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I tried their mocha caramel frappe and was extremely satisfied with the quality of the product. It was blended well - just the right amount of ice - and had a rich, full taste through and through. I would rank it among the better cafes which Vancouver has to offer [Caffe Artigiano, Bean Bros., etc.].
Please note that I have not tried their sandwiches or snacks, but have kept strictly to their specialty [coffee].
Been coming here since it opened around Christmas. A coworker saw it and since it was close to work, we thought, why not?
The food has always been good. The decor is really nice, but it can get really busy at night. I prefer take out, but that's just me.
The only thing I have a problem with is that they forget to give me the discount for pick-up. It happens, but whatever. Still really good food. :)
I almost always order the Alaska combo and the veggie combo. Flavours are amazing, ingredients are fresh and clean tasting. I've got several of my friends hooked on this place and I will be back.
I've eaten here a couple times. This is quite possibly the worst place you could ever go to. Their dinner buns come out warm but it's obviously been microwaved, judging by the way it quickly hardens and how soggy it is underneath. Our server was snappy, impatient and not very accomodating at all. I've had the cream of mushroom soup and honestly, it tasted and looked like it was from a Campbell's can. It was thick, a nasty color of grey and lumpy. Can't you at least mix in some salt pepper and cream in there?
I gotta say though. The Italian Wedding soup is delicious. So is the Cheedar Bacon Burger. The skinny fries, when fresh, is also divine. The dry ribs are far from dry and really juicy.
However. Even if some menu items are passable, it doesn't change the fact that it isn't consistent witth everything else. The service could really use some help. We have seen and met the owner but he gives off a really negative, power-hungry vibe. If I'm gonna eat somewhere, I wouldn't wanna do it in a place like this. Maybe I'll just hit up a different location.
For some reason, this place is never busy. I know you're thinking well, then it can't be that good. I have been here twice in the last 9 months and it's been really good each time. We ordered take out the first time, a lamb curry and naan, fine, good taste, not too gamey. Second time with my husband and father. My father only eats indian food, so he knows if it's good or bad, and this was his first visit. He ordered the chicken curry spicy and that's what he got, he said it was very good. My husband and I ordered the thali, a few varieties of dishes that included a meat dish as well. We ordered butter chicken, very good. The surprise was the eggplant curry, OMG, I have never had such a delicious vegetarian curry anywhere. I told the waiter that it was fantastic and he says that it's one of the most popular dishes. We got rice, naan and papadum as well. The service was quick, friendly and we heard laughter through the restaurant with the staff and other guests. The bill came out to 30 bucks for the three of us and we had some leftover naan which we took home. No drinks, just water by the way. Next time will order just the eggplant curry and masala chai (another test to pass).
let's get down to business: the steam pork buns (xiao long bao)!
For a shanghai style restaurant that prizes itself on steam pork buns, (xiao long bao), even built with a clear window that allows you to see the little old asian lady making the dumplings behind a glass wall, it really is over priced. 5.50 for 6 buns, which is at least 20% costlier than other restaurants with the similar focus on shanghai centric food that make a tastier dish. the dumpling skin is a little too thick, not springy and chewy enough in texture, and the soup in the dumplings while having good flavour, had a bit of msg overkill. plus the meat itself had very little taste, and it was grainy in texture. i did like the fact that the buns were not greasy at all. in this regard, it tasted clean. but for 5.50, it is reasonable for consumers to expect the most expensive steam buns in vancouver/burnaby/richmond area to wow, and that it did not. in fact, one could walk 2 min to the food court in the same mall and get slightly better steamed pork buns and way better in price.
we also had their beef noodles, which was another disappointment, but at least it was only 7.50 in price. the beef, was so dry and the flavour of the soup did not cook into the meat, so it tasted like card board. the soup was again, not overly greasy, but the flavour of the broth was not as good as a couple of the beef noodle stands in the food court of the same mall. the noodles themselves tasted machine made, flat, and no chewiness of a good hand cut noodle or even a higher quality frozen noodle pack from Japan. they also left inedible spices in the soup that they should have scooped out. again, i would say head for the food court for way better noodles at a lower price.
