Wedge Salad (nice plate)
poached shrimp, fennel, orange, pickled onion, radish, buttermilk dressing
Roasted Trout (local)
celery, beans, legumes, lemon crème fraîche, cashew brown butter
Chèvre Noir
pear compote, gingerbread
I was so hesitant to return to Luma for Winterlicious because a) the first time wasn't that great and b) the gimmick is not really exciting for me anymore. But because our first choice Adega was full and it was time for a girls reunion, I booked Luma again for the $35 dinner - average food, but pretty good environment for small group dinner. And actually, I was pleasantly surprised by my choices. The poached shrimp looks plain, but it was pretty good in texture, very smooth (滑 &爽) and pretty big portion. Trout dish was pretty natural and healthy, not a fan of the white beans. And the dessert - a very strong cheese, toned down with the pairing of gingerbread crisp and sweet pear compote. Overall not the best menu on paper, but turned out to be a pretty good night with good company.
#tbt to the time I went down to Colette for brunch. Such a pretty French space, and food was good too (except the coffee). I enjoyed the Eggs Benedict with tomato & avocado and Quinoa Pudding - first time having quinoa in sweet form and first time having my fav eggs benny on croissant!
I made a random visit to Bar Buca back in November for a late afternoon brunch (Saturday & Sunday until 4pm). I fell in love immediately - I just love the small space; simple yet cozy, great vibe, high wood tables, and small sharing plates is my favorite type of dining style. It quickly became one of my favorite spots in the city.
I shared the Uova Rossa - duck egg yolks, bay scallops, pine nuts, scallions, crisp proscuitto and Italian pancakes (Crispelle) - crispy pancakes with cream, pistachio, maple syrup, chocolate, candied orange. Love how every dish is so complex and unique; delicate layers of different, distinct flavors and ingredients that work together.
This gem is perfect for dates and for any time of day! The dinner menu is great as well and I can't wait to go back.
Miku Waterfront Platter ($96)
chef's selection of sashimi, fresh oysters, oyster shooter, mussels, jumbo prawns, kaisen poke, scallop ceviche, kale gomaae
Aburi Sushi Sampler
AAA Sterling Silver Prime Rib
Pork Belly with Seared Sweetbreads
With all the hype surrounding this Japanese fine-dining restaurant from Vancouver, I went to try Miku back in November for a birthday celebration. The contemporary, upscale space is very nice with high ceilings and fits right in at RBC Waterpark Place. The seafood platter serves 4 and includes a variety of cold seafood with different marinades, but I ended up liking the oysters the most. Famous for the flame-seared aburi sushi, this was not too special for me, and I'm not too big on pressed sushi. The prime rib was pretty good; the mashed potato super creamy and heavy. I liked the roasted grapes with the pork belly. Overall with drinks the bill came to $100 per person. Don't think I would come again but these days people are really willing to spend on Japanese fine dining!
*Edit: I did end up coming again and it was delicious!
This is my favorite beef noodle restaurant, recommended by my sister. A small bowl of beef noodles is $8-$10, and the smelly tofu is ~$8. The noodles are homemade, the beef and beef tendon soft, and my most favorite part is the broth - just so flavorful without being overly salty or oily.
Just a word of caution - this place smells when you first walk in, just gotta get used to it; the food is worth it.
Calamari – spicy tomato broth, lemon aioli, mint
Steak Tartare – pickled chilies, capers, red onion, parmesan, toast
Loved the crostini. Could go lighter on the parmesan.
Prosciutto & Figs Salad – baby spinach, gorgonzola, almonds
A large portion. Love the toasted almonds; could go a bit lighter on the balsamic dressing.