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Christmas Date – CinCin

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The are some cherished traditions that come with the holidays and make all the rushed shopping, crowded malls and endless “to do” lists all worth it.  Every December as I count down days to Christmas, I also know that just a few days before we unwrap the gifts we are going to once again revisit a tradition of our Christmas Lunch Date.

CinCin pork and octopus

Every year in late December we leave the hustle and bustle of the office life and disappear into a beautiful, festive CinCin restaurant for a lunch meal that we then remember for the rest of the year.  We have not changed the location of our Christmas date, even though there is a myriad of worthy and inviting restaurants all around Vancouver.  The reason is simple,  from first steps into the restaurant hallway, as we go up the stairs, and into the warm terracotta walls of Cin Cin we get magically immediately transported into the rich, warm and golden feeling of Italian Christmas.  Christmas lights, intricate decorations, golden light, wooden stove  – the atmosphere is warm and relaxing and we are ushered to the table by the window- stark contrast between the grey rain outside and golden warmth of where we are.

We are introduced to the seasonal special – irresistible burrata appetizer with truffle oil and micro greens salad.  Suggested by the knowledgeable staff – professional, unobtrusive, knowledgeable of every detail of the menu and the wine list.  Mushroom and chestnut soup is velvety and stunning in its simplicity.  Specialty dishes are made in the wood burning stove  – moist and tender inside and with the golden crust outside.  We’ve tried the roasted pork with the crackling skin and octopus over polenta and a chicken over mashed potatoes.  Both dishes were amazing – balanced and luxurious and rich in taste and textures.  Finished with a shared desert  – a tiny caramel apple tart – a perfect finish to a memorable date.earrings yellow diamonds and gold

The room fills up with more people  – some holding holiday meetings with clients, some meeting up with the friends for another once-a-year tradition, and then others picked this place for a lunch date, just like us.  Gifts (maybe gold and diamond earrings just like these)  and hugs are being exchanged, champagne poured into glasses and it truly feels like a perfect Christmas gathering. Definitely a tradition to be continued.

Perfect Date Wish List – Places to Visit

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We’ve talked about some of the memorable places we’ve visited and yet there are so many we dream of experiencing or going back to.  Here’s our “to do” list that will grow with time.  We welcome suggestions and places you think we should visit – share your date favorites in comments!

Seattle

Portland

Vancouver

Okanagan

San Francisco

Toronto

 

 

 

Magical French Date: Le Crocodile

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There is a certain effortlessness and beauty in picking a date location that has a decade of stellar reputation as Vancouver’s best French restaurant. Le Crocodile is more than a great place to eat – it’s an institution, a place to be seen, a well orchestrated show of impeccably trained staff and above all a fantastic food experience.

Located within a walking distance of Vancouver Art Gallery, this can be a perfectly planned ending to visiting a latest arts exhibit.  If you had to le Crocodile before a show or a theater performance, reserve well in advance – you never want to rush le Crocodile experience and the time flies by deceptively fast. Unique Design Citrine & Peridot Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold We came to Le Crocodile for a dinner date.  I was dreaming for months of trying out a restaurant I’ve heard and read so much about.

Right from the very first steps, the restaurant starts working its magic, sets the tone with its formal dining room, grand floral arrangements, polished crystal and lacquered floors.  The atmosphere of romance and old world glamour made me wish I had on a set of family jewels or sparkling fancy earrings, perfect for such an occasion.

The service starts with an offer of champagne or aperitif cocktails.  We loved our server’s knowledge of the menu, polished charm and perfectly timed attention to the table.  We are tempted by all the scrumptious appetizers – foie-gras, truffles, caviar, but decide to go with the signature soups – Lobster Bisque and Tomato and Gin soup.  From the first bites we knew we were in for an extraordinary dining experience.  Balance of flavor, texture, presentation – we could not have a more perfect start!  Followed by a dish of salmon and a rack of lamb.  Both dishes so refined, every element complementing the main ingredient, sauces in perfect harmony, not too heavy, not too light.  And then there were deserts.  We were served a customary pear and champagne sorbet before the desert course.   We’ve shared an apple tart, even though every item on desert menu was incredibly tempting.  Only the agreement to come back another time helped us make a sensible choice of sharing the single desert.

