The Templeton Restaurant – Breakfast served Tammy style.

Vancouver has so much to offer from its organic fruits and vegetables to its laid back artistic atmosphere.  The Templeton is not located on the prettiest street or in the best neighborhood but maybe that’s what makes it all the more charming. Located in the heart of the entertainment district The Templeton brings back memories of sock hops and rock n’roll that your parents thought was the devils music.  But The Templeton is so much more it is a reminder of a simpler time when there were no Iphones to interrupt your dinner.  There are no microwaves here to cook with only a good old fashioned stove and grill.  

Processed food no, good food yes from its natural free run, non-medicated eggs to its handmade specialty turkey sausage The Templeton is all “real”.  May I recommend the Tofu Scramble made with medium tofu sautéed with veggies, lightly seasoned with curry and nutritional yeast, rosemary potatoes and toast?   The taste is orgasmic and the price will not burn a whole through your wallet.  If your more in touch you’re your manliness then try the Truckers Breakfast  made with 3 eggs, turkey sausage or bacon or veggie bacon, delightfully seasoned rosemary potatoes and toast.  Even truckers need to watch what they eat sometimes.  This little one of a kind gem has everything from smoked salmon omelet to blueberry banana pancakes.  There is always something for everyone.

I recommend starting off your visit in Vancouver with breakfast at The Templeton it will feel you up and keep you going.  However do not be sad, they serve lunch and dinner.   Remember this place is old school with a twist on today’s flavor profile.  You can order from grill cheese sandwich to veggie chili dog.  They have a wide choice of specialty salads including Asian Noodle Salad organic buckwheat soba noodles, fresh cilantro, carrots and peppers in peanut lime vinaigrette dressing.  Plenty of hamburgers to fill your belly combined with a good old milkshake.   

The Templeton is open late Thursday – Sunday and serves liquor and beer.  It is a great place to kick back after a show and grab a drink to unwind. 

Its exterior may seem harsh buy today’s standards but the inside resembles days’ gone bye with its 50’s interior still in tack.  Each booth has mini juke box ready to play at your request.  No the waitresses do not dress up as if going to a soc hop but they are extremely friendly and helpful.  The place is small so expect a little wait but I assure you it is well worth it.  The prices are not from a time when…but they are quite inexpensive compared to today’s standards.

This little whole in the wall deserves your attention.   Best for breakfast or a late night snack with its inviting drink options including its spiked milkshakes and floats.  Shh…don’t tell anyone.  So let’s see a strong 3.5 Forks Up – just because.  Food, fun, friendliness. 

Located at 1087 Graville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 1L2

604-685-4612

9am – 11pm (except Thurs-Sun 1am)

GYPSY DEN – An electric surprise in Santa Ana, California.

The menu is stirred to taste.  The ingredients are prepared fresh.  The bread and pastries and baked in house.  The atmosphere is coffee shop with a rather hip vibe taking you back to the hippy era. 

The menu caters those health conscious with a selection of food cooked fresh from the garden.  For those more into meatless delights there are several entrees that meet your dietary requirements.

Personally the difference between the Adobe Stew and the Veggie Chili is minuscule but that will not stop you from trying both.  The Adobe Stew is a vegetable stew with corn, zucchini, tomato, onion and green bean, topped with cheese.  The Classic Gypsy Chili is a vegetarian chili with soy meat, beans, onion, tomato and corn and topped with cheese.  The difference in preparation is only the vegetables used but the difference in taste is amazing. 

Yes there is meat on the menu The French mean is a twist on the classic Roast Beef Sandwich.  The seasoned melt in your mouth roast beef is sliced and heaped on a fresh based pretzel bun smeared with horseradish mustard. It is served with a side of au jus for dipping.

Did some one ask for Tuna?  The tuna is prepared with the sweetest green apples, crisp celery, sliced tomatoes and cheese.  You can ask for the tuna to be mixed lightly with mayo as every tuna sandwich is prepared from scratch. 

