Gyoza King - Part 2

As I mentioned in my previous post, I love going to gyoza king, which is why there is a part 2. A little later in the night I went back to gyoza king for round 2. Although I went mostly for the drinks, I did still taste all the food ordered.


Shoyu ramen : At 7.50 this is a mid price ramen, with lots of sprouts and a nice and chewy noodle. Good flavor for a mid price ramen, and not overly salty.


Pork and shrimp chive gyoza. Need I say more? They are famous for their gyoza and this is by far my favorite. The addition of the shrimp makes this a lighter gyoza. Perfect to gobble down along with the g-beer sold here.


Small Oden. In the oden, the daikon (radish) is the centerpiece. When made well it soaks up all the flavors in the soup. The mustard is mixed into the soup to enhance the flavor. The assortment of fishcakes and tofu cakes gives this dish a variety of textures that is always delightful to eat.


Ebi Mayo. Fried shrimp drenched in their Japanese mayo. A combination that can never be wrong. The shrimp is crispy, and absorbs all the mayo... Yum.

I love Gyoya King, and always like to come back for a late night fix. With all the new additions to the menu, it will take me a while to go through all the dishes.

Milestones on west 4th

I do not normally choose to review a chain, but there is always a first time.

Milestones is part of the scene program, so you can also earn scene points when you eat here.

Our selection tonight included
Artichoke dip, kobe beef sliders, tomato soup, watermelon and beet salad.

Tai Sun Vienamese Noodle

Thai Sun Vietnameese : 373 E. Broadway

A long standing Vietnamese restaurant that has several locations. We come here occasionally for the pho noodles. Apart from the normal pho options at lunch, our favorites are actually their dinner choices.


Fish Hot Pot: This is only available after 5pm. The hotpot is a combination of sweet and sour flavors (sugar cane, pineapple, tomatoes, bean sprout, lots of vegetables, and 4 to 5 slices of fish). In addition to the hotpot, this dish is served with another serving of fish in small pot flavored with fish sauce, giving a deep and salty flavor. The fish complements the sweet and sour soup from the hotpot. A side of rice is all you need to gobble down this dish.


Seafood Omelet : This thin and crisp omelet of shrimp, squid and shredded coconut is served with a healthy side of lettuce, jalapeno, and pickled carrots and radish. The best way to eat this is to wrap the omelet with the lettuce. Dipped in the sweet and sour sauce this wrap is crunchy and feels refreshingly light.

Our Verdict:

• Location: It has been here for a while. Easy to find, but decor is dated and dingy.
  
• Price: Standard. Pho at this location is standard fare. The hotpot is expensive by Vietnamese food standards at about $12 per person.
  
• Large portions, good food. Strong contrasting flavors that work well together. Its always a good sign when we see Vietnamese eating the same dishes as what we ordered.
  

Menya Ramen

Menya Ramen: 401 West Broadway, Vancouver.


Tonkotsu Ramen, regular noodle: Soup is on the salty side. Lacks depth, has a creaminess, but not enough depth to the flavor. Noodle has good bite to it, but overall the ramen has a flat flavor profile.


Shoyu Ramen, regular noodle. Presentation was clean and simple. Portion is smaller than other places.

• Small restaurant, no stall parking, meter parking on side streets. Located close to broadway skytrain station.
  
• Portion is small given the price point.
  
• Noodle is suppose to be hand made. As good as the noodle is, took off points for the lack of flavor in the soup.
• Conclusion: Mediocre. Does not leave a lasting impression. If I was looking for good ramen, might as well drive the extra 10 minutes downtown to get something more satisfying.
  

Dine Out - Au Petit Chavignol

This small restaurant is located on 843 E Hasting Street, next to the main store for Les Amis De Fromage. Being this close to the largest supply of cheese and meats in the area you know you can expect good things.

Spanish Tasting Plate: $25 : includes 36month Iberco, Iberco Chorizo, and Calbreese. Loved this. The 36 month Iberco is amazing. This is a must try.


4 cheese mac and cheese: With blue cheese in the mix this is gooey goodness. Part of the $28 dine out menu. This is also available for sale at Les Amis.

French Onion Soup: Thick and sweet, sprinkled generously with cheese

Goat cheese : surprisingly fresh of milk. A great accompaniment to bread and crackers.

· Simple menu

· High quality food at very reasonable pricing

· Good wine, cheese and charcuterie selection

· Not suitable for families or large parties, the restaurant can probably seat about 20 -25 max

· Location: Not a great part of town, especially later at night.

Conclusion, would definitely go there for lunch and to buy the prepackage food Les Amis next door. Lunch and dinner menu is the same.