Battle of the Dosa's

There are a few South Indian restaurants in Vancouver that feature dosas. The supposed king of the hill is House of Dosas on Kingsway. After an afternoon eat-off at three dosa restaurants the winner by a hair is...more...

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Dosa at Nooru Mahal Restaurant

Every once in a while I get a craving for Indian food - and not just any Indian food but, specifically, dosas. To the uninformed, dosas is made of a wrapping of fermented crepe (made from rice and black lentils), stuffed with well, anything that tastes like Indian food! There are so many varieties and versions of dosa, but the one I know and love from my experience in Singapore three years ago is the Masala dosa -- that is spiced potatoes.more...

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Lemongrass Chicken and Exotic Beef at Le Petit Saigon

Lemongrass chicken and 2-types of beef on dry rice noodles.
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Dai Tung Dim Sum (again!)

For not-bad dimsum in Vancouver, the best place is probably Daitong Restaurant. The cuisine here is always the same standard and quality, the service is always good and of course - the place is always packed. Get there half an hour before you think you will want to eat because there is just no way to avoid the crush of people standing in the entrance of this eatery. more...

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Bun Bo Hue at Le Petit Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant

There is no shortage of Vietnamese restaurants in Vancouver. That is why, when looking for a good one to eat at, one must observe a steady and regular traffic of hungry patrons who have focussed on one particular Pho' eatery. Such a one is Le Petit Saigon located at 2783 E. Hastings, Vancouver. Tonight I decided to indulge in an amazing beef noodle soup called Bun Bo Hue. It is a pork hock and beef noodle soup served in the traditional way with round noodles not flat vermicelli. more...

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Le Petit Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant

Near my house is one of the top three Vietnamese restaurants in Vancouver. Le Petit Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant is run by Andy & Vicky, two of the best-looking, friendly and good-cooking restauranteurs I have seen. Their restaurant is always busy and they have what looks like a huge repeat business. more...

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Daytrip to Seattle's Pike Place Market

It has been a long time since I've been to Seattle. Not since I drove down to the Oregon Coast with Brian Miller to the Jus Harp Festival in '07 and before that in '94 to see the Toronto Blue Jays play the Seattle Mariners at the King Dome. So Arnel and I decided to make a day of it and head down to Seattle's Pike Place Market for a bit of regional sightseeing as well as bargain shopping at Seattle Outlets in Tulalip. more...

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Dai Tung Dim Sum

Saturday morning! What better time for dimsum... So Christopher and I sat down for a table-full of good eats -- as Dai Tung is a place you come when you don`t want to be let down in terms of both food quality and cost. Overall this restaurant serves decent food at a decent price. more...

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North Shore Boat Scene Photography

As an exercise I shot a scene using several different camera settings in order to see what works best. Using the Nikon D300 DSLR camera, I set up the shot on tripod and began shooting at 9:38 at night. The sun had set and it was well into dusk. Shots #1 is set to White Balance: Auto. Shots #2-3 I wised up and set it to Cloudy. I prefer auto white balance for most shooting. In cases where auto is producing odd colored photos I will hunt around and find an appropriate one - such as this particular case. Image editing done post-processing using Nikon NX2.

(click photo for more pics)

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Deflating the Dome

This past Tuesday witnessed the deflating of BC Place stadium's iconic, white canvass dome. Our local football stadium is undergoing a $458,000,000 makeover that will feature the world's largest cable supported retractable fabric dome! I think this project is a worthy one, a reflection of the hard working and fun loving people of British Columbia.

(click photo for roof deflation progression photos)

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Tang Jai Yoo Restaurant at Yaowarat

When we were in Bangkok, Dominic and I decided that the best Chinese food in Bangkok must be in Bangkok's Chinatown (a master-stroke of logic!) which is called in Thai "Yaowarat". We had eaten there before last year. How could I ever forget the suckling pig we shared for lunch one day! more...

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Uncle D's Homemade Laksa

Most everyone can cook a dish or two. My friend Dominic (Uncle D) can cook whole cookboooks worth of Chinese, Malay, Thai, Singaporean and other cuisines. One of the very best dishes he makes is Singapore Laksa. For those not familiar with Laksa, it can be summarized as 'curry noodle soup'. As far as soups and noodle dishes in gravy or sauce, Laksa is perhaps the quintessential Singaporean one. more...

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Vote for Johnny!

