I’ve had some of the best meals in Vancouver than I’ve had all over the world. -Jamie Oliver

Oh yes…it’s that time of year again…food food food! (Thanks for reminding me, Jay)

Dine Out Vancouver 2005, which is happening between January 21st and February 3rd, is possibly my most treasured winter pasttime. My mouth is already watering! Here’s my wish list. I do believe there are some dinner rainchecks to cash in…

Wild Rice – $15 pp (per person)
Elixir & Opus Bar – $25 pp
Griffins – $25 pp with special $10 upgrade option
Diva at the Met – $35 pp
Le Gavroche – $35 pp

Unfortunately, as usual Lumiere ($25 pp), West, and Gotham ($35 pp) are already fully booked for the event. But who knows, maybe there are Dine Out Vancouver scalpers out there who would be willing to barter.

Last time, I went to the Hart House, Zin, Imperial Chinese Seafood Restaurant, and Fleuri: all very excellent. I absolutely loved the Hart House and Fleuri, and Imperial Restaurant was the best Chinese food I had ever tasted. Think this year’s menus at Imperial are similar to when I went. Too bad I can’t go to all those places again. Must sample; too many fancy restaurants to ignore!

For any of you looking for recommendations, these other restaurants are good eats when they’re this cheap:

Blue Water Cafe (sister to West)
Water Street Cafe (sister to West)
CinCin
Amarcord
Aqua Riva
O’ Doul’s
Steamworks
Hon’s on Robson

I won’t link to these as there are very nice search and menu display features on the Dine Out Vancouver website. Here’s that link again: Dine Out Vancouver 2005. Make reservations soon because these dinners are so worth your money.

Bon appétit!