The meal was well balanced, every bite perfectly executed, we enjoyed every moment at Le Crocodile and did not notice the time flying by.  Perfect date indeed and we’ll be back for more.

Winery Birthday Date: Bacchus Bistro

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Every time another birthday is coming up, I’m trying to come up with a day full of activities and experiences that are memorable, special, something that will be remembered for a year.  I think of how the day will flow, what places we can visit in a day and finally I go through one review after another, looking for a restaurant that would be just perfect for a special birthday night. Also, we have an 8 year old son, so whatever we do has to be family-friendly since I have a strong belief that birthday celebrations have to include all of our small family.  That was the challenge for Derek’s birthday this year and I found one perfect plan to make that day super-special. Vines

Early morning on a hot Sunday in August we’ve headed out to the Fort Langley.  There is an awesome brunch and lunch spot in a small town of Fort Langley – Wendel’s book store.  Yes, it’s an awesome cozy café with tons of character and a book store right The fact that it’s always busy says a lot – they serve awesome food in an awesome setting.  It was a right choice for a birthday brunch – not too pretentious, but great coffee and organic, flavorful brunch.

Next stop was Fort Langley Historical Site.  Quite an adventure back in times, walking through the  heritage buildings, learning about Hudson Bay trade posts and enjoying the costume performances and games – we spent wonderful few hours touring the place!  After that we headed out to Fraser Valley. Within just a 20 minute drive was the only winery in Fraser Valley that had a restaurant on site – Chaberton Estate Winery.  I couldn’t have picked a better day than that August afternoon to visit the place.  After a quick tasting at the wine store and picking up some nice BC white bottles to relieve the experience at home, we headed out to the Bacchus Bistro.   With the beautiful patio facing the vineyards, can you imagine anything more romantic and wonderful on a beautiful summer day?  We loved the service, amazing French cuisine and of course the wonderful Domaine de Chaberton wine.  Staying true to the French classics Derek had French onion soup and Beef Bourguignon – both exceptional, while I enjoyed the light and flavorful halibut and Pavlova dessert.

We loved the journey and will definitely be coming back – to get more wine and to enjoy the wonderful Bacchus once again some time next summer.

Valentine’s Date at Miku

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Valentine’s Day is a great reason to celebrate the relationship and steal a few precious moments together from the rushed everyday life.  We have a traditiDessert at Mikuon, where we celebrate the actual day of February 14th by making an elegant dinner at home, which we’ll usually follow by a movie and a chocolate fondue for dessert.  A weekend after, when the restaurant rush around Valentine’s dates is over we’ll do the actual Valentine’s date and dinner out.  This time the destination was Miku – modern Japanese fine dining restaurant.

Located along the Burrard Inlet and next to Fairmont Waterfront and Pan Pacific Hotels, it offers the view of the ocean and North Shore from almost any point of the dining room.  Even on stormy and rainy night, we were amazed by the view of the ocean contrasted by the welcoming yet clean decor inside. We were smart to have reservations, as the waiting line even for a bar seat was close to an hour.  From drinks, to changing courses, to introducing elements of every dish, the service was fast and impeccable – they’ve never missed a beat.  Cocktail menu was unique, with oriental influences and unique spirits featured as well as a selection of Sake.

Stunning Smoky Quartz Earrings

Stunning Smoky Quartz Earrings

And then there was food. Shrimp croquettes, tuna tataki were taken to a completely different level in texture, sauces and presentation.  Every bite memorable and perfectly balanced.  Miku is known for its unique preparation of sushi – Aburi style – torch seared and matched with its individual sauce for ever type of fish.   i could not avoid their Chef’s sushi selection.  The combinations of taste matching and textures of the dish made me never look at sushi plate the same way again.  I looked wishfully at every plate and presentation served at the tables around us.  I’ve also sampled “melt in your mouth prime rib” dish my date ordered and it was also exceptional.

