We went to SNS for brunch, as we heard from some locals that it is supposed to be good. It was more than good--it was great! Prices are lower than they should be, but hey, I'm not complaining. The server told us that they are busier than ever, and we could see why. The French Toast is to die for ($6!!!), and of course, it's always a good start when the first question of the morning is 'Would you like Champagne & Orange Juice to start?!'. This is our new brunch hang out!

So being from the burbs, I finally got my chance to visit plan B, something I was really looking forward to for some time.

As soon as I walked in the door, I knew something wasn't right. James Bond posters all over the walls? Empty at 4:30 on a Thursday afternoon? Hmmmmmmmm.

Went to the bar where I was told that plan B closed and they recently took over, Shaken, not Stirred. Well, I'm here and I'm hungry, so why not.

Sat at the bar and ordered a glass of wine, the bartender started to open the wrong bottle (Yellow Tail no less). Pointed it out and he cheerfully apologized and got the correct bottle. So I listened for about 5 minutes while he pleasantly chatted up how great the food is, and how plan B was overpriced, pretentious, etc etc etc.

So, I decide on two appetizers, and I often do. Bruschetta and a Mushroom & Seafood Bake of some kind. While I'm waiting for the food and continue reading the menu, I notice that it's 1/2 price appies, had no idea. Bartender tells me he usually waits until folks get their bill and are pleasantly surprised, heah right. If you're going to run a feature, maybe tell people about it huh? Just a thought.

Bruschetta was average, I like mine where I can actually taste the tomatoes, herbs, etc rather than their method of covering it with some kind of balsamic reduction concoction that is all you can taste. The bake is also average, served on an old fashioned escargot plate, 5 mushrooms covered with cheese. Tasty enough I guess but nothing to write home about. Again, their style seems to be blending up any seafood so that it is unrecognizable, I'd prefer some texture so that I can see if I'm actually eating any seafood.

Another glass of wine, bartender seems to be a good guy, talking the place up as I'd want him to do if it was my restaurant.

So I decide on a final appie, Calamari which the bartendert tells me is his favourite. Again, mediocre, plain and pan fried with some kind of Aioli, it lacked any real flavour.

Left about an hour later, still the only person in the place. As I drove out of Yaletown, passed busy restaurant anfter busy restaurant.

I'd love to be able to recommend this place, a nice space with a new team trying to start their own thing. I didn't by any means feel ripped off, but it was an average experience at best and I wouldn't repeat, too many other places out there to try.

Why haven't I been here before? I just went there for my friends birthday party and we had an awesome time! Great food, friendly and speedy service. Probably the best kept secret in Yaletown. I've lived here for a couple of years and had heard good things about Shakin not stirred but had never been there before, now I will be there regularly. I had the Chilli Chicken appetizer which I prefer over the overly battered and dripping with sauce versions I've tried elsewhere. I also had the special of the day (taco trio; beef, chicken and prawns) which was delicious! They have a great martini/cocktail list and I was impressed with the Mango Sunrise which was garnished with a beautiful rose pedal! Awesome place and staff!