Ramen Jinya
270 Robson Street
Yaletown
Vancouver, B.C.
(604) 568-9711
J: Continuing our stop-over in Vancouver, there was one eatery that appeared so inviting that I literally whined like a dog as we passed it. Ed and I were in a mad premature rush to make what I thought was our deadline for the Glass Tiger/Roxette concert.
Cin City Donuts
Rogers Arena
800 Griffiths Way
Vancouver, B.C.
E: Walking through Rogers Arena was like walkthing through some of the best that commercialism can offer during a concert. All I cared for was a memento of the night but the sight of doughnuts caught our attention like two Homers from The Simpsons. We decided to wait until intermission to get our sugary delights.
Ebi Ten
388 Robson St.
Yaletown
Vancouver, B.C.
(604) 689-9938
J: Ebi Ten is just one of those little discoveries of Ed’s from 6 years ago. Despite a few repeated attempts, Ebi failed to please the freelance food critic with their takoyaki. It was a good thing Ed took little convincing to give Ebi another go. The girl behind the counter was very young and helpful. And it didn’t hurt that she spoke the language of the food she served. With our orders placed, we took a seat near the entrance. I wasted time by pointing out Ed’s age and how the girl at the counter was easily in elementary when Ed first visited.
It was clear his age is starting to bother him because he responded with a quick punch. I’m only grateful his strength is not as it once was.
Fresh Local Wild
Burrard St & W Hastings St
Vancouver, BC
J: The Two Hungry Blokes were in Vancouver for a concert but with Ed’s mindset, we were staying for the food. I just wanted to get to the Georgian Court Hotel for a little nap but Ed planned a detour.
With a hop off the Skytrain, we disappeared into the Waterfront district and reappeared in front of a converted trailer where their title alone was too boastful to readily accept.
E: After seeing a segment on this street cart operation on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” I was hooked, lined and sinkered. I knew the next time I was visiting the Mainland, I have to go here above all else and try the chowder poutine.
What this operation has going for them is the perfect french fry. Although slightly over crisped, that’s how I like them. And the soft juicy clam morsels and the nector of the broth (salmon and cod were used) helped soften the crunchiness. The tender meats helped make a beautiful texture that I really enjoyed.
Minato Sushi
Cook Street Village Food Court
1109 Mckenzie Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 383-6040
E: I’ve most likely said this before and I’ll say it again, never leave the decision making of where to go up to James. First it was Fairfield, getting lost and giving up any hope of tracking down a place to eat in the old country, one of the first districts to be established since the city of Victoria’s inception.
Fanny Bay Inn
7480 Island Highway
Fanny Bay, BC V0R 1W0
(250) 335-2323
Yes, another trip up island towards Courtenay meant a visit to Fanny Bay. Although the friends I was with arrived 15 minutes late to have lunch at Happy Hen’s Café, the operation that runs within Fanny Bay Service, the advice of the staff at this stop led us to Fanny Bay Inn, and we were not disappointed.
Since this township is famous for their oysters far and wide, I was considering an all oyster meal. But before I could finally decide on what to eat, I was served with a cola delivered with class. I do not often find bars that serve it with a lime wedge. That helps cut the acidity down in the pop, and it is a trick not many operations consider doing.
