Sign up for our newsletter

Unforgettable Meals of 2008

We asked 13 food lovers what meal they recall most vividly from the past year. Here's what they said
Share
 |  82 Comments  |  Login or Register to Add Yours
Chef Melissa Craig of Whistler's Bearfoot Bistro paired delicate but extravagant bites, like a warm scrambled quail egg served in its shell, with premium Champagnes. Shannon Mendes
Additional Images click to enlarge

We asked 13 food lovers what meal they recall most vividly from the past year. Here's what they said

Alvin Garden

More than any special occasion or event, my most memorable pleasure of the year was finding real Hunan food at a little place in Burnaby called Alvin Garden. In a culinary scene dominated by the subtler flavours of Cantonese and Shanghainese styles, the uncompromising power of authentic Hunan is a welcome blast: bright, fresh, with a finesse grounded in honest home cooking. Lamb with cumin, beef with pickled peppers, house-pickled cabbage—all sang with a spiciness that outshines even Sichuan food. The most important component of any Chinese meal is the company you dine with, and the capsicum-buzzed pleasure softened by icy beers made for the best kind of communal memories.—Lee Man, food writer

 

La Quercia

At La Quercia, six of us were served family-style, with the chefs choosing our menu and sending out plate after plate of lovingly prepared food. A delicate eggplant timbale was cooked so carefully it had no touch of bitterness. The sliced flatiron steak that followed was served with arugula, pine nuts, balsamic vinegar, and Reggiano; the spiciness of the greens was the perfect complement to the nuttiness of the cheese. The highlight of the night was the best vitello tonnato I have had the pleasure of eating, the tuna sauce so smooth that we fought over the plate’s last drips.—Allison Spurrell, Les Amis du Fromage

 

Lumière

One meal stands out above all others: a private lunch last March at Lumière prepared by Daniel Boulud. Everything about the six-course extravaganza was sensational, from the canapés (Meyer-lemon tarts sprinkled with Osetra caviar) to the desserts (milk-chocolate praline napoleons and coconut îles flottantes with ginger ice cream). But the knockouts, for me, were the elegantly decadent Coquilles St-Jacques “Black Tie” (a black-and-white stack of thinly sliced scallop and truffle wrapped in spinach and golden puff pastry, and served with a rich Périgord sauce) and a robustly satisfying quartet of milk-fed Quebec piglet—belly, boudin blanc, jambon, and loin, each served with its own perfectly matched pickled garnish. Boulud himself won’t be cooking here much when Lumière reopens, but if his team can come close to recapturing the magic of that meal, Vancouver diners are going to be swept off their seats.—Alexandra Gill, food writer

Recent Comments

Discussed

great article this tips same like home improvement tips , makes better for improvement our live

by arfghansz on Mar 12 2010 at 12:28 PM

nice about this article it really help my brain to encourage postif direction,while i,m solve my problem on colon cancer symptoms

by candryone on Mar 11 2010 at 7:26 AM

Tempting and mouth watering. Our team really love it! Webthesurfi rugs webdesign

by websurf on Mar 10 2010 at 10:09 PM

I think I would have forgotten these. The food is too small. These type of unforgettable meals taste fantastic but always leaving me hunting for more food. They look lovely and your with family and friends who you can enjoy the room with but I'm not the only guy at the table thinking the entree looked like and appetizer split for the kids.

-The Belly

by seenontvstuff on Mar 10 2010 at 1:11 AM

I cannot recall my favorite meal. I eat any foods infront of me... LOL Webthesurfi Rugs Webdesign

by resaik_king on Mar 9 2010 at 9:29 PM

It is my great pleasure to visit your website and to enjoy your excellent post here. I like that very much. I can feel that you paid much attention for those articles, as all of them make sense and are very useful. Thank you for sharing with us Minneapolis Criminal Attorney

by leo12 on Mar 7 2010 at 11:46 AM
by gm0nk3y1 on Mar 6 2010 at 8:39 PM

First and foremost, let me extend my gratitude for accepting my message. This is by far the best ultimate resource for the subject matter. It is a surprise to see steroids buy dedicated people who really does their homework in providing impeccable information. I'm hoping to read more of your valuable advice and knowledge free bets. Thank you and more power to you my friend! Regards David biletul zilei

by noucktourno on Mar 5 2010 at 3:25 AM

I will never forget when our client for webthesurfi rugs webdesign asked me to have a sushi lunch and I was shocked to death to eat raw fish.

