1510 7th Ave
Seattle, WA
(206) 452-1359
Word to the wise: if diners want to hit the super trendy Japanese restaurants in Seattle, especially Japonessa, get a reservation. After not being able to sweet talk my way to even one seat at the bar (it was just that packed), I walked away dejected and ended up at Blue C Sushi to sing, conveniently enough, the blues away. One glass of Sapporo was enough, and I treated myself to various plates of sushi that rolled by on a conveyor belt.
Corner of Pike St. and 2nd Ave.
Seattle, WA
Nearly most of Seattle is raving about Gourmet Dog Japon, a street cart operation that makes some mighty mean dogs. But what’s so special about this fast food? Which operation is better? Supposedly, owner Shinsuke Nikaido took the idea from the Japadog carts in Vancouver and he put his own design in what makes a good dog.
My vote is for the Seattle location since they were open at 11pm on a Friday, just when most restaurants are closed. I imagine if I wanted a bite even after midnight, I’d find this particular operation still going strong.
Chicken on the Run/Crown Palace
405 Craigflower Rd.
Victoria West, BC
(250) 385 – 3468
E: When I leave the decision making up to James in where we should go next, Perhaps I should’ve honestly interjected and said, “Are you crazy?”
Chicken on the Run and Crown Palace operate under the same roof. They’re technically a take-out operation. And when we saw that there was a small area for dine-in, James got the idea we should try the best of both worlds, Chinese and Western cuisine.
J: The issue I was having wasn’t the lack of dining space, it was moreso the lack of a public washroom. If it wasn’t for the availability of the Victoria West Community Centre’s facilities, I would’ve been scouting bushes in Banfield Park. I always wondered why the place was so green.
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Bin 4 Burger Lounge
#180-911 Yates St.
Harris Green Village
Victoria, BC
(250) 590 – 4154
… and I must say what I ate of the non-bovine persuasion was delicious. I’ve moved away from the beef here and eyed the chicken burger. When I noticed a double dose of bacon, featured as a slice of Fraser Valley ham and also infused in its aioli, I was sold.
Gosworth Fish & Chips
3009 Gosworth Rd.
Victoria, BC
(250) 595 – 3474
J: It wasn’t long after leaving Crown Palace / Chicken on the Run that I truly astounded Ed. I wanted to eat again. I’ve had this urge for months to revisit Gosworth Fish & Chips, my old haunt. I remember the small little shop with the cafe tables and the bright white interior. On a sunny day, the whole room would be lit and you could see the kitchen as you waited for a meal. Many times I took my helping of cod and chips home in brown paper or newsprint.
E: For me, my memories were locked with Haultain Fish and Chips. Grandma fed me well.
Culis Market
#153 – 2745 Veterans Memorial Parkway
Reflections Building
Langford, BC
(250) 590-8881
I was on special assignment recently. My job, if I chose to accept it, was to locate a lunchtime meal for under ten dollars. From Liberty Cafe to Renaissance Bakery, it wasn’t until I arrived on my home turf of Langford that I found that little bit of what I was craving. Culis Market offers a decent Vietnamese sub but I was after Anne’s (the owner) pork wonton. $5.99 was a deal I couldn’t refuse.
What Anne brought me was a large bowl one would normally find served in a Vietnamese restaurant. She fluttered about my table once she saw my camera — very little slips by Anne. My bowl was like a professional female model, you have to snap the photos before she loses steam.
I must admit this meal was traditional. There were several large pieces of wonton dumplings bobbing about. In decor, bits of chopped green onion and chop suey managed to hide themselves at the bottom. Perhaps a little of Kikkoman soy sauce would help liven it up.
The broth was very tasty. She was using a chicken stock and cilantro for flavour. It surpassed Fu Wah Express and Ming’s broth. But both of them could safely say they have more garnish.
The dumplings are supplied by Hung Kee Wonton and Noodle in Vancouver and I must admit it’s a heavier meatier taste. I found inconsistency in the manufacturing. Either there was pork or there was fat. I think that a little fat makes for a better flavour.
When I finished the meal, I was still hungry. But a big man like me can consume much in one sitting. Overall this is a nice meal for those looking for a fast lunch. The flavour is certainly there but traditional wonton isn’t my style. I’ve been spoiled rotten and it shows.
3 Blokes out of 5
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