My friend John Banovich, filmmaker extraordinary needs your help! Toyota is hosting a contest to win a new Toyota 4-Runner 4X4. Contestants must submit a short video and Johnny has one that is hilarious! Visit the Toyota website to vote for his video! Thank you.

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Gamelan Extravaganza at the Roundhouse.

A free event sponsored by the Indonesian consulate in Vancouver, the Gamelan Extraveganza was a good introduction to the sounds of Indonesia's national music of gamelan orchestra. There were 3 orchestras performing at this function consisting of both students of the gamelan and professional musicians. more...

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Longest Solar Eclipse Until 3043

While in Mandalay Myanmar last January 15th, I noticed a commotion while having lunch at Green Elephant Restaurant. A group of tourists were moving quickly out from their tables and into the courtyard while looking skyward with special glasses. Curious, we wandered over and inquired as to the goings on -- the group of tourists from Turkey had come to Myanmar specially to observe the solar eclipse (at least that is what they told us!). Unbeknownst to us, the annual solar eclipse was due and according to several sources this is the longest annual solar eclipse until the year 3043, with a maximum length of 11 mins and 7.8 seconds. more...

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Curry House at Yaohan Center, Richmond

The food court at Yaohan Center in Richmond has some not bad food stalls. There is a wide range of Cantonese food, some Thai and a Singaporean stall that serves pretty good curries, aptly named Curry House. Today we had the Hainanese Chicken Rice.more...

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Day Trip to Mount Seymour Peak

A couple of weekends back I decided to accompany a friend of mine to the top of Mount Seymour. I had never climbed to that particular local summit before, and it sounded like a challenge and excercise. If you get the chance - do it! It is a pretty good cardio workout and view is sensational! more...

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Olympic Gold Medal Hockey Celebrations!

Where were you when Canada beat the U.S.A. men's team in gold medal hockey? I was in my car driving into downtown trying to get radio reception on Team 1040 (pulling out of a parkade). "What's the score, what's the score..." I was saying to myself when I heard Canadian crowds lifting up their voices to the heavens in a lusty cheer of over-the-top Olympics historic moment... more...

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Shanghai Village Restaurant, Vancouver

This past Sunday we went for lunch (I went accompanied Dominic & Mag) to another of my favorite Shanghainese cuisine restaurants in Vancouver - Shanghai Village. Located in the heart of Cambie Village, this restaurant is top-notch northern Chinese food. more...

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Cheung Chau Island Seafood

While on my half-day trip of Cheung Chau Island, the number 1 itinerary item was to sample the local seafood - for there are restaurants here that feature swimming fish and crabs you can select yourself and enjoy while seated outdoors next to the fishing port. In fact, right next to the ferry pier is a strip of seafood restaurants with a good selection of seafood ready to be cooked in many styles of Cantonese culinary preparation - and this is where I invariably headed straight away. more...

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Lung Wah Hotel Roast Pigeon

The restaurant at Lung Wah Hotel is famous for its roast pigeon. From their website: "Please note: Lung Wah Hotel’s pigeon dishes is the best and famous among all. It looks good as well as the taste, but also nutritious. There was also this praise 'you did not visit Hong Kong if you have not tried the Lung Wah pigeons.'" more...

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Yung Kee Roast Goose Restaurant

Address: 32-40 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong

Yung Kee Restaurant is world-famous for its roast goose and century eggs. Voted 10th best Chinese cuisine restaurant for 2009/10 by the Miele guide, the roast goose served at this eatery is worth a trip to Hong Kong to experience! more...

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My 36-days South East Asia Holiday

I am finally back in Vancouver from 5 weeks on the road enjoying myself in South East Asia. There are so many stories to tell of my holiday that I don't know where to begin. Take a look at my photos below to see my 36 days in pictures. more...

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Shanghai Village Restaurant

Address: 3250 Cambie Street, Vancouver

This evening after Christmas Eve Holy Mass I accompanied Dominic & Magdalen and Anna to a newer northern Chinese restaurant on the local scene. Shanghai Village is well-located, close to downtown Vancouver; a stone's throw away from Uncle Dominic's waterfront condo! So the location is excellent and the food is even better!! Double happiness can be found in this restaurant as every dish is good. more...

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Dinesty Restaurant

Address: 8111 Ackroyd Road, #160 Richmond, BC V6X3K1

It was time for Chinese food again, so I accompanied my eating partner Dominic Tan to Dinesty Restaurant in where else? - Richmond #3 Rd. best eating street in Vancouver!

