Table Hopping on Vancouver Island.

When I get to visit Vancouver Island for a few days, it automatically makes me feel like I’m on holidays. The BC Ferries ride over is pleasant and sets you up to get to the island well rested and ready to explore. Ucluelet and Tofino are two of my favourite getaways, So many sights and places of interest. I love restaurant hopping in Victoria and all the island which sure has its share of some fine eateries. The more places I visit where good cooks serve showcase quality plates, I’m there! So many new eateries to choose from. I love seafood appetisers. This...

2019 Year of The Pig

    In Chinese astrology, each zodiac year is not just associated with an animal sign, but also one of five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth. Both the zodiac sign and the element shape the astrology of the year. For example. Element-sign combinations recur every 60 years. Both zodiac sign and element are believed to affect one’s personality and destiny. I like to start my celebrations early! The reason is because there are so many places to choose. I have several favourites but am always on the quest for a new cooks twist on dim-sum. When you...

New Years Chinese Dim Sum

  The sign to thekitchenman that you’re about to get some mighty fine tasting duck and pork bbq! Half and Half with some fluffy jasmine rice and the au jus dripping sauce is what you need! Some steamed bok choy and guy lan with jasmine tea and your still under twenty bucks!         The restaurants here in South Surrey really put some passion and effort into the dishes prepared for the celebrations. Stop me before I eat again! I started with some hot and sour soup and my sweetie prefers the chicken corn. Yum! Our dim sum items arrive to our...

Mushroom Shrimp Vegetable Buddha.

Mushroom Shrimp Vegetable Buddha. Chefs Choice. After a few visits to good Chinese eateries I trust the chef enough to splurge and try one of his house special dishes. This menu entrée had every ingredient I liked and the chefs assurance he only uses premium quality items in his dishes made it truly mouthwatering delicious. The Mushroom Shrimp Vegetable Buddha feast had eight different vegetables and a trio of fat plump Asian mushrooms soaked in different wine vinegar brines. These jumbo beauty white gulf shrimp were first shown to us by the server with the heads on....

Finding Seafood Nirvana

Some of the best recipes start with a good selection of fresh caught and prepared Pacific Shellfish. Easy to make salads and hot pots of clear or creamy chowders. I shop at several docks here in Vancouver. Granville Island Market, Steveston, Sidney, Sooke, Ucluelet Tofino Prawns, crab, squid, rock fish, halibut ling cod. Salt Spring mussels and effingham oysters tossed with tasty vinaigrette or stewed in a hot pot. It’s all healthy and good.

Road Trip Nibble and a Nip!

I love road trips and checking out all the off the beat and track eateries especially this trip to Ucluelet. Tried some of the Hanks best Smoked Five Spice Duck Wings, Panko Crusted Rock Fish, Crispy Halibut and Albacore Street Tacos. The best of the day was a six pack of Effingham Fresh Shucked Oysters from the Raven Lady. Life is to short to eat mediocre fare!