The Charlatan

I recently had my first visit to the Charlatan on Commercial Drive for a burger and beer and thoroughly enjoyed myself.  Laid back, local pub feel to it, good pub food and a $14 burger and beer special every Wednesday night that just can't be beat!  So, if you find yourself thirsty on Commercial, don't be afraid to meander into the Charlatan.

My Zeus Burger: lamb patty, smoked feta, cucumbers and tzatziki, served with house salad.  Yummy!  (Regular price $13.95, but on Wednesday night you get it and a beer for $14)

KC Pulled Pork Sandwich: smoked jalapeno-cilantro slaw, house BBQ, served with fries.  I definitely didn't do the size of the sandwich justice in this photo...it was solid!  However, I can vouch that the fries were yummy in my tummy.  (Regular price $13.95, but on Wednesday night you get it and a beer for $14)

http://thecharlatanrestaurant.com/

@CharlatanVan

Music, Beer and Where's Waldo (Perfectly Poured Pints - 3 of 22)

This post is long overdue, but I couldn't not post it, so we're going to do a bit of time travelling back to the beginning of July when I had a fabulous evening at the City and Colour concert with some of the greatest ladies I know.  Not only did I learn new things (City and Colour is called City and Colour because of Dallas Green...think about it...glad I'm not the only one that took a while to get that one), but the concert was fabulous (literally felt like Dallas Green invited you into his backyard for a private show...he's so talented and so real), I fulfilled a childhood dream and found Where's Waldo, and we topped the evening off at Biercraft...my inaugural visit!! 

I know, I know, how can a beer lover live in Vancouver and have never been to Biercraft?  I haven't been able to figure that one out myself, but I'm very glad to have finally made it there.  Fun, relaxed but classy atmosphere, amazing beer list, great looking menu...definitely a recipe for a very fun night!  I'd definitely recommend meandering down there sooner than later and checking it out.

Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale on tap??  You had me at Deschutes for crying out loud!

Biercraft!

 

The Baked Brie: filo wrapped, baked double cream brie, crostini & honey-balsamic reduction.  ($12)

The greatest dessert that could ever be had: a Fruli beer.  Amazing!

 

And just when I thought the night couldn't get any better...look who I found?!!!

http://www.biercraft.com/

Twitter: @biercraft

Perfectly Poured Pints - Tap & Barrel (1 of 22)

After our fabulous time at the Granville Island Brewery, we weren't ready for the fun to end, so my sister, her boyfriend and I continued our walk along the seawall and made our way to Tap & Barrel.  I know, I know, I've already done a post on Tap & Barrel...however, this is different.  This is the first instalment of Perfectly Poured Pints!

What is Perfectly Poured Pints, you ask?  My summer challenge!  I recently discovered a map (included below for your viewing pleasure) of 22 different establishments in Vancouver that are leading the way in the Perfectly Poured Pints department.  Some I've been to before, some I haven't...but I figured it would be a lot of fun to try and check all of them out this summer...so, challenge accepted!  That, and the fact that I had such a fabulous afternoon with my sister and her boyfriend that I couldn't not include it on my blog. 

On to the fun!

Starter caesars and yam fries...yum!  (Caesars - $unsure...but it was reasonable, yam fries - $5)

 

And the sampling continues!  I opted for the R&B Brewing Company Sun God Wheat Ale (very yummy!), the Whistler Grapefruit Ale (one of my all-time favourites!) and the Parallel 49 Watermelon Wit (unreal!).  The great thing about having so many beer on tap, you literally have over 20 beer and ciders to choose from for your sampler.  It was awesome!  (approximately $8) 

 

 The weather was still a little bit iffy and chilly when we got to Tap & Barrel, so we sat in their enclosed downstairs patio so we could feel like we were on a patio but still be warm.  We got lucky, though, and the sun broke out while we were there, so they simply rolled up the "walls" and we were on an open air patio.  It was awesome!  My sister and her boyfriend, with the gorgeous view of False Creek and BC Place in the background.

After a couple of hours, we felt like it was time to move on to a different patio, but we were having so much fun that we decided that a move to the upstairs patio was move enough!  Deschutes Brewery Mirror Pond Pale Ale...one of the best beer every brewed.  If you haven't tried it, do yourself a favour and order it next time.  ($6.75)

Sisters being sisters!  Word to the wise, if you ask nicely, you can get any beer poured into the absolutely spectacular beer mugs...so much more fun to drink out of!  Parallel 49 Watermelon Wit and Orchard Hill Estate Red Roof Cider ($7.50 each).

 

The holy grail of perfectly poured points.  #17 officially checked off!  Only 21 more to go.

http://www.tapandbarrel.com/
Twitter: @tapandbarrel

Tap & Barrel...finally!

