veda

A Moment, a Mood, and a Meal Series.

A new restaurant opened up in my neighborhood very recently, taking over a spot that has been sitting empty for quite some time. Walking by with a friend a few weeks ago, I was thrilled to discover that its focus is a completely different style of Indian food than what I am normally used to: South Indian cuisine.

Intrigued, we stepped inside. The space is a cozy, intimate 20-seat neighborhood joint inspired by the vibrant cafés and homes of South India. We met the owner, who incredibly warmly welcomed us and invited us to try a generous tasting of several unique-to-us dishes.

Beautifully golden-brown, crispy dosas served with traditional sambar and a duo of vibrant chutneys.

Tearing into a dosa to reveal the aromatic, perfectly spiced potato masala filling and another with chicken – hidden inside.

It was the perfect excuse to dive headfirst into the rich, aromatic world of South Indian culinary traditions.

Exploring the Vibrant World of South Indian Cuisine

For those who might be new to this side of the Indian subcontinent, South Indian cuisine offers a completely different experience from the heavy, cream-based North Indian dishes many of us grew up eating. Instead of rich, dairy-heavy gravies, the South offers a masterclass in using rice, lentils, coastal ingredients, and brilliant fermentation techniques to create bright, complex flavor profiles.

The Foundation: Rice, Lentils, and Fermentation

One of the most remarkable aspects of South Indian cooking is its reliance on simple pantry staples like rice and black lentils (urad dal). Through the magic of slow fermentation, these two humble ingredients are transformed into some of the region’s most iconic staples:

Idli: Pillow-soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes that act as the perfect canvas for soaking up savory stews.
Dosa: Thin, lacy, and incredibly crispy crepes that can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with a spiced potato mash (masala dosa).

Because these traditional batters are naturally fermented, the food carries a subtle, signature tanginess and a light texture that feels deeply comforting.

More Than Just Curries: Sambar and Chutneys

Instead of thick tomato-and-onion gravies, South Indian meals are heavily centered around Sambar – a wonderfully complex, tangy lentil and vegetable stew infused with a special spice blend. It is traditionally served alongside a variety of fresh, vibrant chutneys, with coconut, tomato, and mint being local favorites.

Rice cakes with lentil stew – the one that is donut shaped was deep fried. The other has a crispy rice center.

Whether you are enjoying a comforting bowl of Bisi Bele Bhath (a spicy, sweet-and-sour rice and lentil dish) or tearing off a piece of a crispy dosa, South Indian cuisine is a beautiful reminder of how complex, layered flavors can be built from simple, wholesome ingredients.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Refreshing, beautifully layered specialty mocktails garnished with dehydrated lime—perfect for a cozy neighborhood evening.

It is wonderful to see this space filled with such warm hospitality and unique flavors. If you are looking to explore these culinary traditions for yourself – or perhaps sit down for a traditional South Indian filter coffee after a beach stroll – you can find them right in the heart of the community.

I had to try a traditional mango lassi for dessert.

Veda is located at 2209 W 1st Ave., just a couple of blocks up from Kitsilano Beach. You can check out their hours and full regional menu on the Veda Kitsilano Website.

Food + Drink

Glasshouse Restaurant

A Moment, A Mood and a Meal series

It’s always better when everything about a restaurant appeals to you. Such was the case with a recent exceptional midday meal. It’s rare that I can look at a lunch menu and have a hard time deciding what to order. Everything on the Glasshouse menu looked tempting.

I eventually settled on the lunchtime portion of herb-crusted chicken breast with scalloped potatoes and kale salad. The restaurant uses fresh, regional ingredients and they were the stars of the plate. The crispy herb crust was topped with a lovely rosemary and tarragon sauce. The potatoes were creamy and the garlic kale salad had just the right amount of dressing.

The service was warm and welcoming. Another bonus? Glasshouse is dog-friendly, with a covered outdoor patio that allowed my dogs to be comfortably half outside and half inside while I enjoyed my meal.

I also learned about the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability. Through techniques like pickling, fermenting, and preserving, they extend the life of ingredients, reduce waste, and create even more flavour. Even kitchen scraps are put to good use, transformed into stocks, ferments, and other creative ingredients instead of ending up in the garbage.

