Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There's not much seating here - it echoes the layout of meatarian fast-food joints -
so if you can't snag a perch, pack your burger and head north. If you hotfoot it, you can
be on the Kitsilano waterfront in 15 minutes.
FABLE
WEST COAST
$$
( 604-732-1322;
www.fablekitchen.ca
; 1944 W 4th Ave; mains $18-28; 11:30am-2pm Mon-
Fri, 5:30-10pm Mon-Sat, brunch 10:30am-2pm Sat & Sun; 4)
One of Vancouver's favorite
farm-to-table restaurants is a lovely rustic-chic room of exposed brick, wood beams and
prominently displayed red rooster logos. But looks are just part of the appeal. Expect
perfectly prepared bistro dishes showcasing local seasonal ingredients, such as duck,
chicken and halibut. It's great gourmet comfort food with little pretension, hence the
packed room most nights. Reservations recommended.
The lunch menu - including a grab 'n' go takeout option - is invitingly priced and
usually includes two or three excellent gourmet sandwiches for under $10 each. And if
you're lucky enough to snag a table for weekend brunch, go for the pulled pork johnny
cakes: the perfect hangover cure.
MAENAM
THAI
$$
( 604-730-5579;
www.maenam.ca
; 1938 W 4th Ave; mains $15-19; noon-2:30pm Tue-Sat,
5-10pm Mon-Thu & Sun, 5-11pm Fri & Sat; ; 4)
A contemporary reinvention of the
Thai-restaurant, where subtle and complex traditional and international influences fla-
vor the menu in a room with a modern lounge feel. You can start with the familiar (al-
though even the pad Thai is eye- poppingly different), but save room for something
new: the
geng pa neua
beef curry is a sweet, salty and nutty treat.
The halibut cheek green curry is also a local favorite. The mains here are generally
good value, but why not go the banquet route: for $32.50 per person the five-selection
chef's menu will have the whole table feasting like kings.
MODERNE BURGER
DINER
$$
(
www.moderneburger.com
;
2507 W Broadway; mains $8-16; noon-8pm; 9)
This is pos-
sibly Vancouver's best-looking retro diner - slide into a green vinyl booth and tuck into
comfort-food heaven (but not before you've selected a track from the jukebox in the
corner). Unlike some burger joints, they haven't gone for weird-ass combinations here.
