The Frog & Firkin

1941 West Broadway, Vancouver
http://thefrogandfirkin.com/

Rating: 5/5 with an Entertainment Book coupon; 4/5 without

Don't you guys have to work? On a nearly perfect Vancouver sunny Wednesday, hidden in the bowels of the Frog & Firkin football fans were screaming at every move between Chelsea vs. Liverpool at the UEFA Champions' League semi. This place should be hopping during any televised sporting event.

The Guinness steak and mushroom pie for $9.95 was great: a good size, the crust flaky, and the gravy went down smooth and salty. My buddies got a sandwich and fish & chips, which were also a good size at $9.95.

Pros: atmosphere, good portions, what else can you ask for at a pub?
Cons: not super cheap but the Entertainment book coupon helps

Thu Hien Deli & Sandwich Shop

1388 Kingsway Ave, Vancouver
604 874 1669

UPDATE: New address, business moved to new premises just around the corner on south side of Kingsway just west of Knight St. Unfortunately, they've raised their prices (slightly) as well.

Rating: 5/5

Summary: An awning so badly faded that you can barely make out the name on it and non-existent decor greet you at this strictly take-out deli selling pre-packed Vietnamese goodies like crepes (don't ask me what they're called in Vietnamese) and Vietnamese-style 'zhong'. The offerings are packaged ready for you to take home to steam.

The crepes are masterful with a thin steamed skin reminiscent of the best 'cheong fan' containing a tasty mix of ground pork and dried fungus. Top it off with the provided dipping sauce (mix of fish sauce and vinegar--smells wonderful) and deep fried shallots.

The zhong contain the same filling as the crepes. The rice is hard to describe but is of an extremely smooth consistency...a nice variation of Chinese-style zhong that you may be familiar with.

Ezogiku Noodle Cafe

1329 Robson St., Vancouver, BC

Rating: 5/5

Summary: Recently reopened after a (legit) interior renovation that saw the installation of a cigar shaped noodle bar in the middle of the cafe affording greater seating capacity than before. I've tried the miso ramen, chicken terriyaki ramen and a third kind (name escapes me) that had fried chicken in it. All highly recommended. The fried rice also received an endorsement from a colleague of mine who is a fried rice aficianado. You can add a side of 3 pieces of gyoza to any bowl of noodles and still get away with less than $10 before tax and tip per head.

Extras: Offers a Member's Card. Collect 10 stamps and you get a free bowl of ramen.

Nearby landmark: A couple doors east of Hon's.

Ben.z Noodle House

536 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC
604 688 8385


Rating: 3/5

Summary: Pho downtown! Enough said...

Located where Tribeca used to be--a couple doors north of A&B Sound and the Hi-Fi Centre. The location means you'll pay slightly more than what you would in East Van but Ben.z does not disappoint with a clear, clean tasting broth and the obligatory intact decor from the previous tenants so that you know you're dining in a pho joint :)

I've had their beef noodle and been told that the Camobodian Noodles are tasty too (dry noodle with mixed seafood and soup on the side). They also offer Vietnamese sub-style sandwiches, meat and rice dishes and French coffee.

Asakusa Sushi

4729 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 2C3
604 536 5505



Rating: 4/5

Summary: Standard Japanese fare but conveniently located across the street from Chapters at Metrotown. A great stop before a show at Metropolis. Portions are generous so be wary of ordering too much!

Extras: Equipped with a couple small TVs so you can keep tabs on any 'nucks game that may be on.

Gah Lok Dim Sum

4169 Fraser St, Vancouver

(604) 873-2233

Notes: CASH ONLY

Rating: 5/5
Summary: Dim sum factory. They've got it all.
What I Ate: Jong, ha gow, siu long bow, plain steamed buns (20 for $3.95; my 2 yr old son loves these)
How I Ate: Takeout; cooked at home

Bee Kim Heng Beef and Pork Jerky

4194 Fraser St, Vancouver
(604) 875-8688


Rating: 5/5
Summary: Singaporean jerky store. Tasty stuff. Eventually, I'd like to try every type of jerky they have.
What I Ate: Pork jerky
How I Ate: Takeout
Other Links: http://mydinnertable.typepad.com/home/2006/12/the_best_pork_j.html