Category Archives: Casual – burgers and stuff
Browns Socialhouse (QE Theatre): Patio Dining
It’s been about 7 years since our first visit to Browns Socialhouse. Since that time, they’ve opened up a number of new locations and have taken a spot in the very popular “premium casual dining” market that’s been primarily occupied by the likes of Earls, and Cactus Club. Now, if these places all seem a bit “same”, it’s probably because there’s good reason… the person in charge of Browns used to work at Earls and then went on to open up Cactus Club.
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Earls Kitchen + Bar (Station Square): Not Bad
It’s taken a few years, but the Station Square area is starting to finally come together and be revitalized with a bunch of new development. Sure enough, this also means that a lot of newer restaurants are popping up here… including fancy iterations of Cactus Club and their perennial competitor, Earls. I mean, they’re right next to each other here (did you know that Cactus Club was opened by former Earls servers and are owned by the same family?)
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In-N-Out Burger – The Linq (Las Vegas 2019): No So Secret Menu
It’s been years since we last visited Vegas and one spot that we’ve always meant to try is In-N-Out Burger. Back in the day, the closest location was at Tropicana across from the freeway (not exactly walking distance from The Strip – especially in the middle of the desert heat and with all the traffic on the freeway). We did try years ago but gave up quickly after we noticed the lack of safe sidewalks and crossing areas.
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Romer’s Burger Bar: What’s in a Name?
While we’ve been to Romer’s Burger many times in the past, it’s been quite a while since we last visited. Their location in SE Vancouver has been around for quite some time but now, with all of the development on the Fraser Flats, getting here and finding parking can be a headache.
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Joey (Burnaby): Katsu Chicken Peanut Salad
It’s been a few years since I last posted a review about Joey Burnaby… that’s not to say that we stopped coming here. Rather, I’ve found that their menu really hasn’t changed much over the years. I suppose this is true for many chain restaurants as it’s the consistency in menu and service delivery that draws repeat customers.
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BierCraft Tap and Tapas (Commercial Drive): Belgian Mussels and Frites
During our July staycation, we were getting a hankering for some quality mussels and we headed down to our old stomping grounds on Commercial Drive only to be disappointed that our destination (Carthage Cafe) was closed despite their hours saying they should have been open. After a hurried Google search, we headed 7 blocks north to BierCraft Tap and Tapas because their menu said they offered mussels.
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White Spot (North Road): White Spot Club
This past August 15th, 2018 was Pirate Pak Day at White Spot. This is the day that adults can purchase their famous Pirate Paks and White Spot would donate $2 to the Zajac Ranch for Children… a worthy cause that I’ve raised money for in the past.
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A&W (South Burnaby): Beyond Meat Burger vs Teen Burger
While I’m not opposed to non-meat burgers per se, I’ve tried many over the years with varying level of success. Generally, the thing that usually turns me off “veggie” burgers is the texture. Recently A&W has been really promoting their “Beyond Meat” burger which they claim is made from 100% plant-based protein. Sounds kinda vague, doesn’t it?
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Cactus Club (Richmond Centre): Nothing New Here
Late last year, Cactus Club opened up in Richmond Centre. This popular chain restaurant (similar to Earls, Milestones, and Joeys) reinvented themselves years ago from the kitschy cow-themed decor to a more stylish offering with waitresses that are garbed in tight black dresses. We recently found a need to head over to Richmond Centre and noticed that they blocked off a section of prime parking spaces so Cactus Club could offer special VIP parking ($6 for Cactus Club patrons or $12 for Richmond Centre shoppers). Something about that just didn’t sit right with me given the already busy parking situation here.
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The Heritage Grill: New West Eats
Located at the corner of Columbia and Church in New Westminster, The Heritage Grill is a bar that serves up typical casual eats as well as breakfast until 3pm. I dropped by for lunch during the weekday and didn’t find it very busy.
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Cinnamon Bear Bar and Grille (Whistler 2018): Loaded Nachos and Hot Wings
During our stay at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa in June, we decided to try out the dining options in the hotel. Originally, we were planning on eating at the Cinnamon Bear Grille but found out that their small restaurant was closed for a private party. Instead, we headed over to their Cinnamon Bear Bar which had more of an après ski lodge feel to it.
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El Furniture Warehouse (Whistler 2018): You Get What You Pay For
El Furniture Warehouse is an oddly named bar located in the heart of the Village Stroll of Whistler, a block north of the Village Gate Blvd overpass. Arriving in Whistler around 3pm on a late and rainy July weekday, we decided to stop by here to grab some appies (a lot of the big restaurants are closed around this time of the day).
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