atmosphere
restaurant layout was way too crowded, even for smaller asian people. the back of my seat was hitting the back of seat of the patron sitting behind me the entire meal. we got quite cosy it's a plus if you like that sort of thing! :)
service
depending the servers, you'll get very different service. in general, they were attentive, despite the busy, full restaurant, even remembering to check my tea, as well as giving me a fresh paper towel when they saw that i needed one, without me asking. this was unexpected surprise in a busy chinese restaurant. i suspect it was due to experienced hosts themselves and not that the owners trained them well because the service quality between the servers were too inconsistent. when i was paying at the counter, the cashier didn't even noticed us trying to pay until a few minutes after we've been standing there. she had her back to the restaurant polishing wine glasses and never looked me in the eye for the entire transaction. even though my only industry training came from a nameless manager of ronald macdonald's, i can guess she was untrained or trained badly.
sanitary
they store child seats and napkin boxes in their wheel chair accessible restroom (some vacuum cleaner box was put on the toilet seat), so there is no wheel chair accessible restroom in this facility.
having frequent the previous restaurant before the current owner took over, it appears that the low flow toilets were the same ones left from the last restaurant. the restroom floors were wet.
the kitchen had ventilation issues, so they always keep the back door of the kitchen open while cooking (this was already a problem for the previous restaurant), so you can easily peek in to see the sanitary condition of the kitchen. my advice is to peak AFTER you finish your meal, if you want to enjoy your dining experience (i was glad I followed my own advice :). but to be fair, i've seen worse kitchens in this town (even for fancier restaurants), not that this makes it ok.
conclusion
maybe the noodles were not the restaurant's forte, but the steam pork bun was their signature dish, and for the price, it was offensively lack luster. i had already scheduled a future family get together in this restaurant to try their fancier dishes (many also higher in prices than other restaurants in the same class), but based on their performance for making such amateur mistakes in their corner stone dishes, i am cancelling my reservation to take my business elsewhere. this is a tough town for restaurants, and if they can't compete, then they shouldn't be asking for these prices. for steam pork buns, go to Chen's Restaurant in Richmond, you won't be disappointed (at the very least, the prices are way better). happy fooding all!
After much fuss from a co-worker about sushi garden at Metrotown, my daughter and I decided to go to the Lougheed location on the way home from running errands. I walked in to a fairly crowded restaurant, tables about 1/2 to 3/4 full. I ordered california roll, tempura, miso soup and spicy salmon roll to go. They said it would be about 25 minutes. When I came back I forgot the little ticket in the car so they said they could not give me my food without it, fine. Went and got it from the car and got my food. Drove home, 5 mins drive and opened up the food at the table with my husband and daughter. Immediately, we noticed the awful fishy smell. The sushi was not cold, but kind of warmish. I think, in the restaurant, people do not notice because there are so many other cooked smells, like tempura and teriyaki that fill the air. The spicy salmon was a regular salmon roll with hot sauce poured on top, I could have done that! The tempura was okay, but of course a little soggy in the take out container. The miso was way too salty and the california roll was bland tasting. We go to Oyama regularly and compare all other sushi places to them. Once you've had really good, fresh sushi, you cannot eat this type of second or third class sushi anymore. It was like they didn't even care, not good customer service because they're far too busy thinking they have a loyal clientele. That may be fine for a while, but it will not sustain your business forever. Don't bother, and save your money. And by the way, the person at work got an earful about how bad my experience was, it will be a LONG time before I take their advice again.
We took the whole family to try the restaurant that is under the new owners that used to be one of our favourite places for Japanese food on Robson. The former Tsunami Sushi. The sushi, sashimi was delicious, good variety offfered and very fresh. The fried chicken, prawns, veggies, and dim sumwere some of our favourite dishes. The creme brule was outstanding! A good variety of desserts like a self serve ice cream bar, jello, fresh fruit and yummy mochis. We would have like to see more Japanese food like yakisoba, spinach salad, agadashi. Good value for the quality of food. The decor really needs a makeover.
