CACTUS CLUB RESTAURANT REVIEW

CACTUS CLUB RESTAURANT REVIEW

by

Sher Boudreau / @ravenbran20

October 12 2011

Lunch time doesn't have to be boring or fast dull food anymore thanks to the Cactus Club Cafe.  When walking into the restaurant, be sure to take notice of the art deco and paintings on the walls. Paired up with the black leather and rich red accents, the restaurant is classy all the way around. The Cactus Club has a very well stocked wine list so be sure to try one of the great selections from British Columbia like NK'Mip Cellars. Of course if alcohol isn't your thing, they also have a good selection of non alcoholic beverages. I recommend the Virgin Caesar. It's spicy, tangy and is adorned with boccocini, olive, hot pepper and caramelized onion on a skewer.

Appetizers are always a great way to kick off your dining experience. I recommend the Rob's Goat Cheese and Feta Flatbread. This is bruchetta taken to the max. With peppery arugula, pesto, grape tomatoes, caramelized onions with a balsamic glaze and maldon sea salt; it is sure to be a hit everyone.

Their main courses are as diverse as the citizens of British Columbia. From steaks, to gluten and vegetarian and from chicken to seafood.  For the chicken lovers, I recommend the Blackened Creole Chicken. A beautiful presentation with a butter flied chicken breast topped over seasonal vegetables mashed potatoes and a dollop of spicy Creole butter. Spicy, juicy and filling. For the real adventurers in dining, the BBQ Duck Clubhouse is right up your bungee cord! Luscious duck cooked to perfection is paired with pan seared chicken, prosciutto and toasted pecan fruit bread. Served with your choice of fries, Caesar salad or yam fries, it's a delicacy that screams 'order again.

Once you have finished your incredible meals, and you have managed to save some room for dessert. I suggest going all the way and trying their Key Lime Pie. Not only is it refreshing but the tart and sweet flavours marry into a slice of southern heaven. The wait staff is attentive, friendly and very welcoming. It can be a little loud towards the bar area and they do have 3 TV screens to catch your favourite game while enjoying a drink.

With 12 locations in British Columbia and 2 in Alberta, the Cactus Club is waiting for your visit. Be sure to follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

PRICE RANGE   $$$-$$$$$

http://www.cactusclubcafe.com/location/lougheedschoolhouse/

http://www.facebook.com/cactusclubcafe

https://twitter.com/#!/cactusclubcafe

BROWNIE OBSESSION DESSERT at JOLLY COACHMAN PUB

BROWNIE OBSESSION DESSERT

JOLLY COACHMAN  PUB PITT MEADOWS

by

Sher Boudreau

@ravenbran20 (twitter)

October 8, 2011

Visiting the neighbourhood pub is a tradition for many BC residents. Pitt Meadow's neighbourhood pub The Jolly Coachman, offers up the normal pub wares and some amazing home-style food that makes the mouth water just from the aromas.  After enjoying $.25 wings on a Saturday afternoon or a leisurely meal during the week, be sure to try their Brownie Obsession Dessert.

Arriving in a margarita glass, right off the top is whipped cream and slivered almonds. When the spoon digs in it will discover the fabulous vanilla ice cream that is smothered in nicely warmed caramel sauce. Then the brownie itself is decadent, smooth, chocolaty and melts in the mouth.  Served with two spoons, most will not want to share this dessert with anyone.

PRICE RANGE $-$$$

http://www.jollycoachman.com/

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19167 Ford Rd Pitt Meadows BC 604-465-9911

WHISTLER BREWHOUSE RESTAURANT REVIEW

WHISTLER BREWHOUSE RESTAURANT REVIEW

by

SherBoudreau

@ravenbran20

Oct 1 2011

Nestled in the beauty and majesty of Whistler British Columbia is an enticing micro-brewery/pub ideally called "The BrewHhouse".  The BrewHouse has 5 locations within the lower Mainland of Vancouver and the Whistler location certainly shines as one of their brilliant stars.

Just walking distance from the famed 'Olympic Plaza', the BrewHouse is a great spot for a quick beer (I suggest trying the Alta Lake Lager) or warming up by the two sided  fireplace and enjoying a leisurely dining experience.  The wooden framed building paired up black and red leather seating gives the pub a definite 'Chalet' feeling and a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Your seating can be as varied as you want with sitting in the pub, restaurant or mezzanine area. You can even catch with news or sports with their television screens as well or enjoy the spirit of youth by following their elevated train circling the BrewHouse.

The menu is diverse with a focus on twisting up 'traditional' favorites like macaroni and cheese and chopped salad. Daily specials are absolutely worth the try, like the 'Patatas Con Carne' (a glorious match up of prime rib, rich gravy, hand made French fries, onions and crimini mushrooms) It's like chilli fries to the max!

For the vegetarians, they have several dishes to choose from with the option of making some of the other dishes meat free. Their chopped salad comes with Genoa salami and smoked ham which can be set aside for a pure vegetarian delight. The salad has romaine lettuce, fancy greens, chick peas, peppers, gruyere cheese and a Dijon vinaigrette that is simply heaven on earth.

With a wide selection of wines from all over the world and of course some amazing BC favorites like Burrowing Owl Winery, it is easy to find a wonderful wine to accompany any of their dishes.

If you have room after their well portioned entrees, they do have something for the sweet tooth as well as coffees. They do have an expanded menu for after 5pm including a succulent prime rib dinner. Whether you dine at the Whistler location or one of the others (Surrey, Richmond, North Vancouver, Yaletown), you won't be disappointed and you won't go home hungry.

Price Range  $$-$$$$

http://www.markjamesgroup.com/brewhouse.html

http://twitpic.com/6t0ia6