If you want something different and are weaning off the meat then try the Goat Melt.  Fresh baked wheat flatbread with melted goat cheese, red bell peppers, spinach and Greek olives.  It is a Mediterranean delight.

Using my logical I ordered the Carrot Cake for dessert.  What logic you ask?  Well since this place caters to the health conscious and all ingredients are made fresh I analogized that the desserts must be healthy too.  So on to the Carrot Cake made with REAL carrots, spices and light cream cheese frosting.  Yes Heaven is a dessert. 

The staff is always friendly and patient with me because I never know what I want to gobble down next.  The atmosphere is so under dressed although you might catch a glimpse of a judge or attorneys do not be dissuaded this place is more artsy than sterile.  The art work hanging on the walls are from local artists.  The Anaheim location has an open mic every Wednesday night.  Each location is different and I am particular to the Santa Ana location.

For atmosphere, fresh ingredients, friendly staff this rates 3.5 Forks Up.  But if you have high expectations of a romantic location or anything more than what it is then this place is NOT for you. It is what it is – comfortable.

Locations:

The Gypsy Den Grand Central Cafe

125 N. Broadway Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92701

(714) 835-8840

The Gypsy Den Cafe @ the L.A.B.

2930 Bristol St. Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(714) 549-7012

The Gypsy Den Anaheim Arts District

211 W Center St Promenade Anaheim CA 92805

(714) 956-4400

SPIKES FISH HOUSE – Fresh fish in California what a concept!

Yes it is located in a strip mall but what does that really matter?  Have you ever heard that some of the best eats are found in whole in the wall establishments?  Well I have tasted more than one that fits that bill.

Their motto is “simply grilled” and it is just that simply grilled.  However you do have your option as to how you want it grilled, such as panko, Cajun or simply grilled.  You can even mix it up a bit with Cajun panko.  With a little help you can add a spice to your liking.  I seem to be stuck on the Chimichurri for the simply fact that I cannot always find that spice at restaurants.  This tasting sensation is prepared with fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.   Prepared light with the oregano all the fresh flavors are happiness on my taste buds.

It is an art to grilling a fish and here it is a work of art.  The fish is not overdone but moist and light.  Try the Tilapia you will not be disappointed.  There is wide selection of fresh fish to choose from such as Tilapia, Basa, Salmon, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Albacore and shrimp.  I can commit to the fact that the Salmon like the rest of the fish selections is not fishy. 

You pick the protein, how you want it prepared and served.  It can be ordered on the most delicious soba noodles I have ever eaten and mind you my day job is within the Asian community so I do know a thing or two about soba noodles. Do not think Top Ramen – its not.  If not on soba noodles you can have the fish as a wrap, burrito or sandwich.  If you want to be healthy then get it on fresh cut greens. 

For the traditional fish fry then give the fish and chips a try.  The batter is crisp and yes seasoned to taste.  The fish is moist and again not over cooked.

Taco Tuesdays exists and served Spikes style with pico de gallo, corn and cabbage in a flour tortilla.  For the calorie conscious then the lettuce wraps may be fore you less than 150 calories each but it takes two hands to eat. So wear a bib.

The atmosphere is comfortable and extremely causal.  You order at the counter and the staff will bring you your food.  They will also refill your drinks so you do not have to get up.  I recommend that you leave a dollar or two tip as they are more than happy to serve you like a full service establishment without a whisper. 

This place is good for a lunch or quick bite to eat for dinner.  This is not a date place so if you are trying to impress I strongly suggest that you take her/him to someplace special.  This is not the place which will get you past second base but enjoyable for quick bite before the movie or just to catch up with friends.  This place gets 3 Forks Up. Price is manageable, service is great and staff is fabulous.  It carries a very casual atmosphere.

Located at 30465 Avenida de las Flores, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.
949-766-3382.  Next to Starbucks in the Lowes Shopping Center.