This is another Northern Chinese cuisine restaurant in Richmond that has been very busy whenever I have visited more...

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Sweet Chile Cafe

Address: 5438 Victoria Drive Vancouver, BC V5P 3V8

Awhile back I was craving for some tasty Malaysian yum-yums. So I remembered I had heard of Sweet Chile from someone in the MSBCA (it sure pays to network).

This restaurant has changed hands several times over the past several years. I hope the Malay morsels stay awhile to fill the need of my cravings more...

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Top Shanghai Restaurant

Address: 120-8100 Ackroyd Road, Richmond, BC V6X 3K2

Several weeks ago I accompanied Dominic to one of our favorite Chinese restaurants in Richmond - Top Shanghai. We have been here several times before and keep coming back due to the consistent quality of more...

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Singapore Zoo Half-day Trip

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore

Last item on my to-do list during my great 26-days Southeast Asia Adventure Holiday - visit the Singapore Zoo! The only open concept zoo that I know of, Singapore Zoo is a unique travel activity. This zoo is something different to see only more...

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Ya Family Restaurant

Address: Thanon Ratuthit Songkroipi Phuket

There is a street in Phuket that boasts rows of seafood restaurants side-by-side ready to cook for hungry patrons. Approaching from the sidewalk through a large patio covered in tables & chairs, there are many ice boxes filled with a staggering selection of fresh fish, crab, prawns and other delights from the more...

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Golden Kinnaree Restaurant

Address: 99 M3 Kamala Beach, Phuket

As the only restaurant of Phuket's theme park 'Phuket Fantasea', the Golden Kinnaree buffet dining hall is large enough for several thousands of people. The buffet features typical Thai cuisine such as spicy shrimp soup, green and yellow curry chicken & pork, sauteed vegetables, more...

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Koong Woh Tong Chinese Herbal Jelly

Address: Block 466 Crawford Lane #01-12 Singapore.

This eatery serves 1st-class Bak Chor Mee, a Teochew noodle dish. The noodles are served with minced meat, pork slices, pork liver, meat balls, bits of deep-fried lard, and for 1 dollar extra 3 pork wontons. Best eaten with chiles and more...

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KL Fried Dark Soya Sauce Noodle

Address: 54-58 Race Course Rd., Singapore 218564 Singapore.

Banana Leaf Apolo Restaurant is a famous Indian restaurant - famous for its curry fish head, dried curry lamb, chicken, beef, fish, squid, fish roe and a wide variety of spicy and succulent Madras curry dishes. This restaurant is one of the best Madras curry restaurants in more...

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Goh Swee Kee Restaurant

Address: Blk 531A Upper Cross Street #02-18 Singapore.

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee is a nice noodle dish served with cockles and deep-fried bits of pork lard. It is an exquisite dish and for only 2.50 it is value for more...

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Nyonya Breeze Restaurant

Address: Blk 531A Upper Cross Street #02-18 Singapore.

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee is a nice noodle dish served with cockles and deep-fried bits of pork lard. It is an exquisite dish and for only 2.50 it is value for more...

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Gurney Drive Hawker Centre

Address: Blk 531A Upper Cross Street #02-18 Singapore.

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee is a nice noodle dish served with cockles and deep-fried bits of pork lard. It is an exquisite dish and for only 2.50 it is value for more...

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Restoran Mega Pinang

Address: Blk 531A Upper Cross Street #02-18 Singapore.

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee is a nice noodle dish served with cockles and deep-fried bits of pork lard. It is an exquisite dish and for only 2.50 it is value for more...

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New Lane Hawker Centre

Address: Blk 531A Upper Cross Street #02-18 Singapore.

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee is a nice noodle dish served with cockles and deep-fried bits of pork lard. It is an exquisite dish and for only 2.50 it is value for more...

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Lou Wong, Ong Kee & On Kee Restaurants

Address: Blk 531A Upper Cross Street #02-18 Singapore.

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee is a nice noodle dish served with cockles and deep-fried bits of pork lard. It is an exquisite dish and for only 2.50 it is value for more...

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Central Market - Old Town White Coffee

Address: Seng Poh Road Corner of Lim Liak Street Singapore.

First day in Singapore! Meet Dominic at Tiong Bahru Market and hawker centre.

Dominic says this was & is the "rich man's market". There is a wet and dry markets just beneath the second level breezeway food court. Numerous stalls serve a large and plentiful variety of Singaore good eats! more...