Well, it finally happened...I made it to Tap & Barrel!!!  I have been dying to get here since the day it opened and I'm glad I finally did...it definitely lived up to expectations.  23 beer on tap, 14 wines on barrel, a very fun and funky atmosphere, tonnes of TV's to watch the game but they didn't encroach on visiting time...I was very much a happy camper!  Mind you, that probably had something to do with the fabulous company I got to enjoy it all with. 

Now, for those of you wondering what I meant when I said "14 wines on barrel" this is one of the neatest parts of Tap & Barrel.  They have a special system where they actually tap a barrel of wine and are able to pour individual glasses without oxygen sneaking in and ruining the wine.  So, each and every glass is like it has been poured from a freshly opened bottle of wine.  How awesome is that?! 

Overall, I loved Tap & Barrel and definitely see myself making my way back plenty this summer...whether it be for hockey playoffs in July (you know it's going to happen), or for a caesar on the patio.  I was there in the evening, but you can tell from a glance that they have one of the best patios in Vancouver...with a view of Science World and BC Place to boot!  So, if you're looking for a new place to grab a wobbly pop, make your way to Tap & Barrel...you won't regret it.

My Red Roof Cider from Orchard Hill.  ($7.50)  I loved the way that all of the tables had been branded with the Tap & Barrel logo.

Hummus: extra virgin olive oil, paprika, pine nuts, wood stone oven flatbread.  ($11)  There was also some lemon juice or something of the like squeezed on top that took this hummus to a whole other level...delicious!

My view during the game.  How often do you see a bunch of TV's surrounded by that many kegs?  Not to mention that many taps all in a row!  And just to clarify, this was the one and only 3 second time frame that I saw these chairs empty.  We got there at 8pm and they barely had room for two!

Yam fries with house mayo...scrumptious!  ($5)

 

http://www.tapandbarrel.com/

Snow + live music + rolly floors + vegetarian chili = ....

One heck of a fun night!  This year I made a goal to get out into the snow once a week.  Not only did it help the winter fly by, but it also encouraged me to finally get into cross-country skiing and take those skate ski lessons that I'd been wanting to take for years.  The best part about the lessons?  Finding out Cypress' little known secret about Hollyburn lodge.

Hollyburn lodge was built in 1926 and was originally a part of Hollyburn ski camp.  The lodge was later transported by horse up to its current location where it sits as a part of Cypress Mountain's nordic ski area (full history here: http://cypressmountain.com/hollyburn-lodge).  This lodge is a blast from the past and I loved it!  The floor literally has speed bumps in it, anytime someone steps on a plank your seat moves, it's heated by an old wood stove with grates on it to dry out kids clothing...it takes you back to a time when going up to the hill was about getting back to basics.

I haven't even got to the best part, though.  One, it has the best vegetarian chili I think I have ever had....amazing!  Two, prices are very reasonable for a ski hill ($5 for a burger, $7 for a large vegetarian chili, $0.95 for a homemade slice of bread, $5 for a grilled cheese sandwich, $5-6 for a beer).  And, three, enter drum roll here please, they have live music on Saturday nights!!!

This past weekend myself and my skate ski lesson buddies headed up to the hill for an early evening skate ski, then popped into Hollyburn lodge for some chili and stayed for the live band.  It was such a fun night!  I definitely plan on making this a regular occurrence next year.

Things to note: (1) Hollyburn lodge is open all day long.  So, even if you're up during the day, I'd highly recommend popping your head in to check out this classic lodge.  (2) The live music goes from 7-9pm on Saturday nights.  However, if you want a seat, I'd recommend being at the lodge no later than 6:30.  It gets pretty darn busy...especially once the dancing starts! (3) There are fully functioning toilets!  I was pretty happy to discover this.

My view of the lodge, pre-live music.

Dinner of champions!  3 large vegetarian chilis, 3 slices of homemade bread, 1 poutine and 2 Guiness.

Snow Report at their first gig ever.  Thoroughly enjoyable!  I especially liked the Shoelaces song.

The infamous Hollyburn Lodge.

Have you ever seen a Beaver Fly?

If you haven't, get your butt down to the Flying Beaver Bar and Grill in Richmond!  Hands down one of my favourite patios, and pubs for that matter, in the Lower Mainland.  The pub is warm and inviting, the food is delicious, the prices are reasonable, there is natural light everywhere you look, the service is always great, you are literally on the water with a fabulous view AND you get to watch beavers fly as you eat your meal!

What is a Flying Beaver you ask?  It is actually a type of float plane.  The Flying Beaver Bar and Grill is in the same building as Harbour Air's Richmond terminal...hence, the view of flying beavers.  It never fails to entertain me!

As you might have guessed, this pub is tucked away in a hidden location that you would never find if you didn't know about it, but it's worth finding.  It's also a great place to go for a quick bite to eat before dropping someone off at the airport.  Hence, the reason my Dad and I made our way this past weekend.  The perfect end to a great visit!

