Vancouver Good

As a former, long-time Kitsilano resident, I frequented The Smoking Dog a lot. A friend recently moved in steps away from Trafalgars Bistro, so I’ve been eating there recently also.  I put both of these places in the category of neighbourhood bistro, which for me is a great place to have a nice drink/dinner that is easy to walk to.

I’ll be honest, neither of these places would be high on my list of places to recommend to a tourist (although Trafalgars would be higher on the list), but for a local they’re both great places to stop in for a non-pretentious meal and drink.  Here are some thoughts on the two bistros…

The Smoking Dog Bistro, 1889 W. 1st Ave (@ Cypress). Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch

• The two best things at the Dog – pommes frites and the bolognese, not necessarily together. The pommes frites are some of the best -  super crispy, salty, and addictive. And for a Mediteranean restaurant, the Dog does a great bolognese, it’s my husbands favourite. A hearty meat sauce tossed with angel hair pasta make a satisfying main. If you go late at night I swear the portions get bigger.
• Steak Frites for $19 is a reasonable deal in my book. I head to Dog often when I crave this dish
• A fabulous patio. Big, sunny, and with great people watching – this is definitely an underrated patio. It’s covered and heated in the winter, so it’s in use all year round
• Live jazz two nights a week make for some nice ambiance. They also have a tv playing hockey games, so something for everyone
• Downsides: I find the service a little spotty at times, I have been served some not so fresh salad here, and the tables are very close together in the restaurant.

Trafalgars Bistro, 2603 W. 16th Ave (@Trafalgar)

• I enjoy all the food here – there’s something very comforting about how the food is prepared and tastes. The menu changes, but a couple months ago they had this killer warm salad with vegetables, spinach, and feta – so good.
• The bistro fries on the evening menu are heaven. Huge serving, with truffle oil and cheese.
• Fantastic brunch menu. I love coming here for brunch. They usually  have a scrumptious crepe and french toast on special in addition to their daytime menu. The lamb burger is also a highlight.
• Downsides: The decor is a little dark, with the older wood style, but it’s an otherwise welcoming restaurant. I’m also not a huge fan of Sweet Obsessions next door (although I’m the only one as everyone else I know loves them), so I tend not to do dessert here often.