by jose_parroha on Mar 5 2010 at 12:33 AM

Wow, must be nice to be there. I am a food hunter too, a professional one, lol.. led bulb

by Ledlight on Mar 3 2010 at 1:12 AM
by stevenageil2 on Feb 26 2010 at 12:28 PM

For me, this is good because when it comes to designing I am conscious of it.

I just want to you read my blogs and it was all about me and all about designs and my personal blog

by drinmirambel on Feb 26 2010 at 4:42 AM
by dhyta on Feb 26 2010 at 4:24 AM

For sure. I understand how you feel about the restaurants. it must be a great place for a date too.. Unmetered vps

by VPS10k on Feb 26 2010 at 4:10 AM

Really yummy! No one will refuse these foods if they can think logically, lol! Weight loss and diet support

by Charline89 on Feb 26 2010 at 3:31 AM

Who doesn't like the foods? They are so beautiful and well-presented! Forgo the diet! q1 gold coast

by Q1resort on Feb 26 2010 at 1:09 AM
by athansmith2 on Feb 25 2010 at 9:53 PM

They are signs of the popularity of the culinary industry in Vancouver. And the city really knows how to present their best.. Satcom Mobile

by Satcom on Feb 25 2010 at 4:27 AM

nice cake looks yummy,makes me hungry Fanatique Fashion
Art of Businesses
Man in Chair

by jhonsambians on Feb 25 2010 at 12:27 AM

Who can say they do not like this yummy food? Hm.. Your pic just makes me feel hungry.. marijuana rehab

by Pumpunk on Feb 24 2010 at 12:16 AM

The bets part is of course the foods. Who can deny that when they are in front? Nice shots! Orangeries

by Orangeries on Feb 22 2010 at 8:30 PM

What a nice trip! I can't remember the last time I ate so beautifully-presented meals, lol.. Fulvic Acid & Organic Super-Foods

by Fulvic on Feb 22 2010 at 6:33 PM
by meilan on Feb 21 2010 at 11:53 PM

At the end the restaurants should be among the survived ones. Good luck and have a nice day! I love hunting for foods this way too. new car buying

by GorinSR on Feb 21 2010 at 11:37 PM

i always have read about Probiotics Benefits. So i include it in all my meals

by Samira on Feb 21 2010 at 10:22 PM

Love hunting for foods and new menus too. You never know the surprises awaiting. It is even more than just the taste. Minneapolis web design

by Minneapolis on Feb 21 2010 at 10:10 PM

I understand how it can be so touching. You just do not know how good it tastes until they melt in your mouth.

by Corinnne84 on Mar 4 2010 at 8:53 PM
by tagesgelder on Feb 18 2010 at 4:39 PM

sorry delete this message plz

by Carol on Feb 17 2010 at 8:25 AM

Alvin Garden - As usual, fmed, you captured it (apart from one dish which was long bean and pork). The SO and I liked the dongping fish the best but really there wasn't a single dish we wouldn't order again. My least favourite was the tofu mostly because I found it predominantly hot and not as flavourful as the other dishes. Which leads me to point out something we found interesting -- the differing reactions to the heat experienced by our group of 'Hounds. Although we all agreed that some of the dishes were quite hot, there was disagreement about which dish was most incendiary. My 2 cent theory: everyone's palate reads this kind of heat slightly differently. Anyone else who has a better explanation -- I'd love to hear it. In the meantime, if this sounds the slightest bit interesting to you, get thee hence to Darkest Metrotown for a taste of well-prepared and ridiculously cheap Hunan food. Did I mention the whole shebang was $20 each tax and tip in but before beers?
Best wishes,Essays.