Before I get to the food, here are a few things to note: (1) If you make your way to the South Terminal of YVR, you won't be able to miss the Flying Beaver.  (2) Brunch is only served on Saturdays and Sundays.  (3) They're open from 11am - midnight during week days and from 9am til midnight on weekends.  (4) There is a complimentary shuttle bus for those of you in Richmond who enjoy four or more drinks, and (5) They have a Flying Beaver rewards card!  One purchased meal = 1 pelt.  10 pelts = a free meal.  Talk about a great deal.

My Westcoast Salmon Salad: grilled wild BC salmon fillet, with fresh arugula, goat cheese, edamame beans, roasted pears, cherry tomatoes and pine nuts with a honey-dijon vinaigrette.  I was very impressed with the large quantity of salmon and goat cheese.  Definitely yummy in my tummy!  ($13) 

 

My Dad's house special 1 piece halibut fish and chips made with the Beaver's micro-brewed beer batter.  This looked delicious!  And if the fish tasted half as good as the fries did, you definitely can't go wrong.  ($14.50)

A flying beaver!

 

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

Butcher and Bullock

I met up with some long-lost friends to catch up over the Canucks game last week and The Butcher and Bullock was a great call for our gathering.  Fun pub atmosphere, good pub food, TV's all over the place so everyone could keep up on the game without having to strain their neck, quiet enough that we could still chat easily...very enjoyable. 

Things to note: curiosity killed the cat while we were at the pub and we ended up googling what a Bullock is.  For those of you who are equally as curious, it is a young, uncastrated bull.  Who knew?

The Buttermilk Chicken and Waffle Sandwich: buttermilk marinated maple hill farms chicken, butter lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo, on a crispy waffle with the soup of the day.  ($14)  This was almost demolished quicker than I could get a picture!  So, I'm guessing it was pretty darn good.

The Blackened Chicken Sandwich: maple hill farms chicken, butter lettuce, tomato, BC farmstead cheddar, arugula pinenut pesto on ciabatta with the organic house salad.  ($15)

 

In the background, the Wild BC Salmon and Organic Artisan Greens: 6 oz filet, green beans, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, fennel capers, red onion, goat cheese, lemon dill vinaigrette.  ($15).

 

Both delicious according to their consumers!

 My New York Style Reuben Sandwich: pastrami, swiss, hot mustard, sauerkraut, on Point Grey rye bread with the organic house salad.  ($14)  The reuben sandwich was good but not spectacular.  However, the house salad was out of control!  Organic greens, cubed cheese, thin slices of pear, dried cranberries, gooseberries (I think), quinoa and roasted hazelnuts with a light vinaigrette dressing.  Unreal!
 

http://donnellygroup.ca/locations/pubs/the-butcher-bullock/

Corduroy

And no, I'm not talking about the pants that make noise when you walk.  I'm talking about a comfy-cozy pub with a kick butt open mic night in the heart of Kitsilano. 

I'm not going to lie.  I've walked by Corduroy a gazillion times and thought it looked like so much fun but I could never bring myself to go in.  You see, there used to be a restaurant there called Truffles.  Truffles was my home away from home...the food was delicious, the furnishings eclectic, the people who worked there were fun and welcoming...you really felt like you were over at a friend's house for an amazing dinner and wine that never stopped flowing.  It was my happy place.  So, when I went to go to Truffles one day and discovered that it had been bought about a month before and turned into Corduroy, a little bit of my heart broke.  Being the rational person that I am, I vowed never to enter Corduroy because it killed Truffles!

However, it's been five years now and my heart has had some time to heal, so when a friend suggested going for dinner and their open mic night this past Tuesday, I figured it was time to suck it up and be a big girl.  Having now been to Corduroy, I can honestly say that it is a fabulous pub.  It truly transports you out of the city...you feel like you're in a hole in the wall pub on a small ski hill in the middle of nowhere.  It's fabulous!  Wood planked walls, random decorations (my favourites were the arrow literally sticking out of the wall, a hand set up as a door knocker, and a classic pair of old skis), one heck of a bar, pizza to die for, a house lager that is delicious and cheap, long-table style seating great for visiting or meeting new people, friendly and fun patrons, and some serious talent for the open mic night that blew my expectations completely out of the water.  Needless to say, you can't go wrong with Corduroy!

I'll definitely be going back and I can't wait to check out their Rock Paper Scissors competition on Monday nights!

The smoked bacon, pear, goat cheese and balsamic reduction pizza on a whole wheat, rosemary and honey crust.  Delicious!  ($14)

 The Poutine: french fries, 2 year aged white cheddar and Guiness-jus.  Not quite Fritz, but I definitely ate my half.  ($10)

My view during open mic.  Talk about spectacular!  The fellow playing during this photo was unreal on the guitar.  It was like he was playing the drums and the guitar all at once, but with just his guitar.  He was the first of many that had everyone stopping their conversations to just listen and appreciate.

 

http://www.corduroyrestaurant.com/index.html