Pluto's

<2010-10-05 Tue>

No. 123

In what looks like a converted gas station and/or car garage, it is an all-day restaurant with a southwest influence. It is located at the intersection of Cook and View.

It was very late when I walked in (2:30) and the restaurant was almost empty. I was given a menu, and told to choose my table of choice. The tables are uncomfortable: they are too high for the height of the chairs. Pluto's has space for around 50 people. Its high ceilings and large windows make it look large and pleasant (except for the uncomfortable tables). Its decor is American Southwest. There is also a patio that might be useful during the warmer days of the year.

I ordered a "nut burger". The menu claims that they have been serving it for 22 years, so I imagine this would be dish they know how to make.



The burger is not bad. The bottom side of the bun only had butter, and I think it will greatly benefit from having something to make it moist, since the patty is(naturally) dry. The burger is not bad, but does not excel either. I had the same feeling about the soup: it wasn't bad, but it wasn't interesting either. Considering the price I paid, I'd rather choose going somewhere else (like the Pink Bicycle, that has a superior burger).

What gives Pluto's the edge is that they stay open for most of the day.

Verdict: Average food.

Paid: 11.70 + tip

For more information, including address, please visit:

Stage

No. 58

This is a dinner review. Stage does not open for lunch.



<2010-07-21 Wed>

Guest review by LW:

Aside from the lack of obvious parking, Stage delivers without any smoke and mirrors. When we first arrived, I was a little overwhelmed by the smell of meat and poultry afforded by the open kitchen. The service was excellent-- prompt and attentive without being intrusive. The first item was the best--the risotto. The trout was excellent. We were divided by the duck--dmg wasn't keen on the cabbage and I was indifferent to the poultry. I have eaten too many creme brûlée recently--this one was as nice as all the rest. Stage welcomes all types, theatrically dressed or casual, in a warm environment with decor that reminds me of its owners' Vancouver origins. Even those who despise restaurants and abhor eating should stop by to see the beautiful mermaid sculpture on the wall.



dmg here:

Stage is a very good option for those of us who like light dinners. One small complaint: they charge for bread and also for olive oil/vinegar, something that other restaurants do not; the bread, however, is top notch, but too much for one person only (LW didn't want any from the start). Perhaps Stage should offer a "1/2" order of bread, which I would not mind paying for. I was also surprised by how varied its clientele is, not only in terms of attire, but also ages.




Verdict: A solid dinner destination. I will come back.

Paid: 27.72 per person + tip

--dmg

For more information, including address:

Sura

Warning: Dinner Review

I came with company. We were asked at the door if we wanted barbecue
of not. This is a tough decision to make when you have never been
there before.

We opted for barbecue, and ordered the 2 persons special.

It was wayyyy too much food. Wayyyy to much. And as good sports we kept eating and eating and eating. 12hrs later I am still full. The food was good. I particularly liked the last spicy beef. I think I could just order that one with vegetables and be happy. I should have asked what its name is!

The meal was good and the service excellent (they cook the food for you in front of you). To top it all, I loved the photos on their walls.

Verdict: Yes, Sura is in the rotation as good food at an excellent value.

Paid: 22.50 + tip

For more information, including address, visit:

Sen Zushi

Dinner review.

<2010-06-24 Thu>

Warning. This is a dinner review. I am a regular for dinner at Sen
Zushi, but perhaps I have been a regular for too long. I am getting a
bit tired of the menu.

That doesn't mean the restaurant is bad. On the contrary, the tuna and
salmon sashimi were delicious (as usual), the tempura perfect (I loved
the fish tempura). There were some downsides: the miso soup was way
too diluted (a frequent problem) and the some of the unagi had a
slight taste of chlorine.

The best demonstration of its popularity is how difficult it is to
get a table some evenings.

Verdict: A good option for Japanese at dinner time.

Cost: approx 40 per person + tip (we ate like pigs)

For more information, including address, visit: