OK, I never thought I’d get into ‘Twilight’, but I have also learned to never say never. You’re probably wondering about the alluring title of this post. What does Twilight have anything to do with Kobe Meatballs?

This Friday November 20, 2009 is the launch of “New Moon”, the second movie in the Twilight saga. For the fans that have worked up an appetite waiting in line for the movie, they can head over to Glowbal and receive 50% off their famous Kobe Meatball with Truffled Spaghetti dinner entree. All you have to do is simply show your ‘Twilight: New Moon’ movie ticket or ticket stub. The offer can’t be combined with other specials and it runs from November 20th to December 3rd.

Now that’s a pretty amazing thing.

Sunny Shum, … more …

Here’s your chance to try some restaurants in the Yaletown area that are participating in the “Taste of Yaletown” event going on until October 31, 2009. CIBC is the proud sponsor to this 5th annual event and partial proceeds to this event are donated to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Participating restaurants are offering tasting menus at fixed prices of $25, $35 and $45 allowing you to share and try a wide variety of foods. Some of my tops picks:Brix, Rodeny’s Oyster House, Section 3, and Simply Thai. 

I recently tasted the Simply Thai $35 menu which included 3 tasting size appetizers, a soup, 3 entrees and a deep fried banana with coconut ice cream dessert. Needles to say, I had enough to take home for lunch the next day.

Sunny Shum, … more …

STAY:

Named after the San Antonio Market, The Market Hotel and Restaurant is situated in the heart of Barcelona. It’s walking distance to the  las Ramblas and the Contemporary Museum of Barcelona. The environment is casual and sophisticated and you definitely feel at home in their rooms. The suite I stayed in was spacious with a private deck (perfect for suntanning) and a bathroom with the largest ceiling shower I’ve ever seen. The soaker tub is wide enough to fit 3 people laying down side by side (no joke)!

Passage Sant Antoni Abad 10
08105 -  Barcelona, (+34) 93 325 12 05

EAT:

Japanese in Spain? Yes, I found a really yummy spot in the city. Nomo Japanese Restaurant is modern and moderately priced. Their menu is laid out like a … more …

I love Thai food because of all the yummy flavors and spices that are used in traditional Thai cooking.

So, I was very happy to hear of the new direction Chef Angus had decided to take, on transforming Gastropod into Maenam, located in the heart of Kitsilano.

The renovations to the room were kept simple and uncomplicated however, the 360 degree turn in the menu was well worth it. Here’s how the dinner paned out:

We started out with the House smoked keta salmon salad ($14) and Hot and sour seafood soup with holy basil ($16), and followed with a Pad thai ($13) and Panaeng beef ($16). Of course all f this was accompanied with savory and sweet coconut rice.

Will I go back again? Absolutely. Thai me away to Maenam … more …

The little sister to the award winning Fuel Restaurant has finally arrived; and her name is Campagnolo.

Campagnolo translates to ‘Rustic Country’; and that’s exactly the type of food that they serve up. Inspired by the Piedmont and Emiglia-Romagna regions of Italy, the dishes here are simple, pure and always perfectly prepared.

Here are my choices for a savory date night-

Antipasti:

Start with a selection of the house made meats from the Salumi platter and an order of the flash fried Crispy Ceci with peperoncini, mint and citrus.

Primi:

Move into the realm of pasta with a Fungi Crimini Pizza with pancetta and sage and an order of the Potato Agnolotti in a mascarpone-chive cream sauce.

Secondi:

Mix up your proteins with the Alberta Flat Iron steak and the Garlic … more …