Tag Archives: Denman

Ciao Bella

Ciao Bella Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato Right on the corner of Denman, amongst a selection of world-wide cuisine is an Italian restaurant. It was bustling inside as we entered and a hostess came to greet us. We had reservations for 6pm, but she seemed to push us to the patio. I was reluctant, as it had been an extremely windy and chilly weather during the day, but with the reassurance that there was heating, we followed her outside. The patio had a covered roof with the heater, and the sides were enclosed with a clear plastic cover.

idearabbit-ciaobella1Our server checked with the table with a couple next to us first, as they were already going through the menu. He flipped around to our table and greeted us, and noticed that the course special menu wasn’t included, so he flipped around back to the other table and got one of their sheet for us.

idearabbit-ciaobella2No bread came for a while, but when it finally came, it was dry, so the oil and balsamic vinegar to compensate helped a bit.

idearabbit-ciaobella3I ordered the Vongole $17.95 which for the first time had no shells with the clams. Although easier to eat, the clams seems to be bits and pieces like it came out of a grinder. Although colourful, it seemed like no consideration was put in for the presentation. It was pulled out of the pot and straight onto the plate. Next~. It was quite garlicky, which I liked, but the portion seemed too much. Disappointing for a classier, more pricey Italian restaurant.

When they brought out our pasta dishes, the server made no effort in taking our empty bread basket nor the small plates used for eating the bread. Having a tiny table to start off with, we were crammed with stuff on our table. Thumbs down.

idearabbit-ciaobella4Sheepie ordered the Frafalle Alla Diavlo $21.95. He didn’t seem to like it, nor did he feel too good afterwards.

The heater above us started to really grill us. It wasn’t just ‘warm’. It was literally cooking us. Luckily, this happened near the end of our dinner.

When the server asked if we wanted dessert, we declined as the large portions were quite filling. The bill came out right away.

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrot

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Motomachi Shokudou

Click to add a blog post for Motomachi Shokudo on ZomatoIt had been several years since I had gone to Motomachi Shokudou. With so many ramenya opening up in Vancouver, you can never run out of choices. I was craving some good authentic Japanese ramen, so I decided to come here again.
The tiny restaurant was packed, but luckily, we only had to wait a few minutes before a tiny table opened up for Sheepie and I.

idearabbit-motomachishokudo1 idearabbit-motomachishokudo2idearabbit-motomachishokudo4 idearabbit-motomachishokudo5I ordered the Bamboo Charcoal Dark Miso Ramen $10.55. The colour may not look too appetizing, but the flavour was unique – in a good way. There were lots of noodles, more than most other places which would be floating in a lot of soup. For the first time in a long time, the chashu (sliced pork belly) had no fat at all. It was on the chewy-hard side, but I prefer that than the fatty, greasy slimy ones. The broth, being it based on miso was quite salty for my liking. Bonus – comes with a pretty flower on the ramen tray.

idearabbit-motomachishokudo7idearabbit-motomachishokudo6Sheepie ordered Shio Ramen with Natural Salt and Seasonal vegetables $10.50. I tried a bit of it and it was refreshing. Mmmmm….again, lots of noodles and goodies. Broth was light but flavourful. Quite delicious.

idearabbit-motomachishokudo3And one order of Gyoza to share. It was hot, juicy and authentic. Very good.
Ever since going, I’ve been craving to go back to Motomachi Shokudo again!

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot  Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrot
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