LotusRapper

Sure, Samurai offers great "value" in terms of large portions. And yes they are made on the spot so the food is fairly fresh. But don't mistake their food for authentic, genuine quality Japanese food. Look at the large slabs of tuna or salmon sashimi .... BIG alright. But where's the taste ? Or do you drown them in so much wasabi and soy that it doesn't matter ?

Sushi for large hungry groups for little $ ...... Samurai is your place. But if you want real, fresh, tasty sushi, go somewhere else. Like Ajisai in Kerrisdale, or Shiro on Cambie/14 Ave, Musashi on Denman or Kura on Kingsway in Burnaby.

Went back this past week around 10pm. Ordered large bowl of reg. beef noodles with thin noodles (types of noodles listed at bottom of menu) but makes sure you don't get the vermicelli (unless you like them of course). Bowl comes piping hot and flavourful, but that night there wasn't as much beef as I normally get. Service was a bit slow, only two waitresses on duty and they seemed more preoccupied chatting behind the counter than looking out for customers. I hate having to flag them down.

Hence my rating is temporarily downgraded to a 3/5.

Nevertheless I still like the place, their 24-hr operation, and their food.

OK so last year this place opened with lots of local media attention. Finally I went to give them a try this week. Talk about the tiniest wings I've ever seen. Boney, barely moist meat, sauce is "tossed" into the wings for only a few moments after frying. And to be honest, the wings aren't a good deal at all. I've had much better tasting wings at better prices in real restaurants.

Another thing, they blared loud metal music during the entire time I was there. Music ought to be chosen with careful consideration for customers and not based on the preferences of the staff. Couple of dirty picnic tables on the sidewalk were our only options to escape the noise (and greasy fumes).

Will not repeat.

I agree with ChinaMan ! Not only are their cheesecakes totally unspectacular tastewise, they're all pre-made, pre-cut and kept in their fridge behind the counter. Hmm, about as sophisticated as the pies at Denny's. When we ordered tea and coffee, the waitress brought the wrong type of tea ....... TWICE. This after 20 mins of waiting. They are way understaffed at the busy times and the waitresses seem to have very short memories about what you ordered.

For my cheesecake monies I'm much better off spending them elsewhere. Cheesecake Etc. is totally overrated.

Certainly one of the most consistent, best value Greek restaurants in town, period. I've never had a bad meal there once in 10 years (except just once where a new and rude waitress shocked us with her attitude, we complained to management and got our meals for free !). They have the BEST roast lamb shoulder in the city for any price, and at their price of $15 it's a total steal. Always pleasant service with a smile and relaxing ambience.

For some strange reason Kalamata fell out of favour with Vancouver magazine despite having been won their Best Greek Restaurant title several times in the 90s. More strange is Vancouver magazine doesn't even list them in any of their mini/full review listings. I suspect something political behind the scenes may have happened in the past between them ..... irresponsible journalism (and a dis-service to readers) on the part of Vancouver magazine, IMHO.

Actually they've been open for dinner and lunch for quite awhile, although I don't remember specifically when, at least a year if not more. Offerings are always consistently well made and fresh and hot upon arrival (except salads of course). The Med Linguine is very good, one of my faves. Menu overall is not pretentious nor too gourmet which is fine. Drinks menu is long and wide and that's great for such a casual, budget place..

Ambience is especially cozy because of the darkness. My only pet peeve is their kitchen ventilation system doesn't seem to be up to snuff, as everytime I come out of there my clothes are drenched in grease smell.

I've been going there fairly regularly for the past 2-1/2 years and it's a great place to eat and hang out. The Tight Spin salad is still my favorite. Lineups are getting longer, good for them but bad for me when I'm starving

This is NOT a review, but a question ......

Planning a post-Xmas dinner with 7 other friends, thinking of a Robson-strip Korean place. Anyone been to Nor Boo and can tell me about their food quality, price, service and ambience ?

Any tips on other Korean restaurants in that area (Jang Mo Jib, Ap Gu Jung, others ?) would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

It's very unfortunate that your friend and his coworkers had such a bad experience. Perhaps SBC had a bad day that day ?

I must admit I've been to SBC at least 6-10 times in the past two years, ranging from dinner for two (wife and I) to large group functions of 16-20, and not once did we experience what your friend had. Even on busy Fri/Sat nights. I do hope my experience is the norm (statistically favoring SBC) and your description is the rare exception. I don't find their prices too bad but their offerings are beginning to look dated and lacking innovation. 

If you want a good gastro-pub experience that can accommodate med-sized groups you could also give Frog & Firkin on W. Broadway a try (too bad the Fox & Firkin on Davie closed recently). Solid food quality, large portions and excellent value for their low prices. Service is fast and attentive and I've seen new wait staff "job-shadow" experienced staff on very busy nights ..... a good sign of proper training.

I've been there three times in the past two years, one time due to friends' invitation. The other two times on our own initiative. At any rate on all three occasions we all found the service slow (Fri/Sat nights) and indifferent. Food was very average (only memorable one being the mano/brie quesadilla) and for the prices I find their offerings quite expensive by comparison.

Do yourselves a favor next time and walk around the 'hood before giving in to your hunger pangs. Within couple blocks in either direction there's Fets, Havana and Stella's . Further south just past 1st Ave is Bouzyos

I'm planning a small party of 6 there later this month.

Question for those who've been there:  are the offerings (as seen on their online menu) authentic or dumbed down for the masses ? I don't want to book a place solely for its nicer ambience (and paying more) only to be let down by the food.

Thanks in advance.

The Commercial Drive location is less crowded (1342 Commercial Drive) and slightly more comfortable, but without the rusticness of the Broadway location.

Pulled pork ........ mmmmm

Very consistent quality (I started going there in the late 80s), still family-run. I've only had dinner twice there (neighbourhood a bit iffy at night), but lunches are great. I especially like their dried mixed noodle bowls, exemplifies street food in SE Asia. Spicy salty fried squid is to die for, way better than standard Greek kalamari.

One of the best classic French brasserie/bistros around. I go there once every couple of months or so.

Go on a cold, rainy night and order the beef bourginon, foie gras, hot seafood (Regalade) salad, tarte tatin and lemon tart (not in this order of course !), stay with the reds until dessert time and like Emeril says, you'll be "happy, happy, happy !"

Jackson,

I'm only giving El Patio a rating of 3/5 (I haven't been there so I'm trying to be fair), but so that I'm able to post a reply.

For my tapas dollars in that part of town, I prefer La Bodega on Howe St. Sometimes table service can be slow especially if the place is jam packed, but which to me signifies quicker turnover of foods and ingredients.

Bon appétit