by Carol on Feb 17 2010 at 8:27 AM

yummy cake i wish it isn,t photo canadian beauty
best buy ipod
Mafia Wars Loot

by founderjohns on Feb 16 2010 at 9:31 AM

Keep up the good work.
Admission Essay | Admission Essay Writing

by marklesner on Feb 16 2010 at 4:31 AM

Thanks for sharing this information.
Assignment Help | Case Studies | Assignment

by marklesner on Feb 16 2010 at 4:30 AM

looks very intersting and delicius makes me hungry,can i order that it can growth business and finance or help
Professional Health Advisory
cara membuat blog

by travelsikaf@yahoo.com on Feb 15 2010 at 9:42 AM

thats a really nice list by 4Inkjets Review

by Boffman on Feb 15 2010 at 8:59 AM

yes thats is true thanks for the tips my name is Yasmara and i love to get music shop online and
Weight Loss Solutions

by blogikaf on Feb 14 2010 at 12:27 PM

This is the one which I was searching many advantages through this in minutes. I got to read lots of articles on your blog. Its amazing how interesting it is for me to visit you very often.I was very pleased to find this site.
megamillions

by basical on Feb 12 2010 at 2:25 AM

A delicate eggplant timbale was cooked so carefully it had no touch of bitterness.
Thanks
locksmith

by fizbone on Feb 11 2010 at 7:45 AM

They should be so. We have had great time hunting for restaurants around. Unfortunately that was before we knew about the list you publish. Link Building

by Building on Feb 11 2010 at 2:05 AM

And it is obviously not created/prepared to be forgotten. See the perfect presentation? Hear how great she express the taste? Garage Door Repair Delaware

by Delaware on Feb 10 2010 at 11:21 PM

They are among the best to find in the town. No one should complain about the taste, lol! wedding dresses gowns planners photographer

by Casablanca01 on Feb 10 2010 at 9:26 PM

It should be great to be there and served that beautifully-presented foods. I would take it all if I were you, lol.. Second Hand Ladies Watches

by Ladies on Feb 9 2010 at 10:56 PM

It should be so, and we all should understand it. How cool it is to have the meals prepared that beautiful and tempting. NJ Real Estate

by Njreal on Feb 9 2010 at 6:52 PM

Here i found the house-pickled cabbage—all sang with a spiciness that outshines even Sichuan food. Auto Repair Shop Marketing

by fizbone on Feb 9 2010 at 5:13 PM

A delicate eggplant timbale was cooked so carefully it had no touch of bitterness. The sliced flatiron steak that Merchant Cash Advance
followed was served with arugula, pine nuts, balsamic vinegar

by fizbone on Feb 9 2010 at 3:20 PM

it is right said that Hunan is a welcome blast: bright, fresh, with a finesse grounded in honest home cooking. Cash for Gold thanks

by fizbone on Feb 9 2010 at 11:02 AM

This should be one of the most memorable moments too in the city. After months, the nominations have finally got out the best restaurants for us. rubber flooring

by Kodiak on Feb 9 2010 at 1:43 AM

I like to walking at evening to got some food for dinner. I usually do that with my friend and we do the time to taste the new food.free advertising |job|tempurpedic

by memey on Feb 7 2010 at 4:11 AM

I like to walking at evening to got some food for dinner. I usually do that with my friend and we do the time to taste the new food.http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/opinion/claire-beale-on-advertising-the-adman-with-a-163400m-public-warchest-1629295.html

by memey on Feb 7 2010 at 4:10 AM

Thanks for your sharing. I think I love go to restaurant to eat some new food with a good taste. The feel is happy if I find the new and I like the taste.free advertising |job|tempurpedic

by memey on Feb 7 2010 at 4:03 AM

Look so tempting and yummy. What restaurant is it? I hope you have not eaten too much for the main meal before. male enhancement pills that work

by Carolmc on Feb 6 2010 at 8:35 PM

I remember staying at the turkey villas and enjoy the local foods. Vancouver apparently has a list of turkey restaurants too. Thanks!

