Earlier in the year, Takenaka opened its door, figuratively speaking, by offering different types of Japanese bento boxes. It operates in one of the Coho Commissary locations in Vancouver. Their concept is inspired by the traditional bento boxes created by mom, while introducing a more artistic approach and bringing in fresh and interesting ingredients. I was provided a few of their menu items for a tasting.
Recently, a famous Japanese tendon franchise -- Kaneko Hannosuke -- opened its first Canadian location in Vancouver. Tendon is the Japanese name for tempura rice bowl. I took Mama Lam and Papa Lam there on a Monday morning.
Mr. and I recently went on a 10-day road trip to the States. Kicking it off was a celebration of our 4th wedding anniversary and we spent a night at the quaint Willows Inn on Lummi Island, Washington. The upscale inn serves up a 21-course tasting menu every evening, yes 21 courses, that changes regularly and seasonally. It features locally grown produce and other locally fished, foraged and farmed products. And in addition to their kitchen, they also have an outdoor wood-fired BBQ and smoker.
Not many places offer a $15 Dine Out menu but I was most intrigued by Popina on Granville Island. The restaurant concept is created by some of the most celebrated chefs in Vancouver. The space is made up of shipping containers, located right by the Granville Island Public Market. The $15 menu is pretty straightforward. A sandwich + a side of fries and its signature puffcream for dessert.
Another restaurant that we previewed for Dine Out was Dockside Restaurant. They are also offering a $35 menu. Dockside's menu offers 3 appetizer options, 4 entrees, and 2 desserts.
VanFoodies.com 
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