Havana Cafe
The lack of Cuban restaurants in Vancouver and curiosity itself drove Dan and I to Havana. As a greenhorn to Commercial Drive, I was delightfully surprised by the colourful and vibrant atmosphere that surrounds this street. A quick stroll on this street and one can identify with its hobo/bohemian way of life. With many vintage clothing shops and record stores it seems to stand defiantly against anything mass-produced one would be bombarded with once one crosses the bridge into Downtown.
Havana Cafe is generally packed outside on the patio with opportunistic people exploiting the availibility of sunshine I assume, its popularity gained from reviews made previously by Vancouver magazine.
The menu is highly diverse, like Starbucks, perfect for conservatives who might want to dip their toes into the pool to test the waters. They offer choices such as pasta and the tiresome greek and caesar salads. The drink list is also an eyeful with some interesting concoctions.
Mojito on the left and a some sort of Cuban rum mixure on the right.
The Chorizo embodied immense flavour and its taste enhanced by mustard seeds which made taste buds dance. Papaya chicken makes an interesting choice of pairing, however the firm papaya chunks seems to overpower the flavour of the grilled chicken. The service was quite interesting. The waiter straightfowardly discourages from ordering anything to expensive and suggests that we order the Creole tiger prawns since its bang-for-the-buck.
Dazzle
A nice getaway from Downtown and its scene into an organic establishment. Draws a beautiful crowd if that interests you. Quite intriguing that there is an art gallery and theatre connected to the restaurant which I have yet to visit. An alternative place to stop by for spirited appetizers.
Frazzle
Although food is pleasing enough, its nothing too impressive and its quality and creativity does not justify its price. Menu is too diverse for my liking, it seems to show that the chefs couldn't come to a specific decision on what to offer. I like specialization. Order appetizers or the burger platter (although this refutes the purpose of trying Cuban cuisine) to get your bang-for-the-buck. Bathrooms are eclectic.
Overall:
$ $
6.5/10
Havana
1212 Commercial Drive
Vancouver BC
604-253-9119
Click for LEGEND and RANKING
8 comments:
2 things: you're going to have a lot of fun with that camera you received AND I love that there is a Cuban restaurant in Vancouver.
Thank you. The camera really amazes me, but I actually got it for my boyfriend.
Vancouver is alluring, if you have the chance, visit us some time !
Bah! I am guilty of reading too fast. Your boyfriend will enjoy the camera and he will have fun with it...
I would love to visit Vancouver. I grew up right down the road...in Portland...but I never, in so many years, made it to BC.
And please, scanner collage away.
And one last thing:
The menu is highly diverse, like Starbucks - Pah-riceless.
Alright, I'll be back...I'm a fan.
"caesers" is spelt wrong! :P
It's "caesars."
-jen
madge:
Thanks again.I highly appreciate your support. You flatter me too much, which I'm afraid might lead to my shortcomings.
I was thinking of going to Portland before for a shopping spree, I hear you guys have only 1 tax there. Lucky!
I'm a fan of your blog too. Your photos are quite interesting. What camera are you using?
jen:
All done !
The best part about shopping in Portland (or Oregon for that matter) is there is NO sales tax. So, shop your heart out...I try to each time I "go home."
Also, I'm using a digital Nikon (Coolpix)...but I occasionally use an analog Nikon FA, and my boyfriend uses an analog Nikon F2 exclusively, and develops film in his makeshift dark room (read: the shower stall). He's the "pure" photographer - I'm the cheater!
Nice ! The only camera I use is a Panasonic Lumix FX7 my boyfriend recently got a Canon Rebel XT to play with and some really great sigma lens.
Creating a dark room sounds so interesting ! Was thinking of doing one for the holga but my boyfriend is so technologically-oriented, he not so into old-school stuff
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