Joyeaux Cafe & Restaurant
551 Howe St.
Vancouver, BC
(604) 681-9168
(604) 341-8882
I’m surprised that not many trendy diners in Vancouver are open Sunday for the early riser. I rarely find the restaurants that are joined at the hip with a hotel the perfect place to eat. But when I needed a quick meal before checking out, I was hoping that the Sciué Italian Bakery Caffé would be open. When I looked at their menu online, I was drooling. When I saw their hours of operation, I was sad.
Pho Hoa
765 Fort St.
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 477 – 2356
Has anything changed over at the franchise operated Pho Hoa? Very little and its sub-par service seems to have gotten worse. The waitresses may have to be hailed like a cab when a small party of hungry hockey fans become rabid. In this instance, only one person from my group managed to order while the rest of the gang were ignored. There was not even an attempt to ask if we were ready.
Saigon Harbour
1012 Blanshard Street
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 386-3354
E: I am amused that 3 Vietnamese diners are nearly a block away from each other; that makes for some stiff competition. When James and I were looking for food, it was our noses that were guiding us. And I have to believe our tracking abilities guided us to the wrong place. Saigon Harbour was not where the trail led; but the signpost showing off one of their specials, a spicy prawn dish did.
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
Pho Vy
772 Fort St.
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 385-5516
J: I played a little Russian restaurant roulette recently. It’s where one travels to the downtown core of quaint little Victoria. From here Ed places his faith in me to wander the streets before my stomach tells me to walk in. Will it be good, bad, a classic or just a night of taking Gravol?
I settled on a little Vietnamese place decked out in fake flowers but with a yellow and green colour paint combo that was oddly appealing.
E: Pho Vy sat on the opposite side of the road, where Pho Hua is on Fort. I checked out Hua a long time ago, reviewing it for Nexus, and wasn’t too impressed, but Vy had a different atmosphere.
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