EAT CHOW – Costa Mesa Mexican Flair.

This little gem is tucked away behind Newport Beach Blvd. in beautiful Costa Mesa, California.  The menu is a mix between Mexican, Asian and European inspired dishes but to be honest I fount it more Mexican inspired with a twist of surfer style.  The cuisine was healthy with fresh ingredients. 

The service was exceptional as I was pleasantly surprised to be asked if I would like an espresso or café while I waited for a table.  I took a Chai Tea Latte and I must say Starbucks cannot hold a torch to the rich creaminess ran down my mouth onto my sweater.  It was superb!  I would be amiss not to say that it was hands down the best Chai Tea Latte I had ever had.  But do not get me side tracked as food was just as excellent.

This establishment serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I chose to visit on Super bowl Sunday for brunch and I as not disappointed.  The café closed at 3pm to allow the staff to participate in the Super Bowl fun – that was a nice surprise to see an employer care about its staffs’ happiness.  A surprise given today’s economy when the little guy is left to the side lines.

Well I ordered the Quesadilla’s which was technically flawless.  Made with mushrooms, onions, pablano peppers, cotija cheese, a rich chipotle sauce and a crème the taste was an explosion of flavors each biting against the other ingredients?  The waitress said “it was different” and she was right the only words that come to mind to explain the taste are wow, bang and POW. 

The Chorizo Scramble was made with farm fresh eggs, chorizo, cheese and onions.  Flavorful yes but not the best thing on the menu that you could order as it was something that anyplace could scramble up.  It was not bad just not what I would order again.

The menu is quite extensive from Baja Style Fish Tacos to Truffle Mac and Cheese you will not be disappointed.  The recommended dishes are the Truffle Parmesan Fries, Fried Green Tomatoes and the French Dip rubbed with herbs and sea salt served with horseradish cream and on a toasted brioche bun.  If you want to tease your palate for dessert order the Vanilla Lavender Pot Due Crème.  It might not sound like anything but the fresh berry compote will surprise you.

The service is friendly and attentive.  The prices for brunch and lunch are reasonable.  Dinner selections are higher but will within reach.  This is one establishment that blends portions and price.  You will NOT be disappointed.  You can even bring your best friend as it’s a dog friendly establishment. 

4 Forks Up due to exceptional service, affordability and my taste buds are still singing to me.  Located at 1802 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, California 92627.  Open 7am – 9pm Sunday – Thursday and 7am – 10pm Friday and Saturday.

THE OLD SHIP – English Pub waiting to be experienced on the other side of the world.

The inside is typical English Pub from its dark wood interior to its old world charm.  But wait its located in Santa Ana, California not in England.  Although you could hardly notice the difference once you walk in as you are teleported to England and the patrons are all English.  The stout is strong and accent is cockney.  If your homesick for England then this place is must see.

The food on the other hand is unseasoned and rather bland.  However, that is typical English Style.  The fish and chips needed seasoning or rather a pinch of salt.  The fish itself was light and flakey.

I experimented with the Cottage Pie.  Now that was definitely different than Southern California traditional fare.  The broth was rich and made with lentils.  There was a little to many peas for my liking, although the carrots were sweet and added another dimension of flavor.  In its simplicity Cottage Pie is a stew, vegetarian or meat based baked in the oven covered with mashed potatoes.  Now this was well seasoned as the flavor comes from the broth.  The potatoes had a crisp top from the heat of the oven which really added the needed crunch.  I would have thought that they do Fish and Chips well but that was not the case it was the Cottage Pie which was the winner here.

 

Do not come on a day when soccer is playing as the place will be packed with transplants.  You may need ear plugs when Chelsea scores a goal.  The atmosphere is friend as you would expect it to be from an Englishman.  My waitress was all smiles even when she had to bend down to hear my order as Chelsea scored a win.  There are flat screen televisions throughout the pub and in order for it to be a family affair there is restaurant around the bar so feel free to bring the little ones.  There is nothing like the comfort of an English Pub for a family outing.  This is where the Americans got it all wrong.  Bars vs. Pubs – I will pick a pub any day of the week.

