Yesterday I finally took in a meal at Q4 Ristorante in Kitsilano. I lived in Kits for about 3 months during the summer of 2005 and since then, I’m afraid to say, I haven’t spent much time there at all. This is a real shame as Broadway and West Fourth are prime locations for fabulous dining establishments created and maintained by local culinary masters.
Q4 is right on the corner of Trafalgar and West Fourth, surrounded by a covered garden patio complete with lounge space. Inside under the wrought iron chandeliers, the atmosphere is comfortable and casual. Families sit around big circular tables, while business associates enjoy cocktails at a quiet table in the corner.
Our server recommended we start with the antipasto platter that we could all share, so we began there.
It was off the menu so I do not have a price listing for the platter. This was followed up by our entrees:
Spaghetti Quattro $17.95
Salmone Carciofi $28.95
Fresh wild B.C. salmon with arugula, sundried tomato pesto and panko crust
Linguine di Mare $19.95
Linguine with baby clams, white wine, peperoncino and Italian parsley
My salmon was candy-like and there was a zesty lemon flavour on the plate that complimented it perfectly. I tried the pastas as well, which were both very well seasoned however I don’t think I would have been able to eat the dishes in their entirety due to the spice (mind you, the server gave fair warning). For dessert they offered four selections and we chose the brownie and the tiramisu.
Lacking tall cavernous ceilings and a pumping house beat that is hard to talk over, Q4 is a great alternative to Vancouver’s usual EarlStonesClub offerings. Current specials include daily thin-crust pizza creations from their new oven and $10 pasta dishes on Mondays and Tuesdays. I think if you stick to specials, cocktails, and share plates (such as the antipasto) this can be a great place to frequent with friends that won’t bust your bank account.
Prior to heading to Q4 I checked out reviews on Yelp. Most praised the food, service, and ambiance. I would have to rate this right up there as well. It was relaxed, friendly, and… (this was also noted on Yelp) ladies can enjoy a special treat in the restroom with the certain facilities that they have available.
Q4 Ristorante was formerly known as Quattro, in case you recognize it under that name like me. Patrick Corsi took over the the ownership (that was a partnership with his father Antonio) and the name change occurred. Over the years the restaurant has won several awards and has established a loyal customer base. They will be opening a second Q4 Ristorante downtown at L’Hermitage this November.
Disclosure cmp.ly/2 My meal was on the house
Today’s Archives Photo of the Day features two children walking along the old pier at English Bay.
Year: 1905
Vancouver Archives item#: CVA 677-227
One of Vancouver’s most beloved Canucks, Trevor Linden, will be inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame this weekend. Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Linden spent 10 years with the Vancouver Canucks before moving on to the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadians, and the Washington Capitals.
In 2001 Linden returned to Vancouver where he played out the rest of his career. His number 16 was raised to the rafters of GM Place (now Rogers Arena) in 2008 — his was only the second number to be retired, the first being Stan Smyl’s number 12.
Linden was a driving force behind the team’s 1994 cup and truly put heart into Vancouver hockey, being active with local community groups, non-profits, and Canuck Place Childrens Hospice. Linden took on responsibilities and leadership including being the President of the NHLPA during the infamous lockout of 2004. He’s so well-known and respected in town that there are over 300 groups on Facebook dedicated to everything from naming a street after him to making him the Mayor of Vancouver.
The BC Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Penticton. Previous Canucks family members that have been inducted include Orland Kurtenbach, Pat Quinn, Steve Tambellini, Tom Renney, Cliff Ronning, Brian Burke, Dave Babych, Greg Adams, Harold Snepsts, Fred “Cyclone” Taylor, Geoff & Russ Courtnall, Doug Lidster, and the Patrick Family who shaped the way we play hockey today.
Last night the 2010 Celebration of Light began its run with a performance from Team USA. The colourful explosions above the city could be seen and heard from English Bay to Boundary. After every fireworks night I will be looking through the Miss604 group pool on Flickr for any photos submitted from the previous night’s events. The following are some Team USA photos that have already been added.
Photo credit:
Bryanh on Flickr
Please feel free to add your images to the Miss604 group on Flickr anytime. For some tips on where you can view the fireworks (and get some unique angles such as these) check out my Celebration of Light 2010 Guide including viewing spots, road closures, bike and transit info.
Vancouver Pride Week is one of the summer’s most well-attended events with over 500,000 participants and spectators who check out various events including the highlighted Pride Parade each year.
List of Events
What: Picnic in the Park
Where: Brockton Oval, Stanley Park
When: Saturday July 24, 2010 at 11:00am
Who: Youth-friendly, family-friendly
What: Pride in Art – Coming Unbuttoned
Where: Roundhouse Performance Centre
When: Tuesday July 27, 2010 at 7:00pm
What: Pride in Art – The Gayest Show on Earth
Where: Roundhouse Performance Centre
When: Tuesday July 27, 2010 at 9:00pm
What: Pride Movie Night
Where: Vancity Theatre (Davie at Seymour)
When: Thursday July 29, 2010 at 7:00pm
What: Pride Weekend Launch
When: Friday July 30, 2010 at 12:00pm
Where: J Lounge, 1216 Bute Street (off Davie)
What: TELUS Davie Street Pride Party
When: Friday July 30, 2010 at 7:00pm
Where: Davie Street from Burrard to Jervis
Info: Road closures start at 3:00pm until 12:00am
What: Terry Wallace Breakfast
When: Saturday July 31, 2010 at 9:00am
Where: Davie and Bute
What: Sunset Beach Pride Festival
When: Sunday August 1, 2010 at 11:00am
Where: Sunset Beach Festival Site
Who: Youth-friendly, family-friendly
(19+ beer garden)
What: Pride Parade
When: Sunday August 1, 2010 at 12:00pm
Where: Robson Street to Denman Street to Beach Ave.
Who: Youth-friendly, family-friendly
Info: Road closures start at 8:00am with streets cleaned and re-opened by 3:00pm
The pride parade is one of the largest of its kind in Canada and is always fun, colourful, and so energetic. Follow @VancouverPride on Twitter for updates and share your photos with them on Flickr.
The Vancouver Pride society brings together members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender community, their friends, allies and supporters in celebration of the unique spirit and culture of the LGBT community by producing free quality, inclusive events such as the Pride Parade & Pride Week Festival Events.
Update Photos from the Pride Parade are here.