Miku gave us an extraordinary experience – lighting, view, incredible food, skillful service made for a perfect date experience we were looking for at our Valentine’s dinner.  This is definitely a special occasion restaurant and it delivers on every promise. If you are looking for a gift that matches the refined minimalistic feel of the date, smoky quartz delivers the dreamy, magical reminder of the special  date.

Hike and Dine Date: Deep Cove

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Deep Cove is one of North Vancouver areas that attracts me like a magnet.  I find every excuse to go there and every single time I get a sense of awe of the beautiful BC nature and a sense of inner calm once I reach the quiet rocky beach surrounded by magnificent mountains.  To me there is no place more romantic than Deep Cove and it has been a destination of quite a few memorable dates.Quarry Rock View

The one I love the most is a combination of a hike and a dining experience. Not a high heel type of affair, but if you ware looking for some quality time together and want to impress your date with breath-taking views and a dinner at a romantic, cozy bistro, here’s an idea.

Head out to North Vancouver into the Deep Cove village, along Panorama Drive. Look for the sign on the left side of the street and walk up the edge of the driveway towards the wooden steps…you are looking for an entry into the Quarry Rock hiking trail.  It’s graded as Easy hike by Vancouver Trails, but there is plenty of steep hills and it takes about 50 minutes one way.  So wear comfortable shoes, bring some water and maybe a few snacks for when you reach the top.  The trail is well maintained, taking you through the mountain forest over the small bridges, waterfalls, creeks and valleys.  After a beautiful hike through the forest, you will see an opening in the trees – you’ve reached Quarry Rock look out with an unforgettable view of Salmon Arm below, Deep Cove and surrounding mountains.  Take in the the scenic view: tiny yachts and kayaks gliding on the water below, sun reflecting in the ocean water. It is an amazing experience – sharing the view like that and a feeling of being on top of the world together.Arms Reach Bistro Whether it’s just a beautiful date or a perfect spot to pop the question – the location and an experience are not to be missed.

After a while it’s time to head back.  Somehow the walk back always seems faster, maybe because one of the hidden gem restaurants, Arms Reach Bistro is waiting at the end of the hike.  Reserve the table and ask for the window seat You will be seated by a welcoming hostess at a table with one of the best views of Deep cove.  Lunch and dinner menu have a mix of favorite staples and seasonal dishes.  Mussels are amazing if you are in for a light meal, so are soups.  Seafood pasta is chock full of shrimp, lobster mean and is unbelievable value.  Arms Reach Bistro has got it right – gorgeous view, cozy patio, unique atmosphere inside, professional and friendly staff, mouth watering dishes, interesting cocktails.  It’s the type of cozy and romantic restaurant where I want to stay for hours, sipping wine, looking out, enjoying closeness and sampling one excellent dish after another.  And whatever you order, leave the space for desert.  Creme brûlée flavors change seasonally and the chocolate flourless cake is to die for.

 

Seattle Weekend Date: Museums & le Pichet

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Vancouver offers so many destinations, attractions and amazing places to eat.  Yet sometimes there is a need to get away from the familiar places, get into a car and drive to explore something new.  The lucky thing is, there are places within a few hours of drive of Vancouver, that offer just that: exciting, world-class cuisine, activities ranging from skiing adventures, to arts, museums and breath-taking views. Here, on The Perfect Date, we’ve written about Whistler day trip, Okanagan and Portland trips are on our soon to-do list, and today I wanted to share our favorite Seattle destinations, that make for a beautiful day-trip date.

I love the morning of the day trip – waking up early, knowing the day full of new experiences is ahead. We grab a quick Tim’s coffee and head for the border, if you need a full breakfast for the long road, stopping at Old Town Café once you cross the border and are in Bellingham is highly recommended.   We are lucky, driving there in October, with the fall colors in full swing, without knowing, we

Place Market Flowers

Place Market Flowers

get a preview for what’s to come later that day – sensory overload of bright, amazing colors inspired by nature.

