Report from the Real 'Couv

Occasionally I ask guest commentators to join the fray here at GoodStuffNW and write up reports from their travels. Here are some notes from friends GnH who recently made a whirlwind trip to Vancouver, BC.

Vij's. Grab a glass of wine next door at Rongoli (Vijs' cafe and take-out place next door). Buy a tin of garam masala while you're at it. Reason enough to go just to have dinner here (friends flew up to join us on Sunday & Monday, but dinner was the focus). The best Indian food outside of India (not that I've been). 1480 W 11th at Granville. Phone 604-736-6664. Opens at 5:30 daily, no reservations.

West. Beautiful space. Have an after dinner drink. Great bartenders. 2881 Granville at 13th. Phone 604-738-5909.

Hapa Izakaya. Cool little Japanese spot. Amazing grilled squid, sashimi & small plates. Open late. 1471 Robson. Phone 604-689-4272.

49th Parallel Coffee. Killer coffee, roasted in-house. Clover drip machine. Mod version of our beloved Stumptown. 2152 W 4th Avenue, between Arbutus and Yew. Phone 604-420-4901.

Les Amis du Fromage. Killer cheese (the gooood stuff!). Try Salt Spring Island goat cheese
or the "naughty" triple creams from France. 1752 West 2nd Ave. Phone 604-732-4218.

Chambar. [Belgian Restaurant] It was late. A bit trendy. Beautiful space and great bar. Belgian beer. Killer fries. 562 Beatty Street. 604-879-7119.

Jade Dynasty. Dim Sum "yum yum." Great, authentic, not too many round eyes. More food than we could eat. $15 per person. 137 East Pender St. Phone 604-683-8816.