Magical French Date: Le Crocodile

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

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.

Unforgettable Gastown Date: L’Abattoir

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

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.