The food here is not healthy or seasoned to my standards but the Pub is hands down a winner.  So unfortunately it only gets 2 Forks Up but don’t let that deter you.  If you want a nice afternoon out in traditional English Pub style this is the place to go.  Remember to expect a packed house during soccer time.

Located at 1120 West 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 714.550.6700 - $9.00 daily lunch specials.

Hacienda on the Lake – Food with a

 

Atmosphere is one of the number one reasons I like to dine out.  Whether is a romantic dinner for two of a gathering of friends it is the location and atmosphere which makes the event so special. 

Hacienda by the Lake is located on the Lake of Mission Viejo.  The outside dinning area has spectacular views and is comfortable on a winter night.  It is enclosed with heaters and I mean enclosed not just by various curtains strong up to make it warm but actual stucco and windows. 

The menu is supposed to be upscale Mexican with a California twist.  The restaurant is 8,000 square feet with large bar area which has live music but only on certain nights they have not gotten the live music schedule down yet.  The next live performance is on January 24, 2014, and as of yet no other performances for the month of January.  The hours of operation are also a little strange.  They only stay open till 11:00 pm on Saturday night. 

Enchiladas de Langosta is stuffed with lobster, pasilla peppers, onion, and tomato and smothered in their own Hacienda sauce.  The Lobster was cooked to perfection which I was surprised as it is so easy to overcook.  The Hacienda sauce was too light it definitely needed more because it was really the star of the dish.  It was sweet with just a kick of spice.  I could have eaten a bowl of it. 

Camarones a la Diablo is one of the restaurants specialties.  Shrimp simmered in a spicy red sauce.  To be honest the shrimp were better seasoned and prepared than the one I had in Cancun which where overcooked.  The sauce again was spectacular.  Very spicy full of flavor that just dissolved in my mouth.  My senses were all a tingle.  However, once again for the price there should have been more shrimp I counted 5.  The dish was served with a side of Spanish rice and refried beans.  I would have paired it with rice and grilled vegetables.  This dish deserved more California flare then to be coupled with the old stand by rice and beans. 

The location is fabulous the prices are high.  The food was tasty but over priced and I just cannot see paying that much for meal that leaves you still hungry.  Unless of course you want to fill up on the carbs (rice and beans) which are waste of calories if you ask me.  This place rates 2.5 forks because it does need some work.  However, I do see promise and hopefully by the summer time it will work out its kinks.

Hacienda on the Lake

 27792 Vista Del Lago
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(949) 472-8100

CANCUN – Play like you are young again.

Where else can you lye on white sandy beaches and be waited on hand and foot?  Cancun is the destination and relaxation is what is expected of you.  But if that sounds too hard for you then feel free to take a day trip to one of the Mayan Ruins such as the 7^th Wonder of the World CHICHEN ITZA.

                    

A week stay only wants one wanting more a few extra days on the sandy white beach.  December and January are not crowded but the prices of the resorts and hotels can be higher as many vacationers from colder climates come to enjoy the 80 degree weather.  The evenings are cooler but not by much.  You are still able to enjoy the pool or the beach.  The heat of the sun is quenched by the smooth Pina Coladas and Mai Tai’s served directly to you by the resort staff.  The beaches are public so I caution you of the merchants selling you their goods. 

Sun Palace Resort is an adult’s only resort you will not find children running around.  There are no play areas or gyms.   If you think you will be surrounded by quite that I found out the hard way was not the case.  The resort is beautiful but the walls are paper thin.  People are up at all hours of the night and many of times my wonderful sleep that I found so relaxing was interrupted by slamming of doors throughout the corridors. 