by Turkey on Feb 6 2010 at 2:31 AM

I love the pictures.. How can it have a pure white background? Must feel so dleicious.. airport transportation

by Airport on Feb 6 2010 at 12:30 AM

Nice! If I were you, I would not have been able to forgo the foods too. They are too good for a refusal. New York Bankruptcy Attorney

by Madden12 on Feb 5 2010 at 8:40 PM

And even though by itself this is an unforgettable experience, .... December 22, 2008 8:32 PM · flutterbyblue said... omg. Your meal looked and sounded ... Posted By: thegourmetpig | October 27 2008 at 02:00 PM ... know you live near by so please forgive) I had a stunning and truly unforgettable meal at Camino. ... economics From such writers as Amy Bloom, Claire Messud, Andre Dubus III, Richard Russo and Peter Mayle, Bauer gathers pieces about meals that were "unforgettable by ... 1 Feb 2008 ... Oct. 7, 2008 at 03:23 AM. Such an unforgettable experience doesn't come cheap. That meal cost $158 per person, not including beverages, ... world news File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick ViewWhat follows are 10 unforgettable meals enjoyed at these ... Top 10 memorable meals of 2008 themorningcall.com. 1/11/2009 ... File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick ViewUnforgettable Meals of 2008. PUBLISHED JAN 1, 2009. Uva Wine Bar. I love café society, but I have rules, the first being that when you arrive, ... resources My first taste of the meal, I closed my eyes and began to slowly chew, .... By: gulstoch l Food and Beverage > Cooking Tips l Oct 27, 2008 l Views: 21 ... Spago Las Vegas serves up an unforgettable meal ... ice wine vinegar, and extra-virgin olive oil paired with Lucien Crochet Sancerre Pinot Rose 2008. ... 2008 was really a blast and I must admit that they've really got an unforgettable meals at those time and this one pic here is very cute taken. ... Read in March, 2008. The premise of the book is simple: authors are asked to describe their most memorable meal, with preference given to descriptions that ... 731301406

by norbertherrera on Feb 5 2010 at 3:48 PM

2008 was really a blast and I must admit that they've really got an unforgettable meals at those time and this one pic here is very cute taken. ... And even though by itself this is an unforgettable experience, .... December 22, 2008 8:32 PM · flutterbyblue said... omg. Your meal looked and sounded ... markets From such writers as Amy Bloom, Claire Messud, Andre Dubus III, Richard Russo and Peter Mayle, Bauer gathers pieces about meals that were "unforgettable by ... Posted By: thegourmetpig | October 27 2008 at 02:00 PM ... know you live near by so please forgive) I had a stunning and truly unforgettable meal at Camino. ... technology My first taste of the meal, I closed my eyes and began to slowly chew, .... By: gulstoch l Food and Beverage > Cooking Tips l Oct 27, 2008 l Views: 21 ... File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick ViewUnforgettable Meals of 2008. PUBLISHED JAN 1, 2009. Uva Wine Bar. I love café society, but I have rules, the first being that when you arrive, ... features 1 Feb 2008 ... Oct. 7, 2008 at 03:23 AM. Such an unforgettable experience doesn't come cheap. That meal cost $158 per person, not including beverages, ... Read in March, 2008. The premise of the book is simple: authors are asked to describe their most memorable meal, with preference given to descriptions that ... File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick ViewWhat follows are 10 unforgettable meals enjoyed at these ... Top 10 memorable meals of 2008 themorningcall.com. 1/11/2009 ... Spago Las Vegas serves up an unforgettable meal ... ice wine vinegar, and extra-virgin olive oil paired with Lucien Crochet Sancerre Pinot Rose 2008. ... 856915521

by norbertherrera on Feb 5 2010 at 8:48 AM

Cool.. I would take them all too if I were there, lol.. They are such tiny. You won;t get fat just because of eating two or three portions. free insurance quotes

by quotes on Feb 5 2010 at 3:03 AM

People spend a lot of money for foods. No wonder because the industry also grows significantly. Nice pictures! You just make me feel hungry! Panama City Beach Vacation Rentals