Do not eat here. My fiance and I went for all you can eat here, and the waitresses they dip their fingers into dirty dishes and food while cleaning, and without washing their hands I witnessed them dipping their fingers into my tempura sauce and dragging my noodles on the tables. I realize that all you can eat can become very busy however, I was once a sushi waitress as well, and I found it very disgusting and unsanitary that they handle the food that adults eat that way. I was so very offended and I am never going back here. I hope other people re-think their visit here if they are planning to eat there tonight.
Waited in the lineup for 30 minutes but we were fore warned. Once we got inside and seated I was really impressed by the efficiency of all the staff. Everyone was always doing something. Large dinner rolls were served and the mains came very soon after. The pasta are ridiculousy large. But then again they are very expensive. I would prefer smaller portions and a more reasonable price then $15-$16 for a plate of pasta but then again they are always busy and constantly have a line-up. Lots of free parking nearby. In my opinion it is too expensive for mediocre dinner fare.
I have been meaning to review this place after going a few months ago with the boyfriend. It was great and alot of fun! We had no idea what hot pot was haha but we thought we would check out a new place in the neighbourhood and it seemed like they had healthy choices. The staff were so friendly and attentive and helped explain how hot pot works. The resturant itself is fairly small but quite modern looking and of course clean. I thought the food and drinks may be a little pricey but I think the hot pot tables/equipment is probably expensive, so from a business perspective I understand. The food was good and overall it was a great experience. They have quite a few options on their menu and you also have the option to create your own meal. Will be coming back again :)
Has no one heard about the good food at this place yet? We were the only customers in the restaurant the night that we were there, although it was a Monday night so almost any restaurant would have been quiet I guess. Apparently these guys do a lot of take-out and delivery and they're busy for the lunch buffet. We started out quite unsure of the place given that it was empty, but the server was very friendly and helped us order some of their best dishes, the food was very good - especially the King Vegetable Korma and the tandoori meat, and we left very pleased with the meal. The mango lassi is the only item we wouldn't order again as it was too thin for our tastes.
I always come to this place in the past, since I use to have frds that working here, and foods are really decent. I dont know if they have ownership change or what is happening. We arrive at 7pm , and start ordering food. all the hot food arrive, the sushi with super thin fish and big lumb of rice arrive. and 30 mins later, we have to ask twice before they give us the sashimi that we order. However, the fish is just horrible. the squids are just totally tasteless, i can tell they are just making it with baking powder, so it is clear, and totally tasteless. the salmon is so blank, and the tako taste just like rubber. Then the salmon belly and the seafood udon both taste like bad fish in the dead seafood place. Even we are sitting so close to the counter and the front door. when i mention to my frds that i am done with the food, since they are so bad, in a not quite voice, it doesnt seem like any of the people actually care. So at the end, we ask for the bill, and the amazing waitress come to us, and ask if we want to pack the food. i say no., and she is like, we are going to charge u, so u want to just finsish it ? i told her, the food is just bad. then they gave me the bill , with $8.00 extra for the foods, which i wont argue with them, since they do list that on the menu. However, they will still just put the 10% tip in the machine, and think that i will just pay it. what a crazy world they live in. Anyway, shitty food, shitty service, and no wonder they are only half full on Friday nite.
Went here for dinner, and was pleasantly surprised that it was tastefully decorated more modern than most chinese restaurants. We were seated quickly and brought tea right away. I was impressed with the service from the wait staff, they were attentive and prompt. We had Shredded chicken with crispy noodles, honey garlic beef and stir fried veggies. The food was hot, well prepared and very delicious. I will come here again for sure.
I am a big pasta lover and Anton's was on my to go list ..that is until I ordered takeout one day with my BFF. As usual, dinner time is always busy and there would be lineups outside the door. So we decided to order takeout and had a drink by the bar. We were just sitting there, waiting, watching waitresses go about their duties. I believe it was almost closing time so they had to count their tip jar by the bar. Here we are, sitting and looking, not even a metre away, as she decides to grab the long spoon from the jug and proceeds to scoop out the tips from the tip jar. Mind you, there were quite a few BILLS in there and change. After she's done, she puts back into the jar full of spoons(which I presume we're clean as there were a bundle of them sitting by the counter) as if it were no biggie. Now, we ALL know just how dirty money is....but I guess she didn't. Last drink I'll ever order from there again! And last visit.