The food was good and in some instances great but if I have to eat another buffet I will cry.  The breakfast and lunch is always buffet style so the menu never changes.  I was craving a sandwich by the end of my stay.   Dinner was much better as I had a choice of Mexican, Italian and Oriental.  The sushi was fresh and I highly recommend giving it a try just to say you did.  The Italian was exceptional I don’t know how they did it but they made me wanting more.  The Mexican was passé.  I do not recommend the Mexican Restaurant.  You will find more authentic food in the heart of Cancun and that’s the direction I would go.  The Sun Palace Resort’s interpretation of Mexican food was to dumb it down for the guests.  Coming from California us Californians know Mexican food when we find it and I did not find it at the resort. 

The Sun Palace Resort beach was one of the best. Guests from Moon Palace would come to the Sun Palace just to enjoy the beach.  In my travels it was hands down or should I say thumbs up one of the best and that’s from Tahiti to Maui so look out!

Of all the Mayan Ruins I toured my favorite was Coba.  Although Chichen Itza is one of the 7 Wonders it does not compare to the ethnicity of Coba.   At Chichen Itza I felt like I was visiting Disneyland it was disappointing.  The vendors were all over the ruins in Chichen Itza.  The area was well manicured and left little to the imagination.  You can no longer climb the temple steps.

Coba now we are talking!  It was located right in the middle of the Mayan Jungle.  Many of the ruins were overrun with vines and trees.  You can still walk to the top of the largest temple and look down at the forest below.  No vendors to accost you as you walk freely through the jungle.  You are drawn back in time to when the Mayans ruled the area.  Close your eyes and you can feel villagers brush up against.  You can smell the burning fires for cooking and heat.  The dampness of the jungle surrounds you everywhere you turn.  Even though it rained I still made it to the top after all you don’t want a missed opportunity!

Tulum Ruins are a must see on your check list.  The natives go there just to use the beautiful beaches.  It is situated right on the coast and from temples you have a view of the sandy white beach.  There is a pathway down to the beach to cool yourself off after you walk through the area.  Tulum is supposed to be the coolest breeze wise of the Mayan Ruins built on the Mayan Coast.  I am not sure about as it was one of the hottest areas of my visits.

One thing I should mention is that Cancun is not Cancun.  Most visitors stay on Hotel Row where hundreds of resorts are located.  Cancun is actually 10 miles from Hotel Row.  It really does not make a different but if you want to know exactly where you are you are there.  Market 28 is located in downtown Cancun.  It is one of several flea markets.  Be aware that many of the local vendors will tell you that they work in your hotel as you walk by that’s just a ploy as they see your resort bracelet and that’s how they know where you came from.  So be aware they will act like they know you and you will not know any better.   But there are many deals you can obtain at the flea markets more so than in the shops around your resort.   Do not be shy to bargain your price down.  They will let you know when you have hit their bottom price.

The people in Cancun and the surrounding areas are nice and pleasant.  If you want to know anything they are only too happy to assist you.  They are extremely accommodating and lovely people.   The culture and bright and friendly so there is nothing to be scared of these people enjoy your company.  Your friends might fell you full of horror stories but honestly ask them “have you ever been there?”  The answer will be a shocking “no”.  I can assure that the Mayan areas surrounding the resorts and safe, fun and friendly.  Yes there are many families that visit Cancun as part of their holiday. 

If you looking for more an adult area than Playa de Carmen will be more suited for your liking and will next on my list.  But for now if you want to experience a place where you can relax and change it up a bit with a ruin tour than I highly recommend Cancun.

Cancun receives 4 Forks Up.  The price for all inclusive is fabulous.  The food and people make it what it is relaxing and enjoyable.  The food in town is great doing not go the chain restaurants you came to Cancun to experience the local fair not to go to Chilies or the Hard Rock Café.  I will not go back to the Sun Palace as the food was ok but I just cannot due another buffet.  The beach is spectacular but as soon as I landed they wanted me to go to their sister resort Moon Palace to take a tour – must be part of a time share.  So Sun Palace gets a 2.5 star.