by Panama on Feb 5 2010 at 1:50 AM

They look so delicious! I would love to have some bites too, lol! Love the desserts.. construction industry

by Construction10 on Feb 5 2010 at 12:32 AM

That obviously would have been appropriate, but it's their own fault for marketing the film as a serious thriller. games

by haiko on Feb 4 2010 at 9:24 PM

So perfectly presented! I would not be able to refuse too if I were there, lol! Nice food, nice people around. it is perfect! ZingFind.com

by zingfind on Feb 4 2010 at 8:18 PM

Thank you for the information. I will be holding the list if I am in the town! london escorts

by London on Feb 1 2010 at 1:21 AM

I am also expert in cooking very delicious foods but i can not trrat the big one collection which you are offering.Ecommerce web hosting

by grow on Jan 31 2010 at 11:19 AM
by bbleo on Jan 28 2010 at 1:27 PM

The Web also clearly includes the browser and it’s the browser itself that has driven many of recent innovations and trends in WOA, particularly mashups and the interest in JSON. no deposit casino

by haiko on Jan 28 2010 at 8:16 AM

We just celebrated Burns night, 25th of Jan, here in Scotland and I can safely say that haggis is still one of my favorite dishes.
Telephone Answering Service

by nickyjohnwalker on Jan 28 2010 at 2:17 AM

Hmmm.. Must be so delicious and tempting. I am not even sure those taking diet can bear it. meet new people

by MeetNew on Jan 27 2010 at 2:55 AM

I love going out to eat. I have a Tampa home security business and we always are dining out with friends and family. There is something so cool about getting out of the house to eat.

by anna29 on Jan 26 2010 at 10:23 AM

I love eating out haha. I run a cheap auto insurance company and I really love having fun dining out. My most memorable dining experience is eating at Comanders Palace in New Orleans. It was alot of fun.

by allie143 on Jan 24 2010 at 8:58 PM

Yeah, they make it unforgettable, lol! How can you forget the melting sweetness and the nice presentation. Even one on diet will get tempted. generic cialis

by Christie80 on Jan 24 2010 at 12:51 AM
by gregdmurthy on Jan 22 2010 at 5:45 AM

Hmm.. that should be delicious! I never miss dessert too, they are awesome, lol! Travel Angle

by Angle on Jan 20 2010 at 6:58 PM

Document it really well, lol! I never miss desserts when dining out. It is simply because I love nice presentation. Online Casino bonuses

by Casinobonuses on Jan 19 2010 at 8:30 PM

Yes, how they not be so! The foods must be such tempting and yummy. That is why I love to visit a new place, lol.. Penny auction - entertainment shopping

by Penny on Jan 10 2010 at 7:23 PM
by Jenny2010 on Jan 8 2010 at 1:49 PM

You know what? Postings like this have given more temptations to east more, lol! Those who are on diet shouldn't visit this site :P
bali ottoman bed

by Ottoman on Jan 8 2010 at 1:59 AM

Sometimes I think dessert is no more than just a waste. You spend a lot of time to manage the presentation, blend, etc. Yet they are so tiny and mostly unhealthy. And you eat all in seconds, lol.. Medela breast pump

by Medela on Jan 6 2010 at 6:07 PM

It is not overwhelming then. Everyone can be pampered through what they eat and taste, lol.. cheap auto insurance

by cheapauto on Jan 5 2010 at 1:26 PM

seems to be mouth watering meals i am just wondering how great it could have been. for me i am just rendered to eat by getting food delevered at home. Indian Delivery seems to be the only idea for me.

mack

by mack on Dec 24 2009 at 11:40 PM

Wow, they look so cutee.. I don't think I have enough heart to eat them, lol.. Nice shots! Online Casino

by Online on Dec 19 2009 at 6:22 PM

In Jan i'm going to BC for vacation and skiing, the food and drinks are great especially their micro brews. The beer of the month earlier this year came from a brewer near Vancouver so i'm going to try and get some bottles to bring back.

by jasonla on Dec 14 2009 at 2:18 AM