This restaurant is now under new management. The place is surprisingly clean. The server told us that the new owner is the former owner of Tsunami Sushi on Robson. We tried the sushi and sashimi and it was excellent. Really impressed by the quality of the food. Prices are still the same so it was a really good value. They have 2 party rooms that have Karaoke systems. One was occupied while we were there and they seemed to be having a lot of fun. Hope the new owner keeps up the standard. Needs to update the interior
But the pork and veg stew was remarkably bland and nearly tasteless - the only veg was some soggy sweet peppers in a sauce that reminded me of low-sodium Campbell's tomato soup. The dominant flavour in the cevapcici was salty meat and little else. And they were out of all deserts except for one which we ordered. Then 8:15 came rolling around and the live "entertainment" started up: a guy with electronic keyboard and drum machine, singing in a foreign language which was probably quite authentic and atmospheric. And loud. We cancelled our desert order and fled this glorified karaoke.
Our waitress was pleasant enough and did the right thing on our bill when she got our order for five cevapcici wrong and brought us ten.
I suppose the price was right: $30 for the two of us (no booze), but how do you put a value on a disappointing meal?
My personal standard for a decent restaurant is it has to be able to cook at least as well as me, and this place failed. Something bad has happened to this eatery since the glowing reviews from earlier in this year. It is now a place to, um,... reconsider.
I gave a 5 for the service but for some reason at odd times (when the restaurant is open) ...no one answers the phone. We tried ordering sushi on a Tue. night around 6:30 and it just rang and rang then went to an answering machine to leave a msg. We tried for over 30min and gave up. Other than that when you go to pick up your food the service IS awesome, very friendly and sociable. It's more expensive than other sushi places but it's fresh and the food is always good. At least every time I have ordered.
We dealt with three staff people here last night (June 14, 2012) and they were all equally uninterested and uncaring. We had to ask repeatedly for water, then they only brought one glass to our table of three. They brought out a dish, put it on our table for a few minutes, then took it away because it was the "wrong one" (they didn't bother to ask if we had touched it yet, so luckily for the customers they brought it to instead, we hadn't.) The maki was ok, but the tempura was the soggiest and greasiest I've ever seen. We couldn't finish it even though we were all ravenous. The teriyaki chicken was fatty and the bean sprouts side dish, like the tempura, were drenched in oil. This was my second time eating here and I won't be back because they are consistently uninterested in their customers.
This little bakery is an awesome place to get great food. There food tastes fantastic, not too salty, not too sweet, just right. Service was great, I ordered coffee and received a coffee that was tasty, made from organic beans and I even had a design drawn on the top of my coffee. There are a few seats available that its the perfect place to go for lunch with friends, or just pick up a dinner item. You pay for the quality and let me tell you, you wont find a better tasting, more bang for your buck bakery and deli than this one! Wont hesitate to go back and spend more!
We went with 3 kids 5 and under, they brought them crayons and coloring paper and the overall ambiance was condusive to a casual family meal with some real food.
The evening started spectacularly with a delicious Mista di Carciofi salad and Mussels Alla Marinara - both were simple but outstanding with great depth of flavour. We were really looking forward to the featured pastas!
Unfortunately, the pasta didn't really live up to the hype for us. We had the Linguine Alla Carbonara (which was very creamy for a carbonara, although as it was advertised in a cream sauce we couldn't complain it wasn't as advertised!) and Conchiglie Zio Carmelo (listed as sausage, chicken, pinenuts, spinach in a white wine sauce). Both pastas were of huge proportions (almost comically so) and although we specifically chose entrees not listed as "spicy" (many were) and both tasted overwhelmingly of pepper, so much so that the kids didn't eat any of it even though they were typical of foods that they have enjoyed in the past. Even with the carbonaras rich cream sauce the main flavour was pepper.
We felt the pasta was ok (although my husband didn't care for their weird rope like "linguine") but certainly didn't live up the expectations set by the starters. I don't know if we just picked two pepper-packed sauces by chance or if they are all like that. Maybe the red sauces would be better given the deliciousness of the sauce served with the mussels.
So with the hits and the misses we may or may not be back.
We do have lots of leftovers (parent friendly only!) for the next few days....