Our first destination is Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.  This exposition is incredible to experience together – walking from one room to another, taking in the array of colors, mysterious shapes against shiny black background, we were absolutely blown away by the power of Chihuly’s vision and imagination.  Every room is a piece of art, every detail is thought through, incredible flowers made of glass, hug

e structures effortlessly balanced in the air, colors flowing from one to another.  Every sculpture incorporates the

room, the ceiling gets reflected in blackness of the walls. The garden combines glass flowers with the natural flowers and black grass – how cool is that? If you have only 1-2 hours to spend in that area, make sure you visit the museum and have the camera ready.

If you have more time, head to the Space Needle located right next to the museum. On a clear day the panoramic view of Seattle skyline and the ocean are not to be missed. There is something romantic and serene about being together high up in the clouds, taking in the views of a beautiful city.  Have even more time and love music and pop culture?  EMP – Experience Music Project Museum is right next to the Needle.  We leave EMP for the next visit and head to our next favorite place in Seattle – the Pike Place Market.

Multi gemstone and diamond ring

Stunning Multi-gemstone & Diamond Ring

I love the atmosphere of the market, the artisan treats, the sea of fresh and dry flower bouquets, fish and produce stands – there is something for everyone there.  The abundance of produce, deli and breads makes me think of food – locally sourced, beautifully prepared.  We know just the place for that.  Located on the 1st  Ave, minutes walk from the market, Le Pichet is a French restaurant we love.  Atmosphere is cozy, romantic with small tables and European flair.  Service is impeccable, with the place being always packed, the warm crusty bread appears on the tables in no time, drinks replenished, dishes beautifully arranged.  The menu is small, French, with specialty items frequently changing featuring seasonal produce, every dish we tried perfectly executed.  Sitting by the window, sparkling candle on the table, we talk about the amazing day, which would be an amazing gift for a special occasion whether you pair it with a colorful reminder of the day or not is up to you!

Unforgettable Gastown Date: L’Abattoir

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If you ask me to pick five Best Vancouver restaurants, this place will always be in the top five.  I might think hard about the other four, but there will be no question about l’Abattoir being “the place” to experience. I’ve been hearing lots of good things about this rare Gastown gem and coming up was the perfect occasion to visit it.  Our upcoming anniversary that we have a tradition of celebrating at really great restaurants.  With the past choices being Grouse Mountain’s Observatory and Yaletown’s Chambar – this was a really tall order.

This is one of those rare occasions when I’m not dying to explore the areas around the restaurant, walk the streets and combine the great dinner with sightseeings.  Don’t get me wrong, Gastown has plenty of sightseeings to offer.  If you have more willpower than us, plan a nice stroll through cobblestone streets, browse through eclectic boutiques and stylish furniture stores, even make a stop on your drive at the Coal Harbour and take in landing planes.  Us? We are going straight for the L’Abattoir restaurant.  Showing up first after they open and making sure we get a seat overlooking the bar.  And then the magic starts.

We watch bartender mixing our drinks, his hands doing some crazy dance measuring out ingredients, pressing juices, for a cocktail list that is both intriguing and delicious.  Our jaws drop at the sight of first course.  Something that was unassumingly called “Potato salad with steelhead” arrived gorgeously arranged on plates, accented with sauces of different colors, fish tasting better than any other fish course I’ve had in my life.  Every dish we tried was unbelievably good – Steak Diane, melt-in-your-mouse octopus, deserts…   Every plate

Black & White Diamon Earrings

looked gorgeous and fairly small, but don’t be fooled  – every bite is rich and very filling.  Looking around the room I was jealous of every dish I have not tried.  Atmosphere, decor and service matched perfectly prepared food, completing amazing dinner experience.  Servers know every aspect of menu, cocktail and wine list.  Dimly lit beautiful rooms combined restrained design with cozy romantic atmosphere.  We loved every moment there, enjoying every sip and every bite. Saying the date was unforgettable is quite and understatement. How do you match an outstanding experience like this with a gift? Well, let me suggest something that’s just as high-end, restrained and breathtaking at the same time.  Black and white diamond earrings.