It’s always nice to discover a restaurant where great food, thoughtful service, and environmental responsibility all come together. In fact, I’ve already decided to go back with friends for one of their long-table tasting menus. I hear the cocktails are great too so I’ll try one of those next time.

https://www.glasshouserestaurant.ca

Food + Drink

Inspired Dining

Be inspired for the joy of Food and Health!

If you live in Vancouver I just want to bring to your attention the following two important events. inspirehealth1

INSPIRED DINING WEEK

Inspired Dining Week takes place from October 15-23, 2016, providing an opportunity for diners to choose menu items from some of Vancouver’s best dining establishments (there will be more Inspired dine out experiences expanded to other cities):

Restaurants, eateries and healthy vendors will showcase the best of their culinary delights over the nine days. Inspire Health is partnering with the participating restaurants across Vancouver in an effort to help raise awareness and funds for Inspire Health (a not for profit organization helping provide lasting lifestyle changes for those living with cancer and their families). You will also get the chance to try the various dining establishments.

For an up-to-date list of participating restaurants please visit www.inspirehealth.ca/InspiredDiningWeek

Photo: d. king

For more information about Inspired Dining Week, download the information kit

A Night to Inspire – InspireHealth Gala

December 8 @ 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Join us for one of Vancouver’s most memorable fundraising galas, A Night to Inspire welcomes 200 of our city’s business, health care and philanthropic leaders for an inspirational evening.

This year we are delighted to take our guests on a culinary experience like no other. Teaming up with four top chefs from across the country, we will feature an incredible five-course seated dinner, paired with a wonderful selection of wines from the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association.

The evening will also feature:

The launch of Inspired Cooking, a storytelling cookbook featuring recipes and stories from 20 of Canada’s top chefs. Every guest will receive their own copy of Inspired Cooking.
Live music & entertainment
Inspirational stories from InspireHealth members
Silent & live auction showcasing an array of desirable items

Tickets are on sale for $250. Please e-mail events@inspirehealth.ca or purchase at the centre : Suite 200 – 1330 West 8th Avenue.

I think this is a great way to bring awareness to not only Inspire Health, but to celebrate ourselves with good healthy food and wise choices.

Photos: d. king

Food + Drink, Girl Who Would be King

Food: the Portly Chef

As they say; NEVER trust a skinny chef!

Sakura Farms Frenched Pork Loin, creamy goat cheese & apple cinnamon compound butter, demi-glace, braised leek. — Sakura Farms Frenched Pork Loin, creamy goat cheese & apple cinnamon compound butter, demi-glace, braised leek – the BEST!

Last night I went to a pre-Christmas celebration with my family at a restaurant called “the Portly Chef” where everything is cooked using fresh local ingredients. The generously plated and incredible tasting food made up for what may have been a bit lacking in ambience (but not the company, mind you). We all said it was one of the best restaurant meals we’ve had in a long time. A few photos:

mussels & fries with truffle butter — mussels in white wine, capers & flat-leaf parsley and fries with truffle butter – for starters

Mac 'n Cheese appetizer — Mac ‘n Cheese appetizer

Filet Oscar, certified AAA beef tenderloin, prawns, house béarnaise, pomme purée — **Filet Oscar**, certified AAA beef tenderloin, prawns, house béarnaise, pomme purée

A bit over dressed (and a bit under dressed)

And that was just my portion!

No; we really ended up sampling and sharing everything.

Selfie Siblings – a sad looking bunch

Address: 1211 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver — Located: 1211 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver

It’s a fairly casual place with exceptional food, friendly service and mid-range pricing.

Food + Drink

Food: Perch Restaurant

Well…it is a little off the beaten path as far as fine dining goes, but there’s definitely some perks to be found at Perch…a new restaurant perched atop the alma mater society (AMS) building at UBC. I said that I like to discover places that are out of the ordinary but I wasn’t expecting this.