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Muthu Fish Head Curry

Address: Blk 531A Upper Cross Street #02-18 Singapore.

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee is a nice noodle dish served with cockles and deep-fried bits of pork lard. It is an exquisite dish and for only 2.50 it is value for more...

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Restoran Seri Melayu

Address: Hotel Rendezvous Gourmet Gallery, 9 Bras Basah Rd Singapore.

Rendezvouz Restaurant is famous for its top-quality Nasi Padang. Nasi Padang is a cuisine originated from the city of Padang on Sumatra, Indonesia. Nasi Padang consists of steamed rice with a wide variety of meat, seafood and vegetable dishes ranging from fried and stewed curry meats, vegetables and more...

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Sanglao Hotel Phatoke Laoderm

Address: Thanon Ratuthit Songkroipi Phuket

The Sanglao Hotel in Vientiane features a traditional Lao dinner with folk dance performance every evening. It is a not-to-be-missed experience as one can savor both excellent Lao food and Lao culture all in one more...

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Luang Prabang Street Food

Address: 99 M3 Kamala Beach, Phuket

While sightseeing Luang Prabang I found that good and cheap food is always within easy reach. From morning market selling grilled fish and chicken to street-side eateries and coffee shop/fast-food setups to walking, basket-toting food more...

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Morning Food Market

Address: In front of Lao Telecom building on Kitsalat Rd., Luang Prabang

The morning market in front of the Lao Telecom building in Luang Prabang is an excellent place to have breakfast. Several families have stalls set up here and they are up early grilling chicken, pork and fish. To have been to Luang Prabang and to have missed eating at these roadside stalls is to have missed more...

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Tang Jai Yoo Restaurant

Address: 85-89 Yaowapanich Rd. Bangkok

Located in Yaowarat (Chinatown), this Teochew restaurant is worth any pains taken in order to get to. The food is top-notch. From a Chinese food quality perspective, Tang Jai Yoo simply cannot be beat.more...

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Sala Rim Naam Restaurant

Address: 48 Oriental Avenue Bangkok

Located on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River from the Mandarin Oriental, Sala Rim Naam offers a wide selection of Thai cuisine from their daily Thai buffet lunch, 3 course set Thai dinner or al fresco at the riverside terrace with an a la carte menu every more...

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Royal Dragon Restaurant

Address: 35/222 M.4 Bangna – Trad Rd. Bangna Bangkok

Royal Dragon Seafood Restaurant, one-time recipient of “Largest Restaurant in the World” awarded by Guiness Book of World Records. This restaurant features a massive outdoor seating area with a miniature lake dividing both halves. A stage area hosts Thai dancing and entertainment more...

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Tiong Bahru Market & Hawker Centre

Address: Seng Poh Road Corner of Lim Liak Street Singapore.

First day in Singapore! Meet Dominic at Tiong Bahru Market and hawker centre.

Dominic says this was & is the "rich man's market". There is a wet and dry markets just beneath the second level breezeway food court. Numerous stalls serve a large and plentiful variety of Singaore good eats! more...

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Rendezvous Restaurant

Address: Hotel Rendezvous Gourmet Gallery, 9 Bras Basah Rd Singapore.

Rendezvouz Restaurant is famous for its top-quality Nasi Padang. Nasi Padang is a cuisine originated from the city of Padang on Sumatra, Indonesia. Nasi Padang consists of steamed rice with a wide variety of meat, seafood and vegetable dishes ranging from fried and stewed curry meats, vegetables and more...

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Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle

Address: Block 466 Crawford Lane #01-12 Singapore.

This eatery serves 1st-class Bak Chor Mee, a Teochew noodle dish. The noodles are served with minced meat, pork slices, pork liver, meat balls, bits of deep-fried lard, and for 1 dollar extra 3 pork wontons. Best eaten with chiles and more...

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Banana Leaf Apolo Restaurant

Address: 54-58 Race Course Rd., Singapore 218564 Singapore.

Banana Leaf Apolo Restaurant is a famous Indian restaurant - famous for its curry fish head, dried curry lamb, chicken, beef, fish, squid, fish roe and a wide variety of spicy and succulent Madras curry dishes. This restaurant is one of the best Madras curry restaurants in more...

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Hong Lim Hawker Centre

Address: Blk 531A Upper Cross Street #02-18 Singapore.

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee is a nice noodle dish served with cockles and deep-fried bits of pork lard. It is an exquisite dish and for only 2.50 it is value for more...

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Author

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Cory W. Roan