Castle Date: The Corner House

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This was one of the best birthday experiences that I can remember.  We’ve spent 4 beautiful days around Toronto and explored some of the most romantic locations and restaurants, when combined together, there was nothing more I could wish for as a birthday gift.green_bean

We decided to start the day in Oakville, spending half of the day outside, exploring Oakville waterfront. That area always reminds me of Europe with its unique stores, jewellery and coffee shops. There is one place that I never fail to visit when I am in Oakville, The Green Been Coffee House.   This little gem of café is not to be missed and is definitely worth driving to Oakville for.  The first time I’ve walked in, I was blown away by the atmosphere and design, then by the quality of their coffee and when I tried their cannoli pastries there was no turning back, I love that store.

After a few hours of exploring the waterfront we headed to our next destination, Casa Loma Castle.  I like Casa Loma mid-week, when there are no touristy crowds, when you can fully take in old European feel of the rooms, exploring one elegant dining room after another.  I like going all the way to the top and enjoying the view from the highest turret.  Does it get any more romantic than that? Multi-color Gemstone Briolette & Diamond Pendant

Actually yes, it does.  Just a few minutes away from Casa Loma is our next destination. The Corner House.  This French restaurant was highly recommended to me by a close friend, and it exceeded my expectations in every way.  It is located on a quiet street, right on the intersection, its patio right in the front yard in the shades of the trees, white tablecloths and tea candles on the tables.  Service is spectacular, from knowledgeable recommendations, invisible changes of dishes, warmth and wit, we felt like we’ve visiting a cousin that lived in Paris and was really happy to see us.  And then there is food.  French, beautifully paired with amazing sauces, cooked to perfection, every bite delightful.  Did I say my birthday was perfect? Well it got better.  Desert was served and so was my birthday gift.  A beautiful diamond pendant, reflecting every sparkle of the candles around us.  Perfect birthday date indeed.

Waterfront Date: The Sandbar

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No matter how many times I’ve been at Vancouver waterfront, I always want to come back and I always find the walks along the seaside romantic and beautiful.  Whether it is to meet with a couple of out of town friends, or head out on a cozy date, it’s hard to go wrong with a waterfront patio and views of Vancouver mountains.

So here’s the plan for a nice sunny day date: take a train or drive to Yaletown.  Take in the views of the yachts while you are waiting for the water taxi.  Take a trip to Monk’s water taxi station and go for a nice walk along the waterfront to Granville Island.  View of downtown reflected in ocean water, kayaks and stand up paddlers, man-made pond and a small waterfall make for a beautiful walk.  Once in Granville Island, check out some artisan galleries – Craft Council of BC and a quirky Dragon Shop will give you plenty of things to admire and discuss.   When heading out of the Dragon Shop, turn towards the Sandbar Restaurant – that’s your restaurant date’s destination Colourful Blue Sapphire Ring in 14K White Gold.

It is hard to beat the views of the Granville Island Marina from that restaurant.  Being part of the Sequoya Group Restaurants, the food is top notch.  I also liked a combination of casual, dynamic atmosphere with an impeccably great service.  It never feels like a stuffy pretentious place, but the attention from servers makes you feel special and the restaurant experience truly high-end.

With the lengthy list of daily fish market choices, mussels from various locations and an impressive wine room, it’s easy to make the meal as fancy or as casual as you like. Sipping the wine, looking out at the boats outside, enjoying local seafood – that’s my idea of the perfect date. If it also happens to be a birthday or an anniversary or “just because” occasion, a gift the color of the ocean would make the day unforgettable.  Tanzanite for a sunny day, or deep sapphire for an evening date would be a perfect compliment to a perfect date.