I went to the opening on a beautiful sunny afternoon yesterday where we were able to enjoy sitting outside on the roof deck patio with a view of the Northshore mountains. I rode my scooter so parking was a cinch. I was also curious about a reasonably priced upmarket restaurant on UBC’s Point Grey campus that anyone, not just students can go to.

It will be interesting to see how this restaurant makes out because of the location and it being upscale.

With decent prices students may be able to enjoy fine dining more than before. But the idea is not to limit the restaurant to only students, university staff & faculty, but to include residents from surrounding neighbourhoods. If there is any indication of the quality in general from the platters that were being served, it will be quite good.

mixing up a most unusual margarity - with toasted sesame seeds. He used Jimador Tequila — mixing up a most unusual margarita – with toasted sesame seeds & Jimador Tequila

Overall the prices for large plate dishes cost anywhere from $13 to $24 while a similar meal downtown will run you ten dollars more.

I took a photo of a sample menu to show you below.

They’re open for private functions too as the restaurant can hold up to 300 people, 180 seated. They have a nice lounge and of course the outdoor patio and the menu is West Coast Cuisine with focus on fresh local ingredients. We were given a tour of the roof top garden where fresh produce is grown so the chef does not have very far to go to bring it from farm to table. I really like that, and some of the original ideas on the food + drink menu.Parking?? That’s another thing to deal with unless you bike, bus or ride a scooter. You will most likely have to walk a few blocks. If that’s not a big deal for you, you might want to give it a try for something unique. And if you can get your head past the fact that you’ll be dining on a university campus, especially if you come from downtown or kitsilano. But why not try something different? If anything it will make you feel like you’re back on campus but the food is much much better.

For date night? Hmmmm……

Photos: d. king

Food + Drink

Feel-good Friday: the Dinner Date

A perfect dinner date is where those involved leave happier than when they first walked in

Ohh…the importance of romance. I was invited to a casually elegant little “nest in the city” the other night. A delightful evening.

Il Nido at 780 Thurlow St (just slightly off Robson) — **Il Nido** at 780 Thurlow St (just slightly off Robson) in Vancouver, BC

It may be Friday, but enjoying a romantic dinner date can be any day of the week. And it should be! It doesn’t mean you have to go out but if you do I recommend a cozy place with friendly service, attention to detail and delicious tasting food. A good wine list always helps and Italian is always high up on my list. I’m talking about Il Nido which has been around for a long time in Vancouver, a little off the beaten path.

Appetizer of grilled calamari in rich tomato sauce, 2 year aged proscuitto with melon & pickled garnish and meatballs in sauce. — **Starters:** grilled **calamari** in rich tomato sauce, 2 year aged **proscuitto** with melon & pickled garnish and **meatballs** in sauce. Of course, Prosecco.

Owner Franco Felice (who’s last name joyfully translates to happy in Latin) has been
providing Northern Italian fare in the same location for 28 years. Sometimes we have to refresh ourselves and revisit one of Vancouver’s little hidden gems.

Grilled Salmon, homemade Gnocchi and Osso bucco Lamb — Grilled **Salmon**, homemade **Gnocchi** and Osso bucco **Lamb** with a nice Malbec.

Sure, we can try the latest crop of trendy spots which there seems to be no lack of in this city, but sometimes we want something tried and true, something with integrity and staying power. A place that won’t let us down. A place like Il Nido.

In house made Tiramisu & chocolate torte with ice cream in raspberry puree — *In house* made Tiramisu & **Torta al Cioccolato** with vanilla gelato, raspberry coulis & a perfect cappuccino.

I met some very intriguing people who offered thought-provoking conversation and sampled an excellent menu there. So like I said, they were the perfect dinner dates – it doesn’t have to be just one!

Something else to consider:

an app to help you choose your “perfect” date night or evening out with friends– https://tangoo.ca/

The weekly affair:

http://jointhedinnerparty.com/

The Dinner Party is a weekly affair where lovely host Andrea connects fabulous singles of like minds, in Vancouver and beyond. First date stress and pressure, be gone!

Be charming, be engaging, but most importantly, be yourself. So she says!

Photo credits: Lady & the Tramp; Disney. Restaurant; d. king