East is East

I am totally about trying new things and with the summer coming up Vancouver has endless opportunities, more than i think could possibly fit it anyone’s schedule. I love the fact that Laura pushed herself to try something new, and sushi too! I know plenty of people who have never eaten sushi before because they are terrified of eating RAW fish, and most of the time they stand firm in their beliefs that they’ll just hate it! But you never know….if there is anywhere to try sushi, Vancouver is the place to do it!

As most of you are aware of i am all about FOOD (*hint since a lot of my blogs have been about new restaurants i’ve frequented) and i want to let you guys know about all of Vancouver’s hidden gems that unless you’re a local you might miss out on. Since i am a student and am currently unemployed lol i need to find cheap options that wont break the bank but are also delicious and healthy. So i want to introduce to you all…EAST IS EAST!

This small restaurant has two locations; 1) East Is East on Main Street @ 4413 Main Street (Main and 28th), 2) Chai Gallery-East Is East & Silk n’ Spice @ 3239 W. Broadway. Known around the city for its amazing roti wraps, unique drink options (fruit smoothies, eastern shakes and boasting the best Chai in the city!) and just a calming aura, this hot spot will offer you with a unique experience that is rarely found around the city.

After being introduced to East Is East 7 years ago, i have become a dedicated weekly customer. When i first walked through the dimly lit doorway i was hesitant, what was this Indian/Afghan food?! Never heard of it before, never tried it before, wasn’t even sure what would be presented to me on the plate! But trust me i was not disappointed…everything i saw on the menu seemed to catch my fancy, so i made it my vow to try just about everything on the menu.

Whether its the summer of the winter, i’m there to enjoy their hand crafted benches and tables out front when the sun is shining, otherwise ill head in through the doorway and take cover in their carpet draped dining area for those wet days we see so often out here. Still not convinced?! Take a look at their website and see exactly what they have to offer in terms of their menu, events, galleries, etc.

“Nothing is what you expect as you walk into the chai gallery so welcome to a new world where you can have the dining experience of your dreams”

Summer 2010 List

So now that I am done all my final exams and papers I have started to put together a list of all the places, activities, foods, etc I am determined to do/try. Once I have completed these items I will let you know about them and give you a little bit of an introduction to these list items and perhaps you could try them yourself!

1) Number one on my list, surprise surprise it involves food. As some of you know today is my 22nd birthday so I have taken the entire day off to celebrate and I am filling it with all the things that I love. Starting off the day with a nice session at the Steve Nash Gym cause I am going to be indulging in some serious treats and I want to feel guilt free when I do. After my gym session I will be heading over with some of my friends to the Medina Cafe located downtown at556 Beatty Street, between Pender & Dunsmuir.

This quaint little cafe is known around the city for its unique bistro-inspired food served simply and conveniently in a comfortable, chic environment reflecting the lifestyle and desires of the neighbourhood and Vancouver at large. Medina provides a fresh and eclectic alternative with a pioneering attitude towards café culture.
Sister to neighbouring night time hot spot Chambar, Medina is a quaint café serving connoisseur-savvy coffee, Belgian waffles for sweet sustenance and a full breakfast, lunch, and brunch menu comprised of eclectic dishes created by co-owner and chef, Nico Schuermans.

When I go later I will for sure be trying their infamous Lavender Latte, will let you know how it goes!

2) The other week after my last final I headed out with one of my good friends to just have a great meal at one of Vancouver’s best kept secrets. Locate on the vibrant Davie Street at 1326.

This small Mexican Restaurant boasts some of the best food in the area and offers some reasonably priced menu items. I recommend starting off with the guacamole dip which comes with several layers of flavorful dips and a side of oven baked tortilla chips. Oh and of course you need some drinks to start the whole thing off!

Lolita’s is famous for its pint sized sangria cocktails filled with lots of tropical fruit to sink your teeth in. I might have had a few of those so I highly recommend those, they make you feel like your sipping them somewhere tropical. Its nice way to temporarily escape from your realities. After the appetizers, we moved onto the main course and we decided to share the halibut tacos…yum! After that meal were stuffed but the atmosphere was just so relaxed that we ended up staying there for a few hours. This restaurant is a little hidden so keep your eyes out for it! Great place for a date night too *winkwink*

Ciao for now