RIDGE MEADOWS DISH..INTERNATIONAL EDITION

EL RANCHITO REVIEW


In a small shopping plaza located on the 'Guide' in Lynden, Washington is the little Cantina known as El Ranchito.

You are greeted with smile and 'Hola mi amigos'. Once seated and menus handed out, a basket of warm crispy fresh tortilla chips are delivered along with salsa and fresh pico de gallo. The restaurant is brightly coloured with artwork, tapestries, sombreros and traditional Latin music plays in the background.

The portion sizes are fantastic. The Arroz Con Pollo was a steal at $13.99. Succulent chicken with rice, fresh avocado, tomatoes and sauteed onions and peppers. The mildly spiced dinner is great for first time Latino diners. If you love spice and beef, the Steak a la Chicana is for you. Strips of spicy beef along with tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and green peppers. Served with rice, re-fried beans, and warm tortilla shells. This bad boy is solid winner at $13.99

Arroz Con Pollo

Try one of their Latin beers or a signature Margarita. (even virgin versions are available).

If you still have room, a deep fried tortilla is served warm with a healthy dash of ice cream with whipped cream and strawberry coulee finishes off the meal perfectly.

Steak a la Chicana

Cervesa por va for!

fresh tortilla chips for nibbling

El Ranchito is open 7 days a week and offers take out and catering.

DAILY TIP DEC 4 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION

DAILY TIP DEC 4 2011

HOLIDAY VERSION

Today's tip is for those 'shop local' fans. WWW.bigfeast.ca is a fantastic Bistro and Catering Company located right here in Maple Ridge BC. 

From dining in, to having them cater in your home; you are sure to be served with the very best cuisine.  Big Feast also some great 'Holiday take and bake' products that you warm up. They do all the work and you get the credit! 

If you are looking to have a Christmas party or just a private get together, they also have a room you can book. 

11920 227th street maple ridge

604.477.4334

@bigfeast

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Feast-Bistro-Catering/254699999562

http://www.youtube.com/user/bigfeastbistro?feature=mhum

http://networkedblogs.com/c6WV2

Whatever, your needs for this Holiday Season, Big Feast Bistro is sure to deliver!

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

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

GUIDE TO RAVENBRAN RATINGS

RAVENBRAN RATING GUIDE

• RESTAURANTS will be rated on the $-$$$$$ rating system. Where 1 $ = least expensive and 5 $$$$$ = most expensive
• MOVIES will be rated on the Claw system.  Where 1 claw = worst movie ever and 5 claws = best not to miss this one.
• TV SHOWS will also be rated on the Claw system. *see above*

Hope you enjoy my reviews and recommendations!

Socrates Greek Taverna Restaurant Review

Socrates Greek Taverna Restaurant Review

by

Sher Boudreau

@ravenbran20

Sept 29, 2011

Taste of Fraser Valley - Restaurant Guide to the Fraser Valley, BC

The taste, sights and sounds of Greece come alive in Socrates Greek Taverna in Maple Ridge British Columbia.

With a fabulous menu and friendly staff like 'Maggie', Socrates is a great place for an intimate dinner for two or a family outing. The authentic music from Greece adds to the enjoyment of the dining experience.

If you choose to start off your dinner with an appetizer, I suggest a plate of  'Keftedes' (a Greek style meatball that is to die for) which is served with fresh tzatziki and hot pita bread and a wedge of lemon. If fish is more your style, try starting off with a plate of calamari or 'Shrimp A la Pana' (tiger prawns in marinara sauce).

Entrees are both traditional and they also serve some Italian and 'Canadiana' dishes. I highly recommend the lamp chops. Served with potatoes, rice and Greek salad. For $17.95, it's a bargain. For the hungry man, nothing hits the spot like their 'Greek Style Ribs' (pork ribs that are seasoned and cooked to fall off the bone perfection).  For the non meat eaters, Socrates has a myriad of seafood dishes and a fantastically filling Veggie Plate (potatoes, rice and Greek salad).

To accompany your meal, Socrates has several beers and wines available as well as the non alcoholic normalities. 

Of course, no dinner is ever complete without dessert and Socrates presents some of the richest, most decadent desserts Maple Ridge has. From the traditional Baklava to the light but still opulent Mango berry Cheesecake.

Socrates offers both dine in and take out as well as limited delivery (with minimum purchase). Reservations aren't always necessary but I do recommend them for a special evening or on the weekend when they are quite busy.

Price Range $$-$$$

Veggie Plate at Socrates Greek Taverna Maple Ridge BC on Twitpic

Lamp Chop dinner at Socrates Greek Taverna..Maple Ridge BC on Twitpic

Roast Bistro Restaurant Review

Situated in the heart of downtown Maple Ridge is The Roast Bistro http://www.roastbistro.ca/home.html. A quaint little restaurant where the menu is as big as the appetites that visit.


We were seated in the dining area close to the large bay windows that grace the front of the restaurant. Greeted by a friendly faced waitress, our order was taken promptly and accurately. We started with a potato skin appetizer that were filled with tomatos, green onions, bacon and cheese. Brek enjoyed an amazing looking steak sandwich while I had to try the 'toted as best burger in town' Bistro Burger.

Lunch came out hot, fresh and looking incredible. The steak was done to a perfect medium rare while my burger was a medium well. (still pink inside so make sure to ask for well done if you don't want any pink)


Dean came over to check on how we were doing and we advised him that it was our first visit to his establishment. He laughed when I mentioned I had seen them advertised on 'Twitter' and wanted to see for myself if their burgers are the best in town. I am thrilled to say, I cannot dispute the claims! The burger was amazing!


Of course no burger is complete without a side of fries and for me it was a side of poutine. Fresh cheese curds, delicious gravy and homemade fresh fries made it absolutely Epic!

Barely made it through our lunch as the portions were substantial. I highly recommend stopping into the Roast Bistro for lunch or dinner the next time you are in Maple Ridge or live here. You won't be disappointed. We weren't.


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