with this place is
its lack of options at lunch time (its menu hasn't changed in 9 years
I have lived in Victoria). I talked to a person who likes Baan Thai
and she said that she wants the menu to remain unchanged, so she can
always order the same. I think the solution is a "special of the
day".

Now I am tempted to come back at dinner time (or at least order take
out).

Unfortunately this visit is the last without GST. Starting tomorrow I
have a 7% inflation in the cost of my lunch :(

Verdict: The best Thai lunch in town, at one of the best prices. It is
worth a detour compared to any of the other options. It is also the
best restaurant in a this area. It will remain as one of my regular
lunch destinations, particularly the downtown branch.

Cost: 10.24 + tip

For more information, including address, visit: